Tag: Silver Dagger Book Tours

Barracuda Bay Book Tour & Giveaway

She’s the first female police detective in Acapulco.

Barracuda Bay 

Detective Emilia Cruz Book 9

by Carmen Amato 

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Female Detective 

Political corruption turns Acapulco’s first female police detective into a fugitive on the run . . . in Washington DC.

“A thrilling series” — National Public Radio

In a derelict building for sale, Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz stumbles on the body of a woman brutally shot to death. Incredibly, the victim was the sister of Acapulco’s ambitious mayor, who is running for re-election against an opponent with deep pockets.

Emilia’s investigation is immediately under pressure for a fast result. The victim’s ex-boyfriend has a suspiciously weak alibi but is the crime scene the key to finding the murderer? The building was once used for a secret Mexican government operation targeting a ruthless drug lord.

Meanwhile, there’s a conspiracy within the police department to force Emilia out.

Before Emilia can save her job or arrest her prime suspect, she’s sent on an errand of mercy to Washington, DC.

There she becomes a fugitive hunted by killers masquerading as cops. Alone, desperate and on the run, Emilia turns for help to a man she once vowed to murder.

He’s her only chance to survive a deadly game of political intrigue on the wrong side of the border.

From Acapulco’s beaches to the streets of Washington, DC, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this electrifying, page-turning thriller.

2019 and 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series – CrimeMasters of America

“Emilia is a character who is close to my heart” – MysterySequels

“Amato brings her characters to life with her vivid writing style and sets them on the streets of a Mexico steeped in Catholicism and corruption” – OnlineBookClub.org

With unflinching authenticity from the author’s own espionage and counterdrug experience in Mexico and Central America, this is a female detective mystery series like no other.

The Emilia Cruz series is for fans of international mystery and crime by Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Donna Leon and Liza Marklund, plus the Department Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Fans of Don Winslow’s cartel and border thrillers set in Mexico love the plots torn from the headlines of the Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DSTY1ZCT

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/barracuda-bay-a-detective-emilia-cruz-novel-by-carmen-amato

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223520438-barracuda-bay

**Don’t miss the rest of the Detective Emilia Cruz Series!**

Find out more on the Author’s Website! 

Detective Emilia Cruz Series

Excerpt from BARRACUDA BAY: A Detective Emilia Cruz Novel by Carmen Amato

Casa de Plata looked just the same except for the yellow crime scene tape proclaiming PROHIBIDO EL PASO zigzagging across the massive front entrance. Emilia peeled it back on one side and unlocked the door.

The huge echoing foyer was the same as well. Emilia didn’t bother to turn on the chandelier. She wasn’t there to gaze upward.

The crime scene techs had come and gone but she combed the entire building, checking for door locks that looked to have been jimmied open and finding nothing. She even studied the balconies from all angles and concluded that the only way someone could have accessed a balcony from the outside would be to swing Tarzan-style over the razor-topped perimeter wall.

Each of the two ground floor apartments had a French door that opened to a patio running the full width of the rear of the building. In Casa de Plata’s heyday, the doors would have allowed for a beautiful view of gracious living. Now all that remained were paving stones choked with weeds, shards of half a dozen terracotta planters, and an abandoned wrought iron table slowly turning into a heap of rust.

She went back inside and unlocked the door to the apartment where Monica had been killed. She stood in the silent dining room. The crime scene techs had taken the armchair away, presumably for forensic study, but Emilia was more interested in the faint streaks it left on the terrazzo floor. 

“You were sitting here,” Emilia muttered as she squatted by the chair. Dust motes swirled gently in the air, illuminated by sunlight filtered through the grimy windows. “Eating all sorts of different tapas. There must have been lots of small plates or takeout boxes.”

Certainly Monica had not been there by herself. No, someone else sat across from the woman, sharing an impromptu but elegant picnic complete with linens and champagne.

Until something spooked her. Monica pushed herself away from the table hard enough to leave skid marks on the floor. Raised her hands to ward off danger. The killer had faced her, with the table between them. Two shots, one through each hand. 

She straightened up, looking at the clean tabletop and mute row of chairs on the other side. A tablecloth would have prevented fingerprints and made cleanup easy. No extra bullets that missed the target and hit the wall or chair. No wasted energy. The nerve to shoot a defenseless woman while staring straight at her.

“Her date was either lucky or a pro,” Emilia said, thinking aloud. “He shoots her. Takes her purse and cell phone, then gathers up the tablecloth with all the leftovers and walks out.”

Either way, the killer was someone Monica knew and trusted. Was comfortable eating and drinking with them.

But why here? Why Casa de Plata? Was there a federale angle to this? Lieutenant Campos rose up in her mind’s eye. He was slick and trendy. Not at all the somber federale officer of public imagination. 

Help me. 

An invisible hand touched Emilia’s cheek. She flinched so hard that her feet went out from under her.

Her hip hit the floor first, then her right shoulder. Emilia twisted to keep her head from cracking like an egg against the terrazzo. She was instantly dazzled by sparks of pain shooting from thigh to neck. 

Her phone rang. Breathing hard, Emilia managed to roll onto her stomach and extract it from the back pocket of her jeans.

“Where the hell are you?” Silvio thundered. He didn’t wait for an answer. “Never mind. Meet me downtown. We found Monica Montoya’s car.”

Giveaway

Enter to win a Swag Pack with a signed copy of the book, a mini poster with a Frida Kahlo quote, a seasoning mix to make the recipe in the book and a Detective Emilia Cruz book tote! (US only), 

OR $15 Amazon giftcard (WW) 

– 1 winner each! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/BarracudaBay

About the author

A 30-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency, Carmen Amato writes the contemporary Detective Emilia Cruz series pitting the first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico’s cartels, corruption, and social inequality.

Beginning with Cliff Diver, it’s a 2-time winner of the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and a 4-time finalist for the Silver Falchion award, lauded by Kirkus Reviews as “Danger and betrayal never more than a few pages away.” 

Carmen Amato is also the 2023 winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical for Murder at the Galliano Club, inspired by her grandfather’s experiences as a deputy sheriff during Prohibition.

Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award. 

Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.

She has been a judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award. Her work has appeared in Huffpost, Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. 

Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://carmenamato.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarmenamato

X: https://x.com/carmenconnects

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcarmenamato

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carmen-amato

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Carmen-Amato/author/B007UA1J8U

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6154479.Carmen_Amato

First Elite Book Tour & Giveaway

When vengeance becomes your only purpose, how far will you go?

First Elite 

Foundra Series Book 3 

by Emmanuel M. Arriaga 

Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera 

When vengeance becomes your only purpose, how far will you go?

Grief-stricken and betrayed, Neven Kenk embarks on a dangerous mission to avenge his wife, whose life was stolen in a brutal act of violence.

Paired with Tashanira, a fierce Uri warrior, and Ellipse, a sentient AI, they embark on a daring mission to hunt down the killer, Entradis.

But when their mission ends in catastrophe, they are forced to abandon the hunt and are removed from active duty in the Founder’s Elites.

Their quest for redemption takes them to the farthest reaches of the Twin Galaxies, where they uncover fragments of a forgotten history and the veiled truths of their existence.

But their journey leads to a revelation none of them are prepared for. The trio confronts the legendary First Elite and faces the harrowing cost of service to the immortal Founders of the Huzien Empire.

Blending rich world-building, emotional depth, and epic adventure, First Elite explores the strength it takes to rebuild after loss and the unyielding price of loyalty in a galaxy teeming with intrigue and high-stakes politics.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DP7Z72BQ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/first-elite-by-emmanuel-m-arriaga

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222066089-first-elite

Pride of Ashna 

Foundra Series Book 2 

In the Outer Rim, a lawless region of space filled with violence, a young girl vows vengeance against the marauding pirate bands who brutally murdered her family.

After enlisting with the zealous matriarchal Ashna Maidens who attempt to police the Outer Rim, Serah’Elax quickly becomes a powerful weapon.

Meanwhile, a ruthless pirate band has taken over a cruise ship deep within Alliance space.

They run into unexpected trouble when they encounter a few members of the highly trained force of military specialists known as the Founder’s Elites, who happened to be vacationing on the vessel.

Disturbed by the boldness of the pirates, the Alliance tasks the rest of the Founder’s Elites with dealing a powerful blow to the marauders, who normally operate in the Outer Rim, once and for all.

However, they quickly discover that things in the Outer Rim are not as expected.

The young warrior and Founder’s Elites must come together to face an extradimensional threat left over from the Rift War that seeks to turn the last bastion of safety in the Outer Rim into something that could threaten the entire Twin Galaxies.

Will the new allies have the cunning necessary to defeat this insidious threat or will it tear the Ashna Maidens apart from the inside?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VJ7MB68

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/pride-of-ashna-foundra-book-2-by-emmanuel-m-arriaga

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56952847-pride-of-ashna

Foundra 

Foundra Series Book 1 

A powerful force known as the Enesmic permeates every aspect of the universe. It powers the mystical art of Cihphism which allows a gifted few to manipulate the very world around them. But something has gone terribly wrong.

When the flow of the Enesmic shifts, the most powerful Cihphist in the galaxy, Soahc, can sense that something is coming.

Unable to convince other Cihphists to act, Soahc takes his apprentice and sets out to find the source of the disturbance.

As colonies across the Huzien Alliance are attacked by terrifying creatures, a prodigy named Neven is recruited to join the Founder’s Elites, a highly skilled squad of specialists from across the galaxy.

Under the direct command of Lanrete, their immortal leader, they join forces with Soahc and set off to discover where the creatures are coming from.

The Founder’s Elites uncover an ancient threat from another plane of existence that threatens life as they know it.

With a race against the clock and a terrifying war machine from eons past churning once more, will they be able to stop the engine of death, or will they be consumed by it?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RM24TGL

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/foundra-by-emmanuel-m-arriaga

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208914363-foundra

First Elite

by

Emmanuel M Arriaga

The effects of the Enesmic Shipyards erected by Sagren during the Rift War appear non-reversable. Life will never again flourish here.

-FROM “ENESMIC SHIPYARD EFFECTS ON TRICA VII”

MINSCI METABASE

  1. 1.- Neven Kenk

80123 FA (Present Day)

Foundra Ascension orbiting the Paradise Planet Genmatha, Huzien Alliance space

The steady, monotone beeping of the heart monitor blared across the medical deck. 

Zun Shan’s unmoving body was suspended in a complex surgical station and cordoned off behind a stasis field.

Her neck was at an odd angle, and her hazelnut brown, angular eyes were lifeless and hollow. Her chest wasn’t rising or falling in the universal life-signaling act of breathing known to most species across the galaxy.

Instead, a drone was busy at work rapidly rebuilding the fist-sized hole in her chest.

The one where her heart should have been. 

Jenshi Runso, chief medical officer aboard the Foundra Ascension, was methodically commanding the army of drones.

His face was hard. Emotionless. Jenshi was known for his intense focus—that uncanny ability to shut everything out.

Neven Kenk, a Human pressed against the field surrounding Zun, wished Jenshi wasn’t quite so skilled at ignoring him.

Neven’s jade-green eyes trailed over Zun’s tanned form, slowly tracing the light black esha marks running the length of her body.

He remembered her touch and the warmth of her skin as they held hands on the beach, both finding the mix of her tanned skin tone and his dark olive a thing of beauty.

He recalled how her smile lit up his life every time she ran her fingers across his muscular chest—molded to perfection over two years of grueling sparring sessions with merciless combat trainers. 

He closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe. But behind his lids, the cold blue eyes and wicked grin of Zun’s attacker stared back at him. 

Entradis.

Neven, move! Ellipse, his personal Synaptic Systems Intelligence, or SSI, shouted in his mind. He’s going to kill you! 

Neven was frozen, his body numb. His eyes hung on Zun’s lifeless form as her blood changed the white sand to a dark shade of red. The soft hues of the setting sun were replaced by blinding lights all around him, and the intensity of it caused him to shield his eyes. The light was replaced by a wall of power armors jutted up out of the white sand of the beach, many of them closing instantly upon materializing, except for one directly in front of him. 

Get in! Ellipse urged Neven forward. Acting without conscious thought, he lunged, pulling himself into the back of the power armor. 

As it sealed around him, unseen forces knocked many of the other power armors away. It was the unmistakable work of Enesmic weaving—the powerful ability only usable by Cihphists. It was a power Neven had never had.

The freshly cleared path established a line of sight between Neven and Entradis.

“Beginning spinal realignment and neurological repair.” Jenshi’s words snapped Neven back to reality. 

He watched as another drone finished connecting a series of tiny thin nanotubes along the back of her skull, down her neck, and most of her back. A loud crack echoed throughout the deck as her head shifted, becoming less macabre in angle.

Many of the tubes exited her body, while the remaining ones moved rapidly in and out of her skin around the central part of her neck and across her skull, quickly working to rebuild the tendons, nerve endings, and grey matter. Another drone moved to assist, rebuilding the tissue in tandem with the other machines.

“Sweet irony.” Entradis reached out and clenched his fist. The area around them trembled at the terrible swirling of Enesmic energy. 

A hum sounded from the primary power core as Neven’s power armor flared to life, and its innate defenses held the crushing Enesmic force at bay. Neven’s power armor glowed bright blue, and the cooling system let off a hiss as Entradis ceased his attack.

“Not this time, monster,” Neven broadcasted from his armor. “The Yuvan system I created will prevent you from killing any more Secnics in their power armors.”

A neural interface link slapped against the back of Neven’s neck, locking in place. He winced; the emergency link was less comfortable than his standard interface suit. A tingling sensation ran down his spine, signaling his nervous system syncing with the control interface.

Neven growled, rage blurring his vision. The power armor lunged forward with incredible speed. 

Entradis shifted out of the way, using Enesmic forces to accelerate his body to inhuman speeds. Even with the boost, he only narrowly avoided a crazed Neven.

No! Neven, we must flee! Ellipse shouted.

“He just killed Zun, Ellipse.” Neven’s tone was cold. 

Then we fight to the end, Ellipse said. 

There was sadness in her voice. The other power armors came to life under her control. Dual Fephonic shoulder cannons emerged from their dens, unleashing blasts of energized plasma at Entradis. 

Entradis was knocked to the ground. The blasts impacted his barrier with devastating effectiveness. Scrambling up, Entradis shaped some Enesmic power into a rope and pulled it taut. “Let’s dance.” He grinned.

“Cardiovascular system reconstruction complete,” intoned the soft SI voice of the medical deck. 

Jenshi didn’t respond, his eyes glued to one of the many holodisplays around him. A holographic representation of Zun’s spinal system appeared outside of her body. He walked over to the display and tapped a series of sections, immediately sending drones to work on those portions of her body. 

He examined another holodisplay, briefly meeting Neven’s gaze along the way. Without acknowledgment, he tapped the screen and sent more drones into action.

Entradis ripped one of the power armors apart, using the powerful Enesmic force to peel back sections of the armor. Once he detected no soft Human center, he abandoned the target and pursued another. 

Neven worked with the power armors, each attacking with their entire arsenal as he hid in plain sight, each armor a replica, mimicking his actions.

Entradis lunged into one of the power armors, his hands angled forward like claws as he dug into the machine in a frenzy. He ripped off the chest plate and roared, sending a torrent of Enesmic energy into the armor so it would expand as if hornets were swarming inside. It exploded in a rain of debris as Entradis lunged at the next power armor, tackling it to the ground. He raised his hands, formed fists, and brought them down, releasing a wave of Enesmic energy like a hammer. He repeated that action with inhuman speed. 

Neven could hardly discern the movements, even as the power armor flattened under the assault. 

Entradis turned his gaze on Neven. The look terrified him deeply. 

He smothered that part of himself with burning rage. Raising his arms, Neven pointed them at Entradis as shock blasters rose from his wrists. Each of the remaining power armors around him mirrored the action, all of them firing at the same time. 

The intense blasts ripped through Entradis’s barrier. He gasped and flipped backward, quickly dropping behind cover. The continued assault destroyed the barrier, leaving a trail of molten sand in its wake. Entradis reached out and grabbed a large boulder from the water, and launched it into the nearest power armor. The sheer force of the impact punched through the shield, destroying the armor.

Only Neven’s power armor and a final dummy armor remained. Entradis stalked toward them. Neven roared as he and the other armor charged at Entradis in tandem. 

A series of small drones appeared and aligned down Zun’s spine, while others came to rest on her new heart and at various points on her head. 

“Ready to begin nervous system restart,” the SI voice prompted.

“Initialize,” Jenshi said. 

A series of electromagnetic pulses emanated from each of the mini drones. Zun’s body convulsed in the air, and the pulses stopped abruptly. 

Nothing. 

Jenshi narrowed his eyes, his gaze going to a nearby holodisplay as he analyzed the results. He tapped a few more places on the holodisplay, sending the larger drones quickly back to work.

“I haven’t had this much fun in some time.” Entradis peeled back the broken shell of Neven’s power armor. He grabbed Neven by the neck, lifting him out of the broken shell. 

Neven spat in his face as Entradis grinned. 

Entradis summoned an energy blade and plunged it forward, but a familiar blade intercepted the Enesmic weapon. A kick to Entradis’s chest quickly separated them.

Neven rolled to his feet, glancing at his savior.

Founder Lanrete of the Huzien Empire stood with his sword, Divinebreath, in his light brown hand. There was murder in his eyes, his long, white mane of hair wild with fury. Jessica Olic was at his side, her silver gaze catching on Zun’s body.

Entradis let out a low whistle. “Wondered when you’d show up.”

Lanrete charged him, their weapons connecting in a flash. Their movements became a blur as Entradis kept up with Lanrete’s speed. Lanrete sought to push Entradis back with his raw strength, but Entradis matched the founder with the same intensity. 

Shifting backward, Entradis lifted a few pieces of debris with Enesmic forces and hurled them at Neven. 

Jessica Olic tackled Neven out of the way; the debris missed his head by a split second. 

Lanrete charged forward, but Entradis clenched his fist, uttering a word of power as he vanished. 

Cursing, Lanrete glanced around but to no avail. There was no trace of Entradis. 

His eyes caught Zun Shan’s body in the sand, Jenshi already by her side. Lanrete’s gaze went back to meet Neven’s. The profound sadness in Neven’s gaze was mirrored in Lanrete’s weathered expression.

Jenshi initiated another pulse, making Zun’s body convulse again in the air. 

The pulse stopped, but her body remained limp. 

Jenshi repeated the process six more times before slamming both fists on a nearby table, causing the holodisplay within to flicker. 

Neven slumped to the ground, tears in his eyes as he stared helplessly at Jenshi.

Giveaway 

$60 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/FirstEliteTour

About the Author 

Emmanuel Arriaga is a sci-fi author trapped in the body of a Product Manager. With a 14+ year background in engineering, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, Emmanuel received education from Pennsylvania State University and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

He’s held roles building products for people in emerging markets, creating privacy and security safeguards for users on the Android platform, improving core experiences for creators on YouTube, and is currently at Google Play, ensuring the integrity of developers within the Play Ecosystem in Silicon Valley.

When the author occasionally breaks free, he publishes award-winning novels such as Foundra and Elevator Quest.

He is best known for the Foundra Series, a sci-fi space opera and National Indie Excellence Award (NIEA) Finalist.

His rich worlds introduce expansive worldbuilding with innovative technologies and concepts.

He is a bronze winner of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Best Young Adult Action Novel and a TopShelf Book Award winner.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.emmanuelmarriaga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmanuelmarriaga

X: https://x.com/emmanuelarriaga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuel_m_arriaga

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emmanuelarriaga.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emmanuel-m-arriaga

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Emmanuel-M-Arriaga/author/B014LUV2ZQ

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14242139.Emmanuel_M_Arriaga

Stone Of Hope Book Tour

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Stone of Hope 

Stones of Iona Book 4 

by Margaret Izard 

Genre: Time Travel, Paranormal Romance 

In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.

Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLBMNKHG

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/stone-of-hope/id6737514784

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stone-of-hope-margaret-izard/1146455149?ean=2940186118954

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?_bbid=251765996&_bbreg=us&_bbtype=blog&id=CJM8EQAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/stone-of-hope-2

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/stone-of-hope-stones-of-iona-book-4-by-margaret-izard

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220981345-stone-of-hope

Book Trailer:

**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**

Previous books in the series, Stone of Love, book 1, Brielle and Colin’s 18th century Scottish story. Stone of Fear, Book 2, Marie and John’s 13th century Scottish story. Stone of Lust, Book 3, Ainslie and Rannick’s Viking tale. Thistle in the Mistletoe featuring a couple in the past from Stone of Love.

Next in the series:  Stone of Doubt, book 5 coming 2025, Holly and Ivy, a Christmas companion book. Stone of Faith, book 6. Stone of Destiny, book 7. Evergreen Evermore, a Christmas companion book.

This series leads into another connected series, Dragons of Tantallon, a dragon-shapeshifter series revolving around the magic Iona Stones.

Find them on Amazon!

Giveaway

Stone of Hope Swag Pack (US only),

$30 Amazon giftcard (WW)

– 1 winner each!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/StoneOfHopeTour

About the Author

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels.

She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums.

She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy.

She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.margaretizardauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074957055613

X: https://twitter.com/mizardauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizardauthor

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mizardauthor.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/margaret-izard

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Margaret-Izard/author/B0CQDBFHKB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47374644.Margaret_Izard

Crossroads Of Empire Book Tour & Giveaway

The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. 

Having survived German artillery, poison gas & friendly fire, Evan barely survives his hospital ship’s sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.

Crossroads of Empire 

Book 2

by Michael J. Cooper

Genre: YA Historical WWI Fiction

Winner of the 2024 CIBA Hemingway First Place Prize for 20th Century Wartime Historical Fiction

2024 SF Writers Conference Writing Contest Finalist-Adult Fiction

“. . . both a gripping page turner and a series of carefully observed character studies. Beautifully written in a voice and in details that capture the era, Crossroads of Empire is a must-read for readers of all ages” -Chanticleer Book Reviews

The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely survives his hospital ship’s sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.

Likewise, Evan doesn’t recall that, despite the European war, the true source of conflict is in Ottoman Palestine, since it’s from Jerusalem’s Temple Mount that Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor over Arabian oil reserves and the Suez Canal.

The Middle East Front soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as Evan’s story is interwoven with those of historical figures Gertrude Bell, T. E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein, and Chaim Weizmann.

During his quest to recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline-an unbroken lineage that stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great War. 

**On Sale for Only .99cents until Feb 7th!!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * BAM * Kobo * Bookshop * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLXXFVXY

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/crossroads-of-empire/id6737786993

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossroads-of-empire-michael-j-cooper/1146286661?ean=9798888245132

BAM: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Crossroads-Empire/Michael-J-Cooper/9798888245125?id=9371349831887

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/crossroads-of-empire-1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/crossroads-of-empire-michael-j-cooper/21795830?ean=9798888245125

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/crossroads-of-empire-by-michael-j-cooper

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219050197-crossroads-of-empire

Wages of Empire

Book 1

Grand prize winner – 2022 CIBA Dante Rossetti Award for YA fiction
First place honors – 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for wartime fiction
#1 Amazon Best Seller—Jan 2024—Historical World War I Fiction

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it’s from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

“Masterful storytelling will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling (historical WWI) novel. A winner!”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue Madagascar and the Homeland Novels

“The characters, historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives relentlessly forward. Bravo!”–Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill novels

“A beautifully written tale…exhibits seamless research in illuminating unforgettable historical and fictional characters…a tour de force!” –Professor Ronit Meroz, Dept of Jewish Philosophy and Talmud, Tel-Aviv University, Israel

“This superb historical novel is a must read…directly relates to issues we face today.” –Rizek Abusharr – Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA

“Cooper has made this period of history come alive. It is a treat to read.” –Rabbi David Zisenwine, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Education, Tel Aviv University

“A Young Indiana Jones–style adventure.” –KIRKUS reviews

“Story is gripping and the characters that he describes come alive through his skillful writing. I couldn’t put it down!” –Rabbi Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, B’nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA

**On Sale for Only .99cents until Feb 7th!!**

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wages-Empire-Michael-J-Cooper-ebook/dp/B0CKH2L2DY

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/wages-of-empire/id6468759711

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wages-of-empire-michael-j-cooper/1144127293?ean=9798888241875

BooksAMillion: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Wages-Empire/Michael-J-Cooper/9798888241882?id=8952279777643

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/wages-of-empire-1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/wages-of-empire-michael-j-cooper/20653785?ean=9798888241882

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/wages-of-empire-by-michael-j-cooper

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199369144-wages-of-empire

Giveaway

$20 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CrossroadsOfEmpireTour

About the Author

Michael J Cooper writes historical mysteries set in the Holy Land at major turning points of history—all the while subtly promoting the notions of coexistence and peace.

His books have won multiple awards and include; Foxes in the Vineyard (winner of the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest Grand Prize), set in 1948 Jerusalem, The Rabbi’s Knight (finalist for the CIBA 2014 Chaucer Award for historical fiction) set at the twilight of the Crusades in 1290, and his current novel, Wages of Empire set at the start of WWI in 1914 and winner of the CIBA 2022 Grand Prize for young adult fiction as well as the Hemingway first prize for wartime historical fiction.

A sequel of Wages of Empire, Crossroads of Empire, will be published in the fall of 2024, and the unpublished manuscript has already won first prize honors in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway wartime historical fiction category.  

A native of Berkeley, California, Cooper absconded to Israel after high school and spent the next eleven years studying and working there.

He lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan, studied at Hebrew University, and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School.

He returned to the US to specialize in pediatric cardiology, and after 40 years of practice, he continues to return to the Middle East for biannual volunteer missions serving Palestinian children who lack access to care.

Otherwise, he lives in Northern California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children occasionally drop by.

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Author Links

Website: https://michaeljcooper.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cooper.568089

X: https://x.com/mjcoopmd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjcoopmd/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michael-j-cooper

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michael-J.-Cooper/author/B0076UW11I

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40695938.Michael_J_Cooper

Cardinals Book Tour & Giveaway

Genre: Dark Paranormal Fantasy 

A completely new twist on Stoker’s tale. 

Nine Hundred years before Christ, God has cast his wife, Asherah, out of heaven and condemned her to roam the earth as the first vampire. Over the centuries, she created other vampires.

There are also those that she left for dead but survived her attack without being completely turned into vampires. These survivors are called Cardinals. Scottish Countess Kellena Donnachaidh and Lady Suzette Allard, our protagonists, are among these cardinals. They are searching out Asherah for a final conflict.

Asherah has discovered a way back to heaven so she can exact her vengeance. Using the Amulet of Cassiel she can call the Flaming chariot of Israel to return to heaven Now, 3000 years later, there are groups working to destroy Asherah and the vampires.

The Vatican and other groups, fearing their own destruction if she ascends, simply want to stop Asherah using the Amulet of Cassiel to re-enter heaven. The race to recover the Amulet is full of intrigue, betrayal.

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cardinals-Ian-Conner/dp/B0D1X78H1Q

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/cardinals/id6444112667

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cardinals-ian-conner/1141378352?ean=9798986197777

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cardinals-7

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1313750

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/cardinals-by-ian-conner

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61247693-cardinals

Book Trailer:

Giveaway

$20 Starbucks Gift Card – 1 winner, 

Print Copy of Cardinals – 2 winners! 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CardinalsTour

About The Author:

Ian Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and Army Infantry Sergeant.

A hundred percent disabled veteran after multiple head and other injuries, he is part of a growing number of vets classified as “neuro-diverse”, an MST survivor and have several issues such regarding comprehension, concentration, and vision issues that he has OVERCOME to write several novels.

After witnessing a lifetime of destruction, the thought of creating something tangible and lasting holds great appeal. 

He finds writing a cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and in the eyes of others. Writing for fun, Ian has completed seven novels with an eighth near done with two more ideas in the scribble/chapter phase. He has written across four genres Fantasy, Thriller, Science Fiction and Horror. 

He uses ProWritingAid, Beta Readers and professional editors to keep the product readable, he has recently began querying in search of a professional agent and publisher.

Now living near San Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs, Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens, gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on the page.

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Author Links

Website: https://www.blackraptorbooks.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-conner-4bb1b82a8/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ian-conner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ian-Conner/author/B08FM4KW4J

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6082559.Ian_Conner

The Inspiration Behind the Books 

Ian’s inspiration for Dark Maiden comes from a Native American legend. 

Among the Wabanaki,this blight occurs when an evil sorcerer refuses to stay dead.

Descendants of the Wabanaki still survive in Maine, which was one of the reasons why I set the story in the locale of Nollesemic. I felt the characters were solid enough to appeal to a large swath of readers without offending anyone. LGBTQ characters fill in the modern twists that would not have been accepted even a few years ago.

Similarly, my vampire novel Cardinals is a new take on the Stoker legend with a large dose of actual historical events. Fictional additions and twists on biblical and historical occurrences, keep the story interesting, the reader engaged. I have always been a fan of the 70’s vampire films and wrote Cardinals with that in mind. I can totally see Ingrid Pitt as Asherah.

I have taken a bit of guff over casting a scandalous shadow over the catholic church, but they have given me plenty of ammunition. The faith fills in a good part of the story and fanaticism at both ends of the spectrum also gave me much to work with. 

I love casting women in strong roles and minimizing the male influence. Sadly, reality has not caught up with that idea. Amy Radigan, Lilly Pham, Kellena Donnachaid, Cassie Wells, all epitomize women I have known and respect.

After being medically retired from the military in 2010, writing became a new identity for me. I take my time writing. The Long Game, for instance, took 3 years to write. Pulling from current events as I went along.

Relations with China are now tenser than ever and the conflict in the south China sea is actually occurring almost following the theme of my story. I consider my readers intelligent enough to follow the multiple plot lines. I tend to keep the thrillers within the realm of possibility.

Sometimes it might be a reach but nothing I write is impossible. Headlines are a big help. The saying is “You couldn’t write this stuff”. Well actually I can!

The political thriller is cathardic to write. Solaris is coming out in December, complicated story lines will keep the readers guessing.  Horror is a fun genre for me and I have two ideas on paper that need filled out. I have dabbled with Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Cooper’s Ridge  was another labor of love and quite fun to write. I love space travel, aliens and first contact.  Throw in some dystopian end of the world themes with a huge dose of multiple conspiracies and walah you have a novel. I am a huge Star Trek fan.

I love Roddenberry’s approach to everyday issues with technological spins. Solving the barriers to space travel with reverse engineering seemed obvious enough to me. The genius teenager as the underdog with a cadre of friends to help fight the faceless government what can go wrong.

Beyond Earth Book Tour & Giveaway

Discover passion among the stars… 

Blast off to the future with this limited-edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Beyond Earth

Romance Collections Limited Editions book 14

A Limited Edition Collection of Sci-Fiction Romance 

with stories by:

Celia Breslin, Stephanie Morris, Candice Gilmer, Leslie Chase,

 Alina Riley, Robin O’Connor, Sky Robert, Lola Blix

Discover passion among the stars…

Blast off to the future with this limited edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Otherworldly seduction and intergalactic adventures await you in these high-heat, open-door tales from a diverse group of authors. Meet alien gladiators, cyborgs, AI lifeforms, psychic aliens, interstellar royalty, psy-changelings, fearless humans, and more. Visit alien worlds, travel on high-tech vessels, and immerse yourself in red-hot seduction blazing brighter than any quasar.

The Beyond Earth anthology is a pulse-pounding, toe-curling journey into the cosmos. If you enjoy out-of-this-world romance with guaranteed happily ever afters, lovers from different worlds, fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, rescue romance, and more, then you’ll love this treasure trove of spicy, steamy, futuristic stories.

Order your copy of Beyond Earth to begin your passion-filled voyage into the galaxy today!


Including stories by:

Candice Gilmer – NY Times and USA Today bestselling author

Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author

Leslie Chase – USA Today bestselling author

Alina Riley

Robin O’Connor

Celia Breslin

Sky Robert

Lola Blix

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * BookFunnel* Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPTGXK9H

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-earth-a-limited-edition-collection-of-sci-fiction/id6503102913

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-earth-stephanie-morris/1145639826?ean=2940185706442

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=hscJEQAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/beyond-earth-a-limited-edition-collection-of-sci-fiction-romance

Smashwords:

BooksFunnel: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/gsxifp3zfi

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/beyond-earth-a-limited-edition-collection-of-sci-fiction-romance-romance-collections-limited-editions-book-14-by-robin-o-connor-and-stephanie-morris

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222350286-beyond-earth

FEATURING:

Claiming Kaden by Celia Breslin

Sparks fly when a battle-hardened cyborg rescues a sassy human lost in the cosmos…

Earth-girl Calie is out of hope. Kidnapped, enslaved, then abandoned by aliens, she’s sure to suffer a slow death on their stupid space station. Then new trouble arrives, claiming her as their property, but hot on their heels is a grumpy guy with a big hot bod and blazing eyes… The thrill setting her skin afire has less to do with potential rescue or New Guy’s battle prowess, and everything to do with the way he looks at her.

Cyborg soldier Kaden is unamused by his enemy’s unhealthy interest in the vulnerable lone female with a sharp tongue and wild braids. Her terrible aim is complicating his rescue attempts, but her bravery, stubbornness, and velvet voice send electric need through both his human and cybernetic systems. He’ll do anything to save her.

Kaden wants to explore his attraction to Calie and claim her as his, but his sworn enemy’s relentless pursuit and Calie’s own skittishness challenge his goal. Calie appreciates all the cyborg has done for her, but she’s homesick and unsure about diving into a relationship, even if the hunky cyborg is the nicest man and best kisser in the universe. 

While the enemy horde stalks them across the galaxy, can they learn to trust each other with both their lives and their hearts?

CLAIMING KADEN is a spicy, open-door, Fated Mates Rescue Romance, and the first installment in Celia Breslin’s CYBORG GUARDIANS OF THE AURORA science fiction romance series. If you like take-no-prisoners cyborgs and sassy heroines, sizzling seduction and intergalactic adventure, check out CLAIMING KADEN today!

Excerpt from “Claiming Kaden” by Celia Breslin

The station’s vid screen flared to life, blocking her view. A handsome and angry male face filled the space. The brightest amber eyes she’d ever seen glared at her.

“Stop shooting,” the man growled.

The face disappeared.

“Who the hell was that, Athena?” A Zyphorran? She ignored the gorgeous stranger and kept firing at the battleship.

The face reappeared. Dark brows furrowed over his blazing whiskey eyes. “Desist, woman!”

“Desist this, you jerk!” She shot at the enemy. Continued to miss. “Ugh!”

She didn’t care how handsome he seemed, with his pale, silvery blue skin and spiky dark hair, and those glowing eyes which looked like they could melt a girl’s panties.

No one told her what to do, and no one would force her into servitude.

Never again.

The green vessel took out two enemy ships before it planted itself in front of Calie’s station.

Angry Guy’s face filled her screen. “I’m trying to help you. Stop firing!”

Oh… Cranky Guy was the pilot of the green ship. Possibly a good guy? Calie lifted her hands away from the controls.

As she watched, he took out every single destroyer then turned his attention to the warship.

“Shield at eight point seven percent,” Athena announced. “Hm…”

“What do you mean, hm? Should we head for an escape pod?”

“This is most intriguing. And disconcerting,” Athena murmured, not answering her escape question.

“What, that guy’s amazing battle prowess?”

“No. He infiltrated and took over my communication system to speak with you.”

Okay, now Calie was doubly impressed with good-looking Mister Frowny, because Athena was a powerful genius. No one bested her.

Calie plastered her palms on the controls. “Let’s help him kick that warship’s ass.”

“Don’t you dare,” their unknown ally barked, audio only.

“Are you eavesdropping on us? Rude!”

“The unknown male is attempting to take control of all station systems, Calie.”

“Cut it out, whoever you are,” Calie warned him. She aimed one of the station laser cannons at his ship.

“Who I am? I’m the male who’s going to disable and commandeer the warship, then eliminate everyone on board it while you sit on your pretty ass and stay out of my way.”

He thinks I’m pretty? She shook off the frisson skating down her spine. “Screw you. I’m blowing up that warship. Athena, take it out.”

Giveaway 

$15 Amazon 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/BeyondEarthAnthoTour

About the Author 

Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with her family, which includes three feisty felines who like to stalk across her keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romances.

Her current creature obsessions are cyborgs, the Fae, vampires, wolf shifters, and warrior-class angels, and her action-packed stories include some of her favorite tropes: fated mates, second chances, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.

When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website:  https://celiabreslin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabreslin

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/celiabreslin.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/celia-breslin

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Celia-Breslin/author/B00DQXVWLE

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085091.Celia_Breslin

Not For The Faint of Heart Book Tour

What would you do to free the love of your life from prison?

Not For the Faint of Heart 

Madcap Adventures Book 1 

by Rene Vecka 

Genre: Epic Fantasy Mystery Romance Adventure 

What would you do to free the love of your life from prison?

Magic and mayhem meet mystery and humor in a four-way rumble. Romance gets a few licks in as well. Set in a post-Ragnarok world with dual protagonists. If you loved the Dresden Files, you’ll love Madcap Adventures.

As Rory proposes to Ingefær, the Shrine they’re visiting is set ablaze. Ingefær is jailed and threatened with hanging. Rory investigates, but is hounded at every step by soldiers. While Ingefær searches for ways to defeat the jail’s magic wards, the Shrine’s healer vanishes in a puff of smoke.

Will the couple get the chance to solve the Shrine fire mystery before the law postpones their nuptials forever?

Kirkus Reviews: …In Vecka’s fantasy novel, lovers are torn apart by a false accusation and must prove one’s innocence before a rigged trial…Vecka creates compelling difficulties and character challenges that help drive the fast-paced plot and add to the already exciting mystery narrative…A fun and entertaining fantasy that will keep readers guessing.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Faint-Heart-Madcap-Adventures-ebook/dp/B0DLBR8WQ8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/not-for-the-faint-of-heart-madcap-adventures-by-rene-vecka

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220989344-not-for-the-faint-of-heart

Excerpt

Chapter 3—The Interrogation

The alvae sergeant guided me to one of two green cushioned chairs, hands still tied. I sat.

Smergasil placed a cheek on the corner of his desk while the sergeant came around to sit behind it. Parchment was brought forth, and the sergeant found a quill.

The green-skinned lieutenant spoke in Realm’s Tongue. “What is your name?”

“Ingefær vod Renku.”

“Place of residence?”

That proved difficult. I hadn’t lived in one place for almost a year. Rory and I, once we were married, planned to call Slangeh Buktah home—well, his parents’ farm some three days’ ride north of the human city.

“Place of residence? Why is this difficult for you?”

“Rory and I intend to live near Slangeh Buktah. But right now, we are without a home. My last fixed residences were Rohd Mina and Hjulstadt. I guarded a supply wagon that traveled between those two cities.”

“How long ago?”

“A year.”

Smergasil narrowed his eyes. “That is quite a long time to be without a home.”

I shrugged. “We traveled. All over the Realm.”

And had we. From Hjulstadt to Asken de Gulles to Himmel Drakken to Soolv Spyda, then north across the Dreki Mountains in the heart of winter to Kral Fal Is, Kobber Unter Smuss, and Kral Bar Aggen. I smiled, “I’ve been to Is Vann.”

Smergasil pshaw’d. “Lying exacerbates your circumstances.”

How much worse could it get? I lifted my chin high. “I don’t lie. You’ll see. Rory will tell you the same thing.”

That took a little green off his face.

Smergasil pointed. “Search her.”

Uh-oh. Two males pawing me. I didn’t like the sound of that. Good thing Rory wasn’t here.

The lieutenant’s lips curled into a thin, cruel smile. “Resisting an officer in the line of duty is punishable by up to ten years in the swamps. If the officer is wounded in the process, the death penalty may be invoked.”

My breathing quickened. Without my hands, I couldn’t cast a spell.

The sergeant worked quickly, yet efficiently. The knife in my boot was the first item. Then he unbuttoned my green tunic and pulled free my mage belt, setting it on the lieutenant’s desk. I must say, he had patted me down with care and consideration.

Smergasil took the mage belt and opened the pouches. When he came to the sawdust—an ingredient in summoning a fireball—he looked up at me and smiled.

Yeah. I was in trouble.

From underneath my green frock, the sergeant pulled out a coin sack inside a hidden pocket and two folded up parchments I had placed between my frock and chemise. I didn’t think he had felt the paper. Maybe he’d heard it crinkling.

The sergeant rifled through the coin bag. He whistled and said something in Alvaesh.

I had a combined purse of a thousand silver coins, nine hundred of which came in the form of forty-five gold coins, which were rare. Somehow, my wealth made my situation worse.

The lieutenant stared down his nose at me. “That is quite a lot of money for someone who doesn’t have a place to call home.”

“We did very well at Is Vann. And had a bit of luck inside a necromancer’s tomb.” I smiled at his rolled eyes.

He snapped his fingers, and the sergeant handed over the folded-up parchments. Smergasil read the first and his thin lips spread into a wide grin. “A letter of credit for four thousand more silver? Which jarls did you rob?”

“Earned every single coin,” I said, jutting my jaw forward. “Rory’s the best swordsman in the Realm.”

“Hmph.” Smergasil threw the letter of credit toward the sergeant, whose green eyes were as big as marbles. The lieutenant read the second letter, which I knew to be a decree from Foremost Aerica of the Tyrrell Order granting Rory and me the right to pursue criminals wherever the Warriors for Justice had an agreement in place.

Of all the luck. Vanaby wasn’t one of them.

“Rory and I are bounty hunters.”

“Good cover for thieves, don’t you think?” Smergasil threw the parchment at the sergeant and stood. “A forgery. Why did you burn the Shrine?”

I shook my head. “I didn’t.”

“Yet you’re a thaumaturge.”

“Technically, I’m a battle wizard, not a thaumaturge. I can wield both air and fire from the elemental planes by the same name, as well as summon power from the Aether plane, which comes in handy for utilitarian incantations like find or dispel magic.”

He covered a yawn. “No matter. You burned the Shrine. Why?”

“I didn’t.”

The inane conversation devolved from there. I met his unfounded accusations with strident denials. We went round and round for a dozen minutes.

“Lieutenant,” I said. “I can do this all day. The decree before you clearly informs anyone with reading comprehension that Rory and I are on the side of good…the same side as you.”

“Cover.”

Obstinance in the face of facts could only be maintained by a dimwit. I shifted tactics and mimicked his earlier one. I yawned. He peppered questions at me, demanding I confess. I slouched in my chair and pretended to nod off.

I risked a beating for my insolence, but I wasn’t going to argue banalities and innuendo. Not with someone who had already made up their mind.

“Take her to holding,” Smergasil said.

Giveaway 

$30 Amazon giftcard, 

Signed Paperback of Not For The Faint of Heart

-1 winner each!  

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/NotForTheFaintOfHeartTour

About the Author 

I’ve been a reader of fantasy and science fiction since I was ten. Lord of the Rings is still my favorite.

I now read Butcher (Dresden) and Salvatore (Drizzt), as well at Sanderson and others. The Mid Dreki Realm got its start with a comment with my then fifteen year old son. That kernel grew into a book, which split into two, and is now a five book series.

I retired at 57 and began the process of becoming a writer. I’ve attended a half dozen conferences, read numerous books on the art of writing, joined critique groups, and immersed myself in the craft. I’m a member of Apex, a group founded by David Farland (Runelord).

I live in the foothills between Colorado Springs and Denver with my wife. Deer, turkeys, bear, coyotes, and my three children and 2 grandchildren occasionally drop by.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://renevecka.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czechveck

X: https://x.com/ReneVecka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czechveck

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rene-vecka

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rene-Vecka/author/B0B4T3MGD9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47537050.Ren_Vecka