Hi everyone!

A big shout out of thanks to Delilah for having me on her blog. This time of year, I’m all about Halloween… and of course murder…and well doughnuts…and vodka. My newest book is a novella about all those things!

Murder and Treats

Lila Maxwell is coaxed into attending All Treats, a Halloween speed dating event by her best friend. Instead of the soul mate promised one Halloween ghoul after another appears at her door until Cowboy Bill.

Jax Carlson has spent the last year focusing all of his attention on starting his own business. Hiring Lila Maxell over the Internet as his project manager was the final piece to his prefect plan. Set to open for business in three days, Jax plans on spending a couple of days on his boat relaxing. However, his friend Erik has a different idea – a speed dating Halloween party.

Jax has spent the night plotting the best revenge possible for Erik until Sally opens the door. The woman dressed in the pale lavender Harem costume ignites a fire that Jax thought was impossible without the aid of his formulated dating list.

After a night of mind-blowing sex, Lila sneaks out before they exchange real names believing it was no more than a one-night stand.

Lila’s first day is full of surprises, the biggest being Cowboy Bill is actually her new boss, Jax Carlson. She thinks keeping her hormones in check while convincing Jax that love doesn’t follow a formula is complication enough until she learns the participants of the All Treats speed dating event are being killed.

My favorite Halloween doughnut trick is…insert vamp teeth into a sugar doughnut. Drizzle red frosting for blood, or have gummy worms crawling out of the mouth, or decorate with gummy boogers. 

My favorite Halloween drink is the wicked witch… it’s caramel vodka, apple vodka, and whip cream vodka all equal parts mixed with apple cider. Sooo good and so wicked.

And just a peek…

Walking into her bedroom, Lila froze mid-stride. On her bed was a knife coated with blood and small plastic number five. The glass slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, spraying her foot and leg with red wine.

Murder and Treats is available at https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-and-treats

Come and hang out with me… we will talk about doughnuts and vodka…
Blog: https://lynceeshillard.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyncee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Romance-with-a-Bang-422236758284798
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3344793.Lyncee_Shillard
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lyncee-Shillard/e/B007WGBKYK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1534257851&sr=8-1

Thank you, Delilah for sharing your blog with me today. It is my pleasure to be with you and your readers.

October is a month usually dedicated to watching the changes in leaves, winery trips, apple and pumpkin picking, and closing with the ghosts and goblins of Halloween. It is also Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Where does that fit in today’s world of #metoo and the constant barrage of negativity, violent and crass behavior anywhere from our child’s sports games to all the way to the President? We have seen OJ Simpson, Chris Brown and most recently Rob Porter in the White House.

Civility is missing. Anger is the replacement. Our environment is ripe for abuse. A sobering statistic is 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience severe intimate partner physical or sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner.

With the #metoo movement going viral, we saw the tidal wave of support for victims. Women of all races, religions and economic backgrounds received encouragement to share their stories and when the courts allowed it, prosecute their offenders. It was often the case that an offender had multiple victims. The strength and power in numbers.

The #survivorspeaks movement created by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a lonely journey. Domestic violence occurs in the vacuum of a consenting adult relationship. The abuse takes place over months and years. The stigma rings like church bells. “Why doesn’t she leave?” Abused men suffer a double stigma. “Why doesn’t he leave? What a weak man that a woman could do that.”

In my many lives I was a collegiate date rape victim, an Emergency Medical Services first responder, and an advocate for victims of rape and domestic violence. I am also a wife and mother of sons and daughters. Where does the conversation start? Parents want to believe everything is going to be okay in the world they grow up in. In reality, their future is a minefield. My advice is to begin at the beginning.

Awareness. It begins early with teaching your child the names of their body parts and the understanding that some parts are private. Body secrets are never okay. No one should take pictures of your body parts. Teach them they will never be in trouble for telling a body secret. Teach them how to get out of a bad situation—scream, run, find a safe adult—police officer, firefighter, postal person, teacher and even a mom with a group of kids. The rules apply to people you know too. Importantly, there is a lot of discussion about good touches and bad touches. Sometimes an inappropriate touch will tickle or feel good. Without understanding that, every stigma is enhanced by guilt. If a child grows up with the understanding about their own body, they learn to set boundaries. Knowledge is power.

Teens have a growing need for greater understanding. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

Victims of abuse do not bring it on themselves. They do not necessarily lack confidence. They are not a co-abuser. Abuse occurs when the abuser feels entitled to the power and control and uses verbal, physical or sexual abuse to get there. POWER AND CONTROL. THIS IS NEVER ABOUT LOVE.

Why stay? That’s the biggest question outsiders ask. An advocate and a provider of emergency care, I have seen many reasons. All I can understand. Love. They love the abuser. He or she wasn’t always like this. Stigma. What will people think. They want the relationship but not the abuse. A nice version of the abuser is very nice. Niceness creates a false sense of security. Isolation–abuser controls all aspects of the victim’s life. Fear to reach out to old friends. Depression. Retribution. Loss of custody. Don’t want to leave a pet. Every potential bad outcome of reporting is seen on TV, online and in the movies. They are caught in a vicious cycle with law enforcement. In some states, if an incident is called in and there is evidence of abuse, the abuser will go to jail. This occurs no matter what the victim says. The police know you didn’t fall down the stairs, walk into a door, or are so flexible that you reversed your hands to leave hand prints on your upper arms or cheeks. A police officer who arrives at the same address often, easily can become less attentive each time. They are keenly aware that one in three female and one in twenty male murder victims died from an intimate partner crime. The responders feel helpless when a victim returns over and over again. The victim is so tired, and they feel their options are few, but there is light at the end of this tragedy.

One phone call. One hand reaching out. For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) and Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center International Toll-Free (24/7) 1-866-USWOMEN (879-6636).

*~*~*

I write Romantic Suspense, often using what I know. The journey to writer took a more twisting route. A mom of four, and wife of a fellow first responder, my life was filled to the brim. In 2001, New York was victim of a heinous terrorist attack. That day, I watched my husband leave and for the first time in his law enforcement career, I thought he wouldn’t come back. My oldest son, 11 at the time lost his innocence. He realized truly what daddy did. He got off the school bus and asked will Daddy die. In 2006, a parent’s nightmare, my youngest was diagnosed with Leukemia. I’m proud he is a survivor today. In 2010, my health declined. A stent in the main coronary artery, followed by a tumor on my kidney, followed by a Lupus diagnosis and two strokes–on either side of the front of my brain left me reeling. Unable to read more than a newspaper headline, I began an arduous rehabilitation. Add mega-doses of steroids to alter dreams and play with sleep, I started to create a story. Ian Chase came to me in a wildly, wicked dream.

I’d like to introduce you to the results of that effort. Secure Desire: A Chase Group Story. The story is the opening of a series about the men and women of the Chase Group. Designed by Billionaire brothers Ian and Kieran Chase, a high octane venture capital company stakes a private security company that takes on cases where justice has been skewed. This first novel tells the story of Chase Group CEO Ian Chase, and Art Historian/FBI agent, Cassie Ellis. Six years after a first meeting, their paths cross for the second time, Ian leads his personnel to save Cassie and in turn the future of the United States. Part romance, part thriller, filled with political intrigue and modern medicine, Secure Desire is a cover to cover page-turner. Secure Again will be coming soon.

Visit me at https://www.rldunnauthor.com. Ask a question or leave a comment. Include you are from Delilah Devlin’s blog and three of you will have a chance to receive your choice of a piece of jewelry from the five (5) dollar collection at 8thaveemeralds.com (No purchase required.)

Autumn is my favorite time of year. Crisp air, bright colors, and I can wear my favorite sweaters without having an instant hot flash!

I’m a knitter so when I get my words done for the day I can be found in front of a good movie or binge watching a new series, sipping my favorite coffee or tea.

We’ve been blessed with two baristas in the Krotow family, one of which is my husband. He makes me a London Fog and I have to tell you, it’s the best non-coffee hot drink I’ve ever had. You don’t need an espresso machine or frother for this, either. A little handheld battery whip or frother is nice, but again, not necessary.

Here’s how I like my London Fog:

Steamed Milk (you can heat it in the microwave, just make sure to stir it so that you don’t get burned)
Brewed Earl Grey tea (or any other favorite tea)
Vanilla syrup (I like all natural, without corn syrup)

Pick out your favorite mug from your cupboard, which is probably way neater than mine.

Brew the tea of your choice according to instructions. Usually for black tea it’s best to steep it for 3-5 minutes.

Steam/heat the milk. If you can, froth it with a frother or whip.

Add vanilla syrup to your taste, to the hot tea. I like the bare minimum, as I enjoy the full flavor of the tea. But a lot of folks love tablespoons of the stuff. Do whatever works for you! Stir.

Top with steamed milk.

Enjoy with a great book or pair of knitting needles. Preferably both!

Thanks for having me! It’s always great to connect with Delilah Devlin readers. You all rock!

Peace,
Geri

The Pregnant Colton Witness

One night of passion with Officer Nash Maddox left Dr. Patience Colton breathless—and pregnant! The two are unexpectedly reunited when Patience becomes a witness to a murder and K-9 cop Nash rushes to her rescue, along with his canine companion. The two will stop at nothing to protect their growing family, but a killer has other ideas

THE COLTONS OF RED RIDGE Harlequin™ Romantic Suspense Continuity
Buy Links:
Amazon
https://amzn.to/2Ip32d2
Nook
https://bit.ly/2OWwsle
Apple Books
https://apple.co/2RalKZE
Google Play
https://bit.ly/2DEq8h4
Kobo
https://bit.ly/2R8B0Xh

About the Author

Geri Krotow is the bestselling author of the Silver Valley PD series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and the Bayou Bachelors series with Kensington Lyrical Caress. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Intelligence Officer, Geri left her Naval career to pursue writing. Geri enjoys creating sexy contemporary romances and tingling suspense.

Geri loves to connect with readers!

Please sign up for her newsletter: https://gerikrotow.com/contact/

Find Geri on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/gerikrotow
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https://www.pinterest.com/gerikrotow/
https://www.instagram.com/geri_krotow/

A Quick Note about CONTESTS!

These contests are still open!

1. 1. 1 Day to Hook — Meet Cochise (Contest)
   2. 2 Days to Hook — Meet Dagger (Contest)
   3. Cynthia D’Alba: Two SEALs in Paradise

HOOK is here!

Yes! My baby is out in the world! I’m excited for me and for you! I can’t wait until you read it, because I can’t wait to hear what you think! I loved the story, so I’m hoping the things that sparkled for me will be the same for you. Let me know! And if you have time and inclination, I would love it if you told a friend about the story or wrote a review! Reviews are key to readers taking a chance on a story. They won’t believe my hype, but they will take the word of another reader, so…if you can…post a review!

I hope it doesn’t take forever for you to read this one. I can’t wait to hear! 🙂 Also, for now, Hook is on Amazon, exclusively, so that I could offer it through Kindle Unlimited. If you are a KU subscriber, you can read it for free! It will be available in print as soon as Amazon completes its internal review, so if you have to have a physical copy in your hands, don’t fret! It’s coming, maybe today!

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

Former Army Ranger, Dylan “Hook” Hoecker, has a new job along with a new prosthetic arm. Being a bounty hunter is the closest career field he could find as a civilian that gives him the adrenaline rush that is his addiction. So, when his first solo assignment is to keep an eye on a flight risk the boss bonded out of jail, he’s not thrilled. However, he soon discovers a fresh addiction—one mouthy, nerdy redhead, who resists his attempts to keep her out of trouble.

Felicity Gronkowski is grateful for the bone the head of Montana Bounty Hunter threw her. She didn’t have the money to pay for bail, but he has a soft spot for former military, and she bartered to install a new computer system in his satellite office in Bear Lodge. Being on the outside of jail was her first imperative because she has to figure out who framed her for a series of high-end robberies while she worked installing home security systems. However, her bounty-hunting babysitter isn’t giving her any slack. Every time she thinks she’s given him the slip, he’s one step ahead of her. Either she has to find the perfect method of distraction to escape him or she has to enlist his help to clear her name.

Get your copy here!

Wolf is coming!

In just a month, the next installment of Montana Bounty Hunters will be here! And you can pre-order it now!

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

Former Marine “Wolf” Patterson is working with a team of MBH bounty hunters in the densely forested Kootenai Forest to bring in one Reese Tobin, a man wanted for arson, who escaped from jail just before his trial. When Wolf catches up to him, Tobin draws a gun, telling Wolf he can’t return to lock-up or he’s a dead man. Just as one of his teammates is about to lunge toward Tobin to take him down, a shot rings out, and Reese is dead.

Former Army Military Police Officer, now Deputy, Meg Henry, was the officer who arrested Tobin, and nothing about that night sat right since. After hearing he was killed, she heads to Kootenai, hoping to talk to the men who were with him last, hoping Tobin told them something that might help her figure out the mystery surrounding him. Because handsome bounty hunter, Wolf, was the last to talk to Tobin, Meg offers Wolf a ride back to the sheriff’s department. They barely begin their conversation when they find themselves running for their lives. Meg doesn’t know who to trust, but she instinctively trusts the tall, intensely attractive Wolf. Together, they work to unravel the mystery while staying one step ahead of someone who wants them both dead.

Pre-order your copy here!

UPDATE: The winner is…Debbie Watson!
*~*~*

A Quick Note about CONTESTS & WINNERS!

Jennifer and Keri Richards! Check recent UPDATES!
You’re winners!

Contests still open include:

1. 1. 2 Days to Hook — Meet Dagger (Contest)
   2. Cynthia D’Alba: Two SEALs in Paradise
   3. Today’s! (Details below!)

Countdown Continued…

So, back to my countdown to the release of Hook (Tonight after midnight!)…

Cochise was the next hero I introduced in the series, and he’s my personal fave so far! The story has a very nice romantic suspense plot and two very independent leads. Plus, you can’t beat the sexy cover! We’ll be seeing more of Cochise and Sammy, together, soon!

Missed a book in the series? No worries. Just click on a cover to find out more about these stories, read opening scenes, and find out where to get them!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me whether you’ve read any books in this series, so far!

Meet Cochise

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

Former Army sniper, Cochise Mercier, left Denver SWAT under a cloud of controversy, which was why he ended up back home in Montana, and where he heard about the Montana Bounty Hunters. The “cloud” didn’t seem to bother his new boss, so he’s “all in” and finding he enjoys hunting down fugitives for bounties, encumbered by fewer rules.

Sammy McCallister is a by-the-book sheriff’s deputy, who has a beef with bounty hunters. Forced to stand by with her gun in her holster, while hunters take down scumbags, she’s particularly irked by the new guy in town. Cochise, with his long black hair and thousand-yard-stare makes her uncomfortable, itchy in ways she’s never felt before. When she finds herself needing his help late one night, the reason for her irritation becomes all too clear. She wants him. But first, they have to make it out of the mountains alive…

Click HERE to find out where to purchase your copy and to read the opening scene!

UPDATE: The winner is…Amber Daulton!
*~*~*

A Quick Note about CONTESTS!

There are several still open, but some are closing soon!
Be sure to enter while you have the chance!

1. Tell Me a Story… (Today’s the last day!)
2. Cynthia D’Alba: Two SEALs in Paradise
3. Keta Diablo: 5 Haunted Cities to Put on Your Bucket List (Contest — 2 Winners!) (Her prize is to die for!)
4. 3 Days to Hook — Meet Reaper (Contest)
5. Today’s! (Details below!)

Countdown Continued…

So, back to my countdown to the release of Hook (Tuesday, folks!)…

Dagger was the second book in the series, and did I ever have fun with the story! The opening scene told me everything I needed to know about this couple. Lacey and Dagger had history and lot of hurt feelings they’d never addressed. If you read the opening, you’ll see what I mean. It’s funny, and they’re both out for blood (well, not really, but it’s a funny competiton!).

Missed a book in the series? No worries. Just click on a cover to find out more about these stories, read opening scenes, and find out where to get them!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me which of the covers above you like best!

Meet Dagger

MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: Authentic Men… Real Adventures…

Former Army Ranger, Daniel “Dagger” Renfrew, has been a lot of things—an Army Ranger, a Seattle beat cop, a PI, and now, a bounty hunter, which, so far, suits him just fine. In his job, he doesn’t look for easy takedowns. He likes lying in mud or snow with his binoculars trained on a window, hoping for a glimpse of the dirtbag whose mugshot he carries in his hip pocket. If they’re badasses—all the better. Dagger prefers when assholes try to run, because then he has an excuse to mix it up, get physical, and blow off steam in an all-out brawl—when the situation warrants, of course. One morning when he’s working his side gig, repossessing cars, he discovers the car he’s taking belongs to his old high school sweetheart, and there’s nothing like sweet revenge…

Lacey Jones is furious when she finds a very large, scary dude trying to steal her car. It’s the last straw. She’s lost her job and is about to lose her apartment, so there’s no way in hell she’s letting him take her damn car! When she discovers its Dagger, her old beau, she jumps into the car with him. When she learns how he makes a living, she’s curious…and then determined to become a bounty hunter herself. How hard can it be?

Click HERE to find out where to purchase your copy and to read the opening scene!

 

I have a good friend who teaches at a very small, rural school. This school has every grade from kindergarten on up, and she teaches seven art classes to all these children. As you can imagine, supplies are always hard to come by, and more often than should happen, they come out of her pocket. Lately, she’s resorted to having kids bring in cardboard boxes for them to cut up to make dioramas, empty milk jugs for them to paint ghost faces on for luminaires. She had to stop making the dioramas because they ran out of hot glue sticks and paste glue sticks. Read the rest of this entry »