Through My Lens

VISITING AUBREY, TEXAS

Home to the SLOANE brothers.

I love to research actual locations for my books. So when it was time to write TEXAS FAMILY RECKONING, we took a drive and snapped a lot (really, A LOT) of local pictures. There's an abandoned Peanut Dryer Building next to the railroad tracks that became a very important part of the second book.

No spoilers...but if you've already read THE RENEGADE RANCHER, I'd be interested to see your reaction to the pictures.

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Currently Available

ANGI MORGAN writes “Intrigues where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi's work has been a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best Award, Romantic Times Best First Series, Carolyn Readers Choice, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the Daphne du Maurier..

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Monthly Giveaway

Currently Available

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ENTER ANGI'S monthly giveaway contest: register at Rafflecopter through June 15th. 

I'd love to know if I got close to describing Lindsey's capture? 

The Scoop from Julie Miller (April)

Dear Readers,

First of all, Happy Birthday to my mom!  And to any other April celebrants out there!

April 1 marks the release of my very first all-me anthology!  MAKE MINE A MARINE is officially out, in ebook only for now, but in several different formats.  So whether you’re Kindle or NOOK, you read on your phone or computer, etc.—if you can read digital books, you can download

Available now! Ebook only.

MAKE MINE A MARINE.  The anthology features 3 full-length romantic suspense novels featuring military heroes.  For those readers who often ask when I’m going to write a single-title length romantic suspense novel, I have!  These aren’t Precinct stories, but feature a group of former Marine Corps operatives who are now in the bodyguard business.  I hope to write a brand new story featuring one of their friends as the hero later this year.

Coming this summer!

In the meantime, there’s plenty to talk about on the Intrigue front.  KCPD PROTECTOR, the lead title for August 2014, is going to have a prequel novella available online at www.Harlequin.com all through the month of June.  I’m writing that story now.  The novella, tentatively titled THE BRIDESMAID’S BODYGUARD, will have 30 short-short chapters, with a new one published each day throughout June.  Readers can get KCPD PROTECTOR July 1^st at the Harlequin website.  (August 1 through other outlets)

My next project is something brand new.  Harlequin Intrigue NOIR is the new digital-first line that Harlequin will launch this fall, and I’ve been asked to write one of the stories for their first anthology.  Intrigue NOIR is a darker, grittier, sexier version of the Intrigue romantic suspense stories readers love.  While many readers love the traditional Intrigue (and those will certainly continue!), many readers have also asked for a little more steam, a little more atmosphere in their books.  These NOIR books are for them…and anyone who’s as big a fan of romantic suspense as I am.  My story is tentatively called THE PRECINCT: AFTER DARK.  Readers will recognize familiar Kansas City settings from my fictional Fourth Precinct.  But there will be a few more curse words, a little more sex (think Blaze-ish) and some grittier themes.  I hope my readers will give the new spin-off line of Intrigue NOIR a try.

As always, be sure to check out my Contests & Fun Page http://www.juliemiller.org/contests_&_fun.htm to read an excerpt from MAKE MINE A MARINE.  And enter for a chance to win one of my backlist titles!

So, I've chatted about a variety of different types of stories I'm working on, or have written for release.  Which one are you most looking forward to, and why?  Or share about any author's book you're looking forward to reading.  I'll give away a copy of a title from my backlist (print, if I have it, or ebook--winner's choice) to one lucky poster.

Happy Reading!

Julie

Julie Miller Newsletter & Giveaway

Dear Readers,

Erin Go Bragh to my Irish friends.  Happy March to everyone.  Is it roaring in like a lion, or creeping in like a lamb where you are? Looks like it’s going to be roaring in here where I live—because I just can’t get enough of this bitter cold and snow—not!  Hopefully, the old wives’ tale will hold true to form, and by month’s end, spring and gentler weather will be here to stay.

February was a busy month for me!  I celebrated another birthday.  Got some lovely flowers for Valentine’s Day.  Finished up a play I directed for my local community theater (TWELVE ANGRY MEN)—and the production was really special, if I do say so myself.   Plus, I finished up my book for November.  CROSSFIRE CHRISTMAS is the new title for the book that started off as Kidnapped By A Cop.  This one is a holiday thriller with a wounded hero (literally and emotionally) and a spunky heroine who teaches him about love and trust. So mark your calendars for CROSSFIRE CHRISTMAS!

In other cool news—I was asked to write a free online read novella that will run throughout the month of June at the www.Harlequin.com website.  It doesn’t have a title yet, but it’s going to be a prequel to my August release, KCPD PROTECTOR.  You won’t have to read the prequel to know what’s going on in KCPD PROTECTOR, but it’s a free read!  So I hope you’ll indulge in some extra romantic suspense starting June 1^st.

Coming in April!

Also, on the independent front…for you e-readers out there, I’ll be releasing a boxed set of three of my big romantic suspense books under the title, MAKE MINE A MARINE next month.  Can you guess what all the heroes used to do for a living?  As my dad said, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”  Yes, these are previously published titles—but they’ve been updated and re-edited, and the set will be available at a bargain price!  Many of you have let me know that you’d like to see some bigger books from me.  So here’s a taste.  I hope you’ll love them!

This month I’m continuing to revisit some of my favorite stories and share them with readers.  Be sure to check out my Contests & Fun Page http://www.juliemiller.org/contests_&_fun.htm to read an excerpt from PROTECTING PLAIN JANE.  I’ve always had a thing for those big bruiser heroes with a heart of gold beneath that gruff & tough exterior.  I hope you’ll enjoy this excerpt, too.  And enter for a chance to win one of my backlist titles!

So what's the weather like in your part of the world? Still dealing with an arctic vortex? Are plants budding in your yard?  Or simply share what is your favorite season of the year and why.  I'll give away a copy of one of my backlist titles to one lucky poster.

Happy Reading!

Julie

DEAD BY WEDNESDAY

by Beverly Long

As the minutes tick by, the body count rises in Beverly Long's Dead by Wednesday

With no leads, no witnesses and four teenage victims, it's a race against the clock for Detective Robert Hanson to catch a vicious serial killer. But he gets thrown slightly off course when Carmen Jiminez asks for his help. Fiercely independent, the pretty pregnancy counselor is the only woman who has ever tempted Robert to give up his freewheeling bachelor life. Yet protecting Carmen from mysterious "accidents" and vengeful clients is just as difficult as winning her trust. And the only way he can keep her and her brother safe is to conceal a wrenching secret—one an obsessed killer can't wait to use. Now Robert's newfound family is right in harm's way, and time is almost up….

Read the Excerpt

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THE MARINE'S LAST DEFENSE

by Angi Morgan

To the rest of the world, Sabrina Watkins doesn't exist. But to this cop, she is very much alive in Angi Morgan's The Marine's Last Defense

After escaping a killer, playing dead was the only way Sabrina Watkins could get out of Amarillo alive. Now she's living in Dallas, where no one knows her true identity. Until homicide cop Jake Craig shows up.

A half-frozen pup he finds at a crime scene brings Jake to Sabrina's doorstep. Suddenly, the former marine is playing hero to a desperate woman on the run. Sworn to clear her name, Jake's already falling for the stunning brunette with the amethyst eyes. Can he keep her safe and turn a rescue mission into a last chance at love?

Read the Excerpt

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GONE

by Mallory Kane

Miniseries: The Delancey Dynasty

A couple must recover a precious gift stolen from them in Mallory Kane's The Delancey Dynasty miniseries.

Marcie Powers saw her son everywhere. For two years, no stroller or baby seat passed without his face. She saw him so much, not even her estranged husband, Joseph, believed her. So he wasn't surprised when she claimed to have found their son once again. Yet this time, she wasn't hysterical. There was something…different. And although she couldn't have known it, news of Joe's own secret parentage was about to hit Louisiana headlines—and it would put his son at risk for a big payday. Now Joseph and Marcie will have to trek through the bayou at the whims of a kidnapper to find the son they'd thought lost to them forever—and reclaim the love between them….

Read the Excerpt

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UNREPENTANT COWBOY

by Joanna Wayne

Miniseries: Big "D" Dads: The Daltons

This cowboy is a heartache waiting to happen in Joanna Wayne's riveting Big "D" Dads: The Daltons miniseries.

Protecting the innocent is second nature for Dallas defense attorney Leif Dalton. So when his teenage daughter insists on visiting the Dry Gulch Ranch—and forging a relationship with Leif's estranged father—he's ready to do what it takes to keep her safe. And although he doesn't want another connection to the ranch, after sexy veterinarian Joni Griffin lands in a stalker's crosshairs, staying close becomes his only option.

With a serial killer in pursuit, Joni will take any measures to survive. But joining forces with Leif puts her heart at risk. As the danger rises, so does the passion flaring between them. Now trust may make the difference between life and death.

Read the Excerpt

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COLD CASE AT CARLTON'S CANYON

by Rita Herron

Two officers' badges—and hearts—are on the line in Rita Herron's Cold Case at Carlton's Canyon

Sergeant Justin Thorpe has dedicated his life to justice and won't stop until he finds the vicious serial killer who has already claimed ten innocent lives. He works solo—until he joins forces with Sheriff Amanda Blair. The Texas Ranger can't let his desire for his coworker keep him from his mission, especially when Amanda's life is threatened.

Ten girls have vanished—one for every year since Amanda graduated from Canyon High. And as she tries to fight her attraction to a man as independent as she is, a trap is being laid to make Amanda the final victim in a killer's terrifying endgame….

Read the Excerpt

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WANTED

by Delores Fossen

Miniseries: The Marshals of Maverick County

A woman he's never met is carrying his child in USA TODAY bestselling author Delores Fossen's The Marshals of Maverick County miniseries

When U.S. marshal Wyatt McCabe tracks his target to a Texas ranch, he isn't the only one with Lyla Pearson in his sights. But Wyatt has a powerful reason for keeping the beautiful CSI director out of the line of fire—he may be the father of the child she's carrying.

The mother-to-be doesn't know who to fear more—the gunmen surrounding her house, or the stranger claiming paternity of her in vitro baby. Holed up together at his family homestead, Lyla struggles to fight her attraction to the sinfully handsome lawman. But with a killer stalking them, it may tear their new family apart….

Read the Excerpt

Buy the Book

Marshall Field’s Christmas Memories

Last year, Entangled Publishing offered my two related holiday romantic suspense novels, HOLIDAY IN CRIMSON and NIGHTMARE IN CRIMSON, sold separately. Both were substantially revised Intrigue backlist novels. This year, they are being offered together as CRIMSON DUET at a great discount.

As a child, I lived in the Chicago suburbs. I didn’t know much about the big city, nearly twenty miles away, except that I looked forward to Christmas, when Mom took me downtown to see the iconic Marshall Field’s windows on State Street. When writing my holiday romantic mysteries, I wanted to use a department store like the one I loved as a child. I wanted to involve the Christmas windows. And I wanted the murder victim to be Santa Claus. As a matter of fact I killed him twice!

In Holiday in Crimson...
Westbrook Department Store’s Christmas party wasn’t that wild--but Santa ended up dead and now window designer Shelby Corbin suddenly finds herself the prime suspect in his murder.  CEO Rand McNabb's romantic attentions both thrill her and frighten her. Is Westbrook’s impossibly sexy co-owner really helping Shelby search for the truth about that fatal night?  Shelby wonders if Rand has a deadlier motive for courting the only possible witness to the crime...

In Nightmare in Crimson...
Last holiday, Pippa McNabb's faithless husband was found murdered in a Santa suit after a Christmas party. Another year, another Christmas party, and another dead Santa – this time, run down by eight tiny reindeer and a sleigh. And now Pippa is the prime suspect. Sexy sleigh driver Sky Thornton seems intent on helping her, but is the man who knows too much about her really trying to clear her name, or is he trying to frame her for a murder he committed?

I enjoyed creating these intricately plotted (and connected) romantic mysteries.

Marshall Field's is long gone, but for a look at my inspiration, go here:
Marshall Field’s Christmas Memories



Happy holiday memories to all our readers.

Patricia

Website: http://PatriciaRosemoor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaRosemoorAuthor
Twitter: @Prosemoor

Perini ~ Diaz ~ Morgan

OUR FAVORITE SCENES

IT'S A CASE OF TAKEN IDENTITY IN LENA DIAZ'S UNDERCOVER TWIN!

DEA agent Nick Morgan had no choice but to break up with the love of his life, Heather Bannon. He knew that if he was seen anywhere near the gorgeous P.I., he could kiss his career goodbye. But when Heather's twin is abducted, Nick reconsiders his priorities.

As Nick leads Heather on a dangerous undercover mission to rescue her sister and topple an elusive drug lord, he knows he was wrong to end their relationship. Working side by side, Nick realizes his love for her is as strong as ever, and he'll risk his life to prove it. Having Heather pose as her twin—down to her tattoos—could be genius…or a fatal mistake.

“A fine plot line and lots of action.” ~Romantic Times

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IN ROBIN PERINI'S THE CRADLE CONSPIRACY, TWO THINGS HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM RAVEN: HER MEMORIES…AND HER BABY

CIA agent Daniel Adams, once a prisoner of war, is a loner out of necessity. But rescuing an amnesiac woman left buried alive bonds them in ways neither can resist. All "Raven" knows is that her baby is in danger. All Daniel can focus on is finding the missing child—and protecting Raven every step of the way.

Her memories are lost and his are scarred from the damages of war. But as they depend on each other for survival in the rugged west Texas mountains, the pieces of their broken pasts start to come together. Now all they have is the risky hope of a future together as they confront the threat that can destroy them both.

“Perini’s tale is a twisted trip into the lives of two scarred souls who are digging into the mind of a psychopath to survive…[It’s]…a suspenseful adventure that will keep readers guessing until the end.” ~Romantic Times, 4-1/2 Stars

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TO THE REST OF THE WORLD, SABRINA WATKINS DOESN'T EXIST. BUT TO THIS COP, SHE IS VERY MUCH ALIVE IN ANGI MORGAN'S THE MARINE'S LAST DEFENSE.

After escaping a killer, playing dead was the only way Sabrina Watkins could get out of Amarillo alive. Now she's living in Dallas, where no one knows her true identity. Until homicide cop Jake Craig shows up. 

A half-frozen pup he finds at a crime scene brings Jake to Sabrina's doorstep. Suddenly, the former Marine is playing hero to a desperate woman on the run. Sworn to clear her name, Jake's already falling for the stunning brunette with the amethyst eyes. Can he keep her safe and turn a rescue mission into a last chance at love?

"Morgan launches the volley from the first pages so readers aren't left wondering whodunit, but they'll have to pay attention to the escalating action to keep up with the characters, who are in trouble from the get-go." ~Romantic Times, 4 STARS

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UNDERCOVER TWIN

Lena Diaz, December Intrigue

One of my favorite scenes in UNDERCOVER TWIN is the heroine's first night in Key West, when Heather goes undercover to try to rescue her sister. Heather is a tough private investigator, but the felon-filled bar in Key West is way out of her league of experience. The patrons sport prison tats, knives, and guns barely concealed beneath their leather jackets. 

The heroine ends up running for her life down a dark, narrow side-street. And who should come to her rescue in his hot, red, Maserati GranTurismo convertible but our hero, Nick. What makes this scene so much fun is that in the midst of flying bullets and crazy race-car driver moves to save the heroine, Nick is having the time of his life, loving every single minute.

GLIAS: Is your favorite scene completely fictional or did you pull it from real life?

LENA: Definitely not a scene I pulled from any of my real-life experiences! Well, except for the hot hero in the fast car doing crazy race-car moves. Other than that, it's all fiction!

GLIAS: Um...who was the hot hero?
LENA: My boyfriend (and now husband) in his 1967 Mustang of course! :) I never could resist a guy in a Mustang.

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 THE CRADLE CONSPIRACY

Robin Perini, December Intrigue

GLIAS: Is your favorite scene completely fictional or did you pull it from real life?

ROBIN: I didn’t really plan on Trouble, not at the beginning. The Chewbacca-resembled mutt came out of nowhere because my hero, Daniel was so damaged. In Christmas Conspiracy (October 2012), Daniel had been imprisoned on a mission. His captors brutalized him. Daniel survived by sheer guts, but flashbacks and claustrophobia haunted him after his rescue.

 

So did Trouble.

My favorite scene with the half-Irish-setter-half-Newfoundland is inspired by Search and Rescue dogs and the amazing work they do—with a little bit of Lassie thrown in for good measure. Early on, Trouble is walking ten feet away from Daniel (as close as Trouble ever gets to him). He darts off into the west Texas landscape. Daniel follows and the ‘troublesome’ canine leads Daniel into a crumbling, abandoned mine. Trouble runs in, disappearing into the inky blackness, then finally exits, barking constantly. He tugs on Daniel, trying to pull him into the mine. NOT something Daniel wants to do. AT ALL! Then Trouble brings out a woman’s high-heeled shoe. Daniel has to make a choice. Fight his demons or go back to hitching across a Texas road ala Forrest Gump. Which do you think he chooses?

You can find out what happens in my next Harlequin Intrigue®, The Cradle Conspiracy, Coming out in paperback on November 19 and in e-book on December 1.

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 THE MARINE'S LAST DEFENSE

Angi Morgan, January Intrigue

GLIAS: Is your favorite scene completely fictional or did you pull it from real life?

ANGI: Wow, just one scene? It's so hard to choose. THE MARINE'S LAST DEFENSE was inspired by a lot of real things in my life and it was amazing to me how they all came together.  I think my favorite thing isn't a scene...it's the heroine's occupation. She's a pet sitter and it was all my husband's idea. We were discussing the book at dinner on vacation and our dog sitter called. Tim suggested that would be a good occupation for someone trying to hide. And just like that...the book was born.

The opening scene with my hero was inspired by a bike ride. I rode past a secluded area at Whiterock Lake and told Tim that I needed to write a couple of things down about a murder. (Yes, I always ride with a notebook.)

I didn't know how this book was going to end, so Tim and I took a road trip to Amarillo. My friend, Linda Castillo and her husband showed us the cattle feed lots and everything came together. I had my ending. 

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LENA DIAZ writes the popular Romantic suspense "Nursery Rhyme" series for Avon as well as shorter stories for Harlequin Intrigue. Winner of the Daphne du Maurier award, finalist in the Romance Writer's of America's Golden Heart Awards, she stays true to her southern roots by setting most of her stories in the south, especially Florida. Since selling her first book in 2011, Lena has contracted 13 novels.

 Website  Facebook  Twitter @LenaDiaz     

Goodreads   KissAndThrill  

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ANGI MORGAN writes “Intrigues where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi's published work has been a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best Award, Romantic Times Best First Series, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the Daphne du Maurier.

Website   Facebook   FB Fan Page   Twitter @AngiMorganAuthr

A Picture A Day   Goodreads   Pintrest  Book Trailers on YouTube

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ROBIN PERINI is a RITA Finalist, award-winning and national bestselling author, devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventure with a love story sure to melt their hearts. Her mission's motto: "When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe." After seven prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finals, Robin has since sold fourteen novels. 

Website   FB Fan Page   Twitter @RobinPerini

   Goodreads   Pintrest  Book Trailers on YouTube

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ENTER ANGI & ROBIN'S 'THANKS FANS contest': register at Rafflecopter through November 30th for a copy of THE CRADLE CONSPIRACY & THE MARINE'S LAST DEFENSE. 

Speaking of giveaways…WE EACH HAVE A BOOK TODAY for three Blog Commenters. (1 book for 3 people) LEAVE A BLOG COMMENT to be entered.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SCENE (book or movie) THAT'S JUST UNFORGETABLE?