Kiss of the Assassin

I am always delighted to share new books I learn about with you, and especially so when the book is by an author I know and admire. That's why it's a pleasure today to introduce you to an intriguing new release, KISS OF THE ASSASSIN, by author Joylene Nowell Butler.

KISS OF THE ASSASSIN
by Joylene Nowell Butler

◊ Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (March 23, 2022)
◊ Paperback: 424 pages
◊ ASIN: B09P7T1ZRS
◊Language‏: English
* File size: ‎ 1138 KB
* Text-to-Speech: ‎ Enabled
* Screen Reader: ‎ Supported

Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States.

 

She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.

 

Now here's an excerpt for your reading pleasure.

“Malyshka …child…there’s no easy way of saying this apart from being honest and direct. I hope you can forgive me, but your father died.”

Marina’s eyes instantly watered, which seemed to surprise Kurenkov. He looked sympathetic.

“When?” The thought that he lived beyond that night and she hadn’t seen him made her ability to keep calm unbearable.

Kurenkov shrugged and admired his cuticles. “You were so young. I was afraid if I told you the truth, you would blame yourself.”

“Why would I—”

“Your father died the night your mother stabbed him. He has been dead for fifteen years.”

“I…I don’t understand, why would I—”

“You were so despondent. Your father asked for your help before he died. What could you do? You were a mere child. I kept the truth from you because I couldn’t bear you taking on all the blame. I knew you would. That night you had already blamed yourself. You told me your papa asked for help and you hadn’t helped him. I’m sure he didn’t mean to abandon you, not as my father abandoned me. Please, Malyshka, please forgive me for shielding you from the truth. I did it to protect[…]

Excerpt From: Joylene Nowell Butler. “Kiss of the Assassin.” iBooks.  

Meet the Author: Joylene Nowell Butler

Joylene Butler lives with her husband in the tiny village of Cluculz Lake in central B.C... She is the author of three suspense novels and a contributor to one anthology. 

For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Joylene's visit. You can find out more about Joylene and her new book by following her blog tour here.

Doesn't this sound like an intriguing book, especially for the times we are in? Do you enjoy books where the enemies evolve into more?

The Lies That Shatter (+ Giveaway)

 

The Lies That Shatter
By A.V. Asher
(Truth & Lies, #2)
Publication date: September 28th, 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

They say love never dies…

Devastated and lost, Former British Intelligence officer Alec McKinley knows he must move on. Still, he can’t forget the love of his life. The woman he tried so hard to protect and failed. When Alec arrives at the trial that will determine the fate of those responsible for destroying his world, he discovers how deep the lies run.

Mercedes Elliot has suffered through a lifetime’s worth of trauma, but finally, the end seems near. The trial that could free her from witness protection is around the corner, which means Alec will be waiting for her at last. She can’t wait to drop the charade she’s been living. But when Mercedes returns, she finds Alec isn’t alone and everything she thought she knew is a lie. There’s no one left to trust.

Deceptions run deep, and Alec grows more and more desperate to protect Mercedes, even as she is slipping through his fingers. Can he keep her alive long enough to prove he has never forgotten her? Or will evil succeed this time…

Goodreads / Amazon

Now here's an excerpt for your reading pleasure.

The next morning, Mercedes woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and knew things were different. Noah didn’t drink coffee, so she was the one who made it in the morning.

The divine scent and the unfamiliar bedroom reminded her she wasn’t with Noah anymore.

Shit.

She was with Alec. How in the hell was she going to get through this? She could stay in her room all day. If she did, she wouldn’t have to speak to him.

But the coffee was too big a draw. 

It was quiet in the house as she stepped from her room. The view from the living room in daylight was breathtaking. The Pacific stretched out beyond the tall pine trees. A soft breeze filtered through the air.

Alec wasn’t in the kitchen, so she poured herself a cup and added her cream. Outside, a splash of water caught her attention, and she carried her coffee out onto the deck. Her gaze followed the gentle swish of water and instantly her core clenched.

Holy hell.

Alec was swimming.

How could someone look so damn good? He moved gracefully, the strength of his arms gliding him through the water.

Sipping her coffee, she walked down to the pool. She sat on the edge, her feet cooled by the water.

Alec’s eyes caught hers and he swam to her. When he rose up, he rubbed his hand through his thick hair. Water cascaded down his chest, following along his muscles. Even with the bruises and cuts, he was stunning.

He grasped the edge of the pool on either side of her, drops rolling from his body onto her knees.

“You should come in, it’s lovely.”

That would be a mistake. “I would, but I don’t have a suit.”

Alec’s lips turned up mischievously. “You don’t need one, darling. It’s nothing I’ve not seen before.”

Jesus, he needed to stop looking at her like that.

Mercedes tilted her head, holding in a smile. “Are you flirting with me, Alec?”

“Shamelessly,” he said with a grin.

A flutter of butterflies took hold in her stomach, shooting right down into her core. She should tell him to stop. This was hard enough without having to combat his charm.

But damn if she didn’t love this side of him. Playful, sweet, and even a little goofy. He could make her forget how hard everything had collapsed around them.

Alec swam to the stairs and pulled himself out. Mercedes shivered and had to look at the water while he toweled himself off.

“I have a little work to do. Then I was thinking we might go into town and pick up a few things. Do you feel up to that?”

Mercedes nodded. “I’ll take a little rest in the shade while you work. It’s so nice out.”

“Aye, it is.” Rivulets of water coursed down his neck and onto his perfect collarbone. The temptation to lick it off him was way too damn strong. Mercedes gulped her coffee, praying her raging libido would knock it off.

“. . . try to sleep some more,” Alec was saying. “I’ll be a couple of hours.”

“Oh, mm-hmm.” A flush was creeping up her cheeks. She had no idea what he was talking about. Hopefully, he hadn’t asked her to do anything important.

Jesus, Sadie. Get it together.

Alec flashed her a brilliant smile before he headed back into the house. Mercedes watched him walk away, the back side looking just as good as the front.

She sighed and flopped onto one of the shaded lounge chairs. Alec was dangerous in more ways than one. If she was going to get through this, she was going to have to do a better job of knocking down her feelings for this man.

 

Meet the Author: A.V. Asher

American writer AV Asher (Avie) was one of those kids always who got in trouble for reading in class. She has been creating stories since childhood, but only recently began writing them down.

The Truth Keeps Silent is Avie's debut novel. The second book in the duet, The Lies That Shatter, is expected to be released in the Autumn of 2021.

Avie lives in Northern Nevada with her husband and three children.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Doesn't this sound like an intriguing story that will have you guessing from beginning to end what happens next?

GIVEAWAY!
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Reaching for Family

Jenna learned early that family wasn’t safe. As Bloo Moose’s vet, she’s determined to find her patients loving homes even if she knows the same isn’t possible for her.

Noah Washington promised his adoptive parents he’d save their farm and now he’s bought almost all of it back. Only one acre to go but it belongs to a woman who makes his own guarded heart seem vulnerable. After a decade as an Army Ranger, Noah’s alpacas are supposed to ensure him of a peaceful life, but someone is targeting them. Or Jenna.

As the danger escalates, Jenna and Noah build a wary trust, but they’ll need to learn the true meaning of family if they want the farm—and themselves—to survive.

*** Reaching For Family is the 8th book in the Bloo Moose romantic suspense series. Each book can be read as a standalone. The book contains some strong language and sexy times.

Now my thoughts …...

When looking for a story with heart, romance, fun, and adventure look no further than REACHING FOR FAMILY, the eighth installment in the Bloo Moose series by author Jemi Fraser.

The story is set in the picturesque town of Bloo Moose, a community like one dreams of living in. The characters feel like family and friends. The adventure can be nail-biting occasionally and fun-loving the rest.

Combining suspense and romance, the author blends in humor for a well-rounded story. The attraction between Jenna and Noah is a bit steamy at times, while their storyline is also filled with laugh-out moments. Those moments involve an attack goose, an overprotect goat and a truck named Fred, just to name a few. The story flows smoothly and at a good pace holding your attention all the way.

If you’re a returning fan of the series, you’ll get to meet old friends and find a few new ones. Newcomers to the series can follow along easily without getting lost in back stories. But be warned, you could be drawn into wanting to find out all the townspeople’s’ stories. Throw in some Star Trek and Star Wars and you have an intriguing story you will find hard to put down.

The author has created a series with well-developed characters, a beautiful setting, and a plotline that will tug at your heartstrings while making you smile.

A side note ….

If you stopped by on Tuesday, you saw my concerns about writing a review. Well, this is the other book I was talking about. The review for REACHING FOR FAMILY should have been written much earlier. I just wasn’t sure I could do it justice either. Both are great books by two of my all-time favorite authors. I hope you’ll check out both.

Thanks for stopping by today. Okay, I gotta know are you like Jenna and name your vehicle?