Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Cover Reveal and Giveaway for A Living Hope by E.C. Jackson





E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years, she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years led naturally to her current endeavor, writing inspirational romance novels. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.





Connect with the Author here: 

It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn't interested in his advances.

Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn't take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie's life, with their shared future crumbling around him.

After two years, Sadie’s relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.

When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.

Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?

This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.


Here is the moment you have been waiting for!

The Cover

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~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 
~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Deep Magic: Sci-Fi and Fantasy E-zine Launch



Announcing the relaunch of a science-fiction and fantasy e-zine devoted to publishing excellent fiction, articles, and art, with high standards for quality and the promise that all material found in its electronic pages will be clean: Deep Magic. Deep Magic will appeal to adult and young adult readers alike. Many readers are clamoring for clean reads, and each issue of Deep Magic will be packed with sci-fi and fantasy, including subgenres of epic, steampunk, and paranormal, among others.

The Deep Magic team, which includes well-known authors Jeff Wheeler and Charlie N. Holmberg, is delighted to be publishing short stories, interviews, illustrator spotlights, essays on science fiction and fantasy, writing tips to their readership, and more. A decade ago, Deep Magic featured stories, interviews, and articles from leaders in the industry, such as Robert Jordan, Robin Hobb, and an at-the-time less known author, Brandon Sanderson. Now, Deep Magic is looking forward to featuring a new interview with Brandon Sanderson, new fiction and articles from Anthony Ryan, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Jeff Wheeler, Charlie N. Holmberg, and other authors and industry professionals.

“I'm delighted that Deep Magic is being resurrected by its founders. It was the first high fantasy
magazine I specifically wrote a story for way back when, and was my introduction to the world of
secondary world fantastic fiction. The editors were a pleasure to work with--they are respectful,
professional folks--and I have no doubt that the rebooted version of Deep Magic will adhere to the
quality, vision, and ethics I came to expect from its editors.”
-- Usman Tanveer Malik, Bram Stoker Award Winner


Between 2002 and 2006, Deep Magic released 49 monthly issues. Due to new opportunities in publishing, along with reader interest, the three original founders are relaunching the magazine on a bimonthly schedule. On June 14th, 2016, ten years after the original magazine closed its doors, the first issue of the new Deep Magic magazine will be available for purchase on Amazon as an e-book.

The Deep Magic Board consists of:

Jeff Wheeler (The Kingfountain, Muirwood, and Mirrowen series), an original founder, believes the e-zine was instrumental in honing his writing skills and led to his creation of his hit Muirwood and Mirrowen series. He’s passionate about promoting other clean reads authors. Brendon Taylor was also an original founder, is a practicing attorney, and remains a huge fan of the genre. He writes more than legal contracts. The third original founder, Jeremy Whitted, has also returned to manage the editorial process and website. They have been joined by author, Charlie N. Holmberg (The Paper Magician series and Followed by Frost), marketer, Kristin Ammerman (Picture Book Summit, KidLit TV and How Does She), and editor, Wanda Zimba.

Full details, links to pre-order the first issue, and our newsletter are available on our website, WWW.DEEPMAGIC.CO (.CO not .COM)

Monday, June 13, 2016

Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Sand and Kisses {Review}

Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Sand and Kisses
Kindle Edition, 379 pages
Published April 25th 2016 by Little Box Press LLC 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29758472-sweet-sassy-anthology
Five new clean romance novellas from Sweet & Sassy Anthologies. 

Open for Love by Elana Johnson
Sabrina Arnold loves running her family's Bed & Breakfast in sunny New Orleans. What she doesn't love is the new establishment going up right next door. While Bri's snooping around the place to see how it compares to hers, she's caught by tall, dark, and handsome Carter Hammond. 

What she doesn't know is that Carter owns the property where she's trespassing, though he claims he doesn't. He's in New Orleans to start his first business venture, get out from underneath his father's thumb, and learn about the mother he's never known. As he and Bri spend more time together, he knows it's only a matter of time before she finds out that he owns the building she hates. Can their fledgling, summer love survive against the odds?
 
Secrets in the Sand by Cindy M. Hogan
Sometimes staying hidden, even for a spy, is nearly impossible.

Christy Hadden, spy extraordinaire, thinks she’s created the perfect getaway in beautiful South Beach, Florida. A place where she and her handler, Jeremy, can give their forbidden romance a chance - in secret.

But when they hear cries of alarm in an alley nearby, they can’t resist the pull to help, even if it exposes them. And when Christy becomes a person of interest in a murder committed in that same alley, they must hunt down the real killers and clear
Christy's name.

In this game of hide and seek, it seems their secret is sure to be found out. Christy may have to choose between the love of her life and her life's purpose - and the stakes are higher than she ever bargained for.
 
Life’s a Beach by Jo Noelle 

Jenna Brennan doesn’t believe in love. She doesn’t believe in marriage, and she’s learned to only count on herself. At her Uncle Walter’s insistence, and a little emotional blackmail, she returns to Misty Harbor Cottages to help him for one last summer in a place that's really the only home she’s ever known. 

Cole Zamora has worked at Misty Harbor for more than half of his twenty-three years, and imagined someday owning the place. He met Jenna when they were ten-years-old, and his young heart fell hard for her, relishing every summer she came back. That is, until two years ago, when she broke his heart and never returned. 

Uncle Walter proposes a challenge between the two, with the winner becoming the new owner of Misty Harbor. Now, there’s a real chance Cole could lose his heart and his home. Jenna isn’t sure which worries her more—a summer of rivalry or romance?
 
The Upgrade by Candice Toone
Moving on after college can be tough. Especially when former sorority president and dance team captain, Amanda Ford, takes a job at her alma mater. Her big plans to help host a study abroad tour to Peru and to launch a dance fitness program back on campus nearly come undone when she meets Spencer Elliott, an adorable undergrad who’d love to date the girl she used to be. She gives in to a final hurrah date, but regrets that choice when Spencer shows up at the study abroad orientation. Customs regulations, professional insecurities and social unrest combine to challenge Amanda’s developing professional prowess, often leaving her pitifully vulnerable to the unfortunate combination of an emerging sense of self, a handsome near-stranger, and a beautiful Peruvian beach.
 
Surfboards and Star Trek by Donea Lee Weaver
When Anna meets much-younger-looking Derek while on vacation at the beach-it’s not exactly love at first sight. How could a handsome surfer be interested in a divorcee like her? When she finds their age difference is nominal and that she and Derek share a love for all things Star Trek, she hopes love might blossom. But, long-distance relationships are tough. And when a waitress mistakes her for Derek’s mom, she starts to doubt the budding romance. Can a California surf-connoisseur and an older woman who sucks at all things water-sports find enough common ground to make a relationship work?
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My Review: 4.5 Stars
I love sweet and clean anthologies and I'm a total sucker for a beach. Since I can't get to a beach anytime soon, I enjoyed it vicariously through each of these unique stories. I also discovered a couple of new-to-me authors through this set.
Each story has the common thread of a beach--and they are quite the variety of beaches. From the Pacific Northwest, to California, to Louisiana, to Peru, to Florida, I thoroughly enjoyed each setting and getting a feel for a new area. I thought the descriptions of the people and places were fantastic! The romances varied as much as the beaches. The reader gets to experience mistaken identities, forbidden love, childhood love, teacher/student love (totally appropriate), as well as an older love with a big age difference. 
Each author does a great job of weaving together a satisfying story with each novella, bringing the characters to life and engaging the reader. Since they are novellas, the pacing is quick, yet some depth still shines through. 
I was thrilled to read a Christy novella (Cindy M. Hogan), as I've followed this series and have rooted for her from the start. That one is full of adventure, suspense, and romance and because I've been invested in the story and characters for awhile, was probably one of my favorites, although they are all great!
This is a great summer treat for those who enjoy good, clean romances.
Content: mild romance; some mild innuendo in a couple of them; mild violence in Secrets in the Sand. Clean!
*I received a copy through eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review*
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Buy Link:
http://amzn.to/24KtYXb
  

Grand Finale: Through the Storm by Rula Sinara {with Giveaway}


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Launch for
Through the Storm
By Rula Sinara

Tessa and Mac come together for protection, but might also find love. We hope you enjoyed a glimpse into their story through the reviews and excerpts from the tour. If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - The From Kenya, With Love Series

From the moment I began writing the first book in this series, The Promise of Rain, I knew that I’d be returning to Kenya’s Serengeti. There’s a magnificence and warmth about the Serengeti…an overwhelming, awe-inspiring power…a raw beauty. But it wasn’t only the setting that drew me in and brought back memories of the years I spent as a child in Africa, it was the characters who I grew to love and understand. It all came from the heart. Every word.

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

Without him, Tessa Henning wasn’t worth the dust left by a mercilessly harvested and exquisitely carved elephant’s tusk, but once he discovered she knew too much, Brice would hunt her down just the same. He’d come after her because she was a traitor. He’d find her because she was his wife and he believed in gratitude and loyalty. He expected it.

underneath the covers - Excerpt

Mac stood on the front porch, leaning against the wooden log that supported the thatched overhang, watching her, the piercing blue of his eyes intense and knowing. Maybe it was the way the Kenyan sun had left its warmth on his skin or how stubble shadowed the hard lines of his jaw, but the way he looked at her sparked a smoldering ache in her chest. She swallowed hard to extinguish it. If only Mac hadn’t wanted to get away from home so badly. Maybe they would have eventually become friends. But he’d wanted to escape and explore and she’d wanted—needed—stability.

Becky on Books - Review

"I enjoyed reading Through the Storm–and now Kenya is added to my “places I want to go before I die” list. It sounds absolutely beautiful, if a bit intimidating…not quite the camping I’m used to ;) . . . Overall this was a lovely read. Through the Storm is a heartwarming story about family, trust, and finding the life you were meant to live."

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"There was never a moment the story dragged. There was constant developments that let to a profound climax. This was a clean, well-written book of mystery/suspense/romance/and new beginnings. The scenes were described in vivid detail and easily visualized. The characters appeared to be real. . . . This novel earned a Five Stars rating."

deal sharing aunt - Review

"This book is exactly why Harlequin has their heartwarming line. When a book can make me feel this many emotions for the main characters (especially when they are still married and I wanted to dislike them) and make me root for them, then I know that the author has somehow made them feel like family."

Wishful Endings - Review

"THROUGH THE STORM was surprisingly suspenseful while also maintaining the usualsweet romance that readers can count on when reading a Harlequin Heartwarming novel. Add to that the strong feel of friendship and family, a focus on the simple things in lifeand on the terrible cruelty of the illegal ivory trade, and this story had added depth and emotion that immerses the reader. A story well worth the read!"

EskieMama Reads - Review

"Through the Storm was very touching heartwarming clean romance. This book had a little of everything I like in a book romance, some laughs, a few tears, family & little mystery. . . . a pleasure to read."

Lampshade Reader - Excerpt

Nick was already sleeping in the tent he was sharing with Mac, and Mugi and Kesi had gone to bed. Tessa stared at the flames with her knees tucked against her chest and her chin resting on them. Her hair glistened in the firelight like the river’s surface on a full moon. He looked back into the fire. He had no business noticing those sorts of things. At least not in a way that stirred unwelcome feelings of nostalgia and longing. As a teen there’d been something about her that drew him in, but she’d always kept her guard up good and strong.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"I love how developed the characters in this book are. They are not perfect and the love story is far from perfect. There is a lot of turmoil and complications, but in the end, Tessa finds out the truth and her heart is set free. You will love the descriptive writing and seeing how the plot develops. . . . I highly recommend this book!"

23 Review Street - Review

"Through The Storm is a heartwarming story about family, secrets and how to battle your way through the storm. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance that warms your heart and makes you see the good side of the storm."

Thoughts of a Blonde, Book talk - Review

"In this 3rd book in the From Kenya, With Love series, Rula Sinara brings us the story of a fractured family trying to unite for the good of their orphaned nephew, while investigating wrong doings and fighting attraction!"

Book talk - Excerpt

He’d always been comfortable being alone. He’d always felt at home out here in the Serengeti...but right now, hearing Tessa’s soft breathing and a bit of snoring from Nick, for the first time Mac felt like he was home. This was his family.

The Reading Diaries - Review

"I like the concept of going after Ivory traders it’s not something you see every day in a book and it’s a serious issue happening in Africa. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles but this isn’t bad it’s more a case of self-discovery and learning that the man she thought she loved isn’t the man she married. I enjoyed he author’s writing style the story just flows along smoothly a suspenseful mystery mixed with romance creating a captivating story. This is my first book by the author but after reading Through the Strom I know I need to check out her other books. Highly recommend for fans of suspenseful romance novels."

Don't forget to check out the rest of the series and enter the giveaway below...

Through the Storm
(From Kenya, With Love #3)
Rula Sinara
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
April 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The biggest risk she'll ever take…

Tessa Henning is no damsel. But she's definitely in distress. If her husband really is involved in the ivory trade, he'll come after her when he finds out what she's uncovered. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Mac Walker. Stubborn, fiercely independent, danger-loving bush pilot Mac Walker—with whom she shares custody of their orphaned nephew. Though Mac's no knight in shining armor, he can keep her and their nephew safe in the Serengeti while they wait out this storm. But he can't protect Tessa from the strange weather brewing inside her, stirring up feelings for Mac she wishes she could ignore.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

The Promise of Rain (Book 1)The Promise of Rain
(From Kenya, With Love #1)
Rula Sinara
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He wants to take her child out of Africa...

The Busara elephant research and rescue camp on Kenya's Serengeti is Anna Bekker's life's work. And it's the last place she thought she'd run into Dr. Jackson Harper. As soon as he sets eyes on her four-year-old, Pippa, Anna knows he'll never leave...without his daughter.

Furious doesn't begin to describe how Jack feels. How could Anna keep this from him? He has to get his child back to the States. Yet as angry as he is with Anna, they still have a bond. But can it endure, despite the ocean--and the little girl--between them?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

After the Silence
(From Kenya, With Love #2)
Rula Sinara
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Does following her passion mean losing her way?

Marine Ben Corallis is an expert at facing death, but nothing comes close to the terror that grounds him when his wife is killed in a car accident the day he returns from duty. He's left to raise an infant, a toddler and a ten-year-old girl who hasn't uttered a word since her mother's death.

It's hard not to care for the widowed marine with three young children. Yet he's still grieving, too burdened with guilt to fall in love again. And Hope Alwanga's future as a doctor awaits her on the other side of the world, in Nairobi. If two such opposites can't agree on a common country, how can they ever create a safe place to call home?


After a childhood enriched with exotic travels and adventures (both in books and real life), USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author Rula Sinara is now settled in rural Virginia with her husband, three boys and crazy but endearing pets. When she's not writing, she's busy attracting wildlife to her yard, watching romantic movies or researching trees on her garden wish list.

In addition to being a coffee addict, she's also a 2015 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit winner, a 2014 National Reader's Choice Award winner and double finalist, a 2015 Golden Quill Award Runner Up and a 2015 Book Buyers Best third place recipient. For updates on her releases and more, sign up for her newsletter.


Tour Giveaway

US PRIZE PACK: One winner will receive 3 'From Kenya, With Love' series canvas tote bags (one of each book), bookmarks, autographed copies of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence, and a $10 Amazon gift card.

INTERNATIONALLY OPEN PRIZE: One winner will receive Kindle copies of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence.

Ends June 17th

The Girl Who Could Change Fate by Cassidy Ostergren {Book Blast}


The Girl Who Could Change Fate
by Cassidy Ostergren


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GENRE:  YA Fantasy

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BLURB:

Lacey Joy White considers herself unremarkable in every way: she worries over choosing the right clothes, tries to maintain a D in chemistry, and spends nights creeping on her crush on Facebook. And she can alter the future.

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Excerpt:

As I had already been staring at Alex two rows away, I didn’t miss him cast a furtive glance in the teacher’s direction before erasing what appeared to be a name on the right side corner of a worksheet.  My name.  On my worksheet.  He didn’t even try to glimpse me as he scribbled his own name down and handed it forward.  Perhaps he knew he would see the expression of utter horror that was steadily warping my face.  I wouldn’t have wanted to see it either.
   
“Now, that worksheet will be counted as a quiz grade…” Mrs. Kramer began.

I didn’t listen.  Alex’s betrayal was gnashing at my insides with teeth of biting cruelty as bitter understanding of his intentions dawned upon me with all the force of a tidal wave.  I was suffocating under depths of cold reality, the truth more stinging than his actual actions—the truth that I was no more than a tool…that it was only illusion—an illusion I clung to nevertheless because it was all I could do.

Man, life can be a bitch.

I resisted the tears that clumped around my lashes, though the temptation to burst with them was more than enticing.  My hands balled into fists that I smashed upon my Macbeth book with dull thuds.  I didn’t really like that—Macbeth happened to be my favorite play of all time, as it made me recall how helpless the title character was in striving to avoid his Fate at all costs—a Fate he could not avoid.


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:



Cassidy Ostergren was born and grew up in the DC metropolitan area. She attended Roanoke College in Salem, VA, where she majored in Creative Writing and English, and published several of her works in both the college and local magazines. She is currently a full-time novelist of YA fiction and lives on Oak Island, NC, where she enjoys taking walks on the beach with her dog and composing her newest stories.

WEBSITE: http://www.creativia.org
CREATIVIA FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/ctivia
AMAZON COUNTRY-TARGETED LINK: http://mybook.to/TheGirlWhoCouldChangeFate



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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:
Cassidy will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

blog header Goddess Fish w url copy.jpg 

Friday, June 10, 2016

Just One Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler {Review}

Just One Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler
Kindle Edition, 145 pages
Published June 4th 2016 by Hatco Publishing 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30360664-just-one-kiss

Charlie Rockwell’s divorce from her rock star ex left her with a broken heart, a mansion on the bluffs in her hometown of Blue Moon Bay, and an empty back account. Now, Charlie has to generate enough income to keep the house she loves.

When producers of the soap opera, Just One Love, offer to rent Charlie’s house for a sizable fee, Charlie’s tempted. Only she wants nothing to do with the spotlight or dating someone famous again, and the show’s sexy star, Luke Montgomery, has her in his sights. Reluctantly, Charlie agrees to rent her home and vows to stay out of Luke’s way.

Unexpectedly, as filming progresses, Charlie witnesses Luke’s sweet side. She also remembers her college theater days and love of acting. During an on-set emergency, she’s asked to stand-in during a scene, and her undeniable chemistry with Luke impresses the producers enough that they want Charlie full-time.

Can Charlie finally have the career she’s dreamed about? And will Luke break her heart, or will he be everything he seems and what she always wanted?
 
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My Review: 5 Stars
 
Susan Hatler is a queen of clean romance! This is such a great series and I loved reading Charlie's story. Each book in the series can stand alone, but other characters make appearances, as each book is about a different woman in a group of friends.
 
Charlie gave up her acting dream to marry her high school sweetheart, turned bad boy rock star. After a messy divorce, she's healing in her mansion in her hometown and agrees to have a popular soap opera film in her house for a month to save herself from bankruptcy. Luke, a star of the show, is full of good looks and charisma, but she's not sure she can head down the road of fame again, with another relationship.
 
Charlie is someone that I could totally be friends with. For a woman who lived in the shadows of fame for so long, she's really personable and down-to-earth. Right off the bat, Luke oozes charm and he's such a gentleman--it's hard not to fall for him. I love a book with an intense connection and chemistry and this one delivers. I remember a time in middle school when it was "the thing" to watch a certain soap after school and this brought back some fun memories.
 
The story plays out in a way that's balanced with romantic moments, slightly humorous events, and tense situations. There's a good mix of conflict and resolution and I couldn't help but heave a delighted *sigh* at the conclusion, as it is a satisfying read. If you like clean romance with a bit of Hollywood and a beach involved, then this one is for you!
 
Content: mild romance (kissing, vague implications of unfaithful partner in marriage). Clean!
 
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
 
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Buy Links:
 
http://amzn.to/1UFLN72
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-one-kiss-susan-hatler/1123867880?ean=2940158451072

About the Author:
  
Susan HatlerSUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

You can reach Susan here:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon {Blog Tour Spotlight and Giveaway}

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Historical, Romance
Publisher: Radiant Publications
Publication date: May 23, 2016
Number of pages: 272

​1698, Spain
The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety and with no one to help her, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers?

Present Day, Florida
Summer Arnet will go anywhere to capture the perfect shot that will get her marine photography noticed by the prestigious natural magazine, Our World—even diving in waters haunted by Great White sharks. When a treasure hunter with a ladies’ man reputation 
approaches her about a sunken ship at one of her past dive locations, it might be the chance she’s been looking for to launch her career…if his charming smile doesn’t derail her first.

 A past tragedy has left a hole in Trent Carrington’s life—a hole he’s tried to fill with women, money, and adventure. Could the feisty marine photographer be the missing piece or will Trent finally accept that the treasure he seeks can’t be found where rust and moths destroy? Three lives. Three hundred years. One ship that ties them together.
​ Sarah Monzon is a pastor’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world.  Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters.  When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in a small desert town in central Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
​​Picture
Summer's cell vibrated on the desk next to her outstretched hand. The ID registered a number she didn't recognize. She tapped the green Accept button.
“Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful, you want to grab some coffee?”
Furrows formed between her eyes. Who in the world? “I'm sorry. You must have the wrong number.”
She pulled the phone away from her ear but stopped short of disconnecting when she heard the voice on the other end say her name.
Her lips turned down. “Who is this?”
“Who do you think it is, babe? I told you I'd call.” Summer hadn't known it was possible to hear a smile until then. The flirtatious, mischievous smile she'd seen on Trent Carrington's face before resounded over the phone lines. And babe? Really? She set her teeth. The guy knew it irked her to be called that, but it seemed he got perverse pleasure in pushing her buttons.
Ignore it. If he can't get a rise out of you, he'll eventually stop. At least that was how it had worked when the boys had teased her in elementary school.
Summer stared at her computer screen. She really needed to get these photos edited by the end of the day. “I'm in the middle of something right now, Trent. If this is about the trip, you can e-mail me the itinerary.”
The door to her studio pushed open, and there stood Trent. All six foot plus of him. The sun shone through the open door, causing his blond hair to glow like gold. One side of his mouth whirled up in a lopsided grin. Her breath whooshed out. From irritation. Obviously. The reaction couldn't have been for any other reason.
“I'm not taking no for an answer.” Summer heard his voice from across the room as well as from her cell. She hung up and sent him a glare.
“As you can see, I'm working.” She indicated the screen in front of her.
He walked across the room and sat in one of the chairs opposite her desk, leaning back in it like he had all the time in the world.
“Coffee will only take fifteen minutes.” He bestowed one of his flashing smiles upon her.
Summer looked at him. She took in his laid-back manner, the way he was quick to smile, and the ease in which he charmed. For goodness’ sake, the man thought all he had to do was smile and he'd get his way. She pursed her lips. Already she'd given in to him, but that was because she needed some edgy photos forOur World, not because he'd smiled at her, said pretty please, and made her go all gooey inside.
Someone needed to start telling this man no.
“Thank you for the offer, but I really don't have time right now.”
He continued to lounge in her chair, his gaze never leaving her face, the lopsided grin never faltering. “All right. No problem.”
Really? He wasn't going to put up more of a fight? No cajoling? No begging? No persuasion of any kind? Summer was surprised at the twinge of disappointment in her midsection. Guess he didn't think her worthy of any added effort.
Trent stood, and Summer's eyes followed the motion. His gaze continued to lock on her, and she swallowed hard.
“I'll just go and bring some coffee back. Better that way anyhow. Now I won't have to worry about getting you back at a specific time. And since I don't have anything else going on right now, I can stay and keep you company while you work. I could stay all day if I wanted to.”
All day? Her nerves already stood on end with his constant stare. No way she'd be able to get any work done. And how so like him to manipulate a situation so he got exactly what he wanted. Any twinge of disappointment was replaced with annoyance.
She met his gaze and took in the cocky slant of his eyes. He thought he was so irresistible. One look, one smile, and she'd fall all over him. Not going to happen.
“Do you always get what you want so easily?”
His head tilted as if thinking it through, then his eyes bored into hers once more. "No. Not everything is worth pursuit. But when I find something special, I'll do everything within my power to claim it as mine."