Blog Tour! Before he Vanished by Debra Webb

Reader Friends, I have another great read for when you’re in the mood for some plot twists, dark family secrets, and an investigative reporter who is still on the mission to find her missing childhood friend. Before He Vanished was such a fast paced read that I read it in one sitting in the time it took my boys to watch an action flick. Halle is struggling to get her writing back after a slump and returns home to the anniversary of her best friend Andy’s disappearance. Convinced she can finally get an interview with Andy’s mother, Halle hopes she can find justice and peace for Andy’s family. When Liam Hart, vineyard owner and a complete stranger walks into her office accusing her of sending him pictures from his childhood, the two strike an unlikely alliance to discover the truth behind Andy’s disappearance and Liam’s connection to the case. Just when you think you know the truth, Debra Webb drops in a jaw dropping twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

About BEFORE HE VANISHED: Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?

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Interested? Want to read more? Here’s an excerpt:

BEFORE HE VANISHED by Debra Webb (Harlequin Intrigue)

The shower was like heaven on earth. Her body had needed the hot water so badly. Her muscles re¬laxed and she took her time, smoothing the soap over her skin and then shampooing her hair. She was grateful for the toiletry pack that included not only soap, shampoo and the usual, but disposable razors, as well.

By the time she was finished, her bones felt like rubber. She dried herself, slipped on underwear and the nightshirt and then used the hotel dryer to dry her hair. That part took the longest of all. When she exited the steamy bathroom the delicious aromas of room service had her stomach rumbling.

“Oh my God, that smells good.” She rushed to the table where the silver service sat. “Why aren’t you eating?”

“I was waiting for you.” He joined her at the table.

Ever the gentleman.

Halle curled her feet under her in her chair while Liam removed the covers from the dishes. Fish, chicken, vegetables. He had ordered all sorts of dishes and they all looked amazing.

“I thought we’d try a little of everything.”

A bottle of white wine as well as a bottle of rosé had her licking her lips.

“I wasn’t sure which one you preferred.” He ges¬tured to the iced-down bottles. “And I didn’t forget dessert.” The final lid revealed a heavenly-looking chocolate cake with fudge icing.

“I may die right now.” She wanted to taste it all.

“Eat first.” He placed a linen napkin over his lap and stuck his fork into a tiny, perfectly roasted po¬tato. She watched him eat and it was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. She didn’t fight it. Surrendered to instinct and that was how they ate. No plates, just taking whatever they wanted with a fork or fingers and devouring. They drank the wine and laughed at stories from their respective childhoods. From all the stories he’d told her, she could not wait to meet his sister, Claire.

By the time they were finished, she was feeling a little tipsy. The food was mostly gone and both bottles were drained. She felt more relaxed than she had in decades. They had discussed the day’s events and Burke and Austen—and Derrick. The man was still convinced she had a thing for Derrick. No way. She’d also told him what her mom had to say about any friends from Nashville the Clarks might have had, which was none who ever appeared at their door. She and Liam agreed that was somewhat un¬usual considering how social the Clarks had been in Winchester.

“You know,” she said, after polishing off the last of the wine in her glass, “I wrote you dozens of let¬ters.”

“Me?”

She frowned and shook her head. “Andy.” Then she stared at him. “No. You. I mean you. Whatever you believe, I know you’re him.”

“Okay.” He laughed, his eyes glittering with the soft sound.

God, his mouth was sexy when he was relaxed. She put her hand to her mouth just to make sure she hadn’t said the words out loud.

“Tell me about the letters,” he prompted.

“I told you what was going on in Winchester. Who was doing what at school. I even put pictures with the letters.” She laughed. Placed her glass on the table. “It was silly, I know. But I wanted to still feel you and that was the only way I could.”

She blinked. He had moved. He was suddenly next to her, on his knees, staring into her eyes, and her breath caught.

“I don’t know if I’m this Andy you loved so much when you were a kid,” he said softly, so softly she shivered, “but I would really like to be the guy you care about now.”

Her heart swelled into her throat. She started to suggest that it was the wine talking, but it wasn’t. The truth was in his eyes. Those blue eyes she knew as well as her own. And despite her wine consump¬tion, she was stone-cold sober as she considered what could happen between them tonight.

“I’m really glad, because I would hate to think I’m in this alone,” she confessed.

He kissed her so sweetly that tears stung her eyes. Then he stood and pulled her into his arms. He car¬ried her to the nearest bed.

No matter what happened tomorrow, she would always cherish this night.

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About DEBRA WEBB: DEBRA WEBB is the award winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than

150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death

series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of

storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com or

write to her at PO Box 176, Madison, AL 35758.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Blog Tour! Secret Heir Seduction by Reese Ryan

Reader Friends, I have a steamy romance for you today! Thanks to Harlequin, I get to share with you all the sizzling details about Darius and Audra’s romantic story. Also, notice anything different about those book covers? I catalog Harlequin romances each month at the Library and I’m loving the new cover designs! A fresh look for some fresh new love stories.

Discovering he’s a long-lost heir isn’t the only surprise awaiting Darius Taylor-Pratt in Royal, Texas. He’s next door to his ex after five long years. Darius broke off his red-hot relationship with designer Audra Covington without explanation. He still has regrets…and truths he’s hiding. Rekindling their flame may cost him…especially when new secrets surface to threaten their second shot at seduction.

I really enjoyed the story of Darius and Audra. Even though they are both wildly successfully and wealthy, they are both very relatable and I quickly became invested in getting the two of them together. You can tell intermediately they are perfect together but after their first attempt at romance ended badly in college, the two have to get over some serious hurt to try at love again. Audra has her most recent ex trying to win her back, Darius has his new found paternity and siblings to wrap his head around, and the two of them have successful careers that they need to focus on. Reese Ryan weaves all of this together into a romantic and intriguing tale of scandal, love, and forgiveness.

Here’s a little taste of Secret Heir Seduction:

Excerpt

Audra slid into the driver’s seat of the Bentley Con¬tinental GT convertible her parents had gifted her four years ago, after her business cleared a million dollars in profits in its first year.

She glanced back at the diner. Darius sat motionless in the booth where she’d left him.

Of all the people in the world that she could run into, she had to run into Darius Freaking Taylor-Pratt. The man who’d broken her heart five years ago.

She’d been madly in love with him, and she’d be¬lieved he loved her, too. Right up to the moment he’d said things had gotten too serious between them, and he needed space.

There had been no discussion. No evidence he’d fallen for someone else. And no real explanation.

She’d been devastated.

They’d met at a party during grad school at Harvard. The attraction between them had almost been instant. She’d told her friend that she was pretty sure she’d met the man she was going to marry.

Sure, she’d been a little buzzed when she said it. But every day they were together made her believe those words to be true.

Darius suddenly ending things had come of out no¬where. It had left her reeling, wondering what she’d done wrong.

But that was the past. It’d taken some time, but she’d gotten over it and moved on.

Or at least she’d always believed she had. But seeing Darius today made her feel as if things between them weren’t finished at all.

He was more handsome than ever in his navy Tom Ford suit, a white shirt and a navy print tie. His story about being in Royal on business was undoubtedly true. Never a fan of suits, Darius would require a damn good reason to wear one.

And the bald head he was rocking…on him it was sexy as sin. Her fingers had itched with the desire to run her palm over the smooth, brown skin on his clean-shaven head. She’d balled her hands into fists, her fin-gernails leaving marks on her palms.

Darius’s dark brown eyes registered a mix of emo¬tions she couldn’t quite read.

Sadness. Anger? Maybe even regret.

The only thing she knew for sure was that she’d des¬perately wanted to lean in and kiss him. If only to re-mind him of what he’d walked away from five years ago.

Her cell phone rang.

Sophie Blackwood.

Audra smiled, thankful for the distraction. She hit the call button and pulled out of her parking space, heading back toward the house she was renting while she stayed in Royal.

“Hello, Sophie. Back in town yet?”

“We arrived a couple of hours ago. Nigel, my fiancé, needed to stay a couple more days to take care of a staff¬ing issue with the show.”

Audra couldn’t help smiling. Sophie was doing that thing that many newly engaged women did where they referred to their intended as their fiancé, as frequently as possible. It was adorable. And everything about So-phie’s bubbly excitement and the warmth with which she talked about him spoke to just how in love they were.

For Sophie’s sake, Audra truly hoped that their love would last.

“No worries. I’ve been keeping myself occupied. I sketched out a few designs. I’ll show them to you when we get together.”

“Are you busy now? We’re going to grab a bite with friends over at the Glass House in an hour or so. You should join us.”

“Thanks, but I just picked up a salad.” Hopefully, Sophie didn’t think her rude for turning down her offer.

“Is everything all right?” Sophie’s voice was laced with concern.

“Yes. I’m just a bit stunned. I ran into my grad school ex just now.”

“A local?” Sophie asked.

“No, in fact, I got the impression this is his first time here, too. So it was weird to run into him.” Audra bit into the sucker she’d teased Darius with.

She was pretty sure he’d nearly fainted when he caught a glimpse of her pierced tongue.

Good.

She might be over Darius, but she wasn’t above re¬minding him that he should be sorry he’d walked out on her.

“Oh? Who is he?” Sophie’s voice sounded less jovial.

“Darius Taylor-Pratt. He runs the athletic perfor¬mance clothing company Thr3d.”

“That must’ve been quite a surprise.” Sophie laughed nervously, then quickly changed the subject. “So the venue where I’d like to have my wedding got damaged during the recent wildfires. The damaged portions have been rebuilt, but there’s still a lot of work to do. If you could spare the time this Saturday, we could definitely use the help. Besides, it would be a chance for you to get to know some of the folks you’re creating custom jewelry pieces for.”

“Sure.” Audra shrugged. “And maybe we can meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss your custom designs?”

“Come to my place tomorrow afternoon at one. We’ll have a late lunch and go over everything.” Full-blown giddiness had returned to Sophie’s voice. “See you then!”

God, I remember what it felt like to be that in love.

Seeing Darius and talking to Sophie made her even more certain she’d done the right thing when she’d bro¬ken it off with her most recent ex a few months ago.

Cassius “Cash” Johannsson was exactly the man her mother and United States senator father wanted her to marry. A perfectly nice gentleman from the right fam¬ily with ambitions to one day sit in the Oval Office. But she wanted more than just “perfectly nice.”

She wanted a man who made her laugh. Who was her friend as well as her lover. A man who understood the manic craziness that often accompanied a creative mind. A man who made her body burn for his.

Cash had never engendered that kind of spark in her. Nor had she ever gushed over Cash the way Sophie did over Nigel. The way she once had over Darius.

In the end, she’d broken it off with Cash because she was just settling. He deserved someone who would feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be on his arm.

Audra entered the beautiful gated community where her rental house was located. She was traveling with sample jewelry pieces and loose diamonds, the value of which easily topped two million dollars. So she re-quired the additional security afforded by this gated community and the safety measures of the home she was renting from the Blackwoods’ family friend—Dixie Musgraves.

She grabbed her meal, courtesy of the Royal Diner, and headed inside, determined to banish all thoughts of Darius.

About REESE RYAN: Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring a diverse cast of complex characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests and life-changing secrets while treating readers to emotional love stories with unexpected twists. Past president of her local RWA chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate of the romance genre and diversity in fiction. Visit her online at ReeseRyan.com.

Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

New Books for February 11, 2020

Happy Tuesday!

It’s New Book Tuesday! My favorite day of the week and this week has some great books coming out. I have a stack of books on my desk that shipped early and are just waiting to be cataloged so they can finally be read by my kids. Remember, Librarians love recommendations so if you see a book that looks amazing, please tell your local Library and you just might find it on the shelf waiting for you.

Happy Reading everyone!

For the younger readers:

For the grown-ups:

Blog Tour! Third to Die by Allison Brennan

New York Times bestselling author and gifted storyteller Allison Brennan's new standalone thriller features a troubled female police detective and an ambitious FBI special agent who wind up at the center of a ticking-clock investigation into a diabolical serial killer.

Brennan's novel will launch a book-a-year series featuring a fabulous cast of recurring characters. It’s the story of a troubled female police detective and an ambitious FBI special agent who wind up at the center of a ticking-clock investigation into a diabolical serial killer; and the bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for the future books in the series.

Detective Kara Quinn is visiting her hometown of Liberty Lake, Washington, after being placed on administrative leave by the LAPD, when she comes upon the mutilated body of a young nurse during an early morning jog. The manner of death is clearly ritualistic; she calls it in. Meanwhile back in DC, special agent in charge Mattias Costa is meticulously staffing his newly-minted Mobile Response Team. One of his first recruits is the brilliant FBI forensic psychologist Catherine Jones. When word reaches Matt that the Washington state murder appears to be the work of the Triple Killer--it will be the first case for the MRT. Jones has done the only profile on this serial killer, but she is reluctant to join the unit, still shaken by the death of her sister a year ago under circumstances for which she holds herself responsible. But only she holds the key to understanding the killer's obsessive pattern--three murder victims, three deep slashes a piece, each three days apart, each series beginning on a March 3rd--3/3, then a three-year hiatus before he strikes again.

This time they have a chance to stop him before he claims another victim strikes, but only if they can figure out who he is and where is is hiding.

Click on your favorite retailer for a copy of your own:

Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Books-A-Million AppleBooks Google Play

Ready to hear more about this thrilling and nail-biting book? Read on for an excerpt.

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Wednesday, March 3

Liberty Lake, Washington

12:09 a.m.

Warm blood covered him.

His arms, up to his elbows, were slick with it. His clothing splattered with it. The knife—the blade that had taken his retribution—hung in his gloved hand by his side.

It was good. Very good.

He was almost done.

The killer stared at the blackness in front of him, his mind as silent and dark as the night. The water lapped gently at the banks of the lake. A faint swish swish swish as it rolled up and back, up and back, in the lightest of breezes.

He breathed in cold air; he exhaled steam.

Calm. Focused.

As the sounds and chill penetrated his subconscious, he moved into action. Staying here with the body would be foolish, even in the middle of the night.

He placed the knife carefully on a waist-high boulder, then removed his clothes. Jacket. Sweater. Undershirt. He stuffed them into a plastic bag. Took off his shoes. Socks. Pants. Boxers. Added them to the bag. He stood naked except for his gloves.

He tied the top of the plastic, then picked up the knife again and stabbed the bag multiple times. With strength that belied his lean frame, he threw the knife into the water. He couldn’t see where it fell; he barely heard the plunk.

Then he placed the bag in the lake and pushed it under, holding it beneath the surface to let the frigid water seep in. When the bag was saturated, he pulled it out and spun himself around as if he were throwing a shot put. He let go and the bag flew, hitting the water with a loud splash.

Even if the police found it—which he doubted they would— the water would destroy any evidence. He’d bought the clothes and shoes, even his underwear, at a discount store in another city, at another time. He’d never worn them before tonight.

Though he didn’t want DNA evidence in the system, it didn’t scare him if the police found something. He didn’t have a record. He’d killed before, many times, and not one person had spoken to him. He was smart—smarter than the cops, and certainly smarter than the victims he’d carefully selected.

Still, he must be cautious. Meticulous. Being smart meant that he couldn’t assume anything. What did his old man use to say?

Assume makes an ass out of you and me…

The killer scowled. He wasn’t doing any of this for his old man, though his father would get the retribution he deserved. He was doing this for himself. His own retribution. He was this close to finishing the elaborate plan he’d conceived years ago.

He could scarcely wait until six days from now, March 9, when his revenge would be complete.

He was saving the guiltiest of them for last.

Still, he hoped his old man would be pleased. Hadn’t he done what his father was too weak to do? Righted the many wrongs that had been done to them. How many times had the old man said these people should suffer? How many times had his father told him these people were fools?

Still, he hoped his old man would be pleased. Hadn’t he done what his father was too weak to do? Righted the many wrongs that had been done to them. How many times had the old man said these people should suffer? How many times had his father told him these people were fools?

Yet his father just let it happen and did nothing about it! Nothing! Because he was weak. He was weak and pathetic and cruel.

Breathe. Focus. All in good time.

All in good time.

The killer took another, smaller plastic bag from his backpack. He removed his wet gloves, put them inside, added a good-sized rock, tied the bag, then threw it into the lake.

Still naked, he shivered in the cold, still air. He wasn’t done.

Do it quick.

He walked into the lake, the water colder than ice. Still, he took several steps forward, his feet sinking into the rough muck at the bottom. When his knees were submersed, he did a shallow dive. His chest scraped a rock, but he was too numb to feel pain. He broke through the surface with a loud scream. He couldn’t breathe; he couldn’t think. His heart pounded in his chest, aching from the icy water.

But he was alive. He was fucking alive!

He went under once more, rubbed his hands briskly over his arms and face in case any blood remained. He would take a hot shower when he returned home, use soap and a towel to remove anything the lake left behind. But for now, this would do.

Twenty seconds in the water was almost too long. He bolted out, coughed, his body shaking so hard he could scarcely think. But he had planned everything well and operated on autopilot.

He pulled a towel from his backpack and dried off as best he could. Stepped into new sweatpants, sweatshirt, and shoes. Pulled on a new pair of gloves. There might be blood on the ATV, but it wasn’t his blood, so he wasn’t concerned.

He took a moment to stare back at the dark, still lake. Then he took one final look at the body splayed faceup. He felt nothing, because she was nothing. Unimportant. Simply a small pawn in a much bigger game. A pawn easily sacrificed.

He hoped his old man would be proud of his work, but he would probably just criticize his son’s process. He’d complain about how he did the job, then open another bottle of booze.

He hoped his father was burning in hell.

He jumped on the ATV and rode into the night.

Excerpted from The Third to Die by Allison Brennan, Copyright © 2020 by Allison Brennan. Published by MIRA Books.

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The Third to Die : A Novel Allison Brennan

On Sale Date: February 4, 2020

9780778309444, 0778309444

Hardcover $26.99 USD, $33.50 CAD

Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense 464 pages

About the Author: Allison Brennan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of three dozen thrillers and numerous short stories. She was nominated for Best Paperback Original Thriller by International Thriller Writers, has had multiple nominations and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a five-time RITA finalist for Best Romantic Suspense. Allison believes life is too short to be bored, so she had five kids. Allison and her family live in Arizona. Visit her at allisonbrennan.com

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.allisonbrennan.com/

Facebook: @AllisonBrennan

Twitter: @Allison_Brennan

Instagram: @abwrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52527.Allison_Brennan

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Followers by Megan Angelo

What starts as a humorous, slightly catty look at social media turns into a chilling and dark commentary on our obsession with likes and followers. I fully expected this to be a light, fluffy read that would keep me entertained for a few hours and instead found myself dropped into a dark and twisted future that seems all to real and likely to happen. 

Told through two timelines, we are introduced to a future where entire towns are filled with reality tv stars and are on camera non-stop.  Marlow, a young starlet who has spent almost her entire life in front of the camera having her everyday life written and directed by the Network, has few memories of her life before.  The face of Hysteryl, a mood stabilizing drug she has been using since puberty, Marlow spends her day in medicated contented bliss.  When the Network decided it's time for her and her husband to have a child, the drug must be stopped during the pregnancy and is slowly weaned off as she prepares for her sowing party, her emotions slowly return and the mental clarity creates her first feelings of dread and uncertainty of spending the rest of her life having her every move dictated by others.  When a lab technician discovers there is a discrepancy in Marlow's DNA, Marlow sets out to discover the truth about her parents and her past. 

As Marlow searches for clues to her past, we learn through flashbacks about the social media rise of the couple that Marlow believes to be her parents.  Floss Natuzzi and Aston Clipp rose to Internet super stardom with the help of blogger Orla Cadden and a series of outrageous stunts.  When their Instagram stardom leads to a reality tv show, the three spend their days pretending to live their real life on camera while a small crew of writers create the scandalous and shocking scripts for them to follow.  After an Instagram message inadvertently causes a horrific event, the three social media stars are cast out as social pariahs.  The fallout of the event helped to spur on the Spill, a tragic and worldwide phenomenon that changed the world forever. 

This book was fascinating! Not only does Megan Angelo give us a world ruled by social media and reality tv, but everyone also has an implanted device that allows them to see their standings and comments from followers.  The devices provide a way for producers to directly influence their stars and direct their behavior.  Living with a complete lack of privacy is second nature to the residents of Constellation, a town completely set up to provide 24 hour access to the followers of the show.  With only one hour a day allowed to themselves off camera, found in the very wee hours of the morning, Marlow and her fellow residents have their every word and movement scrutinized and commented on by their millions of followers. 

How absolutely terrifying!  Even more so when you know someone in our present day has definitely had that idea and there are those out there who would love to watch a group of people live out every moment of their life with no editing or commercial breaks. 

Angelo created a story that deftly combined the two timelines with enough twists and turns that you are always kept guessing as to how the two are truly intertwined.  The Spill, not going to spoil that little nugget, is frightening in it's believability.  To have one event completely change the future of the entire world-terrifying. 

Followers is thought-provoking, chilling, and fascinating. 

More from Megan Angelo:

I have read so many great debut authors this last year, I don’t know how they do it!

More like Followers:

I’m going with the “creepy future I hope never happens” vibe for these.

As always, purchasing books through the links helps support the site.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.  All opinions, and mistakes, are my own.  

Hollow Kingdom By Kira Jane Buxton

Available now from Grand Central Publishing

This book is one of the most original and bonkers books I've ever come across.  Told through the eyes of the crow Shit Turd, or S.T. as he's more commonly known, the human race has devolved into nothing more than bloodthirsty zombies and the only unaffected survivors are animals. 

Yep, it's told through the point of view of a highly intelligent pet crow. 

And it's one of the funniest and most wildly entertaining reads I had this year. 

S.T. and his canine brother Dennis set out to find help for their human Big Jim after his behavior turns creepily repetitive and dangerous.  As the two journey through the city seeking information, they encounter other domestic animals trapped in their homes and try to save as many as they can.  When their actions attract the attention of a murder of crows, S.T. must put aside his prejudices and find a way to work with the other animals, and the sketchy birds, to save the domestics and find out what happened to the humans.

It sounds bonkers but this book is truly hilarious.  S.T. uses his unique skills learned from living with Big Jim to both help the trapped domestics and teach the other animals how to help.  Who knew Tinder was so educational?  Turns out, Big Jim taking S.T. around the city with him as he worked or on field trips to the zoo was highly educational for our sharp minded crow.  S.T.'s ability to think like a human, or MoFo as he calls them, is key to his and his friends' survival.  We are also giving short chapters told from the point of view of various animals from around the world- Winnie the Poodle was my favorite. 

This story is truly imaginative and original and it was an absolute delight to read. 

You can get your copy, and help support the site, here:

More from Kira Jane Buxton:

Surprise! It’s her debut! What an amazing first book, I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.

More like Hollow Kingdom:

I’m going with the plucky/sarcastic/hero for these.

As always, purchasing books through the links helps support the site.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.