-
Is It True: Who the — am I? by Stephen Bentley @StephenBentley8 #RLFblog #crimefiction
Play Is It True with today’s guest Stephen Bentley, author of Who the — am I?, a crime fiction book. This is a game in which authors answer yes and no questions. They can elaborate on answers as much as they choose.First, tell us about your book.
This surely has to be a first! Crime fiction about an undercover cop written by a former undercover cop!
From a UK bestselling author, Stephen Bentley, comes a fictional undercover cop, Steve Regan, following on the success of his true crime undercover cop memoir ‘Undercover: Operation Julie – The Inside Story.’
Steve Regan, undercover detective, is tempted by the riches of drug smuggling so he can be free of debt, police bureaucracy, and help a loved one. He wonders whether he can go ‘rogue’ and cross the line.
Regan gets involved in one deal with a Miami-based drug lord. But is everyone who they say they are?
Short, fast-paced, high-impact entertainment, from an author who knows how to suck you into a story.
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Genre: Crime Fiction
Now, tell us Yes or No for each answer below. Feel free to explain any (or none) of your answers.Is it true:
this is your first book?
No
this book is part of a series?
Yes. It is the first of a trilogy.
you lost sleep while writing this book?
No. I sleep no matter what J
you did research for this book?
No. It was based on my real life undercover cop days.
some characters in this book are not human?
(pets for example) Not so, although some of the characters are swines.
this book has more than one genre?
No
you speak more than one language?
Oui, mais parle seulement un peu Francais.
you grew up where you live now?
No. I grew up in England and now live in the Philippines.
you love to read?
Yes. I have always loved reading. As a kid I used to read food labels or bill boards if I didn’t have a book. Then I got hooked on Dickens and Steinbeck in particular.
you are never late?
No not really. I hate being late for anything. I also hate people keeping me waiting without good reason.
you love pizza?
Yes especially the olives and pepperoni. Oh! Nearly forgot jalapenos.
you love sushi?
Yes. I adore it.
you have a pet?
No. We do have a feral cat lives in our roof space at home. She isn’t a pet as she won’t let anyone near her. Shame, as she is a beautiful tabby. We feed her though.
Where can we find your book online?
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Who-Steve-Regan-Undercover-Book-ebook/dp/B075N3158G/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-the-f-ck-am-i-stephen-bentley/1127106790
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/who-the-f-ck-am-i/id1291849818?mt=11
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/who-the-f-ck-am-i-1
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/751045Stephen Bentley Social Media
Former UK Detective Sergeant, undercover cop, barrister (trial counsel). Now a writer, author, blogs at HuffPost UK.
Author of ‘Undercover: Operation Julie – The Inside Story’ – an Amazon UK bestselling book about his undercover days on one of the world’s largest drug busts.
Lives in the Philippines, enjoys the beaches and a cold beer and follows “his team”, Liverpool Football Club from afar.
Website https://www.stephenbentley/info
Twitter https://twitter.com/StephenBentley8
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stephenbentley47
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5245609.Stephen_Bentley
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Bentley/e/B01CNPG7K6/ -
A Time of Fear and Loving by Alice Orr @AliceOrrBooks #RLFblog #Romance #Suspense
Welcome Alice Orr author of A Time of Fear and Loving – Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Book 5.Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book because Amanda Miller’s story deserves to be told. In A Vacancy at the Inn, Book 3 of my Riverton Road Romantic Suspense series, Amanda was still hidden beneath the shroud of widowhood while her sister Bethany’s story commanded the spotlight. Now, Amanda is ready to emerge and claim that spotlight for herself, and maybe the chance to love again too. Of course, since this is a suspense tale, she will have murder to contend with as well.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love suspense and always have. That love affair began with Nancy Drew and has never cooled off for me. I especially enjoy suspense which is complicated by a difficult relationship at the center. While heroine and hero are forced to contend with dark, dangerous circumstances, they must also contend with one another and feelings that could hardly be less convenient at this terrifying time. What will happen? How will the terror end? How will the couple end up? Double trouble means double suspense, my favorite combination.
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
I have many favorite characters, and they all have something in common. They are thrust into situations where they must struggle against powerful obstacles to survive. They know they are outmatched by that power, but they push on anyway, not because they are superhuman, they are not. They are ordinary folks like you and me who must dig deep into themselves for the courage they didn’t realize they possessed until it is called forth by peril, especially to those they love.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on A Thing We Lost – Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Book 6. This story introduces another Riverton household, the Women of West Main, who bond together in a different kind of family from the Millers of Miller’s Inn or the Kalli clan of Kalli Corner in my previous books. Single women, single mothers, women on their own lend their hearts and minds and talents to each other’s struggles, and stumble upon handsome heroes and hideous villains along the way.
What books will we see from you in coming months?
Books about the Kalli and Miller families and the Women of West Main. Riverton runs through me in as many directions as there are small town streets and rural roads in the North Country of my imagination. In each of those directions stories call out to be told.
Please tell us about your latest book.
A hot car and a hot guy can get a girl into trouble.
Maybe that’s what Amanda Miller needs. But how much trouble is too much trouble? Dead bodies on the riverbank? A possible kidnapping? Sexy detective Mike Schaeffer might save the day. But who will protect Amanda’s heart?
Alice Orr is known for Delicious Suspense Spiced with a Love Story.
She does it again in A Time of Fear and Loving.
A Time of Fear and Loving is Book 5 of the Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Series set in Riverton, New York featuring the Kalli and Miller families and the Women of West Main who will debut in Book 6. Find out more at www.aliceorrbooks.com.
Amazon Reviews of Alice’s Books.
“Alice Orr hits it out of the park. If you see her name, grab the book.”
“Kept me turning pages. So many twists of the plot kept me wondering what would happen next.”
“Anytime I see Alice Orr’s name on a book, I will be sure to pick it up. I know I am in for a great ride.”
Genre – Romantic Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings) – R.
Publisher. Alice Orr Books.
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Time-Fear-Loving-Riverton-Road-ebook/dp/B075FHBNK2Alice Orr Social Media
Alice Orr is the author of 16 novels, 3 novellas, a memoir and No More Rejections: 50 Secrets to Writing a Manuscript that Sells. A former book editor and literary agent, Alice now lives her dream as a full-time writer. She has two grown children and two perfect grandchildren and resides with her husband Jonathan in New York City.
Website http://aliceorrbooks.com
Blog http://aliceorrbooks.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/aliceorrbooks
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aliceorrwriter
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/aliceorrwriter/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/256160.Alice_Orr
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Orr/e/B000APC22E -
Vicki Batman #NoQuit Last Year was Tough. This Year was Tougher @vickibatman #RLFblog
Last year, Kayelle asked me to write about Handsome’s cancer journey. (Here’s the link to the post.) I had to end with not-so great news: he would have to have a second go. This time:
9 surgeries
16 days in the hospital
6 weeks living in Houston
More months to recuperate
1 tongue that won’t work
1 gastro feeding tubeBecause Handsome’s first flap surgery a year ago in July (removing right fibula and creating a left jaw bone) wasn’t successful, our doctors suggested we go to M. D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. Our journey began in November when we visited the doctor who was known world-wide for his reconstructive plastic surgery.
The doctor told us the surgery was the same, utilizing the left fibula, that he would be very careful, and the recovery would be hard, but eventually, Handsome would get through it. We had no choice. Every movement caused the temporary titanium plate to jam into his T M Joint. He could hardly eat and talk. If Handsome wanted to resume having a life like everyone else, he had to have the surgery.
On February 25th, we left behind work, home life, and our adora-poos in the hands of family and friends. The biggest thing we carried with us was hope.
Handsome’s surgery began at five-thirty in the morning. He was prepped, procedures signed off, and wheeled away. That was when my heart lodged in my throat as I prayed for the most superior outcome for him. A nurse escorted me to the waiting room to be updated via monitor. #2 son and my sister joined me as did friends. We talked and were kept informed. However, the day went long, and by six in the evening, I sent them on.
Exactly until twelve-thirty A.M. long. The doctor came out and told me he was pleased and guarded (that the transplant would be successful), and rightfully so. I stayed in the waiting room until one-thirty, long past the cleaning people. The only light burning was the lamp on the side table. My eyes were dry. My head hurt. I could barely do anything. Finally, the recovery nurse escorted exhausted me to him. He’d had: the fibula flap, two donor grafts, one artery graft. Handsome was barely aware as I kissed him and said I would see him the next morning.
The next day, I looked at his surgical sites. I saw the feeding tube, the tracheostomy, and the swelling. The raw graft on his neck. The myriad of stitches all over his body. I thought “aw shit, not again.” Definitely, a long haul.
We communicated by paper; sometimes, a wink and a smile. When he choked, the nurses suctioned his trach. (BTW-a shout-out to those amazing people). Staph infections brought surgical washouts along with massive doses of antibiotics and anti-fungal meds.
At day fifteen, we were discharged to the apartment we’d rented. The hospital nurse tutored us in clearing the trach, cleaning wounds, dispensing meds (including a daily heparin shot), and feeding.
With skilled help, eventually, we began to cope. He took short walks and slept a lot. Strength returned in small increments. As he improved, the trach was removed, and the nasal tube switched to a gastro tube because his tongue was unresponsive. Finally, we were able to go home.
We’ve been at home since the second week of April. Occasionally, we go to Houston for check-ups. The titanium plate had to be re-screwed, and the gastro tube replaced. Physically, he has responded well. He is able to swallow a tiny bit of water. His most recent test showed significant tongue strength. His legs have recovered. His posture improved. The flap is perfect.
They say cancer can be the gift that keeps giving. God, I hope no more for my handsome man. We want to travel more. He wants to eat a great steak. He wants to give inspiring talks to college kids and travel for other speaking engagements.
We have no idea how Handsome got throat cancer. Most people get it from smoking or chewing tobacco. If you do this, STOP NOW. Live a good lifestyle. You do not want this. You never want this. For anyone. Ever. It is brutally hard.
The truth remains: cancer sucks. We have also adopted the phrase “it could be worse.” After seeing what other cancer patients encounter, we believe we are fortunate people.
Know this–I am here for you. Anytime. FMI on esophageal cancer, go to: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer.html/
Temporarily Employed by Vicki Batman
Genre: romantic comedy, cozy mystery
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
New Job. New Love. And Murder.
Hattie Cook’s dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite Insurance Company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee–the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.
Detective Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. When the police determine there’s more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.
Can the killer be found before Hattie’s time is up?
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5829
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Employed-Vicki-Batman-ebook/dp/B00N4J5FDQ/Vicki Batman Social Media
Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm–the list is endless.
Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to True Love, True Romance, True Confessions, Noble Romance Publishing, Long and Short Reviews, Museitup Publishing, and The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.
Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkv
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Google+: http://bit.ly/1zUggDF
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman
Amazon Author page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman
Plotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com -
Beating cancer one life at a time by Livia Quinn @liviaquinn #RLFblog #Suspense #NoQuit
We’ve each lost loved ones to this killer. Thirty years ago when my father got cancer people were calling it “The Big C”, speaking about it in hushed voices ripe with trepidation and let’s face it, a sense of doom. He dies less than a month after he was diagnosed. By the time my mother passed away from ovarian cancer SEVEN years after they’d given her a one to two year prognosis, the tide was beginning t turn. Now drugs, new attitudes and protocols, and new outcomes are on the rise.Though I’ve lost many friends, even recently, to lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer, these friends and family have lived WITH cancer. While doctors visits and treatments were a part of their lives, they didn’t stop living or doing the things that gave them joy. I miss them all terribly (Mary Amelia, Charlie, Mark, Earl and Cleo, and so many more) but the memory I have of each of them was strength, passion for life, and the way they put us one step closer to seeing the end of this illness. It’s power over our psyches has been diminished by the hope those who have come before us have left behind.
Hope is an integral part of beating cancer. My mother’s doctor said there was no reason she should have beat those odds. They credited her positive attitude. This is an accepted fact now– our will, our belief and our no quit attitudes will one day mean an end to cancer. There’s no way to express what a wonderful day that will be. I believe it will happen in my lifetime.
Please don’t let fear of the C-word keep you from getting screened. Early detection has meant the difference many times. And remember —Â We Will Not Quit until cancer is history.
These heroes fight for country and serve their communities, Luc, Men of Honor by Livia Quinn.
Today’s featured book is Luc, Men of Honor, a Romantic Suspense by Livia Quinn.
Not all tall, dark and dangerous heroes are bad boys…
The first time Delilah Burke saw him was at the crime scene, and she assumed he was a certain type—tall, dark and dangerous, and a robber—because he looked the part and he was holding a gun. She’d been wrong. A cop should know better than to assume but dressed like a mercenary, holding a gun, how was she to know? Under the circumstances a careful cop doesn’t presume or assume so, she’d followed protocol.
Former Navy officer, Luc Larue, knew the tough lady cop with her boot pressing him to the grimy floor of the tiny grocery suspected he was a criminal. But he’d been in the process of taking down the thief with his “gun” when she and her partner barreled onto the scene ordering everyone to get down. There was something about her commanding voice and those cornflower-blue eyes, but once she learned the truth about his part-time job, would she listen to his proposition or laugh?
Each day reveals the former naval officer to be almost too good to be true. Then trouble arrives from Luc’s past and Del faces a choice – believe the evidence against him, or trust her heart.
Genre Contemporary Romantic suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13
Publisher Campbell Hill Publishing
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YPN5NJ
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/luc-livia-quinn/1127152133
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/luc/id1290017804?mt=11
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/luc-13
Scribd https://www.scribd.com/book/360011704/Luc-Men-of-Honor-2
CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/7460619Livia Quinn Social Media
A DC native, Livia Quinn lives and writes by the bayou in Louisiana. Her jobs as a mail carrier, computer trainer, plant manager, sales person and professional singer have provided her with plenty of fodder to share with her readers. She is protected from the alligators, snakes and bears by her husband and their feisty Pomeranian, Dusty the Cajun Husky.
Website: http://liviaquinn.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/liviaquinnwrites
Twitter http://twitter.com/liviaquinn
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/livia-quinn
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/liviaquinn
Goodreads http://bit.ly/22VXuev
Amazon Author page http://amzn.to/1T5qmhN
Google+ http://bit.ly/2guNZn9
Instagram http://instagram.com/liviaquinnauthor
Livia Quinn’s Facebook Reader Group http://bit.ly/2gBFQ12
Blog: https://liviaquinnwrites.com/livias-ramblings -
A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia Roberts @cynthiasromance #RLFblog #Suspense
Today’s featured book is A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia RobertsDoes an ex-cop ever lose his “nose” for investigating? Freshmen Senator, Bryon Gallagher hasn’t, when the love of his life, Jessica, is kidnapped by a madman. No stone is left unturned as he plays senator by day and rogue detective by night, calling in favors and working his past snitches to the bone to find her. The only problem is, who does he focus his efforts on … her deranged, former father-in-law who lusts after her, a crazed felon hell-bent on revenging the execution of his brother put to death under the Senator’s newly passed Death Penalty Bill, or an unknown psycho, looking for his “moment of fame”?
Pawn for Malice is a thrilling and passionate love story that is a blend of crime action, suspense, and self-discovery, or one could even say, a cross between Safe Haven meets Criminal Minds.
Genre: Romance Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): RCynthia Roberts Social Media
A love of reading romance fiction goes back to those early years when Cynthia was raising a young family. It wasn’t until much later in life she took up the pen to write historical romance. She doesn’t fit into one specific niche. Once a story starts to flow, it’s only then she knows what genre/sub-genre it will fit under. It is her hope you walk away with not just an entertaining read, but the importance in knowing, “Without imagination and dreams, we lose the excitement of wonderful possibilities.
Website http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/cynthiasromance
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Cynthia.Roberts.Author
Instagram https://instagram.com/romauthorcroberts/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/RomanceCynthia/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3433035.Cynthia_Roberts
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/100112528079816795315/posts/p/pub
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KCK0U2 -
Risking Her Heart by Laura Haley-McNeil @laurarmcneil #RLFblog #RomanticSuspense
Today’s featured book is Risking Her Heart, a Romantic Suspense by Laura Haley-McNeil.Hollywood producer Trent Parker has one goal – to own the film option for the breakout novel Sunset in Maui. His problem? Charisse Whitloch. She’ll do anything to produce the film. Trent can stop her, but not without getting close to her, a bond he can’t risk.
Charisse has found the film project that will prove she’s her own woman. One person stands in her way – Trent Parker. She’s faced opposition before, but she isn’t prepared for Trent. Can her charm soften Trent’s heart of stone?
Trent’s defenses against Charisse crumble – loving her will heal the darkness in his soul and open the door to a secret he buried long ago. When Charisse is threatened, she and Trent face her adversaries. They piece together a plot more sinister than any Hollywood movie, but the key to their survival lies in Trent’s past – the key that will lead to Trent’s destruction.
Genre Romantic Suspense
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13
Publisher Laura Haley-McNeil
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Risking-Heart-Crystal-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B071KYD2C3/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/risking-her-heart-laura-haley-mcneil/1126310900
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/risking-her-heart/id1231808198?mt=11
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/risking-her-heart-5
CreateSpace https://www.amazon.com/Risking-Her-Heart-Crystal-Creek/dp/1546413200/Laura Haley-McNeil Social Media
Laura Haley-McNeil is an award-winning author of romantic suspense and women’s fiction in novel length and in short stories. Her work has been featured in several women’s magazines. She has studied piano and ballet and has been a board member for two community orchestras. She and her husband reside in Colorado. When she isn’t writing, she jogs, bicycles and crochets.
Website http://laurahaleymcneil.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/laurarmcneil
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LauraHaleyMcNeil/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lchm4115/pins/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470538.Laura_Haley_McNeil
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Haley-McNeil/e/B008S3WD10/
Newsletter http://laurahaleymcneil.com/
Instafreebie https://www.instafreebie.com/users/dashboard
