#series – Page 35 – Avonna Loves Genres

Book Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: The Twisted Road by A.B. Michaels

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for THE TWISTED ROAD (Barrister Perris Mysteries Book #1) by A.B. Michaels on this Black Coffee Book Tour.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, an about the author section and the author’s social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Description

Jonathan Perris Can’t Save His Clients
…Until He Saves Himself

1907

Rising from the devastation of a massive earthquake and fire, San Francisco is once again on the move. But a strike by streetcar drivers threatens to halt the Golden City in its tracks. Protests turn to violence and violence leads to death. Soon a young guard is convicted of willfully killing a protester and the public is out for blood.

Jonathan Perris, an immigrant attorney from England, has opened a law firm with an eye toward righting wrongs, and the guard’s conviction may fall into that category. But the talented barrister soon finds his newfound career shaken by a tragic event: the gruesome murder of the beautiful and mysterious Lena Mendelssohn—a woman he’s been squiring around town. It’s difficult to run a law firm when you’ve been arrested for murder.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209238607-the-twisted-road?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=aLGoCRv4bF&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

THE TWISTED ROAD (Barrister Perris Mysteries Book #1) by A.G. Michaels is a new intricately plotted historical mystery set in a devastated and rebuilding 1906 San Francisco, California and featuring a compelling cadre of main characters that immediately pulled me into the story.

Jonathan Perris was a talented barrister who has immigrated from England and set up his fledgling law firm in San Francisco. He has a strong sense of justice for all, but a mysterious past that even his associates know nothing about. Jonathan learns that the paramour he has been squiring around town is not who he believes her to be, and he ends their affair. She is found murdered in a brothel the very next day and Jonathan is arrested.

With the help of his assistant attorneys, Cordelia and Oliver, his private investigator, Dove, and the office manager and mother hen, Althea, Jonathan is determined to discover the real killer when his associates prove his alibi and get him out of jail. As Jonathan and Dove investigate the murder, Cordelia is working another case of a security guard who convicted of killing a worker on strike in the cable car strike. They soon discover both cases may be tied together and while they follow not only the clues, but the dead bodies, members of their own team may be next.

This is an engaging story that I am very excited about being a series. The characters are all fully drawn and believable to the period. Jonathan has so many past secrets we are left wondering about and his love-hate relationship with his inheritance of the “cadou” or knowing from his mysteriously missing mother has so many possibilities. He has a strong moral core and yet the snippets from his past lead you to believe he also has done things that may not be considered legal. This is also a great character juxtaposition to his associate, Cordelia who is very idealistic and inquisitive. She is determined to discover his true self.

The Twisted Road is an apt title for this historical mystery and an apt description of the plot. There are many twists and surprise connections that left me guessing all the way to the end. Ms. Michaels has used the history of 1906 San Francisco; capitalism vs. socialism, the unions vs. corporations, the opulence of the rich vs. the financial instability of the average person, and the lack of housing due to the earthquake to enrich this fascinating story. I have read other titles by this author and really enjoyed them, but this one has memorable characters that have me eagerly waiting for the next in the series to see what they do next.

I highly recommend this extraordinary historical mystery!

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About the Author

A native of California, A.B. Michaels holds masters’ degrees in history (UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University). After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she turned to writing the kind of page-turning fiction she loves to read. She writes historical fiction (“The Golden City” series) as well as contemporary romantic suspense (“Sinner’s Grove Suspense.”). “Barrister Perris Mysteries” is her latest endeavor, based on characters introduced in “The Golden City.” All of her books are stand-alone reads.

Michaels currently lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two elderly, four-legged “sons” (16 and 17!) who don’t seem to know they’re just dogs. She is an avid reader, traveler, quilter and bocce player, as well as a mediocre but enthusiastic golfer.

Social Media Links

https://abmichaels.com/
https://abmichaels.com/the-curious-peach-blog-2/
https://www.facebook.com/abmichaelsauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8189786.A_B_Michaels
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-b-michaels

Feature Post and Book Review: Mated to the Gargoyle: Mated to the Monster by Lisa Carlisle

Book Description

When the statue awakens…

I love working in a private university library with its special collection of antiquarian books and works of art. My favorite sculpture is one of the massive gargoyle statues, one that’s perched near my desk. Visitors often remark how lifelike it is, and I’ll tease, “Maybe it is.”

A frantic woman asks me to hide a book, one that’s fascinating with intricate details on the cover and spells inside. When I shelve it after hours, I hear movement in the library.

Has someone broken in?

What I discover is far more shocking…

Mated to the Gargoyle is a fated mates, protector romance.

This book is part of the Mated to the Monster multi-author monster romance series. All books can be read as standalones.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205447013-mated-to-the-gargoyle?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Gfk1xQlI9D&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

MATED TO THE GARGOYLE: Mated to the Monster by Lisa Carlisle is a steamy and fast paced gargoyle paranormal romance in the Mated to the Monster series. All the books in this series can be read as standalones, but this book will be followed by a book featuring two secondary characters from this story.

Anya is a librarian in a university library in Montreal. What she does not know is that it holds many magical secrets. She enjoys reading in the library after hours and talking to the stone gargoyle by her desk. While getting ready to close for the night, Anya finds a woman trying to unlock the door to the special collections room. When confronted she shoves an old book into Anya hands, tells her not to give it to him, and runs from the library.

When two men break in and attack Anya, demanding the book, she is rescued by the stone gargoyle when it comes to life. Hugo has been infatuated with Anya even though he and the other gargoyles have been tasked with watching over the library. She is terrified and runs towards her apartment, but Hugo must still follow her even if she does not accept him, which he is afraid may never happen.

Anya becomes more curious than afraid and learns about Hugo and the gargoyles and uncovers secrets in the ancient book and enchanted room Hugo shows her. They will need everything Anya can learn to fight the evil that has been trying to find her for years.

I enjoy all of Ms. Carlisle’s gargoyle stories and was happy to read this new one. Like the others, this is a quick read with protective gargoyles and a heroine who discovers they exist and is a destined mate for one. The romance plotline between Anya and Hugo was quick and very steamy with explicit sex in this story, but it is not gratuitous or forced. All these paranormal romances end with a HEA, but this one also has a surprise twist at the end that has me anxiously waiting for the next book, Fated to the Gargoyle, due out in October.

I enjoy reading these steamy paranormal romances for a fun change of pace and Ms. Carlisle always delivers.

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About the Author

Lisa Carlisle is a USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance and suspense. She loves to write about wounded, cursed, or misunderstood heroes finding their happily ever afters. They may be shifters, vampires, witches, gargoyles, or even military, first responders, and rockstars! She especially loves stories with fated mates and forbidden love, second chances, and enemies-to-lovers romance.

Her travels have provided her with inspiration for various settings in her novels. She deployed to Okinawa, Japan, while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, lived in Paris, and now lives in New England with her husband, two kids, two crazy cats, and too many fish.

Become a VIP reader and receive free bonus reads! >> http://www.lisacarlislebooks.com/subscribe/

Social Media Links

Website: https://lisacarlislebooks.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacarlislebooks/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-carlisle

Purchase Links

Universal link

https://books2read.com/matedgargoyle

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/books/mated-to-the-gargoyle-mated-to-the-monster-by-lisa-carlisle

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205447013-mated-to-the-gargoyle

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: One Last Shot and One Last Chance by Susan May Warren

A New Series by Susan May Warren

Takes place in Alaska with the characters that are rescue workers and law enforcement.

Book Description

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes, and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken just wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans—signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show…

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she’s a rookie to the team, so yes, she’ll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm…

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone south. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills–and manpower, including Oaken–to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

Elise’s Thoughts

One Last Shot has country music star Oaken Fox joining a survivalist new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. But his producer decides to change the premise, signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show. EMT of Air One Recue Boo Kingston is tasked to train this celebrity. After five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong, the Air One Rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower–including Oaken–to find them before a blizzard settles in.

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Book Description

Axel Mulligan was built to be a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. He could swim faster, endure longer and became a miracle for those in peril in the sea. Until a tragedy destroyed him and sent him home, to Alaska.

Now, three years later, he’s not going to let the past repeat itself, so as an Air One rescue swimmer, he’ll do anything to save lives. Including lose his own—which is what he expects when he goes into the icy waters of the Bering Sea, trying to rescue a cruise group of tourists. But for the voice on the other end of the Ham radio, he might have given up, let hypothermia win.

But it didn’t. Now he’ll do anything to find the voice and thank her.

Except the voice—Flynn Turnquist—is not who he thinks. A national wildlife researcher, she’s deep in the bush, tracking wolf pack patterns. Or is she? In fact, she’s a former cop, tracking down a serial killer. And she’s close enough to see his handiwork in the trail of bodies. She nearly had him—until he escaped into the Bering Sea. But she just knows he’s still alive…and she’s sure she’s on his trail…

When Axel finds Flynn…and what she’s really up to, it stirs up a terrible nightmare he’s been dodging for years—the kidnapping and death of his own cousin. Worse, he’s led the killer right to her doorstep. Now, it’s a race through Alaska to stay alive… and when tragedy strikes again, he must choose between rescue or redemption…

Elise’s Thoughts

In One Last Chance the plot begins with Axel Mulligan going into the icy waters of the Bering Sea, trying to rescue a cruise group of tourists. But for the voice on the other end of the Ham radio, he might have given up, letting hypothermia win. She uses banter, pleading, and encouragement to keep him focused on rescuing himself.

The voice is Flynn Turnquist, a detective who, tracks down serial killer. And she’s close enough to see his handiwork in the trail of bodies. She is afraid one of the killer’s victims is her sister Kennedy who disappeared a few years ago. She and Axel work together to search for Kennedy and to find answers about what really happened.

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Author Interview

Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for the series?

Susan May Warren: I wanted to write about a rescue team in Alaska. I created a team in a previous book, Sky King Rescue, to rescue a character. This is how I came up with this team. One Last Shot, the first book in the series, came about from the reality TV I watch. I wondered what happens to these everyday people who found themselves in the limelight but have left the big screen. I also like how rescue plays into the story, literally and figuratively. The heroine was a rescue worker but both she and the hero had to rescue their reputation, their dreams, and their souls, as well as they did physical rescues.

EC: Do you like reality TV?

SMW: Yes, especially adventure ones. But I am not a massive reality TV person. I am a total rescue TV show junkie. I am currently binge watching the show, “Trapper.” I think I will write an upcoming book with a character who will be a trapper.

EC: What about the setting of Alaska?

SMW: My son Peter was born there, and we lived there for a time. I am enthralled with this setting. I did have some stories set here with my earlier books. It is an extremely wild and remote place. The terrain and the river in this story were like an antagonist. People have moose in their backyards. We have a good friend, Duane King, who is a Bush Pilot there and gives me information for my stories.

EC: How would you describe the hero, Oaken Fox in One Last Shot?

SMW: In another book, Flashpoint, Fox was a country music singer who wrote a soundtrack for a movie. Then I decided to put him in my rescue book. I am a total country music junkie. He is pampered, a want to be survivalist. Imagine the country music singer Brett Young. Oaken’s sister died after having a fight with him. His career came about after replacing his sister who was also a country music star.

EC: How would you describe the heroine, Boo Kingston, of One Last Shot?

SMW: I made her a reality TV star and described why she was called Boo. Her reputation was damaged on social media. She likes to improvise, is adaptable, spider-man type skills, brave, calm, fierce, and fearless. A loner with secrets. She feels betrayed by the reality show stuff. She is no-nonsense. She takes her privacy seriously. Because she is an ex-Marine, she has those skills of let’s get the job done, with a sense of loyalty and teamwork.

EC: What about the relationship?

SMW: She is guarded and cautious about it. They grow into deciding they want to watch each other’s back but do have trust issues. Oaken is sunshine, while Boo is grumpy. I had him learn about her secret early in the story. She is more protective of him. They find themselves working together.

EC: What about the second book in the series, One Last Chance?

SMW: I was watching a You-Tube video about the Coast Guard, and how the people on the ship were trying to survive after it went down. Someone had said ‘had it not been for the voice on the radio, I would have given up.” I wanted to write that scene of how someone encouraging and believing in the person could keep them alive. I wanted to try to figure out how the hero’s boat went underwater but he survived. Plus, I added a serial killer as part of the story.

EC: How would you describe the heroine in the story, Flynn Turnquist?

SMW: She comes to Alaska to find her missing sister, Kennedy. She is a detective who hunts serial killers. She feels trapped and is obsessed in finding out what happened to her sister. She is super driven. She is angry, focused, and meticulous because she is searching for answers. She is much more of a lone wolf.

EC: How would describe the hero, Axel?

SMW: He is happy-go-lucky and easy going. He is a team player. He is also responsible, funny, kind, and charming. He wants closure to find out what happened to his cousin.

EC: What about the relationship and how does the “Titanic” movie come into play?

SMW: She helps keep him focused. She is guarded. Both are driven by justice and redemption. The question in my mind, would Jack and Rose from Titanic really have made it with the obstacles set aside? In Flynn’s mind she is wondering if she, like Rose, is just sucked into a relationship versus a “real” long-lasting one.

EC: Kennedy versus her sister Flynn?

SMW: Kennedy had taken alcohol and drugs. She is a free spirit, selfishly independent. She has been described as the light with Flynn the darkness.

EC: Next books?

SMW: The third book in this series, One Last Promise releases in August of this year featuring Moose and Tillie. The last book in the series, One Last Stand releases in October of this year will feature Shep and London, who has a secret identity.

I will also be writing books that will come out in 2025 about the Minnesota Kingstons, Boo’s family. There will be heists and prison breaks. It will start out with the wedding of Boo and Oaken.

There will also be a three-book series titled, “Call of the Wild,” a K-9 branch out in 2026. This series will be about tracking people. Axel’s brother, Moose, will be featured.

THANK YOU!!

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BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.

Blog Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: A Chain of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for A CHAIN OF PEARLS (Martha’s Vineyard Murders Book #1) by Raemi A. Ray on this AME Blog Tour.

Below you will find an author Q&A, a book synopsis, my book review, and the author’s bio and social media links. Enjoy!

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Author Q&A

On Writing:

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Most of my plots are pulled from headlines, and then I add in the murder.

Your book is set in Martha’s Vineyard. Have you ever been there?

Yes, I’ve been visiting the island for years and this series is a sort of love letter to it. It’s one of my favorite places.

Do you have another profession besides writing?

I do. In my other much more boring life, I’m an IP lawyer, not unlike my protagonist.

What genre do you write and why?

I write mystery/thrillers. I simply prefer writing plot over emotional journeys and mystery and thriller lend themselves to plot focused stories.

What is the last great book you’ve read?

My memory is terrible. The last book I read that I think about often is probably Manacled. I regret reading it with every fiber of my being. Not because it wasn’t good, but because it was terrifying.

On Rituals:

Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

I try not to, but in moments of weakness I want Flaming Hot Cheetos. I live for spice.

Where do you write?

I have an office where I edit, but my first drafts are done anywhere: in my sunroom, in front of a fireplace (inside or out), at pubs or coffee shops, the beach – wherever I can prop a laptop.

Do you write every day?

Nearly.

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Book Synopsis

The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…

When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.

She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.

As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege.

This is the first book in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. The second novel, The Wraith’s Return, will be available later this summer, followed by Widow’s Walk in the fall.

A Chain of Pearls is a top indie mystery and crime pick from Barnes & Noble!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211099064-a-chain-of-pearls?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4AzCRqIPx6&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

A CHAIN OF PEARLS (Martha’s Vineyard Murders Book #1) by Raemi A. Ray is a gripping debut murder mystery set on Martha’s Vineyard that I could not put down. I am very happy this is a proposed series because everything, from the fully drawn characters, intricate mystery plot, and the idyllic island setting were flawlessly executed on the page, and I want to visit again soon.

London-based Kyra Gibson arrives on Marth’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s estate. Retired from his years as a foreign journalist, he is found dead in the Edgartown Harbor from an apparent drowning accident. As she delves deeper into her father’s affairs, she discovers he was digging into a story involving a powerful senator on the island and a lucrative wind turbine contract. When she speaks to the detective in charge of her father’s case, she learns he has doubts of his own about her father’s death being an accident.

Detective Tarek Collins has questions still unanswered about Kyra’s father’s death. As the two begin to work together, another body is discovered in a barn fire on the senator’s island property. Tarek and Kyra do not realize the danger they are in as they uncover secrets that lie beneath the surface of the rich and powerful on the island.

I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. Kyra and Tarek come to life on the page. They work well together and there is an attraction that will hopefully be advanced in future books. The mystery plot was well paced with surprise twists and a continual increase in tension and suspense to the climax. The description of Martha’s Vineyard throughout the story made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. I was very surprised to find out this is the author’s debut book because it reads more like a book in a series by one of my favorite authors that I have been following for years.

I highly recommend this engaging murder mystery and am looking forward to many more.

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Author Bio

Raemi A. Ray’s travels to Martha’s Vineyard and around the world inspire her stories. She lives outside Boston. When not writing or traveling she earns her keep as the personal assistant to the resident house demons, Otto and Dolph Lundgren.

Social Media Links

Website: https://raemiray.com/

Instagram: @miss_raemi

Purchase Link

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3Jenei0

Author Marketing Experts:

Twitter: @Bookgal

Instagram: @therealbookgal

Release Blitz/Feature Post and Book Review: Captivating Anika by Freya Barker

Captivating Anika (On Call, #9)

Freya Barker

RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2024

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for CAPTIVATING ANIKA (On Call Book #9)(Police and Operation Alpha) by Freya Barker on this Buoni Amici Release Blitz.

Below you will find a book blurb, my book review, the author’s bio and social media links. Enjoy!

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Book Blurb

Anika Jones has her future carefully plotted out and is checking the boxes, one by one, despite the bumps thrown in her path. This last one is a challenge, but she manages to stay on track; her salon is thriving, and she just bought a house. Unfortunately, when one of her employees runs into trouble, she inevitably gets sucked in, throwing her carefully paced life off-balance. It doesn’t help a friend, who’s been ghosting her for a year, suddenly makes an appearance.

He was born to pig farming, but for Noah (Hog) Hodgekins fighting fires is his calling. He wasted too many years honoring a legacy he wants no part of. But now that he’s finally free from family obligations, there’s nothing holding him back from pursuing the life he’s been dreaming of. The first step is mending bridges with the one person who is central to that future, but she comes with her own challenges, family and otherwise.

Instead of treading carefully to gain her heart, he ends up throwing caution to the wind when her recent string of bad luck lands the FBI on her doorstep. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210713918-captivating-anika?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6RU9LWcHaS&rank=1

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My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

CAPTIVATING ANIKA (On Call Book #9)(Police and Operation Alpha) by Freya Barker is an exciting romantic suspense addition to the On Call series. Each of these books stand on their own and have a complete suspense plot and romance, but there is some crossover of characters from previous books in the series. If you love romantic suspense as much as I do all the books in this series are worth a read and contain wonderful mature and sexy heroes and heroines.

Anika Jones has worked hard to achieve her goals. Her hair salon is thriving, and she has been able to buy her own home. Her main bump in the road was a diagnosis of RA and fibromyalgia a year ago, but with a change in lifestyle, she has been able to cope well with few recognizing a change. When one of her stylists is having troubles with her abusive husband, Anika tries to help, but there is more danger involved than just the abuse. When the danger involves Anika, her brother’s friend and fellow firefighter jumps in to help and protect her.

Noah “Hog “ Hodgekins has been dreaming of calling Anika his own for years, but with family obligations and working with her brother, he has put it off and been avoiding her. Now, with her life in danger, he is determined to concur any challenges to make her the center of his life and keep her safe.

I love this series and have been waiting for this new book! Anika and Noah are a wonderful couple, and you want nothing but a HEA for them. This is a friendship-to-lover and best friend’s sister-to-lover romance that works beautifully. They are mature adults who know how to compromise and communicate, which brings their worlds together fairly easily and makes them strong as a couple. The sex scenes are smokin’ hot and realistic without being gratuitous. The suspense plot is intense and well-paced with a twist at the end that I did not see coming. This story hits all the right notes for me and has everything I look for in this genre.

I highly recommend this wonderful romantic suspense, the entire series, and this author!

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Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Social Media Links

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebookTwitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyaBarkerWriter
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreyasBarksandBites
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorfreyabarker

Purchase Links

Amazon ➡ https://amzn.to/4cRFhb9

Start the series ➡ https://amzn.to/4cUrCQI

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: Crossing the Line by P.A. DePaul

Book Description

Best friends and partners through high-stakes missions . . . And the biggest risk they’ll take is falling in love.

Eight months ago, black ops operative, Magician, infiltrated a sex-slave ring. Little did she realize the mission would not only change her life forever, but kick off a series of events no one saw coming.

Romeo still can’t wipe the image of Magician’s battered body nearly dying in his arms. Since then, one-night stands have lost their appeal. Now, his best friend and partner stars in fantasies he has no business envisioning.

When a pro-American Oil lobbyist and a Saudi Arabian Oil Sheikh—two natural enemies—join forces to destroy new legislation allowing America to gain independence from foreign oil, they utilize bombings to throw the country into chaos.

Magician’s intuition knows there’s a connection between the two, but she’s forbidden to investigate since she has no evidence. Romeo doesn’t think twice about defying orders and remains by Magician’s side. He was sidelined once and Magician paid a horrific price, he will not let anyone hurt her again. Their investigation takes them across the globe, jeopardizing their careers and lives.

But nothing is riskier than gambling their friendship to find love…

***

Elise’s Thoughts

Crossing The Line by P. A. DePaul is the third book in the series. Each book is part of the romantic suspense genre. Whereas the first two books were more suspense than romance, this book is more romance than suspense with the heroine Magician and the hero Romeo, part of the Delta Squad team.

The story goes back to eight months ago. Magician was part of a black ops mission, going undercover to infiltrate a sex-slave ring. Little did she realize the mission would change her life forever. The team was sent it to rescue the girls with Romeo assigned to rescue Magician. He still can’t wipe the image of Magician’s battered body nearly dying in his arms. Since then, one-night stands have lost their appeal. Now, he realizes he is falling for his best friend and partner.

The suspense part of the plot has a pro-American Oil lobbyist and a Saudi Arabian Oil Sheikh-two natural enemies-join forces to destroy new legislation allowing America to gain independence from foreign oil, they utilize bombings to throw the country into chaos. It is during a party that Magician attended that she recognizes the lobbyist as being an assistant of the Sheikh, knowing that both were involved in the sex trafficking ring.

But because she has no evidence, the SBG Agency will not give her the go ahead to investigate. She and her partner Romeo decide to defy the order to stand down. Together they investigate on their own with only the help of another teammate, Talon. They are taking a big risk to expose the Sheik and lobbyist, but also realize that they are risking getting emotionally and intimately involved.

This novel emphasizes how the characters through their profession and relationship find that the greatest gift of all is survival, success, and finding a soul mate. DePaul allows the relationship to grow into an intimate one of unbreakable love The protagonists are complex and caring who teach each other how to trust again. The mission is intense and will keep readers guessing until the very end.

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Author Interview

Elise Cooper: How did you get the idea for this book?

P. A. DePaul: I was intrigued how Americans became less dependent on foreign oil when I started writing this book. There was also a backstory that started with Exchange of Fire that I delved into with this book in the opening scene. The common thread with all three books is the incident in Mexico. Readers could read each book on their own, but had they read all three books they got a deeper understanding of the op.

EC: Does each member of the team, part of the SBG Agency, have their own set of skills?

PAD: I modeled it off of real life where most of the operators have a dedicated skill set, they bring to the team. I have spoken to a lot of law enforcement and read a lot of military books. My father was military and law enforcement. Wraith, who was highlighted in the first book, Exchange of Fire, is the sniper, while her significant other Grady, being a former Marine, has his military skills. Talon likes to infiltrate and is good with knives. Romeo was a former law enforcement explosives expert. Magician is good with disguises for herself and the team. Jeremy aka Cappy is the strategist and commander. Ted is the IT expert. The team dynamics include love, support, respect, and grief. In book one the team was in it in the last half, in book two the team was in it from beginning to end, and in book three the team was hardly in it.

EC: Did this book have more intimate scenes than the other two books in the series?

PAD: Yes. Any reader that read all the books would have witnessed how Magician and Romeo started recognizing each other on a more romantic level. It just felt right for the progression they had gone through from the beginning. This one was heavier on the romantic and less on the suspense. The first book, Exchange of Fire, had a lot of high action, the second book, Shadow of Doubt, had deeper characters.

EC: How would you describe Magician, the female lead?

PAD: She goes undercover and likes to isolate herself. She is direct, broken, charming, and manipulative. She wants a place to belong because she is afraid of being abandoned. She is very complex.

EC: How would you describe Romeo, the male lead?

PAD: A player who at times can be shallow. He is warm-hearted, humorous, loyal, charming, confident, restless, and introspective. I love the part about him that he reads romance novels to understand what women are thinking.

EC: What about the relationship between the two of them?

PAD: A lot of bantering. They went from friends to lovers. They consider themselves best friends, partners, and have a bond. They have an intense attraction. They have divergent backgrounds. Romeo is from wealth, and she was always abandoned. He wants to protect her, while she is his anchor. Magician is not as trusting of him because he is a player and what happened to her on the op. Because of that op she experiences fear, panic, doubt, and suspicion. Her heart thinks differently than her mind. Because of her childhood she wants to ensure that her teammates and partner, Romeo, will entrust her to help with the mission.

EC: Did the third book have more banter between the characters than the other books?

PAD: Yes, Magician and Romeo tease each other a lot with a lot of sarcasm back and forth. They have that comfort and do charm each other. Wraith/Grady and Cappy/Michelle walked on eggs more in their relationship. Probably because they were in such intense situations.

EC: How would you describe the two women operatives, Wraith and Magician?

PAD: They do have similarities. They both are dedicated to make the mission a success. They have a tender side to them. Wraith can compartmentalize a little more. I see them as quick-witted with sharp minds. Magician can turn on the charm and sway decisions, while Wraith is more direct, and she is not good at shmoozing. But since that Mexican mission they have become distant and guarded with secrets.

EC: The second book, Shadow of Doubt highlights Cappy and Michelle?

PAD: It starts out with Cappy already the team leader. He is always trying to put the team and mission first. He is all about everyone else but himself. Michelle is trying to overcome being a victim of that Mexican op. They both have in common that they had to give up their families.

EC: Next books?

PAD: I would like to write Talon’s book. But I am in a holding pattern trying to figure out what his story is. It feels like I am forcing things. Talon is not the most diplomatic and always says it like it is.

Another book is a spin-off in the SBG world, romantic suspense genre. The books we were talking about today has a team, the Delta Squad. But the spin-off will have a single operator, someone who gets in and out. It will come out the end of this year, or the beginning of next year. The working title is Spy Versus Spy. Each spy works for two different agencies and they will eventually have to work together.

THANK YOU!!

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