Showing posts with label A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce. Show all posts

11/02/2012

Get Lost in a Scary, Sexy Story with Sherry Foley








The Captive Heart
Sherry Foley

Uncovering corruption within his own department, FBI agent Ian Mulherin watches the lines of justice blur as he finds himself in the middle of greed, betrayal, and double-agents tied to the Mafia. Realizing he is being framed, he must now protect Nicole, the innocent woman marked to be his victim, as feelings between the two of them begin to blossom. While the conspiracy tightens around Ian, he frantically races to clear his name, bring down the perpetrators, and protect the woman who has captured his heart.




Sherry Foley has always had a wild imagination which she has used to craft inspired pieces of fiction that often border on the disturbing. While her creative mind races forward, she keeps her feet planted in Missouri with her husband and three teenage children.


Jillian: Where do you read and how often?
Sherry: I read a couple of books a week and keep a running shelf to choose from.  I read everywhere while vacuuming, listening to CD’s in the car, waiting to Taxi kids, stirring at the stove, but my favorite place is in my porch swing.
Jillian: What sound or noise do you love?
Sherry: The sound of the ocean and children laughing.
Jillian: Describe your favorite kind of hero to read/write?
Sherry: A man who has strength and integrity, who is loyal, and has flaws that are almost endearing.
Jillian: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?
Sherry: Thank you.  Without you my dreams would not have been something I could hold in my hand and hug to my heart.  I appreciate each and every one of you.
Jillian: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
Sherry: Yes, right now because this process if all new to me and very exciting.  What influences me the most is when I listen to readers talk at book clubs.
Jillian: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?
Sherry: Getting my books into print, into the hands of the readers and connecting with readers at signings and book club appearances. HUGE!
Jillian: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
Sherry: “Starbucks” says it all.


An Excerpt from The Captive Heart

     “Nicole, listen, I’ll make sure you’re safe.” he said, coming to stand behind her. “I’m not involving Trey in things.”
     “This is bigger than you,” she said, flailing her arms in the air and pacing about the room.
     “Ideally, I would have you placed in protective custody, but I’m not sure just who all Roark has under his thumb at this point.” Ian told her as he went back and lowered himself in his chair and picked up his pen.
     With the tension and voices in the room raised, Dickens picked himself up and padded over to sit by his master’s chair.
     “It’s all right, boy,” Ian leaned over to rub the dog’s neck and head in reassurance. “Check this out, Nicole.”
     He pointed to Dickens and told him to stay. The dog sat at attention and watched his owner go over to the refrigerator. Ian came back and placed a hot dog in the German Shepherd’s mouth.
     “You and I Nicole,” he continued as sat back down and turned his attention to Dickens, “are going to figure out why Roark wanted you out of the picture. There is a tie-in somewhere.”
     Nicole stood fascinated as Dickens sat on his haunches and looked at Ian attentively. The hot dog was still sticking out of Dickens’ mouth.
     Ian turned to look at her. “When we find that answer, we’ll have yet another piece to this hellish puzzle.”
     The dog was drooling now but other than that, Nicole hadn’t detected movement. Incredible.
     “Until such a time, you will do as I say. If not, you’ll find yourself handcuffed to the bed again.”
     Arrogant brows over hard blue glaciers stared back at her. He didn’t even look away from her when he snapped his fingers. Dickens swallowed the hot dog in one gulp.
     “And this is the only faithful friend I need,” Ian said smugly, rubbing the dog down as praise.   “There’s nothing like man’s best friend.”
     Nicole was still stuck back at him boasting that she would do as he said. As if. “Really? Well, here’s a little trick for you.”
     She smiled sweetly at Dickens and crooked her index finger. The dog cocked his beautiful head to one side and rose to a standing position. Nicole tossed a glare Ian’s way and marched down the hall with Dickens bringing up the rear. The man really was insane.
     The cabin vibrated when she slammed the door.
    “I’m gonna wring her pretty neck yet,” Ian growled in disgust to an empty room.


Sherry has a question for commenters: I’ve heard from lots readers that they choose a character in a story that they like to become.  What type of character do you like to be in a book? I’d like to give away a copy of A Captive Heart and a copy of Switched in Death with bookmarks for both.  And, if they’d like signed copies, that would be great too.  (Some readers I’ve found don’t like their books written in at all)

More ways to contact Sherry:

@Sherry_Foley
www.sherryfoley.com
Sherry Foley-Author    Facebook
http://sherryfoley.blogspot.com/
word_weaver@aol.com

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

10/19/2012

Little White Lies and Dirty Rotten Villains...what fun!








A Scoundrel drives a hard bargain...

Spirited and determined to protect her young brother at any cost, Lisette Lavigne is desperate to flee New Orleans. There’s only one ship sailing to England, though, and the rakish Captain Daniel Hillary will only allow Lisette’s family aboard for a steep price…

But a lady always gets the upper hand...

Daniel prides himself on running a tight ship, and he knows a lady will be nothing but trouble on a long voyage. Yet he can’t help but break his own ironclad rules when Lisette persuades him that being gentlemanly just this once is his wisest course of action…




Samantha Grace made her debut earlier this year with Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel. Her newest regency romance, Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie, received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, and she did a happy dance in her kitchen. Samantha lives with her husband, their two tenacious kids, and an endless parade of characters that inhabit her imagination. You can connect with Samantha at: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Lady Scribes | Website


How to Pick Your Dream Villain:


Who doesn’t enjoy a dirty, rotten villain? Whether his actions are chaotic and unpredictable or calculating and callous, there’s no question he’s a real bad boy at heart. But how do you know which villain is right for you? Well, worry no more. I’ve devised a simple quiz that will help you determine which memorable villain will make all your bad dreams come true.

How would you describe your dream villain?
a. Tall, dark and mysterious
b. Hot-tempered hottie
c. A foodie
d. A real clown

Your perfect bad boy’s idea of a romantic evening involves:
a. Stargazing and blowing up a planet or two
b. A night on the town. Just you, him, and his “little friend”
c. An impromptu flight to a tropical island for dinner
d. Staying home and doing each other’s make-up

Your villain wants some sexy time. How does he let you know?
a. He calls you unexpectedly and breathes heavily into the phone
b. He dons an extra shiny gold chain and low cut polyester shirt.
c. He compliments you with “You look scrumptious.”
d. He tells a ribald joke then laughs manically.

If you answered mostly…


A – Your perfect villain is Darth Vader. He tends to be a perfectionist, so beware. Disappoint him and you might find yourself in an invisible chokehold. Yet, despite his hard outer shell, he’s really a softie inside. May the force be with you.

B – You’ve chosen Scarface. This Latin lover can’t properly pronounce cockroach, but don’t let his comical accent and big brown eyes fool you. He’s trouble with a capital T.

C – Hannibal Lector has been known to play mind games on occasion. If you’ve chosen this bad boy, proceed with caution. His bite is much worse than his bark.

D – If you’ve been looking for a villain with an unusual sense of humor, The Joker is your man. His favorite things are bad jokes, cherry red lipstick, and rambling speeches. His obsession with taking over Gotham City may get tedious at times, but all good villains have their foibles. It could be worse.


One of the things that make Darth Vader, Scarface, Hannibal Lector, and The Joker so memorable is how over-the-top they are. They are eerie and frightening, but also a little laughable. I was thrilled to have a chance to create my own version of an over-the-top villain in MISS LAVIGNE’S LITTLE WHITE LIE. Louis Reynaud is Miss Lavigne’s betrothed, and he’s bad news. But aside from being rotten to the core, he has a few quirks that made him incredibly fun to write. One of those is his grandiosity and obsession with predatory animals. His grandfather was “something of a scholar” and studied animals, reptiles, and amphibians. When Louis was a boy, he poured over his grandfather’s logbooks, engrossed in his grandfather’s crude drawings and his own imagination.

Here is an example of how his obsession comes into play in the story:


Reynaud hovered in the darkened street, keeping watch on number 17 Curzon, as stealthily as the king of beasts hunting in the night. The almighty lion possessed brawn, agility, speed, and a nice head of hair. Reynaud swept a hand over his own slicked-back locks and smiled.
Very nice, indeed.
The lion’s prey stood little chance of survival once he set his sights on them. His domination was unavoidable.
The flickering lights from the upstairs windows extinguished. Tonight Lisette and Serafine burrowed under their covers, believing themselves to be safe. On the morrow, they would lose their protector. Captain Hillary hadn’t planned to take the women with him as Reynaud had feared when he’d learned the Cecily was preparing to set sail.
The ladies would be at the lion’s mercy.
A bolt of exhilaration flew through his limbs and left him trembling with agitated anticipation. Another known fact about the lion: he boasted superior sexual prowess, sometimes copulating as many as one hundred times in twenty-four hours. The dominant male got his fill of the females in his pride.
But first, he must seize his letters. After all, the threat of swinging from the gallows tended to interfere with one’s lustful urges.

Despite his tendency toward the ridiculous, he is a real threat to the hero and heroine, and he adds excitement to the story. Today one Get Lost in a Story reader will have a chance to win a print copy of MISS LAVIGNE’S LITTLE WHITE LIE and see how villainous Reynaud can be. (US and Canada only) Just answer this question: What memorable villain sticks out in your mind, and what makes him so dastardly? Remember to include your email address along with your comment.


***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

8/30/2012

Play casting director for the day and cast the roles of Rafe and Fanny.




Okay, so you're not a casting director in real life, but today you get to play one on Get Lost in a Story!

Whenever I am preparing to start a new manuscript, I always begin the process with a number of pictures in my mind, and even more importantly, a voice in my head. It's really weird, but I can't write dialogue unless I can hear the character's voice in my head.

So I'm going to play producer here, and give you some background on each character that I need to caste in my story and then you can then pick and choose from the actor's headshots below.

For the role of Detective Rafe Lewis:

His backstory:  The honorable Raphael Lewis, St. Aldwyn is the estranged second son of an earl whose family is land rich and cash poor. He jilted his childhood sweetheart and fiancée, Miss Fanny Greyville-Nugent and his own mother hasn’t spoken to him in five years. Readers first meet Rafe in An Affair with Mr. Kenned,

His personality: Detective Lewis comes off as a rake, but he uses these roguey traits to help him hide from his past. He is handsome in a princely way. He is athletic, extremely fit, and carries himself in a princely manner. He is also a brave and cunning fighter. Rafe has an uncanny ability to sense danger and a natural talent for sleuthing. He rarely lets anyone see his more vulnerable side, but it's there––big time. I just can't share much about it because I don't want to be a spoiler! 





Henry Cavill
The Tudors, Immortals, Superman...oh yeah, Rafe is all that.



Wentworth Miller
An interesting choice. Edgy, soft spoken, cunning...with an unexpected sweet side. 




Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant'a take on the character of Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral is so Rafe. Princely, with a self-effacing charm.




Chris Evans
There is this scene I'm thinking of...it's a hot sweltering day. Rafe and Fanny
take turns having a swim in the loch:  
Rafe rose out of the water and waded ashore. This time she balked but did not turn away. Rivulets of water ran through the hair on his chest, down a sinewy torso...




Prince William
Does Prince William carry himself like Detective Lewis. Or does Rafe carry himself like a prince?
Casting a real prince would be a splendid choice, indeed!


For the role of Fanny Greyville-Nugent:

Her backstory: Francine Greyville-Nugent was raised by her widowed father, a brilliant inventor and busy industrialist. When he bought the estate next to the St. Aldwyn's, Fanny became friendly with both two boys next door––particularly Rafe, the youngest son of the Earl. Years later, when rumors of an engagement between Fanny ad Rafe surfaced, no one was surprised, in fact, it was expected.

Her personality: As the story opens her father is dead, killed in a grisly accident involving new  threshing machine. Heartbroken and still in mourning, Fanny is nevertheless determined to carry on with Greyville-Nugent Enterprises. She is a progressive suffragist as well as an engineer in her own right. She is darling to look at, quick tempered, and somewhat protective of a vulnerable, generous heart.



Helen Bonham-Carter
Helen is too mature to play Fanny, but her character Lucy Honeychurch is perfect for the role.
She's the spitting image of Fanny and has a feisty, tomboyish quality.




Keira Knightly
Keira would bring beauty and wit to the role and she could definitely go toe to toe with Detective Lewis.



Kate Winslet
Kate's character of Rose from Titanic would be a vulnerable, softer Fanny with an underlying strength, and resilience.



Carey Mulligan
She's fascinating in every role she plays. I would love to see her take on Fanny. 



Emma Watson
Emma is a fresh, young choice. And she is so Fanny in every way! 


So now its up to commenters, I mean casting directors! Please share your thoughts on casting the lead roles in A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS. Your casting choices are not limited to the photos here, if you have other ideas––please share! I love to have readers participate in these casting blogs. I have a signed copy one lucky casting director, chosen at random.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JillianStoneBooks
Twitter: @gJillianStone

Purchase links:

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.





8/29/2012

Get Lost in a Story by Land, Sea and...Velocipede?


Love on the Run with Detective Lewis 
A road trip romance. 


As most of you know by now, I write historical romantic suspense set in the late Victorian period (1887-1891). At this time, steam travel was in full bloom and electricity was just beginning to light up the streets and stages of London's theater district. Giant steam engines powered trains and ships, people powered bicycles––experimental submarines, and great landships were being designed, built and displayed in at Industrial Expositions. These futuristic machine demonstrations were wildly popular in London, making inventors the rock stars of the day!

In the second book of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, (released just yesterday) a number of odd and eccentric inventions have a role to play in this road trip adventure, along with a plot that keeps the hero and heroine on the run...

And just in case you haven't read the blurb for A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis:



When Fanny Greyville-Nugent's father suffers a gruesome death in the clutches of his own machine, mourning his loss is not the beautiful heiress's only heartbreak. Scotland Yard is convinced he was targeted in a plot to halt the rise of industry, and Fanny's former fiancé, dashing and dubious detective Raphael "Rafe" Lewis, has been assigned to the case.

For the estranged ex-lovers, bringing the notorious assassins to justice proves as tumultuous as quelling pent-up desires. Fighting peril and passion at every turn of a dangerous journey from Edinburgh to London, they are pursued by an anarchist group hell-bent on destroying her father's mysterious entry into the London Industrial Exposition.

When an astonishing discovery about the couple's failed engagement surfaces, the sleuthing duo realize they can trust no one. Rafe confesses new details about his infidelity and Fanny risks all to avenge her father's murder. But will Rafe and Fanny triumph over the pain of their past?

Here's a link for: FREE CHAPTER READ


Part of the fun of this story is that Fanny and Rafe travel in an assortment of steampunk machines as they are pursued by her would-be abductors from Edinburgh to London, these conveyances include trains, velocipedes, a landship and a submersible. Without being a spoiler, I’d love to share a few factoids about these turn of these late Victorian vehicles:




Train.
                                                   
By 1887, the network of trains and train tracks crisscrossing Britain was comprehensive, but disjointed. Because the railroads were built and owned by private investment syndicates, there wasn’t much standardization. The train track gauges were different, requiring locomotives and cars to be custom built for each section of privately owned railway. And since one railroad company couldn’t use another’s tracks, this also might require passengers to change trains along the route to their destination. Railroad investment syndicates often went bankrupt, sometimes before the new route was even finished. On the upside? Rail speed. In A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS, Rafe boards the early train in London and arrives in Edinburgh in time for a funeral in the afternoon.

Velocipede.


According to Wikipedia, velocipede is an umbrella term for any human-powered land vehicle with one or more wheels. The most common type of velocipede is the bicycle. At one point in their escape, Fanny and Rafe use bicycles to put a bit of distance between themselves and their pursuers.

Landship.

This highly experimental, prototype of a pedrail landship plays an interesting part in the novel, helping to get Fanny and Rafe from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Sorry I can’t be any more specific about this giant war engine’s role in the novel, but I can tell you that these landships were the precursors to the tank and were first put to use in World War I.


Submersible.

            
One of the more colorful supporting characters in A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS, in an inventor who joins Fanny and Rafe in their increasingly perilous journey to London. One of his inventions is a three man submersible that he plans on entering in the London Industrial Exposition. The sub plays a key role in the story, but alas, that is all I can say. My lips are sealed.

I wrote A DANGEROUS LIAISION WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS to be a suspenseful page turner with a hero who has a lot to prove and make up for––and a heroine who is up for both the romance and the road trip. As a film student, I studied all of Alfred Hitchcock’s work and I particularly admire the suspense films: Rear Window, North by Northwest, and To Catch a Thief. Thrills, chills, adventure––perhaps there’s a mystery to uncover, or a villain to capture, but at the story’s core, there is always a romance.


Question for commenters: What is your favorite Steampunk vehicle––land, sea or air? I have a signed  copy of A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS for one lucky commenter today, chosen at random.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JillianStoneBooks
Twitter: @gJillianStone

Purchase links:
The Book Depository  

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.


8/27/2012

Why You Should Be Reading Jillian Stone

It is my utmost pleasure to begin the premiere week of Jillian Stone's A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis. She's a member of GLIAS and an Unsinkable Sister who won the RWA Golden Heart for her debut book AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY.  I waited impatiently for her Gentlemen of Scotland Yard trilogy to begin and can't wait to get my hands on the second installment.

So why should you be reading Jillian Stone? It's elementary... (sorry, I just had to say that >>grin<<) But in all serious, I used pure deductive reasoning for the basis of my decision.

LOGICAL DEDUCTION #1: Reviews

A DANGEROUS LIAISON
with DETECTIVE LEWIS

POCKET BOOKS
ISBN-10: 1451629052

★★★★1/2 Romantic Times BOOK REVIEWS
"The Gentleman of Scotland Yard return on another daring mission of dark London and darker secrets. Stone is a force, entangling readers in her powerful well-crafted mystery and allowing the romance and suspense to share equal time. A colorful backdrop, historical details of the industrial era and forensic science merge seamlessly into a fast-paced plot that is filled with surprises and adventure."





AN AFFAIR
with MR. KENNEDY

POCKET BOOKS
ISBN-10: 1451629001

★★★★ Romantic Times BOOK REVIEWS
"Stone's taut mystery/romance sets the stage for her Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. The sexy smart characters will appeal to modern readers as much as the suspense. Their repartee heat up the pages promising a treat for readers."



LOGICAL DEDUCTION #2: The Covers
Did you see these covers? Take a second look.
I mean, when you get Matthew Fox to pose for a Victorian Cover...you've got to read the story. Right?

LOGICAL DEDUCTION #3: The Writing
Jillian's STORYVILLE

A SAMPLE from A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS
   What on earth? Something—a presence—loomed up from behind Fanny. A rough hand went around her face and clamped over her mouth. Another arm pulled her against a hulking frame and dragged her toward the shadows.
   She fought back with all her might, kicking and dragging her feet. The toe of her shoe caught on the edge of the gate and slammed it shut. With a grunt, the large oaf who seized her muttered under his breath and squeezed harder. Wrenching her neck, Fanny glimpsed a transport van at the end of the alley. The kind of paneled vehicle used for moving furniture and belongings. The back door was open. Dear God, they meant to put her inside.
   She was being abducted.

   RAFE FLEW OUT the alley, feet keeping pace with his racing thoughts. Christ, where was she? He took a corner so fast he nearly tumbled onto the bloody pavers. Regaining his balance he lengthened his stride. There, straight ahead, a furniture van wobbled down the street at a blistering fast pace. “Fanny!” Common sense and a nose for crime said he’d find her inside. She had to be.
   The clumsy conveyance would have to slow considerably to make the tight turn at George Square. Rafe vaulted over the iron fence and cut across a small patchwork of park surrounded by a quiet row of shops and townhomes. He pulled out his Webley and fired above the driver’s head. The man snapped the reins and the horses bolted around the turn.

LOGICAL DEDUCTION #4: Bond+Holmes+Byron
"Put James Bond in a time machine and transport him to late Victorian London, add a good bit of Sherlock Holmes, a splash of Lord Byron and you get pretty close to The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard. Although the detectives are reality-based characters, the plot lines, sleuthing methods and gadgetry edge on Steampunk."  ~~from the Gadget Gallery on Jillian's website. 

Three fantastic elements all in one read!













LOGICAL DEDUCTION #5: The 1880's
The late Victorian Era. The time of the industrial revolution. The beginnings of forensic science. The telephone. The phonograph. The machine gun. Coca Cola is incorporated. Streetlights. Saltwater taffy. Popcorn machine. Softball. The slot machine.The Kinetoscope. And of course, a writer's favorite tool: the ballpoint pen. 

Commenters: Of all the inventions listed above, which one is your favorite? Jillian is giving away a signed copy of A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS to a lucky commenter chosen at random starting today through Thursday––which means you have four chances to win if you comment every day! ;)

and not the last on my LOGICAL DEDUCTION list:
   Jillian Stone
website    Facebook     Twitter    Goodreads

Jillian will be spending Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday featuring different aspects from A DANGEROUS LIAISON with DETECTIVE LEWIS. I'm looking forward to them. Hope you'll join us each day for the fun.

DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. ~Angi

REMEMBER the drawing. A copy of Jillian's newest release could be yours.

6/01/2012

The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard: Meet the new heroes and heroines coming this Fall

Watch for Rafe and Fanny's story
Release date August 28th 


A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis
A second chance at love––on the run

This second novel in the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series features the rakish and somewhat reckless young detective Rafe Lewis, who you have already met in An Affair with Mr. Kennedy.

This is my road trip romantic suspense, à la Hitchcock's North by Northwest or The 39 Steps. Rafe and Fanny are on the run by train, landship, velocipede (bicycle) and submersible––there may even be a brief ride on a diving bell. Here's the blurb:

WHEN FANNY Greyville-Nugent's father suffers a gruesome death in the clutches of his own machine, mourning his loss is not the beautiful heiress's only heartbreak. Scotland Yard is convinced he was targeted in a plot to halt the rise of industry, and Fanny's former fiance, dashing and dubious detective Raphael "Rafe" Lewis, has been assigned to the case.

For the estranged ex-lovers, bringing the notorious assassins to justice proves as tumultuous as quelling pent-up desires. Fighting peril and passion at every turn of a dangerous journey from Edinburgh to London, they are pursued by an anarchist group hell-bent on destroying her father's mysterious entry into the London Industrial Exposition.

When an astonishing discovery about the couple's failed engagement surfaces, the sleuthing duo realize they can trust no one. Rafe confesses new details about his infidelity and Fanny risks all to avenge her father's murder. But will Rafe and Fanny triumph over the pain of their past?


Archie and Fiona's Caper releases sometime in October


A Lesson in Chemistry with Inspector Bruce
A Pocket Star e-novella

This is a total sneak peek at Archie Bruce as Archie and Fiona's story is still very much in manuscript form! This is more of an inkling than a blurb:

Archibald "Archie" Bruce heads up the crime laboratory for Scotland Yard's Special Branch. The brilliant and capable young man has no time for romance––until he volunteers to tutor the very exasperating Miss Fiona Rose for her Pharmacy exam.
And oh yes, there is a lab explosion, a tragic death and several sinister suspects including an arms trafficker the Yard has been after for years. I bet you think Fiona and Archie fall in love while sleuthing about London, don't you? Sorry, I can't say for sure, I haven't finished writing the novella! 


Finn and Cate tango this November 27th


A Private Duel with Agent Gunn 
There's a fine line between enemies and lovers.

A steamy, sensuous adventure into the intriguing world of espionage and it's just in time for the holidays!


PHINEAS GUNN is an undercover operative for two of Britain's most sensitive intelligence organizations. Now, the cunning, reclusive agent is asked to take on an unusual burglary case. A rare, stolen jewel has been found on a dead anarchist fished out of the Thames.  What intrigues Finn most about the case is a woman from his past, a Miss Catriona de Dovia Willoughby, ballerina and suspected anarchist sympathizer. Much to Finn's utter disdain and amazement, he finds his attraction to the devilish, impertinent beauty stronger than ever. When he is subsequently robbed by the clever cat burglar he pursues the menacing jewel thief from ballroom to musicale.

Cate Willoughby knows she must stay sharp and move fast if she is to evade Mr. Gunn and recover the jewels that are rightfully hers. When Finn catches her red handed, their steamy encounter makes her realize their attraction is far from over. She suggests an alliance with the intrepid detective, but before they can recover the gems she betrays Finn and disappears. 

Believing Cate is secretly in league with the Spanish anarchists, Finn gives chase by land, sea and airship. Once he catches her, what they discover about each other opens deep wounds and carefully kept secrets, but might these strange and startling revelations ultimately bring Cate and Finn closer together? 


Commenters: As some of you know, I am a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock. The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series is based on a Hitchcock/Ian Fleming premise set in late Victorian London! Do you have a favorite Hitchcock or James Bond film? Or how about a favorite Yard man? ;) I have two signed copies of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy for two commenters today. Good Luck! 

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.