An Inner Fire
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Fourth of July Book Binge
With communities still battling Covid-19, many traditional Fourth of July events and traditions are not an option this year. If your picnic has been nixed or your parade has been cancelled, how about celebrating with a book binge instead.
Here are a few tips and a FREE ebook to get you started.
- Pick the right books. Are you in the mood for comedy, suspense, romance or adventure? Once you decide, assemble a list of books that fit the theme.
- Get comfy. Set up your hammock or lawn chair in a shady spot. If the temps are sizzling outside, lounge around inside.
- Stock up on drinks and snacks. The idea of a book binge is that you don’t have to step away to do anything else. It’s all about reading and escaping into books. Fuel your binge with sweet and salty snacks and a few drink options.
- Hang up the Do Not Disturb sign. You might have to negotiate a few hours of ME time to thoroughly enjoy your book binge so let your family/housemates know your plans. Log off of social media, silence the phone, and spend some QT with your book friends.
Right now, An Inner Fire is free. Download a copy to start your binge list.
Grayce Walters, animal acupuncturist, harbors a secret. She hides her intuitive gifts from the world until she becomes embroiled in arson on Seattle’s waterfront.
As a key crime witness, Grayce must convince the attractive, logical, by-the-numbers fire investigator, Ewan Davis,that the fire she witnessed is part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Grayce embarks upon a mission to gather proof of the dangerous threat. She enlists the help of her cross-dressing best friend, her street-wise assistant, and Davis’ poodle, to conduct her own investigation.
As her feelings for Davis shift between white hot passion and cold fear, Grayce must risk exposing her secrets to save Davis’ life. Davis must accept things, he can neither see, nor understand to solve the mystery and finally find the love he has stopped believing in.
With nudges from the protective poodle, Grayce and Davis confront shocking betrayal and international crime on the rain soaked streets of Seattle.
If you want more contemporary romantic suspense, check out the entire Grayce Walters series, available on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited.
Have a fabulous Fourth of July!
Working Dogs on Duty
I’m always amazed and impressed by the jobs canines can be trained to perform. When I was researching and writing An Inner Fire, I met Henny, a Lab who worked as an Accelerant Detection K9.
Many of the tasks dogs assist with are well-known because of media coverage or simply because we encounter them in every day life.
Pet Therapy Dogs
Military K9s
Search and Rescue Dogs
There are other jobs dogs help with that are less commonly known but just as important.
Airport Wildlife Control – These dogs keep airport runways and taxiways free of animals and birds.
Acting and Entertainment – Toto (real name Terry, the Cairn Terrier) is probably the most famous canine actor, but it’s not uncommon for these furry showbiz pets to become jut as popular as two-legged celebrities.
Pest Control Dogs – Exterminators sometimes use dogs to detect pests such as bed bugs, termites and mosquitoes. After all, the nose knows!
What other canine occupations are you familiar with?
Meet the cast of characters from 'An Inner Fire'
My contemporary romantic mystery series featuring Grayce Walters includes a colorful cast of characters. I carefully developed each one so they would bring something unique to the series. James, Grayce’s cross-dressing best friend, is her faith sidekick, but he also adds a bit of comic relief to contrast the darker elements of the stories. By-the-book hunky arson investigator Ewan Davis is Grayce’s love interest, but his straight-laced logical nature contradicts Grayce’s intuitive approach to life. Hollie Thomas, Grayce’s feisty, tattooed office assistant, represents today’s younger pop culture element.
Included in the lineup, and just as important as any human character, is Seattle, Washington. I use specific locations and features of the city when I am plotting scenes in order to lend authenticity and realism to the story.
What makes Seattle a great “character” for a romantic mystery series? I’m happy to share my top five reasons.
- Seattle’s proximity to Mt. Rainier–58 miles—offers potential for natural disaster scenarios.
- As a port city on the border of Canada, Seattle is a logical location for stories that include international intrigue such as smuggling or terrorism.
- There are numerous naval bases on the islands surround Seattle. Think military action, submarine subterfuge and heroic service men and women.
- Seattle’s weather is notoriously dark and gray and rainy, which is equally good for setting up a cozy romantic interlude or bad guy skulking around.
- Seattle is home to several high-tech icons, such as Microsoft and Amazon, which translates into corporate espionage, telecommunications disruptions or worse!
Meet all of the characters in An Inner Fire. Available on Amazon or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Keeping Secrets - Excerpt from 'An Inner Fire'
A half hour later, he completed her recorded statement and the interview was finished. She had achieved what she had set out to do as a responsible citizen. She had given the lieutenant the description of the arsonist without sharing any of her insight.
“Thank you, Dr. Walters. Your information may be helpful.”
She was thankful to be done with the interview. She hoped never to think, dream, or come close to the red-haired man again. The gigantic lieutenant with his aura of command looked totally capable of handling the dangerous man. “I hope my description will help you find him.”
“Is this the best phone number to reach you?”
Grayce stared at the sheet of paper he handed her. She swallowed the rising panic and ignored the bone-deep awareness that the red-haired man wasn’t finished.
“I may need to contact you,” he said.
“I’ve told you everything.”
“You never know what may come up with an investigation.”
She forced her lips to curve into a smile of sorts. “Of course. You have both my office and cell number.”
When she stood, Henny stood, too.
For a man his size, the lieutenant was quick. He was next to her by the time she had picked up her purse.
She craned her neck to look up at him. His eyes were focused on her. They locked gazes briefly. Grayce looked away, trying to lessen the forceful connection between them, the heat racing through her body. She bent down to pet Henny. “It was great to meet you, girl.”
Henny had been a bright spot in the morning, supporting Grayce with her gentle, loving spirit. Throughout the interview, Grayce had agonized over how much she should reveal about her intuitive grasp of the man’s violent nature. She had almost confided in the lieutenant. She had almost believed he might be able to accept her gifts.
Almost. Almost wasn’t good enough. Almost wasn’t enough to trust. Almost would open up an abyss of her secrets.
An Inner Fire
Hot Summer Read: AN INNER FIRE
AN INNER FIRE “perfect for a summer read,” says Night Owl Romance.
Lisa Jung, a Night Owl Romance reviewer gave AN INNER FIRE a 4-star review, accompanied by this outstanding commentary:
“Debut author Jacki Delecki takes readers into the world of hot firefighters and a vet that reads dogs.
Graycee is a vet who has a practice in acupuncture for dogs. Not only is she a strong modern women she reads animals auras and receives premonitions from her dead sister. One of these paranormal encounters leads her to witness a burning shed and to the attention of Lt. Davis, the fire inspector. Things heat up for Graycee and Davis as they solve a crime and Graycee tries to protect the guy she loves. With a little help from her friends we have a happy romance for all.
An Inner Fire is a hot new romance that is perfect for a summer read. Who doesn’t love a strong alpha hero, a damsel and a poodle names Mitz? Davis is the entire typical alpha hero, but he has a sweet side. Graycee is the perfect partner. She’s strong, sweet and willing to go the extra miles for the people around her. Also the secondary characters are strong and funny. James, Graycee’s best friend, was a jewel.
An Inner Fire had a mystery to solve that kept the story interesting as the story progressing. This is an all-around a great read. I look forward to read Jacki Delecki’s next book.”
If you haven’t yet read AN INNER FIRE, get your copy today!