Sneak Peek Sunday: The Certainty of Deception by Jeanne McDonald

Jeanne McDonald is revealing an excerpt of her upcoming release The Certainty of Deception book 2 of The Truth in Lies Saga coming June 2014.

The Certainty of Deception cover will be revealed on April 25, 2014.

“Now,” he continued as though I’d not spoken, “regarding Miss Hamilton.”

Every bit of my winner’s high was gone.  I already knew what was coming.  

“What about her?”

“Has she consented to the paternity test yet?”

“Morgan informed her that it’s safe for the baby now, but she’s not yet consented.”

“Hmm. I see.”

I bit my tongue.  It took everything inside me to maintain my control.  My father was baiting me.  This was a tactic I knew all too well.

“I assure you.  She will have the test done.  You have my word.”

“You word is worthless, Andrew.  Actions are more valuable.”  He paused.  My pulse quickened.  The man was hundreds of miles away, yet I felt as though I were sitting in front of him getting in trouble for stealing the Bentley when I was sixteen.  “Have you consider what you will do if the test confirms the child is yours.  Do you plan to do the right thing by this family and marry Miss Hamilton?”

I slapped my hand over my face.  There was no way in hell I would marry Olivia.  McKenzie was the only woman for me.  “I’m not marrying her.  I’ll draw up a custody agreement, but I refuse to be tied to Olivia by anything more than the child.”

My father huffed in aggravation.  “How is it possible that you’re my son?  This type of behavior is unacceptable.  Where is your sense of propriety, of duty?  Have you not learned anything, Andrew?  You have a responsibility as a Wise to maintain the image this family upholds.  Traditional family values.  You failed me ten years ago.  Do not fail me again.”

*This excerpt is subject to change for final publication

Begin McKenzie and Drew's journey with The Truth in Lies.  Now available on Amazon.

Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event.  She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry.  She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend. 

Her passions include a "mild" Starbucks addiction, music, reading, quotes, movies, and romance.  When she's not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.

Where to find Jeanne

Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

Goodreads   |   Amazon

Sneak Peek Sunday: Soldier On by Sydney Logan

 

Sydney Logan is revealing the book trailer for her upcoming military romance, Soldier On. 

Be sure to add Soldier On to your Goodreads Shelf!

 

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author who may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with music (seriously, she loves everything from Eminem to Johnny Cash). She also has an amazing husband and a ridiculously spoiled cat, both of whom join her in soaking up the stunning views from their East Tennessee front porch. Find her books on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, and TWCS Publishing House. Visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 1 Day To Go!

The countdown continues.

1 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

We sat across from each other outside a little café with our food, when she decided I’d been quiet long enough. “I know you aren’t pleased with Anna’s decision, but I hope you know that as her attorney, I have to abide by her wishes.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“So what is it you wanted to talk to me about, then?”

“What about a compromise?”

“I’m listening.”

“Anna is scared to death of people. You know that. Getting in front of an entire court room . . . I’m not even sure if she could do it. No matter how much she wanted to. What if . . . what if she made a statement instead. Couldn’t they use that just as easily?”

“They could. It’s not as effective with a jury, though, if it goes to trial.”

“What if Jade and I added statements about our observations of Anna? That combined with Coleman’s and Anna’s has to be worth something, doesn’t it?”

“It’s possible. Let me feel out the prosecution and see what kind of a deal they are willing to make. As I told Anna, I think it’s more that they want to go after Stephan. Make an example out of him. I’m not sure why, though. He’s done a lot for people in this city.”

“He’s a rich boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth who thought he was above the law.”

She smirked. “Something like that.”

“Look. As much as I don’t like Coleman, I don’t really think he deserves to go to prison. He saved Anna. That has to count for something.”

“Are you willing to make a public statement to that affect?”

I nodded.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Anna off that witness stand.”

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 2 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

2 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

As soon as Emma drove away, Anna retreated into her room, and I was left to stew over what had just happened.

“Are you all right?” Jade asked.

“Not really,” I admitted.

“She’s right. It is her decision.”

“I wish it wasn’t.”

“It’ll work out. It has to.”

As much as I wanted to believe Jade, I’d seen enough of the world to know that wasn’t always the case. “I have to do something.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. I need to think.”

An hour later, it came to me. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t thought of it before, but I immediately picked up the phone and called Emma. Thankfully, being the weekend, she hadn’t spoken with the other lawyers yet and agreed to meet me for lunch. 

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 3 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

3 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

I looked over at Anna and saw a determination in her eyes that had been missing since that evening in Coleman’s condo.

“No one is making me. It’s my choice.”

“Please, Anna. Don’t do this. It will destroy you.”

She turned away from me and faced Emma again. “I want to do it. I have to.”

“Anna, you understand this will most likely mean that the media will find out who you are. Not just your name but what you look like, and maybe even where you live. People are going to have a lot of questions. They’re going to want details of your time with Pierce. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

“Stephan saved me. I won’t let him go to prison for it.”

Everyone was silent. I don’t think any of us could quite believe this was happening.

“Okay. I’ll approach the federal prosecutor with your proposal and get back to you.”

Emma didn’t stay long after that. She did bring Anna a stack of papers to look over as she always did. I had no idea what they were—Anna never shared that with either of us. 

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

Slave FREE ebook until 3/20/14

Slave, the first book in my Finding Anna Series is FREE on my publisher's website… http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/30

On iBooks... 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/slave/id453469186?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

And on Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/Slave-Finding-Anna-Sherri-Hayes-ebook/dp/B005EYTG1Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1394741828&sr=8-6&keywords=sherri+hayes

This is the first book in a 4 book serial series. 


Book 1 - Slave

Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Daren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how.

Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.

Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?




Book 2 - Need

As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn’t an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs? 

Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

The two must figure out how to navigate not only their relationship with each other, but also the outside world. A friend from Brianna’s past shows up where she least expects them, and Uncle Richard continues to enforce his well-meaning agenda to get Brianna more traditional help. As forces, both friend and foe, threaten to tear them apart, Stephan and Brianna have to navigate the turbulent waters and find what they need in each other.

Book 3 - Truth

For the last two months, Brianna has discovered something she never thought she would again. Hope. After the horror of being Ian’s slave for ten months, a fate she never imagined she’d escape, it feels as if she is living a dream. She has freedom she hadn’t expected to have again, and she wakes up every morning not fearing what the day will bring.

There is also Stephan. The man who saved her from the daily torture she had to endure at the hands of Ian and his friends. The same man who makes her heart race with just the thought of him. Life is good.

Outside forces are determined to conspire against them, however. When Brianna’s father shows up on her doorstep, it sends her world spiraling out of control. He brings with him new information about how Brianna ended up in Ian’s clutches, but will it make a difference? Will Stephan be able to find a way to make Ian pay for all he made Brianna suffer?

As Brianna and Stephan try to find out the truth, their relationship is tested. She is forced to face her past head on and deal with the ugly reality of what happened to her. Will Stephan’s love be enough to see her through her newest challenge, or will the fragile trust they’ve built come crumbling down around them as the truth makes itself known.

Book 4 - Trust

The 4th, and final, book in my Finding Anna Series releases on 3/20.

Brianna is lost for the fourth time in her life. Each time was unexpected, and each changed the course of her future. The first life-altering event occurred when her mother died, and she moved to Minnesota to live with her father.

The second was when she was kidnapped at the age of seventeen and forced to be a slave. She would never forget those ten months. Brianna thought her life was over.

Everything changed again the day Stephan steamrolled into her life and brought her home to live with him. She had no idea what to expect—what life with her new Master would hold. That first month with Stephan was, in some ways, more confusing than the prior ten. As a slave, she’d known her place. With Stephan everything was new and different. He’d given her freedom and so much more.

Five months after Stephan rescued her, Brianna once again finds her life flipped upside down.

In this fourth, and final, installment of Finding Anna, Brianna must unearth strength she never knew she possessed. Stephan can no longer protect her from the outside world. She must learn to trust herself, embrace who she is, and discover who she wants to be. Only by facing her demons can Brianna find true happiness and peace.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 4 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

4 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

This got Anna’s attention, as well as mine and Jade’s.

“You hold a lot of power here, Anna. More so than Stephan, really.”

Emma leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. I knew by her posture I wasn’t going to like what she was going to suggest.

“You lived with Ian Pierce for ten months. You have firsthand knowledge of what he did. What he’s capable of. All Stephan has is hearsay and observations, outside of the evidence of him purchasing you, which doesn’t help his credibility. You could offer to testify against Ian in exchange for Stephan’s freedom.”

“No!”

Everyone, including Jade, jumped at my intrusion.

“There is no way you can make her stand up in front of the man who tortured her for ten months and talk about the things he did to her. No.”

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

ANYTHING GOES

Last night I was a guest on a blogtalk radio show called Anything Goes. It's hosted by Bennet Pomerantz, and this isn't the first time I've stopped into his show. Bennet and I are in a Facebook group together called Contemporary Romance Lovers. He and I are two of the more outspoken members of the group, so putting us together on a radio show is always interesting.

The main topic of conversation last night was reviews. Bennet is a professional reviewer. He prides himself on being both honest and professional in his reviews. This sometimes means being critical.

Listen to the full interview here.

Yesterday morning, when confirming the interview with me, Bennet sent me a link to a Huffington Post article on reviews written by Rachel Thompson titled Reader Reviews vs. Reviewer Reviews: Is There A Difference? In this article she states that there are two types of reviews: those written by readers, and those written by reviewers.

Let me clarify. Rachel is attaching the term reviewer to bloggers who review books. These are individuals who have an established blog with a decent number of followers, and whom adheres to review guidelines. These include a disclaimer on how they received the book, especially if it was given to them for free for an honest review.

Those Rachel classifies as readers don't adhere to any guidelines or rules. They are purely stating their opinion on any given book. This can be as simple as 'I loved it!' or 'It sucked!'.

I encourage you to read Rachel's Huffington Post article. Then, take a listen to my interview with Bennet, and let me know your thoughts.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 5 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

5 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

Anna’s steps were measured, as they always seemed to be, as she crossed to where Emma waited at the table. Jade appeared in the doorway but remained unmoving as Anna approached. This was always iffy. Anna had a fight or flight response that always leaned toward flight. If something startled her, she would be across the room faster than seemed humanly possible.

Once she’d taken a seat, we all relaxed some. “Would you like some coffee, Anna?”

She shook her head and focused on Emma. “How . . . how is he?”

I closed my eyes, trying not to let my temper get the best of me, and walked back into the kitchen. Jade joined me and wrapped her arms around my waist, trying to comfort me. It didn’t work, but I appreciated the effort.

“It’s not great, Anna. I’m sorry. The feds aren’t backing off. They seem to want to make an example out of him.”

“They can’t!”

Her scream pierced through my heart almost as much as her tears did.

“I’m sorry, Anna. I really am.”

“There . . . there has to be something. Something I can do.”

Emma became motionless, and for the longest time, the only sound in the room was Anna’s near silent sobs.

“There is . . . something. Maybe.”

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 6 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

6 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

I placed Emma’s coffee on the table far enough away from her papers so nothing would get damaged. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” She took a sip and then placed the mug back down on the table. “How’s Anna doing this morning?”

“She ate. That’s all I know. She hasn’t—”

I was just about to comment on how she hadn’t come out of her room yet, when the door opened and Anna took a step out into the room. She had a faraway look in her eyes, and I could tell she’d been crying. Her demeanor changed instantly, however, when she spotted Emma.

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

Countdown To Trust (Finding Anna, Book 4) ~ 7 Days To Go!

The countdown continues.

7 Days Until Trust

Chapter 1 continued...

To read from the beginning, click here. 

Things were getting complicated. The feds were now involved, and they were insisting on going through not only all of Coleman’s personal financials but also those of The Coleman Foundation. A team of lawyers had been brought in, hand selected by Mr. Davis. The media, of course, was all over it given Coleman’s position in the city. It was swiftly becoming a circus.

That was where Emma came into the picture. Both Coleman and his lawyer felt Brianna needed to have legal counsel in order to protect herself from whatever fallout there might be. They were going to try to keep her out of it as much as possible, but with her father telling anyone who would listen that Stephan Coleman had kidnapped and brainwashed his daughter, the chances she’d not have to get involved were slim.

It had taken only one meeting between Emma and Anna for them to form a bond, which given Anna’s aversion to people in general was strange. She was a woman, so that helped. There was also the fact that she was there to help Anna in any way she could. Part of that was keeping Anna up to date on all things Stephan Coleman. 

...to be continued in tomorrow's post.

To pre-order your paperback copy, click here.

COVER REVEAL: Protection by Elise de Sallier

Cover Reveal!

PROTECTION

A Forbidden Love, Book 2

by Elise de Sallier

He'll do anything to protect the woman he loves  . . . but first, he must make amends for taking advantage of her innocence.

In the much awaited conclusion to Innocence, A Forbidden Love - Book One, Nathaniel, the Marquis of Marsden, is left reeling at the revelation of Lisa's royal heritage. Keeping her safe has always been his priority, and he is determined to protect her . . . from the King's machinations, their enemies, and her own overly generous nature if necessary.

Although overjoyed to be reunited with Nathaniel, Lisa fears she made a better mistress than she will a marchioness. Longing for a return to the freedom they shared when he thought her a commoner, she does her best to live up to his - and society's - expectations, but she's only willing to compromise so far. Being kept in the dark is no longer an option. Despite the unexpected pleasure she discovered in Nathaniel's arms, if there is one thing Lisa has learned . . . ignorance is far from bliss.

Excerpt 

Gripping Nathaniel’s arm tightly, Lisa considered a possible solution to their dilemma. If the King thought they had to marry, his plans would be stymied, and the wedding could occur at their earliest convenience—or so she hoped.

Looking up at the man she loved almost beyond reason, she came to a decision. Two could play at this meddling game. After everything she had endured, Lisa felt no qualms about manipulating things in her favour.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” She smiled her assurance. “I believe I have the perfect solution.”

~

“A heretofore unknown relative to the crown will require a protracted engagement. But only after Lady Anneliese has been properly introduced to society, domestic and foreign, at a series of formal events.”

Not wanting to distress her father, Lisa made sure he saw her wink before addressing King William’s declaration. She feared the sovereign harboured the belief she could be enticed away from Nathaniel’s side by one of the foreign aristocrats he proceeded to speak of at length.

“The Crown Prince of Bavaria sounds delightful, Your Majesty.” She took the risk of interrupting when it became apparent he intended to laud each prince’s or duke’s individual merits in detail while Nathaniel fumed quietly at her side. “And I do appreciate your desire for my introduction to

society to be memorable. But I’m not sure delaying Lord Marsden’s and my nuptials for any length of time is the wisest course of action.”

She waved her free hand in the vicinity of her mid-region, and the King’s mouth formed a moue. While pleased to see her insinuation having its desired effect, she hadn’t taken into account Nathaniel’s reaction to their supposed news.

“Lisa?” he whispered hoarsely.

Looking up to see he had gone quite pale, she smiled sweetly, willing him to understand her silent message. “Or we could wait, for a long time, while I am paraded before every eligible prince from here to the Baltic Sea if you’d prefer.”

Nathaniel’s gaze dropped to her tightly corseted stomach before returning to her still-widened eyes.

“Oh, no, waiting is not a good idea.”

Reviews for Innocence (A Forbidden Love, Book 1)

Lindsey Gray - Author on Author Book Review

This novel seems more like that of a seasoned historical romance novelist than a debut. The knowledge of the time period and customs is breathtakingly accurate. Ms. de Sallier’s portrayal of Lisa and her struggle to understand the world that was taking shape around her was brilliant and a thrill to experience. All the differences between Nathaniel and Lisa are quite evident from the start, but Ms. de Sallier’s depiction of their attraction and intimacy make them perfect for each other.

I devoured the 313-page copy I received in one day. I don’t even recall the last time I enjoyed reading a book of that length and read so incredibly fast. I highly recommend this book to any historical romance lover. If you enjoy the novels of Rose Gordon or Christine Merrill, Innocence should be the next book on your to be read list.

See full review HERE

Andrea Whittle, Penny Dreadful Book Reviews

From it’s elegantly designed cover to its superb writing, Innocence is a skillfully constructed Regency. It is so convincing in its historical guise that I was shocked when I read that it originated as a Twilight non-canon fan fiction.

See full review HERE

N Kubie

Have you ever read one of those books where once you get into it, you can’t put it down? Meals, work and even family become annoying distractions that take you away from reading? Well, Innocence is one of those books. I literally brought it with me to go shopping and read it in the parking lot and even the checkout line...

...The intensity between Lisa and Nathaniel is undeniable, palpable and scrumptious. Everything I look for in a romance, historical or modern. But add to that the wonderful details in manner, speech and dress and you feel transported to another time.

I’m so anxious to read Protection, the next installment (which is due in the Spring), to see how this love story continues!

See full review HERE

Available May 1st 2014!