Desert Breeze Publishing
Romantic Suspense
Buy at Publisher / Amazon / B&N
Fueled by grief
after his fiancée is brutally murdered, Detective Sam Walker focuses on finding
her killer -- a calculating predator who binds books with human skin. Dani Barrington, the newest member of NOPD's
Victim and Witness Assistance Unit and a survivor of another frightening
attack, helps him discover the terrifying link between the monster's known
victims. Despite his anguish, Sam is
struck by Dani's strength and determination, especially when her
inquisitive nature makes her the
killer's next target. He must find a way
to protect her or risk losing the one woman who can bring his dead heart back
to life.
Teaser Excerpt:
"Forgive
me, Father, for I have sinned." NOPD Detective Sam Walker's low rasp
echoed inside the tiny confessional within the deep recesses of St. Mary's
Church. He pressed his damp palms to his thighs. "It's been nine months
since my last confession."
"Continue."
"My
sins are... indescribable..." He let the word trail off. Sweat pooled at
the base of his spine. "I don't know if I can--"
"You
must voice your transgressions, son, to get them off your chest. It's the only
way to gain absolution."
"I
don't deserve God's forgiveness."
"Sam,
tell me the truth." Father O'Malley cleared his throat. "Is this
about Kristen?"
"She
died a horrible death," Sam whispered, his heart breaking all over again
for his fiancée and the family he would never have with her.
The
priest paused.
"It's
been a long time."
"Eight
fucking -- sorry, Father." Sam broke off and swallowed, doing his best to
regain his composure. "Eight long months. I thought I was coping, but I
can't get past it. Especially since I'm the reason she's dead."
"How
did you come to that conclusion?"
Sam
pressed his lips together. Every time he thought about his fiancée's brutal
murder, his gut clenched. He should have taken her to dinner that night like
he'd promised, instead of letting the job get in the way. The Glock riding his
hip was a constant reminder he'd been a detective first, and her intended
husband second.
God
should damn me straight to hell.
Father
O'Malley shifted inside the tiny booth, and the ornate screen between them
shuddered. The too-sweet odor of funeral lilies wafted over Sam.
"You
didn't murder her, my son. Some sick, depraved individual did it."
"I
was supposed to protect her."
"You
were doing your job."
"When
I should have been with her. Keeping her safe." Agony pierced his soul. He
dropped his elbows to his knees and hung his head. His voice broke. "I let
her die."
"You
didn't let her die, Sam. A terrible thing happened. It wasn't your fault. God
doesn't hold you responsible."
"Well,
He should. I'm guilty."
"Sam--"
"He...
he skinned her, Father. I don't know why, but he did." Tears burned his
eyes.
Clearly
shaken, Father O'Malley murmured more words of condolence. "I'll say
another prayer for her soul."
"It's my fault she's gone. I can never do
enough penance to make up for it." Sam shuddered. "Not in this
lifetime."
"I
want you to say one Our Father and one Hail Mary."
Sam
barked a harsh laugh.
"That
doesn't even scratch the surface. I can't even--"
"Wait.
I'm not finished." Father O'Malley regained his poise, and his strong,
even tone reverberated in Sam's ears. "I also want you to pray for the
person responsible for Kristen's death."
"Hell,
no!" Sam blurted, the idea of absolution jolting his brittle psyche.
"I can't pray for that sick son of a bitch. He's killed four women,
including Kristen, after brutalizing them, and we have no idea who he is. We're
working day and night--"
"That's
your penance, son." Father O'Malley said, gravely. "In addition, you
must perform the Act of Contrition and say the Rosary. Don't let that
individual's cruel soul steal yours."
Contest Information
Melanie will be awarding the winner's choice of a backlist eBook to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and leave comments at all the stops. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/03/virtual-super-book-blast-blood-bound-by.html
About the Author
Melanie Atkins a
multi-published author of romantic suspense, an editor for an online publishing
company, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way
of life. She grew up in the Deep
South listening to tall
tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of
love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.
Melanie is an active member
of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the
Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronic and Small Press Authors' Network
(ESPAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in
Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the
Southern Writers, the Mississippi Authors Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group.
She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.
2 comments:
Thank you for hosting
Thanks for hosting my book blast today!
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