suspense novel

This woman smells like lavender and gun oil

PLEASE WELCOME BEST-SELLING AUTHOR SUSAN GABLE!!

Rafael Silva built an empire on control. Billion-dollar acquisitions. Boardrooms that bow. A glass penthouse high above Denver where his seven-year-old daughter, Ellie, should have been untouchable.

Then someone photographed Ellie’s empty classroom chair. And every wall he’d built meant nothing.

Raya Baptiste doesn’t do walls. A graduate of the Norford Academy and an elite protection specialist, she has guarded heads of state, stopped assassination attempts, and learned to move through wealthy homes like a ghost. She really is the nanny — she’s just also the most dangerous person in the building. Her mission is simple: keep one little girl alive.

The complication is her employer.

Rafe doesn’t trust easily. Raya doesn’t stay. Ellie doesn’t count on anyone, because the nannies always leave.

But when the threat escalates from surveillance to siege, the woman hired to protect his daughter becomes the one person Rafe can’t protect himself from — the one who sees through every wall he’s ever built.

In a world of bulletproof glass and billion-dollar fortresses, the most dangerous thing in the room is the truth: that the invisible woman might be the only one worth being seen by.

EXCERPT:

Three weeks in. Rafe’s daughter has just been driven away to safety, and he is alone in an elevator with the woman he hired to protect her.

The elevator doors closed and Rafe made his mistake. He turned to look at her.

She stood closer than he’d registered. The elevator was smaller than it seemed from outside, and with his body angled toward her the distance was less than two feet, and she faced the doors but knew he’d turned, he could tell by the quality of her stillness, the slight realignment of awareness she couldn’t hide from someone who’d spent three weeks learning to read her.

His daughter was in a car driving away from him. His chest paralyzed from a seven-year-old’s parenting advice. And Raya Baptiste stood twenty inches away with her hands at her sides and her posture rigid and the faintest trace of strawberry shampoo from her shoulder where Ellie had held on this morning.

He took one step. Not closing the distance so much as making it honest.

She turned her head.

Their eyes met. For the length of one held breath, neither of them moved. Then his gaze dropped — just for a moment, just long enough — to her mouth. He looked back up.

She’d seen it. Of course she’d seen it. This was Raya Baptiste, who missed nothing. She looked at him with an expression he hadn’t seen before. Not the professional stillness, not the tactical read. Something more careful than either of those. Something that took its time.

The moment stretched.

Then she shook her head. Small. Almost nothing. The same measured gentleness she used when she needed Ellie to understand something without feeling bad about not knowing it yet.

Not this. Not now.

The gentleness hit worse than a harder refusal would have. A hard no he could’ve pushed against. This was her being kind about a door she was closing. That kindness landed like a blade.

He turned back to the doors. Kept his hands where they were.

The elevator climbed.

Susan Gable was practically born with a book in her hand and hasn’t put it down since. As a kid she devoured her Weekly Reader Book Club deliveries — bonus points if they came with records.

After ten years of wrangling elementary students, and one unforgettable year of homeschooling her own son, Susan decided writing fiction was cheaper than therapy. She spent a decade writing for Harlequin before reclaiming her rights and going independent, which means she’s navigated both sides of publishing and has opinions about each.

Thousands of pages later, she’s a USA Today bestselling author whose books have been RITA® and Golden Heart® finalists, Romantic Times Best Superromance of the Year nominees, and National Readers’ Choice Award winners. She’s sold nearly a million copies worldwide.

Susan writes hard, real-life subjects — grief, adoption, the families we build when the ones we’re given don’t hold — with warmth, wit, and an ending that sends you off feeling good. Her readers describe her books as the ones that make them laugh, cry, and occasionally snort out loud.
She’s currently writing the Broke to Billionaires series: four self-made men, the women who turn their worlds upside down, and the trouble that has a way of finding the very wealthy.

She lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, with her husband, her dog, her cat, and a book collection that has outgrown the house. A Pennwriters member since 2000, she teaches craft and marketing workshops for writers.

TITLE The Billionaire’s Ninja Nanny
SERIES Broke to Billionaires, Book 1
AUTHOR Susan Gable
GENRE Contemporary romantic suspense
HEAT LEVEL Warmer than sweet, love-story-first. Open-door but mild — two short scenes,
both easily skipped.
LENGTH Approximately 110,000 words
FORMATS Ebook and paperback
EBOOK PRICE $4.99
BUY LINK books2read.com/GableNinjaNanny
FREE SAMPLE Read Chapter One at SusanGable.com
AUTHOR SITE SusanGable.com
CONTACT Susan@SusanGable.com

An online date goes bad–and we mean bad–will help come?

PLEASE WELCOME KATY EETEN and her new release A STALKER TO DIE FOR .

Katy: Before I became a published author, I had many unfinished manuscripts saved on my computer just waiting to be finished and fully edited. A Stalker to Die For was one such manuscript. After publishing five contemporary Christian romances, I finally found the motivation and confidence to revisit this romantic suspense (my first attempt at that specific genre). It took longer than I care to admit, but I finally finished it!

For me, adding suspense to a romance is easier said than done. I admire those authors that can weave intense scenes and plot twists so naturally into their writing. To put someone on the edge of their seat through the written word alone takes incredible talent. I don’t claim to have that level of talent, but A Stalker to Die For takes readers through a variety of emotions while walking the line between romance, faith, and thrills. This book just released on April 10 and is available on Amazon. I hope you check it out and enjoy!

OUR STORY:

Ashley Morris thought the worst part of online dating was awkward small talk. She was wrong.

After one disastrous date, a man named Nick won’t take no for an answer. His calls and texts escalate into threats, break-ins, and a terror that shadows her every move. Desperate for safety, Ashley hires Jackson Russo— a talented painter with a kind heart and a protective streak— to renovate her home. But as their friendship deepens into something more, Nick’s obsession turns deadly.

Caught between a stalker’s rage and a love she never expected, Ashley must trust God’s protection and her own instincts to survive. With Jackson by her side, she’ll fight for her life— and for a future worth living.

A faith-filled romantic suspense with a slow-burn, closed-door romance and a guaranteed happily ever after. Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Dee Henderson.

Excerpt:

She glanced over at him, and they exchanged closed-mouth smiles before she leaned her head on his shoulder. A second later, he leaned his head on top of hers. She almost melted in the bliss of the moment.

This felt so right. And as much as she wanted to raise her head and kiss this incredible man, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop. Considering this was about as peaceful and cherished and loved as she’d ever felt—could ever hope to feel—she didn’t want to risk ruining it by muddying the innocence with a kiss. Though she certainly wouldn’t turn him away if he was offering up kisses. But she’d be patient. And grateful.

He lifted his head a few moments later, causing her to do the same as she flashed him an inquisitive look. He extended his arm behind her shoulders and pulled her close. “I just thought this might be more comfortable.”

As she leaned into his sturdy chest and closed her eyes, her dreamy sigh was audible. How had she gotten so blessed? God, thank You. As he stroked her upper arm, her cheeks radiated heat. Oh, how she wished time would stand still. Being with Jackson was the highlight of her weekend.

“Sorry again that the drawing idea didn’t work out. Here I thought this would be the most romantic night ever.” He let out a nervous chuckle.

Ashley’s eyes shot open at the absurdity of his words. Did he not consider their present situation romantic? “What do you mean?” She raised her head and turned to face him, their faces mere inches from each other. “This is the most romantic—”

A single loud popping sound pierced the air.

Ashley jumped. “What was that?”

Jackson sat up straight. “I’m not sure, but it sounded like a gunshot.”

A car’s engine revved.

Ashley stiffened.

***

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8agLq6kpUY

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Stalker-Die-Katy-Eeten-ebook/dp/B0GS7ND8LC/

Social Media Links:

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

X: http://www.x.com/KatyEeten

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

Website: https://katyeeten.wordpress.com

About the Author:

When she was a kid, Katy Eeten filled notebooks and binders with poems and short stories. As an adult, she turned that love for the written word into Christian fiction. Between contemporary Christian romance novels and short, sweet Christmas novellas, she loves the feeling of creating characters, scenes, and plots that readers will enjoy.

She works full time in the corporate world, but she tries to find time for her passions—which include writing, reading, taking walks, playing board games, baking, and spending time with her family. She lives in southeast Wisconsin with her husband and their two teenage sons.

Can anything good come from the worst day ever?

Love, Bullets, and
a Second Chance — Will They Survive the Crossfire?

Revenge

The FBI Tampa Mystery Series Book 1

by A.M. Holloway

Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller

Love, Bullets, and a
Second Chance — Will They Survive the Crossfire?

When FBI Special Agent Micah French joins
a high-risk pursuit through the streets of Tampa, he never expects the day to
end with his partner shot and the woman he once loved holding his partner’s
life in her hands.

Finley Herald, the surgeon who broke his heart a decade ago, now lives in
Tampa. She’s saving lives at Tampa General and possibly risking her own when a
vengeful cartel leader wages war against the agents involved in his brother’s
death.

As bullets fly, allies fall, and a trail of revenge stretches from Mexico to
Florida, Micah must navigate a storm of violence, betrayal, and second chances.

Every decision could be his last, and Finley’s reappearance threatens to
shatter the emotional defenses he’s spent years building.

This book is a gripping blend of action,
faith, and romance, where love may be the deadliest risk of all.

**Get it for Only .99cents 8/24 – 8/26!**

Amazon * Bookbub
* Goodreads

A.M. Holloway is an author of clean murder mysteries where
crime and suspense take hold. Her catalog spans five series. A.M., who is
married, relies on her husband’s expertise in the CSI field to ensure accuracy
in her books. She was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in Central
Florida. When not writing, you will find her with her family, enjoying the
outdoors, or sitting in her favorite chair, daydreaming about her next book.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon
* Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $40 giveaway!

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When does a death become a murder? #MFRWHooks

In REMNANTS OF FIRE, newspaper reporter Sara Woods is investigating a string of deaths that seem to involve the new-found, avant-garde medical facility she hopes can cure her chronic pain. Dr. Ruprei has taken such good care of Sara, that she is reluctant to believe it could be possible. But then, over dinner, she speaks with traditional-Western doctor Rick Paulsen, who suspects the clinic–and has evidence:

When the waiter brought the souvlaki and more bread. After he left, I leaned forward and put my elbows on the table. “So what’s going on here? Why did you call me?”

Rick’s blue eyes dissected me. “Because there’s something unusual about you.”

Oh, please. That was as bad as ‘What’s your sign, baby?’ “Do I seem naive enough to fall for that line?”

“Not really.” He speared a chunk of lamb and dipped it in the creamy cucumber sauce. “That doesn’t make it any less true. And I think you really care about Lily Kimball, and what happened to her.”

“Then you believe something ‘happened.’” Remembering his outburst at the hospital, I added, “You think she was killed by someone. You even know who.” I watched his face for reaction.

“I suspect. I don’t know.” He took a long drink of water, as if he were trying to swallow something unpalatable.

“But you haven’t gone to the police.” He shook his head. “Why not?”

He started to answer and then Athena swept over, wanting to make sure everything was to her dear doctor’s satisfaction. She effused with grand passion about how wonderful Rick Paulsen was, as a medical professional and as a man, her praise transparently designed to convince me, as his dinner partner and potential life mate, of his worth. He squirmed as she continued, but seemed loath to interrupt her. Once we had assured her that everything was delightful, she withdrew at last, to observe from behind the cash register.

When he didn’t answer my last question, I asked again. “Why haven’t you gone to the police?”

“You don’t understand. The police won’t be any help in this matter.”

“They’re investigating her death—”

“They’re not investigating her death! They’re just going through the motions until everyone forgets about her and they can toss her file in a cabinet, never to be seen again!” He slapped his fork onto the table, a flush of anger suffusing his face, all the way to the tips of his ears. “Just like the others.”

*****

REMNANTS OF FIRE has recently been named a finalist in the 2025 National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) Contest! Time to check it out at one of the following sales points or order it at your local indie bookstore.

Buy Links

Paperback at Amazon • Paperback at Barnes & Noble • Hardback at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Amazon Kindle • eBook at Apple • eBook at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Kobo • eBook at Smashwords

BLURB: Looking for a fresh start, Sara Woods takes a job as a news reporter in a small town. Her first assignment is to investigate a string of deaths, all young women her age linked to a local healing center with a strange reputation. The deeper she digs into the clinic, the harder it is to
deny links to the paranormal. Can she figure out what is going on and who to trust before it’s too late?

Watch the Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/pWjJT2upVlo

Today’s post is part of a group of posts from various romance writers–check out the others below!

https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=315933

Another winner mystery from M.S. Spencer!

Thanks so much Alana, for allowing me to tell your readers about my new mystery, Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders. I hope they enjoy the excerpt and long to read more!

Blurb

When Sophie Childress discovers a letter written in 1920 by the witness to a murder, she enlists Noah Pennyman—owner of the house where it took place—to investigate. Who was the victim? What did the killer do with the body—not to mention a carpetbag full of money? Together they expose a complex web of family ties and lies that has persisted through four generations in the historic village of Marmion Grove. When two more corpses are unearthed, Noah and Sophie are faced with too many victims and not enough murderers.

Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders

Mystery, cozy

The Wild Rose Press, June 11, 2025

390 pp; 89,900 words
Ebook: $5.99; Print $22.99
Theme(s): Small Town, Mystery, Humorous/Comedy, Cozy Mystery
Railroad Ties: the Marmion Grove Murders opens with the discovery of a letter from a witness to a murder. The letter fell out of a copy of Agatha Christie’s first published book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. The heroine, Sophie Childress, volunteers for the Vassar Book Sale. Now closed down, for forty years it was one of the largest and most successful used book sales in the country, raking in an average of $100,000 for scholarships. Sophie is learning to price rare books, so she recognizes the Christie volume as a first edition, and discovers that the first printing of the first edition was actually in New York, and not London. The famous London edition of her book was released a full year after the New York one.

The letter was written in 1920, the same year as the New York release, sending Sophie and her hero, Noah, on a search for possible connections between the two events.

Excerpt: The Letter

“What’s this?” She lifted out a heavy polyethylene bag. She knew from Eudora’s instruction that the bag was archival quality. Now why was this one protected when the others weren’t? She slid the book out. “Agatha Christie. The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” Christies were a dime a dozen. Most of her works had millions of copies in print. It was unlikely this was valuable, even though it was a hardback. Maybe it was a gift. There could be an inscription or note inside. She checked the flyleaf. Nothing. She turned to the copyright page. “First edition, first printing.” Okay. New York: John Lane Publishing Company, 1920. Wait a minute. She set it down, puzzled. New York? Christie’s books were published in England. It must be the first American edition. Still, sometimes those fetched surprisingly good prices. Another thing to research at the center. As she reinserted it in its plastic bag, an envelope fell out. Yellowed and stained, it was addressed to Constable Bustwick, Montgomery County Police. No return address or stamp. She opened it.

Inside was a scrap of butcher’s brown wrapping paper. It’s a letter. The handwriting was shaky. An older person? A child? Though the date was obscured by a streak of dried ink, she could make out “April” and “1920.” The same year the book was published. She sat down to read.

Dear Constable Bustwick,

I write to you in great distress. I believe I may have witnessed a horrible act. However, I do not know if it was truly a crime, so I am begging you to investigate quietly. If I speak out publicly, I risk my position.

The event occurred two nights ago. The master and mistress had retired. I had closed up the house and returned to my room when a thunderstorm barreled through. For a time the thunder was quite loud. Lightning struck one of our cherry trees with a great CRACK. I had finally dozed off when a noise outside woke me. It was perhaps an hour past midnight. We have had problems with raccoons in the garbage pit lately, so I took my broom and went out to frighten the creatures off. It was very dark after the storm, with only the feeble light from the hitching post lantern to see by. A figure came around the side of the carriage house. He had a large bundle slung over his shoulder. Mr. Constable, I think it was a body! As I watched, he toppled it into the back seat of an automobile parked on the gravel. When he tried to close the door, a man’s hat fell out. He picked the hat up, threw it inside, and drove away.

I was terrified, but the master had left strict orders not to disturb them, so I went back to my quarters. The next morning the master and mistress had breakfast as usual. Neither mentioned a late night visitor. The stable held only their Ford Model T and the carriage. The car in the driveway had been much larger and fancier. I remember the lamplight glinting on a chrome hood ornament that resembled a flying bird.

When the day had almost passed and the master had not altered his normal routine, I began to feel that I’d dreamed the whole thing. Then late that afternoon I was sweeping the carriage house floor and found the glass bottle we keep the rat poison in. It lay in the floor drain, shattered. Constable Bustwick, I do not know if the broken bottle has anything to do with the body, but I fear it does. I beg you to look into it, but please, please don’t contact my master or mention my name. I pray there is a simple explanation for all this.

Sincerely, Agnes Reilly.

The letter fell out of Sophie’s hand. My God. Did this Agnes really witness a murder? And why didn’t she mail the letter? Did she mean to hand carry it, or perhaps she couldn’t find a stamp? And how did it end up in the book? She sat, fanning herself with the envelope. Hefting the volume, she quickly slipped the letter between its pages and dropped it back in the box.

I have to return to Marmion Grove anyway. I’ll ask Noah about the letter. She was ashamed to realize the thought gave her pleasure

Buy links:

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/railroadties/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Railroad-Ties-Marmion-Grove-Murders-ebook/dp/B0F38Q5HZR

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/railroad-ties-m-s-spencer/1147152800?ean=2940184496733

Apple/IBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/railroad-ties-the-marmion-grove-murders/id6744065960

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230846616-railroad-ties

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/railroad-ties-the-marmion-grove-murders-by-m-s-spencer

About the Author

Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. In June 2025 she will have published eighteen mystery or romantic suspense novels. She has two children, an exuberant granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.

Social media links:

Blog: https://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/msspencerauthor

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/msspencer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msspencerauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-s-spencer

Shepherd: https://shepherd.com/search/author/21204

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002ZOEUC8

The latest from Ella Braeme!

Knocked Up by Her Mountain Man

How can I tell the love of my life we’re having a baby if he doesn’t even remember having had sex?

After a passionate, unforgettable night with my best friend, a tragic accident leaves him with no memory of our fiery connection. As I navigate the complexities of our altered relationship, I’m grappling with an unexpected pregnancy. Going back to being best friends now is impossible. Can I reignite the spark in his heart before he learns of the baby and feels obligated to stay?

Dive into the enthralling world of Knocked Up by Her Mountain Man—a tale brimming with small-town charm and a gentle touch of steam. Experience an emotional journey towards a happily ever after in this standalone installment of the Elken Grove Mountain Men series.

♥ surprise baby ♥ friends to lovers ♥ mountain man ♥ Appalachia ♥ amnesia ♥ small town ♥

Review quotes

This is so sweet it hurts.

You will love what happens with these two and the wild love they have for each other.

This is a friends to lovers, second chance love story….but with a twist.

Excerpt of Knocked Up by Her Mountain Man

Everybody in this town is in on the big, fat secret: I’ve had sex with Finn Winslow, and he’s forgotten all about it.

As a result, they are awkward around me. I can’t even blame them. In most places, I guess, I’d be the victim of lewd comments, judging glances, and sexual innuendo. But not in Elken Grove. Here, the townsfolk offer clumsy side-glances and full-on pity.

Take this morning, for example. As usual, I write the special on the board behind the cash register. Stretching my plump, short frame, I carefully chalk today’s special. It’s peanut bar day, a favorite of our customers. Can’t blame them. Together with the sprinkles of dark chocolate and gooey salted caramel, it’s a slice of heaven.

Mr. and Mrs. Hartley, regulars for their daily coffee and pastry, come in. Mrs. Hartley stares at the board as if seeing it for the first time. She opens and closes her mouth a couple of times, reminding me of a carp. I’ve never seen a carp in real life, but this is how it must look. Mr. Hartley gently touches her arm and says to me, in a soothing voice, “We’ll have red velvet muffins, please, dear.”

There is nothing wrong with our red velvet muffins. But since when don’t the Hartleys jump at a chance to get the peanut bar?

Robin, the coffee shop’s owner, looks on, and once the Hartleys are at their usual table by the corner window, takes a closer look at the board. And that’s when I see it, too. “Peenut bar w/dark chocolate and caramel.”

Much less than missing out on a peanut bar, Mr. Hartley would miss a chance for a stupid sexual joke. Instead, he called me “dear” and almost patted my hand. That’s how the folks of Elken Grove treat me now. I know it’s meant to be considerate, but it’s wearing thin.

Robin, taller than me, swiftly erases the offending E.

“Gimme that,” I say. “Your handwriting should not be on promotional boards.”

Robin sighs in mock relief. “She’s talking.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Lately, you’ve seemed unfocused and unusually quiet. Don’t lose your spunk, girl.”

I huff. My spunk has long since faded. For months now, everybody in this town has felt entitled to discuss intensely private matters with me. Like how sad it was that the night both of Finn’s brothers got married ended this tragically: I finally got together with the man I’ve loved for years, and that’s when the thrift store under my apartment caught fire and the building burned down. We had to jump from the second-floor window, stark naked. Finn badly injured his leg and was whisked away to the hospital and rehab. I haven’t seen him since, haven’t even gotten in touch with him. He’s got memory issues, and the doctor insisted on complete rest and no contact unless he initiates it. Which he hasn’t, but for a few texts. I know he hates writing, and his texts showed that he cared about me, but were disappointingly friendly. He is his usual carefree self, only he doesn’t remember anything about the night of his accident. Which includes having had sex with me.

But Robin is right, I’m letting myself go. I suppress a sigh and resolve to fake it until I make it. I snatch the chalk. “I’m sorry, I’ll just redo the board.”

Robin looks unconvinced. That’s what you get when you’re friends with your boss: well-meant meddling.

Meghan comes in and rattles off her order for the hardware store. As I make her coffees, and we chat about the unusually mild, but rainy March weather, I feel almost normal. When she leaves, she passes a grinning Patty Winslow in the door. My heart starts beating like a drum. I haven’t seen Finn’s mother this happy since before the night of the fire, so maybe she’s bringing good news. Perhaps I finally will be able to talk to Finn.

Patty comes straight for me. She takes my hands in hers and, with tears in her eyes, announces, “He’s coming home. He just called from the road.” A sob escapes her. “He’ll be home this afternoon.”

My knees weaken and tears well up, but my face breaks into the biggest grin ever. He’s coming home!

Patty looks around at the customers present. The Hartleys are here, and Mr. Vance is—they are the biggest gossips in town. Soon everyone will know that Finn is returning.

With a loud voice to make sure everybody hears, she declares, “I spoke with the doctor again, and he stressed how crucial it is for Finn to remember that night on his own. No one is to tell him. He needs to remember by himself.”

I’ve never understood that. Don’t doctors usually encourage patients meeting their friends and family? Talking about what happened? This feels wrong, but my formal education ended when I left high school, so I wouldn’t know anything about amnesia but for what I’ve read about since that night.

Patty turns back to me. “I’m sorry, dear. You’ll have to be patient a little longer. But the doctor is confident that, if you really matter to him, Finn will remember sooner or later.”

What if he doesn’t? Am I not important enough to be remembered?

How can I possibly tell him we’re having a baby when I’m not allowed to remind him we’ve had sex?

Read on: https://books2read.com/knocked-up-by-her-mountain-man

About the author

Ella writes sweet’n’steamy romances that are meant to provide short vacations from your everyday life. She loves to read, mostly romances, of course, and to putter around in her backyard, forever trying to turn it into a blooming garden. She’s got a dog who is helping greatly with all the garden work by supervising everything Ella does and—for the most part—not digging up her flowers.

Meet Ella

Follow Ella on Instagram @ellawritesromance

or on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ellawritesromance.bsky.social

Sign-up to her emails and get a free novella https://ellabraeme.com/newsletter.htm

Visit the website https://ellabraeme.com

Other books by Ella Braeme

Contemporary Romance

Elken Grove Mountain Men

Butting Heads with Her Mountain Man
Her Rock Star Mountain Man
Knocked Up by the Mountain Man

Married in Windfall

Nice Enough
Anyone at Hand
Someone I Chose
Santa’s Proposal
Married in Windfall (the entire series available as paperback)

Suspense Romance

Shielded Hearts

Mountain Hideout ← free with sign-up

Things I do when I should be writing…

Lately, I confess I’ve fallen into a hole of creating pictures of characters from my stories with AI. Granted, I am in a tenuous position with this confession, because I am obviously not happy that some authors are creating whole books with AI that are now in competition with my own. But I will say that there are no competitions in play here–I already have a cover for the book and won’t use these pictures commercially, other than to occasionally bring attention to my little twaddles.

For example, in TENDER MISDEMEANORS, a romantic suspense from The Wild Rose Press, my heroine is an officer with the Bureau of Land Management, which gets her into all sorts of trouble with the less-than-law-abiding characters in the story. But–fun fact–she is a full time RVer, living in an RV with her pet iguana at the edge of a national park in Montana. Here’s the story the book tells:

Caryn Orlane has law enforcement in her blood; her father was a cop, and his father, too. She’s a federal agent in northwest Montana, protecting the old forests and keeping the peace.

Levi Bradshaw also believes in protecting the forests, but has a very different MO. He’s the leader of a group of eco-warriors, determined to save the trees of the Bitterroot by legal—and illegal—means.

When they meet in the woods at gunpoint, their encounter ignites a spark of interest, despite operating on opposite sides of the law. When their worlds turn on them, they only grow closer. If they don’t work together, can either survive?

( For more info– book trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlVFvMZw0a0&t=63s and general links, etc. here: https://alana-lorens.com/tender-misdemeanors/)

While I did like seeing Caryn as her weekend self, I couldn’t forget she is also all business. So here she is then:

Previously I’d done a feature post on Levi Bradshaw, her nemesis-turned-lover, so don’t think I’m being unfair! Check it out: https://alana-lorens.com/2023/04/12/meet-levi-bradshaw-from-tender-misdemeanors/

Okay–back to writing now. I hope. 🙂

Book trailer released for Cruel Charade!

I’ve been waiting to release this in all the hoopla, reviews and great press for the new book–but here it is! Enjoy!! (get ready to dance in your chair! 🙂 )

For more information and buy links– https://alana-lorens.com/cruel-charade/

Reviews coming in–do you have your copy yet?

CRUEL CHARADE has been out one whole week, and the five-star reviews are piling up! Check out some of these:

5.0 out of 5 stars Page-turner with a Great Twist Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2024

If you like a good legal thriller with an engaging protagonist, you will enjoy Cruel Charade. In this latest offering in the lady lawyer series by Alana Lorens, Bettina Lenard wakes up in a Florida swamp and tries to figure out how she got there and who wants her dead. Unfortunately, there are many possibilities. It could be one of several former clients, a drug kingpin she has crossed, or maybe her ex-husband.

This book is fun, but it’s instructive, too. In addition to the mystery, Cruel Charade is also an accurate description of the journey to diagnosis for a woman with an autoimmune disease, from her husband assuming she is faking pain to cover a drinking problem, to a line of doctors who have no clue how to help her and little interest in trying. The reader has sympathy for Bet but doesn’t pity her. She is a strong, capable woman dealing with an illness that she doesn’t let define her.

The story skips around in time, which can be a bit confusing at first, but stick with it because you will get into the rhythm as you read on. Cruel Charade is a page-turner with a great twist. It’s the perfect book for a weekend at the beach or a me-time treat.

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024

CRUEL CHARADE by Alana Lorens is exciting with plot twists and turns that will keep you reading through the night. The story revolves around the murder attempt of attorney Bet Lenard who has lost everything in a bitter divorce. She finds comfort with her dearest friend and a new therapist. Written by juxtaposing the past with the present is intriguing and makes you really think when putting the story line together. It boils down to, can Bet figure out who tried to kill her before they try again? A great read all the way to the unique and surprising end. I highly recommend this book.

July 15, 2024

There is a lot going on in this story. It’s all about Bet Lenard, and the story is in her POV, but it goes back and forth from present time to her past so you get all the reasons behind what’s happening in the back story. Bet is nearly killed in the Everglades in a car fire. She barely gets back from that before other things start happening. As a criminal lawyer, she’s often worked with dangerous people, but she’s not sure who is doing this to her—and there are a lot of possibilities, including her ex-husband.

There’s enough going on in this story that you definitely will not get bored – right up to the last page! Just when you think everything is solved, you turn the page and… it’s not! Nicely done. The only thing that kept me from giving this five stars was the back-and-forth in past/present. Not one of my favorite types of writing, but overall, the story is excellent.

Recommended.

June 29, 2024

I really enjoyed my review copy of Cruel Charade, a crime thriller by Alana Lorens. The story begins when Miami attorney Bettina (Bet) Lenard, wakes up in a spectacular WTF situation. Someone is out to kill Bet and, given the criminal element she and her not-so-ethical attorney ex-husband have represented over the years, that would-be killer could be anyone. Bet has to stay one step ahead of the killer’s attacks; while battling debilitating pain from an undiagnosable illness, keeping her estranged kids safe, and eluding a mob boss intent on forcing her to work for him. This unusual protagonist is one reason Cruel Charade kept me interested. Bet is a flawed person who doesn’t have all the answers, but she’s doing her best to navigate personal relationships while solving the case. I really loved Bet’s deadpan sense of humor, fashion sense, and foodie sensibilities. I enjoyed the inventive way she got herself out of jams. Cruel Charade is an engaging story with characters that feel real, in a setting that came alive in a sensory way (I really want to try that Cuban coffee). The action kept me hooked. The end satisfied and left me smiling.

Miami attorney Bet Lenard has had a rough year. She’s battling an unknown illness that drives her to drink to cope with her pain. Her lawyer husband has divorced her and taken the best part of their business, their home and their children.

On the night of May 16, 1996, Bet finds herself in the Everglades in the middle of the night, drugged, lost and next to a burned car with a dead body in it. Hoping she’s hit bottom, Bet must drag herself out of her living hell and discover who tried to kill her. Was it her ex-husband, not satisfied with stealing everything that mattered? An angry client, unhappy with the outcome of their case? Her best friend’s husband, livid that Bet’s restraining order kicked him out of her life forever? Police officers fuming that Bet helped a client convict a dirty cop who was their friend? She has no idea.

As she tries to sort out the motives behind her would-be killer, even more suspects come to light. The only thing keeping Bet sane is her relationship with her therapist, who encourages her to struggle and survive, despite everything that’s gone wrong. How will Bet discover the truth and bring her enemy to justice before they strike again and, this time, succeed?

What are you waiting for? Get your copy here:

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A broken family and intrigue on the hot, deadly streets of 1996 Miami #MFRWHooks

Yes, today’s the day! CRUEL CHARADE is out from The Wild Rose Press– and its five-stars future looks good. Do you have your copy yet?

May 13, 1995

One year before The Incident

Bettina stumbled out the side door of the Barracuda Taphouse, straining to focus fuzzy eyes. Leaning against the side of the building, she muttered to herself.

I only took my attention off that pina colada for a minute. Someone dosed it. I’ve got to get straight. Now.

But she couldn’t. Her knees threatened to mutiny and drop her on the pavement. Music pulsed through the wall behind her. She started to spin out of control.

Five things. “Street lights. Blue Lexus. Palm trees.

Lady with a purse. Man with a purse.” Should it bother me that his is nicer?

She straightened her back against the bricks, her fingers scrabbling in the grooves for a handhold. Her eyes closed and the spinning got worse. She forced them open again.

Four things. “Bricks. Space between bricks.” She tapped her expensive shoe on the ground. “Sidewalk.” She didn’t dare let go to touch anything else. Her arm rubbed against hard plastic discs down her side. “Midnight blue sequins.” Her new blouse that screamed take me home to bed, stranger.

Three things. “Um…traffic. Drums. Horns beeping.”

Was her breathing easier? She thought so.

Two things. “Cigarette smoke.” She cast an envious glance at the couple standing half a block up with cancer sticks in hand. “Diesel fuel.”

One thing. She couldn’t taste anything at first. Whatever was in her system had taken over. Then bile swirled in her stomach and rose to the back of her throat. Burning, it made its way out as she vomited into a potted plant.

Now isn’t that a lovely picture. Up-and-coming criminal defense attorney ralphing al fresco like a common street drunk.

She wiped her mouth and faced the wall, drooping against it, one hand propping her up.

The door she’d come out of flew open. “Bet? Oh my God, what are you doing?” Mela grabbed her arm. “Are you all right?”

“Nope,” Bet replied. “I surely am not. Someone dosed me. I think it was that suave Nicaraguan.” Her stomach roiled and she threw up again.

“The one with the haircut? You think so?” Mela rubbed Bet’s back. “Come on, let’s get out of here before a Herald reporter shows up. That’s all you need is for Rich to have proof you’re unfit.”

Bet reared upward with a scowl. “I’m not unfit. I don’t have the children in my custody, do I? He won that round, damn it.”

What the story’s about: Miami attorney Bet Lenard has had a rough year. She’s battling an unknown illness that drives her to drink to cope with her pain. Her lawyer husband has divorced her and taken the best part of their business, their home and their children.

Where you can get it:

Amazon
Walmart
Target
BooksAMillion
IndieBound
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books
ITunes