Seals of Honor: Mason by USA Today Bestselling Author Dale Mayer

KILL OR BE KILLED 

Part of an elite SEAL team, Mason takes on the dangerous jobs no one else wants to do – or can do. When he’s on a mission, he’s focused and dedicated. When he’s not, he plays as hard as he fights.

Until he meets a woman he can’t have but can’t forget. 

Software developer, Tesla lost her brother in combat and has no intention of getting close to someone else in the military. 
Determined to save other US soldiers from a similar fate, she’s created a program that could save lives. But other countries know about the program, and they won’t stop until they get it – and get her.

Time is running out... For her... For him... For them...

SEALs of Honor: Mason (SEALs of Honor #1)
by Dale Mayer
Military Romantic Suspense
Categories: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Valley Publishing
Release Date: January 31, 2016
Heat Level: Steamy
Length: 230 pages

Available at:
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Excerpt 1:

Lieutenant Mason Callister slowly straightened, his hard gaze unwavering on his foe's face. "Daniel Hardesty. Nice to see you again."

The grin on Daniel's face was enough to make most men cringe. But Mason wasn't most men. And he cringed for no one.

Least of all this guy. Daniel had washed out during BUD/S training. Hell week had kicked his butt and had kept on washing his sorry ass all the way back home. The two men had been friends once. But not making it through the worst week of his life had left a bitter taste on Daniel's lips. He'd finished his time and walked away from the military first chance he had.

It happened that way for some people. Not everyone could handle failure. For some defeat ate a bitter corner into their psyche where it festered.

He'd never have thought that would be Daniel's path, but Hell week changed a man. For better or for worse. For Mason, it was that tilt of the hat that said he could handle anything. He'd already known it but having that added to his life achievements, well there'd been no feeling like it before or since.

Apparently, failing had an effect on Daniel for the same reason. He’d quit and gone to the other side – a mercenary for anyone with enough money to pay for his services. 

"It's nice to see you too, Mason," Daniel said affably. "Especially as you're looking down the end of my gun."

With a slight nod of his head, Mason gave him the point. Not that anyone was keeping score. "And the woman? Where is she?"

Daniel's grin widened. "Not your problem."

"Maybe not, but she is going to be your problem."

"I see you know her." Daniel slapped a hand over his cheek and slowly rubbed the long red scratches visible between his fingers. 

"That damn woman is a pain in the ass. She deserves everything coming to her."

Mason's insides iced over. There were a lot of reasons for a woman to fight so hard she'd scarred Daniel – and none of them were good. "Being sold to the highest bidder? Really? She deserves to be kidnapped? Beaten?" There would be worse treatment for her too, both men had seen too much of it. Neither needed to bring it out in the open.

"She's developing new military tracking software. And she won't share it." Daniel shrugged. "So what does she expect?"
She expected her country to protect her. And Mason had no intention of failing. "Is she still alive?"

EXCERPT #2

How could her rescuer see anything? The sky was overcast and even the moon was covered. She could barely see him. And he stood in front of her. She definitely couldn't see anything around them. Her clothes were black, but she knew her face had to glow in the dark – especially shining with sweat like it was.

Not a good day to shine.

Her droll humor helped her regain her sense of balance. She knew she could be off and running any second and needed to be ready. Unfortunately her body wanted to slide to the ground and collapse.
"Rest. We have two minutes then we're off again."

She didn't waste the energy nodding. Two minutes wasn't enough time to catch her breath and respond.

She focused on her mental state instead. If that was strong the rest would follow. She hoped.

At the two-minute mark, she was hauled to her feet and dragged on another marathon through the bush. Why? If he'd been able to rescue her, why wasn't he able to get her picked up and shipped out to safety?

When he shoved her down behind a log, she knew she wasn't getting up again.

Not willingly. She closed her eyes and willed back the tears of exhaustion.

Damn.

"You okay?" That low deep note of concern had her opening her eyes and lying. 

"I'm fine," she whispered.

His smile of appreciation warmed the coldness inside. When his grin widened, flashing his white teeth, and he whispered, "Good, let's go again," she groaned.

"Once more," he promised, helping her over the log they'd been hiding behind.

She didn't believe him but forced her legs to move. But instead of a run they stumbled. Instead of landing softly they came down hard, stilted. He reached out a hand. She put hers in it, loving the way his hand, fingers closed over hers as if he could impart some of his strength, his endurance to her.

Maybe she was gaining strength from him as her feet seemed to cooperate better, and she could pick up the pace. When they stopped the next time, she slid in a weak heap to the ground. She huddled up into a ball and closed her eyes.

When had she last hurt like this? Had she ever hurt so badly? She didn't think so. 

Her rescuer crouched beside her and said, "We're waiting for a pick up. Should be in ten minutes." His voiced deepened. “We’re in Mexico and need to get across the border fast.”

She lifted her face to his and wanted to cry. Mexico? Oh no. She wanted to be home. Away from this nightmare. Were they driving out? Flying out? By donkey? Maybe she didn’t want to know. But whatever method she wanted to go now.

His finger stroked down the side of her cheek. "You're doing just fine."

"Doesn't feel like it. Feels like you ripped my ribs out and made me walk on them," she muttered.

His grin widened. "You got spunk. I like that."

About the Author:

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second

Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It’s a Dog’s Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).
She honors the stories that come to her – and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author.


To be informed of new releases and special offers, sign up for my newsletter. And if you are interested in joining my fan group, here is the Facebook sign up page.

Jennifer Reynolds Shifter Book Review

My audio fetish continues. My latest audio review is Jennifer Reynolds Shifter narrated by Margi Stephens. I just finished it and loved it so much I had to write up the review immediately.

My review:

Shifter by Jennifer Reynolds is an incredibly entertaining paranormal romance and Margi Stephens voice brings the book alive as she narrates and changes her tone and voice for each character and specific dialog.

It’s set in the southern U.S. I’m not a native born southerner but have spent twenty five years living in various southern states and found the language and innuendos hilarious. For that reason, it had a Sookie Stackhouse feel to it.

Abby is a homebody, even works from home. She suffered a horrible, abusive past relationship and has succumbed to living a life alone. Her self-esteem is lower than the ground she walks on. She sees herself as overweight, and feels no man would ever be seriously interested in her. Daily she talks with her sister and friends, but that’s the limit to her socialization. One morning she has an overwhelming need to get her cat Sabastian a companion, only the cat she picks out isn’t a normal cat.

I adored the way parts of the story through the cat’s perspective. I’ve owned many cats and often wondered what was going through their minds so found the cat’s thoughts hysterical.
Dimitri is a gorgeous shifter who did a witch wrong, he pays the price. Over the course of the book, he changes and becomes a lot more humble. He was never a bad guy just not the most caring or responsible.


This book was hard to put down and I found myself hungry for more when it ended.

Find it
Amazon
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Pure by Catherine Mesick Blog Tour

Sixteen-year-old Katie Wickliff lives quietly in the small town of Elspeth's Grove, unaware of the troubled past that forced her grandmother to flee Russia with her when Katie was only a child.  When people in the town begin to disappear, and Katie's own home is attacked by a terrifying creature, Katie and her grandmother return to Russia to find answers.


Pursuing them is the handsome William – who just might be a vampire.  Katie discovers that William is indeed partially a vampire, but he is also one of the Sidh, an ancient clan whose members are gifted with great power – a clan to which Katie's deceased mother also belonged.


Soon, Katie discovers that her mother's seemingly natural death was actually murder, and she is forced to confront the question she wants to face the least:  Is William her otherworldly protector, or is he the dark creature who killed her mother eleven years ago?

Author Bio:

Catherine Mesick is the author of the three books in the Pure series, and she is currently at work on the fourth. She enjoys ice skating, reading Agatha Christie novels, and spending time with her family. Catherine lives in Silver Spring, MD.

Links:
Link to book on Amazon

Link to Author Page on Amazon

Website/Blog

Twitter


Facebook

Excerpts:

From Chapter 1:

I went on more quietly. "Why won't you answer any of my questions?"

"I did answer one—about your mother," GM replied, averting her eyes.

I wasn't going to let her get away so easily. "No, you told me something I already knew—my mother died of a fever. You didn't tell me why anyone would believe she'd been murdered. That is what Galina was saying wasn't it? That a man from your old village had killed her? And why wouldn't you allow Galina to say his name?"

GM looked at me, and I could see a distant flicker of pain in her eyes.

She held out her hand. "If you will go upstairs with me, I will tell you a story. It will help to explain."

I hesitated. Too often, GM had distracted me when I had asked questions like these—she had diverted my attention from the past and sidestepped my questions without ever refusing to answer them outright. I feared she would talk around me again.

My questions would evaporate the way they always did.

"Please, Katie, come with me," GM said, her voice low and pleading. "You know the past is difficult for me."

I resigned myself and took GM's hand.

We went up to my room.

GM switched on the light. The lamp by my bed had a faded shade with yellow sunbursts on it. I'd kept it for years, refusing a new one when GM had wanted to redecorate. My mother and I had painted the shade together one summer long ago.

GM smoothed back the quilt on my bed. "Let me tuck you in." She sounded sad and tired.

After I had settled under the covers, GM sat down beside me.

"I will tell you something I have never told you before, Katie. The night your mother died—"

GM's voice quavered, and she stopped.

She composed herself, and then went on.

"The night your mother died was the worst of all—for the fever, I mean. It had raged through her body, and she had reached a point at which she could no longer find comfort of any kind. She couldn't eat or drink; she couldn't sleep. She couldn't even close her eyes for more than a few moments to rest—she said closing them made the burning behind them worse. On that last night, she kept calling for your father, and of course, your poor father was already gone—dead in that terrible accident. She was crying out for him to protect you. Even in her delirium, she knew she wouldn't last long."

GM paused again. Her chin had begun to tremble.

She composed herself once more and went on in a low voice. "When I could make her understand who I was—when I could make her understand that I was her mother—she begged me to protect you. She said, 'Swear to me that you will always protect Katie.' She need hardly have asked for that—the desire to protect you had been in my heart since the day you were born. But I swore it to her then, and I swear it to you now. On my life, I will always protect you."

GM stared at me steadily as she said the words, and I felt tears stinging my eyes. Soon they began to fall.

"After I made my promise," GM said, "Nadya seemed to grow calmer. She asked to see you. I brought you in, and she kissed you on the forehead. You were sleeping and didn't wake. Then she sang her favorite piece of music—no words, just a hum. Do you remember it?"

I nodded. When I was a child, my mother had often sung the same melody to me. It was from a piece of music by Mussorgsky.

GM went on. "Not long after she finished singing, Nadya was gone. I swore to her that I would protect you, and I have. And I will. That's why I moved you out of the old village. That's why I moved you out of Russia right after your mother died. I had to get you as far away as I could from people like Galina. She is a good woman, but her thinking is trapped in the Dark Ages. She would warp your mind as she warped your mother's. She has nothing for you but superstition and shadows."

GM rose. "I love you, Katie. Believe me when I say there is nothing out there. There is nothing in the dark."

She pressed a kiss to my forehead, as she'd said my mother had once done, and then left the room, closing the door behind her. And I was left feeling less comforted, rather than more so.

I was grateful to hear a story about my mother, even though it was painful—I could feel her love reaching out to me across the years. But as I had feared, GM hadn't actually answered any of my questions—instead she'd left me with more.

Why had she said there was nothing in the dark?


What was she was afraid of?

From Chapter 4:

I felt a flash of panic. The strange man I kept seeing in mirrors was actually standing in front of me now. He was staring at me steadily—and I could see anger—even hatred—burning in his eyes.

And yet, he was strangely beautiful. There was something perfect about the shape of his face and the long, lean lines of his body.

Behind me, the water kept running in the sink. For a long moment there was no other sound in the room.

"Who are you?" the man asked at last. His voice was harsh, and he had an accent I couldn't quite place.

"Are you real?" I asked.

The man moved closer to me in one swift movement and leaned in. His face was only inches from mine.

I began to feel light-headed. Was I hallucinating all of this?

"Who are you?" he demanded.

I could feel the warmth from his body, and I reached out a hand to touch his shoulder.

"You feel solid enough," I said. He did indeed feel solid, and I found I was reluctant to move my hand.

I also realized I wasn't hallucinating—somehow an image in a mirror had become real.

"How did you get out?" I asked.

Puzzlement flickered in his eyes. "How did I get out of what?"

"Out of the mirror," I said. "That's where I first saw you."

The man's anger returned. "How do you know that woman Galina Golovnin?"

"Galina Golovnin?" I said. "Is that the woman who came to my house on Sunday? I never heard her last name."

There was more confusion in the man's eyes, but he pressed on, leaning even closer.

"What do you know of Gleb Mstislav?"

I caught at the name. "Mstislav. Galina mentioned a Mstislav mansion. She said the lights were on—she seemed to think there was some kind of danger. Does Gleb Mstislav have something to do with that?"

The man's eyes ranged over my face. "You really don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" I said.

The man stared at me for a moment without saying anything. Then he turned to go.

"Wait!" I said. "Are you a student here? How will I find you again?"

The man turned back.

"I'm sorry if I scared you," he said. "You should forget you saw me."

He turned away again.

"Wait!" I said, feeling panic rising in me. "If you know something about Galina and this Gleb Mstislav, then I need to talk to you."

"No," he said sharply.

"I need to talk to you."

"It's better if you don't."

"But what if I genuinely have to?" I said in a rush. "What if the danger that Galina hinted at actually happens? What if I need to talk to you then?"

Something flickered in the man's eyes that I couldn't quite read.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"Katie Wickliff," I replied.


"Finally you answer a question," the man said, a small smile quirking at one corner of his mouth. "If you need to talk to me say 'Katie Wickliff summons you.' If you do that, I will find you." Pure Giveaway

Book Release Dyndaer by Joshua Robertson

Blurb

Branimir emerges from the Netherworld as a living legend and learns the Ash Tree is still in danger from the cursed dagger, kaelandur. An old friend compels Branimir to finish what they started at Melkorka. Once again, the former slave must keep kaelandur out of uncertain hands, while struggling to separate heroes from villains and friends from foes. Some evils never lessen.

Sequel to bestselling book Melkorka.

Author Joshua Robertson

Joshua currently lives in Alaska with his wife and children. In 1999, he began crafting the world for Thrice Nine Legends, including Melkorka and Anaerfell. He is also the author of the A Midwinter Sellsword and Gladiators and Thieves in the Hawkhurst Saga. His short story, Grimsdalr, is inspired by the tale of Beowulf.

Website

Amazon

Excerpt

“You told me that I would never find joy,” Branimir went on. “I can’t help but think the rune staves might be right, mainly when I think of these past several weeks.”

“Oh.” Dorofej shuffled out from the shadows, rejoining them near the fire. He appeared disgruntled, despite his words. “We have shared pleasant times together, yes? I say, do not sum up all arduous times to be grievous.”

“I was only telling you what I was seeing,” Drak explained. “I did not mean anything by it.”

“All the same, your words have stayed with me,” said Branimir, scooting over to make room for Dorofej.

“I say, Hanna did warn us that we may create our own future by thinking that we know what to expect, yes? Emotions can create your reality if you are not careful,” Dorofej softened his gaze. 

Drak sniffed through his nose. “The rune staves tell what will happen. Branimir cannot change it, no matter how he feels about it.”

Dorofej furrowed his brow. “Know that for certain, we do not. Regardless, whether our paths are fixed or not, we choose how we walk them. Dangerous, it is, to find comfort in sadness. Leads only to more sadness, it does.”

“I like that thought,” Drak granted, and then grinned wide. “Feelings are unseen and untouched by anyone or anything. Fate cannot tell you how to feel.”

Branimir held his face, pondering the wisdom of the two. “Telling yourself how to feel seems easier to think about than to do.”

“Such is the task of the living, yes? I say, our minds are riddled with grand ideas and limited enthusiasm to see it done. Driven towards the things we wish to avoid, men are. Drink, does the drunkard; fight, does the warrior; and on and on, it goes.”

“Is it not what they want?” Branimir asked.

Dorofej lifted his eyebrows, “What do you want, Branimir?”

“I want…” Branimir may have never thought about the question before. He had always been entertained with trying to survive, the question of what to live for was beyond his knowing. Yet, upon taking a moment to think, the answer was not hard to come by. “I want happiness, Dorofej.”

Buy Links

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Max E. Stone The Bleeding Audiobook

I'm new to the audio world and quickly becoming addicted! Audio adds a dimension to books that can't be found by simply reading them



My Review:

Wow! Loved it! I first read this book as an ebook and loved it. Now on audio I had to read it again. The suspense in this version hangs on each word from the narrator. His inflection is perfect and he varies his voice for each character and accent adding to the depth. If it’s possible to be better, it is. The narration only adds to the story.

The Bleeding is a thriller that entails abuse to the young Derek Warren who in turn becomes his own kind of monster. Clues are revealed slowly through the dialogue and actions of each character. The plot is tricky. It’s the kind of masterful mystery in which the reader needs to heed everything. There are hints dropped everywhere throughout the story. Definitely an edge of the seat read.

For all nail-biter lovers everywhere!

Buy:
Amazon
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iTunes

Defying Darkness by Thanna A. Setliff Book Review

I purchased this book when it was first released in December and finally found the time to sit and read it. It is a must for lovers of paranormal fiction of all kinds.



My review:

Dorian a ranger zeroes in on a vampire with a soul. She is starved and in trouble so curiosity and concern take over and he feels the urge to save her. That’s how Dorian and Maire meet. Throughout the story I fell in love with the electricity between them. Defying Darkness isn’t the usual vampire tale.

The author works her magic using folklore and twists to keep the reader pinned to the pages. She has an imagination that begs attention. And carefully plots and weaves a story that plays out on the mind of the reader. Through description and accented thoughts and conversation she adds realism and charm to each character.


This story is more than a paranormal romance. The intrigue and suspense levels are off the charts. It is an amazing start and a fabulous debut for author Thanna A. Setliff.

Find Thanna:
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Website

Amazon Author Page

Amazon - Defying Darkness (Worlds of Darkness Book 1)

Revamped Website

I just revamped my website, yeah! It looks amazing and I've had many compliments already.

I'm proud of myself because I know little about website design and muddled through the revamp. It seriously needed it as it looked messy like a tornado blew through it. Since I originally designed it I've published several more books and needed better organization not to mention a website design that'll grow with me.

Take a peek http://elleklass.weebly.com/

I also have all my paperback books on sale this month! You can shop the website or complete this form. If completing the form a paypal invoice will be sent.

My next big project will be revamping this blog only I'm not sure yet how. I'm still thinking about it. I'm also thinking of offering free author advertising and/or services but haven't decided yet, mostly because free author advertising would be time consuming and well I don't want to promise something that ends up more work than I can manage. 

If you have input write your comments below, and have an amazing day!

New Company for Authors

As an author, I often blog information for authors. Today's post is about a new company that offers a variety of services for authors.

They offer everything from editing and cover design to marketing.

I often see authors struggling to find a good editor and finding one is difficult. I'd say I've gotten lucky but not everyone is, and there's so many forms of editing.

When I published As Snow Falls I had no idea and didn't know any editors so I used createspace services. OK, no complaints the editor did what I asked but no one informed me about the differences in types of editing. Now, working on my ninth book I know all about editing and the various types and how important each one is. As an author they are all needed to publish the best book, one that readers want.

Book covers is another monster. Everyone wants you to buy their designs, problem is some of the designers don't have rights to the pictures they use or the cover just doesn't cut it. A good cover catches the eye of the reader before anything else so its important to have a great design.

Marketing is a nightmare. I've learned a trick or two but don't always have the time. Sometimes I weigh my options for the day, market or write. Most days I choose to write so having someone help market books is one less thing the author needs to worry about.

Here's a list of their services.

This post isn't only for authors. The company is new and still looking for high-quality employees. Click here for more info.

2015 Review

For the past several weeks I've been meaning to write a blog post but haven't. It's not lack of wanting, it's lack of other things. 2015 was a great year for me, also a very busy year.

In life we have accomplishments that blow our minds and those we shrug off, until this year I shrugged off most my accomplishments because they didn't truly mean a whole lot to me. I've been told I'm modest, truth is, eh, didn't care a whole lot. Graduated Summa Cum Laude, OK that was cool but, eh. Spent an entire 12 years doing the same job, double eh. I need variety. 18 years married, I'm more proud of my divorce. My children, I don't call that an accomplishment, that's love.

This year I accomplished stuff that means a lot to me. Writing is a passion, a life style, and one I will never give up, or my love for beaches.

In January I published Bite the Big Apple, the fourth book in the Baby Girl series. Then over the summer I placed all 4 Baby Girl Books into a box set due to reader requests.

In April I made my first trip to Key West for a friends wedding. The wedding was beautiful and Key West was amazing. It was a great trip. I saw the Atlantic and Gulf all in one day. I saw the sunrise and set over the ocean in one day.

In September I made a trip to the emerald coast, Pensacola Florida, with a group of friends. I've been in love with the white sands and dunes since childhood. It was a pleasure to visit again, and maybe one day my dream will come true and I'll live there.

In November, I released The Calm Before the Storm Evan's Sins, Volume 2 Ruthless Storm Trilogy, and accepted the Paranormal Fiction Finalist Award for Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy (Volume 1 Ruthless Storm Trilogy) in the International Reader's Favorite Awards. I drove to Miami and attended the ceremony. Now this was a biggie, not only because of the award but this series is my prize series. It's the books I write where all the demons inside my head plunge forward into characters, crawling out of the cobwebs and muck. Ruthless Storm are the books made of nightmares.

I brought my best friend with me to Miami and we took A1A along the coast, really beautiful. I also met with a friend of mine who lives in South Florida that I haven't seen in a few years. I loved catching up.

November was an exceptionally busy month as Baby Girl Box Set won an Official Selection Award for Young Adult Fiction from the New Apple Summer Book Awards. Two big awards in one year, could I ask for more?

In December, I made my first ever trip to Southwest Florida for a booksigning at P.J. Boox, an all indie book store. It was an overcast, rainy day but I got to see Fort Myers and drive along the coast. And visiting one of two all indie bookstores was a treat and the staff was fantastic!

Dec. 2, Caribbean Heat Baby Girl Book V was released. Of all the books that one was really one of my favorites to write. Cleo's older, nosey, and her life is still embedded in mystery.

My huge accomplishment is that my flipflops walked on beaches from one end of Florida to another and back again.

Later in December I flew to Mexico with my man, finally getting my passport stamped. We stayed on the Caribbean Coast and it was so beautiful and relaxing, I wanted to stay but ended up home again. The resort was out of this world, absolute paradise and I had the pleasure of visiting the Mayan City of Chichen Itza.

While in Mexico, Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy was finished in audio and released! My first book on audio!

2015 was a fabulous year and one I won't ever forget.

Thanks to everyone that made it possible, I'm hoping for a bigger and better year in 2016. Happy New Year!