Guess on #Thursday13 who's the Stranger at My Door

#MFRWauthor Mari Manning tells us who's the

                                                 Stranger at My Door

Author Bio
 Let’s start with the fun stuff. I love small towns, mysteries, quiet men, laughter, old-fashioned spaghetti dinners. I love boots and shopping and jokes and Hershey’s dark chocolate and white wine. I love lots of things. But my first love is reading. I love to read. Just about anything, but it has to be well-written. I go through periods where I am into historical novels or romance or mystery or history or biography. I never know when my desires will suddenly change.

Now for the writer-ish, official stuff: Mari Manning is the author of several contemporary romances and three romantic suspense novels set in the Texas Hill Country. Stranger at My Door is the first in her A Murder in Teas series. The second, Stranger in My House will be published by Entangled later this year. The third book in the series is Stranger in My Bed. Currently Mari is working on a series of cozy mysteries.

She and her husband live in Chicago.


 
Publisher Entangled Publishing

Genre Romantic Suspense

 Blurb
The only thing standing between her and disaster is a man she can’t trust …
As far as Dinah Pittman is concerned, men can’t be trusted. Especially cops. Her own father was a cop and a convicted felon who stole a small fortune before dying in prison. The best part? No one knows where the money is…and someone is willing to kill off everyone who knows anything about it.
And Dinah is next.
Rafe Morales left the Dallas police force to settle down to a simpler life in the small Texas town of El Royo. Instead, he finds himself protecting an infuriating, tough-as-nails, oh-so-sexy victim—and driving himself crazy with a thoroughly unprofessional desire.
But as the body count rises, Rafe and Dinah must find a way to trust each other…before they both end up dead. 

Buy link Entangledpublishing

Thirteen things Mari likes:

1. Warm weather (I'm still wearing my winter coat and it's fricking May!)

2. New clothes (I indulge in retail therapy)

3. Long walks

4. Homemade chocolate chip cookies

5. Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies

6. Fireworks on the fourth of July

7. Strolling through downtown Chicago in the summer

8. Cowboy boots (my Frye boots are as old as Urban Cowboy and I still love them)

9. The Arizona desert in the spring

10. Halloween night (especially when the sky is clear and the moon is out)

11. The color blue

12. A surprise bouquet of flowers

13. Last but not least, I love to write

You can stalk the author here:
Website
Twitter
Goodreads 
 

Book Spotlight: Portrait of a Girl @Luanna_Stewart #MFRWauthor

Portrait of a Girl

by Luanna Nau
Entangled Publishing

Tony Simons is on the trail of an art theft cold case. He's hoping that by sticking close to Heather James—the daughter of his deceased prime suspect—he'll find the answers he needs.

Instead, he's finding himself distracted by a gorgeous woman who drives him crazy in every way imaginable. Now Tony's in serious trouble. Even if Heather can't—or won't—tell him where the stolen paintings and money are, she may well have stolen his heart. And now someone wants her dead…

Buy Link

EXCERPT
She put her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him close, her soft lips laying claim to his mouth. He slid an arm around her waist, pulled her close, pressing against her heat. Her scent made him forget all the reasons why this was a bad idea.

“We shouldn’t be doing this.” She nibbled at his lips, playing and teasing.

“You’re right.” He nuzzled her neck, tempted to take a bite.

“I hardly know you.”

“Exactly.”

“Why are you so agreeable?”

“One of us has to think clearly, and I’m doing my damnedest to be a gentleman.”

“Maybe I don’t want a gentleman.”

She pulled him back for another kiss, openmouthed, tongues clashing. If the bad guys showed up right now—

He broke the kiss. They were both breathing hard, and her heart raced along with his. He had to get her out of his house. “I’ve got a deadline to meet, or I won’t get paid. I’d hate to make my landlord upset by being late with the rent.”

He felt her smile against his neck. “I happen to know your landlord, and her cat would go hungry if you were late with the rent.”

“I’d hate to be responsible for a cat going hungry. Maybe we can continue this discussion later.”

“You can count on it.”

ABOUT Luanna Stewart
Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother's stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna now lives in Maine with her dear husband, two college boys and two cats. When she's not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious.

CONNECT With Luanna
http://www.luannastewart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Luanna.Stewart.nau
https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14104212.Luanna_Stewart
https://www.pinterest.com/luannastewart/

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Portrait of a Girl @Luanna_Stewart #MFRWauthor

Portrait of a Girl
by Luanna Stewart
Entangled Publishing

Tony Simons is on the trail of an art theft cold case. He's hoping that by sticking close to Heather James—the daughter of his deceased prime suspect—he'll find the answers he needs. Instead, he's finding himself distracted by a gorgeous woman who drives him crazy in every way imaginable. Now Tony's in serious trouble. Even if Heather can't—or won't—tell him where the stolen paintings and money are, she may well have stolen his heart. And now someone wants her dead…

EXCERPT

“What color would you choose, then?” She took a step closer, like she was angling for an argument. Arguing was not what he had in mind, either, unless it led to making up.
“I’d choose a blue like your eyes.” He closed the distance and tugged a lock of hair free from her ponytail.
“Or a mellow gold like your hair. Or”—he stroked her soft cheek, noting the catch in her breath—“the shade of your blush when you’re aroused.”
Her lips parted with a soft “oh.”
This right here was why he’d asked to be taken off the case or shipped overseas. He’d known, during that last meeting with his boss, that he was headed for this kind of trouble. The last thing he wanted to do was paint the fucking house.
She put her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him close, her soft lips laying claim to his mouth. He slid an arm around her waist, pulled her close, pressing against her heat. Her scent made him forget all the reasons why this was a bad idea.
“We shouldn’t be doing this.” She nibbled at his lips, playing and teasing.
“You’re right.” He nuzzled her neck, tempted to take a bite.
“I hardly know you.”
“Exactly.”
“Why are you so agreeable?”
“One of us has to think clearly, and I’m doing my damnedest to be a gentleman.”
“Maybe I don’t want a gentleman.”
She pulled him back for another kiss, openmouthed, tongues clashing. If the bad guys showed up right now—
He broke the kiss. They were both breathing hard, and her heart raced along with his. He had to get her out of his house. “I’ve got a deadline to meet, or I won’t get paid. I’d hate to make my landlord upset by being late with the rent.”
He felt her smile against his neck. “I happen to know your landlord, and her cat would go hungry if you were late with the rent.”
“I’d hate to be responsible for a cat going hungry. Maybe we can continue this discussion later.”
“You can count on it.”

ABOUT Luanna Stewart
Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother's stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna now lives in Maine with her dear husband, two college boys and two cats. When she's not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious.

Writing under the pen name Grace Hood, she has two novellas published with The Wild Rose Press. Now she is excited to have a book published under her own name with Entangled Publishing.

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#Thursday13 Facts About #MFRWauthor Linda Bond @AuthorLindaBond

MFRW Author Linda Bond  is an Emmy award winning journalist by day and an author of romantic adventures by night.  She’s also the mother of five, four athletes and an adopted son from Cuba. She has a passion for world travel, classic movies, and alpha males. Linda currently lives in Florida, where the sun always shines and the day begins with endless possibilities. You can become a Bond girl and share in her continuing adventures at www.lindabond.com.

Today, for Thursday 13, Linda shares 13 things you might not know about her...

13 FUN FACTS FROM LINDA BOND

• I have two stepdaughters, one adopted son from Cuba, and two biological daughters, so I’ve been blessed to know motherhood in many different ways.
• I’m afraid to fly, yet accepted a ride in a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird – which travels twice

the speed of sound. I’m still afraid to fly.
• I love ketchup but hate tomatoes.
• I love late afternoon thunderstorms in Florida, the big boomers, where the thunder and lightning shakes the house.
• I named my bulldog, Sanford, after Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia, where I spent four years performing as a majorette with the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band.
• I was Ms Greenville, South Carolina 1985 – while using my stepfather’s name Linda Yokum.
• My favorite movies are Gone with the Wind, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice. Oh, love The Notebook, too.
• My favorite music is 80’s hair band rock and roll. In fact, I run to Guns – n – Roses and Bon Jovi most mornings.
• My guilty pleasure is watching reality TV. (Any of the housewives shows – please don’t’ tell anyone)
• I love dark chocolate and full‐bodied red wine.
• I’ve worked in television news, at the same TV station, with the same wonderful folks, for more than 20 years.
• I survived a fight with breast cancer, and it changed the way I enjoy my life.
• I write because I can’t stop. It’s been a life long addiction.

She recently released Alive at 5, a Mainstream Suspense, with Entangled in July.

BOOK BLURB
TV news reporter Samantha Steele is one panic attack away from losing her job. Future on the line, she sets up an easy feature story – following her mentor on an exhilarating adventure vacation.       When her mentor dies while skydiving, Samantha suspects he was murdered, and her investigative instincts lead her to gorgeous thrill-seeker Zack Hunter.

Zack is an undercover police officer investigating his uncle’s death through the same adventure vacation. Zack doesn't want Samantha investigating alongside him. The emotionally wounded loner is afraid of being responsible for a partner again, especially a journalist whose goal is to splash evidence all over the evening news.

But the striking reporter’s persistence is quite a turn-on, and Zack’s overpowering desire makes it harder for him to push her away. When the killer turns his attention to Zack, Samantha could be the only one who can save him, forcing the anxiety-riddled correspondent to finally face her greatest fear.

Meet Sam Steele and Zack Hunter.

A reporter on edge. 

A reckless, undercover police officer on a very personal mission. 

A high-octane, adrenaline rush of a journey to find a murderer begins.

Will they live to be Alive at 5?

http://bit.ly/Aliveat5Amazonlink | http://bit.ly/Aliveat5BandN  |  http://bit.ly/Aliveat5iTunes

What Reviewers Are Saying...
"Oh my gosh! I just finished proof reading this book for Entangled and I am blown away. I can't remember the last time I held my breath in fear while reading a book! THIS book is great! I read a lot of books and I very rarely leave reviews but this one calls for it. Linda Bond has written a page turner in romantic suspense. Alive at Five has everything: romance, suspense, action, alpha hero and a strong female lead! I think release is set for July 14th. I just had to sing its praises as soon as I finished reading! You have to read this one!"
- Sherry Willingham – copy editor and reviewer - Posted on Goodreads

#MFRWauthor BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Alive At 5 @AuthorLindaBond @EntangledPub

MFRW Author Linda Bond released Alive at 5, a Mainstream Suspense, with Entangled on July 14, 2014.

TV news reporter Samantha Steele is one panic attack away from losing her job. Future on the line, she sets up an easy feature story – following her mentor on an exhilarating adventure vacation.       When her mentor dies while skydiving, Samantha suspects he was murdered, and her investigative instincts lead her to gorgeous thrill-seeker Zack Hunter.

Zack is an undercover police officer investigating his uncle’s death through the same adventure vacation. Zack doesn't want Samantha investigating alongside him. The emotionally wounded loner is afraid of being responsible for a partner again, especially a journalist whose goal is to splash evidence all over the evening news.

But the striking reporter’s persistence is quite a turn-on, and Zack’s overpowering desire makes it harder for him to push her away. When the killer turns his attention to Zack, Samantha could be the only one who can save him, forcing the anxiety-riddled correspondent to finally face her greatest fear.

Book Trailer
Meet Sam Steele and Zack Hunter.

A reporter on edge. 

A reckless, undercover police officer on a very personal mission. 

A high-octane, adrenaline rush of a journey to find a murderer begins.

Will they live to be Alive at 5?

http://bit.ly/Aliveat5Amazonlink | http://bit.ly/Aliveat5BandN  |  http://bit.ly/Aliveat5iTunes

What Reviewers Are Saying...
"Oh my gosh! I just finished proof reading this book for Entangled and I am blown away. I can't remember the last time I held my breath in fear while reading a book! THIS book is great! I read a lot of books and I very rarely leave reviews but this one calls for it. Linda Bond has written a page turner in romantic suspense. Alive at Five has everything: romance, suspense, action, alpha hero and a strong female lead! I think release is set for July 14th. I just had to sing its praises as soon as I finished reading! You have to read this one!"
- Sherry Willingham – copy editor and reviewer - Posted on Goodreads

Excerpt

“Dance with me.”
His hands were around her waist already. “What does dancing have to do with trust?”
A Rascal Flats country ballad was playing in the background. The twangy song had a slow, steady beat. She swayed back on her heels, a bit dizzy.
One of his hands moved around her back, and he gently pulled her against his body.
Her arms instinctively looped around his neck, and her cheek found his. The roughness of his five o’clock shadow scraped her cheek. She licked her lips, pressing into him just a little more. This exercise in trust was getting way out of control, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull away. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had held her this way. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d wanted a man to do more. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d let herself go like this.
“Now tell me what you hear.” His voice had a rougher edge to it.
The out of control beating of my heart. “Rascal Flats, and your voice.”
He continued whispering in her ear. “Tell me what you smell.”
The alcohol on your breath, and the musky smell of your skin. “Stale beer on the floor.”
“And what do you feel?”
Ohmigod, I feel your big hands sliding down my back. “You touching me.”
“And how does that make you feel inside?”
Dizzy, wet, hungry for you to stop whispering in my ear and use those lips to kiss me instead.
She couldn’t believe the desire controlling her body. Maybe this was why her mother had made so many bad mistakes with smooth-talking men. But her instincts told her Zack was so much more than his silver tongue.
Though, she’d definitely take it...
His hands found the curve of her lower back. With a subtle pressure, he moved her hips into his. He didn’t need any words to show her how he was feeling at this moment. His erection was undeniable. His lips nuzzled her neck, and he pressed her against it. “What do you taste?” he murmured.
She inhaled and pulled back just a little bit. “I still taste the mangosteen.”
“I want to taste it, too.”
He moved his lips up her neck, taking his time, pressing his mouth against her throbbing artery. She let the raw emotion of desire sweep over her. Her hand moved up through his hair, hungry for the feel of him.
His lips brushed hers, making her knees actually go weak, but abruptly he pulled away. “Damn. I promised I wouldn’t do this.”
“What? Are you kidding me?” No more teasing. No more games. No more exercises. She’d had enough. “You aren’t taking advantage of me.” Oblivious to where she was and who might be watching, she pulled him to her, anxious to crush his lips with hers in a way she’d never tried before.
So, this was what it felt like to let yourself go. Passion. It was turning her core into a roaring fire. She’d always kept this feeling bottled up. Why? It felt so damn good.
After a brief hesitation, his lips pressed down on hers— firm and demanding. She opened her mouth to let his tongue mix with hers, and moaned as his grinding erection pushed against her.
Holy cow, she’d never been kissed like this before. She could taste his need, and feel his desire for her, and the rawness of both made her long for even more. She deepened the kiss, pulling him closer still, amazed at herself for being the aggressor, enjoying every damn moment of it. She wanted this kiss to last forever.

About Linda
Linda Bond is an Emmy award winning journalist by day and an author of romantic adventures by night.  She’s also the mother of five, four athletes and an adopted son from Cuba. She has a passion for world travel, classic movies, and alpha males. Linda currently lives in Florida, where the sun always shines and the day begins with endless possibilities.  You can become a Bond girl and share in her continuing adventures at www.lindabond.com.