Romance Novels
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Preview: A Code of the Heart
Please enjoy this excerpt from A CODE OF THE HEART, Book 3 in the Code Breakers series, which releases tomorrow. Don’t miss the special $2.99 introductory price, good through Feb. 19.
Edworth’s Christmas Ball
December, 1803
Amelia Bonnington braced herself as the crowd bumped and pushed, straining to get close to His Highness. The crème of society shoved and elbowed, politely of course, since one would never want to be accused of bad manners.
The Prince Regent stood on a small platform at the front of the ballroom, elaborately decorated for Christmas. Heavy bows of greenery and bells hung on red velvet throughout the room. Hundreds of beeswax candles burned. No expense had been spared for the house party celebrating His Royalty’s visit.
Amelia had no desire to be part of the Prince’s retinue, a ghastly group who were only interested in themselves and their own pleasure.
She sucked in the little air left in the room and pushed, politely, of course, toward the door. The crowd and the heat were unbearable. She never swooned, but with the strong smell of perfume and the hot pressing bodies, she felt tonight might be her first. A maelstrom of sensations and emotions enveloped her. The last days of upheaval must have had a greater effect on her than she had wanted to believe.
Her whole world had been turned upside down and twisted sideways at this house party. In the last two days, her friends had been poisoned and kidnapped, and she had been ensnared in the French villain’s trap.
She needed to escape from this crowded room. She needed fresh air and open space. A gentleman used the chaos in crowded room to take liberties with her person. After spending years in congested ballrooms, she fully recognized the scoundrel’s ploy to press against her. His heavy eyelids didn’t conceal his roving eyes, focused down her décolletage. As his eyes remained fixated on her breasts, he grabbed her elbow pretending to help her when, in fact, he intended to pull her closer against his heavy, malodorous body.
A sick sensation started in her stomach and crawled to her throat. She pulled her arm away from his grasp, repulsive with sweat seeping through his gloves. “Sir, release me this instant.”
She was about to dig her heel into the supposed gentleman’s fat toe when suddenly a space opened around her and a smell of fresh air and lime soap surrounded her.
The perspiring man stared behind her. His slack mouth and the look of fear on his face were priceless.
She recognized Derrick Brinsley’s scent and heat—the impossible, difficult, yet appealing man. His deep, dark voice flitted down her skin like a caress. “Miss Amelia, may I escort you away from this crowd?”
Relief and something much more potent tingled along her skin. She turned quickly and found herself pressed against the broad chest of the man she had been forced to conspire with to save her friend.
“I’ve never thought I’d be happy to see you.” She refused to be like all the other women who’d be grateful to have his attention.
His lifted one eyebrow in a sardonic way that she always found irritating. He was too big, too handsome, and too confident that she’d find him irresistible. She’d never let him have the satisfaction that she did find him…almost irresistible.
A CODE OF THE HEART coming February12, 2015!
Animal sidekicks in romantic suspense
Dogs have been showing up as crime-solving sidekicks since before Columbo and his 
faithful basset hound “Dog.” An August 9, 2007 blog written for The Cozy Mystery List includes more than 35 authors who write series with canines as significant secondary characters. In my own Grayce Walters series, the heroine is an animal acupuncturist with intuitive abilities that allow her to “talk” to dogs. I was inspired to include a four-legged hero in the series by Gus and Talley, two Golden Labs who were my constant companions for many years.
Although cats make an occasional appearance, dogs join our heroines and heroes on the page much more frequently. Let’s take a look at what makes dogs popular characters in romantic suspense.
Dogs are loyal.
Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and according to Cesar Milan, it isn’t because dogs depend on people for food, water and shelter. Dogs are pack animals, which is why dogs are seen attaching themselves to people and even other animals. This pack instinct means dogs are affectionate and have a need to bond with their “pack mates.” These characteristics make dogs good companions and confidantes for our fictional characters.
Dogs are cute.
Virtually everyone loves dogs. Stoic soldiers cry when an Army dog is killed in action. Little kids want to pet that frisky, tail-wagging puppy. Old ladies sit for hours with their lap dogs. Young women are drawn to men walking dogs in the park (it reflects men’s nurturing side). Dogs bring out the “aww” factor in all of us. Writers use dogs to tap into readers’ fond memories of their own special Fido or Duke or Spot.
Dogs are intelligent.
All animals have the potential to play a significant role in your story, but dogs are particularly well qualified to find a clue, rescue a damsel in distress or take down the bad guy. Inherent qualities such as intelligence, strength, stamina and scent detection make it believable and logical that your canine characters can help solve the crime.
Dogs have personality.
Ask people to describe the nature of cats and they are likely to use words like “independent,” “finicky” or “arrogant.” They don’t distinguish a huge difference in breeds of cats like we do with dogs. The wide range of traits and characteristics associated with dog breeds make is vastly easier to “cast” a canine as a character, depending on the tone, voice and sub-genre of the book. If your heroine is a snobby socialite, pair her with a Yorkshire Terrier. If your hero works search-and-rescue, partner him with a Labrador Retriever. Using dogs in your story can reflect the traits of your heroes and heroines, and even villains. The variety of dog breeds makes is possible to cast whatever type of character your story demands: a noble German Shepherd, an elegant Standard Poodle, a playful Jack Russell Terrier, an agile Border Collie.
Do you have a favorite fictional canine?
COVER REVEAL!
Here it is! The cover reveal for A CODE OF THE HEART, book 3 in the Code Breakers Series. Another job well done from the wonderfully talented Kim Killion.
A CODE OF THE HEART, the story of Amelia Bonnington and Derrick Brinsley, is scheduled for release in February 2015.
Authors Give Thanks
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would fun to see what authors are thankful for this year. I asked a few of my writer friends to share what they are grateful for. I hope you’ll add your own thoughts to the list.
For what am I thankful? Sunny days, good friends, books, and chocolate. But more seriously, I’m thankful for my family and friends. Without their love, understanding, and support (and hours of talking writing), I would be lost! And I’m thankful for my writing. I started late, but now I can’t imagine a day without telling stories. ~ Barbara Bettis, The Heart of the Phoenix
I am thankful for all of those in my life who have taught me to never believe in the word impossible. ~ Kelly Bowen, I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm (coming December 16)
What I’m thankful for: I’m profoundly grateful that my mother survived the stroke she suffered in October, and that I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and the ability to pursue my passion for writing full-time. ~ Collette Cameron, Triumph and Treasure, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series (coming December 3)
I’m thankful for my retirement from the day job, which gives me time and money to write, and for the fellowship and support of my writing friends, and for my family. ~ Gail Hart, Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride
I am, as always, most thankful for my wonderful family. This year, I am especially thankful for all the support they have given me en route to the publication of my first book, Lady Elinor’s Wicked Adventures. ~ Lillian Marek
I’m grateful that I’m able to create characters and stories. And I’m grateful for all the people who read and are entertained by my stories.~ Jacki Delecki, A Christmas Code
What are you thankful for this year?
Excerpt: WOMEN UNDER FIRE
If you haven’t picked up my latest release, WOMEN UNDER FIRE, Book 2 in the Grayce Walters series, enjoy this excerpt.
About WOMEN UNDER FIRE:
Life has heated up for Grayce Walters: thrust into the public eye and hounded by the media after solving an arson case with a critical clue from a French Poodle. When Ewan Davis, the sexy arson investigator Grayce has been steaming things up with, starts talking commitment, she definitely feels the burn.
Then a desperate mother begs Grayce to help find her missing daughter—an Afghanistan war veteran suffering from PTSD, and Grayce reluctantly takes on the case, following a disturbing clue provided by the missing young woman’s cat. Calling once again on the aid of her cross-dressing best friend and her shrewd assistant, Grayce uncovers a terrorist plot with chilling international implications.
Grayce races to rescue the young veteran before the escalating danger explodes. But if she manages to escape the threat, will she find the courage to commit to the fiery passion that awaits her wrapped in Davis’s arms?
Click here to read the opening scene of WOMEN UNDER FIRE.