Tag: #Suspense

Posted in Cover Reveals

Dangerous Decisions #CoverReveal

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Dangerous Decisions
Evie Jacobs
Publication date: September 30th 2025
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

They’re chasing the truth straight into each other’s arms.

When CIA agent Angie Liu disobeys orders by looking into the mysterious death of an informant, her investigation leads her to Jamaica. To get out of the U.S. undetected, she must turn to the last man she wants to ask for help–the sexy, one-night stand she ran out on who just happens to be her dead informant’s son.

Nate Hughes wrote his father off as a drug smuggler. But after his dad’s possible murder reveals another side of the story, Nate will stop at nothing to get answers. And when the beautiful woman who bolted from his hotel room shows up at his family airline in need of an unofficial ride to the Caribbean, he’s not about to let her out of his sight.

Angie doesn’t want to fall for the handsome-but-gruff son of a former asset, and Nate wants nothing to do with the organization that may have set his dad up to be murdered. But neither is prepared for the feelings that surface–or how much they’ll need the other to stay alive.

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Author Bio:

Evie Jacobs is an award-winning author of romantic suspense. She loves grumpy heroes, forced proximity, and a good sex scene. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two cats, and seven bicycles.

For more information about me and my books, please visit my website: eviejacobsuathor.com.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / Bookbub


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Posted in Book Tours

The Unlikely Spare

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

The Unlikely Spare
Jax Calder
(Unlikely Dilemmas, )
Publication date: August 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Suspense

What happens when a prince falls for the undercover agent pretending to be his bodyguard?

Nicholas
I’m the spare, the younger brother of the Prince of Wales. Ever since I was propelled up the order of succession, my job description has been: Exist. Don’t embarrass the Crown. Repeat.

After a security scandal, I’m assigned a new bodyguard. A hulking, brooding Irishman who glowers at me like I’ve personally offended his ancestors. He’s the first to be completely immune to my charm, which is rather inconvenient when you’ve always wielded wit like a defensive weapon.

And why I feel the need to continue trying to impress Officer O’Connell is anyone’s guess.

My upcoming royal tour of Australia and New Zealand should be a nice chance to escape the British winter and bask in some Southern Hemisphere sunshine. But it turns out that representing the monarchy in former colonial countries means confronting some uncomfortable truths about how all those Crown Jewels ended up in my family’s vaults.

And the whole visit would really be far more enjoyable if someone wasn’t trying to kill me.

Eoin
I’ve clawed my way from the slums of Ireland to the top level of Scotland Yard’s undercover agents. But a deep security breach within the force has me investigating my own colleagues while playing bodyguard to a privileged prince on a tour Down Under.

Something about Prince Nicholas gets under my skin like shrapnel I can’t dig out.

Still, I’m a professional. I can handle one posh git with a smart mouth.

But as we navigate koala cuddling sessions, didgeridoo lessons, and deadly spiders in hotel rooms, I see beneath Nicholas’s princely façade. I’m supposed to uncover which of my fellow bodyguards is a threat to Prince Nicholas, not become obsessed with the most complex, fascinating pain in my arse I’ve ever met.

The line between duty and desire blurs with each passing day and the danger to Nicholas intensifies.

How can I maintain my cover, protect Nicholas, and resist the urge to press him against the nearest wall and kiss that smirk off his face?

The Unlikely Spare is a royal romantic comedy/suspense featuring a party prince learning his place in the world and an undercover bodyguard with a chip on his shoulder. As threats escalate and attraction intensifies, both men must decide what they’re willing to risk—and what they’re willing to fight for.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

A violent rustling erupts from a nearby thicket, and something bursts upward in an explosion of noise and movement, heading directly toward Nicholas’s face.

My training kicks in. Movement equals threat, threat equals action.

I launch forward, tackling Nicholas sideways. We hit the ground hard, my body curving protectively over his. One of my arms cradles the back of his head, preventing it from cracking against the frozen earth while my torso shields his. My free hand reaches instinctively for my weapon.

Only then do I register wings beating frantically above us.

Fuck.

Nicholas lies perfectly still beneath me, those winter-ocean eyes wide with shock. My face hovers inches from his, close enough to count individual eyelashes. His breath comes in short puffs, visible in the cold air between us.

For a few heartbeats, we simply stare at each other.

“That,” Nicholas says finally, voice strained, “was a partridge. Not an assassin.”

I’m suddenly acutely aware of every point where our bodies connect. My chest against his, my leg between his thighs, my hand still cradling his head.

His hair is soft, dark silk under my calloused palms. The scent of his cologne fills my nostrils, something crisp and woodsy. His pupils have dilated, black nearly swallowing that impossible blue.

His lips part, just a fraction, and fuck if I don’t track the movement like it matters.

Heat spreads from every point where we’re pressed together. A flush crawls up his neck. I know I should look away, but I can’t.

Why the hell can’t I drag my eyes away from this man’s face?

The dogs are circling us, the yellow retriever licking enthusiastically at Nicholas’s ear.

“I’d really appreciate it,” Nicholas continues in an icy tone, “if you could remove your elbow from my spleen.”

Fuck. I roll away from him, my knee sinking into the frozen mud with a squelch as I get to my feet.

Nicholas remains splayed on the ground, leaves tangled in his dark hair, a smudge of dirt across his cheek.

“We must stop this little trend of finding ourselves in compromising positions,” he says as he pushes himself up on his elbows. “At this rate, I’ll need to start charging you rent for all the time you spend in my personal space.”

He reaches up a hand imperiously.

Author Bio:

Jax’s stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax’s Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter


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Posted in Book Tours

Stalled Descent

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Stalled Descent
Kel O’Connor
(DAG Team Series, )
Publication date: August 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Thriller

A man forced to work for the enemy and a woman on the run from her past…

For years, ace pilot Archie McKinley has been living a double life. Now that his role as a mole within DAG has been exposed, he has one chance to make things right: take down Elliot Essa, the man who’s held him captive with threats and manipulation for over a decade.

To infiltrate the impenetrable Red Winter compound, Archie needs help from the team he deceived and the one person who truly knows him—Meret Shahid, his childhood partner-in-crime turned photographer. The girl who once earned the nickname “the Imp” in their small Iranian village might be his only shot at redemption. But Meret has her own demons from Red Winter, and returning to the organization she barely escaped could cost her everything.

As Archie grapples with guilt over his betrayal and his growing feelings for Meret, they must navigate new threats, uneasy alliances, and shocking revelations. The mission is clear: destroy Red Winter’s empire and free the innocent families trapped within it.

But the price of redemption may be higher than either of them is willing to pay.

This book is a full-length romance with a happy ending. It is part of a 4-book interconnected series where each book features a different couple.
This is a steamy romance for readers 18+

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

The knock on her door had her glancing at the clock. Archie likely wanted her dinner order, even though it was a bit early. She opened the door before she considered her outfit. She’d changed into a tank top and loose shorts after lunch. For comfort. Which, of course, included ditching her bra.

Too late to turn back. She opened the door halfway and hid behind it as much as possible. Surprisingly, Archie walked a few steps into the room instead of remaining outside. When he turned to her, all the moisture in her mouth dried up.

Meret bit the inside of her cheek rather than moan out loud. Gray sweatpants hung so low on his hips, she saw the white elastic band of his underwear. A light dusting of dark hair curled across the top of his chest. There was none on his perfect abs and only a thin trail that began under his navel. The bruises from his recent fight were fading to a greenish yellow along the left side of his torso.

There were scars on his tanned skin, including a long strip across his shoulder, possibly from a knife. On his right bicep, there was a corner of a tattoo showing, but she couldn’t make out the design from this angle. Of course, he was still an agent, maintaining the top-shelf physical fitness that was required. Damn, he was beautiful.

Archie bit his lip, chagrin obvious on his face. He took a deep breath, shook his shoulders, and all the awkwardness fell away, replaced by steely determination. Meret swayed, mesmerized at the transformation. He held her gaze and this time, his voice was strong.

“What happened between us on the boat was good. But we can do much better.”

Shock held her muted. This was not what she’d expected, but oh, was it what she wanted. Her fingers flexed as electricity shot through her in anticipation. She tightened her mouth, loathe to say the wrong thing. Best to let him do the talking.

He continued, “I’m aware my experience and skills are lacking, but I’ve been studying.”

Her mouth fell open, and she managed a single word, “Studying?”

His slow grin was equally charming and sexual, even showing a hint of teeth. Her lungs shrank at least four sizes as she tried to breathe. What was happening? She was 90% sure she wasn’t dreaming. He was not only discussing her and sex, he had smiled.

His voice lowered, and she felt the vibration between her legs. “Yeah. Reading the sexy parts of romance books. I assumed it was better than watching porn made for men.”

Oh, dear God in heaven. Which books? Steamy, spicy, kinky? Okay, she’d gladly take any of the above, even if kinky was not her preference. Her nipples hardened until it was almost painful.

They both chuckled a bit, and he added, “Plus, there are actually helpful instructional websites. I only need someone to test my knowledge on.” His expression morphed to sincere. “Meret, you are the only person I want to touch me.”

Tears stung the back of her eyelids at his confession. What courage it took for him to lay it all out for her. She was honored, but mostly, she was aroused. His fiery gaze roamed all over her body, clad only in the thin tank top and short shorts. His growing erection became obvious under the loose sweats. She stood rooted to the spot in shock, so he moved closer.

He looked feral, reckless, slowly stalking towards her like a predator.

Why did she think he was reckless? Agents were never reckless. They always had a plan. And two backup plans, plus an “oh shit, everything has gone to hell” plan.

What was her plan? Meet him halfway, yank his head down for a kiss? Hold up a hand to stop him? Plot an escape? Oh, hell no.

Suddenly, she didn’t want a plan. It was time to live in the moment. He wouldn’t harm her as long as she held her heart back. Sparks sizzled along her skin, put there by the singular focus in his eyes. For this moment, she would join him in recklessness. Her anxiety broke free, and she waited for him to reach her.

Author Bio:

Winner of the Pencraft Award and The Chill Award and a finalist for The Book Buyers Best Award, The Maggie Award for Excellence and The Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, Kel lives with her family in the mountains of North Carolina. In addition to reading and writing, she loves coffee, loud rock music, subversive humor and the smell of old books. You can find her online on Instagram, Facebook and at keloconnor.com.

3 Random Facts about Kel:
* She will buy almost anything if it is a hot pink color
* She watches any and every show/movie about crime-fighting, spies, detective work or secret agents
* She and her husband once owned a humor store

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X


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Posted in Book Tours

Revenge

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Love, Bullets, and a Second Chance — Will They Survive the Crossfire?


Revenge

The FBI Tampa Mystery Series Book 1

by A.M. Holloway

Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller



Love, Bullets, and a Second Chance — Will They Survive the Crossfire?

When FBI Special Agent Micah French joins a high-risk pursuit through the streets of Tampa, he never expects the day to end with his partner shot and the woman he once loved holding his partner’s life in her hands.

Finley Herald, the surgeon who broke his heart a decade ago, now lives in Tampa. She’s saving lives at Tampa General and possibly risking her own when a vengeful cartel leader wages war against the agents involved in his brother’s death.

As bullets fly, allies fall, and a trail of revenge stretches from Mexico to Florida, Micah must navigate a storm of violence, betrayal, and second chances.

Every decision could be his last, and Finley’s reappearance threatens to shatter the emotional defenses he’s spent years building.

This book is a gripping blend of action, faith, and romance, where love may be the deadliest risk of all.


 **Get it for Only .99cents 8/24 – 8/26!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads



A.M. Holloway is an author of clean murder mysteries where crime and suspense take hold. Her catalog spans five series. A.M., who is married, relies on her husband’s expertise in the CSI field to ensure accuracy in her books. She was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in Central Florida. When not writing, you will find her with her family, enjoying the outdoors, or sitting in her favorite chair, daydreaming about her next book.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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Posted in Book Tours

False Faces

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A cop goes undercover to investigate the murder of a woman on New York’s Fire Island: “A good yarn populated with well-drawn characters” (Booklist).

Alison, a young, single Manhattan retail buyer, first met Linda seven years ago, when both answered the same classified ad for a Fire Island share. Since then, they’ve been returning to Seaside Harbor every summer weekend.

But one night, after leaving Crane’s, a famed singles bar, Linda is found murdered, and Alison starts to realize how little she really knows about her housemate. Is the killer a spurned suitor? What about the mysterious lover back in the city Linda had spoken of—but whom Alison has never met?

Meanwhile, Long Island police officer Joe DiGregorio has been assigned to work undercover on the case, posing as a yuppie accountant. Together, Joe and Alison—who is unaware of Joe’s real identity—are about to unravel Linda’s many secrets . . .

“With refreshing insight, Margolis conveys the intensity and the crass materialism that are the hallmarks of a certain breed of young professionals.” —Publishers Weekly


Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A beautiful, enigmatic weekender in yuppie Seaside Harbor, N.Y., is murdered one balmy summer night in this hip and urbane debut work. Ostensibly, Linda Levinson had no enemies. However, accounts vary about her character, as police officer Joe DiGregorio (Joe D) learns when he’s assigned to the homicide investigation. To her roommate, Linda was a good though moody friend. To her latest one-night stand, Linda was a castrating bitch. To her boss, the dead woman was “quiet . . . sweet . . . didn’t go out much.” Turns out he was also her sugar daddy and extremely subjective about her personality. Acting on a hunch that the victim was leading a double life, Joe D discovers that Linda was running a stock-market scam. Her partner in the con becomes the chief suspect in her slaying, but soon turns up a homicide statistic himself. The murderer, trying to add Joe D to the growing list of victims, succeeds in putting him out of commission–briefly. Battered yet unstoppable, Joe D finds that the human ego can be a lethal weapon. With refreshing insight, Margolis conveys the intensity and the crass materialism that are the hallmarks of a certain breed of young professionals.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Fire Island cop Joe DiGregorio goes undercover to find out who killed quietly swinging single Linda Levinson on her way home from legendary nightspot Crane’s. Disguised as an accountant(!), Joe D. takes a share in a local house, hunts up Linda’s housemate Alison Rosen, finds himself in bed with her after their first evening at Crane’s, and wonders how he’s going to break the news to his almost- fianc‚e Marie, as he focuses on the three men in Linda’s life: her long-standing married lover Jonathan Golland, her last one-night stand Rob Lewis, and Eric Farber, who turns out to be her partner in a securities scam. The plot lurches along rather than thickening; first it looks like Farber, then Lewis, then maybe Golland–no, Farber . . . First-novelist Margolis is best at evoking the intently vacuous ambiance of Fire Island (“I think you’re ready for number two on your face”); his characters and mystery, though, are strictly from hunger. — Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Seth Margolis live with his wife in New York City and has two grown children. He received a BA in English from the University of Rochester and an MBA in marketing from New York University’s Stern School of Business Administration. When not writing fiction, he is a branding consultant for a wide range of companies, primarily in the financial services, technology and pharmaceutical industries. He has written articles for the New York Times and other publications on travel and entertainment.