The July Intrigues

~Harlequin Intrigues ~

"The Harlequin Intrigue hero is not afraid to break the rules in order to see justice done and to protect the innocent."

~It's my privilege to bring you all six of the July releases. With a special feature on Lena Diaz who is graciously donating 1 autographed copy of SWAT STANDOFF to a lucky Rafflecopter Winner. 

SWAT STANDOFF

Lena Diaz

A SWAT team vanishes.

Can two partners put aside their differences to save them?

Playing hero backfires on sexy SWAT team member Blake Sullivan. He infuriates his partner, Donna Waters, as much as he attracts her. But before they can resolve their differences, they discover that the rest of their team have been kidnapped by an unknown assailant. Now as they race to rescue the small Tennessee town’s real heroes, they share a growing mutual trust…and a hot, life-changing connection.

Tennessee SWAT
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ANGI:  Favorite thing about SWAT member Blake Sullivan

LENA: I love that Blake isn’t perfect. He’s a deliciously flawed hero and a complex character. Just when you think you understand him, you find out something new. I loved discovering what makes him tick, and why he is the way he is. His love for Donna transforms him and enables him to save his team.

ANGI:  Favorite thing about SWAT member Donna Waters

LENA:  Donna is loyal, both to her team and to the man she loves. She’s also incredibly smart. When her loyalties seem to be at odds with eachother, she finds a way to be true without compromising her principles. I love that about her.

ANGI:  Favorite thing about SWAT STANDOFF

LENA:  That it really WORKED as the wrap-up book for the Tennessee SWAT series! I wanted to ensure that every character who’d been in the series played a role in this story, without taking away from Blake and Donna as the central characters. After all, this is their love story. I’m really proud of how it turned out. I feel that it checks all the boxes, and has a really feel good, uplifting ending in spite of the turmoil that everyone goes through. I can picture the Destiny Tennessee SWAT team at their annual summer barbeques laughing and having fun even now. Who knows. Maybe one day I’ll figure out a way to re-visit them in a new series.

ANGI:  Did you find many female SWAT members in your research?

LENA:  Actually, I can’t remember ANY female SWAT team members in the research that I did. But I was more interested in equipment and techniques. The interplay of the team members was more my creation than from research. This team is unique because they’re full time detectives and part-time SWAT team members. They have dual roles because they’re in a small town with a small budget. So I couldn’t tailor the team’s dynamics off a typical SWAT team. I relied more on my own experience from having lived in rural small towns and used that blend of comaradery and “brotherhood” between the men and only woman on the team.

ANGI:  Favorite scene in SWAT STANDOFF

LENA:  I had to think about this one. There are so many fun scenes in this story. But I’d probably choose the scene where Blake and Donna disguise themselves and break into a house to try to get information to help them save the team. This was a huge turning point in the story because this was where Donna finds out there is WAY more to Blake’s past than she ever imagined. She gets a shocking, compelling glimpse into what made him the man he is now. And she begins to understand the reasons that he’s had so much trouble meshing with the team. I guess you could say it’s a scene where a layer gets peeled away and you get to see Blake in a whole new light. There are lots of moments like that in the story and I really enjoyed writing those scenes.

RANGER GUARDIAN

Angi Morgan

A Texas Ranger’s daughter has been taken.

Getting her back is all that matters.

They’ve been estranged for months, so Texas Ranger Heath Murray is surprised to be partnered with his dedicated FBI agent wife, Kendall Barlow. It’s the case of Kendall’s career—a career that has divided their marriage, though not their attraction. When their young daughter is kidnapped as a pawn, they have only each other to turn to. Saving her together is their only option. The alternative is unthinkable.

Texas Brothers of Company B

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SAVED BY THE SHERIFF

Cindi Myers

He’ll protect her back.

But will he win her heart?

Sheriff Travis Walker doesn’t blame Lacy Milligan for hating him—he jailed her for murder. But now he’s exonerated her, and the handsome lawman needs her to find the real killer. Will she overcome her hatred to help? As she relents, violence explodes—someone wants her dead. With time running out, their investigation deepens…and ignites sparks of attraction neither ever expected.

Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery

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BODY OF EVIDENCE

Debra Webb

He'll do anything to protect this doctor's life...

Don't miss this Colby Agency: Sexi-ER novel! 
***HOT READ***

ER doctor Marissa Frasier needs the best protection after she's wrongly suspected of her ex-husband's murder. And rugged Colby Agency investigator Lacon Traynor is keeping her close 24/7, helping her find the truth--and uncovering her most vulnerable passions. But someone else wants Marissa for his own...and is about to use their desire as one killer trap.

Colby Agency: Sexi-ER

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MAJOR CRIMES

Janie Crouch

Working together would bring down a killer

But her secrets could tear them apart…

Hayley Green never wanted to see Omega special agent Cain Bennett again. Ever. He seduced her, then sent her to prison for hacking, and Hayley’s only just started piecing her life back together. Except now Cain needs Hayley’s help to catch a murderer. Their past is colliding with their still-smoldering attraction…and the only thing more dangerous than the killer is the secrets Hayley’s been keeping.

Omega Sector: Under Siege

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RULES IN BLACKMAIL

Nichole Severn

Blackhawk Security Elite Protection Services

Their business is your safety

But not hers. Former SEAL Sullivan Bishop refuses to work for Jane Reise. The JAG Corps prosecutor is hard core—and he never stopped blaming her for his brother’s death. But Blackhawk is Jane’s only hope in fending off a frightening stalker, and she’ll blackmail Sullivan to get it. Forced into her service, he soon realizes he was wrong about Jane. As bullets fly, Sullivan knows he’ll risk his life—and heart—to save her.

Blackhawk Security Elite Protection Services

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MONDAY ON GLIAS:  Angi's RANGER GUARDIAN PARTY

Angi Morgan

Get Lost on Facebook   @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories

AND OUR NEW Facebook Group: The Readers’ Spot

DO YOU WAIT TO READ ALL OF A SERIES TOGETHER?

BETWEEN THE PAGES with Amanda McIntyre

As a reader, (because authors ARE readers, too, right?) we turn the pages of our favorite stories getting lost in the tale, imagining ourselves as perhaps one of the characters—maybe the heroine who gets swept away by the handsome hero or maybe anti-hero? Maybe its that quiet secondary character who catches your eye, and keeps you intrigued as to what his/her fate will one day be?

Quite often I’ve been asked, “Where do you get your ideas for your stories?” And most often I have to stop and think of which book to tell them about.

I think most authors would agree, ideas come from unexpected sources—standing in line at the grocery store, overhearing a conversation in the car next to you at the gas station, maybe hearing a line in a song, reading a news line, maybe (for the lucky) it comes in a dream.

In series writing, which is what I am writing primarily these days—those characters may pop up as suddenly as uninvited guests, lingering around long enough and making things that much more interesting that they become like family. Example; I have one character, Betty, who owns the diner in my little historical mining town of End of the Line, Montana. 

Book I, Kinnison Legacy

In my first book that started this particular series journey (RUGGED HEARTS, Book I, Kinnison Legacy trilogy) Betty appeared as the lovable town gossip. She had been around long enough in town to watch my hero brothers—Wyatt, Dalton and Rein—grow into the men they are today. She also knew their step-dad/uncle (you'll have to read how that one works) and basically if one wants to know anything about anyone—Betty’s your best bet. Fiercely protective of her friends and family, she’s also a bit of a match-maker as well. 

One of these days, I hope to publish a cookbook that Betty and I have been working on!

I asked a few friends who stood out as one of their fav secondary characters…here’s what they had to say…

Hildie McQueen

AMAZON

My favorite secondary character is Heath Hewitt in Where The Four Winds Collide. He is the younger brother of the hero, who was only supposed to be there as one of the motivators for the hero.

Heath ended up with one of the most touching scenes and with a story line that I had to taper down so he wouldn't steal the show from his brother Jackson!

Ciara Knight

In my current work in progress, Love on the Ranch, a meddling mother (Rose) sets up pranks and all sorts of madness to push her over-achieving, practical son toward an impractical bride who might not be able to save his land, but she could save his heart.

Kathryn LeVeque

AMAZON

Kieran Hage from The Wolfe. When I wrote The Wolfe, Kieran was originally not meant to have a huge role, but as I got deeper into the book, his personality just came through. Writers talk about their characters coming alive, and Kieran really did - and that's why in my latest release, A Wolfe Among Dragons, I had such a hard time because I wrote Kieran's death scene as an old man. Ugly crying!

Merry Farmer

AMAZON

That would definitely have to be Theophilus Gunn. He's the manager of The Cattleman Hotel in Haskell, Wyoming, and he shows up in most of my Brides of Paradise Ranch books. He's also mentioned in my West Meets East series and my Silver Foxes of Westminster series.

In my head, he has a complete, complex, and epic backstory. Lived both in Europe and America, was a spy in two wars, and just wants a little peace now that he's settled in Wyoming. If you want anything "taken care of" go to Theophilus Gunn. <wiggles eyebrows>

Angi Morgan

AMAZON

Frank in Gunslinger. He's a retired Texas Ranger but you don't find that out until halfway through the book. He's a funny old coot who seems to take care of everyone in Hico. Right now, he only appears in Gunslinger...but just wait for Ranger Warrior!!

Jacqui Nelson

AMAZON

I’d be very challenged to pick my favorite hero or heroine, but when it comes to my favorite secondary character, my choice is clear! It’s Grandpa Gus Peregrine! In my Christmas novella, The Calling Birds, Gus is a lovable troublemaker who works hard but also knows how to have fun. More often than not, he’s joking and smiling. My mom was the inspiration for Gus’ personality, but instead of being absentminded she was extremely stubborn. So much so that she’d make me worry about her safely—just like Gus’ grandson Jack can’t stop worrying about his grandpa.

E.E. Burke

Amazon 

I’d say Billy Frye in Fugitive Hearts. He's been on his own since he was 5. He's slept in boxcars and been passed around from family to family. At 11 now, he’s a tough kid with survivor instincts, very clever, and despite being treated poorly has a big heart. He adores my heroine (Mrs. Claire Daines) who wishes to adopt him and takes him in. He will protect her with his life if need be, and that's what ends up getting Billy and Claire into big trouble.

Donna Michaels

AMAZON

My lovesick cow, Lula Belle. She's in love with my hero from Book 1 and causes trouble for his heroine all throughout the series. She's a riot to write! ❤

This is a new column for GLIAS! 
Starting once a month we'll be sharing thoughts "behind the scenes" with authors--new projects, appearances, convention buzz, as well as a contest or two!!

**JUNE 14.2018**

THIS WEEK WE'RE TALKING SECONDARY CHARACTERS!

*WHO STRIKES YOUR FANCY AS A SECONDARY CHARACTER AND WHY?

*DID YOU CONTACT THE AUTHOR?

*DID THAT CHARACTER HAVE HIS/HER STORY IN ANOTHER BOOK?

SHARE WITH US YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!
**Do you have a question for one of our authors? Leave it in the comments and  we'll try to answer it asap!!

Buy Falcon’s Prey, Help The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

 Thanks so much for inviting me to share my newest release, Falcon’s Prey, the 8^th book in my Blackthorne, Inc. romantic suspense series. If you’re not familiar with my Blackthorne, Inc. series, you can read the first book, When Danger Calls, for FREE via links at https://terryodell.com/when-danger-calls/

Behind the public façade of a private investigation firm–Blackthorne, Incorporated–lies a band of elite covert operatives. In Falcon’s Prey, Marv “Fish” Frisch is one of Blackthorne’s newest recruits, and there’s a funny story about his name.

In the 7^th book, Identity Crisis, I needed to name an “extra” operative, and the nickname “Fish” popped into my head. He hardly appeared on the page, but he needed a real name, and “Frisch” seemed logical, and Marv seemed to be a suitable first name. Romance hero? Not really, but at the time, he was only an extra. When he demanded his own book, I was stuck with the name.

Then, a few months ago, I was in Los Angeles for an event, and one of my elementary school friends wanted to put together a mini-reunion of sorts. I thought it would be cool to see these people after about 60 years, so six of us met for lunch. One man I didn’t remember introduced himself as Marv, and I laughed and told him I was using that name in my book. Then I asked him what his last name was, and he said, “I changed it, but when I was in school, it was Frisch.”

Small world, isn’t it!

On a more serious note, about 4 years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I do what I can to make people aware of the need for a cure, and one of the things I’m doing is sharing my June royalties for Falcon’s Prey with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Here’s her story:

In early Feb 2014 (watching the Super Bowl) my left eye started to hurt when I moved it. A few days later my vision started to get funky in that eye. I ended up in a ophthalmologist’s office on a Sunday morning who told me I needed a brain MRI ASAP and asked if I had a family history of MS. (Nope.) Three months later, after that brain MRI, a spine MRI and a spinal tap, I was told I have MS. Multiple Sclerosis. A wacky, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Something that a triathlete/cyclist/runner/endurance coach really doesn’t want to hear.

And here’s more about Falcon’s Prey:

Heroes aren’t fearless. They just don’t let fear get in the way.

Police officer Lexi Becker is being targeted. When her husband was murdered three years ago, Lexi moved to a small town to get away from the memories, to get away from the pain. But she can’t get away from the gut feeling that a drug lord, known only as the Falcon, was responsible for her husband’s death. As she quietly conducts her own investigation, it becomes clear to Lexi she could be the Falcon’s next victim. Afraid her local police department has been infiltrated by the Falcon, she turns to the only man she can trust for help: her former patrol partner.

When ex-cop Marv “Fish” Frisch is assigned bodyguard duty instead of a covert ops assignment, he fears he’s being punished for a failed training mission. The last assignment he expected was Lexi Becker. Now he’s forced to deal with the attraction he felt when they worked together. As they go into hiding, Fish can’t keep his feelings hidden from Lexi. It seems she feels the same, but danger is everywhere. Someone’s bugged her house. An illegal opioid network. People dying. And an even more sinister plan is being put into action…

When Lexi is torn between hiding or coming to the aid of an orphaned child, Lexi leaves Fish’s protection. Now she’s on her own, a prime target for the Falcon…unless she can outsmart him.

Will Lexi survive long enough to tell Fish how she feels?

Read more, including an excerpt of the full first chapter at https://terryodell.com/falcons-prey

You can buy the book at any of these etailers: https://books2read.com/b/bzPLz2  Remember, you’re not only getting a good read, you’re helping a good cause.

From childhood, Terry Odell wanted to "fix" stories so the characters would behave properly, although it never occurred to her to write her own. Once she began writing—which didn’t happen until her AARP card was well-worn—she found controlling her characters wasn't always possible, as evidenced when the mystery she intended to write turned into a romance, despite the fact that she'd never read one. Odell prefers to think of her books as "Mysteries With Relationships."

She writes the Blackthorne, Inc. series, the Pine Hills Police series, the Triple-D Ranch series, and the Mapleton Mystery series. Her newest release, Falcon’s Prey, is the 8^th book in her Blackthorne series.

Her short story collection, Seeing Red, is a Silver Falchion winner. Where Danger Hides, the second book in her Blackthorne series is a HOLT Medallion winner.

You can find her high in the Colorado Rockies (that's altitude—she lives at 9100 feet!) watching wildlife from her window when she should be writing, or at her website, https://terryodell.com

E.E. Burke's Best of the West featuring Penny Estelle

Welcome to Best of the West! Today my guest is Penny Estelle with her contribution to a multi-author anthology, UNDER A MULBERRY MOON. I'll let her tell you all about it.

I am honored to be part of a new anthology with some terrific authors writing sweet historical romances! 

UNDER A MULBERRY MOON

Adventure! Mystery! Romance!  
Nine award-winning and bestselling authors present sweet western historical stories to ignite your imagination and feed your passion for reading. Let us sweep you away from your daily cares and entertain you with our sigh-worthy novellas set between 1865 and 1900. What a line-up we have for you!  UNDER A MULBERRY MOON anthology is a bargain at only 99 cents.

Stories in Under a Mulberry Moon ~

Millwright's Daughter – Zina Abbott
Worth the Wait – Patricia PacJac Carroll
A Family For Merry – Caroline Clemmons
Ada and the Texas Cavalryman, Brides of Texas Code – Carra Copelin
Comes A Specter – Keta Diablo
The Widow Buys A Groom - P.A. Estelle
Matthew's Freedom – Cissie Patterson
The Lady Lassoes An Outlaw – Charlene Raddon
A Family For Polly – Jacqueline Rogers

Better hurry—this anthology is available for a limited time only. Order your copy!

The Widow Buys A Groom

The year is 1868. In every state in America the Civil War has taken its toll. Mass casualties leave women to survive on their own, raise children without fathers, and run ranches, homes and businesses without help. Meadow Creek, Kansas is no different.

Reverend Strong strives to find a solution for his town. He contacts clergymen in other states and discovers women aren’t the only ones devastated by war. The men fortunate enough to make it home soon realize they've lost everything and must start new lives. 

  

Katherine Parnell owns Maggie’s Baked Goods. Ever since her husband was forced to fight for the Confederacy, she and her son, Timmy, have been fighting their own battles. She might need a man, but has no intention of marrying again. She informs the good Reverend of that in no uncertain terms.

Jim Sutton has demons of his own and comes to Meadow Creek to start over. He has no desire to get married either. On more than one occasion, he comes to Katherine’s aid and finds himself smiling around her and the boy, something he hasn’t done in years. When Jim lands in jail, the woman whose green eyes haunt his dreams at night is the only one who can help him.

Can Katherine and Jim find love again or will ghosts from their pasts keep happiness at bay?

Excerpt

     “Am I gonna get any vittles or are you two just gonna keep exercising your jaws?”

     “Who are your guests?” Becky asked getting the food out of the basket.

     “Don’t know the one in the far cell.  Says his name is Jim Sutton. Kinda hated to arrest him cause he beat the tar out of my other guest.”  Nathan’s smile faded. “Huck Parnell’s brother, Chester.” 

     Every ounce of playfulness disappeared when Becky slowly turned to look at the cells.  Jim was laying down on the cot with his hat over his face.  Chester stood at the front of the cell with his arms through the bars.  One of his eyes was almost swollen shut and his lip was cut.  Dried blood was on his filthy shirt.  Becky picked up the tin bowl that she used to serve prisoners and slowly walked  to stand a foot away from him.  “Bout time,” he grumbled.

     Becky took that bowl and with as much muscle as she could, threw that bowl at the bars.  Grits covered Chester’s face.  Globs of the mush clung to his greasy hair, dropping onto his shoulders.

     Chester jumped back in surprise, his bloodshot eyes wide.  Snarling he pushed his arms threw the bars again, trying to reach her. She didn’t flinch even though his fingers were inches from her face. He called her every name he could think. 

     “That’s enough, Parnell,” Nathan said. “You shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.”  Chester glared at the marshal, his chest pumping hard. “Hopefully it will take some of the stink off of you.”

     Becky’s eyes were glued on Chester. Hate dripping from her voice, she asked, “Do you think nobody knew what happened to my friend, while visiting your place outside of Cottonwood Falls? Did you simple minded men think Katherine wouldn’t tell her closest friends about her little vacation with you?”

A little something about Penny Estelle

My name is Penny Estelle.  I was a school secretary for 21 years and retired in 2009.  My husband and I moved to our retirement home in Kingman, AZ, where we lived off the grid on 54 acres in a very rural area.  A real adjustment for a city girl.  I must say – I loved it.  Nothing like looking out your window in the early morning and see a wave of quail running across the property, or walking out your front door at night and hear coyotes howling in the distance and seeing a sky bursting with stars.  It is breathtaking!

When I lost the love of my life I moved to Sun City, AZ.  Now when I’m not writing, I’m playing water volleyball and pickleball with the “old” folks.  I also hike every morning.  I’m thinking at trying my hand a tap dancing! We older folks are a gutsy group!  LOL

About my writing - I started writing for tween kiddos right before I retired.  There is always material when kids are involved.  These stories range from fantasies to time travel to puppy love stories.  I also have several picture books out for the beginning readers

Under P. A. Estelle I write for the older “young at heart” crowd.  Romances in every genre.  I must admit historical western romances are my favorite – at least for now, but I have found one never knows what tomorrow will bring!

For more information about myself and my stories, check out the following links!  Stop by anytime!

www.pennystales.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://twitter.com/Pennystales

http://www.facebook.com/pennystales

http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales.  If you would like to be notified, please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr

E.E.: What’s the first book you remember reading?  

Penny: I was NEVER a reader as a kid.  I had so many other things to do.  I didn’t start reading until I had my first child.  When you are up 24/7, what else is there to do?  I remember picking up a book by Rosemary Rogers called Sweet Savage Love.  Phew!!!!!  Heat level – 100!  I was a hooked reader at that point!

E.E.: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?

Penny: This is a no-brainer for me – action adventure.

E.E.: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Penny: This is so sad!  Other than most John Wayne movies, I will watch – GULP – Tremors every time it comes on!!!

E.E.: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Penny: A jig-saw puzzle.  I love those things.  They relax me and I won’t do one if I’m in the middle of a story!

E.E.: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Penny: Coffee, with caramel/vanilla creamer.  I actually hate the taste of tea – BUT, that being said, one of my favorite drinks is an Arnie Palmer – iced tea and lemonade!  Go figure!

E.E.: What will always make you smile, even on a bad day?

Penny: The song Sun Daze by Florida Georgia Line

E.E.: What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

Penny: I have several but I have two equally weird.  1) When I see a door that is pushed shut most of the way but doesn’t click, I have to shut it all the way.  I have to hear it click.  2) Since I started driving, 100 years ago, when I go through a yellow light, I tap the dashboard.  Keeps the cop spirits away!!!!

E.E.: What has been your most rewarding publishing moment? 

Penny: It was my very first book that had been picked up.  It was a middle grade fantasy titled Hike Up Devil’s Mountain.  I remember looking at my husband and saying, “My story has been picked up.  They’ve sent me a contract.  We hopped around and screamed and yelled.  It was awesome!

Thank you for being my guest, Penny! 

Penny will be giving away a copy of her American Mail-Order Bride classic, Hannah, Bride of Iowa. Just enter the Rafflecopter and leave a comment.

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