Corinne’s life might look perfect on the outside, but after three failed IVF attempts it’s her last chance to have a baby. And when she finds a tiny part of a doll house outside her flat, it feels as if it’s a sign.
But as more pieces begin to turn up, Corinne realises that they are far too familiar. Someone knows about the miniature rocking horse and the little doll with its red velvet dress. Someone has been inside her house…
How does the stranger know so much about her life? How long have they been watching? And what are they waiting for…? Purchase a copy on Kobo UK.
About the Author:
Phoebe Morgan is an author and editor. She studied English at Leeds University after growing up in the Suffolk countryside. She has previously worked as a journalist and now edits crime and women’s fiction for a publishing house during the day, and writes her own books in the evenings. She lives in London. The Doll House is her debut novel. It became a bestseller, topping the iBooks charts at #1 and the Amazon charts at #35.
Looking for a suspenseful thriller to keep you on your toes? This one was about a doll house that the main characters father made them when they were little. Corinne's mom doesn't know what happened to it and everywhere Corinne turns a piece from the house keeps turning up out of no where. Corinne is stressed with trying to become pregnant and when she finds these miniature doll house toys she thinks someone is in the apartment. Her boyfriend seems to think it is just the stress of trying to get pregnant until stuff really starts to get strange. I found the story was a little slow moving until we get to the end and it really picks up. The author breaks the story up by changing characters each chapter. Also throughout the story we read about a character and her mother back then. We don't know who they are or why they are even in the book until everything comes together at the end. The story unfolds quickly and then everything makes sense.
I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it but I don't think I would read it again. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Faithful: Volume Five in this addictive and vicarious real-life series covers Meghan McDonnell’s third year in college, traveling, working in a diner and lounge, and explorations into rape, September 11, family, friendship, alcoholism, depression, mental illness, and the meaning of life.
For 30 years, McDonnell has intimately chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily experiences and observations of family, social and romantic relationships, and the interior life coalesce in a commentary on facing passion and fear, embracing the light and dark, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid and provocative in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, profoundly surprising, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Joan Didion or Karl Ove Knausgaard will enjoy this author.
Meghan McDonnell was born and raised in Seattle, majored in English at Western Washington University, and lived in Los Angeles for four years. She has held countless day jobs and recorded her experiences in her journals. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, cleans her house, does yoga, skis, watches vapid and extraordinary TV and movies, pretends to garden, obsesses over true crime podcasts, and imagines what it would be like to be an FBI agent. She lives in Walla Walla with her husband and two cats. Book Review by Carmen: I enjoyed this book in the series. Meghan still goes through her ups and downs, but she also expresses deeper thoughts in this one. I gave this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. *Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.
Peter Slade never thought he'd be coming home. But after his family is put in danger because of his past misdeeds, he has to reconcile with the son he abandoned years ago .
But his son has been in good hands. Liv Morgan has never been the nurturing type, but when hard times forced her to move in with her best friend and her orphaned nephew, she found herself being the adoptive mother to a troublemaker with a heart of gold.
Liv has no idea what trouble really is. When Slade rolls back in town and is ready to reconcile with his son, Liv finds herself walking the thin line between the estranged father and son. And as she's more and more drawn to Slade, she realizes that if things go wrong, it will be more than just her heart breaking.
But Slade came back for a reason. His family is in danger. Liv might think that keeping him away will protect her heart, but he wants her body safe too and to do that, he's going to have to stay close. Liv is about to learn that revenge has never been this sexy...
Mallory Crowe is the award winning author of the Fractured Farrells series, the Bad Boys of the
Underworld series and many other novels. She grew up surrounded by rescue dogs and escaping into romance books whenever possible. After trying to do the "adult" thing by getting an accounting degree and CPA license, she decided to try her hand at writing and never looked back.
An avid traveler, reader, and Netflix addict, Mallory currently lives in Michigan, with her neurotic but laid back dog.
www.MalloryCrowe.com
www.MalloryCroweParanormal.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMalloryCrowe/
@CroweInk
Excerpt from The Vengeful Thief
He started with the first and most obvious question. “Who are you?”
She tilted her head and stared at him in shock. “Who am I? Who the hell are you? You come into my bedroom unannounced and put your meaty hands on me and you expect me to—”
“I’m Peter Slade. This is my house. I’m looking for my sister.”
If she’d looked shocked before, she was damn near flabbergasted now. She started to shake her head and backed away as she ran one hand up and down her arm. “No… Peter Slade is dead.”
“That’s what a lot of people think. Where is Melissa? I know she still lives here. Who are you to her? Where is Josh?” He knew it was stupid to ask more than one question at a time while beginning an interrogation, but it was still hard for him to think straight after the strange introduction to the woman.
“I, wait—I need you to go back. You’re Melissa’s brother? What the fuck gives you the right to just walk in here, even if you are related?”
“I knocked. No one answered and the door was open so I took my chances. I figured this would be Melissa’s bedroom but instead I found you.” He gestured to the bed and went silent as a blush crept up the woman’s cheeks.
Damn, she was cute before, but now that she was such a sexy shade of pink it was damn near unbearable to look at her.
She must’ve been flustered too because she started to ramble a little bit. “I was here because this was Melissa’s parents’ room and she never felt right sleeping here. Besides, the room she took is right next to Josh’s, and when he was younger, she liked being closer to him and now that’s just
kind of how things are and moving furniture is too much of a pain. Wait, I have no reason to actually think you’re Peter Slade and anyone could’ve told you what kind of bike he rides.”
He frowned. “What do you know about my bike?”
She shrugged and her eyes widened as though she realized she’d said something wrong. “Nothing. I mean, I saw you in town earlier. At least I think it was you. Melissa said it was your bike but I didn’t think it was you because you’re, you know, dead. But now that you’re here and you’re obviously not dead, I’m starting to think that it was you I saw and that you still have your motorcycle, so that’s all I know about your bike, okay?”
So Melissa might know he was in town? He shouldn’t be upset about that, but he was. He wanted this re-introduction to his sister to go on his terms. Shit.
If he was screwed with Melissa, he could only hope that his introduction with Josh would go better. “Where is my son?”
The woman scoffed. “You’ve got some balls on you to call him that. That kid has idolized his poor deceased father for years, and now you’re going to roll in here and—”
He wasn’t going to sit here and be scolded by this chick who knew nothing about him or his past. “Where is he?”
She held her arm tighter to her side. “That’s none of your business, no matter who you are to him. Now get out of my house.”
Her— Like hell. “This house belongs to Melissa Slade. Who are you exactly?”
She stiffened and he could tell he hit a nerve somehow, but he wasn’t really sure what. “I’m Olivia Marton. I’m Melissa’s best friend and Josh’s second mother. You know. To help replace his dead father,” she said with a pointed glare, hitting him right where it hurt.
Elsewhere is the fourth installment of the personal journals in which, for almost 30 years, writer Meghan McDonnell has chronicled her life beginning at age eight through present day. With searing candor and tenderness, her musings on daily life and observations of family, social and romantic relationships coalesce in a commentary on challenges, facing down passion and fear, and American life in the 21st century. Wide in scope and vivid in detail, her journals are her confessional love letter to the world. Join her on a fearless, vulnerable, sometimes painful and quixotic, but always honest journey, also known as the human experience. Readers who love Cheryl Strayed or Karl Ove Knausgaard will enjoy this author.
In volume four of this addictive and vicarious series, McDonnell visits New York and London, walks away from her first love, begins her foray into acting, wades through family friction, and goes back to college.
Meghan McDonnell was born and raised in Seattle, majored in English at Western Washington University, and lived in Los Angeles for four years. She has held countless day jobs and recorded her experiences in her journals. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends time outdoors, solves crossword puzzles, cleans her house, does yoga, skis, watches vapid and extraordinary TV and movies, pretends to garden, obsesses over true crime podcasts, and imagines what it would be like to be an FBI agent. She lives in Walla Walla with her husband and two cats.
Book Review by Carmen: It was nice getting back into this series again. Meghan has a slightly brighter outlook at times. I gave this book a four star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. *Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.
I could feel his eyes on me, and I did my best not to look at him. His eyes were burning holes into me; I could feel it. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. "Stop. Looking. At. Me," I growled between my teeth quietly to the boy less than three feet from me. What was his problem? Was he trying to cheat on the test or something? Poor choice on his part, I didn't know any of the material either. Ha. Is that a victory? I feel like it's not.
Anika Mason—simple name. Brown hair—average color. Blue eyes—she wishes they were brown. Anika thought life was pretty normal before she manages to attract the obsessive attentions of the new boy at school and now she needs to get rid of him, and fast. But when she's forced to lie about having a boyfriend to get him to back off, she unintentionally gives him the name of the biggest player in the school; Brady Morrison. She doesn’t like him, he barely knows she exists. And now she has to pretend she’s dating him. Perfect.
Kansas born like almost every one of my nine cousins (a number which increases almost every year or two), I'm a middle child between two brothers. I started writing when I was twelve or thirteen, writing mostly just Warriors parodies in a note pad to amuse myself here and there. I never really thought much of it, until I started creating my own worlds. It amazed me, really; that I could just create entire worlds and people out of thin air—people I wished existed, people for those people to hate, people for those people to love, and places within that world where they could go and interact. I could ship characters and then make it happen, just because I wanted to.
Once I started really writing, I didn't stop. I became interested in learning about writing and writing styles, and ended up taking both of the available Creative Writing classes in high school. The first book I ever finished from start to finish was Mine, and I started writing it as a freshman in high school, and quit on it several times.
Eventually, sometime in sophomore year I finished it and uploaded it to Inkitt later that year. Amazingly enough, the story I had uploaded just for fun gathered attention and put me as number one trending at one point, and for the first time I began to get actual reviews from people reading it. It was surreal to me when I was lucky enough to get a message from the Inkitt team saying that they were interested in striking up a publishing contract with me towards the end of my junior year, and I'm proud to be working with the people of this team. A fun fact, the set release date of my first ever book (Mine) was exactly one month after my seventeenth birthday. Seeing my book in my hand gave me the drive to improve from here, and to grow as an author.
Book Review by Carmen:
The thing that I liked about this book was the different first person POV's. The influence that Anika Mason seems to have with her friends seemed a bit unrealistic, as well as the tiny bit of Foster Wood's back story. Overall, this was a decent story and I ended up giving it a three star rating and got a copy in exchange for an honest review. *Please be sure to support the author by buying their books and connecting with them on social media.
The happenings in your life are not erratic, whimsical occurrences. They are external expressions of the content of your energy field.
Before there is matter, there is energy. Your thoughts, beliefs, history and soul attributes exist as energy in your energy field. They create the reality that you know. When you change the content of your energy field, you change your life.
The Workings of Energy shows you how energy operates in your energy field and offers tools to successfully work with energy. When you have this crucial knowledge, you have power; you can consciously work with energy to create your life.
Zorica Gojkovic, Ph.D., is a professional psychic consulting with people all over the world. By reading energy in their aura, she helps clients heal core issues, realize their soul potential and experience ever-greater joy, love and peace.
She received her Ph.D. in English. Her dissertation is about evolution of consciousness, mysticism and physics as they relate to the novel. Giving psychic readings has significantly expanded this original research.
By reading energy in their aura, she helps clients heal core issues, realize their soul potential and experience ever-greater joy, love and peace.
“Simple is as simple loves.”
Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found.
Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.
But one autumn day she overhears two boys having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal.
Compulsivelyreadable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut. Buy on Amazon Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An
award winning communicator, she now writes from her home in Florida about
things closest to the heart: home, family, and love. Her debut novel will
be published Fall 2017.
I love romance books. I love how I can see deeply into another person’s relationship and understand what love means in their context. Let’s look at the times when romance books make us feel the most:
1.When love is rejected. There is nothing worse than getting up the courage to tell someone how you feel only to be rejected. The best romance books make your heart hurt for the rejected person but also keep you rooting for them. We wouldn't have it any other way!
2.When you fall in love with a character BUT they aren't real. How many times have you read about someone only to be heartbroken that they don't exists? I had one person in reaction to the 'The Simple Soul of Susan' ask: 'Where are all the Calders of the world? I want my own!!' To which I asked: 'Where are all the Susan's of the world? Find them, and you will find the Calders. If you can't find any Susans become one. I did!'
3.When they end. When a good romance book ends, it feels like your best friend just died. Those characters that you surrounded yourself with must stay in the book as you move on and live your life. It's hard, but never forget the good times that's were shared. They won't. :)
If you love books that get you in the feels check out The Simple Soul of Susan, now available! Video trailer: http://bit.ly/SimpleBookTrailer
They say marriage lasts until "death do us part," but Kelly Ginsberg has stumbled upon a way around that vow and the witch who can make it happen. Yet, Derek Cranston would love to make Kelly his - if Kelly can only stop bringing her husband back to life, leaving the past and moving on to the future. The flames of passion will once again ignite Come Halloween, but with who?
For Emma Rochester, hookups in bars were less than fulfilling. Oh, the guys she picked up in bars were great for sex, but that’s all it was—sex. Normal, boring, every day sex. Emma wanted more than the normal vanilla ice cream served in careful scoops. She wanted rocky road mixed with turtle mixed with Neapolitan.
For the latest news on Robbie's releases, upcoming events and appearances, and special giveaways, join his newsletter - http://bit.ly/23CFhQQ
Robbie started writing as a way to escape - escape his teachers, escape his fears, even to escape his insecurities and doubts. However, his stories of seduction and adventure, not only allowed him to hide in the lives of his characters, but also captivated those who wanted to escape with him. Now, he enjoys a full-time career as a storyteller and novelist, and invites readers to runaway with him- to escape, getting lost in the seduction of adventure.
When he is not writing, Robbie can be found on his back porch enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and a good story. He derives pleasure from his large family and his crazy group of friends who provide the inspiration for his blog The Mess that Is Me.
He is the author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Warrior of the Way, along with the paranormal series, The Witches of Savannah. His Contemporary Romance series includes The Rutherford Series, The Harper Twins, and the Fangirls series.
Two distant relatives, drawn together in companionship are forced to confront their pasts and learn that some people are good at keeping secrets and some secrets are never meant to be kept. The beautiful old Bath House in Ballytokeep has lain empty and abandoned for decades. For devoted pensioners Archie and Iris, it holds too many conflicting memories of their adolescent dalliances and tragic consequences – sometimes it's better to leave the past where it belongs. For highflying, top London divorce lawyer Kate Hunt, it's a fresh start – maybe even her future. On a winter visit to see her estranged Aunt Iris she falls in love with the Bath House. Inspired, she moves to Ballytokeep leaving her past heartache 600 miles away – but can you ever escape your past or your destiny?
I was born in Ireland and live still in the west of Ireland with my husband, four children and overweight cat. I gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway. I have worked as a fashion model, an event’s organiser and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector.
I was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair – an international competition for emerging writers.
My debut novel, ‘My Husband’s Wives,’ is a contemporary women’s fiction novel set in Dublin. It was published in May 2016 by Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus). My second Novel 'Secrets We Keep' is out in February 2017. It's set in the west of Ireland. A story of two women and how they find love when and where they least expect to.
This is an easy read, a beach read, women's lit with some romance. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book as I wasn't a fan of Kate's ex, Todd. I didn't want to see Kate bother with him after the hurt he caused her. The story did grow on me as I continued to read on. I did love the backdrop in the little tourist village and the story with Kate's relatives gave it a different feel. Jumping into the past and back to the present to learn about Kate's family - Iris, Archie and Robert. Learning all the secrets people have kept for years. This story was very well written and I look forward to reading more from Faith Hogan in the future.
I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Written by Jennifer ~* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *~
From the darkest skies to the deepest seas, dive into a breathtaking collision of mermaids, dragons, sirens, and more in SIRENS & SCALES, a unique Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Collection!
Your travels through these stories of dazzling ocean tides and the dizzying reaches of the heavens will leave you breathless. Join dragon shifters and mer-creatures for an experience of salty seafaring adventures and magnificent airborne enterprises where sky meets sea, love meets its match, and imagination has no end.
With 26 full-length stories of enchanting fiction, you’ll learn the secrets of Atlantis, soar to uncharted peaks, and discover creatures of wing and fin and those who love them.
Ready to set sail and catch the tide before your chance for adventure is lost forever? Then order this collection of BRAND NEW and EXCLUSIVE material from your favorite USA Today and award-winning authors before it’s gone for good!
APOCALYPSE DOES NOT MEAN THE END....IT ONLY MEANS CHANGE!
Nikki thought she was crazy. Now she knows that not only is the voice in her head real, it the voice of a goddess!
David is a devout Catholic. Can he continue to cling to his faith in the light of what is going on around him?
Cardinal Santarem knows the truth. But he is not going to let it tear down two thousand years of religious domination.
Amber is a self-absorbed Hollywood starlet. She is the last person anyone would choose to become a mother, let alone the one who will fulfill the Prophecy of the Awakening. Purchase Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Website
Daniel A. Willis writes both fiction and nonfiction. In his historical works, he describes the world as it was. In his fantasy novels, he envisions it as it could be. A native of Ohio, Mr. Willis has called Colorado home for three decades.
Casinos, gambling, money, and women, these are all the things Las Vegas has to offer. For a handsome business entrepreneur it’s paradise.
Wearing success like a well-tailored suit, Liam Doyle knows exactly how to lure customers into his grand casino hotels. Every night it’s business as usual while he runs his multi-million dollar empire…until a pesky protester catches his attention.
Staging a one-woman protest, Kate Callender has the potential to be a huge pain in his ass. If he doesn’t take care of her soon, there will be bad publicity slapped all over Vice, the newest addition to his chain of casinos.
But there’s just one tiny little problem Liam didn’t count on—the feisty red-head isn’t about to go down easily. She’s fighting him every step of the way…and he’s starting to like it.
“You,” she said on a breath.
“Me.” His enticing blue eyes traveled up and down the length of her, one eyebrow raised in frank admiration. “You obviously didn’t do your homework.”
Outrage surged through her system. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were yesterday? Why did you let me embarrass myself like that?”
The smirk disappeared, to be replaced by a mild expression of boredom. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. I always try to size up the competition.”
Doyle walked toward her, his large hand extended. The light in his eyes now hinted not so much at merriment as it did danger. She caught a whiff of her favorite men’s cologne by Michael Kors. She’d bought it for an old boyfriend once, but it smelled way better on Liam, as if it were an extension of his persona.
His entire ensemble, designer suit, pressed pants, and navy blue paisley tie, reeked of power and privilege that drew her like a moth to a flame. Damn, she’d always been a sucker for a man in a good suit. Get a hold of yourself, Kate. He’s hot, but so is the Devil.
He kept his hand out. “Please allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m Liam Doyle.” His gaze drifted toward her neckline and back up again. “I think you’ve heard of me.”
Wishing she didn’t have to, she took his hand. Electricity shot through her and that damned perspiration appeared on her upper lip again. His grip was that of a man who took what he wanted, when he wanted.
She held her head high. “Kate Callender.”
He held her hand for a moment, his gaze locked on hers. He then gestured toward the counter, where a teak tray was laden with biscuits and what smelled like expensive coffee. No Folgers crystals for this guy. “Coffee?”
“No, thank you.”
“Tea?”
“No.”
“So we’re done with the niceties, then?”
“I didn’t come here for niceties.”
“Then you’ve come to the right place.” Liam sat on one of the couches, motioning for her to do the same. She continued to stand. Something in his wolf-like gaze hardened even further. “Ms. Callender, why are you picketing my casino?”
His direct question set her even more on edge. She cleared her throat. “I have a right to protest what I see as wrong.”
His grim smile might have made a grown man sweat, but she didn’t look away. “Let me put this another way. Las Vegas is home to numerous casinos. Why mine?”
“If I’m trying to make a point, it only stands to reason I’d pick the most popular casino. I suppose I should congratulate you. Only open for two days, and Vice is already a hit. You must be so proud.”
“Yes. Despite having my grand opening spoiled.”
“Oh.” She inclined her head in mock sympathy. “I’m so not sorry.”
He peered at her, narrowing his eyes. “Are you a Bible-thumper?”
“No.”
“Campaigning politician?
Despite her unease, she laughed. “Do I look like Hilary Clinton?”
He looked her up and down, as if her vocation were scrawled somewhere on her and he simply needed to find it. “Aspiring actress? This is probably a publicity stunt to get you viral on YouTube? Trying to get an audition here as a showgirl? Sorry, I don’t use them. The whole concept is dated and demeaning to my female clientele.”
Okay, he got some points for that statement. “I’m not a dancer. I’m a singer.”
It was his turn to laugh. Despite the bitter tone, his deep timber called to her. “Same difference.” He stood. “I’m not auditioning you, Ms. Callender, as fun as it would be to get you on the casting couch.” And there he lost those points again. “Have a nice day.”
“Wait! I’m not trying to get an audition. You need to listen to me.” In a nervous reaction, she fingered the pearl choker at her neck, the one thing she had left of her mother. The one thing her father hadn’t pawned.
Doyle turned back to her, one brow raised. “No, I don’t.” He eyed how she gripped her choker. “So you can take your fake pearl necklace and your sneakers and your attitude and go home.”
Her attitude? “No. You let me up here. I’m not leaving until you hear me out.” She let go of the choker and let her hands fall to her sides. “And my pearls aren’t fake.”
“Why are you here, Ms. Callender? Did you lose money at one of my casinos on your last night out with the girls?”
She didn’t want to dignify that with a response, but a smug statement like that couldn’t go unchallenged. “I’m not a gambler.”
He leaned against the armrest of the cushy couch and surveyed her through hooded eyes. “Ah, and now we come to the crux of the matter. So, you’re a do-gooder. Let me guess. Gam-Anon?”
“New Horizons.”
“Never heard of them.”
“That doesn’t mean we don’t exist. And unfortunately, there are lots of us. Far too many. What does that tell you, Mr. Doyle?”
Liam’s lips twitched into a smile that appeared slightly more friendly than his poker face, as if he enjoyed their banter. He loosened his tie, but his focused gaze continued to grate on her nerves. She stared at the strip of indigo silk at his throat, and was struck by a bizarre and unbidden image.
Her, on his bed. Her hands bound with his expensive tie.
The strange pounding in her head must have been her racing heart. Where did that come from? Focus, Kate, focus.
“I’m not just here because it’s something I believe in. I’m here because my group gets bigger every goddamn week,” she said, concentrating on the task at hand, rather than Liam Doyle’s bed. Lisa’s sad face appeared in her mind, as well as those of her children, the ones who’d spent the last two nights crying for their daddy. Kate blinked away the tears which threatened and aimed her burning gaze at Doyle. “I don’t respect your work, Mr. Doyle. And I don’t respect you.”
From the furrow of his brow, Kate thought she’d struck a nerve. His tanned skin seemed paler. After a moment, he said, “So you’re trying to take down my casino with a one-woman picket line? No offense, but I’ve seen better protests at a garage sale.”
“I’m trying to create awareness.” Kate stood, having already had enough of their uncomfortable conversation. “I’m not a fool. My intention is not to shut down Las Vegas, or your casino. That’ll never happen. But if I can make a small dent in the wallet of the Strip’s wealthiest hustler during his opening week, then maybe people will take notice. Have you never thought about the addictions riding your customers? Have you ever spent time chatting with the compulsive gamblers downstairs? Because I bet you’d hear a lot of stories. And believe me, the worst ones are the ones they don’t tell.” She paused for breath. “My friend’s husband is probably down there right now, feeding your slot machines instead of his kids.”
“Hold on. Don’t pin that on me.”
“Oh? Who do I pin it on?”
“Look, if you want a donation, I already make plenty. Believe me, I make regular donations to people like Gam-Anon. You know, legitimate charities.”
“I’m not here for money, but clearly you are.” The words spilled out of her, kick-started by adrenaline. “You’re a wealthy man. Did you have to open casinos? Were they such a passion for you? Couldn’t you have opened, I don’t know, a supermarket chain instead? Or was that not sexy enough for the great Liam Doyle?”
His lips compressed. Had her comment hit home? Good.
“You have no right…”
“I have every right.” Her face was burning now. “If I can save even a few lost souls from places like this, then I’ll sleep a whole lot easier.”
She had to get out before she started crying. She wanted to leave with her head held high. Leave him thinking. She turned and headed for the elevator, but he grabbed her hand before she could get away.
“Wait.”
Kate yanked her hand out of his grip. “How do you even sleep, Mr. Doyle?”
His eyes bored into her. “Like a rock. But that crown of thorns must keep you up at night.”
She tried to appear like she was still in control, but that had hurt. “You just keep telling yourself that.”
Kate marched to the elevator and punched the button. As the door opened, she threw a look back at him.
“By the way, I will be back. I’ll show you how many lives have been devastated by your casinos.” She walked into the lift, even though she felt like running. She didn’t look back.
Liam called out to her. “Watch your step, Ms. Callender. I don’t forgive and forget.”
She channeled her last ounce of bravado before the doors shut. “You really should see someone for that. I hear being an asshole can be terminal.”
Once the elevator began its descent, Kate leaned against the back of the small space and closed her eyes, winded by her hostile exchange with Doyle. She didn’t open them again until the door opened.
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published romance author. Winner of the Reader’s Choice 2015 in Paranormal Romance at The Romance Reviews, Rosanna draws on her love of mythology for her books on Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance.
many other novels. She grew up surrounded by rescue dogs and escaping into romance books whenever possible. After trying to do the "adult" thing by getting an accounting degree and CPA license, she decided to try her hand at writing and never looked back.
