Release Blitz and Giveaway: Bittersweet Alliance by Kathleen Rowland

Donahue Cousins Series, Book 3

Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

Date Published: 06/26/2019

Will a snap decision change their lives forever?

Bizarre kidnappings stun the Big Island of Hawaii, pulling Danker Donahue back into the game and forcing him to partner with Jolene Kualoha, the woman who left him seven years ago when his DNA showed up in paternity lawsuit. The prejudice-motivated hate crimes are the wildest anyone has ever seen. Victims are being poisoned then released once the ransoms are paid, many losing their lives.

In the shadow of Jolene’s success as a helicopter pilot, a troubled woman develops a fixation on Jolene and imitates her appearance. Matters turn dark when the copycat is shot dead. Was Jolene the target? Threats mount when she barely survives an accident after her brake cables are severed.

When these crimes threaten her sanity, Jolene is forced to trust the one person she thought she’d lost forever, Danker. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and as much as she wants to rekindle their relationship, she must protect her heart.

An old enemy, Seamus McGinn, breaks out of a maximum-security prison and invites Danker to a meet-up. Surprisingly, the kidnapper joins forces with McGinn along with his sick fans. McGinn trumpets his ‘murders by ice pick’, and it’s up to Danker to stop him. The whole island is on edge with a live feed from the maniac’s website.

In a stolen moment, Jolene shows him hope, and he makes a snap decision that will change their lives forever. Will he make it back to show her?

 Excerpt

Chapter One

Seven years since their breakup, Jolene Kualoha spotted Danker Donahue, ambling from the parking lot toward the store. She recognized him by his height and long gait. Wind from the north ruffled his hair and brought a bone-biting chill to her heart. Nuts, here he was, ducking his head to miss the bell overhead. It tinkled, and a strange twisting sensation hit her in the stomach.

This happened at the Kalua-Kona Food Emporium on a Sunday morning in July. She stared from where she stood near the avocados. His dangerous edge drew her in, but she turned her back to him. Her body reverberated like when her cellphone was on vibrate in her pocket. Stunned with minor electric shock, she froze.  Maybe he wouldn’t see her.  Wouldn’t recognize the back of her head or the once familiar shape of her ass.

Was someone waiting for him in the parking lot? Someone like Louella, the baby’s momma who’d summoned him for an immediate DNA test? For a split second, she craned her head around but didn’t see her with him.

She and Danker were a couple when the test confirmed his fatherhood. Her heart ached at the memory. Love hurt, but that wasn’t all. Loneliness hurt. Losing someone hurt. Decision-making hurt when you force yourself to do the right thing.

She’d pulled away, giving him space to work on his previous relationship for the sake of their child. The most shameful thing a woman can do is take parents away from a baby, and this began her year of stubborn steadfastness.

I did the breakup rituals. Got the dramatic haircut. Engraved a piece of jewelry he got me with a new message. Deleted the photos that made me cry.

To have been his woman was like living where the air flowered with jasmine, and the weather day after day was flawless, but the forecast was a hurricane.

About the Author

Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with an erotic love story sure to melt their hearts.  Her latest release is Bittersweet Alliance.

Kathleen also has a steamy romantic suspense series with Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these sizzling stories.

Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels.   She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji.  Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors.  While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write.

Contact Links

Website 

Facebook 

Twitter

Blog 

Goodreads 

www.kathleenrowland.wordpress.com

Amazon

Tirgearr Publishing

Purchase Links (Kindle Unlimited)

AmazonUK 
AmazonUS 
AmazonAU   

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Advertisements

Review: Riggs by Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez

Riggs by Crystal Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abel “Riggs” LeBlanc has been called in as a favor to the Kings of Retribution MC main chapter to help protect Luna Novak. Luna is a woman in hiding from her ex who she witnessed killing a man. When Riggs sees Luna, he knows he will do everything in his power to keep her safe. Luna finds herself falling for Riggs but the guilt she has for putting them in danger makes her anxious. Riggs though wants her to trust him and she quickly becomes the most important thing in his life.

Excellent, terrific kick off for a new series. I think this one was a bit grittier then the Montana series. Riggs is wowza, compliments Luna perfectly. Highly entertaining.

View all my reviews

Book Spotlight: A Shattered Lens by Layton Green

Release Blitz: Uncovered Secrets by Savannah Maris

Release Date: June 27, 2019

Cover Design / Photographer: FuriousFotog

Model: Randy Richards

Synopsis

When tragedy strikes, how long does it take the heart to heal? For Ben Stevens, it has taken ten years and an understanding woman who has stood by him. 

Prosecuting the man responsible for Ben’s anguish brought him into Rachel’s life. To keep him there, she’s played by his two rules: no labels and no “L” word.

With Sheriff Cahill retiring, Ben assumes the position of Cloverville County Sheriff. Reconciling his past with his present has led Ben and Rachel to a minefield of unexpected connections. Armed with newly discovered information, will he be able to let go of his past, or will it put his future with Rachel in danger?

Goodreads

Excerpt

Without saying a word, she took his hand and led him to the bedroom where she stopped short of the bed and turned toward him. Her gaze locked on his. “Make love to me, Ben. Please.” Her words were barely above a whisper.

            He never broke eye contact as he lifted her shirt. “You didn’t have to ask, Rach. That was a given.” She ducked her head when the shirt passed over her face. “Showing you how much I love you is as fundamental as breathing these days.”

            She raised on her tiptoes. “I’ve waited so long to hear you say that.”

            “Wait no more, my love.” A whimper left her as tears filled her eyes. “Don’t cry, Rach. Tonight is the first of many nights for us to be together.”

            She blinked. “I never thought I’d hear anything like this from you.”

            Ben kissed the tip of her nose. “I know. I’m sorry I waited so long. Let me make it up to you.”

            “Yes…”

            A smile tilted his lips. “I love that you don’t wear a bra around the house.” She had only unbuttoned a few buttons when he reached behind his shoulder blades and pulled his shirt over his head. Before he had a chance to move, Rachel licked one nipple then the other. His hands clamped onto her hips. “God, Rachel…”

            She rolled her eyes toward his face. “You like?”

            “Yes, baby. I like very much.” Slipping his thumbs in the sides of her yoga pants, he pushed them to the floor. “No panties?”

            “You know I don’t wear them at home.”

            “Glad some things don’t change.” She slipped the button through the hole in his pants and slid her hands around to his hips when he grasped her wrists. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it and furrowed his brows. Staring into Rachel’s eyes, he swallowed. “I … want … to make love to you … bareback.”

            Rachel blinked. The tears from earlier finally made their way over her lids. “Yes,” she whispered as her head bobbed up and down. “Yes.”

            A bright smile formed on Ben’s face. “Thank you, baby.” He lifted her and laid her on the bed.

            Rachel cocked an eyebrow and smiled. “Why are you so nervous?”

            “I haven’t had sex without a condom in ten years, and I’m about to feel you, really feel you for the first time, Rach. I’m kinda freaking the fuck out.”

            “Me, too, Ben. This is the first time I’ve ever had sex without a barrier.”

            “Ever?”

            “Ever.”

            He slid into bed beside Rachel and held her close. He could hear the beating of both of their hearts. “A thirty-five-year-old man isn’t supposed to be nervous about sex.”

            She ran her hand through his hair and down his jawline. “The nerves are because this is more than sex. Even though we’ve made love many times, it’s the first time since we’ve declared our love out loud.”

            He leaned in and kissed her as his hand skated down her back and over her hip. Cupping the cheek of her ass, he gently squeezed. Her hand snaked down his chest and around his back as her body pressed into his with her hands stroking up and down his back. Their bodies moved in rhythm as their whole beings—mind, body, and soul—synced. Ben’s body became rigid as Rachel’s softened.

            One of his hands wrapped under her thigh and lifted it, exposing her most intimate place. The back of his fingers skimmed across her bundle of nerves and a shiver ran through her. “You’re wet, sweetheart. Are you ready for me?”

            “Yes, Ben … yes.”

            He rolled her to her back and followed her over. He rested on his elbows as he looked into her eyes. “I love this … making love with you, going to sleep with you by my side, and waking up with you.”

            He kissed her lips, and her fingers plowed into his hair. “For all the times I didn’t make you feel special … you’re the center of my world.” He kissed her jaw, and she flexed her fingers. “For all the times I’ve taken us for granted … I’m sorry, and I’ll do better.” He kissed her shoulder, and her fingers relaxed. “For all the times when I didn’t give you what you needed from me … you’re my best friend.”

            He slid down and took one of her breasts into his mouth. She moaned, and he knew he was giving her what she needed. He released her and looked into her eyes. “For every time you comforted me when I couldn’t break free from grief … I will be your rock.” He moved to the other breast as she arched her back for him. “For every time you felt as though you were second … you will be first from now on.” He kissed her other shoulder. “For all the times I haven’t told you … I love you.” He kissed her jaw. “I’ll always love you.”

            His kiss was urgent, needy, hungry, and her arms wrapped around his neck. He didn’t release her before he deepened the kiss with his tongue requesting entrance. She granted entry as her legs sawed up and down his, and he rolled his pelvis into her.

            “Ben, please…”

            “I’m going to take care of you,.” He lined himself with her and slowly entered her body. Her eyes closed and her head tilted back, baring her neck for Ben to take advantage. He kissed the exposed skin. “Rachel, you’re so beautiful.” He pushed up on his hands, causing her arms to fall from around him and watched as a flush ran down her body. The love in her eyes shone bright, and he couldn’t believe he’d never noticed it before—this woman was his destiny.

            Rachel’s hands cupped his face as if she knew he’d had an epiphany. A demure smile appeared on her face. “You’ve ruined me for anyone else, Ben Stevens.”

            He rocked into her as he dropped to his elbows. “God, Rachel, I was blind for too long.” He peppered kisses over her face. “I love you. Love you.” The tears fell from his eyes as his movements increased. “I’m yours, sweetheart.”

            Rachel’s arms curved up his back, leaving a hot trail in their path as she dug into his shoulders. “Yes, Ben, right there, yes. I love you … always.”

            “Let go, Rach. I’m right behind you.” She quivered in his arms as her body released what felt like an earthquake. As the aftershocks waned, Ben’s release shot through his body like a rocket leaving him utterly sated.

Available Now

Unwelcomed Greeting (Book 1)

Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/2yINWJ5

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2kpZE9A

Amazon CA:  http://amzn.to/2fKXoEF

Amazon AU:  http://amzn.to/2yIF0n4

Unfinished Business (Book 2)

Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/2ntKj9b

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2AT2FpH

Amazon CA:  http://amzn.to/2jVsI5k

Amazon AU:  http://amzn.to/2jSLlXf

Unexpected Guest (Book 3)

Amazon US:  https://amzn.to/2IcYFR3

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/2pNAXmL

Amazon CA:  https://amzn.to/2uA08Px

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2urdldn

Uninvited Visitors (Book 4)

Amazon US:  https://amzn.to/2yuAnBM

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/2t4OOrl

Amazon CA:  https://amzn.to/2JO6wJT

Amazon AU:  https://amzn.to/2MGI8rE

Unbridled Passion (Book 5)

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2JJyMu4

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2EMI0F9

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Ou17Fl

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2OuN2Yb

Unchartered Territory (Book 6)

Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/SMUCTRTCBK6

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2us4ogS

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2UbohHp

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2FAi3J1

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2FBlpf2

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d493/?

About the Author

I’m Savannah Maris, a southern girl and hopeless romantic. I’m passionate about writing stories that incorporate southern charm with a little spice.

I grew up on a farm in a small southern town with a love of sports, dance, and music which usually find their way into my books. My husband and I have two grown children. When I’m not writing, my husband and I are attending sporting events, traveling, or working.

What will find in my books? You’ll find suspense and romance in the Riverton Crossing Series. If contemporary romance is what you’re looking for, try Crossroads of the Heart.

Connect with Savannah

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2L6hdDG

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2xRCURz

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wPMzsA

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2vL3NpM

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2AGMtHV

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2tmISfY

Strip You Bare by Maisey Yates

Strip You Bare by Maisey Yates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Micah Carpenter hates every moment he is in New Orleans, his only pause to stay is a promise to his brotherhood to help find his former President’s murder. As one of the Deacons of Bourbon Street MC they were once on top and now quickly are taking back what is there. He didn’t expect for Sarah Delacroix to be a distraction, a socialite who could cut diamonds with her veiled retorts.

Sarah never felt intrigued by a man like she is with Micah, he is walking bad boy. He calls her on her bluffs and despite him being everything she should not want, she does. Micah makes no bones about wanting Sarah, but he is not looking for permanence, he has a job to do and she is a stunning distraction. He had not expected Sarah to challenge him like no other woman, but he plans to walk away but can he?

The fourth book in the Deacons of Bourbon Street. Out of all the stories I was most excited abut Micah’s, he has been a bit of a mystery and I loved how this story unfolded. I liked Sarah felt she was a perfect match for Micah. Another excellent addition to this series.

View all my reviews

Outlaw’s Vow by Nicole Snow

Outlaw’s Vow by Nicole Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellie Jo planned one day to be married outside of the MC she was raised in. To have a family and never live in fear or have to play by the club rules. One can dream right, now she is being forced to marry her highschool crush Asphalt, she hated to crush on him but he got under her nerves. Now though she despises the man.

Asphalt doesn’t do love or anything with pretty words or flowers to go with them. He secretly tells himself he is marrying Elle Jo for the club, but realistically he always wanted her. One kiss seals their fate tough, Asphalt plans on making their sham of a marriage a real one but outside loyalties and Elle Jo’s fathers blunders play a role in tearing them apart, will they be able to brace the turmoil surrounding them?

Excellent read. I liked this one because both are pawns but Asphalt wants to man up. Elle Jo is torn between her father and Asphalt and her life had been so ingrained with rules her father set it is hard to put her hands in Asphalt’s. Thrill ride with every turn of the page.

View all my reviews

Wickingham Way by S.R. Grey

Wickingham Way by S.R. Grey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third book in the Harbour Falls Mystery. Maddie Fitch has accepted her life with secretive Adam Ward, it doesn’t mean she isn’t curious or that sometimes her own curiosity gets her into trouble. With Adam’s life in danger Maddie and Adam are sent to a safe house, where they find themselves with plenty of time on their hands but most importantly, both are waiting for the air to finally clear.

Exceptional series. I thought the story between the three books never let up and the characters were never boring and always entertaining. I also enjoyed that there were other people in the series that you grew close to and were given peaks into their lives throughout. Can’t wait for more books by this talented author.

View all my reviews

Under Pressure by Laurie Roma

Under Pressure by Laurie Roma

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason MacBain is used to being known as cold and unfeeling, his life dictated it as a former MI5 agent and now leader of IAD in Chicago. When Isabella Moretti bumps into him, she apologizes but Jason’s blank face and stiff exterior has her fiery temper coming out. One cataclysmic meeting leads to Jason wanting more from Isabella, but first he has to find her. Uncovering her traumatic past has Jason doing everything in his power to protect her, but her stalker seems intent on finding her again despite all the extra protection.

Gripping story, Jason is pure alpha male. Lots of characters that could lead to future books for sure. Isabella is delightful, she is temperamental but also you have a soft side that Jason is determined to protect. Excellent start to a new series.

View all my reviews

Hard As Stone by Sarah O’Rourke

Hard as Stone by Sarah O’Rourke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second Jacob Stone met Harmony McKinnon, he knew she was his one. Jacob had to tread delicately with Harmony for a few reasons, the biggest the reason he is there. Jacob is an undercover DEA agent and Harmony’s ex has ties to the man who led to his sisters death. He has been hunting his trail for years and wont stop until he has his revenge.

Harmony has not dated since she divorced his sadistic ex, everything about Jacob screams bad boy but Harmony finds she is also learning to trust him. Jacob has made his intent clear, although Harmony is not to sure about it, he wants a future with Harmony and her little girl Heaven. In order to start their future, Harmony’s ex need to be handled and Jacob needs to share the truth about who he really is.

This was a delightful treasure. You have four McKinnon sisters, all vastly different and all head strong. They swarm together protecting one another and reference Steel Magnolias. I thought the parallel was perfect, one moment you are smiling, then crying and then laughing so hard you have to put the book down briefly because you can’t catch a break. Best book I have read this month.

View all my reviews

Sweet Seduction Shadow by Nicola Claire

Sweet Seduction Shadow by Nicola Claire

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abi Merchant has been on the run for five years, always watching her shadow and becoming a chameleon when the threat got to close. Abi felt that twitch in that said she had been found again. Rescued one moment by a man who she would never forget, Abi finds herself meeting her hunter.

Ben Tamati’s job is to stay in the shadows, he has been following Abi for weeks and as she attempts to run he captures her. Ben can’t divulge who he works for, but he quickly realizes that Abi is quickly becoming the world for him. Both have a painful past, both want to forget, both know they can’t. Together they are each others rock.

This was quite a bit different from the first book int he series. More cat and mouse roller coaster read. You are hooked from page one, it is an intense fast paced story that is quite different than anything I have read. I enjoyed this one, a bit darker and sensual.

View all my reviews