Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Excerpt: PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY by Donna Russo Morin
Excerpt / June 30, 2016

Excerpt from PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY by Donna Russo Morin Viviana stood near the front of the congregation beside the Conte and Contessa, for once as enthralled with Fiammetta’s rank as Fiammetta always had been. She forgot any and all earlier concerns; her slippered feet—her best pair, though worn—tapped upon patterned marble, her thumbs twirled around in the clasp of her hands. It was the best attempt at quiet reverence she could manage within the multitude of distractions. The Gothic vaults of the central nave towered above, guarded by the columns and round arches of ancient Rome, so high only birds could reach its apex, set aglow by the sweet light streaming in through the mammoth clerestory windows. It was a cave of wonders built by the hand of man, a hand guided by God. Viviana aimed her eyes forward, on the priest standing in wait, small and encapsulated within the chancel and the cupola over it. “Where is our Lapaccia?” Fiammetta leaned close to whisper, and Viviana could merely shrug in ignorance. They had planned to be together on this special occasion but the woman and her son were nowhere in sight. Mass was often no more than an…

Interview with Tristan Gallagher, hero from VERNAL by Randi Cooley Wilson
Author Guest / June 30, 2016

Tristan Gallagher walks into the room and stops when he notices me. I turn to face him and he raises an eyebrow, before his gaze slides to the photo I’m clutching of Serena St. Michael and him. Casually, I place it back on the fireplace mantel. *clears throat*“You have a lovely home here in the woodland realm. It’s log-cabin chic.” TG: small smile tugs at his lips*“Log-cabin-chic? That’s a new way to describe it.” Tristan hands me a mug off coffee and motions toward the couch. I take a seat and wait for him to sit across from me. He doesn’t. Instead, he sits next to me invading my personal space. The smell of spice and citrus hits me and I almost ask him to leave Serena and marry me. TG: *smirks in a knowing way* “Shall we get started?” I stare. It’s hard not to. He’s hot. *clears throat* “Um. Yes. Let’s get started.” Character Interview Do you have a nickname? TG: “Nope.” I notice you have this sexy scar on your upper lip. How did you get it? TG: *shifts uncomfortably* “Years ago, during a coronation, I was running through a dark forest and an angry tree branch…

EXCERPT: The Dead Don’t Bleed by David Krugler
Excerpt / June 30, 2016

THE DEAD DON’T BLEED by David Krugler: Chapter 1 The alleys of Washington, D.C., are unlike those of any other city. Small carriage houses, one after another, abut the cobbled or clay backways. Within certain long, wide blocks, the alleys intersect, creating labyrinths as complex as a casbah. Here the two-story dwellings—woodframed and sorely in need of paint—pitch and lean, like a drunk who has stood up too fast. Stray cats slink along weed-choked walls, the stench of shit wafts from outhouses. Residents slump in rickety chairs and makeshift benches, drinking, throwing dice, sleeping. Here and there, scattered signs of neighborly pride. A vegetable garden tucked away, a whitewashed fence, a woman scrubbing her two-step stoop. Washingtonians who live streetside rarely venture into these slums pocketed dark and dank between the city and the capital. Why would they? “Maybe rolled?” suggested Terrance. His listless tone could hardly hold up the question mark. “Here?” I flicked my hand at the open windows of the dilapidated houses lining the alley south of M Street and west of Second Street, SE. Two young Negro boys watched us from a corner yard, thumbs hooked shyly at the corners of their mouths. Curtains fell back…

Final Clue with Nancy Bush!
Author Guest / June 30, 2016

This is the final clue in Nancy Bush’s own version of the Clue game. Post your best guess on her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/nancybushauthor/, of how a chess game might be part of her July romantic thriller, THE KILLING GAME, and she’ll send the poster of her favorite guess not one but FIVE of her books! THE KILLING GAME by Nancy Bush Rafferty Family From New York Times bestselling author Nancy Bush comes a tense, intricately plotted novel of suspense, as one woman becomes the focus of a killer’s warped game of revenge and murder. The Rules Are Simple: It’s the ultimate test of strategy and skill. The killer chooses each opponent carefully, learning each one’s weaknesses. Every meticulously planned move is leading to a devastating checkmate. Because in this game, all the pretty pawns must die. First You Play Andi Wren is fighting to keep her late husband’s company safe from vindictive competitors. When she receives an ominous note, Little birds must fly, she turns to P.I. Luke Denton. But though Luke has personal reasons for wanting to take down Wren Development’s opponents, his investigation suggests this is deeper and far more dangerous than a business grudge. Then You Die….

Abigail Baker | Tattoos
Author Guest / June 30, 2016

Something about me, the author—I love tattoos because they tell a person’s story. History and archeaology shows us that humans have been wearing ink since we began writing words down. Long before the advent of scientific inquiry, humans had strong, possibly magical reasons for why they got tattoos. These marking identified them as members of certain clans or as healers or chiefs or as those seeking the healing powers from their ancestors. While the times have changed and people of today don’t necessarily believe their tattoos are magical, they still get them to tell a story about their own triumphs or losses or hopes or their history or familial connections. The Deathmark series was born from the idea that tattoos can have good or bad magical properties. Perhaps that butterfly on your shoulder helped you heal a wound or that favorite quote kept you focused on your seemingly unachievable goal. But for anyone unfortunate enough to get a skull tattoo from Master Scrivener Ollie Dormier, they are set on the fastrack to their death. The idea of Ollie’s job—tattooing death into unwitting humans—seems both an interesting and heartbreaking one. The job as a Scrivener becomes a real problem for an…

A Unique Connection Between Two Series
Author Guest / June 29, 2016

I’m pleased to be able to talk about the unique connection between my double release books today. TO CATCH A FALLEN SPY, Book 8 in my bestselling Brethren of the Coast series, released on June 28th, 2016, with THE BLACK MORASS, Book 1 in my brand new Pirates of the Coast series, releasing on July 5th. Readers can receive an exclusive gift, an autographed book trading card, with the purchase of either book. Those interested can claim their gift by visiting barbaradevlin.com. What makes this double release so special, you might be wondering? The books converge with the villain in TO CATCH A FALLEN SPY. In TO CATCH A FALLEN SPY, Jean Marc Cavalier has a grudge to settle with the Brethren, which goes back to the first book in the series, ENTER THE BRETHREN. Elaine, the heroine of the story, sees something in Jean Marc that makes him reconsider his plans, and he opts for a different course at the last second. The epilogue sees Jean Marc given a chance at redemption, but he must survive a year of performing good deeds to win a pardon. THE BLACK MORASS is Jean Marc’s tale of redemption and love, and it…

Play Clue with Nancy Bush: Beware the Cliff!
Author Guest / June 29, 2016

Here’s Clue #9 in Nancy Bush’s version of the Clue game she’s playing on her Facebook page. What could possibly make this car soar off the cliff in her July romantic thriller, THE KILLING GAME? Post your best, creative guest on Nancy’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/nancybushauthor/, and she’ll send the poster of her favorite guess a made-in-Oregon gift. THE KILLING GAME by Nancy Bush Rafferty Family From New York Times bestselling author Nancy Bush comes a tense, intricately plotted novel of suspense, as one woman becomes the focus of a killer’s warped game of revenge and murder. The Rules Are Simple: It’s the ultimate test of strategy and skill. The killer chooses each opponent carefully, learning each one’s weaknesses. Every meticulously planned move is leading to a devastating checkmate. Because in this game, all the pretty pawns must die. First You Play Andi Wren is fighting to keep her late husband’s company safe from vindictive competitors. When she receives an ominous note, Little birds must fly, she turns to P.I. Luke Denton. But though Luke has personal reasons for wanting to take down Wren Development’s opponents, his investigation suggests this is deeper and far more dangerous than a business grudge. Then…

Play Clue with Nancy Bush: Release Day Special!
Author Guest / June 28, 2016

Today Nancy Bush’s THE KILLING GAME is available online and in stores across the country. To celebrate, Nancy’s playing her version of the game, Clue, on her Facebook page. All you have to do is guess how this picture might be part of the plot in this new romantic thriller. What message might be in that envelope? Post your guess on https://www.facebook.com/nancybushauthor/, and Nancy will send her favorite poster a fun gift from her home state of Oregon, where the book takes place. THE KILLING GAME by Nancy Bush Rafferty Family From New York Times bestselling author Nancy Bush comes a tense, intricately plotted novel of suspense, as one woman becomes the focus of a killer’s warped game of revenge and murder. The Rules Are Simple: It’s the ultimate test of strategy and skill. The killer chooses each opponent carefully, learning each one’s weaknesses. Every meticulously planned move is leading to a devastating checkmate. Because in this game, all the pretty pawns must die. First You Play Andi Wren is fighting to keep her late husband’s company safe from vindictive competitors. When she receives an ominous note, Little birds must fly, she turns to P.I. Luke Denton. But though Luke…

MOJITOS WITH MERRY MEN Release Day Special!
Author Guest / June 28, 2016

Only 99¢ Today (e-Book) Kindle iTunes Kobo Barnes & Noble Release Day special! MOJITOS WITH MERRY MEN by Marianne Mancusi MOJITOS WITH MERRY MEN Timeless in Love #2 Chrissie Hayward, NYC fashion photographer and thoroughly modern gal, has never been one to swoon over fairytales. So when a mysterious gypsy tells Chrissie that she is a “gentle soul who would tame an outlaw’s thirst for revenge,” she’s not totally convinced the woman isn’t a couple of beans short of a frapuccino. But when Chrissie finds herself suddenly transported back in time to rescue her crazy coworker Kat, she’s ready to believe anything is possible! If only she’d known she was going to meet her “true love,” a hottie in Sherwood Forest, Chrissie would have worn better shoes! But it turns out Robin of Locksley, aka the real Robin Hood, isn’t exactly a Prince Charming. That bit about robbing the rich to feed the poor? He evidently hasn’t gotten the memo yet. In fact, he’s less a folk hero and more a brooding bad boy. Not to mention his not-so-merry men who are under the impression that Chrissie is actually a boy. I mean, sure, she’s not exactly stacked, but still!…

An Excerpt from TOUGH LUCK HERO
Author Guest / June 28, 2016

Colton West couldn’t remember the last time he had gotten blackout drunk. Maybe college? Maybe. It was hard to say if in those scenarios he had passed out because of the alcohol or because they were still awake at five in the morning after some ridiculous party. Though at none of those ridiculous parties had he married anyone. And, judging by the messages overflowing his phone, he had gotten married last night. Which wouldn’t be that weird since yesterday was supposed to be his wedding day. The weird part about it was that he had married a bridesmaid. Not the bride. And not just any bridesmaid. Lydia Carpenter. There were three other bridesmaids. All of whom he was more likely to get drunk and marry in Vegas than Lydia. Or at least, he would have thought so if asked prior to his hasty Vegas marriage. Actually, had he been asked prior to his hasty Vegas marriage he would have said there was no way on earth he would ever get drunk and marry anyone spur of the moment. He was not a spur-of-the-moment kind of guy. Colton was a planner. Colton had never set one foot out of line. After…