Read an excerpt from 'Hold Still' by Lisa Regan

Hold Still

by Lisa Regan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

After saving her three-year-old daughter from a car-jacking, off-duty police detective Jocelyn Rush ends up in the ER. The last person she expects to run into is Anita Grant, former prostitute and an old acquaintance from Jocelyn’s days on patrol. In spite of her obvious injuries—mutilated hands and feet—Anita refuses to talk about what happened. Reluctantly, Jocelyn backs off, and Anita's case goes to Philadelphia’s Special Victims Unit.

Before long, Jocelyn is pulled into the SVU’s investigation. Anita is finally ready to talk, but only to Jocelyn. Her story is harrowing, even to a seasoned veteran like Jocelyn. Working with SVU, Jocelyn’s investigation unearths a series of similar crimes going back four years. Three men are preying on local prostitutes, viciously assaulting and mutilating them.

The police apprehend two of the suspects, but the third eludes capture. As the hunt for the most sadistic of the three intensifies, and his crimes escalate, Jocelyn and her colleagues have precious few leads. Then a monster from Jocelyn’s past resurfaces. She doesn’t want to be reminded of the terrible secret that destroyed her family nearly twenty years earlier, but the man offers her a lead that could crack Anita’s case.

To solve it, Jocelyn must connect her past with her present—before a sadistic attacker sets his sights on her.

Read an excerpt:

The Wawa was crowded as usual. It was the only Wawa in their neighborhood, and the only minimarket worth its salt. For years it had been across the street with a parking lot so small, it defied explanation. Someone very intelligent had come up with the idea of moving it to a much more spacious lot, the site of a long defunct car dealership. The result was better parking and a larger Wawa but even more customers. 

Jocelyn guided Olivia over to the frozen drink machine and let her pull the frozen strawberry cup out of the freezer. Jocelyn peeled back the lid. 

“Look, Mommy. It’s the same color as Lulu!” Olivia said, rocking up onto the balls of her feet and pointing to the pink concoction inside the cup. 

“It sure is,” Jocelyn agreed. She put the cup into the blending machine and pushed the blend button. As the cup ascended into the machine, she chose a lid and threaded a straw through it. The machine made a grinding, whirring sound. Jocelyn smiled at Olivia and arched a brow. “Does that mean Lulu is a strawberry bear?” 

Olivia grinned. “She’s not a strawberry bear, Mommy. She’s just a bear.” 

“I don’t know. I think I should taste her and see.” 

Olivia giggled convulsively as Jocelyn bent and pretended to bite Lulu’s leg. Her giggles rose to high-pitched squeals. Jocelyn looked around to see if they had drawn stares from the other customers. 

That’s when she saw him. 

He stood across the aisle, at the coffee kiosk. His face was still swollen and bruised. 

When he smiled at her, she could see the metal bracing in his mouth holding his jaw in place. 

Henry Richards. 

What the hell was he doing in her neighborhood? In her Wawa? 

She didn’t notice how hard her heart was thundering until she felt Olivia’s little hand tugging hers. “Mommy, Mommy, it’s done. Can I put the lid on?” 

Instinctively, Jocelyn scooped Olivia up without taking her eyes from Henry. He took a step toward them. 

“Don’t,” Jocelyn said. The edge in her voice froze him. He looked momentarily confused.

Once again, Jocelyn wished she had her gun. She’d have to start carrying an off-duty weapon.

People passed between them, oblivious. 

“You’re in violation of a restraining order,” Jocelyn said. 

Henry laughed, his gnarled smile framing his wire-gritted teeth. “Like I give a shit.”

Jocelyn glanced around. Surely, he wouldn’t try anything in a crowded minimarket. 

“Mommy—” 

“Just a minute, honey.” 

Jocelyn panned the store again, hoping to see a uniformed officer. The Wawa was directly across from the 5th District. Didn’t any of them need coffee or snacks? 

She swallowed hard over the lump in her throat. She reached for the milkshake and handed it to Olivia. Then she reached for the lid. Olivia took it from her and fit it onto the top of the cup. 

“What do you want?” she asked Richards. 

Henry reached inside his jacket. Jocelyn’s voice turned sharp and loud like the report of a gun. “Don’t,” she said again, this time drawing the attention of several people around them. She turned her body so that as little of Olivia was exposed to him as possible. Again, Henry froze, nervousness slackening the sneer on his face. He looked around at the faces now gaping at him. 

Jocelyn lowered her voice and narrowed her eyes. Even though she didn’t want to be near him, she stepped closer. “Unless you want me to break your face again, you’ll take your hand out of your pocket and get out of here.” 

Slowly, he removed his hand. He put both hands up, trying to smile again. The seam where Jocelyn had split his lip cracked. A small bead of blood formed.

Olivia grew heavy in Jocelyn’s arms. She shifted her hold, jostling Olivia. The strawberry milkshake toppled to the floor, landing with a splat. A Wawa clerk who’d been watching the exchange between Jocelyn and Henry rushed over. Olivia wailed, fat teardrops rolling down her face. “I’m sorry, Mommy!” 

“It’s okay, honey,” Jocelyn soothed. “We’ll clean it up and get another one.”

The clerk smiled at Olivia. “Don’t worry, sweetie. That’s what we have mops for. Why don’t you get yourself another one? No charge.” 

Jocelyn mumbled a thank you to the woman, trying to force a smile. When she looked back at Henry, he was gone.

The clerk already had the milkshake machine awhir as another worker came out to clean up the milkshake. Jocelyn’s gaze swiveled around the minimarket, but she didn’t see Henry. The clerk gave her a napkin, and she dabbed Olivia’s cheeks.

“I’m sorry about this,” Jocelyn told the clerk. “I’ll pay for both.” 

The woman smiled, her eyes warm and sympathetic. “Oh sweetie, don’t you worry about it.” She held out a crudely folded origami crane. “Is this yours?” 

“Yes,” Jocelyn said. It wasn’t hers, of course. But it was meant for her. Her hand trembled as she took it.

 Buy links

Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Smashwords \ Kobo

~~Read my review here~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lisa Regan is a crime fiction author. Her first novel, Finding Claire Fletcher won Best Heroine in the eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards 2013. It was runner-up for Best Novel. It was also a Digital Book Today Best of 2013 ebook selection. In December 2013, Finding Claire Fletcher and her second novel, Aberration were #1 Amazon bestsellers in the Kidnapping and Serial Killers categories, respectively.

Lisa is a member of Sisters In Crime. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter.

Her third novel, Hold Still is due out late March 2014!

Links

Author Website: www.lisaregan.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Regan/e/B009YY091I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lisa-Regan/189735444395923
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lisalregan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6443334.Lisa_Regan

Cover Reveal! 'Give Me Reason' by Zoey Derrick

NOW AVAILABLE:

BLURB:

Vivienne Callahan has known only hardship. As if growing up with an alcoholic, drug addicted mother wasn’t traumatic enough, she’s escaped from her physically and verbally abusive boyfriend only to struggle every day to make ends meet as a waitress in a Minneapolis diner.

Along comes Mikah Blake, a handsome stranger who quickly takes an unexpected and persistent interest in her. On the surface, “Mr. Suit” seems to be Vivienne’s opposite: rich, well-fed, successful. As Vivienne will learn, Mikah is more than he seems, and for reasons unknown, he’s determined to be her knight in shining armor. But after having finally found her own two feet after years of abuse, it’s difficult for her to accept Mikah’s help.

Will her body’s unexpected response to Mikah’s touch be reason enough to overcome her pride and traumatic past and learn to love and trust? Or will her past, refusing to be left behind, come back to claim her?

Read an excerpt:

He’s looking down at me, making me feel small at five feet two inches. He has to be at least six feet tall. Broad shoulders. His suit today is gunmetal grey with blue or black pin striping—I can’t tell which. His shirt is a beautiful lavender color with a darker purple tie. "How do you know I'm not an addict?" I ask, softly.

He smiles at me, warm, genuine. "Because, you've come to return the money I left you last night as a tip." My jaw falls open.

"How"—I swallow hard—"did you know?"

His smile fades a little. "Because, why else would you come down here?"

I close my mouth and look down at the floor. His ability to read me is really scary.

"Since you haven't eaten since last night, I'm going to take you to lunch."

I feel my face flush bright red, both in anger and complete irritation. "That is not why I'm here. I've survived for my entire life fending for myself, I don't need some rich hot shot business mogul buying me food." I reach into the pocket of my bag and pull the folded up paper from it. I thrust it towards him. He refuses to take it. Tears of frustration trickle down my cheeks. "Damn it Mikah, take it." I push it at him again and again he refuses. "I'm not a damn charity case. I don't need your money or your food."

The bell chimes. We’ve finally reached the skyway. As soon as the doors open, I drop the folded up paper with his money in it and bolt from the elevator, turning left, hoping and praying I can get away. "Vivienne, stop." I hear him say behind me. I keep going, walking quickly but not running. Yet. I'm trying hard to not make a scene. But he doesn’t seem to care about that. He catches me quickly, spins me around. I grab hold of his arm to catch my balance so I don't go sprawling onto the floor.

Available on Amazon

BIO:

It is from Glendale, Arizona that Zoey Derrick, a mortgage underwriter by day and romance and erotica novelist by night, writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story.
 


Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it. 
 


The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.

ONLINE LINKS:

Website WWW.ZOEYDERRICK.COM

Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK

Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK.1

Twitter WWW.TWITTER.COM/ZOEYDERRICK

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7060851.Zoey_Derrick

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Zoey-Derrick/e/B00CNZYGZU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Cover Reveal! 'Good Intentions' by D.N. Simmons

Coming soon ...

Good Intentions

the latest offering from author D.N. Simmons

BLURB:

Scitech Labs was handsomely commissioned by the United States Military to design a revolutionary serum that would create the ultimate soldier. If successful, the soldier would have an increase in endurance, strength, awareness and overall speed. They would become the true super soldier. That's if everything went according to plan.

Scitech put its best scientists on the project and gave them a time limit to complete the job or else. With the pressure on and the stakes high, Vincent Masterson and his team put everything they had into the project. . Everything was looking hopeful until an experiment went horribly wrong. The scientists mutated their specimen's DNA, turning it into something monstrous. Now, life as we know it will never be the same.

As it stands, the only thing that can save them is one of the two things they should be running from.

Can the human race survive being caught in a bloody war between two vicious predators?

Recipe for a Winged Vampire Warrior - Guest Post by Author Caris Roane

I want to thank Andi’s Book Reviews for having me today. I thought I’d do something a little different so I created a winged vampire warrior recipe, servings: one!

But first, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about my paranormal romance work. I have six books published with St. Martin’s Press for my Guardians of Ascension series as well as one novella, BRINK OFETERNITY, published in July of 2011. For my Blood Rose series, which also features vampires in the lead roles, I self-published EMBRACE THE DARK last May. Both of these novellas are bundled in the release I’ve called: VAMPIRE COLLECTION. In entirely different ways, BRINK OF ETERNITY and EMBRACE THE DARK, explore the sexy mystique of the warrior vampire, each over-burdened by the responsibilities of his job and in need of the love of a good woman.

Recipe for the Perfect Winged Vampire Warrior

1 pair of exquisite eyes, focused and bright with passion

2 fangs, sharpened, filled with erotic potions

8 – 10 winglocks, swollen and ready to release

1 enormous pairs of wings

1 chiseled, muscled body, at least 6-5

2 massive arms for fighting the enemy

1 cup aggression, sifted repeatedly to refine

1 tablespoon of male scent: herbs, grasses, or forest-based

1/3 cup of deep, resonant voice (may simmer for hours)

3 cups possessive drive toward his woman, his breh

a pinch of humor

season with deep feelings of unworthiness

Add ingredients carefully, stirring until well-blended. Heat up the oven then bake at a high temp until smokin’ hot!

Glaze with the love of a good woman!

Makes one perfect winged vampire warrior!

Warning: Serves only one! The resulting aroma may attract predator females. Might be necessary to bolt the doors and bar the windows!

Caris Roane has published nine Paranormal novels and novellas and writing as Valerie King, fifty Regency works. In 2005, Romantic Times gave her a Career Achievement award in Regency Romance. As Caris Roane, she currently writes paranormal romance for St. Martin’s Press and also dabbles in a few self-pubbed projects. www.carisroane.com

Website: http://carisroane.com/

Blog: http://carisroane.com/journal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caris.roane?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carisroane

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3500801.Caris_Roane

  

BLURB:

THE VAMPIRE COLLECTION

Two vampire novellas from two very different series, in the same ebook called: THE VAMPIRE COLLECTION. 

 

The first novella, BRINK OF ETERNITY, belongs to the Guardians of Ascension series featuring winged vampires in a world of ascending dimensional earths. The second novella, EMBRACE THE DARK, is the first story in my Blood Rose series. Both novellas explore the sexy mystique of the warrior vampire, each over-burdened by the responsibilities of his job and in need of the love of a good woman.

* * * * * * * * *

Cover Blurb – BRINK OF ETERNITY

Discover powerful winged vampire warriors, the Guardians of Ascension, and the women they’re sworn to protect!

Warrior Gideon swore he would never see Elise Jordan again even though they’d been passionate lovers for two years. Her human nature couldn’t survive in his ascended vampire world; she would be vulnerable to attack on every front if he tried to continue a relationship with her. But when Elise starts having visions of the future of Gideon’s sister hunted by death vampires, Gideon can no longer ignore that Elise is in her Call to Ascension, her call to become a vampire. Though determined to keep her at bay, the infamous breh-hedden, an all-consuming vampire bonding ritual, wraps him up tight and demands that he protect Elise. As he strives to keep her alive during her Rite of Ascension, love threatens to overwhelm his carefully ordered, war-weary world.

* * * * * * * * *

Cover Blurb – EMBRACE THE DARK

Enter a world of blood-starved mastyr vampires and the rare women who can satisfy their deepest needs…

Gerrod, mastyr vampire of the Merhaine Realm, never thought to have his blood-needs satisfied by a mere human. But Abigail of Arizona is no ordinary woman. She stuns him with her telepathy as well as the richness of her blood. However, her human DNA makes her an unacceptable mate. Yet how can Gerrod turn her away when she alone has satisfied his blood-starvation for the first time in a hundred-and-fifty-years? 

When the dreaded enemy of all realm-folk, the Invictus, attacks at a fae wedding, Abigail’s simple human life gets turned upside down. She doesn’t know if she has the courage to pursue a path that means giving herself body and soul to a mastyr vampire. Will she return to her normal existence in Flagstaff, Arizona? Or will she embrace the dark…

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble  

Everyone who purchases the “BRINK OF ETERNITY' book will receive a free copy of “Guardians of Ascension.” Simply email your Proof of purchase of “BRINK OF ETERNITY' to Caris and she will send you a free e-book of Guardians of Ascension. Here is her E-mail carisroane@gmail.com .

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Seduced by Innocence' by Kimberly Kinrade Book Promo Tour!

Seduction comes in many forms.

"Liquid fire poured into me, filling me with the intimate sense of him as he leaned in to claim my lips with his own. I reached for him, needing him closer, but my arms couldn't close the distance between us, which grew wider with each hitched breath. So close to finally feeling something real, something carnal and deep, I cried out in frustration, dropping my hands as he disappeared. My cries deepened into a frenzy of panic and my eyes flew open. I clutched my blanket and stilled myself to calm my racing heart.  

Just a dream. Always just a dream." 

Rose Wintersong didn't have an ordinary upbringing. Raised in what most would call a hippy commune, but what is actually a powerful coven of witches, she never questions the life fate chose for her. 

Until she meets Derek O'Conner. 

Derek challenges everything Rose believes and forces her to see the secrets hidden beneath the whitewashed walls of her idyllic country life. 

Rose knows she should walk away, that the sexy martial arts instructor is bad news bred to create discord in her tight community… but the animal magnetism between them is impossible to fight. 

Caught between the passion of first love, and the steady beat of the life she's always known, Rose must choose between the innocence of her youth or the pleasures of womanhood—but lost innocence comes at a price, and Rose harbors a dark secret that could destroy everyone she loves—including Derek.  

Submit to the Seduced Saga as Derek and Rose face their future while unraveling the mysteries of their past.  

Read The First Chapter Here

By Sure to mark as "Want to read" on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4687115.Kimberly_Kinrade

  "Kimberly Kinrade will be giving away a custom made rose pendant based on the book cover, if she gets 1,000 adds on Goodreads before the launch on January 21, 2013.

 

Look for these books in 2013

January 21, 2013 -Seduced by Innocence

February 14, 2013 -Seduced by Power

TBA-Seduced by Pleasure

TBA-Seduced by Pain

TBA-Seduced by Love(less)

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for all ages and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal series The Forbidden Trilogy, her lower grade fantasy series The Three Lost Kids, and watch for her New Adult romance and fantasy books coming in 2013 including The Seduced Saga, Sunrise and Nightfall, Death by Destiny and The Fallen Trilogy and her next YA fantasy adventure, The Reluctant Familiar. You can find her books on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads among other fine retailers.

 When she's not writing, she runs Daring Books Design & Marketing with her husband, Dmytry Karpov, where they help authors with all manner of marketing, editing, and design needs until such a time that their brilliant children take over the business for them. 

She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two cats who think they're gods (and probably are), her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner. 

ONLINE LINKS: 

Website  http://KimberlyKinrade.com 
Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade 
Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade 
Amazon: http://Amazon.com/author/kimberlykinrade 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4687115.Kimberly_Kinrade 

If you're an author looking for help in marketing, editing, design or self-publishing, check out http://DaringBooksDesign.com 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

'Gates of Rapture' by Caris Raine Book Promo

As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to 

drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the 

surface. With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of 

Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. 

And there’s only one woman who can help him.

Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be 

cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame 

powers—and bind her powers with Leto’s—if they’re ever going to survive.  

With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never 

knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.

Sexy and thrilling, Gates of Raptures is the breathtaking final book in 

Caris Roane's Guardians of Ascension series.

Editorial Reviews:

Praise for the Guardians of Ascension series by Caris Roane… “Caris Roane powers into the paranormal romance genre with a sexy, cool, edgy, romantic fantasy that gleams like the dark wings and lethal allure of her Guardians of Ascension vampires. Prepare to be enthralled!”—New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian 

“Roane’s worldbuilding is complex and intriguing, and in addition to her compelling protagonists, she serves up a slew of secondary characters begging to be explored further. The Guardians of Ascension is a series with epic potential!”—Romantic Times (4 1/2 stars) 

“A super urban romantic fantasy in which the audience will believe in the vampires and the Ascension…fast-paced…thrilling.” —Alternative Worlds 

“A great story with a really different take on vampires. This is one book that is sure to be a hit with readers who love paranormals. Fans of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series are sure to love this one too.” –Red Roses for Authors Blog

“Ascension is like wandering in a field of a creative and colorful dream. There are many interesting, formidable, terrifying, beautiful and unique images. They surround and envelop you in a story as old as time.” –Barnes and Noble’s Heart to Heart Romance Blog 

“Incredibly creative, Ascension takes readers to another level as you learn about two earths, vampires, ancient warriors, and a new twist on love. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride, climbing until I hit the very top only to come crashing down at lightning speed. Once you pick this book up, clear off your calendar because you won’t be able to put it down. Best book I have read all year.” –SingleTitles.com 

From the Back Cover 
The great battle has finally arrived, where love will be tested…and a world will be won. 

A BATTLE FOR THE AGES As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast—a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface. With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there’s only one woman who can help him.

A LOVE FOR ALL TIME Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers—and bind her powers with Leto’s—if they’re ever going to survive. With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had…and unlock their deepest passions.

Buy it Now links

paperback ;Kindle  

Barnes & Noble 

'Room 3' Promo

Torn away from everyday life and held prisoner in a tiny cabin, Kelli Foster must harden herself to survive torture and isolation. When Carla is introduced to Kelli’s small world, the experiments they are forced to endure take a dark turn. Kelli is forced to choose: Save her own life, or free her new friend? Sacrifice her dreams or sacrifice her love? 

Following a failed escape attempt, Kelli, Carla, and Kelli’s lover Samarta work together to unravel the mystery behind the shadowy group that has kidnapped them all. Their path to freedom lies through mind-bending discoveries and globe-trotting adventures, culminating in a battle between godlike beings that hold Kelli’s fate in their hands.

Paperback |  Kindle |  B & N Print or Nook |  Smashwords 

Join the 'Falling' Facebook Event on 1/10!

 

J Bennett is a copywriter and copyeditor living in California. Falling is J Bennett’s debut novel and book one in the Girl With Broken Wings series. J Bennett has also written a follow-up novella, Coping, and will be releasing book two in the series, Landing, on Jan. 10^th.

To celebrate Landing’s release, Falling will be available for FREE on Amazon from Jan 10 – 14^th. In addition, J Bennett will be hosting a book launch event for Landing on Facebook on Jan 10^th, which will include several fun surprises and giveaways, including a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit J Bennett’s Facebook page to RSVP for the event. All readers are welcomed. 

Also, if you like your heroes a little flawed, your humor a little dark, and a good helping of action and Chuck Norris jokes, set yourself a reminder to download Falling for free Jan 10 – 14^th.

Join the Facebook Event here https://www.facebook.com/events/456715227713223/

You can also learn more about J Bennett at her blog, www.ShyWriter.com; her website, www.JBennettWrites.com; or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/jbennettwrites. 

BLURB:

The intellectual challenge of college and the warm embrace of a serious boyfriend have given Maya the wings she needs to break away from her bookish and shy reserve. Her ideal life comes crashing down when she and her boyfriend are accosted by a stranger. A stranger with glowing hands.

Maya's boyfriend is killed. She is kidnapped. Changed. 

A rescue comes, but not soon enough. 

Maya’s senses sharpen, her body becomes strong and agile, and she develops the ability to visually see the emotions of those around her as colorful auras…beautiful auras…tempting auras. 

And then there’s the song…

Now, Maya must struggle to control the murderous appetite that fuels her new abilities, accept her altered condition and learn to trust two vigilante half-brothers she never knew she had. As she joins the battle against a secret network of powerful and destructive beings that call themselves "Angels", Maya vows to find and destroy the one who changed her.

On the bright side, at least Maya's oldest half-brother has stopped trying to kill her.

 

Read the First Chapter of 'Atonement' by Elle Chardou!

BLURB:

Deirdre Bardot is a PhD student at Harvard and on her way home for Thanksgiving when she finds out her father has been murdered in a vicious hit and run by a drunk driver.

Forced to piece her life together after such a traumatic event, Deirdre moves back to Seattle to be closer to her younger sister, Caitlyn, and their mother.

When her psychiatrist, Dr. van der Meer, suggests she needs to get away from it all and take a vacation, her best friend decides to introduce her to a friend of his who has more or less the same idea. Colin is perfect: he's good looking, self-deprecating and sexy as hell but he also happens to be Dr. van der Meer's son.

Deirdre finds herself falling hard for a guy she barely knows and one who is equally into her as she is into him. They decide a trip to Western Europe together is the perfect way to get to know one another a whole lot better.

Then an unspeakable and random act of violence occurs and Colin realizes he is forced to reveal a secret to Deirdre he has been hiding...a secret that is breaking him, and in doing so to free his conscience, he just might destroy the relationship he has created with Deirdre and lose her forever.

Read the first chapter!

 

Chapter One

“DEIRDRE, HOW ARE you feeling today?” Dr. van der Meer inquired in his usual monotone voice.

“Pretty good, I think. I’m having the nightmares less and less and the panic attacks have all but come to a stop but I warrant that more with the maximum strength prescription of Xanax I have rather than anything else,” I replied before I shifted in the comfortable chair which arranged me across from him.

Since my father’s death, I had been seeing a shrink and it was doing some good. He was a pretty much a stickler to the old-school type of good old fashioned healing and eschewed all the most popular psychotropics’ on the market for talking out my issues. However, I had just recently given up Wellbutrin after a stint with Zoloft so he wasn’t completely against handing out the drugs; at the time we mutually agreed they were needed in my case.

The Xanax had also been prescribed by Dr. van der Meer and I’d made the mistake of popping one before coming to this appointment. Big mistake. I was tired, relaxed yet out of it. I knew right off the bat this was not going to be a very enjoyable visit to my psychiatrist.

“I understand you’re thinking about going back to school,” he replied as he jotted down a few notes on his ever-present legal pad.

“I am. The Seattle branch of the University of Washington doesn’t have a PhD program in the field I was studying at Harvard but I need a change anyway. I have inquired about their Doctorate in Public Policy and Management…it seems interesting and at least I feel like I could be of some use to society.”

Dr. van der Meer stared at me with clear sky blue eyes. “Why do you talk as if you were the one who should have been sent to prison? You did nothing wrong and you’re not the reason why your father is dead.”

The tears came whether I wanted them to or not and I grabbed several Kleenex from the box the Doc kept handy. “I always felt like I was such a disappointment and now…he’ll never know me to be anything but…that. I didn’t stay in school all this time because I wanted to further my education. I just became a professional student because it allowed me to escape reality and when the recession hit, it gave me more than enough excuses. I was attending Harvard on my dad’s dime and yeah, I know he could afford it no problem but…it wasn’t what he wanted from me and now he will never know.”

“We sit down with one another three times per week and it’s always the same with you.” Doctor van der Meer put his reading glasses down and looked up at me. “I don’t think going back to school right now is the answer at all, Deirdre. I think the only thing that is going to pull you out of your funk is to live life a little. That means no more school work and no more studying.

“You’ll be twenty-nine in June and you’ve said it yourself—you are a professional student. Not because you’re not intelligent and can’t pass your classes and pick up your increasing number of degrees but because you are afraid to live life. If I didn’t think it was against the rules of my very rigid profession, I would introduce you to my son. He’s a year older than you and a professional slacker. You two would get on quite well.”

I dried my eyes before I blew my nose. “Well, what do you think I should do?”

“Your father left you with a very comfortable nest egg. Use part of it to go out there and see the world. Why don’t you take a trip to Europe? The flights are not too bad as it’s the shoulder season and the high season hasn’t begun yet. You’re allowed to stay as long as you like, yes?”

I nodded my head. “My dad grew up in Quebec City but he was born in France and maintained both his Canadian and French passports. When I was born, my mom—my real mom, not Jeanette—and he went back to the small village where his people come from in the region of Lorraine and they managed to take care of everything. So, to make a long story short, yes, I have all three of my passports and I can stay as long as I like.”

“Good.” The doctor smiled at me before his eyes filled with a certain amount of pity. “Why don’t you talk about your real mother? You have never referred to anyone other than Jeanette since we have been seeing one another.”

“She died when I was three…a brain aneurysm. It was completely unexpected and my dad was really devastated. I don’t remember much about her except when I look at photos, I can see myself in her. Dad married Mom—Jeanette—when I was five and she was already pregnant with Caitlyn when it happened.

“I don’t know…you hear all these horror stories about evil stepmothers but Jeanette was nothing like that. She always treated Caitlyn and I the same and over the years, she became my mother. I know we aren’t related by blood but…I still feel so very close to her. I suppose now that my dad is gone too, she and Caitlyn are the only close family I have left.”

“What about grandparents?”

I shrugged my shoulders apathetically. “Well, my real mother’s parents’ are dead and my dad’s parents’ are back in France. I suppose I could visit them if I decide to do this European vacation. I haven’t seen them since the funeral and Grandma was really torn up about the whole thing. It wasn’t exactly the best time to bond with them. They have never cared for Jeanette and really liked my real mom so it was awkward to say the least.”

Doctor van der Meer jotted down a few more notes. “I think we have made excellent progress but at the same time, I really do believe this is the best thing you can do for yourself. You are a grown adult and with that title comes responsibilities. If you were nineteen, my attitude would be completely different but I am a firm believer in tough love and I truly do think you need some time for yourself.”

I chose not to argue with the good doctor and we spent the rest of my session discussing which countries I should visit and when would be a good time to buy my plane ticket.

By the time I arrived home, Drew was in the kitchen making dinner. My mother thought it was plain odd he’d also taken a hiatus and moved out to Seattle with me but then again most people didn’t understand our relationship. One didn’t stay best friends with a former lover, one moved on and decided to jump back on the horse again. That hadn’t been the case for us but then again, perhaps we weren’t ready to move on from each other.

He had a busy social life and always had a steady stream of boyfriends and girlfriends. Meanwhile, I had taken to living like a goddamn hermit and dated every now and then but there’d been no one special. I was human and when he was between partners, we did have a “friends with benefits” type of an arrangement though I insisted on condoms despite my being on the pill. It had nothing to do with me thinking he wasn’t safe but it did help me remember we weren’t exclusive and kept me from ever getting too comfortable with him again.

We lived in an ultra cool three-story townhouse in Fremont. Everything was brand new, from the stainless steel appliances to the hardwood floors throughout. Although it was a vast space for two slackers in their late twenties, we kept the third bedroom as an office-guest room and we each had massive bedrooms with our own en suite bathrooms, walk-in closets and a beautiful covered patio complete with furniture, and a built in overhead heater for cooler nights.

“How was your appointment?” he inquired as I sniffed and the aroma of garlic and oregano immediately seized my nostrils.

“The good doctor thinks I should get away for a while,” I said as I sat down at the kitchen table.

Drew turned off the stove and brought a bottle of Pinot Noir and two wine glasses to the table. “I hate to think I am agreeing with a shrink but it’s true. You’re much too young to spend your days cooped up in the house, Deirdre. You lost your father and that is a terrible tragedy but at the end of the day you are going to have to move on.”

I grabbed the bottle of wine and poured myself a glass before I drank half the contents in a generous swig. “That isn’t fair. Your parents are still alive to bitch and complain at you—”

“And they do…a lot. They have absolutely no idea why the hell I decided to accompany my ex out to Seattle when I could be freezing my ass off in Beacon Hill. They especially weren’t pleased when I told them we’d already bought a place together so my finances are tied up in real estate at the moment. My mother almost had a heart attack and wired me a couple mil to my bank account to ‘tide me over’.”

I laughed as did he and I realized he still had that effect on me. The curious look that could arise in those pale gray eyes of his and the way the light bounced off his sandy brown hair. Not to mention the man had the body of an Adonis and face of a god. He was beautiful, tall and athletic with skin the color of peaches and cream and perfect facial features thanks to his German-Irish background.

So why weren’t we a couple any more? Perhaps because he’d sown his oats but to me, he would always be my first true love and unfortunately, people didn’t usually end up with their first love or a love at all. We weren’t youngsters anymore—we were a lot closer to thirty than twenty yet we still hadn’t grown up.

I loved Drew still and we had fun together but I couldn’t honestly see him as the father of my children or my husband. Despite all his wealth and affluence, he wasn’t the least bit stuck-up yet I had to believe there was something else, life beyond Drew and the only way to find that out would be to take that trip to Europe after all.

He poured wine for himself before the doorbell chimed out. “Are we expecting anyone?”

“Yep, I’ve got company.” He raised his eyebrows mischievously before he sprinted to the door.

I continued to drink from my wine and answered an earlier text with from my sister. She was just fine and wanted to know how I’d been. Caitlyn was always upbeat and chipper. She’d taken our father’s death hard initially but she had so much going on in her life, it was easy to push the grief to the backburner. Unlike me, she actually did have a career as an up and coming junior executive at Amazon and she loved her job.

Drew came back to the table laughing and joking with another guy and since they were still chatting, it gave me a chance to size up my competition.

Mmm, there was none because if it was between me and this guy, I was so out of the running.

He was tall, at least 6’2” as he was barely a couple inches shorter than Drew who was a comfortable 6’4”, and around one hundred and ninety pounds. Lean, he had nice features, alabaster skin, intriguing crystal blue eyes and flaxen blond hair. He wore the requisite outfit of indigo jeans worn slightly on the baggy side but not slacker baggy and band tee-shirt from a recent The Pretty Reckless concert.

“Oops, my bad, forgive my manners but Colin, this is my roommate, Deirdre Bardot and Deirdre, this is Colin van der Meer,” Drew introduced.

“Is this your idea of a fucking joke?” I inquired out loud.

“W-what?” Drew stuttered. “The guy and I both happen to work days at Common Bean and nights at O’Shaughnessy’s next door—calm the fuck down, okay?”

“Van der Meer?” I questioned out loud. “You know the name of my goddamn shrink is Doctor van der Meer so what I want to know is how is this guy related to my head doctor because I don’t find it the least bit funny!”

Colin and Drew looked at one another before our newest guest answered, “Your doctor is my father but Drew and I have known each other since you two moved here and he started working at Common Bean.”

“Shit,” I whispered.

I knew I had overreacted just like they’d expected me to but how did I talk my way out of this one?

“Sorry, I’ll be right back.”

I stood and nearly ran up the stairs to my bedroom before I shut the door behind myself. What the hell was I going to do? I took a chance my sister wouldn’t be too busy and called her cell phone.

“Deirdre? What’s the matter, honey?”

“You know I wouldn’t normally do this and I’m sure you’re in a meeting—”

“I’m on my way to one so talk fast,” she interrupted.

“Drew invited a new friend over and I’m sure he’s bi but there’s just one problem.”

“Well, what is it?”

“He’s Dr. van der Meer’s son. I mean, what are the odds? Seattle is huge—this isn’t Tacoma. How could this happen?” I questioned as I paced back and forth.

“It happens all the time. Some people call it just something completely random and others call it fate. Why are you trippin’ so hard, sweetie? Damn, get a grip, girl.”

“But he’s really hot and there must be something against…I don’t know…sleeping with your shrink’s son or something.”

“Mmm, he must be really hot if you’re contemplating an end to your friends with benefits situation with Drew. Listen, I gotta dash but after I get off work, I’m coming over so don’t you dare let Mister Hottie leave, okay?”

“Not on your life,” I responded before we ended the call mutually.

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BIO:

Elle Chardou is a world traveler and author of several different series.

Ms. Chardou is the author of The Ties That Bind Trilogy, The Atonement Series, The Hart Family Saga, The Vamp Saga, The Supernaturals, Beginnings: Book I (The Plague) series.

She is currently working on Killing Me Softly, Only Love, Jenna & the City of Light, and several novellas for her paranormal series.

Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada

ONLINE LINKS:

• Website
• Blog http://thebeautifulpeopleawritersjourney.blogspot.com.
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