Book Releases || July 19, 2016 || WWII Spies & Family Saga’s


Red Sun Over Mexico"Red Sun Over Mexico" by H. Paul Doucette

by H. Paul Doucette

Spring 1942

Washington, DC. The country is slowly recovering from the shock of Pearl Harbour. Everywhere, everyone is ramping up for the coming conflict. Recruiting centers are flooded on a daily basis as men and women rush to enlist.

Sergeant Paul Jarvis, newly married and returned from his last assignment in Panama, has been informed that he and the rest of CIC has been assigned to California where they will be working with the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Intelligence has reported that the Japanese are settings up radio posts and possibly submarine bases in the Gulf of California. They have also indicated that they are doing this with support from a splinter faction opposed to the government and with strong anti-American leanings. It is rumoured that these operations are being run by a Tokeitei agent. Jarvis believes this might be Haito Toshi who led the attacks in Panama.

Jarvis and a young ONI agent are ordered to Mexico with orders to capture Toshi…if possible. Problem is, Jarvis still remembers the dead naked body of a young American woman on a bed.

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SHORT EXCERPT

Chapter One

 February 1942, Washington, D.C.

A cold north wind blew all the way from the Atlantic Ocean and over Chesapeake Bay making the gray overcast day even more miserable. The sidewalks were full of people huddled inside heavy coats and boots against the biting cold. Everywhere you looked all you could see was a sea of uniforms from ratings to all levels of brass. Most were wearing one type of military uniform or another from the various branches of service; clerks, administrators, aides or just those awaiting their orders to report somewhere.

America had been at war now for a couple of months and was caught up in that period of shifting from a peacetime country to one in full mobilization for war. Not long after Pearl Harbour we had also declared ourselves against Germany. Pearl Harbour had the effect of galvanizing the country silencing any isolationists or those who opposed involving us in what was considered to be a European war. The attack on Pearl Harbour was a serious blow to our naval forces in the Pacific. The resulting fear and confusion was mounting that the Japanese were staging for an invasion on the west coast and cries were coming almost hourly for army and air force resources to establish coastal defences. Hence the confusion in the capital.

My name is Paul Jarvis. I am a Staff Sergeant with the newly created Counter Intelligence Corps, formerly called the Counter Intelligence Police. We are part of the Military Intelligence apparatus with our primary function being, in part, the security of our bases at home and abroad.

In January of this year we underwent a change in name and function. Like I said, we are now called the Counter Intelligence Corps and have taken on a more direct role with counterespionage and other intelligence operations. Like Major Dobson once said, we’re not just another cog in the machinery. We have something the others don’t have—extensive background and experience in the Pacific, especially, Japan.

We had been waiting at Area Command in Puerto Rico where we were sent after my last assignment in Panama where I played a major role in stopping a Japanese attempt to sabotage the western canals. It was just pure luck that we stumbled onto their plot. I was actually there to investigate a murder on one of the bases. This happened just days before the Japanese attacked us at Pearl Harbour.

We had arrived back in the States two weeks earlier. The ‘we’ I refer to is Major John Dobson, my boss, and Lieutenant Carol Jarvis, my new wife. The major and I have been together since 1930 stationed in the Philippines.

I was heading to our temporary offices just off from the Georgetown University campus. Since Washington was in a state of confusion as it made the transition to a war footing, everyone was clamoring for office space. Our office was located on the fourth floor of an old office building that had been taken over by the Army. I was on my way back from the FBI with their latest reports on a variety of activities that might be of interest to us. I was stopped at the entrance by one of two large armed MPs who asked for my ID.

When I reached our assigned space, I saw Carol Jarvis sitting at her usual place: a desk outside Major Dobson’s office.

Carol Jarvis has been with Major Dobson for almost five years as his personal assistant. She joined us as a young lieutenant from the Women’s Army Corps as an administration clerk. She is a very attractive woman in her mid-twenties, five foot four with a svelt figure but don’t make the mistake that’s all she is, because she is very good at her job and completely loyal to Dobson and, of course, me.

Over the years she and I became very close and ultimately fell in love. It was just after the Panama mission that we decided it was time so we got married. Major Dobson was delighted. He stood for us gave her away. Carol was happy he did this since her parents were both dead and she thought of him like a father.

Today she was dressed in her regulation uniform, as usual. She always wore her uniform when on duty. The only identifying items on it were her lieutenant bars on the epaulets and shirt collar, and the new shoulder patch identifying her as being with Military Intelligence.

“Hi, baby,” I said, as I removed my overcoat and hat. One of the advantages of our little operation was not having to always wear uniforms when on duty.

“Hi yourself,” she said back with a gorgeous smile. “He wants to see you. Go right in.”

I gave a quick rap on the door then opened it and went inside.

“Sir. You wanted to see me?” I asked, stepping to his desk.

Major Dobson was sitting behind his desk as usual. A heavy set man in his forties with graying hair. He wore a dark blue single breasted suit, shirt and tie. One of the first things you notice when meeting him for the first time are his eyes: clear, bright and penetrating.

“Yes, take a seat,” he said. “I just came from a meeting over at headquarters. Looks like we’ve got our marching orders.”

He passed a sheet of paper across to me. I scanned it quickly.

“San Diego?” I looked up and passed the page back to him.

“Uh-huh. Looks like it’s going to our main base of operations for the near future, and we’re getting some help…new agents.”

“That’d be nice. When do we have to go?”

“Soon. I just wanted to give you a head’s up. Oh, and be available for a while. ONI is sending someone over later today for a meeting with information relevant to San Diego. Anything I need to know from the Bureau?”

“Not really. Just the usual traffic.” I put the file I had on the desk.

“Okay. Thanks. That’s it for now.” He looked back at the documents on his desk. “Leave that with Carol. Thanks.”

“Yes, sir.” He wasn’t big on a lot of chatter. I stood and headed for the door.

About an hour and a half later Carol stood in the door of my office.

“You’re being summoned. They’re waiting.”


"The Season of Forever" by Brenda Ashworth BarryThe Season of Forever

A Seasons Saga Novel

by Brenda Ashworth Barry

Life throws curve balls left and right at Beth Ann and Kaylob. Tragedy strikes, leaving Blake shot and paralyzed needing to undergo a delicate surgery, that he may not survive. While Kaylob deals with the emotional roller coaster of all the secrets kept from him, he is also holding his breath waiting to see if Blake makes it through the night, after being shot three times. Beth Ann tries to keep the faith, but with a new child and everything going on around her, she finds faith slipping away.

If he does live through the operation, will he ever walk again and will he blame Ginger, who also suffers from the physical damage of being shot and beaten by her soon to be ex-husband? She is faced with the fear that Blake might die, or Arnold will be jailed, and all she can do is blame herself. Some relief comes when Frankie swears to take Arnold to trial and have him put away.

Come and take the final journey in book six with Beth Ann and Kaylob as they say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. They both cling to each other as life gives them storms and devastating news.

Will they ever get their forever life of love and happiness?

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SHORT EXCERPT

Chapter One

Blake’s eyes flew open to unholy pain, but he fought like hell to focus. Why were fireworks echoing around him and where was he? Wait, this was winter, so why in God’s name was he lying on the ground outside? The sounds around him vanished as the memory assaulted him.

Christ all mighty, it wasn’t fireworks it was gunshots. Blake raised his head and tried to move, but couldn’t budge anything. Damn, the burning was excruciating. He groaned in agony, feeling as though his guts had been ripped out. Placing his trembling hand on his stomach, he asked, “What the hell?” Something warm and wet gathered on his fingers. “Holy shit.” He glanced at the blood as it dripped down onto his shirt.

He cringed. “Damn, that’s not good.” When he tried to wipe it off on the asphalt, he tasted a metallic flavor in his mouth.

Did that mean he was bleeding internally? Was he dying?

He caught sight of his friend, Johnny, who was firing his gun at Arnold, Ginger’s deranged husband, who kept darting behind the telephone pole. Johnny was yelling into the phone with his free hand. “Get someone here now. Two have been shot and are bleeding. One is my fiancée.”

Good thing Blake had a long cord that allowed Johnny to bring the phone out on the front porch. He heard Johnny say, “hurry,” before he dropped it.

The pain ripped through him, and his breathing became labored. Oh Lord, he remembered something else, Ginger had been with him, but where the hell was she?

“I’m calling the police,” someone yelled, more than likely his neighbor.

“I called the ambulance,” Johnny yelled back.

Blake heard several loud cracks and saw Johnny shooting at Arnold. After a few seconds, he saw the asshole finally fall to the ground and start to wail, like the coward he was. Thank God, Johnny had finally brought him down, and it appeared he had got him in both legs.

“Make sure you get his rifle, Johnny,” Blake said with a ragged voice and knew damn well Johnny would handle it, but it made him feel something besides completely useless since he couldn’t move.

Johnny ran over and handcuffed the piece of shit. “You fucking scum!” He grabbed the rifle.

Blake was sure as hell relieved that Johnny had been a detective and was his bodyguard.  He knew how to handle this. No doubt, he was big enough to kick Arnold’s ass from here to China. He winced, trying to move again, but couldn’t.

“Ginger,” Blake hollered. He needed to get to her and see if she was okay, but nothing worked. “Ginger!” he called out two more times. Where the hell was she?

Johnny hurried next to Dana, his fiancée, who was like Blake’s little sister. “Oh, sweetheart,” he said, trying to soothe her as she cried.

Next, he rushed to Blake “You’re okay, boss. Help is on the way.”

They both shot a glare at Arnold when he yelled, “I’m going to kill that bitch. You can’t stop me. Ginger, get out here, you slut!”

“Bastard,” Johnny grumbled. “I got him in both legs, but I should have shot him in the head.” He touched Blake’s arm. “Can you move anything?”

“No.” Blake tried again with a raspy voice. “Check on Dana, and make sure she’s okay. We have to find Ginger, too.”

A few minutes later, Johnny was holding what looked like Dana’s sweater around her arm. It was bleeding, but it didn’t look too bad.

Dana looked over and met Blake’s eyes. “Johnny, go to Blake,” she cried. “I’m fine. I can hold my sweater on my arm.”

Johnny ran over, pulled off his jacket, and stuck it under Blake’s head. “I can’t move you, boss. The people on the phone told me to wait and let the paramedics do it.”

“I can’t feel my legs.” Blake glanced up at him and saw sadness shadow his eyes. “If I die, make sure Ginger is taken care of.”

“You’re not going to die,” Johnny said, but Blake knew by the look in his eyes that he didn’t believe it.

“Just promise me!” Blake raised his voice. “Now, check on Ginger.”

“I don’t want to leave you and Dana.”

“She’s here, damn it.”

He looked around. “Where is she? I didn’t know she was here. I thought you were just delirious when you were calling for her.”

Blake pointed at the car. “Oh shit, now I remember. I pushed her inside the car. I think she was shot in the head.” He closed his eyes and felt tears burning. He hadn’t been able to keep her safe as he’d promised. There was no way to hold back his emotions. He’d grown fond of the redheaded beauty. After everything that monster had put her through, she couldn’t die. Her crazy asshole husband had beaten her so bad that he’d almost killed her.

Books Releases || July 24, 2014


Today we bring you romance and espionage. Read on.



Loved, Settled and Understood

 by Kirsty Grant

Following the death of her best friend, Laura, Sop
hie’s life is thrown into turmoil. Torn between the stability of her long term relationship with her boyfriend, Jeff, and the unexpected raw desire for Laura’s sister, Jane, Sophie finds herself questioning her sexuality. Acting upon her desire, Sophie discovers that following her heart has unforeseen consequences and she finds herself tangled in a web of complicated love and heartache.

Loved, Settled and Understood is a passionate love story which takes Sophie on a life altering journey of grief, lust, love and anger.

How many hearts will be broken in the quest for true love? Is it easier to walk away from love to avoid heartache? Will the words of her late friend, Laura, echo true and will Sophie ever be loved, settled and understood?


 

Red Sun Over Panama

 by H. Paul Doucette

Late Fall, 1941

Europe is ablaze as Hitler jackboots his way to total conquest. England is on the precipice as the Blitz has begun to reduce it to ashes and rubble. In the Pacific, Japan has begun stretching its might across China and the Pacific Islands, threatening India and Australia.

America is caught in the middle as it tries desperately to avoid becoming involved in a global war. But all that is about to change through an act of treachery that will shock the country to its core. Japan has decided to make its first move to cripple America’s ability to challenge them in the Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal.

Washington has grave concerns about the safety and security of the Canal as they have received reports of an influx of Japanese nationals arriving in the area. The Counterintelligence Police Corps has been charged with ensuring that the Canal remains open and free from sabotage and espionage. This has fallen to one agent: Paul Jarvis. He is dispatched to the Canal with a mandate to work in cooperation with agents from the FBI and the Office of Naval Intelligence.

It does not take long before he uncovers clues suggesting the possibility of a plot to blow up the locks at Pedro Miguel and Miraflores while investigating a series of suspicious murders. With the help of his partner, Sergeant Joe Duggan and the area MPs, he rushes to stop the attacks and capture the people involved.

The clock is ticking and in the distance the Red Sun on the western horizon rises higher.

Book Releases for Sept 2 / 3, 2013 ~ Giveaway!

Book Releases for Melange September 2 - 3, 2013

Book Releases for Melange September 2 – 3, 2013

 

Somehow this month we’ve pretty much ended up with a red/black/white color scheme for our covers!

Read on through and at the end of this blog post learn how you can win a free e-book copy of one of the books featured in the blog today!

Melange Releases

“Immortal Confessions” by Tara Fox Hall ~ A ‘Promise Me’ Origins Tale

Immortal Confessions” by Tara Fox Hall
Promise Me – Book 5

 

At the turn of the 19th century, former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charms until he meets bride-to-be Annabelle. Smitten by Anna’s forthrightness, intellect, and bravery, Devlin risks his life to spirit her away to Fontainebleau, France. There Devlin begins his ascent to power in a desperate bid for wealth and social standing for himself and Anna.

Forging alliances with other supernatural leaders, he usurps the vampire Lord of Fontainebleau, amassing many enemies during his brief reign. Within a few years, he and Anna are again forced to flee for their lives to America. Living in hiding, Devlin is determined to amend his ways. But when tragedy strikes, Devlin’s dark side, never fully extinguished, emerges rampant, securing him the bloody throne of America even as his malevolence and loneliness consumes him.

“Waite For Midnight” by J. B. Wolfe

Waite for Midnight” by J. B. Wolfe

 

Vivian Waite has spent her entire life pretending to be someone else. As a KGB mozhno in 1957 Florida, she seduces whomever her novator and would-be paramour Viktor Petrov has targeted for her. Her life is changed dramatically, however, when a small oceanographic firm in Florida discovers a dangerous breach in the American coastal defenses exposing a secret which catapults the fledgling KGB agent, the little girl who survived the Siege of Leningrad, into the gnashing maw of the “Space Race” and leaves her fighting for her life.

As Viktor, the Soviet “Devil in the Details”, guides her through the dangerous maze of Cold War espionage she is doggedly pursued by the ambitious Leland Bell, a CIA officer striving for recognition and respect, and Bell’s tight circle of CIA henchmen. Will Vivian’s near-photographic memory, her quick-thinking, and her passion for Viktor be enough to enable her to evade her enemies, to define her identity… to live? Can Vivian, an inexperienced former mozhno, little more than a KBG call girl, piece together an answer for the riddle that lies off the Florida coast; the enigmatic C-FAR breach?

“A Role to Kill For” by H. Paul Doucette

A Role to Kill For” by H. Paul Doucette
A Matt Murphy Mystery – Book One

 

When the mutilated body of a young man is found in an alley in the early hours of a winter’s day, events would be set in motion that would lead Matt Murphy into the world of a young woman’s twisted desire to find a love that could never be had and the betrayal of a father.

As the bodies pile up, he is drawn into the delusional mind of a serial killer who is obsessed with young, handsome actors working the Off Broadway circuit of the Village. Why these men? And, why the mutilations? As Murphy delves further into the case, he knows he is moving closer to a confrontation: a confrontation that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

“Covert Exposure” by Valerie J. Clarizio

Covert Exposure” by Valerie J. Clarizio
A Nick Spinelli Mystery (#1)

 

* Previously published under the title “Cookies For Santa”

Detective Spinelli’s life is tossed sideways when he is reassigned from the Homicide division to assist in the Child Services division of the Social Services Department for the holiday season. From the beginning, Spinelli and Caseworker Shannon O’Hara generate their own kind of fireworks, causing more than the normal workplace stress. They both have their own philosophies for dealing with the clientele. However, the forces of nature have their own plan for Spinelli and Shannon.

Shannon moonlights as Santa Claus’ little helper at the mall, and when Santa and an elf turn up dead Shannon appears to be next on the killer’s list. Spinelli is placed back on homicide and goes undercover as Santa to help capture the killer. He catches a great deal of grief along the way but will he capture the heart of his little Santa’s helper as well?

 

Family Plots by C.G. Eberle

“Family Plots” by C.G. Eberle

Family Plots” by C.G. Eberle
A John Seraph Mystery – Book Two

 

When John Seraph’s neighbor is murdered, John goes on the warpath to bring the killer to justice and he unearths forgotten atrocities left over from World War Two.

John Seraph’s newest challenge begins when he finds Rory Duffy’s dead body in his friend’s apartment. Despite being warned off by the police, John’s determined to see justice served, but in the course of his investigation he learns of Rory’s involvement in the infamous Dachau Massacre, a cache of hidden riches taken by the Nazis from their victims, and he learns of a plot to create a Fourth Reich. With threats coming from the lead detective and a group of Neo-Nazis, John gets some backup from mob enforcer/ gun-for-hire Katsuro Ryuu. Together they protect Rory’s family and hunt for the killer as the Neo-Nazis declare war on John.

“Murder Most Foul” by JoAnne Myers

Murder Most Foul” by JoAnne Myers

 

When two dismembered and unidentifiable torsos wash up on a local riverbank, beautiful 29-year-old registered nurse Jackie Reeves, believes the killer is a man from her past with a history of mental problems. She contacts the dangerously handsome 34-year-old FBI Special Agent Walker Harmon, who arrives in the sleepy town of Pleasant Valley, and met with a reception of lies and threats from local police and citizens. Under constant pressure from both the media and public, along with taunting messages aimed at Agent Harmon and Jackie from person’s unknown, the agent races against time to catch the killer before he strikes again, and before an innocent man is convicted. With a suspect list involving the victims’ parents, ex-lovers, Satanists, a contaminated crime scene, corrupt police, and the motorcycle gang the Devil’s Disciples, circumstances turn the hunt personal, as the hunters become the prey.

“Promise Me Anthology” by Tara Fox Hall

“Promise Me Anthology” by Tara Fox Hall

 

With Every Goodbye (Sarelle)
Sarelle McGarran loves her new country life, her pets, and her husband, Brennan. When she loses him to a tragic climbing accident, Sarelle must fight depression, financial hardship, and her family and friends’ good intentions to embrace a new destiny all her own.

Heart’s Bells (Theo) 
College students Theo and Casey are in love, but Theo’s father’s ambition for his artistic son stands in their way. When Theo’s family is attacked by a werecougar on vacation, he alone survives. Now afflicted himself, will Theo dare endanger the one person he loves most, hoping their love will endure his new animal nature?

Total Eclipse of the Heart (Heather, Devlin, Ulysses)*
Heather is a hardworking college student studying to be a nurse. When she meets the vampire Devlin Dalcon, infatuation quickly becomes obsession. Will Heather heed Devlin’s warnings, or let herself be destroyed by her dangerous desire?

Night Shift (Jordan, Heather) * and Just Business (Tony, Thane, Danial, Devlin, Nate, David, Jordan, Angelica, Lash)*
When the mortal teen Angelica witnesses careless vampires draining accident victims on the hospital night shift, she runs to her bosses, mobsters Tony and Thane, for protection. While angered at the problem, Devlin also sees possibilities for expansion with Tony and Thane…if he can maneuver everyone into place in time.

Partners (Danial, Devlin, Angelica, Theo)* this is an extended version
Vampire investigator Danial Racklan finds more than his target when the suffering werecougar Theo crosses his path one evening. For Theo is not only a man with a past as tragic as his own, but also destined to give Danial something he’s never had before: a partner he could trust.

State of Grace (Nate)*
Made a vampire by accident, timid Rodney has been reduced to feeding on animals to survive. Befriended by a veterinarian, Jackie, Rodney goes after her the night she attempts to thwart a dogfighting ring alone. But can he kill others of his own kind to save Jackie’s life?

Sonata (Devlin, Nate, David)* 
When Nate challenges Devlin to seduce a human woman using limited words, the handsome vampire agrees to the bet, figuring to let a musical composition do the work for him. But Mary Ann, the woman in question, has an agenda of her own.

Night Music (David and Krys)* 
Grieving Krys Markman has come to lose herself in family memories at Letchworth State Park, and try to figure out her next step. Yet the unearthly beautiful music she hears each night stirs her soul to romance. Can its creator, the attractive vampire David Helm, heal her broken heart?

Tears and Rain (Terian, Kyle)
Terian has come west, seeking his friend and former mentor Colin in an effort to forget his unrequited love for Sar and increase his magical skills. Instead, he finds a harsh lesson in the bonds of family, along with fresh purpose and determination.

Heart’s Solace (Theo and Tasha) 
When the badly wounded cougar comes to her father’s country estate, Russian teen Tasha names him Nazdeha, the word for hope. But as time goes on, Tasha discovers that the animal is instead a werecougar named Theo, whose only thought once recovered is to return to his family. Scared that Theo is doomed to die if he leaves, Tasha bespells Theo with Heart’s Solace, a magical love potion given to her by a mysterious cloaked figure.

*These stories link together to tell a wider story

Book Releases for Fire and Ice September 2 - 3, 2013

Book Releases for Fire and Ice September 2 – 3, 2013

 

And onto our young adult books from Fire and Ice!
Both of these books are sequels. Be sure to check out the first books in the series on our website.

 

“Spirits of the Pirate House” by Paul Ferrante

“Spirits of the Pirate House” by Paul Ferrante

A T.J. Jackson Mystery #2

 

Even Paradise has a Dark Side…

During their first adventure in Gettysburg, T.J., LouAnne and Bortnicker established themselves as talented ghost hunters. So when The Adventure Channel gives them an opportunity to visit the island of Bermuda to film the pilot episode of Junior Gonzo Ghost Chasers, they can’t resist. What could be better than scuba diving, sightseeing, and ghost hunting for pirates in a romantic tropical oasis? But the teens soon realize that their target, legendary Bermudian buccaneer Sir William Tarver, has a back-story that never made it into the history books. The problem is, even if T.J.’s team is able to make contact, will their investigation raise more questions than it answers? And will the proud people of Bermuda be able to deal with the truth?

 

“Call of the Canyon” by Nancy Pennick

“Call of the Canyon” by Nancy Pennick
Waiting For Dusk Book Two

 

Two Lives…
Two Worlds…

Heartbreak awaits.

Call of the Canyon, second of the Waiting for Dusk series, continues the dramatic story of Kate Roberts and Drew Kelly. New challenges face the couple when Drew joins Kate in the present. Nothing is easy. Tyson’s still their nemesis, causing trouble whenever he can. Carl, Kate’s friend and neighbor, moves back home to Ohio and creates unexpected problems at the canyon. A wedding, a tragic accident, and a family broken by scandal affect both the past and present. And in the end, Kate may pay the ultimate price.

 

To win a free e-book copy of any one of the books featured in the blog today, simply leave a comment and tell us which book you are most interested in! We’ll choose a winner on or shortly after Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

“Long Snows Moon” by Stacey Darlington

And finally, congrats to the winner of the ebook copy of “Long Snows Moon” by Stacey Darlington…… LISA W.
Check your email, Lisa! Congrats!