Excerpt Tour for Phoenix's Ascent by Winter Austin and Enter the Tour Wide Giveaway

 

Discover the new book by author Winter Austin in Phoenix's Ascent and make sure to enter the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon/BN gift card fromthe author. The excerpt tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions and you can find all the tour stops HERE.

GENRE: Romantic Suspense/Thriller

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

A maniac developing a fantastical drug wants one more thing to finalize the project—a test subject who fits all the parameters. But that test subject is as elusive as her namesake.

 

Ex-SAS operative Mitch Edwards has been on the run since the moment he was framed for treason by someone in the British government. But he’s never forgotten the flamboyant and seductive CIA operative with the tongue of a thousand languages. In a bar in Cancun, Mexico, Mitch comes face to face with her once more, and with her comes the full force of her enemies.

 

Reinstated Hera Force linguist and assassin, Nadia Roth, code named Phoenix, has no memory of Mitch Edwards, or of their affair before her team’s disastrous mission. Her traumatic brain injury is tricky that way. But something about this man sets her on fire and tickles the back of her mind. Her Hera teammates remember him, so why can’t she?

 

Mitch partners up with Hera, with the sole intent of locating those hell-bent on killing him and all who are associated with him. Yet more is at stake than their lives. A traitor hides among their ranks, one who has been revealing all their secrets to an enemy determined to procure this special drug and Nadia for his scheme.

 

Hera goes into operation mode, doing what they were created to do, but someone is watching, and the team finds themselves trapped behind enemy lines with no way out.

 

Will Nadia ever remember the man she once loved, or will they perish with the secret between them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Buy Links:

http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Austin_Winter/phoenixs-ascent.htm

http://tirpub.com/waustin

Exclusive Excerpt:

 

“Where are we?”

 

Nadia eased the huge SUV around the tight corner and pulled into the abandoned lot. She spotted the tiny white box. Easing the beast’s nose under the laser eye activated the door on an old garage. As it rolled up, she drove the SUV forward and inside the garage. She parked as the door came down. Shrouded in the dark, she killed the engine and relaxed.

 

“Nadia?”

 

“Shush, Mitchell. I need to let my brain rest.”

 

The Ramírez family shifted in the back, the kids having wrung themselves dry of crying hours ago. Nadia had driven all night, taking the longest and most open path she could to get to this old safehouse in Chetumal. They were not far from the Mexico/Belize border. If the old papers were still in the house, she might be able to get the family across the border and to safety. Then she and Mitch would have to figure out their next steps.

 

“I’m hungry,” Diego whispered.

 

Nadia deflated. There would be no food in the house. It wasn’t safe for any of them to go out and buy something. She lifted her head from the head rest. She needed to amend that thought. It wasn’t safe for the family, but she could do it.

 

“Camila, take the kids into the house. There should be beds and blankets.” Nadia exited the SUV, and stretched battered and sore muscles.

 

Everyone piled out into the tiny garage and Matías led them to the house.

 

Mitch circled the SUV, blocking Nadia’s escape. “Is this an old CIA safehouse?”

 

“A really old one, but yes.”

 

“If they know who you are, wouldn’t you think they’d come looking here?”

 

“Mitch, they don’t know a damn thing about this place. The CIA quit using it years ago and conveniently forgot about it. So, no, no one is going to come looking for us here.”

 

“And yet they found you at Ramírez’s home. Explain that one.”

 

“Maybe it was you and your connection to the family that brought them there. Did you think about that?” She pushed past him.

 

“Nadia, what are you going to do?”

 

With a hand on the door frame to steady her wobbly body, she drew in a breath. “I’m getting some money. Then I’m going to go out and find us some food. Once I’m done, I’m going to take a long nap.Then we’ll discuss our options.”

 

“And if you wake up the other Nadia, then what?”

 

What did he mean by “the other Nadia?” Better to roll with it.

 

“Then you explain to her what happened and hope she doesn’t gut you.” To punctuate her answer she rapped the wood as she stepped inside.

 

Camila and the kids were bunked down in the only room with a bed. Their tragic faces broke a piece of her heart. God, if only this hadn’t happened to them. Nadia tucked her compassion into a corner and slammed a lid on it.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a

flat “nope,” but believe her, there is a story behind her name.

 

A lifelong Mid-West gal with strong ties to the agriculture world, Winter grew up

listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around a table or a campfire. As a

published author, she learned her glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect

suspense/thriller writer. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story,

Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.

When she’s not slaving away at the computer, you can find Winter supporting her

daughter in cattle shows, seeing her three sons off into the wide-wide world, loving

on her fur babies, prodding her teacher husband, and nagging at her flock of hens to

stay in the coop or the dogs will get them.

 

She is the author of ten novels, with more on the way.

 

Find Winter on:

Website - https://www.winteraustin.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/author.winteraustin

Twitter - https://twitter.com/WinterAustin

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/iasuspensewriter/

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/winteraustin/

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880807.Winter_Austin

 

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Guest Author Day with Maya Taylor

Welcome Maya Taylor today tot he blog.

Thanks for stopping by to talk a little about your writing! Let's jump right in. When did you begin writing and why? I love the written word. With my active imagination, writing fiction was a natural fit. I started writing short stories when I was about seven years old, and then I wrote poetry as a teenager.

Do you have a favorite genre? Is it the same genre you prefer to write? My favourite genre is romance—historical and paranormal. I usually write paranormal romance, but my current work-in-progress is a historical paranormal short story, a prequel of sorts to some previous work.

Do certain themes and ideas tend to capture your writer’s imagination and fascinate you? I’m all about persuading my reader to believe the unbelievable. I want them to ask, “What if?” I also enjoy crafting twists-and-turns in my story lines… just to keep the reader guessing.

How do you balance long-term thinking vs. being nimble in today's market? I write for the pure love of writing; publishing success is a pleasant side effect. I choose my topics based on what I want to write, not on what will sell. I do have a long-term marketing plan, and I keep on top of current market trends.

How do you find readers in today's market? As a reader, I am constantly bombarded with new content. I receive emails from several book advertisers—promoting new releases and bargain books—on a daily basis. As a writer, I use these services with the understanding that readers have a great amount of choice. I also use my blog Maya’s Musings and my website www.mayatylerauthor.com to reach readers. Engaging on social media—Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Goodreads—is a must. Readers are using social media so authors need it too.

Do you come up with the hook first, or do you create characters first and then dig through until you find a hook? It depends. Sometimes, like in my latest release A Vampire’s Tale, the characters come to me first. And, sometimes, I dream up one awesome line, and it evolves into a story.

How do you create your characters? They come to me in various ways… dreams, flashes of madness…

What's on the top of your TBR pile right now? Book 4 of the Outlander series, The Fiery Cross.

Tell me a little about the characters in A Vampire’s Tale. Marisa Clements and Corgan Halton are my main characters in A Vampire’s Tale. Marisa is a struggling author of paranormal romance novels. Becoming an author was a huge risk for her that came at a high personal cost. She chose the genre of paranormal romance—and vampires, in particular—because of its recent popularity. In reality, she’s a paranormal skeptic. Corgan is an ancient vampire who selects Marisa, a woman who haunts his psychic visions, to write his life story. His existence has no meaning and is merely a matter of survival. He no longer desires this existence.

Where’s the story set? How much influence did the setting have on the atmosphere/characters/development of the story? The story takes place in Chicago, Illinois. Did location influence story development? I don’t think so, but it provided a colorful backdrop!

If you had to write your memoir in five words, what would you write? She did the right thing.

How often does your muse distract you from day to day minutiae? Usually—unfortunately—it’s the other way around. Writing often takes a back burner in my day, making my writing time a precious commodity. I carry a notebook and pen in my purse for whenever inspiration strikes.

What do readers have to look forward to in the future from you? I am juggling a ton of projects at the moment. Stay tuned for a sequel to A Vampire’s Tale and a YA fantasy.

The best laid plans…
 
Marisa Clements was never satisfied writing the ‘gossip column’ in the local paper and she quit her job to follow her dream of writing fiction. Floundering in an unforgiving industry, she wrote about vampires, a popular subject she considered fascinating but as real as unicorns, to pay the rent.

Corgan was tired of human misconceptions about vampires and ‘living’ as a vampire. He planned to tell Marisa his story and end his existence. It was no coincidence Corgan selected Marisa to write his story. With the ability to see the future, he knew she would be a major part of it. He knew if they met, she would help him die, but in doing so, she’d be doomed to the same fate. Once they met, their futures would be irrevocably intertwined.
 
Corgan began to care for Marisa and finally revealed the truth to her. He admitted his quest to atone for his past sins had put her in grave danger from a nest of revenge seeking vampires. Corgan must claim her for her own protection. But claiming her is not enough, he must ask for help from his wizard friends and his maker in order to destroy his enemy or Marisa will never be safe.

Excerpt from A Vampire’s Tale:

… My heroine Marisa faces two would-be assailants before my hero Corgan valiantly swoops in and saves her …

Lost in thought, the last half of her coffee had grown cold, and she didn’t want more, anyway. The coffee shop was deserted except for the lone attendant. It must be later than she realized. Her stomach churned, and something akin to fear gripped her. She had the strangest notion she had to go home. Now.

Leaving the mug on the table, she walked out of the restaurant without a second glance. Her step quickened as she heard frightening sounds in the darkness. Almost home. She sighed.

Two strange men, with dark hoodies concealing their faces, stepped out of the shadows.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry, pretty lady?”

She ignored the speaker and continued walking.

“Hey, we're talking to you.”

The largest man of the duo blocked her path while the other grabbed her by the back of her neck and yanked her into the alley.

Every fiber of her being wanted to flee. “Let go of me,” Marisa demanded.

“Not until we've had some fun.”

She tensed and clenched her fists. “Maybe you didn't hear me clearly before, asshole. I said let go!”

The man in front of her pulled out a knife, the metal reflecting in the dim light of the moon.

Heart racing, she struggled against her attacker, trying to kick her way free.

“The lady doesn't want to play tonight, fellas. I suggest you find a new friend.”

The man behind her released his grip, and the two thugs inched away from her. “Hey, man. We didn't mean any harm.”

Corgan stepped in front of her and waved his hand in the air. “You were never here. You never saw me. If you ever see this lady again, you will run away from her and won't know why. Am I clear?”

They nodded blankly.

“Then go, before I change my mind.”

Marisa fell into Corgan’s arms as her would-be assailants dashed down the street. Sobs racked her as she shivered uncontrollably. “You saved me.”

“I should've been here sooner.” Holding her tightly, he stroked her hair. “Nothing will ever harm you again.”

Surrounded by the safety of his strong arms, she had complete faith in him. She leaned into his embrace and sighed.

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Hold on.”

He scooped her up in his arms and floated into the air. His black cape swirled around him as they rose higher. Then they soared over the city, high above the buildings.

“Wow. I had no idea.” As he flew through a wet cloud, she snuggled closer. “Don't drop me, okay?”

He chuckled, a deep and throaty sound, as if she amused him. “I'll try not to, little one.”

“Well, try hard, mister. I'm too pretty to fall from the sky and smash on the sidewalk.”

“Yes, it would be a shame to mar your pretty face.”

Returning below the clouds, he lowered them onto a curved, marble balcony. With a wave of his hand, the double French doors swung open. Light from many flickering candles illuminated the room.

“Where are we?”

“My place.”

Check it out more at http://www.mayatylerauthor.com/a-vampires-tale.html

About Maya

Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance novels. An avid reader, Maya writes the books she loves to read—romances! She believes in true love and the magic of “True Love's Kiss.” Maya’s paranormal romances come with complex plot twists and happily-ever-afters. Maya draws inspiration for her characters from her real-life experience and educational background. Her degree in Commerce has influenced the creation of her business-minded characters.

When she’s not writing, you can find Maya enjoying her favourite things—hanging out with her family, reading, and drinking coffee (especially Starbucks French Roast)!

Website

Release Blitz~ One Night in Sydney

Out Now – City Nights: One Night in Sydney by Jan Graham (@jan_graham) #newrelease #romance #tirgearr

Will passion win out over wise business sense in one of

the most beautiful harbor side cities of the world?

They say you often meet the person of your dreams in the most unlikely places and when you least expect it. Abby Devon and Kane Matheson are about to put that theory to the test. 

Abigail Devon is all about business, until the dream of keeping her company alive fails and she finds herself seeking distraction in the arms of a tempting stranger she met on the plane. Kane Matheson is a man like no other, and once Abby gives into her attraction to him, passions spark and a night of erotic pleasure begins.

Kane can’t believe his luck when his flight to Sydney places Abby along his path to a fun filled weekend. She’s his kind of woman—business minded, clever, and with curves in all the right places. When he discovers they have more in common than savvy business expertise and undeniable sexual heat, he’s faced with a daunting choice, and left wondering if pleasure can win out over wise business sense in one of the most beautiful harbor side cities of the world.

Have you ever met someone that's been too tempting to resist? How did it work out? Was it a one-night fling or the start of something great? Buy One Night in Sydney to find out where Abby and Kane's temptation leads them.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2dcoLnJ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cZC3JU

Nook: http://bit.ly/2agGsFF

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2azWTcH

iBooks: http://apple.co/2azWBTc

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2ataqaC

Don’t forget to add One Night in Sydney to your Goodreads bookshelf. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31278559-one-night-in-sydney

Excerpt:

You know, if you like, we could hang out together in the city for a bit, maybe when you’ve finished your busy day.” Kane didn’t look at her this time; speaking from his reclined position, head tilted back against the rest with his eyes closed. “I only have to try on a suit and then I’m done for the day. You could meet me there, let me know if you think I look okay, you know, thumbs up or down, and then we could grab a bite… or something. Whatever takes your fancy, beautiful.”

He raised his lids and angled himself slightly to look at her for the final part of his statement, the wicked expression and cheeky glint in his eyes giving Abby the distinct impression he hoped that he’d be the something that took her fancy. He did. But it couldn’t happen.

Abby didn’t believe in love at first sight, but she did believe in lust at first sight and Kane ticked all her boxes. Feeling breathless, hardened nipples, feeling flushed when they touched, and that increasing ache between her legs. Luckily the flight was a short one, so she’d be able to escape him soon enough. In her party days they probably would have been in the bathroom, reaffirming her membership in the mile-high club, but those days were behind her. She doubted she’d renew that membership again any time soon.

“I really don’t think that’s possible. But thanks for the offer.” She wondered if he knew she was lying. Of course it was possible, all she had to do was say yes. She merely chose not to.

“That’s a shame. I have this feeling we’d get along really well.” He tore the edge off the bottom of a page in his magazine, grabbed a pen from his shirt pocket, scribbled a number on it and handed it to her. “In case you change your mind.”

Abby laughed and stared at the mobile number in her hand. He certainly was persistent.

“I assume you’ve run out of business cards?” She continued to chuckle as the plane began its descent. “You did say you understood business, right?”

“I did. I also said I was on a pleasure trip. I’ve left all business accessories at the office. This weekend, I’m just a regular guy who uses any piece of paper on hand to give the woman he likes his number.”

Oh Lord, thank heavens the plane had just touched down. She folded the paper, slipped her fingers into the front of her shirt and tucked the number into her bra. It was a mistake to put it there, and Abby knew it the moment her gaze met Kane’s, who was now standing waiting for her to step out into the aisle.

“What?” she asked innocently as Kane stared down at her cleavage with a devilish grin on his face. “It’s just a silly habit I picked up in my partying days. I’d pop anything important in my bra and that way I wouldn’t lose it.”

Grabbing her handbag from the floor, she stood and moved to walk out into the aisle but Kane blocked her way. His body forming a human wall as he retrieved her bag from the overhead cabin. Luggage sorted, Kane didn’t move, fixing her in place with his heated gaze.

“I’m glad you think I’m important.” His devilish grin didn’t waver and he spoke in a tone laced with lust. “I’m also delighted to know that when you take off your clothes tonight and get naked, you’ll be thinking about me.”

She was about to burst into flames. Abby raised her hand, placing it on his chest with the intention of pushing him back, only to find her fingers lingered on the defined muscle beneath her touch.

“We’ll see,” she whispered.

Kane placed his hand over hers, gently gripped her fingers and raised them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles tenderly and smiled. “We will. Now off to your very busy business day, Abigail Devon.” Stepping back, Kane handed over her bag before ushering her into the aisle. “I look forward to receiving your call later today.”

Unsure how she made it to the plane’s exit on trembling legs, Abby breathed a sigh of relief once she made it into the terminal. Allowing the disembarking crowd to carry her forward, she picked up her pace. The more distance she put between Kane Matheson and herself, the better. Today was all about saving her company, not indulging in a quickie with a man she met on a plane.

About the Author: 

Jan Graham is an author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense, all her writing is erotic and some includes BDSM elements. She has numerous published titles to her credit, with more to come once she overcomes her current bout of procrastination. Jan lives in Newcastle, Australia where she writes, reads, feeds her Netflix addiction and drinks coffee with friends. 

For those who enjoy labels and tags, as well as being an author, Jan is a blogger, a submissive, an aunt, dyslexic, a lover of all things erotic, naughty, a participant in the BDSM community, a widow, an orphan, and a member of The Australian Sex Party (no it’s nothing kinky, they are a legit political group).

In short, she is generally a bit of an eccentric who lives her life slightly left of center. You can find out more about Jan and her work by stalking her on the various social media sites where she occasionally hangs out. Alternately you can sign up for her newsletter - Newsletter Sign-up

Jan's Website

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