RELEASE DAY: Heart in Hand by Franny Armstrong

Today is RELEASE DAY for Heart in Hand on all eBook sites.

Heart in Hand is the first book that Franny Armstrong has published with Three Worlds Press. Franny likes to write about heroines with a tough edge and Heart is Hand is not different, she combines romance, mystery and suspense, and a little humor, in her work. Never one to have a dull moment, she writes to entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat. All she asks is that you sit back and enjoy the ride!

Watch for the print edition COMING SOON!

Together, they must battle an invisible killer, or die.

Daphne Wilcox is a tough as nails cop, determined to stop the Heart In Hand killer. She has a history with Bryce that she can't fight. She left him because he was a daredevil, and she keeps her feet on the ground, working by the book.

Trigger is her canine partner, ready to give his life for her.

Detective Bryce Ramsey softens her edges. Framed for murder, he must depend on Daphne to prove his innocence. He still loves her, and can't help but want her back.

Can the two of them get over their past to work together and find the killer, or will one of them lose their lives to the serial killer out to ruin them?

Links:

Purchase your copy for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play at Three Worlds Press:   http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65

Excerpt:

Since becoming a cop, she seldom had reason to dress up. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she wanted to look nice for Bryce, watching sensual pride glow in his eyes when he saw her. She’d put on an emerald lace bra and G-string panties, along with garters and black nylons that stopped at mid-thigh.

Frustrated that she couldn’t do up her zipper, she finally gave up. She brushed out her long, amber-brown hair one more time, leaving it down. Checking her makeup, she nodded in satisfaction. The eyeliner made her baby-blue eyes stand out. She regretted that she had to give in and ask for help.

Opening the door to the hall, she called out. “Bryce?”

“Yeah?”

“I need you for a second.”

“Sure. I’ll be right there,” he said, still in his bedroom.

Taking one last glance at her room to make sure to leave it tidy, she turned off the light and walked to the kitchen to wait for him. While she'd put the dishes away, she heard a long, slow whistle.

A twinge in her back stopped her from putting a glass in the cupboard. Bryce stood beside her in an instant, taking the glass and finishing the job, to her annoyance.

Then she caught his scent, freshly-washed male: shaving cream, soap, and laundered clothes. For once, Daphne remained speechless.

She kept her head down and stared at the counter, her fingertips touching the edge but staying completely still, waiting…

“You wanted me?”

“I never said that!” she protested, then realized what he meant. “I mean, I need help doing up my zipper, that’s all.” Her face flushed with heat, which only stirred her temper.

He slowly began zipping her up, moving her hair away from the nape of her neck, his fingertips brushing over her delicate skin. His warm breath whispered over the sensitive skin on her neck, and she shivered.

Thinking he'd finished, she pulled away, but he’d blocked her in against the counter and spoke close to her ear.

“Wait. I have to finish with the clasp.”

“Hurry up,” she snapped, her voice throaty and sexy.

When he was done, he stepped away and went back to his room, leaving her shaking with need.

“One of these days, I’m going to kill that man!” she grumbled. All week long, Bryce made subtle passes at her, but then he’d simply walk away like nothing happened. It drove her crazy!

Clearing her throat, she yelled, “Hurry up, we’re going to be late!”

“I’m ready and waiting for you,” he said, leaning on the doorjamb.

Rolling her eyes, she picked up her coat about to put it on, but he took it from her and helped her into it.

“Since when do you have manners?” she grumbled.

“I’ve always had them. I just never used them.”

“Don’t I know it?”

Turning to Trigger, she bent over to pat him.

“This is one party you’re going to have to miss, pal. Sorry.”

“Lucky dog,” Bryce said as they walked to the front door.

“Why?”

“Because, you’re always nice to him. You’re seldom nice to me.”

“You don’t deserve it. He does.”

Bryce slipped on his coat and shoes, and followed her outside to the SUV. She insisted on driving and barely waited for him to buckle up his seatbelt before she barreled down the road at a fast clip.

“Why don’t I deserve it?” Bryce asked.

“Because,” she said, leaving no room for discussion.

“Tried without a jury. Nice.”

“You’ll get your jury in the new year, Ramsey. One trial at a time.”

Franny Armstrong 

Franny Armstrong is a mother of three and a grandmother of four. Her husband supports her imagination and has the patience of a saint. She’s been writing since she was a child,

creating plays to act out in front of the neighborhood children. .She charged them five cents admission to join her in the family garage for the play.

Since 2002, after a serious breakdown, Franny had to express herself on the computer since she couldn’t speak, everything coming out gibberish at that time. She’s slowly healed to the point that she can function fairly well. Writing was the best medicine for her, and still is.

Franny loves to write about rainforests and Caribbean islands rather than about cities. Her characters are well rounded and share her wacky sense of humor.

Heart in Hand is published by Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works please visit: Three Worlds Press.

Tuesday Teaser: Ulfric's Mate: Book 1 of War of the Weres ..The Battle Begins

Killers are attacking the pregnant weres of Nolan Littlebull’s pack, the Wahpawhats. Can he catch them without destroying his own chance at happiness?

Alex George, only half Native and half were, was a misfit with the Lupin pack despite being the healer. Roxy, the ruthless Lupa, wants her for something nefarious, but Alex doesn’t know what. She will join with Nolan, Ulfric of the Lupins rival pack, to bring Roxy to justice, but will it cost her her life?

Even worse, all signs pointed to Nolan being her mate. The wolf in him calls to hers, and his honor and strength—not to mention downright sexiness—calls to her as a woman. But their joining could tear apart two packs.

Can they bring the killers to justice—pack or human, work through pack politics, and be together? Can they even survive?

Excerpt:

She did not want him to leave, and certainly, he did not want to go. His mind touched hers, and she felt his reluctance. Even the truck seemed to resist taking him from her. It creaked and groaned as he drove away, like she had not heard before. She frowned. Since her mother had taught her to never ignore what some would call silly nonsense, but in reality was their intuition, she tried to think of why he should not leave her.

It wasn’t as if she’d never been alone before. She was tougher than she looked. Being bullied tended to either make people tough or break them, and it had made her tough. Being a healer had kept her com-passionate, but it didn’t make her stupid. Noting the landscape, she looked around for anything suspicious.

The landscape lay open for the most part. A gravel pit turned irrigation pond was full, but there were no animals near it. Strange. With standing water not very plentiful around the valley, she would have expected more activity. She tried to remember what sights and sounds had been around when they left this morning but could not. She’d been too focused on Nolan and the recent murders.

Despite not seeing anything specific, she trusted her instincts and once inside, locked the handle of the outside door and bolted it. She tried to put her finger on her unease. It frightened her more that

she could not pinpoint what her mind had sensed than an actual threat would scare her. Insidious threats scared her the most since sneak attacks tended to do the harshest damage and she could not fight what she could not see.

She sat on the couch to try to get comfortable. But her growing fear made her restless. She moved into the big kitchen just off the living room and put together a sandwich. Presumably it was fine, but it tasted like sawdust to her. Putting the half-eaten meal down, she grabbed a soda out of the refrigerator. She leaned against the island and contemplated every detail she had seen when overlooking the landscape, both now and when they’d left earlier.

Then it came to her. The difference was the smell. Amid the smells of agriculture and heat, the breeze now contained the subtle hint of fear. The animals were afraid, but it was not a cohesive fear; it was instinctive.

Werewolves in human form?

She walked over to the sink and looked out the windows over-looking Nolan’s land to both the south and west. Nothing. Even with her better-than-average vision she could not see any signs. “Probably just nerves over being mated,” she muttered to herself to cover up the silence of the big, unfamiliar house.

Just then, the French doors off the kitchen to the outside deck ex-ploded in a combination of glass and wood fragments. Hoping to get to the front door, she ran around the island to the stairs. But as she reached the landing of the curved staircase, the front door smashed open with a loud crash. She turned to go back up the stairs, but someone stood there.

“Jason,” she said flatly. He had wanted to mate with her, but his touch made her skin crawl. The scent of the other were came to her from behind. “Boris. What a surprise,” she said facetiously, turning her head to peer over her shoulder and trying to keep her fear at bay. Nothing excited Boris and Jason like fear.

“Why are you here?” Hoping the demand covered up any residu-al dread she might have left in her voice, she tried to push Jason away from her.

“We’re here for you of course,” Jason responded with a leer. She couldn’t help the revulsion that crossed her face at the idea of him touching her. “Oh don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t be touching you like that—yet.” His raucous laughter scratched against her mind like nails on a chalkboard.

“I don’t understand.”

“No, you don’t,” Boris said before putting something against her arm. She felt pressure, and then her vision swam before she blacked out.

Want more?

Buy links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Meet the Author:

Leona Bushman goes by many names but the most well-known one is superhero. She earned this

name from saving a kangaroo from a tree—and yes that is as hard as it sounds. The dragons taught their queen how to write, and Queen Leona hasn't looked back, even when her muse tries to muck things up.

She can be found goofing off and loving dragons and other creatures of the supernatural at these places:

Twitter: @L_Bushman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeonaBushman

Coming Soon from Three Worlds Press:

Cerisa's Quest

The Ulfric’s Mate is published by Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works please visit: Three Worlds Press.

Thursday Thought's: Meet Katorah with Hot New Release and Trio in Hers to Have

Today the Grove welcomes Katorah Kenway to have a seat by the fire pit and share with us about herself, her writing process, and her new release, Book 1 of the Ackerman Security series, Hers to Have.

Storyteller’s Grove: Thank you for coming Katorah.

Katorah Kenway: It’s my pleasure.

SG: Tell us about yourself and what brought you to writing?

KK: Writing under the pseudonym of Katorah Kenway, or Katorah K, I grew up with a love of books beginning around the age of ten when a teacher introduced me to the works of Beverly Cleary. From that point forward I read everything I could get my hands on for both enjoyment and knowledge. I'm notorious for staying up all night to finish a book because I want to know how it ends.

Inspired by the books, I turned my passion towards writing. It’s a hobby, mostly, but something I enjoy immensely. About five years ago, thanks to the encouragement of some amazing friends, I decided to devote my spare time to creating something for others to enjoy; hence the birth of Hers to Have. It was an idea that had been bouncing around in my head for years. The characters were constantly battling to be heard, so I finally sat down and put their words on paper, so to speak. I used to think authors were a bit off kilter when they'd talk about the characters in their books talking in their minds, telling them what way the book needed to go. Now, I understand the concept completely because it happened to me and is still happening as I write the second book in the series. Each character wants to be heard and have their story told.

Writing is an outlet to help relax my mind from the day to day stresses in life. If I'm having a bad day, I can sit down, write a few paragraphs, get lost in the words and forget about any other worries I might have.

SG: Share with our readers a little about your book.

KK: I’m proud to introduce the Ackerman Security series with the first book, Hers to Have. The book has a mix of mystery, playfulness, and of course, passion.

Here’s a brief description:

Life sometimes doesn't happen the way you envision it. One tragic event can change your life, how you decide to handle it is your choice. Hannah's life was turned upside down at a young age but she made the bold decision to take control of her destiny not expecting she would uncover a family secret and find the loves of her life.

Brothers of the heart, Spade and Nick have been best friends since childhood. Having hidden talents between them, they became the most sought after two-man team for special ops until they grew tired of the dark side of their jobs. "Retiring" from their positions, they jumped at the opportunity to help the development of a new private security firm. In their personal lives they’d resigned themselves to the fact that never would they find a woman that was right for them; having known all their lives that they could only love one woman between them; then in walked Hannah Ackerman and Fate intervened.

As an author, I love the chemistry between the trio, but the supporting characters are just as important in my eyes. Book two is nearly complete and the third book is slowly unraveling in my mind.

SG: What made you choose to self-publish your book?

KK: Being someone that has O.C.D. tendencies, it drove me crazy the way each publisher wanted your book submitted in a different format. What's the deal with that? Can't we all get on the same page? I have one book saved in about fifteen different ways because each place you submit it wants something different. Tired of dealing with that and the politics of things, I decided to give self-publishing a try. While you still have different formats, so far I have one for print, one for Amazon Kindle, and then another for Smashwords, it's still a much smoother process than dealing with publishing companies. I will say however, that having a publisher behind you helps with marketing aspects, though.

SG: What’s your sign? How do you think it affects your writing?

KK: I’m a Libra, but should have been born under the sign of Virgo and it’s often obvious that I fall between the two. I’m all about the balance of things but love to have my creative side shine. When I saw this question, I went back and read the descriptions of Virgo and Libra according to psychicguild.com and sat there with my jaw dropped at the comparison to my real life. It was astonishing.

I suppose the way it affects my writing is that I want a balance between the characters; how they work together as a unit and get along as a family. At least in the current series I’m working on. While some of the characters have resigned themselves to the fact that in their minds they don’t deserve love or will never receive it, I like to prove them wrong and remind them of their desire to love and be loved.

SG: What do you love to drink while you write?

KK: Water. Pure and simple. My indulgent drink though is a turtle latte, hot, no whip, yes both

drizzles (caramel and chocolate). I frequent the local coffee shop so much that they know my voice as soon as I start to place the order through the drive-thru, they interrupt with a greeting and tell me my drink is already being prepared. My favorite time to drink any coffee drink is at night after eating supper, even in the summer time. The warmth of the drink relaxes my mind and helps me to focus on the task at hand, which is usually writing.

SG: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

KK: Shemar Moore, Chris Hemsworth, and Randy Orton. (Lost in thought, fanning myself then shaking my brain back into focus.) Oh! Did you mean necessities? Then I’d have to say water, my laptop, and a solar powered generator so I could continue to write even if it might be from a delusional state because the sun and I are not a good combination. I definitely have an inner Vamp running around in my bloodstream.

SG: If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?

KK: Live life to the fullest and don’t let the world knock you down. No matter how many times others, or life in general pushes you backward, take two steps forward to counteract the effects. You can overcome anything if you set your mind to it. But most of all, don’t lose the ability to love.

SG: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

KK: I went on a scouting trip to seek out a vehicle for a Repo Man which turned into a tour of the town. I decided right then and there that at some point and time I’d have to get some stories from this guy to use in future books. The fictional ideas that were sprouting out in my mind as the day went on had my laughing internally. While I get that only I understand the humor of this, I had to share it. Then again, it’s possible the friend that was with me that day probably knows more about my thoughts than I’d care to admit.

SG: If you were to have a romantic dinner with a fictional character, who would it be and describe the ENTIRE evening.

KK: Call me crazy, but I’d have to choose LeRoy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS. Yep, that’s what I said. While I admit, I’ve always had a thing for Mark Harmon in my real life, it’s Gibbs that I’d want to spend the evening with.

We’d go to his place, of course, because hey, what girl can resist working with her hands on a boat, alongside a distinguished man, while drinking whiskey from a mason jar that used to hold nuts and bolts.

I’d spend the evening picking his brain about his life as a Marine Sniper and an NCIS agent so I could use that knowledge in my writing. Now if the conversation and multiple drinks were to lead to a sensual kiss and possible other things, who am I to complain? The man might be older, but he is still a hottie in my mind.

  ~~~~~~~~~

 Writing under the pseudonym of Katorah Kenway, or Katorah K, she grew up with a love of books from the time she was ten years old when a teacher introduced her to the works of Beverly Cleary. From that point forward she read everything she could get her hands on for both enjoyment and knowledge. 

Currently pursuing her second chance at life with the help of friends from around the world, she chose to turn her love of books into a new hobby. With her laptop practically glued to her legs, she's spent the past couple of years pounding on the keys to create numerous story lines. Finally picking one whose characters spoke to her on a personal level, the Ackerman Security Series was born. The characters in the book are constantly in her mind telling her what they want to do and what direction the series should go.

While she likes to keep her family life private, hence the pseudonym, she wants to acknowledge that her child has given her the strength and courage to pursue her writing career along with the close knit group of friends she has from around the world. 

Why did she choose a smiling latte for her profile pic? Because she is addicted to soul-warming drinks and her philosophy in life is no matter what bumps you run into, no matter what hurdles you have to cross, keep smiling. It'll make you feel better and maybe bring a smile to someone else's face in the world which is just one step closer to happiness all around.

Links to follow Katorah:

On Amazon: amazon.com/author/katorahkenway

My blog: http://katorahs.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

FB: https://www.facebook.com/katorah.kenway

       https://www.facebook.com/katorahk/timeline

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/katorahk

Where to buy the books:

Amazon (eBook and Tradeback)

Smashwords (eBook formats)

Thursday Thoughts: Interview with Kenneth Hoss, author of the Kelli Storm series

This week, I am privileged to have the chance to chat with Kenneth Hoss, author of the highly successful Kelli Storm series, Book 4, Eye of the Storm which releases on the 16th.

Author's Synopsis:  

The body of a Russian prostitute is dumped in a Washington Heights park and Detectives Kelli Storm and Eric Ryder are called to the scene. A note found on the woman’s body containing her name and that of a former Russian mobster leads Kelli to an old nemesis.

When they confront a Russian Diplomat and the Russian Brotherhood with little success, they seek the help of an FBI contact who aids them in finding a connection between the Diplomat and a corrupt FSB Agent, and uncover a criminal conspiracy between a dangerous Mexican cartel and a notorious New York crime family.

As Kelli peels away the layers of death and corruption, she soon finds herself targeted by these organizations, all wanting to eliminate the threat to themselves and their livelihoods.

~~~~~
Please welcome, Kenneth Hoss to the Grove.

Storyteller’s Grove: So, Ken, tell us about yourself and what brought you to writing?

Kenneth Hoss: Well, I’m in my late 50’s and single. My day job, when I’m working, is in the IT field as an analyst. Right now I’m taking time off after working a contract for the past two years. I must say, it is nice not to have to get up in the morning and run out the door.

I started writing back in High School; I had a lot of stories in my head, and needed to get them out. Back then I read mostly Science Fiction; Heinlein, Bradbury, Asimov and the like. Of course, it was all done with pen and paper back then, no computers and my parents wouldn’t get me a typewriter. (Yes, we had already moved on from stone tablets, even though the dinosaurs were still rambling through the neighborhood.)

I continued my writing while in the Navy and wrote a Fantasy novel based on a world I created for Dungeons and Dragons. (Yes, I did play the game and even became a Grand Dungeon Master. Big nerd.) The book never got published as I was naïve enough to believe in a publisher who was just a bit unscrupulous and informed me after I sent my entire MS that they never received it. With no backup copy, (still no computer), I was sunk. Suffice to say that I learned my lesson. I stopped writing for a while; several years in fact, until an old High School girlfriend gave me a push.

After several “bad” starts, Kelli came along and rest is history.

SG: Share with our readers a little about your book.

KH: Kelli Storm is back for another book. This time the stakes are even higher when she and her partner, Eric Ryder, uncover a major criminal enterprise involving a Russian Diplomat, a corrupt FSB Major, a dangerous Mexican cartel and one of New York’s deadliest crime families.

SG: What made you choose to self-publish your book?

KH: After trying the traditional route with the first book, and getting no results, I began looking for alternatives. Of course with my previous bad experience with vanity presses, I avoided that route. When a friend and fellow author told me about Smashwords, I looked into it and once I had checked all of the fine print, which there was none really, I published Storm Rising.

SG: Now for the fun questions... let's start with... What’s your sign? How do you think it effects your writing?

KH: I don’t believe in astrology, but I am a Pisces and I don’t think it effects my writing at all.

SG: What do you love about writing? Hate?

KH: A good question. I love writing because it lets me get the stories out of my head. It can get annoying when your MC keeps nagging at you. What I hate most is editing and writing the synopsis, trying to condense an entire book into a few short paragraphs.

SG: Are you more of a hunter or a gather?

KH: Tough one. I suppose I’m a little of both. I’m always hunting for a good deal, and I love going to the grocery store or local farmers market.

SG: Do you believe in Bigfoot?

KH: Sure, I’ve even seen a “Bigfoot” type creature in my area, when I was camping at a local lake. I believe it was named the Fouk Monster, as it was originally discovered in Fouk, Arkansas. I also believe in UFO’s.

SG: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

KH: Books, lots of wine, and a camping stove.

SG: If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children?

KH: “Don’t make the mistakes in your lives that I’ve made in mine.”

Thank you for joining us and giving your readers and ours a glimpse into the workings of your mind.

If you have not read the excerpt posted last week, you can read it by clicking HERE.

To read any or all of the first three novels go to Mr. Hoss' Amazon Page and watch for the upcoming release of Eye of the Storm on August 16th.

Writer Wednesday:Excerpt for Eye of the Storm, Book 4 of the Kelli Storm Series (Kenneth Hoss-Author)

This week I have the pleasure of featuring an except from Eye of the Storm the fourth novel in Kenneth Hoss’s Kelli Storm Series. I have had the privilege of reviewing previous installments of the series and look forward to an author interview with Mr. Hoss next week and an official review of Eye of the Storm in the near future.

Enjoy this taste of the Storm and if you haven’t read the other three books, I will provide a link at this end of this post. While each book stands alone as solid stories, they are even better when read as a whole.  So if you haven’t….get on it!

Author’s Synopsis 

The body of a Russian prostitute is dumped in a Washington Heights park and Detectives Kelli Storm and Eric Ryder are called to the scene. A note found on the woman’s body containing her name and that of a former Russian mobster leads Kelli to an old nemesis.

When they confront a Russian Diplomat and the Russian Brotherhood with little success, they seek the help of an FBI contact who aids them in finding a connection between the Diplomat and a corrupt FSB Agent, and uncover a criminal conspiracy between a dangerous Mexican cartel and a notorious New York crime family.

As Kelli peels away the layers of death and corruption, she soon finds herself targeted by these organizations, all wanting to eliminate the threat to themselves and their livelihoods.

Excerpt

                                   Friday September 27^th – 9:45 A.M. – Elizabeth, New Jersey

                                                 Corbin Street – Maher Terminals Inc.

Kelli flipped through several pages of the manifest, shook her head and looked back at the clerk. “Exactly how many containers were on this ship?”

The little man adjusted his glasses, tapped the keyboard in front of him, studied the screen and looked up at Kelli. “Exactly three thousand four hundred, all containing machine parts. Do you want to know where they are?”

“No, I don’t. What I want to know is, were these containers inspected, and if so, who inspected them?”

“Are you kidding me? Do you know how many containers come through this port every day? Even the Department of Homeland Security admitted that it was impossible to check all of the containers coming in to U.S. ports. Sure, if we feel there’s a reason to inspect a container, it gets inspected, but otherwise, it just goes on to its destination.”

Kelli looked at Greg, shook her head and turned back to the clerk. “So can you tell me if any of these containers are still here?”

He shrugged, looked back at his screen, tapped a few keys and nodded. “It looks like there are three containers from that ship that haven’t been picked up by the carrier yet.”

“And where are these containers?”

“Section B, spaces twelve, thirteen, and fourteen,” he said and looked back up at her.

“Okay, get somebody to take us to them; I’d like to see these machine parts.”

“Sure, you got a warrant, right? Those containers are private property; you can’t just open them up. Besides, your NYPD, this is New Jersey, you don’t have any jurisdiction here.”

Kelli leaned over the desk, her face inches away from the clerk’s face. “True, I may not have jurisdiction, but my friends here do, isn’t that right, Special Agent Gallo?”

“That’s correct, Detective Storm,” he said as he stepped up next to the desk and tossed the warrant down.

“Now, I want you to get on the phone and get someone over here to take us to those containers.”

The clerk nodded as he fumbled for his desk phone. “Yeah, sure. I’ll get someone from security over here. What’s so important about these containers anyway?”

“Maybe nothing, but it’s possible that one or all of them were used to smuggle young women into the country, as in human trafficking, sex slaves,” she said, her eyes focused on his. “Now, make that call.”

“Shit, really? I mean you hear about it, but you never think about it,” he said and hit a button on the phone and waited.

                                                                     ****

The first two containers held exactly what was stated on the manifest, crates of machine parts, bound for Chicago. When they cracked the doors on the third container however, it was all they could do to keep from vomiting. The overpowering stench emanating from the open door was just the beginning. Greg was the first one to regain his composure, and with a hand over his nose and mouth, he entered the container.

“Sick sons of bitches,” he said as he exited moments later. “We’ve got three inside, dead. I didn’t get close enough to check, but my guess is that they died from dehydration. And from the level of decomp, it looks like they’ve been here for a while too.”

Kelli looked up at him, forcing down the bile in her throat. “Those Russian sons of bitches. They kidnap these girls, throw them in this thing and then don’t even give a damn if they live or not,” she said, balling her fist, her face growing hotter. “I want these bastards, Greg; they have to pay for this shit.”

“Calm down, Kelli. They will pay, but let’s get these girls out of there first, okay?” He put his arm around her and eased her away from the container. “Gallo, Graham. One of you want to get forensics down here, and a coroner,” he called over his shoulder.

The Author

Kenneth Hoss was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas in 1957 to Albert and Mary Hoss. He served a combined total of fourteen years on active duty from 1974 to 1987 in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His tour in the Army took him to Frankfurt, Germany where he had the opportunity totravel Europe. While in the Navy, Kenneth spent most of his time stationed in San Diego and Long Beach. His Navy travels took him to Hawaii, Guam, The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Middle East and Pakistan. He has lived in several States, including South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington and California.

To read any or all of the first three novels go to Mr. Hoss' Amazon Page and watch for the upcoming release of Eye of the Storm on August 16th

Training for the Winter Olympics Can Be Dangerous: Excerpt from Cold Sweat by JS Marlo

Author's Blurb:  Can they conquer the mountains and the past in time to save Hope?

*** 

Seventeen-year-old Hope Craig is deaf and training hard to make the biathlon Olympic Team. But when she is kidnapped from the groomed trails and taken into a remote cabin in the mountains, she must battle more than the elements to survive.

On the hunt for her daughter's abductor, Colonel Amelia Matheson enlists the help of Richmond Morgan, a local Sheriff who once hurt her. To find Hope, Sheriff Morgan and Colonel Matheson must untangle a web of secrets, including their own.

Using her wits and skills, Hope sets out to escape the mountains and save the man her mother had sent to rescue her—a man who is not who he appears to be.

Excerpt

Quest loved the serenity and beauty of winter with as much passion as she loved skiing and shooting.

Her skis glided on the trail, packing the fresh snow into two parallel lines every time she raced down a hill and adding crisscross design to every slope she climbed. Ahead of her, a cute blond guy with dark brown eyes and a smile that could melt a glacier, groomed the trail. The vibrations of his machine sizzled through Quest's body, but as the distance between them grew farther, the sensation faded away.

Her rifle bounced on her back, unloaded, a comforting ally in her silent world. Alone on the trail, Quest didn't bring any ammunition for target practice and didn't wear her transmitter. Later on, once she rejoined the other athletes, she would rectify both situations.

To give her brief reprieves from the white noise she must tolerate in order to hear, Coach Goldman had requested special accommodations. Thanks to him, Quest had been granted permission to train in the early morning solitude of the sleepy mountains, outside the normal hours of operation. She appreciated the consideration.

As she ventured deeper into the forested area, the naked trees cuddled closer against the evergreens, blocking her view of the valley below.

Being invited by her coach to the altitude training camp at Snowy Tip had been a dream come true. Convincing her mother and grandfather to let her take the year off and postpone her entrance to Princeton University in order to train full-time for the Olympic trials had required grueling efforts and perseverance.

White clouds formed around her mouth with every breath she took. After two months in Montana, her lungs had adapted to the lower atmospheric pressure. She no longer felt the effect of the altitude. The trials were three weeks away. She was as ready—mentally and physically—as she'd ever be.

Beads of perspiration trickled between her shoulder blades, quickly whisked away by the microfiber undershirt she wore like a second skin. Every piece of clothing and equipment played a role, down to her gloves from which she'd cut off the tip of the right index finger to better feel the resistance of the trigger when she fired.

The flat section ahead curved around a frozen pond. Red markers delimited the perimeter of the ice surface in case some skiers were tempted to cross over.

A yellow light reflecting over the white blanket of snow caught Quest's attention. Pausing, she looked behind her. Two snowmobiles were headed in her direction. The last one pulled a rake on the ground, mimicking the grooming effect and erasing her ski tracks. Puzzled by their presence on the trail, she moved to the side to let them pass. As they approached, they slowed down, stopping a few feet away from her.

Despite the cold and wind, the ski masks covering their faces weren't common attires among the maintenance crew members. One driver stood up. Big and stocky in his black snowsuit, he looked more like a man than a woman.

Trying her best not to appear intimidated, Quest glanced back and forth between the two of them as she tried to decipher which one led the pack. "Is there a problem, guys?"

The lips of the closer individual moved. "Hope Craig?"

Only strangers—and her mother—called her Hope. "Who wants to know?"

He pulled a gun on her. "No reaching for your rifle. You're coming with us."

Want to read more? Of course you do... 

                   Get your copy here:

Cold Sweat at Breathless Press

At Amazon

Review: NYPD Detective Kelli Storm Returns in Storm Warning by Kenneth Hoss

Author’s Synopsis: When her new partner is shot during a botched robbery, Detective Kelli Storm never expected that the trail of the shooter would lead her to Colombian drug lord Miguel Garcia; the man who’s cousin she had killed months earlier, and had made numerous attempts on her life. A man she had believed to be dead.

Detectives Kelli Storm and Eric Ryder follow the bloody trail of a notorious drug kingpin from the streets of Washington Heights, New York and south to Medellin, Colombia.
When the suspect in her partner’s shooting is killed while in custody, the man makes a startling deathbed confession. With this revelation, Kelli finds herself unwillingly thrown back into the world of the drug cartels. With the aid of DEA Special Agent Gregory Larsen and Narcotics Detective Javier Vasquez, Kelli works to stop the Cartel’s operations in the city, and bring down the notorious drug lord.

Storm Warning is the second book in the Kelli Storm Series. The first in series, Storm Rising was previously reviewed here. In Storm Warning, we meet again Kelli Storm, NYPD detective with a complicated personal life, and her new partner, Eric Ryder. The action kicks of immediately with Ryder being shot in what at first appears to be a robbery gone wrong. But nothing is ever simple for Storm. This seemingly freak event opens an investigation that resurrects a supposedly dead drug lord, Miguel Garcia, who is hell-bent on killing Kelli and anyone else in his way.

If I had to suggest areas for improvement it would be in pacing and, in particular, tension. There are key scenes where the writing is more laid back than it should be. Tension can be created by the artful use of shorter sentences, clipped dialogue and vivid verbs. I found the ending to not be the climax I was hoping for in terms of tension and action. I wanted to be more on the edge of my seat and right there with Storm.

However, the action scenes are vivid without being as gory as they could be. Mr. Hoss, to these non-expert eyes, seems to have a handle on police procedure and daily life issues. The plot proceeds logically without any holes. There are no noticeable unnecessary point of view slips and with the exception of a few errors it is adequately edited, although it could use a second read through.  Kelli Storm continues to unfold as a three dimensional character and I hope to see her “issues” rise even further to surface in the future.

I give Storm Warning 4 of 5 triskeles

      

Kenneth Hoss was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas in 1957 to Albert and Mary Hoss. He served a combined total of fourteen years on active duty from 1974 to 1987 in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His tour in the Army took him to Frankfurt, Germany where he had the opportunity to

travel Europe. While in the Navy, Kenneth spent most of his time stationed in San Diego and Long Beach. His Navy travels took him to Hawaii, Guam, The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, the Middle East and Pakistan. He has lived in several States, including South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington and California.

Storm Rising - A Kelli Storm Novel is a Police Procedural and is the first book in a three book series. Storm Warning, book two in the series is now available on Amazon. Deadly Storm, book three has just been released and is now available on Amazon.

Kenneth currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Blog: http://kenhoss.blogspot.com
Twitter: @kenhoss
Independent Authors Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/kenneth-hoss.html

Last Bite at the Apple: Chapter 3 Dark Dealings

Dark Dealings, my debut novel, releases officially as an eBook on May23rd.  Today, I give you one last sample chapter to whet your appetite...or your thirst.

Watch here for upcoming details of the launch contest and blog tour!


Links to Chapters 1 and 2 can be found to your right >>>>>>> 

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

Chapter 3

           

Micaela stared into chocolate brown eyes. Not Reece, Adam. She shook out the cobwebs of the vision. Her fingers were cramped and curled. She had let go of Adam’s hands and wrapped her own hands first around the invisible rifle and then around the orb. Her palms were warm.

“Micaela, are you okay? You were gone a while.” He massaged her palms and knuckles.

“How long?”

“Ten minutes, maybe more,” he said.

Ten precious minutes. Panic squeezed her chest. “Joshua’s Cave. He’s in Joshua’s Cave. He’s hurt bad.”

“That’s over a mile from the trail.”

From the shadow of the trees, Chief Deerfield, Adam and Reece’s grandfather, emerged and spoke to Adam. “Listen to her, Red Hawk. You know what she saw.”

Micaela let out a soft gasp. “Adam, how much did you see?”

“We’ll talk later, Micaela.” Adam called to the men. “We know where he is. Grab the two-ways and the rifles.”

They raced in the direction of Joshua’s Cave. No questions.

Her head throbbed and her stomach churned. Years before, after the doctors had eliminated a possible brain tumor, they told her the auras, the headaches, the nausea were the result of migraines, but she knew better. Micaela crawled off the step, threw up into Una’s azaleas, and then passed out. When she opened her eyes, Chief Deerfield and Peggy stood over her. Tears ran down Peggy’s face.

“They radioed. They found him, Micaela, just where you said. They’re bringing him down now.”

Chief Deerfield helped Micaela stand up. Her head still pounded and her legs were rubber. He handed her a piece of willow bark. “You remember what to do with this, White Crow.”

When they were seven, Reece had begged his grandfather to make Micaela a member of the tribe and give her a Pokanoket name. Her parents and Una had been at the ceremony.

“Is Reece all right?” She chewed on the bark. The pain started to recede.

“He will be. We will take him to the enclave and help him through this time.”

Micaela’s first inclination was to insist Reece be airlifted to New York; she had a friend who would arrange a police escort. Micaela would call in favors from anyone necessary to ensure Reece’s survival. But she had grown up with the Nation and knew better, they had their own resources.

She watched as the enclave’s EMS vehicle pulled closer. Paramedics in scrubs climbed out accompanied by the aged shaman of the Pokanoket. “If you need anything, Chief Deerfield, Peggy, please tell me.”

Peggy’s eyes were locked on the path to the mountain. She didn’t answer. But knowing now how much Reece loved Peggy and how she returned that love, Micaela didn’t mind.

Chief Deerfield took her hand and walked with her and Peggy to the edge of the forest to wait. “I know what this has cost you, White Crow. We thank you for what you have done for Reece and Peggy… and for Adam.”

“I didn’t want Adam to blame himself, I know how that works.”

“Adam has a destiny and you have helped him on his path.”

Could she get off this path? For now, she would wait in the darkness with the others for Reece to come home.

  

The search team crashed back through the underbrush with a makeshift stretcher holding Reece. Paramedics met them; one grabbed Reece’s arm and, barely breaking stride, started an IV line. They eased Reece onto a gurney and slid an oxygen mask slid over his nose and mouth. The shaman stepped up with Adam as Peggy stood on the other side of Reece and brushed his hair back from his face. When she took her hands away they were smeared with his blood. The shaman began a chant. Micaela stood silent as Adam mirrored the shaman’s motions and words. When they had finished, Peggy bent over and lifted Reece’s oxygen mask so he could speak. She whispered back and laid a kiss on his cheek, then called Micaela over to his side. Reece’s face was gray; his brown eyes had a scary milky film.

“Hey Reece, long time, no see.” Micaela felt the tears pool in the corners of her eyes.

“You were there.” He attempted a smile.

“You’ll be all right. It will be just like before.”

“I’m going to be a Dad. I owe you, if you hadn’t told me….” His eyelids sagged and then shut.

Micaela eyes rose to meet Adam’s. “Is he okay?”

“We gave him something so he could sleep and heal.”

“Any idea what attacked him?”

Anger flared in Adam’s eyes. “Yes, the warriors will deal with it.” He took Micaela’s hands; a tear trailed down his cheek. “Thanks for telling him about the baby. It probably saved his life.”

“When I came out of the vision, you knew, too.”

Adam looked to the old shaman before he answered. “I told you I understand more than you realize.”

Peggy and Adam climbed in the back of the ambulance while a stone-faced warrior escorted the shaman to a waiting Jeep. Micaela watched the motorcade pull away, and then went inside.

 She woke the next morning on the sofa; a quilt covered everything except her cold bare feet. Her grandmother must have taken her stockings off. Micaela swung her feet to the floor, ready to head upstairs for a shower. Her headache was gone, but her body ached with exhaustion. She rested her elbows on her knees and weighed the merits of standing. Brown, dried pine needles protruded from between her toes. Maybe someone had used the quilt for a picnic. She carried it out on the porch and shook it over the railing. No needles. She pressed it to her face. The quilt smelled of detergent and fabric softener.

Una fussed over her the rest of the weekend. She cooked Micaela’s favorite breakfast of Secret Recipe pancakes. They went to Lafferty’s on Saturday night for Shepherd’s Pie. Una insisted on a private booth and Lafferty made sure they weren’t disturbed. Micaela noticed the furtive glances and whispers but no one came near; a blessed change from years ago. Afterwards, they drank tea with a side of Paddy’s Irish by the hearth.

Adam called Sunday morning to tell them that Reece was hanging in. It would be a long road but they were optimistic. After lunch, Micaela sat on the front porch draped in a crocheted throw while Una sat beside her sipping tea. It had rained through the night and into the late morning. Tears of water dripped from the leaves that remained on half-stripped branches. Soon the ground would be covered in frost and then snow. And so began Samhain, the Druid winter when life retreated beneath the earth and darkness ruled.

“I should get on the road. I promised Parker we would meet for a late dinner.”

“You tell your young man I expect to see him for Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t want to hear either of you are too busy.” Una shifted in her Adirondack chair to face Micaela.

“He won’t be able to make it. He’s leaving in the morning for a new office complex project in Vancouver. It’s a great opportunity. He should make partner when he’s done.”

“How long will he be gone?” The furrows between Una’s brows deepened.

“It’s supposed to take several years. He’ll be back every couple of months.” The next part was going to be hard; she knew how much Una liked Parker. “We’ve agreed to take a step back in our relationship. Just friends and all.”

“The wheel turns.” Una nodded. “Are you all right with this arrangement, dear?”

“Parker is great guy, he’s smart, sweet. We’re good together. I suppose it should be enough.” Micaela twirled a multi-hued yarn tassel on the throw between her fingers. “Not everyone can have what Mom and Da had. Can they?”

“Your mother asked me the same question not long before she met your father. Will you be here for Thanksgiving?”

“I’ll do my best, but I was just assigned to a new financing deal, my first international assignment. I don’t know what my schedule will be yet.”

“You tell Brian Moran that Una Rourke wants her granddaughter here. He won’t argue.”

“It’s not entirely up to him. One of our major clients asked for me specifically and I don’t think they celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland.”

“Ireland. Who would the client be?”

“Knowth Corporation. Judy will have a briefing file waiting for me tomorrow morning. I understand they’re headquartered north of Dublin.”

“Knowth Corporation. Interesting.”

“You’ve heard of them?”Micaela asked.

“They’ve been around for a long time. Would it be Byrne Connor, you’re dealing with?”

“Actually, my day-to-day contact will be a Liam Farrell. We are supposed to speak by video conference on Tuesday morning.”

“Of course.” Una nodded. “The Farrells have always worked for Knowth.”

Micaela knew her grandmother kept tabs on things back home. She didn’t realize it included major players in the financial community, especially ones who were as reclusive as Byrne Connor. “Is there anything else you can tell me, Una?”

“Nothing right now. Give my regards to Liam and Byrne.”

Available at Amazon for the Kindles, Barnes & Noble for the Nooks and soon at Smashqwords for most other eReaders (included iReaders)