jacki delecki

Tag

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!

Thank you for your service, Woof!

Dogs have been used in war from since the start of civilization. The Greeks and Romans used dogs as sentries or patrols, although they were also taken into battle. It was during the Seminole Wars that dogs were first officially used in the U.S. military. Since then, dogs have served as messengers, guard dogs and propaganda mascots. They have also been used in experimental medical treatments, detection and tracking, scouts, law enforcement, search and rescue, drug and explosives detection, therapy dogs and for intimidation purposes.

The bond between handlers and their combat canines is extraordinary, and holds special significance. Because many handlers and canines rotate through platoons or join units that have been together for months, even years, they are often outsiders. The strength of this partnership makes it easier to endure the feeling of being an outsider.

For injured and wounded veterans, dog therapy has proven exceptionally effective in aiding in recovery from PTSD. They also serve as companion animals and service dogs.

Dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and faithfulness. These characteristics are what make military dogs four-legged heroes.

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.

Win A CODE OF LOVE audiobook!

ENTER TO WIN! Comment or share this contest announcement for a chance to win an audiobook version of A CODE OF LOVE! Contest runs Aug. 1-15. One winner will be randomly selected and announced via Facebook on Aug. 16. Good luck!

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!