Spotlight: Deadly When Disturbed by DM Barr

DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED

by DM Barr

January 13 - 31, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Deadly When Disturbed follows the journey of leading Realtor and philanthropist Dara Banks. When Dara searches for an assistant, finding someone as resourceful as Meryl “Merry” Rafter seems too good to be true. So good in fact, she neglects to run a reference check. Bad move. Before she knows it, Merry, a former “actress” trying to be “helpful,” has insinuated herself into Dara’s business, family, and charity, and may be the only person saving her from prison. Dara becomes suspicious and begins snooping into Merry’s past. Feeling cornered, Merry reciprocates by launching an investigation of her own and realizes—too late—that she may have picked the wrong mark to con. These women’s unsettling discoveries, and their desperate efforts to safeguard their skeleton-filled closets and fragile self-images, lead to an explosive confrontation certain to destroy the lives of everyone in their midst.

Praise for Deadly When Disturbed:

"Two women. Friends? Hardly. They’re both after the same thing. And as the stakes get higher, the mind games get uglier, until—well, I’m not going to give away the killer ending. D. M. Barr’s latest domestic thriller is a total rush. It’s like being back with Betty and Veronica all over again—only this ain’t high school, and these women (like the title says) are DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED."
~ Marshall Karp, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the NYPD RED series

"Who’s the hunter and who’s the hunted in this taut domestic thriller? Don’t even try to guess. Just relax, enjoy, and hang on as DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED takes you on a wild ride."
~ Brad Parks, international bestselling author of THE BOUNDARIES WE CROSS.

"Tense, well-written, and surprising—Liane Moriarty meets Gillian Flynn by way of John Lutz in D.M. Barr's latest domestic thriller, DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED. Gaslighting and suburban intrigue abound in this carefully crafted tale, guaranteed to keep you in suspense all the way to the final chapter. Put this one at the top of your to-be-read pile!"
~ Richard Helms, Thriller, Macavity, and Shamus Awards winning author of 22 RUE MONTPARNASSE.

"DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED is a superb dark thriller that offers a brilliantly written bizarro take on the classic All About Eve. Shifts in reality and twists of the plot keep the reader on edge until the stunning and unexpected climax. Fasten your seatbelt and hang on. It's a great ride."
~ S. Lee Manning, award-winning author of TROJAN HORSE, NERVE ATTACK, BLOODY SOIL, and DEADLY CHOICE.

"DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED by D.M. Barr is a clever psychological thriller reminiscent of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, updated for today's culture and with a superior narrative.… With a steady and increasingly intense pace, [it] is a hypnotic read of insanity and wretchedness that will stay with you long after the last page."
~ Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

Deadly When Disturbed Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Domestic Suspense, Domestic Thriller
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 2025
Number of Pages: 310
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Prologue

She stood at her dining room table and calmly fingered through the cardboard box, double-checking that the paperwork was in chronological order. Even now, no one could accuse Samantha Ellingsworth of being anything but organized and precise. For nearly forty years, it had been both a gift and a curse.

First the letters from Harry, professing his incendiary ardor during their abbreviated law school courtship. The GIA certificate for the diamond, his glittering promise of passion extending through eternity. The deed to their Upper West side condo. A copy of her resignation from Davis & Milliken, where she’d been on the fast track to partner. The birth certificates for her daughter, dated a year later, and the surprise twins, ten years after that.

Next, the children’s coveted acceptance letters from Harrison—Manhattan’s most elite private pre-school and elementary—followed by every one of the glowing report cards she’d worked with them so diligently to earn. Campaign flyers she’d created for Harry’s run for state senate. Her passport opened to the page containing the stamp from that fateful trip to Aruba. The letters she’d written, refuting everything he’d accused her of as lies—all unopened and marked “Return to Sender.” The prescription for Prozac, unfilled, as if any pharmaceutical could rescue her from this pit of depression. Finally, the divorce papers she’d received a few weeks ago, still unsigned.

A lifetime of aspirations, misunderstandings, and betrayals, all encapsulated in a pile of paper less than an inch thick. She affixed the cover to the box and took a long, wistful look at the “perfect” apartment they’d been so ecstatic about buying, beating out several competing bids thanks to the lingering cachet of the Ellingsworth name and its clout in political circles. Confident that the condo was spotless, with everything in its place, Samantha slowly donned her hooded sheepskin coat, grabbed the box, and headed out.

The elevator operator nodded as she entered, but Gloria from the floor above murmured a curt hello and diverted her gaze as they descended from the seventh floor. Samantha had grown used to the frostiness over the past few weeks. Did the other tenants fear it was catching, that they too might be abandoned by their spouse and children, their lives reduced to rubble, if they inched too close? Whatever.

She trudged southbound through the early morning wintery mix; package still cradled to her chest like a newborn. Frigid raindrops grazed her eyelashes before cascading downward and stinging her cheeks as she passed the signs in Zabars’ windows, reminding patrons to purchase their Thanksgiving turkeys. The holiday was only days away. The irony did not escape her.

Shivering as much from the weather as from what lay ahead, she descended the subway staircase at 72nd Street, pushing against the throngs headed toward the sidewalk. She had someplace to go too and nothing—not crowds nor apprehension—was going to delay her.

Today was the day, a chance to have her say. Finally, she’d make him understand.

Samantha ran her MetroCard through the turnstile and headed toward the stairway leading to the uptown train. She positioned herself as close as possible to the opening of the tunnel and stood by the edge of the platform, resummoning her fleeting courage as the crowds swelled behind her. Commuters too involved with their phones to notice the determined woman beside them whose breathing had quickened and whose face had grown hot. She hugged the box even tighter to her fidgeting body and waited. And waited.

A collective sigh arose from the crowd as the loudspeaker announced that the next train was going out of service and wouldn’t be stopping. She saw the light in the distance and heard the clunk-de-clunk and whirl—a deafening gale descending onto the tracks, drowning out the murmur of the passengers. Her ride to the most important meeting of her life. And it was the number 2 train. How appropriate. Just like her, relegated from number one.

Timing was everything, the oncoming gleam only yards away. She tightened her grasp on what was left of her world, recalling the face of the bitch who’d laughed as she’d stolen it all away. Then she took one last breath and jumped onto the tracks.

***

Excerpt from Deadly When Disturbed by DM Barr. Copyright 2025 by DM Barr. Reproduced with permission from DM Barr. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who writes psychological and romantic suspense as D.M. Barr and non-fiction under her own name.

Her eight other published books include Expired Listings, Murder Worth the Weight, and Saving Grace: A Psychological Thriller. Along with Deadly When Disturbed, in February LBB will also publish the first of her multi-volume series, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover's Travel Guide.

Dawn recently completed her second stint co-editing a Sisters in Crime NY/Tri-state anthology. New York State of Crime, published by Down & Out Books in the fall of 2024, which includes her third published short story, "Orchestral Removals in the Dark." She is currently editing an anthology of crime fiction for Down & Out Books inspired by the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Dawn offers developmental and copy editing through SuggestedDevelopment.com, and ghostwrites personal histories and corporate profiles through LegacyQuest.net. A member of ITW, she has served as president of Hudson Valley Scribes, vice president of Sisters in Crime-NY (still a board member), and the newsletter author/board member of the NY chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Catch Up With DM Barr:
www.DMBarr.com
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Instagram - @AuthorDMBarr
Threads - @AuthorDMBarr
YouTube - @BarrSinister-m7u
Bluesky - @AuthorDMBarr
YouTube - @BarrSinister-m7u
Facebook - @AuthorDMBarr
TikTok - @AuthorDMBarr

 

 

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Review: Double Take by Lynette Easton

Author: Lynette Easton
Publisher: Revell
Publishing date: January 2024

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

Double Take is the first book in the Lake City Heroes series.  In this one, Lainie was almost murdered by her ex.  She swears she killed him in self defense, but 18 months later, she starts seeing him everywhere.  James is a family friend and happens to be a cop.  He may just be the man to crack the case and help save her life.

I really enjoyed this one. It's a clean Christian romantic suspense.  I was definitely kept guessing as to what was going on and who was trying to kill Lainie.  I didn't call the reveal in the end. I really enjoyed the characters as well.  Lainie and James both suffer from PTSD from their own traumas.  They were a great match because they were able to really understand what the other was going through. On top of that, they are both dealing with family issues.  It really helped them bond and work through their problems. I also loved that they had a history because their HEA didn't feel rushed.  I definitely recommend this one.

Blog Tour: Review of Buttercream and Second Beginnings by C.K. Darling

Author: C K. Darling 
Publisher: Sassy Press

Published: January 2025

Life is sweet for Callie Jones: a booming bakery, amazing friends, and her first love safely in the past far away. Until Macon Everette rolls back into Peachwood Grove with an adorable daughter and a body-by-gym, and Callie's world starts to crumble faster than day-old scones.
 
Suddenly, Callie's mixing more than just batter as she and Macon rediscover a connection hotter than her ovens. But with their painful past of him leaving and her staying behind, can they build a future now? Can they find the perfect recipe for love? Can Callie trust herself to give her heart to him one more time?
 
Get ready for a sweet and steamy ride through small-town Georgia, where second chances are served up with a whole lot of heart. 'Buttercream and Second Beginnings' is a short romance and the perfect treat for readers craving a romance that's equal parts sugar, spice, and everything nice.

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YgpkoK   
 
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4e428zM 

My thoughts:

Buttercream and Second Beginnings is a really cute and short second chance romance. Callie and Macon were a hot couple in high school, but college and time had them drifting apart.  Macon is back in town and he has a secret that he has brought with him. I enjoyed watching Callie and Macon get to know each other and realize they still have intense feelings.  I only wish that the book was a little longer.  I would have liked to see Callie interact with Macon's daughter more. There isn't any real angst here, which was refreshing.  I do recommend it.

About the author:

C.K. Darling crafts witty, spicy contemporary romances set in the charming town of Peachwood Grove, Georgia. Specializing in quick reads for busy romance lovers, C.K.'s stories deliver all the emotion and satisfaction of a full-length novel in under two hours. Away from her desk, C.K. is either concocting the next heartwarming tale in Peachwood Grove, dabbling in arts and crafts, or enjoying the charms of Southern life with her family and beloved pets.
 
Connect with C.K.
Website | https://ckdarling.com/    
Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52132694.C_K_Darling
Amazon | https://bit.ly/3UB5cwz  
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ckdarlingauthor      
Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/ckdarlingauthor        
Newsletter |  https://subscribepage.io/ckdarling   
 

Release Blitz: Excerpt from Shadow by Aubree Valentine

 

Ten years away has taught Lindsey Addington to go after what she wants and her sights are set on Garrett Everleigh. Lindsey will do whatever it takes to break down Garrett’s walls and convince him to take a chance on love. Fans of Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with this best friend's little sister/forbidden romance that sets the tone for this new, exciting, and highly anticipated series from Aubree Valentine.
 

Welcome to Addington Ranch… where the cowboys steal hearts and the women tame wild stallions.
Garrett Everleigh has been waiting (and half heartedly dreading) the day that Lindsey Addington, an heir to the Addington Ranch, returned home from chasing her horse show dreams.
Lindsey is everything the rugged, determined ranch hand has ever wanted—and everything he can't have. Especially if he wants to keep his job and the ‘family’ that chose him. The only family Garrett has.
Ten years away has taught equestrian royalty, Lindsey Addington, exactly what - and who - she wants. Far more stubborn than Garrett ever gave her credit for, Lindsey won't let his reservations - or his secrets - keep them from having the relationship they deserve.
Putting a decade of training with thousand pound animals to good use, Lindsey turns her insight and training on Garrett and breaks down every ounce of his resolve until he breaks.
Fans of Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with this best friend's little sister/forbidden romance that sets the tone for this new, exciting, and highly anticipated series from Aubree Valentine.
Add to Goodreads Here!
 Buy Now on Amazon or Kobo/Kobo Plus!
 

Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Author Aubree Valentine
“What are you doing out here, Linds? You’ve got a party going on, you know?”
“I know. I came out here to see you,” she gently elbowed him.
“You should get back to your party.”
“Maybe later,” she turned up the dial on what little of sex appeal she thought she had and moved so that she was kneeling on the ground beneath his open thighs. “Right now, I came out here because I wanted to tell you something.”
“Don’t,” Garrett grunted and stood, trying to put space between them.
Lindsey stood just as quickly and grabbed ahold of his biceps. “Garrett, will you atleast look at me, please?”
Garrett squeezed his eyes closed. “I can’t, Linds. I can’t look at you because if I do, all of my resolve will break.”
That confession was a tiny reassurance that at least Garrett had some kind of feelings for her too. It was all the encouragement she needed to keep trying.
“Then let it,” she begged. She wanted to see his resolve break. She wanted him to give into whatever it was that he was fighting and give in to her.
Garrett opened his eyes and put his hands on Lindsey’s shoulders. This time she could see the hunger lingering in his eyes. “Is that really what you want, Linds? Do you really want me to give into temptation?”
That was exactly what she wanted. What she’d been longing for. She was eighteen now after all. Nothing was stopping them from letting the attraction take over. “Of course,” she whispered in return.
“Tell me exactly what you want, Linds,” Garrett brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Kiss me.”
“I shouldn’t,” he argued.
Lindsey could think of a million reasons why he should.
“But you will,” she batted her eyes and bit her lip, “won’t you?”
“Damnit,” he cursed under his breath.
Then his lips were on hers.
She half expected Garrett to be gentle, or to immediately back away again. But he didn’t. Once his lips touched hers, he devoured her like he was a man starved for far too long. And with every ounce of experience that came with kissing a man and not the desperate nervousness of Lindsey’s first kiss and former high school boyfriend.
Everything about Garrett’s kisses were better than she could have ever imagined. They were all-consuming. Promising. And for a split second, she let herself believe that they really could have it all. That the two of them could be so much more someday soon.
“Shit, Lindsey,” Garrett broke their kiss like she was a flame and she’d just burnt him. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry,” he said as he started pacing around.
She should have walked away then. Took the victory of winning a kiss and walked away. Forgotten about her feelings and the happily ever after she thought included Garrett. Except she couldn't.
“Garrett,” she moved toward him, countering every step he took backwards until he bumped into a tree. With his body pinned against the hard bark, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder, soaking in as much of Garrett and the moment as she could.
“Linds, I…we shouldn’t. You’re getting ready to leave for college. You don’t need a man like me holding you back.”
“Garrett,” she looked up into his eyes. “I really need you to kiss me again. Let me have this. Let me have you. All of you. Even if it’s just for tonight.”

 
About Aubree Valentine

Aubree Valentine is a masterful storyteller who weaves tales of passion, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters that leave readers swooning and coming back for more. A hopeless romantic at heart, Aubree channels her boundless imagination and appreciation for the complexities of romance into every book she writes. Her characters are as real as they are irresistible—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable—taking readers on journeys filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Whether it’s a steamy small-town romance or a friends-to-lovers tale, Aubree’s stories always promise: love, laughter and happily ever after. When she’s not penning her next novel, Aubree can be found binge-reading romance novels, borrowing her husband’s power tools for some over the top project, or spending quality time with her family and their fur babies. Connect with Aubree Valentine on social media, through her website, or sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing
 
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Release Blitz: Review of Shamrock Kisses by Serena Pier

Author: Serena Pier
Publisher: Serena Pier, LLC
Publication Date; December 2024

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d7gzT5       
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3ZZklKX  

Am I going to get lucky? Maybe if the hunky nerd I met yesterday takes me up on my invite to attend High Five's St. Paddy's Day party ...

Rachel Wagner, who's sworn off dating apps, is the last single one in her friend group. Focused on running her thriving cleaning business in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the thirty-one-year-old is caught off guard when she stumbles upon a bearded nerd while cleaning her biggest client's lake house.

Patrick Nowak, a reclusive cat-loving hacker, prefers code to conversation and planned to spend the St. Patrick's Day weekend out of Chicago enjoying a digital detox at his friend's lake house. But when Rachel, a confident brunette who seems way out of his league, invites him to a local bar's St. Paddy's party, his anxiety just might prevent him from taking her up on the offer.

In a game of attraction and vulnerability, neither of them is prepared for just how much their lives can change in a day.

(This is Book #3 in an interconnected series. It is encouraged, but not essential, to read Santa's Coming and Cupid's Shot before reading Shamrock Kisses.) 

My thoughts:

Shamrock Kisses is the third novella in the High Five series. The series involves three friends who find love on the holidays.  St. Patrick's Day is around the corner and its Rachel's turn.  I thought this was a adorable story.  Being a novella, it is a bit of insta-love.  But it is an adorable one.  I loved Patrick.  He was nerdy and very sweet.  I won't spoil it, but I think you will love watching them fall for each other. I highly recommend it.  

About the author:

Writing under the pen name, Serena Pier is a wine lover, coffee snob & wife. With Midwestern roots, her stories are primarily set in and around Chicago. Serena is deeply fascinated by power dynamics; her stories always explore unequal social status. 
 
Connect with Serena
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Spotlight: Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn

Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.

They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

INDULGE IN LIFE'S GUILTY PLEASURES!

Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.

With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.

When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.

Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!

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Release Blitz: Review of Devoted Enough by Kelly Elliott

Author: Kelly Elliot

Publisher: K. Elliott Enterprises, INC

Publication Date:  January 2025

Nathan Shaw has been keeping a secret since high school. It was so tightly intertwined with someone else's that exposing the darkest facts meant he couldn't keep the other to himself. 
He's had years of holding onto those truths. This also means he's had to push away the one person who means more to him than anything--and in the process, all it does is make her think that he despises her like all of the other people in her life. 

But that's so far from the truth about his feelings that he holds so close to his heart. 
Haven Larson has had an awful childhood growing up with an abusive father and a mother who tries her best, but sometimes the best can't protect you from the monsters that hide in darkness. 
One night, protecting her from those monsters, fell on the one boy she had loved for as long as she could remember. And now she knows that he can't stand to be around her after discovering her secrets--or can he, because every time they are together, the sparks ignite and threaten to combust. 
But it will take their darkest secrets being exposed in order for their feelings to come to light.

Devoted Enough is the last book in the Love in Montana series. 

Reading order of the Love in Montana series.
1. Fearless Enough
2. Cherished Enough
3. Brave Enough
4. Daring Enough
5. Loved Enough
6. Forever Enough
7. Enchanted Enough
8. Perfect Enough
9. Devoted Enough

 Download today!
Amazon: https://geni.us/DevotedEnough  
Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/DevotedEnough     
Goodreads: https://geni.us/DevotedEnoughGood 

My Thoughts:

  I have only read the first two books of this series and then jumped right to the last one, Devoted Enough.  I think they can really all be read as stand alone books.  That being said, Devoted Enough is definitely the favorite of the three.  I really enjoyed reading Nathan and Haven's story.  I loved watching Nathan realize he really did love Haven.  Everything he did for Haven was super sweet,  She deserved the best.  Their HEA was super sweet.  I also loved the epilogue with a flash forward that showed all of the siblings and where they were in their lives.  I highly recommend this one.

About the author:

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she's not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com
 
Connect with Kelly
Website | https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com   
Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581091.Kelly_Elliott   
Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EUIN5XC    
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/KellyElliottAuthor/     
Facebook Group |  https://www.facebook.com/groups/721597611216307      
Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/authorkellyelliott/    
Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelly-elliott     
Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.com/authorkellyelliott/       
Newsletter |  https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com/newsletter   
 

Review: Protecting Melody by Susan Stoker

Author: Susan Stoker
Publisher: Self
Publication Date: August 2015

She swore she’d never use the phone number he gave her, but considering what was lying on the floor in front of her, she knew she needed help.

Tex gave everything he had to his country and his SEAL teammates. When an IED took away part of his leg, and his career, he devoted himself to his country and friends from behind his computer. He’s always been the man that can find anyone, that uses his computer skills, legal and illegal, to keep people safe and to put the bad guys behind bars.

But behind a computer is a lonely place to be. While he might put on a good front, Tex can’t help but feel he’s missing out when he sees how happy his friends are. But when the woman he’s been talking to online for the last six months suddenly disappears without a word, Tex knows it’s time to step up, and use his skills for himself this time.

Protecting Melody is officially my favorite of the series.  It's the seventh book and the most believable one.  Tex and Melody have been conversing over the internet for months.  They are the couple that I felt knew each other the most before they met face to face.  So, when they finally met, the attraction was a lot more believable than the insta-love with the other six couples. 

What I loved most about this one was the way Melody helped Tex realize his missing leg  did not make him less of a man or a SEAL.  I also loved that she had a family and a best friend.  The rest of them seem to have no one in their lives other than their new man.  Baby was adorable, I always love a book with a cute dog.  As for the series overall, The writing did get better as the books progressed.  I would recommend it over all.

Autumn's top 2024 Reads

 Here are Autumn's top books and series of 2024:

Kari's Top 10 of 2024

 Here are the top 10 books that I read in 2024:

Release Tour: Excerpt from Release You by Diana A. Hicks

 

Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she'd never return to her hometown, but she made a promise to her sister and finally has a way to set things right. Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with Nikki, especially since the last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But, if he wants to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back, Henry will have to put his trust in the thief who once broke his heart. Readers who enjoy second-chance, grumpy sunshine romances will want to sink their teeth into Release You by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, small-town romantic suspense.

 
Read Now!
Add to Goodreads!

Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she'd never return to her hometown. But she made a promise that is long overdue. Fifteen years after her sister went to prison for a murder she didn't commit, Nikki finally has a way to set things right. She will do whatever it takes to bring her sister home, including living in a condemned hotel with hot-as-hell Henry.
 
Architect by day, poker player by night, Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with bombshell Nikki. Hell, last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But after his family disowned him, Nikki's particular skill set is exactly what he needs to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back.
 
To keep her promise to her sister, Nikki will have to come out of retirement and swindle one last time. But can Henry trust the thief who broke his heart once upon a time with a con that means everything?
 
Note: This is a steamy romance with explicit sensual scenes, happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
 
 
Excerpt
Copyright 2024, Diana A. Hicks
 
“I know what you are.”
Something hot rushed through me. He didn’t say who. “You first.” I braced my hands on my hips. “What did this town do to you? Maybe there’s a way we can help each other.”
He clenched his jaw. The effort made him look dangerous. Not at all like the Henry I remembered.
“I don’t know what brought you here. What I do know is that everything that comes out of that pretty mouth of yours is either a lie or a half truth.”  His dark gaze darted from the condemned hotel, to the broken street, and me. “I see you. You’re full of tells, and you’re a horrible liar, but somehow people buy your act. My guys certainly did.”
My heartbeat picked up the pace at his words. “What am I, Henry?” I stepped closer.
“A thief.”
There it was again, a rush, a bubble in my chest. “I prefer con artist.” I rested my hand on his neck, and he let me.
His pulse throbbed fast and hard against my fingers. He was affected by my touch, even when his face remained blank.
“Same difference.” He met my gaze. “The question is: what are you here to steal?”
“Enough about me.” I jiggled his car keys in front of him.
“What?” He patted his pocket before he snatched the key fob from me.
“Now that we’ve established I have certain skills you could use, tell me about you. What do you want with this place?”
“We haven’t established anything.” He put his keys back in his front pocket. “I’m just an architect who happens to be good at poker.”
I nodded. That explained a lot—why he could read me like some sort of FBI agent. Whatever he was, I didn’t care. I was done here. “Fine. Five hundred Gs and the place is all yours.”
Lisa would have to listen to me. We never should’ve strayed from our original plan of winning her appeal and getting her out of jail. The money from my last con was supposed to pay for that. Instead, Lisa had struck a deal with that old-dude lawyer to purchase this place.
“Right. Except that’s not how much you paid for your half of the hotel.” He shook his head, a half smile pulling on his lip.
I crossed my arms. How did he know that? “How can you tell?”
“You scratch your nose when you lie.” He tapped my nose.
“No, I don’t.”
“Do too.”
What the hell? Did I scratch my nose? “Four hundred.”
“Is it really that hard to tell the truth?” He grinned, cocking his head.
“I didn’t touch my nose.” I was sure I hadn’t that time.
“Your hand twitched…because you wanted to touch your nose.” His chuckle sent an electric current through my body.
“Two hundred fifty.” I took a deep calming breath.
“Was that so hard?” He smiled, and a little wrinkle appeared around his right eye.
“You have no idea.” I grabbed my purse and took out my phone. “When can I get my money?”
He glanced at the hotel, biting the inside of his lip. “About that.”
“You don’t have the money, do you?”
“Not with me, no. I need a few days.”
 
 
About Diana A. Hicks

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:

"Hicks' first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense...A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance." - Kirkus Reviews

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