While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.
Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to Afghanistan.
But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.
Exclusive Excerpt – Hour of Need by Melinda Leigh
“Shh.” Ellie wrapped her arms around Grant’s waist and hugged him.
Shocked, he pulled back, but she tightened her hold. Grant, ignoring the warning signals from his conscience, returned the embrace. He rested his forehead on her hair and accepted the comfort she offered. His heart stirred in an uncomforatble and dangerous spiral. He liked this. Too much. This was the sort of thing his married friends missed while they were deployed: human contact, shared emotions. For a second, he thought maybe it was worth missing. But no, that would be selfish. This wasn’t just about him. It wouldn’t be fair to Ellie to start something he couldn’t finish. He moved every year or so, and if he really wanted to be a general, he didn’t need emotional ties tempting him to turn down assignments that could further his career. It was much easier to remain emotionally detached, because until this week, that’s what he’d been. Grant had spent most of his adult life alone and aloof, avoiding personal connections and complications.
But damn. He couldn’t seem to let go of this soft woman in his arms.
She sighed, and her body relaxed. She shifted, leaning back. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
Her warm brown eyes filled with empathy. “That this all happened to you. You haven’t had time to grieve.”
A small shudder passed through him, followed by a wave of need he couldn’t explain or deny, except that his soul was an empty shell. He pressed his lips to hers and let the taste of her fill the void inside him.
Make sure to check out Kelly’s review of Hour of Need HERE
A little about Melinda:
Melinda Leigh abandoned her career in banking to raise her children. She started writing as a hobby, but soon found her true calling creating characters and stories. She has won numerous writing awards for her paranormal romance and romantic suspense fiction. Her debut novel, She Can Run, was a #1 bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense, a 2011 Best Book Finalist in The Romance Reviews, and a nominee for the 2012 International Thriller Award for Best First Book. A 2013 and 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist, Melinda holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and two rescued cats.
TITLE: Hour of Need
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #1
CHARACTERS: Grant Barrett & Ellie Ross
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.
Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to deployment.
But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.
REVIEW:
WOW!!!
What a tangled web of craziness happened in this book. Gosh I am not even sure where to start without recapping the back blurb or giving everything away (you know how I feel about spoiler reviews) but here it goes:
We start Hour of Need with a double murder. A double murder that leaves more questions then answers. An unbelievable trauma that will bring a broken family back together. Hour of Need is a tangle of many threads that I could not figure how they were ever going to come together. To say I was shocked at the end would be an understatement. I had my guesses but Kudos’ to Ms. Leigh for keeping me on my toes. The mystery and suspense of it all was brilliant. The romance was sweet. But both balance each other so wonderfully.
I can’t wait for the next installment in the Scarlet Fall’s series (I know I should not wish bad things on to these characters, but I do 🙂 ). If you are a fan of Ms. Leigh’s you will need to put this on your must buy list. If you are a romance suspense fan, please put on your buy list. If you are new? Please put on your buy list. So in short you should buy this book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Montlake in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Walking on Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River #4
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N (coming soon)
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The electrifying conclusion of the romantic suspense novella series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
The sleepy town of Solitude, Oregon, has turned into ground zero for a turf war between the manufacturers and distributors of a lethal new drug. When a teenage witness disappears, social worker Carly Taylor must find him before he’s silenced permanently.
Rogue County investigator Seth Harding wants to keep Carly, his estranged wife, out of harm’s way, but she refuses to let his concern keep her from doing her job. When one of her young charges vanishes, Carly gets pulled even deeper into the deadly case, and Seth knows he must help her…even if it leads them right into the criminals’ crosshairs.
Explosive and exciting to the last page, Walking on Her Grave is the fourth and final thrilling addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
WOW…
I was not expecting that. What you ask? Right like I am going to tell you. Why on earth would I give away anything? I want you to read this book. But if you have not started this series you have to start with book one!! I loved seeing Seth and Carly work together.
Oh I am so happy and sad all at the same time. I am happy that the small Oregon town of Solitude (and I) finally gets some answers about the events that have been surrounding them. But I am so sad that this series is over. I really hope that this is not the only series that Melinda & Kendra will team up on.
If you enjoy romance suspense you really should check out this series and the Ladies. Both are amazing story tellers and will keep you guessing until the end.
NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was the final book in the quartet novella series Rogue River. This book takes us back to Seth and Carly’s story while continuing with the overarching plot for the whole series. I really love Seth! Carly and Seth had so many problems, hurt feelings and egos to overcome. They are both extremely head strong and stubborn; so naturally they butt heads. I’m very pleased with how this series was closed out and I’m so happy that we finally got answers to the big mysteries happening around Solitude! We also got to see our favorite characters Zane and Stevie. This whole series has been a pleasant read and opened me up to a new author with Melinda Leigh! I’m very happy I read it, it’s definitely worth the time.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
I am so excited to have two of my favorite authors on the blog today. I mean super excited!!!!
I just love Kendra & Melinda. I have had the great pleasure of meeting Kendra and she such a sweet person.
I have yet to meet Melinda in person but in talking with her online I know she is the real deal.
To say I was beyond excited that these two are teaming up to write a 4 novella series is an understatement. So how about we talk to the ladies and find out how this all came about and the trials and tribulations of writing together.
*****
Hi Kendra & Melinda! Welcome back to the blog. This will be the first time you are on the blog at the same time. I am super excited to have you both here.
So normally I start off by asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself. But since I have you both here how about you tell me a little about one another.
Kendra, please tell me about Melinda: Don’t underestimate her! She may be tiny but she will kick your ass with her martial arts skills. She’s got a dry sense of humor, passionately loves all animals, and likes her vodka tonics. She overflows with energy, loves to talk with strangers, and can turn into a protective mama bear in a split second. I won’t tell you how often she gets her hair colored.
Melinda, please tell me about Kendra: She dotes on her daughters, loves Project Runway, and gives her beer options careful consideration. Kendra has a dog that looks like an Ewok. Dog lovers should go to her Facebook page just to see a picture of Max. Adorable! Kendra On the hair color: I won’t tell if she won’t.
Kelly: You both write in the romance suspense genre. Have you ever been mistaken for one another?
KE: Recently a review on one of Melinda’s books suggested we were pen names for the same person. We got a good laugh out of that. Readers occasionally mix us up. We’ve both been mistaken for writing the other person’s books on Goodreads or in reviews and blogs.
ML: People have also commented that we look enough alike to be sisters.
Nope not the same person
Kelly: If so can you explain why you are not the same person? And how people might think you are?
KE: Only someone crazy could have managed to write all our titles within the last three years. I like to think our quality of writing couldn’t be met by someone writing that fast. I know Melinda’s nearly gone nuts meeting just her own schedule.
ML: We have photographic evidence there are two of us! But we do write in the same genre, and since we share a publisher, there is a small amount of similarity in our book covers and sometimes we share promotion. That could explain the confusion.
Kelly: Have you thought about writing in a different genre? If yes, which one?
KE: I considered writing a Young Adult historical. Something like Outlander for teens. But romantic suspense has been really good to me, so I want to focus on maintaining that momentum.
ML: I love all sorts of fiction. Writing a straight mystery thriller sounds like fun, but right now I’m enjoying being able to blend genres however I choose. Each book comes out a bit different.
Kelly: I have to say when I found out that the two of you were teaming up to write a set of novellas I was super excited. What made you finally decided to take the plunge and work together?
KE: We’d remarked casually on it a few times but never thought about it seriously. I think we’d believed the only way to do it was to collaborate on a single book which is VERY complicated with two opinionated authors. In 2013, I got an early copy of Allison Brennan’s and Laura Griffin’s CRASH AND BURN in which they each wrote their own story but made them related and a light bulb went off.
ML: Yes! Writing one book together seemed difficult given we live on opposite coasts. The idea of related stories quickly evolved into a television-like series. Each novella has it’s own plot, but there’s also an overall plot arc to carry the reader from one story to the next, like episodes in a TV series. Plotting together was a lot of fun.
Kelly: How did you come up with the idea of the Rogue River series?
KE: Hmmm. How I remember it was that we knew we wanted to each write from the point of view of two sisters. We wanted them to have a big family. And live in a small town. And water needed to be prominent in the title and books. We tossed around a few river names and I remember Melinda really liking the sound of the Rogue River. Maybe Melinda remembers more…
ML: Magic? I flew out to Seattle to visit our publisher, and Kendra drove up. We plotted all four novellas in one day. Yes, there was definitely magic involved in getting that done so quickly.
Kelly: Whose idea was it to have it set in Oregon?
KE: Melinda was polite and offered to go with my home state. I needed to be comfortable and write about an area I knew. Melinda is tougher than that.
ML: I knew I could rely on Kendra to fill me in on any necessary local details.
Kelly: Are any of your characters Oregon State Beaver fans?
KE: NO
Kelly: Boo!! “Go Beavs”
ML: Whispers, “What’s an Oregon State beaver?”
Kelly: *GASP* we will talk after Melinda
Kelly: Ladies, can you give us a look at the 1st novella in this series, which is written by Kendra ‘On Her Father’s Grave’ (released October 7th).
KE: In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.
Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.
In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.
Kelly: How about we take a look at the second novella in the series, which is written by Melinda ‘Gone To Her Grave’ (released October 21st)
ML: In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
Kelly: I know that there will be 4 novella’s in the Rogue River series, book 3 Her Grave Secret by Kendra and book 4 Walking on Her Grave by Melinda will both be out in November. Is there potential for more? Or maybe a spin-off?
KE: Oy. We introduced a big cast. I think there is always potential for more. But I feel like I’ve been living and breathing the Rogue River for several months in addition to writing my novels. I’m ready for a break, but it might look different in the future. Writing books is like childbirth. Down the road you forget the pain. I’m excited each time I start a new project, but I get a tenth of the way in and start asking why I keep doing this.
ML: You never know! It was a fun project. I love tackling a new and different challenge to add variety to my work, but it was also tough to juggle two extra novellas with my full-length writing commitments. I didn’t see much of my family between January and May of 2014. But stories are like Jell-O. There’s always room for more.
Kelly : What was the hardest part about writing a story together?
KE: Seriously, writing together wasn’t hard. We knew the other person was disciplined and would get done what needed to be done. With each of us writing our own novellas, it allowed us to write as we pleased. It protected our voices and gave us the decision making power over our particular books. We never felt forced to compromise something or rewrite something because the other person didn’t like it. We read each other’s work for continuity and brainstormed together when one of us got stuck.
ML: The plotting process was more complicated that we expected, with four separate stories and an overall storyline to keep in line, but having a writing partner was helpful. If one of us got stuck while writing, there was another person equally invested in the story ready to jump in and offer suggestions. Typically, writing is a solo event, and when you’re stuck, you’re all alone.
Kelly: Do you think that you will work together on another project in the future?
KE: I’d love to but I know we both have tight schedules to meet. My first love is full-length novels. The novellas are fun and have been great to experiment with, but I think we both want to focus on getting our novels written.
ML: The novellas were a fun change of pace, but also I love digging into a long, complicated (and dark) plot.
Kelly: I have an idea for you!!! You should team up to write a story about a kick-ass accountant/part time blogger who is an Oregon State Beaver fan who solves a cold case by total accident. And yes, you can base her off me.
KE: Ummm…
ML: Sounds interesting…
Kelly: Why do you have blank stares? It is a good idea!!!
KE: *hands off to Melinda*
ML: Oh, look at the time.
Kelly: Fine moving on…..
Kelly to Melinda: You have two ongoing series right now, the ‘Midnight series’ and the ‘She Can series’. Midnight Betrayal which was release in September 2014 is your latest book. Can you tell us a little about Midnight Betrayal (which was awesome, check out my review here).
ML: In Midnight Betrayal, a museum curator falls for the prime suspect in the grisly murder of an intern. It’s an edgy, dark, and sexy read.
Kelly: It looks like you have the start of a new series to The Scarlet Falls series. Book one Hour of Need is scheduled to be released on December 9, 2014. Tell us a little about Hour of Need.
ML: After the murder of his brother and sister-in-law, Major Grant Barrett returns home from Afghanistan to take temporary custody of their young children only to learn that his six-year-old nephew saw the killer and has become the next target.
Kelly: What is next for you after Hour of Need?
ML: I’m currently working on book 2 in the Scarlet Falls series. My working title is Minutes to Kill, and the tentative release date is June 2015. On a business trip, Hannah Barrett witnesses a crime and soon learns that what happens in Vegas can follow you home. Next on my plate (probably) is another She Can book for December 2015. I have a few possible characters in mind. I’ve always thought Sarah Mitchell deserves her own story after everything she endured in SHE CAN TELL.
Kelly to Kendra: You have two ongoing series also, the ‘Bone Secret series’ and your new series the ‘Callahan & McLane Series’. Bridged, book two in the Callahan series is to be released on January 13, 2015 can you tell us a little about Mason’s next adventure.
KE: In BRIDGED, Mason and Ava are assigned to the same serial killer case. A killer is hanging dead bodies off the bridges in the Portland metropolitan area. Of course, Ava’s unbalanced twin Jayne manages to disrupt everything she can in Ava’s life while Ava and Mason take the next step in their relationship.
Kelly: Well we get any more Bone Secret novels?
KE: Yes. First SPIRALED, the third Callahan and McLane book will be out next summer and then my publisher has requested a fifth Bone Secrets book for January 2016. I have no idea who will be featured in that book.
Kelly: Seriously I am thinking the book idea of that kick-ass accountant needs to be on your to do list.
KE: Maybe a forensic accountant…I’ve heard of them…I have no idea what they do, but it sounds like a Bone Secrets book.
ML: There’s no reason an accountant can’t kick major ass, but as a former banker, the thought of writing a story involving the financial sector gives me hives.
Kelly: Fine!!! But, I still think it is a good idea.
Kelly: Is there anything else you would like to add or any deep dark secrets you want to share about each other with your readers?
KE: Melinda doesn’t like sweet mixed drinks. She says my drinks are froo-froo. But we share a weakness for all things chocolate and ice cream.
ML: And coffee! Which is like oxygen for writers.
Kelly: Again ladies, Thank you so very much for coming on the blog I love you both (Top #12 baby) and hope that you keep writing amazing books.
Kendra we need that cake date soon! Melinda I hope to meet you in person very soon!!
KE: You’re my number one blogger-girl, Kelly!
ML: Thanks so much for hosting us. Kelly rocks!
Kelly: And now you know why these two are two of my all time favorites!!!!
Here is a look at the ladies Rogue River Novella series
In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.
Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.
In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.
The first of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, On Her Father’s Grave launches a new romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.
Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.
Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributers strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?
Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.
The electrifying conclusion of the romantic suspense novella series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
The sleepy town of Solitude, Oregon, has turned into ground zero for a turf war between the manufacturers and distributors of a lethal new drug. When a teenage witness disappears, social worker Carly Taylor must find him before he’s silenced permanently.
Rogue County investigator Seth Harding wants to keep Carly, his estranged wife, out of harm’s way, but she refuses to let his concern keep her from doing her job. When one of her young charges vanishes, Carly gets pulled even deeper into the deadly case, and Seth knows he must help her…even if it leads them right into the criminals’ crosshairs.
Explosive and exciting to the last page, Walking on Her Grave is the fourth and final thrilling addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot
TITLE: Gone to Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River Novella #2
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Carly is a social worker that will do anything for the kids she is trying to protect. Even give up the man she loves. But when push comes to shove there is only one person that Carly will trust. The question is has she pushed him away for good?
Seth loves his wife and would do anything for her. Except be 100% understanding when it comes to the dangerous of her job. Except he is starting to see the errors of his ways and when Carly calls in need of help there is no way he can let her face trouble alone.
Gone to Her Grave is the second novella in Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Novella series. To say that I devoured this novella would be a complete understatement. I read this story in one bite.
After reading On Her Father’s Grave I could not wait to find out more about the events that are happening in Solitude, Oregon. And like any good evil suspense author Ms. Leigh’s’ Gone to Her Grave left me with so many more questions. I am dying to have all my questions answered.
What are my questions? Well if I told you that I would give away too much of the plot line. So my suggestion would be to pick up Novella #1 On Her Father’s Grave, then read Gone to Her Grave and find out the questions yourself 😉 I can not wait for the next two novella’s in this series!! Answers I need answers darn it
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.
Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.
In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.
The first of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, On Her Father’s Grave launches a new romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.
When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.
Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?
A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.
Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.
Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributers strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?
Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.
The electrifying conclusion of the romantic suspense novella series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.
The sleepy town of Solitude, Oregon, has turned into ground zero for a turf war between the manufacturers and distributors of a lethal new drug. When a teenage witness disappears, social worker Carly Taylor must find him before he’s silenced permanently.
Rogue County investigator Seth Harding wants to keep Carly, his estranged wife, out of harm’s way, but she refuses to let his concern keep her from doing her job. When one of her young charges vanishes, Carly gets pulled even deeper into the deadly case, and Seth knows he must help her…even if it leads them right into the criminals’ crosshairs.
Explosive and exciting to the last page, Walking on Her Grave is the fourth and final thrilling addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot
I often find myself struggling with plot hole issues in the middle of a manuscript. Instead of staring at my plot board and taking Facebook quizzes for three days, I should reach out to a writer pal right away. Sometimes the answer to a problem is so simple I haven’t seen the resolution because I’m too deep in the book. I’m buried in the pages so deeply I can’t see the overall plot arc.
Last week I wasted three entire days on what-happens-next. I had a loose plot so I knew where my story needed to go, but how it was going to get there remained elusive. How did I bridge the gap between my first turning point and my mid-point? I reached out to a friend and explained my issue. In three texts, she pointed me in the right direction. THREE texts. <face palm>
Her answer was simple and logical. Why hadn’t I thought of it? Because when I’m 25,000 words into a project with another 75,000 still to write, it’s easy to get lost in the details. There is no substitute for a fresh set of eyes. Also, there have been occasions when the act of explaining my problem has triggered the solution in my own head, as if I just needed to talk it through.
A week later, the same pal called me with a road block in the emotional resolution for her characters. In about five minutes, we talked through the problem and resolution. I saw her plot lines much more clearly than I saw my own.
So my writer tip of the day is to cultivate writer peeps.
They will get you. This applies to a whole host of career issues from dealing with a horrible review to marketing to the writing process. Your author besties are your “safe place” to vent. They know what it’s like to spend a week locked in a room with imaginary people. Your writer friends will know what you’re doing even when you don’t. (Writers’ brains function don’t function like those of normal people.) Other writers understand the elusive magic inherent in the writing process, the way you have to trust your instincts and have faith in your ability. I’ve written twelve books, and I still hit a wall in every story where I think I’m not going to finish. My book is the worst ever. No one will ever want to read it.
My family does a collective eye-roll. But my writer friends know exactly what I’m feeling. Every time.
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.
Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.
Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim.
A little about Melinda:
Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker, wife, mom, lifelong dog lover, and second degree black belt in kenpo karate. She is a 2012 Thriller Award nominee and the bestselling author of romantic suspense novels. Her next book, Midnight Sacrifice, releases in April 2013. Find out more about Melinda: website / facebook / twitter
*****
Make sure to check out all of the other stops on this month long tour HERE and enter the grand prize giveaway.
All winner’s will be picked at the end of the month and announce the 1st week of October.
When two hikers disappear, their hometown in Maine blames the blinding storms. But the truth is far more sinister. Unaware of the danger, tabloid photographer Jayne Sullivan follows an anonymous tip to find the most reclusive sculptor in the art world. Instead, she finds sexy handyman Reed Kimball—and a small town full of fatal secrets.
Five years ago, Reed buried his homicide detective career along with his wife. But when a hiker is found dead, the local police chief asks Reed for help. Why was a Celtic coin found under the body? And where is the second hiker? Avoiding the media, Reed doesn’t need a murder, a missing person, or a nosey photographer. Then Jayne is attacked, and her courage is his undoing.
Reed must risk everything to protect her – and find a cunning killer.
One by one, people are mysteriously disappearing from a small Maine town.
Four months ago, a ruthless murderer killed two people and kidnapped three more, including Danny Sullivan’s sister, who barely escaped. Unfortunately so did the killer, vanishing without a trace into the vast wilderness. When the police fail to find his sister’s captor, Danny returns to Maine to hunt him down.
He begins his search with another survivor, bed and breakfast owner Mandy Brown, but her refusal to cooperate raises Danny’s suspicions. What is the beautiful innkeeper hiding?
Mandy Brown has a secret. But sexy Danny Sullivan, his relentless questions, and the desire that simmers between them threaten to expose the truth. A revelation that puts her family in danger. As more people disappear, it becomes clear the killer is planning another ritual and that he’s circling in on Mandy.
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.
Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.
Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim.
TITLE: Midnight Betrayal
SERIES #: Midnight #3
CHARACTERS: Conor Sullivan & Louisa Hancock
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.
Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.
Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim
REVIEW:
They say lightning never strikes twice.
Or does it?
If you are Louisa Hancock & Conor Sullivan you might just start to believe that it does.
Wow. I am not even sure how to start this review other than to say “Murder is a dirty, dirty business and oh my good golly Ms. Leigh can write a book”.
As with all suspense books I try my best to figure out the who’s, the what’s and the why’s. But let me tell you Midnight Betrayal kept me guessing the whole time. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.
I could say so much about this book (which I loved). About this story (which I loved). About the characters (who I loved). About the scary, sick and twisted mind of a suspense author (which I love and am just a tad bit afraid of Ms. Leigh now ;D). But I really want you to pick up a copy of this book so I will leave you with this. Midnight Betrayal is an amazing read!!!!!!!
If you are a fan of romance suspense you really need to pick up a copy of Midnight Betrayal. If you are new to romance suspense or new to Melinda never fear you can read this book as a stand alone and not miss anything (although I would read book one and two, but I like to read my books in order. Plus you met Conor & Louisa in book 2)
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author as a gift. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: He Can Fall
SERIES #: A She Can Novella
CHARACTERS: Sean & Amanda Wilson
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (coming soon)
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When security expert Sean Wilson takes his wife, Amanda, along on a business trip to an isolated bed and breakfast, he’s hoping to combine work and pleasure. But when four armed men storm the inn and take the staff and his wife hostage, the romantic getaway is over. A former army Ranger, Sean will do anything to save his wife, and when he finds the seven-year-old granddaughter of the innkeeper in the snowy woods, the situation becomes more dire. Sean must get the child to safety, but as the armed men become increasingly hostile and violent, Amanda’s life is also on the line. Cut off from help and spurred by desperation, Sean and Amanda must make hard choices that could get them all killed.
Thriller Award nominee and bestselling romantic suspense author Melinda Leigh delivers a page-turning story of love, fear, and desperate choices.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts GREAT novella!!!
I am always amazed how much you can put into a short story. Again this was a great short story and like any review I do for novella my review will be short too. I don’t like giving away too much. I will say that even though this was a short story I didn’t feel like anything was missing. I felt that Melinda was able to tell a great story without leaving me with that “I want more” that can come with a novella.
If you have read Melinda’s She Can… Series you will LOVE this novella. If you are new to the She Can…Series He Can Fall is easily read alone and does not affect the order of the series at all. I would highly suggest picking up a copy of the novella.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Melinda Leigh in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Melinda Leigh on the blog again to talk about your newest Romance Suspense novel She Can Hide.
Melinda, for those who don’t know you can you please tell us a little about yourself
ML: Hi everyone! I’m the author of bestselling romantic thrillers, including SHE CAN RUN, my debut International Thriller Award nominated book, and my latest release, SHE CAN HIDE. I’m also a mom, a wife, a martial artist, and a dog person. I have a fondness for rescue animals, British comedy, and ice cream.
BnK: Melinda, have you always wanted to be an author?
ML: Like all the best things in my life, I became a writer by accident. When my kids were small, I was reading 3-4 books a week because it was the only activity that didn’t wake them up from their afternoon naps. One day my husband suggested I try writing a book instead of reading one. I liked the idea. At first writing was just a hobby. It wasn’t for several more years that I’d try to write as a serious career, but I was hooked.
BnK: Can you tell us a little about She Can Hide?
ML: SHE CAN HIDE is the 4th book in the She Can Series (Don’t worry. They’re all stand-alone reads. The connections between the books are slim.) The story is all about trust. Can a woman who’s already been betrayed learn to trust again, even if her life depends on it?
BnK: What is next in the She Can…. series? I heard a rumor of a novella?
ML: I have a short story, HE CAN FALL, releasing March 26. It’s a quick, fast read about a romantic weekend gone horribly wrong. I’m considering another book in the series. I don’t feel like I’m through with the characters in Westbury, Pennsylvania just yet.
BnK: I know you write another Romance Suspense series The Midnight Series. What is it about the Romance Suspense genre that you love so much?
ML: Romantic suspense combines my two favorite genres, thrillers and romance. RS is the best of both worlds, a fast-paced exciting thriller with a happily-ever-after (a must for me!).
BnK: Do you ever see yourself writing any other genres?
ML: Sure, why not? Who knows what the future holds? I love to tell stories. I’m very happy writing RS right now, but I might want to try something else someday.
BnK: I think I suggest not too long ago that you and Kendra Elliot should team up to write a book. How is that project going? 😉
ML: Shhhh. It’s all a big secret. J
BnK: What is up next for you?
ML: Midnight Betrayal is scheduled to release in September, and I’m currently working on a new project, which might turn out to be the start of a new series. I haven’t decided yet. New projects are so much fun. The possibilities are endless.
BnK: Melinda, it is always a pleasure to have you on the blog!! Is there anything else you would like the masses to know before we end?
ML: I’d love to hear from your readers. Do you love romantic suspense? What is it about the genre that thrills you? For any of you who have read the She Can books, is there a particular character you’d love to see her his/her own story?
Once again, it’s been a huge thrill to be here at Books-n-Kisses. Thank you so much for hosting me today.
BnK: You are so very welcome! We always love having you on the blog 🙂
From the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her. But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead? Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.
Elizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last…
Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.
After Rachel Parker returns home to rebuild her family’s horse farm, she receives threats from someone who wants her to abandon the effort, as Police Chief Mike O’Connell tries to protect her, suspecting that she has a secret that’s endangering her life
In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.
Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.
From the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her. But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead? Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it al
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A little about Melinda: 
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