New Crime Fiction: ‘Hidden Agenda’ by Peter Berman

     Jeremy Hart, a senior prosecutor in the LA District Attorney’s office, is a young widower whose grief counselor sends him to a charity party to jump-start his social life. At the party, he meets Claire, a young married woman with two small children who is trapped in a loveless marriage to Peter, a very wealthy and abusive man. When a courtship develops between Jeremy and Claire, Claire’s violent husband Peter discovers the affair. After a brutal beating, Claire confides to Jeremy that she believes that Peter is planning on taking her life.
     When Claire’s husband is found shot to death in the driveway of his home, detective Ulysses S. Gibson and his partner Jennifer Donahue are called to investigate the murder. For the prosecutor, the crime is an easy conviction when all the leads of the investigation point to Jeremy.
     For detectives Gibson and Donahue, nothing is so obvious. How are these individuals connected? And what of the death of Jeremy’s wife, Elizabeth, years go? Gibson and Donahue keep the scales of justice in balance as they discover everyone’s ‘Hidden Agenda.’

What readers are saying…

“‘Hidden Agenda’ by Peter S. Berman is an amazing five-star crime-thriller/courtroom drama novel! It keeps the reader engaged, with plenty of dialogue, brilliant characters and most importantly, a dramatic storyline…’Hidden Agenda’ is beautifully woven together and is written in such a way that it is easy for the reader to follow and yet produces an engrossing story…I would love to read another story by Peter S. Berman. I can only hope that he will create another great crime novel with these fantastic detectives…

you will not be disappointed with ‘Hidden Agenda’!”  
          – Caroline Barker, A Reader’s Review

 

“Let me just give the author his due credit here. Nowhere does the novel become boring, repetitive or draggy. It is fast paced and will continue to have your attention and interest – as the truth is shred to pieces and lies are cloaked…All in all, the novel did make a good and intriguing read and I would surely recommend it.”
          – Shewta Singh, Reader

 

“As an avid crime (fiction) reader I have to admit that I was immediately drawn into the story.  The plot makes you want to continue without interruptions.  Hart, Gibson, and Donahue are characters you can easily become familiar with. The cleverly elaborated plot steers the readers through different stages of sympathies and antipathies; the desire to shake one’s head as well as to giving the thumbs up on certain occasions. Explaining more insights might lead to spoilers.  Therefore, just note this:  A must read for all crime fans. I definitely consider “Hidden Agenda” as movie material.”
          – Karen O., Book Reviewer

 

Available at these eBook retailers:
– OmniLit/All Romance – 25% off until July 7th!
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– iTunes
– Sony
– e-Sentral
– Hive
– Foyles
– BIGhay
– Tesco eBooks
– The Indie eBook Shop
– Kalahari

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Recommended Summer Reads: ‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ by Debut Author Carol McConkie

     A darkly humorous tale of family, friendship, and personal discovery . . .

     Frieda Kunkelheimer knew she wasn’t welcome in the world from her earliest stirrings. She also knew she was big and ugly, as proclaimed by her grandmother on the day of her birth. Though Frieda Kunkelheimer later blossoms into a beautiful and successful Hollywood film star, it had been determined, even before birth, that she was unwanted and unloved.

En route to a film shoot, the embittered, aging actress known as Frie, and Robin, her phobic, gay makeup artist, survive a plane crash in the jungles of Central America only to be held hostage by El Salvadoran guerrillas. Their self-absorbed lives take a backseat to the events of their capture as a bizarre set of circumstances unfold and kindle courage, compassion, and forgiveness they never thought possible.

‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ is written in masterful prose, and filled with rich characters, McConkie mixes irony, humor, and pathos while weaving multifaceted storylines into a wildly entertaining adventure. Few experienced novelists fare as well as McConkie in this debut literary event.

“I’m no professional literary critic but I know what I like and I truly enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel. Each night I looked forward to jumping into bed to read another chapter and follow the thrilling story about the two main characters, Robin and Frie. I’d love to see a movie version soon.”     -Steve R.

“A very original book that I highly enjoyed…4 out of 5 stars.”        – Erica H.

“I wish it was longer! I wanted to continue reading on and on. Nonetheless, Carol McConkie achieves so much, educating us on decades of US history, through the Great Depression, WWII, 60s counter-culture and Americo-Latin American political relations. In ‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ she has produced an absolute gem.”               – Nathan S.

“An amazing portrayal of human fortitude and strength and how people can find salvation in purpose in the wake of difficulty. ‘Fat Girl, Fairy Boy’ isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you like strong storytelling, I say give it a shot.”

-Poindextrix Book Reviews

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All Blue Star Books’ romance titles are now 50% off
for the next week through All Romance eBooks!

As a thank you to all our dedicated followers, whether you’re a reader, writer, or reviewer, we’d like to offer a special sale for helping us reach 3,000 followers. Thank you!

If you haven’t already, be sure to join us on Facebook, Twitter, and GoodReads to learn about more of our service specials and sales.

* * *

Addicted by JoAnn DeLazzari
(Contemporary Romance)

Renowned investigative journalist Nikki Bradley is at the height of her career. When she tenaciously braves the remote jungles of Columbia on an assignment with personal motives, her profession seems to become less important. After her brother dies of an expected cocaine overdose, Nikki has one thing on her mind: to find the man responsible for her brother’s death, expose him, and ruin him. Her dangerous traipse through the jungle on a quest to avenge her brother’s death brings her face to face with one of Columbia’s biggest cocaine operations. When she is caught taking pictures on the outskirts of the camp, she is taken prisoner by one of the leaders, a menacing drug trafficker determined to claim her as his own. An innocent pawn in a deadly game at the mercy of her captor, a mysterious and impossibly handsome man named King, Nikki must decide whether to abort her mission and surrender, or risk her life to expose her brother’s killer.  

* * *

Charades by Ann Logan
(Contemporary Romance)

     Mercedes Fuentes, or Mousy Mercy as she often refers to herself, has buried herself in academia in order to avoid those frightening creatures that make up the other half of the human population: MEN! When an opportunity to pay off the majority of her student debt is offered to her by a family friend, Mercy has her doubts. But how can she refuse a weeklong date with a handsome man, at the end of which she will be nearly free of all debt? Enter the seemingly innocuous, over-worked oil tycoon Wulf Rheinhart, a man in need of a fake fiancée for a week in order to close a business deal with a family-oriented Texan. One charade leads to another in this fast paced car chase of a romance where no one is who they seem to be.

* * *

Destiny’s Disguise by Candice Kohl
(Historical/Regency Romance)

Lord John, the earl of Farleigh–his giant frame scarred by battles fought as a mercenary knight–returns home to England to claim his unexpected inheritance. But now he must battle against the wicked baron Elwood of Eye and a woman with an inner strength to match his own who dares to love him. Lady Gwyneth–her willfulness and deceit borne not of treachery–determines to wed the new earl in her sister’s stead. Expecting nothing but cruelty at her husband’s hand, she is surprised to find herself the recipient of that which she has so often given but never received: love. But Gwyneth has dark secrets that will inevitably be revealed, secrets that will test the strength of their love.

* * *

Heart of Steel by Jennifer Probst
(Contemporary Romance)

Chandler Santell avoids men–especially the rich and powerful ones who believe more in money than in people. Desperate to save her struggling Yoga and Arts Center, her last hope is the most powerful man in the finance industry, a man reputed to have a “Heart of Steel.” Logan Grant knew he was in trouble the moment Chandler Santell walked into his office. He agrees to her crazy deal only when she risks all and guarantees him a profit. Behind the scenes, a dangerous game of love, power, and greed begin to play out–a game Chandler knows nothing about. The payoff is worth millions to the man who can win Chandler’s heart. But is love worth the price?

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Knight’s Desire by Elizabeth Taylor George
(Historical/Regency Romance)

All that stands between Sir Judson Langley and his chance to inherit Cresswell Castle is the truth, and a beautiful young serving woman with a secret…

Judson Langley yearns for lands of his own. Sent to Cresswell Castle by Lady Emily Goodfife to prove her great-granddaughter is alive, Judson is torn between greed and his obligation to Lady Emily.If he proves the girl, Arian Goodfife, is dead, he stands to inherit Cresswell. Judson expects to encounter the castellan’s hostility, but not the loss of his heart to an enchanting serving girl. How could he know that the secret she hides threatens to tear all his dreams asunder?

Arian Goodfife, rightful heiress of Cresswell, lives in the shadows, dirty and wretched. After her mother’s suicide, her cruel stepfather claimed to all that Arian died in a fire. Her identity stripped away, she trusts no one. Driven by the desire to regain Cresswell, she vows to depose her stepfather. Then a dark, handsome knight named Judson arrives, making another claim on her lands. Though he touches a place in her heart she thought had turned to stone, Arian realizes the peril she would face were Judson to discover her true identity. Is Judson an angel or a devil? Only a miracle of love will answer her question.

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Burning Horse Media Presents Danielle West’s ‘All Change Please’

“All Change Please” is a thought-provoking yet humorous look into the lives of three best friends, Ophelia, Kat and Elise, who simultaneously come to a crossroads. In an unexpected twist of fate, their lives are turned upside down when a close friend is suddenly killed, the impetus that will shake the women at their foundations. Together, they endure several months of sorrow and must decide what it is they need to do in order to get out of the hole that is their existence in London.

Danielle West’s dark yet hilarious journey through sadness, drunken mischief, workplace revolt, marital turmoil, and in-law animosity isn’t just another story about life lessons.

 

NOW AVAILABLE AS AN E-BOOK AT:
– Amazon
– Nook
– Kobo
– OmniLit
– Sony
– iTunes

See what readers are saying on GoodReads!

Originally from Boston before moving to Toronto and then to London, Danielle West has lived in forts in the woods, cardboard boxes, and in fancy high-rise flats. West has been a go-go dancer for Boston punk bands, helped start the UK’s first roller derby league, owned her own soap making company, and eventually embarked on a professional mixed martial arts career. Over time, West began penning what would become ‘All Change Please,’ her first published novel, written entirely on her Blackberry smartphone over the course of seven years.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: “Heart of Steel” by NY Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author JENNIFER PROBST

NY Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author
Jennifer Probst’s first book Heart of Steel

Heart of Steel is gaining popularity due to Probst’s bestselling romantic fiction Marriage to a Billionaire series, beginning with The Marriage Bargain landing a #10 spot on the New York Times Fiction Best Sellers List and #17 on the USA Today Best Sellers List.

Heart of Steel (Blue Star Books, 2012) was recently re-issued as an eBook and released in both mass market paperback and trade paperback format. Already skyrocketing in popularity, Heart of Steel is receiving rave reviews from romance audiences and Probst fans alike. The first printing of 10,000 copies sold out in just 30 days!

Here’s what others are saying . . .

“A delightful, captivating romance; don’t miss it!” – Romance Reviews Today

“What a ride . . . a lovely romance made of passion, intrigue, and discovery, a story where even a heart of steel can melt.”  – My Book Addiction Review

“Jennifer Probst’s first novel was a joy to read! She had me going through the joys and woes right along with Chandler! Her characters were developed with wonderful style letting you discover a little at a time about each person. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance, the passion, and the frustrations penned by this talented author! I look forward to her future works!”  – Pam Bless, Round Table Reviews

“I loved reading Heart of Steel. Logan and his utter focus on Chandler and the way he pursues her with that single minded intensity of his was such a huge turn on! Jennifer Probst delivers a good bout of searing sensuality together with a story that sizzles in all the right ways. Recommended.” – Maldivian Book Reviewers

Visit GoodReads to see the reviews for yourself!

To see where Probst got her start as a bestselling author, check out Heart of Steel at these book and eBook retailers:

Amazon
Nook
Kobo
Sony
iTunes
All Romance
Google Books

NEW CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: “Charades” by Ann Logan

Mercedes Fuentes, or Mousy Mercy as she often refers to herself, has buried herself in academia in order to avoid those frightening creatures that make up the other half of the human population: MEN! When an opportunity to pay off the majority of her student debt is offered to her by a family friend, Mercy has her doubts. But how can she refuse a weeklong date with a handsome man, at the end of which she will be nearly free of all debt?

Enter the seemingly innocuous, over-worked oil tycoon Wulf Rheinhart, a man in need of a fake fiancée for a week in order to close a business deal with a family-oriented Texan. One charade leads to another in this fast paced car chase of a romance where no one is who they seem to be.

Blue Star Books’ newest release, “Charades” by Ann Logan,
is an exciting, dangerous romance.

See what others are saying:

Exciting adventures, escapes, twists and turns kept me glued to the pages.
-Tanya Klarer

A fast paced global jaunt filled with danger, romance, and a hero to die for. Five stars!
– Nan Doporto, A Romance Review

I felt drawn to Mercy and just couldn’t wait until the real woman in her was exposed.
– Donna Simpson

‘Charades’ is a good book that reminds me of a weekend thriller movie. The reader should grab a soda, sit back, hang on and enjoy the ride.
– Jan Crow, The World on Romance

Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kobo.
Coming soon to Sony, iTunes, Google Books, and Gardners Books!

See what others are saying about NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst’s “Heart of Steel”…

Bestselling author Jennifer Probst’s new contemporary romance Heart of Steel (Blue Star Books) is receiving rave reviews! See for yourself:

The characters were wonderful and it had a great story line. In my opinion, this one is one of Jennifer’s best.
                                                                                       – Janice B.

It has at its core a truly heartwarming romance between two people who captured my interest right from the beginning. . . What I would call a true romance, and I was completely drawn into – and invested in the outcome of – this delightful yet complex relationship. In my view, if you like romance you will love Heart of Steel.
                                                                                          – Jennifer L.

As much as I want to tell the whole story here, I just don’t want to spoil the readers out there. So if you’re looking for yet another romance-filled novel, I could honestly recommend ‘Heart of Steel’ by Jennifer Probst.
                                                                       – Christine N.

 

Heart of Steel is available in mass market paperback and as an eBook
at any of your favorite retailers!

 

See the amazon reviews for yourself at the address below:

http://www.amazon.com/Heart-of-Steel-ebook/product-reviews/B0091LDSYE/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending