Talking with Vijaya Schartz

Welcome to Love Romances and More reviews Vijaya Schartz.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

LADY OF LUXEMBOURG, Book 4 in the Curse of the Lost Isle medieval fantasy romance series, just came out this spring. A few days ago, I turned in my latest BOREALIS novella, AKIRA'S CHOICE, to be published by Desert Breeze on September 1, 2013. It's part of a publisher series, set on a decrepit space station at the fringe of conquered space, in the 2600s. It's a fun theme. I wrote a previous novella for this series, titled BLACK JAGUAR. And I plan to write more in the future. These are fun to write. The universe is already defined. They are sweet romances, no love scenes, but lots of action and adventure. I also include cats in most of my novels, small cats, bit cats, alien monster cats… Like on the covers of my Chronicles of Kassouk series.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A tropical beach, with my laptop and my kindle, listening to the trade winds and the surf, and watching the palm trees sway to the sound of a Ukulele. Hawaii is my favorite place on earth. I lived there once for a few years and now live in Arizona. I love the heat, but I miss the Pacific Ocean, I miss the waves, I miss surfing. A psychic once told me I had sand in my shoes, and I would return to live on the beach someday. I believe it.

Could you tell us a couple of favorite books that inspired you to write?

As a child in France, I devoured the classics from Balzac to Victor Hugo (Les Misérables). Then I read a lot of Epic Fantasy and Women's Fiction, and discovered science fiction. I loved it. I missed the deep emotional connection of falling in love, though. And the ending wasn't always happy. I cannot stand depressing endings. It makes me want to throw the book across the room (I restrain myself with my kindle, though).

Coming to America, I quickly became an avid fan of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Ann McCaffrey, Diana Gabaldon. I like the heroes to get their rewards at the end. That's why I write the books I want to read. If you don't find the perfect book you'd love to read, write it.

Do you have a book that was easiest to write or one that was the hardest?

They are all difficult to write. It's like giving birth. The process is painful, but the results are so rewarding. Ashes for the Elephant God was the book of my heart, and it came naturally to me. It's a reincarnation love story that stemmed from my extended stay in India… my tribute to coming of age, and to a culture I fell in love with. It was my fourth finished novel, and the first to get published in 2000. But I cannot say it was easy to write. Good writing is never easy.

If your muses were to talk behind your back, what secrets would they tell?

They'd say I do a happy dance around my office every time I get a five-star review or one of my books is nominated or is a finalist, or wins an award. They'd also say I'm a workaholic, I spend too much time in research, especially when writing historical novels. They'd say I fall in love with my characters and don't want to let them go when the book is over. They'd say I'm a perfectionist. I would rewrite all my books all over again if my publishers would let me. Fortunately, they have the good sense to tell me when the book is ready. Otherwise, I would keep rewriting until my fingers fell off, and I wouldn't have over twenty titles published.

Are your characters able to love, or do they need to be taught?

Neither. They usually are not ready when loves crosses their path. No one really is when it comes to the real thing. But deep inside, they have this need for a relationship, even though they may not be aware of it. I make it difficult for them to take the leap of faith, to deserve their happy ever after. Besides a strong plot, I give my characters strong internal conflicts. Damned if they do, and damned if they don't. It makes the rewards so much better in the end.

What can readers expect next from you?

More action, adventure, medieval novels, and science fiction, all including lots of romance, of course. I'm starting on CHATELAINE OF FOREZ, Book 5 in the Curse of the Lost Isle medieval fantasy romance series. It should be out from Books We Love this winter. Then I have to write another book in the Chronicles of Kassouk sci-fi romance series, tentatively titled SNOW CHEETAH, to be published in November 2014. Yes, I thought this series was over, but guess what? It still wants another story. Then, probably another Borealis novella not titled yet. And in between, more books in the Curse of the Lost Isle series. I love deadlines. They keep me writing when it would be so easy to take the day off. I haven't taken a break from writing since my last trip to France in 2005, to visit my family and do some research in Europe. You didn't really think I would take a true vacation did you?

CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE SERIES - what it's about:

From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse. For centuries, imbued with hereditary gifts, they hide their deadly secret, stirring passions in their wake as they fight the Viking hordes, send the first knights to the Holy Land, give birth to kings and emperors... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and will burn at the stake. 5 stars on Amazon "Edgy Medieval!"

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Find more at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz 
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz

Welcome Molly McAdams Today and a Contest

Please give a warm welcome to author Molly McAdams today as she joins us in a little sit down interview. Also make sure to check out the really cool prize at the end of the interview/Book information to win a gorgeous piece of Lily pendant plus all of Molly's books,.

Now onto our interview portion of the post....

 Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?

   I'm twenty-four, and I've been married for almost five years now. I moved to Texas five years ago with my hubby from California and we have a 90-lb German Shepherd/Alaskan Malamute mix pup ;) I write New Adult: Contemporary Romance, and it's because that's what interests me. Probably because that's the age I am, and I love to put a lot of me in my stories. So it's what I know.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story. 

   Forgiving Lies, although it isn't out yet, is the last one I finished. It's actually also the first book I ever started writing! It all started with a dream I had that I couldn't get out of my head no matter what I did, and from there, it just took off.

Did your book require a lot of research? 

   No, there were a couple things I needed to ask my husband since he's in law enforcement, as are some of the main characters. But other than that, there wasn't any research.

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be? 

   Diet Dr. Pepper. All day. Every day. <3 <3 <3 so much

What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?

   It was actually the night before a signing in L.A., we all went out for drinks and dinner and this guy that worked at the place was walking around trying to sign up girls to ride the mechanical bull. I had an author friend that wanted a picture of his abs, and since I was closest - and probably bravest at the moment - I said "excuse me, what's your name?" He replied with "Chase" and our entire table of like ten women SCREAMED "OMG, CHASE! CHASE IS ALIVE!" Poor guy raised his hands in surrender and looked at us like we were insane. I explained who Chase was to us … and still got a pic of his abs. Haha

When you're not writing, what do you like to do to just kick back and have fun? 

   Watch movies with my hubby! It's our relaxing time :)

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects? 

   I have quite a few! For the most part, everyone knows I'm writing the sequel to Forgiving Lies, called Deceiving Lies. Other than that … um … just be expecting anything ;) They're all very different from what you've read from me.

Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind? 

   I love chocolate, but I'm not one of those people the craves it, or can ever eat a lot of it at one time. But since I've started writing … I crave Hershey bars with almonds, or chocolate shakes. I'm usually have salty cravings, not sweets. So it's definitely not like me.

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had?

   I guess I'd have to say some of my experiences working as a barista at Starbucks. I for sure put a few of those in From Ashes ;) 

How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author? Do you read your own reviews?

   A lot, I love hearing how readers react to my books. I love that they get that involved in my characters lives and love seeing how they "see" different parts of the story. But, unless someone sends me a link to their review, I don't read reviews. Not everyone is going to like my books, and that's totally fine. Sometimes the reviewers have really great constructive criticism that could help me, but more often than not, the bad reviews are just hateful. And ask any author, it kills you and makes you think you should just cut your losses and give up. There can be ten reviews, 9 amazing, and 1 horrible … and I can assure you that 1 will stay with you for a long time and eat at you. So because of that, I don't read my reviews.

What books are currently on your nightstand or e-reader? Any books you can't wait to read or get?

   Oh, I have so many books on my e-reader, but I just downloaded UnBeautifully by Madeline Sheehan, and I can't wait to read it!

About Stealing Harper

Now available on Amazon / Barnes & Nobles

Chase Grayson has never been interested in having a relationship that lasts longer than it takes for him and his date to get dressed again. But then he stumbles into a gray-eyed girl whose innocence pours off her, and everything changes. From the minute Harper opens her mouth to let him know just how much he disgusts her, he's hooked.

But a princess deserves a Prince Charming who can make her dreams come true. Not a guy who can turn her life into a nightmare.

All good intentions go out the window when Harper starts to fall for the guy Chase has come to view as a brother. He wanted to protect her by keeping her away, but he can’t stand to see her with anyone else, and he’ll do anything to make her his. But when it comes down to Harper choosing between the two, will Chase have the strength to step back from the girl who has become his whole world if it means she’ll be happy?

Lines will be crossed. Friendships will be put to the test. And hearts will be shattered.

LOVE ROMANCE REVIEWS AND MORE EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

“Oh my word! Put me down!”

With pleasure, Princess. I dropped her onto the bed and crawled over her body, trying to stifle my groan when I felt her body press against mine.

“Chase! No!”

“Calm down, I'll stay on my side. We can even put a pillow between us if it'll make you feel better.” I was serious. With the hard on I was sporting again, I needed a brick wall between us.

She scooted as far from me as the bed would allow and I forced myself not to pull her back to me, “I swear if you touch me, I'll go Lorena Bobbitt on you.”

Lorena Bobbitt? Why does that sound – oh my God, the lady that chopped off her husband’s dick? I busted out laughing and put my pillow over my face, “Oh my God! Princess! You're my new favorite!” That’s it, that comment right there and it was sealed. I would do anything to have this beautiful gray-eyed princess lying next to me, as mine.

“That wasn't a joke.”

I moved closer and let the tips of my fingers trail up her slender arm. Could she hear how hard my heart started pounding at just being able to touch her? “One of these days, you'll be begging for me to touch you.”

“I'm serious, Chase. I'm not like all those girls I saw you with tonight.”

“That's an understatement.” God I wish she hadn’t seen any of that, and she didn’t even know the half of it, “Get some sleep, Princess, I'll see you in the morning.” 

STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Schedule

USA TODAY: 05/06/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
FRESH FICTION: 05/07/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
BOOKALICIOUS: 05/08/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post

READING BETWEEN THE WINES: 05/09/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
ONCE UPON A TWILIGHT: 05/09/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
ROMANTIC TIMES: 05/10/2013 – STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post & Spotify Playlist curated by Molly McAdams

CHICK LOVES LIT: 05/11/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
BOOK READING GALS: 05/12/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
FLIRTY AND DIRTY BOOK BLOG: 05/13/2013 – STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview

SUPERNATURAL SNARK: 05/14/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview
CONFESSIONS OF A BOOKAHOLIC: 05/14/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview
THE BEST BOOKS EVER: 05/15/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
READING LARK: 05/16/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
BOOKFINDS: 05/17/2013 – STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview
GIRLS IN THE STACKS: 05/18/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
THE BEST BOOKS EVER: 05/19/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
SHH MOM'S READING: 05/20/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview
MUNDIE MOMS: 05/21/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview
MARIA’S SPACE: 05/22/2013 - STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Guest Post
LOVE ROMANCES AND MORE: 05/23/2013- STEALING HARPER Blog Tour Interview

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Fill out the raffelcoptor below to be eligible to win the Molly McAdams prize pack (all of Molly’s books + a beautiful lily pendant).Make sure to follow the tour above to get more entries in for this prize pack.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talking with Wendy Zwaduk/Contest

Welcome to Love Romances & More Reviews Wendi Zwaduk. Comfortable? Let’s begin, shall we? Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out? My short story, Best I Ever Had, just came out in March and I couldn’t be happier. I love this story because it took on a life of its own. It started out as a flash fiction piece I wasn’t sure what to do with, then evolved into a 1000 word short story for Whipped Cream Reviews. I liked it, but there was something about it I needed to expand. So...I did. And it grew another character as well as over 10,000 extra words. I’m glad I made it longer.

How would you describe yourself using only five words? Blue, blunt, bouncy, loyal, fun-sized

Do you have any guilty pleasures? Chocolate and listening to my tunes really loud in the Jeep.

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you. – I’m originally a blonde.

Is music a factor for you while you are writing? Do certain songs put you in the right frame of mind to write certain stories? Yes! I have play lists, but two of the ones that are dead wringers to get me to write are Duran Duran songs – Come Undone and Ordinary World. Grin. Detroit Rock City by KISS is good, so is I Want It All by Queen. What am I saying? Pretty much ALL of Queen gets me writing. J

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had? I was at the hardware store and the guy working the paint counter had an interesting name – Krieg (pronounced Craig). My mind started working with his name and it turned into a wolf shifter for my pen name and the name of a potential hero in an unnamed short story (unnamed because I haven’t even started it yet – it’s only in notes! *G*)

Thanks for coming. Is there anything else you want to add?

If the readers want to catch up with me, here’s where you can find me.

Site: http://wendizwaduk.com/

Blog:  http://www.wendizwaduk.net/

Wordpress blog: http://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendiZwaduk

Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendi-Zwaduk/195277927167481?ref=tn_tnmn

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/wendizwaduk

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3495446.Wendi_Zwaduk

On Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/wendizwaduk/

On Google+ : https://plus.google.com/115637543946745656739/posts

On Romance Novel Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/wendizwaduk

Newsletter sign up:  http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj 

Contest Information: Leave a comment along with your email address in the comments and be entered to win a pdf e-copy of Learning How to Bend from Wendy. The contest will close on April 29th. The winner to be announced in this post's comment section. 

Best I Ever Had by Wendy Zwaduk

The objective—keep her safe. No one said anything about falling in love. 

All she wanted was a pint of ice cream, not to be a witness to a double murder. Good thing Emma’s got not one, but two, sexy men willing to keep her safe. As long as she can keep her hands to herself.

Sam’s mission? To find the man responsible for the murder. He’s not going to rest until the streets are safe, even if it means having his best friend guard his best girl. It’s the best option, right?

Quint never dreamed he’d be attracted to his best friend’s lover…and his best friend. He’s got to keep his hands to himself all while figuring out what he wants from life, even if love equals Emma and Sam in Quint’s bed.

Is love in the cards or are they going to go up in flames before they get started?

Available at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Best-Ever-Dirty-Bits-ebook/dp/B00BS3YIQU/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363016327&sr=1-5&keywords=Wendi+Zwaduk

Welcome Sage Marlow today

Welcome to Love Romances & More Reviews Sage Marlowe. Comfortable? Let’s begin, shall we? Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

Hi and thanks for having me here today. I’m an author of gay erotic romance and since I’ve published my first book almost a year ago, I’m always working on something. My alter ego’s life and my muse make it hard for me to stick with one project, so I have several WIP on the go and keep hopping from one to the other.

Earlier this month, A Life as a Ghost was published. It’s the third book in the Romeo & Julian series about Romeo, a slick art thief-turned-FBI consultant and Julian, the agent who works with him. These two have great chemistry between them and their cat-and-mouse play in and out of bed is a delight to observe. This book will solve most of the threads readers are waiting for after reading the first two stories.

My next release is Fantasy for Sale, which will be published in July by Total-E-Bound. It’s an emotional story about a rent boy and the man who falls in love with him. Stylistically, it’s very different to what I’ve written so far, but I think it’s probably one of my best books ever. Then, later this year, there will be the first two books in a new series titled Nightmares. It’s still gay erotic romance, but with a paranormal twist and some darker issues.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Too much wine, especially when writing.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could go to the US, I’d be packing my bags this moment.

Is music a factor for you while you are writing? Do certain songs put you in the right frame of mind to write certain stories?

Music is very important for my writing. Two of my favourite bands are Muse and Editors, which is quite funny for a writer, I think, and all my books have a certain soundtrack to them. The books in the Romeo & Julian series were even named after lines or titles of songs by Editors (A Thief on Christmas Eve, A Talent in Your Lies, A Life as a Ghost). I believe that listening to the corresponding music while writing or reading enhances the mood of the stories.

If you could collaborate with one author who would it be?

Although there are quite a few brilliant authors out there that I would love to work with, I am far too much of a control freak to put anyone through a collaboration with me.

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had?

That must have been the very first character I’ve ever written, Finn. His story isn’t published yet, but he entered my head at one am one night and kept pestering me with details, scenes and lines that just wouldn’t go away. Eventually I began talking back to him. That was when I decided to write the whole lot down, because otherwise I would’ve had to admit to having voices talking in my head. Well, I still have that, but if I put what they tell me into books, it doesn’t sound quite as crazy.

Do you have a book that was easiest to write or one that was the hardest?

The easiest book for me to write was, in a way, that first unpublished one. Although I lacked the experience I have now, the story was easy to grab. Probably the hardest book for me to write was the third book in the Romeo & Julian series, A Life as a Ghost. There’s an overall story arc throughout the books and most of the solutions are given in the third book. I swear, I didn’t have clue where this story was going and even re-wrote the end when I had already filled in the submission.

Thanks for coming. Is there anything else you want to add? 

Contact and buy links

Sage’s website & blog: www.sage-marlowe.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sage.marlowe0

e-mail: marlowe.sage@yahoo.co.uk

Twitter: @SageMarlowe

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/SageMarlowe

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/sagemarlowe

For all books published with Total-E-Bound, go to: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=224

For all books published with Siren-BookStrand, go to: www.bookstrand.com/sage-marlowe

Contest Information:

Please leave a comment along with your email address to be entered to win an e-copy of one of Sage's backlist titles (winner’s choice). Contest will run till March 25th with winner be announced on March 26th.

 

A Life as a Ghost (Romeo & Julian 3)

MM erotic romance, contemporary, action / suspense. Novella

Heat level: scorching

Published by: Siren-BookStrand

                          

Buy link: www.bookstrand.com/a-life-as-a-ghost

Blurb

After he’s been leading a life as a ghost for years, will former thief Romeo’s love for FBI agent Julian be enough to make him settle?

The tragic losses of his home and a dear one take FBI agent Julian Harris one step closer to a shared life with his consultant and lover, former art thief Romeo aka Paris Moore. They have just moved in together and are trying to re-establish a certain normalcy when Romeo once again shuffles the cards. He surprises Julian by finally revealing some information about his true identity along with some unexpected news regarding his position in Julian's division.

During the nerve-wrecking hunt for the person that has been pulling the strings all along, Julian once again comes to realise that when dealing with Romeo, the only certainty is that all is not as it seems. But one question is more important than ever—after leading a life as a ghost for years, will Romeo’s love for Julian be strong enough to make him settle at last?

Welcome Mary Burton!

Please welcome Mary Burton to the LR&M Blog!  After reading THE SEVENTH VICTIM, I was glad to get a chance to talk with her and learn more about what she writes - and how she writes it.

I hear you have a new novel coming out in February, can you tell me about it?

THE SEVENTH VICTIM is set in Austin, Texas and tells the tale of photographer Lara Church who is the lone survivor of a serial killer called the Seattle Strangler.  She’s been moving around the country for seven years using her 150-year-old bellows camera to take images.  But as the book opens, she’s decided to stop running from her tragic past and to rebuild her life.  What she doesn’t realize is that the killer never forgot her and is now preparing to finish the job he started all those years ago.  When he strikes again in Austin, Texas Ranger James Beck takes the case and soon uncovers clues tying his victim to those in Seattle.

What inspired you to write THE SEVENTH VICTIM?

Books almost always start with character for me.  I began to wonder what would happen to a woman who escaped a serial killer.  How would the tragedy change her life?  Would she live her life differently?  Just asking those questions really got my mind rolling and the book fell into place.

Any plans to celebrate the release?

No special plans.  I’m already hard at work on a new romantic suspense and will no doubt spend the day writing.  I do have several signings planned and it’s always great fun to meet readers and talk to them about the book.

Your novel touches on some sensitive subjects, rape, domestic abuse…How do you deal with this emotionally as your characters come alive? 

When I write the rough draft of a book, I often soft-pedal the harder emotions.  It's not until the second or third draft that I really dig into the emotions.  It’s not always easy, but I learned long ago that if I’m not on the edge of my seat as a writer then my reader won’t be on the edge while reading the story. 

Both Lara and Danni are victims, and made an impact in my mind from the novel, are they mirrored after anyone in real life? 

None of my characters are ever mirrored after real people.  They are an amalgam of bits from the news, documentaries, non-fiction books I’ve read and a ton of other places. 

Any chance we will get to see more of Danni in future novels? 

Danni was one of my favorite characters in the book as well.   You will definitely see her again in a romantic suspense set to come out in 2014 and maybe in other projects. 

You have released books across different genres.  What is next from you?  More romantic suspense? 

I’ve several romantic suspense novels ready for release with Kensington.  In November you’ll see NO ESCAPE which features Dr. Jolene Granger and Texas Ranger Brody Winchester, and in 2014 a yet to be titled romantic suspense featuring vineyard owner Greer Templeton and Texas Ranger Tec Bragg.   And I’m currently working on another romantic suspense set in Nashville, Tennessee.

Also new for me under the name Mary Ellen Taylor I have a women’s fiction novel,  THE UNION STREET BAKERY that goes on sale February 5th from Berkley Books.

What genre is your favorite to write?  LOL.  That’s like asking which of my children is my favorite.   Romantic suspense will always have a big piece of my heart.  I love writing it.  But I also really enjoyed writing the historicals and the short contemporary novels.  And the women’s fiction was also great fun to write.  They all present different challenges.

How do you take yourself from one time period to another when you begin a historical novel?  Does it become harder or easier to picture yourself in the setting?

I’m a huge history buff and spend spare time visiting historical sites.   It took some adjustment when I first started writing historicals and I had to consider travel times, lack of electricity and the manner of dress.  But the historicals in many respects are no different than romantic suspense.  It’s all about character and people really haven’t changed that much over time.

Do you have a novel you have written that stands out as “the best of the best”  in your mind? 

THE SEVENTH VICTIM is really one of my favorites.  If you’ve not read me, THE SEVENTH VICTIM is a great book to start with because it’s the first of three novels I've set in Texas and it has lot of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the end.

As an author, you must be a reader!  What books do you enjoy the most?  Are you an audio, e-book or are you a traditionalist who loved paper novels? 

I’ve enjoyed all three but lately I’ve been listening to audio books.  I’m a real multi-tasker and I love to listen to a book while I’m at the gym or on a long walk.

Do you have an all time favorite novel?  Character?

This is too hard to answer.  There just have been too many great books.  Lately, I tend to enjoy fantasy, science fiction and of course nothing is better than a great romance.

Lastly, where do you write?  Read? 

My office is the ‘living room’ of my house.  I started writing when my children were babies and this was the most central room in the house.  I could see and hear everything.  It was a little chaotic but it worked.    And lately, I listen to books while I’m on the go.  I download audio books right to my phone and listen as I go.

EXCERPT FROM MARY BURTON’S THE SEVENTH VICTIM

                He pushed his cup away from him.  “I’m not sure how much more Texas coffee I can stomach.”

                “I made this latest batch.  It will be good.”

                “Good coffee in Texas?  I don’t think so.”

                She cocked a brow.  “Be right back.”

                Before he could answer, Danni vanished behind the counter.  She grabbed a new cup and carefully poured coffee into a mug.  She moved toward him with quick, purposeful steps and then set the mug in front of him.  “That’s good coffee.”

                “Really?”

                “I can’t write legibly, and I can’t cook a lick, but I can make coffee.”

                He took a sip and found he was pleasantly surprised.  “Good.”

                “Puhleez.  It’s the best.”

                “I’m from Seattle.  We are ground zero for coffee.”

                “As long as I’m on duty the coffee will be good.”  She took the half-full cup and set it on her tray.  “Enjoy.”

                “Thanks, Danni.”  As she turned he said, “Hey, didn’t that girl that was killed work here?”

                Danni’s eyes grew suspicious.  “Yeah.  You a reporter?”

                Raines shook his head.  “God, no.”

                “Cop.”

                “Do I look like a cop?”

                Danni arched a brow.  “Yeah.”

                “Nice to see I haven’t lost that.”  At her confusion he added, “I used to be a cop.  Long time ago.  I guess the case caught my eye.  Hard not to ask questions.  Sorry.”

                His honesty appeared to disarm her.  “No harm.  And for the record, I didn’t like what they said about her in the news today.”

                “Straightforward enough.”

                “I guess I just didn’t like the way they boiled her life down to bare facts.  She was so much more than that.”  Anger hardened her face, but there was no hint of tears.  “Her uncle is flying in tomorrow to claim her.”

                “I feel for them.  I wouldn’t wish losing a child on my worst enemy.”

                “Yeah, well.”

                “What can you tell me about her, so I’ll remember more than the basic newscast?”

                Danni’s voice grew softer.  “She was kind of corny.  Liked pink and singing Lady Gaga in the kitchen.  She was moving to New York.  I was kinda jealous of her.”

“You’ve got nothing to be jealous of, Danni.  You strike me as a sharp kid.”

She snorted a laugh.

“Was there anybody who might have wanted to hurt her?”

“Mack and I were talking about it, and none of us can think of anyone.  Like we told the Rangers, we’re all thinking it was some random guy.”  A customer at another table caught her attention.  “I’ve got to go.”

He watched as she moved toward another table and began to gather up plates.  Danni was a tough nut and no wilting flower.  Just like his daughter.

He could almost hear his wife now.  “That girl of ours is going to be a general one day.”

He sipped his coffee, thought of his wife, Susan, and how much he missed her, their daughter, and home.  Pushing aside a pang of guilt, he redirected his gaze to the patrons.

Within seconds he spotted a slight blond woman enter the café. She wore jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals and had a backpack slung over her shoulder.  She was as slight as a teenager, but she moved with a confidence that only came with maturity.

Lara Church.

Beck had been right.  She wasn’t the meek girl who’d fled Seattle seven years ago.  As a man approached her, Raines noted slight stiffening in her back as she extended her hand.  Her handshake was firm and her gaze direct.

She laughed as the graying gentleman in his fifties spoke.  After what looked to be a question, she pulled out a notebook and made a note.  They chatted another half minute and then she made her way to the diner register, where she ordered a coffee.  Just as quickly as she came, she was gone.

Lara Church, the Seattle Strangler’s last victim, had managed to rebuild her life.

©Mary Burton

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