Author: Angie

Most Ardently An Austen-Inspired Christmas Collection Genre: Historical Romance With Stories by: Sheena Austin, Margo Bond Collins, Debra-Ann Kummoung, Sophie Bellabone, Deborah E Pearson, Charlene Johnson, Susan Burdorf, Claire O’Dare, Ivy Hearne

“This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend’s house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter.” ~Emma Join New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors as they share stories inspired by Jane Austen to fill your Yuletide with love and joy. From a Regency holiday in Austen’s own home to modern stories with a supernatural twist, Most Ardently brings you the best of Austen-inspired holiday fiction, including a haunted modern-day Northanger academy dorm, a vampiric surprise at a holiday ball, a contemporary dating-app-savvy Emma with a brand-new Knightley, a surprise cast of zombies, and a demon set loose in Jane Austen’s world. Mincemeat pies, Christmas puddings, Boxing Day and Twelfth Night will never be the same again! So light a Yule log, hang a kissing bough of evergreen and mistletoe, and settle in for a long winter’s read as you reconnect with your favorite Austen characters and settings in all-new new stories. Scroll up and one-click to preorder this holiday collection now for the special preorder price of only 99c! “On one side was a table occupied by some chattering girls, cutting up silk and gold paper; and on the other were trestles and trays, bending under the weight of brawn and cold pies, where riotous boys were holding high revel; the whole completed by a roaring Christmas fire, which seemed determined to be heard in spite of the noise of the others.” ~Persuasion **Pre-order for only .99cents!!**Add to GoodreadsAmazon * Books2Read

Sheena Austin is the author of Returning to Mr. Darcy, Alexandria, Journey of the Heart, and Disillusionments of the Heart. A lover of all romance, fantasy, cat whisperer, and Kermit obsessed, the author currently lives in Virginia with her boyfriend and two cats. She is a Special Education teacher and aspires to win the lottery one day and to have a lifetime of pizza and cheez-its so she would no longer have to cook or do the dishes ever again. Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling author Margo Bond Collins is a former college English professor who, tired of explaining the difference between “hanged” and “hung,” turned to writing romance novels instead. (Sometimes her heroines kill monsters, too.) She also writes under the alter ego of Ivy Hearne. Website * Facebook * Facebook * Twitter Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Debra-Ann Kummoung I fell in love with Pride & Prejudice when I read it in high school. Something about that time – the courtly manners of society, the clothing, and so many other things. Don’t get me a wrong, I’m a modern girl and wouldn’t last a day without my modern conveniences, but I can still fantasize about that time period. My husband is my inspiration for Mr. Darcy & Colonel Fitzwilliam (when the good colonel appears in one of my books). My husband has the manners of Darcy but has been a military man like the colonel – so I got both in one man. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Sophie, whether with Kernstock or Bellabone pen name, is from the land of thousands of lakes, home of Santa Claus, and technology giant Nokia, also known as Finland. At age 24 she was bitten by the publishing bug in her native tongue. The bug bit so fiercly that she made her mission to publish all her future stories to wider audience just year after. That she did, and now at 25 her first book written in English is in preorder. Born and rased with finnish sisu, and beaten in shape with sauna birch leaf brooms, Sophie writes Fantasy and Horror. No genre will be safe from her vigilant and witty writing style though. She will be providing all kinds of stories from short and sweet to long and gritty. None with romantic sub plot though. She focuses on platonic friendships, epic battles beyond tonsil fencing, and the endless ideas leading to world beyond imagination. In short, her muse is obiviously in drugs and needs intervention. Soon she’ll also add Sci- Fi/Dystopian into her fresh list of books and invites in new pen name to the Sophiesphere circle of things. Website * Facebook * Instagram * Pinterest * Amazon * Goodreads

Deborah E. Pearson found her love of Jane Austen’s work when she was 15 by watching the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice by Andrew Davies, Over the following years she not only read Miss Austen’s books multiple times but also read several fan fiction books, which led her to begin writing her own Jane Austen Fan Fiction in 2010 as she wished to have a Darcy that fitted the way she saw him. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Charelne Johnson is a Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native. She went to Waynesburg High School and graduated Cum Laude from Waynesburg College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Currently lives in Sacramento, California where she spent the last 33 years working at Northrop Grumman. Books have always been her passion. She started reading at an early age and progressed to full-length books by age nine. The first supernatural book series she read was Dark Shadows, and it sparked her interest in all things paranormal, with a spicy touch of romance mixed in for good measure. She also started writing poetry in grade school and continues to do so today. Being an avid reader, the consummate daydreamer and an incurable romantic with a Cinderella complex, she started creating her own characters and story lines because she realized she had her own stories to tell. She is married to John, who believes she can do anything. She has a son, Ty; a daughter, Danika; and four beautiful grandchildren, Aries, Victoria, Maya, and Tobias. Besides reading and writing, she also enjoys photography, travel, music, and great movies. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Susan Burdorf is an avid reader, photographer and lover of all things sparkly. Writing is a passion that is only quenched when THE END is written on the last page of a manuscript. Nothing says home to her, though, like the presence of her family. Susan encourages you to correspond with her and is available for public appearances at schools and conferences. Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

A librarian and researcher by day, Claire O’Dare writes Regency and contemporary romances at night. Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and two giveaways! Giveaway #1 Kindle tablet ( 1 winner), Signed book (1 winner) , $20 Amazon (4 winners) a Rafflecopter giveawayGiveaway #2 Enter to win a Gift Basket of Austen-Themed Prizes! http://shiftershield.com/giveaways/jane-austen

The Puppet Master by Ronald S. Barak Genre: Thriller, Suspense

What would YOU do if they took everything you had, your family, your home, your business, your dignity, even—perhaps—your sanity? S. Barak’s latest, The Puppet Master, prequel to The Amendment Killer, and the second in the Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series, is a gripping story of a political system gone awry—and those who feel compelled to fix it. “ Have you ever killed anyone? I have. I’ll do it again. If I need to.” Three prominent political leaders in Washington, D.C., murdered in as many days. Not a plausible story premise? What about the real world villain who recently mailed a series of pipe bombs to a number of prominent political figures? Ripped from the headlines? Barak gives new meaning to the word “timely.” The Puppet Master isn’t ripped from the headlines; written first, it forecast the headlines that followed! The Puppet Master begins with a bang. Literally. Three of them. Not a page wasted. Capitol Hill panics. Who will be next? Others whisper that our political leaders are only getting what they deserve. Anxious to see who will be next. And why. Crafty D.C. homicide detective Frank Lotello is tasked to find the killer. Cliff Norman, a local businessman with ample motive, is arrested. Politicians breathe a sigh of relief. However, when Lotello discovers a disturbing White House connection, he suspects Norman may not be what he appears to be. Things may not be what they appear to be. Norman’s trial commences in the courtroom of savvy D.C. trial court judge Cyrus Brooks. An angry nation rallies behind Norman. The jury debates whether Norman’s actions may be legally justified by a rampant abuse of political trust, and threatens to unravel the very fabric of our dysfunctional government. In an unprecedented and questionable manner that may destroy their respective careers, Lotello quietly approaches Brooks and they form a secret alliance to uncover the truth in this classic whodunnit mystery. Before it’s too late. Blurring fiction and reality, The Puppet Master will have you dangling from the first page to the very last. “One of the year’s best thrillers!” –Best Thriller Magazine “First The Amendment Killer, now The Puppet Master, whenever Barak brings it, the result is always the same, tense, timely and terrific!” –Lee Child, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels Add to Goodreads Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

Described by his readers as a cross between Agatha Christie, Lee Child, and John Lescroart, bestselling author Ron Barak keeps his readers flipping the pages into the wee hours of the night. While he mostly lets his characters tell his stories, he does manage to get his licks in too. Barak derives great satisfaction in knowing that his books not only entertain but also stimulate others to think about how things might be, how people can actually resolve real-world problems. In particular, Barak tackles the country’s dysfunctional government representatives–not just back-seat driving criticism for the sake of being a back-seat driver, but truly framing practical remedies to the political abuse and corruption adversely affecting too many people’s lives today. Barak’s extensive legal background and insight allow him to cleverly cross-pollinate his fiction and today’s sad state of political reality. Ron and his wife, Barbie, and the four-legged members of their family reside in Pacific Palisades, California. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

PROLOGUE
Undated
There are 117 sitting trial court judges in Washington, DC. Judge Cyrus Brooks always thought
of himself as among the best of them. Lately, however, he was beginning to wonder.
It used to be if you were unhappy about something, you’d write to your congressman. If he
ignored you, then you wouldn’t vote for him the next time around. You’d vote for the other guy.
Maybe, you’d even campaign for the other guy.
But what if the problem you’re unhappy about is your congressman? What if you think he isn’t
doing his job? What if you think he’s on the take, corrupt? And what if the other guy is just as
bad? Then what?
Brooks knew you couldn’t just go out and shoot someone because you’re unhappy. Let alone
shoot a bunch of other people. People you don’t even know.
Or could you?
More and more, there are those today who seem quite willing to do precisely that, to kill
complete strangers just . . . because.
That was the crux of what had been troubling Brooks of late. What if one of those killers was
arrested, and ended up in his courtroom? Could he assure both the people of Washington, DC
and the accused alike a fair and proper trial? Could he remain impartial, and objective?
Brooks wondered if all his recent doubts meant it was time for him to step down, to retire. Pass
the baton to someone else.
But he waited too long.

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Violet Souls The Evoxian Legacies #1 by Abbey MacMunn Genre: Fantasy Romance

While searching for clues to her past, single mother Bree Mills discovers a subculture of aliens with supernatural abilities living on Earth. And she’s one of them. Finding herself hurled into a world of possibilities, it’s made more alluring by Quinn Taylor, the 324-year-old, violet-eyed Evoxian from her childhood dreams. Quinn knows his destiny is entwined with Bree’s. He’s fraught with frustration and desire, but before he can confess his love, he must wait for her to sense the Akui, a mysterious force tied with ancient Evoxian law. At a Cotswolds country manor, passions awaken and ignite a love more magical than the once-Utopian planet, Evox. Then Fate delivers a cruel and heart-breaking blow when Bree is kidnapped by a malicious alien who wants her and her power. Will Quinn still love Bree when she’s faced with protecting her half-human daughter… whatever the cost? **On sale for only 99 cents!!** Add to Goodreads Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords

Abbey MacMunn writes paranormal and fantasy romance. She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband and their four children. When she’s not writing, she likes to watch films and TV shows – anything from rom-coms to superheroes to science fiction movies. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Bree perched on the edge of the sofa. “Did you hear about the attack at the local shop?”
“Yeah, it’s all over Facebook,” her sister replied.
“I was there.”
“Shit. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Someone saved me.” Her cheeks warmed. “It turns out he has the same pendant as me, and
similar, violet-coloured eyes.”
“He?” Jane raised an eyebrow. Ruby red lips twitched in a smile. “Brianna Mills! The original Miss
I’m-off-guys-forever, actually likes someone. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“No, I don’t…well, maybe I do, but that’s not it.”
They laughed, and Jane made immature wolf whistle sounds.
“Okay, okay.” She let Jane have her fun before continuing. “Jane, I need to tell you something.”
“Yes, something huge, you said that already. Spill.”
“It’s amazing…or weird, depending on your views.” She bit her lip. What if Jane freaked out?
“Get it off your chest, sis.”
“You know how I’ve always been a bit different to other people?” She took a breath, then blurted out
the words as she exhaled. “It’s because I’m not from this planet.”
“What?”
“You heard.”
“Are you mad?”
“No, I’m not mad.” She fidgeted on the sofa’s edge. “All I know is that it’s the most extraordinary
feeling, Jane. I finally have a sense of who I am.”
Jane folded her arms. Her mouth opened to say something and then clamped shut again, repeatedly,
like a goldfish. Bree imagined the expression on Jane’s face was something similar to how she must have
looked when Quinn had told her. Except Jane didn’t have the ruggedly handsome Quinn Taylor gazing
back at her with those intense, soul-piercing eyes of his. Alluring amethyst eyes.
“What do you think, Jane? Weird or amazing?”
Please be okay with this.
Jane took a few moments to answer. “Weird…but in a good way, I think.” She rubbed her temple as
though trying to make sense of it all. “Bloody hell, I feel like I’m in a science fiction movie or
something.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. But it is amazing, isn’t it?”
“If you think so, Bree.”
The hesitation in her sister’s voice didn’t go unnoticed. “I do, Jane, more than anything.” Bree flung

her arms around her sister and squeezed tight.
Jane returned the hug, much to her relief. “Ooh, I’m hugging an alien. Now that is weird!”

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Shifting Auras The Universe Chronicles Book 1 by Claire Davon Genre: Paranormal Romance

Maya Wingfield was raised to trust no one—least of all the dueling U.S. and Russian paranormal agencies, Universe and Night Stars, who’d love to harness her mind-reading gift. She thought Richmond a safe place to escape their influence and hide from a rising psychic malevolence that drove her out of San Diego. But when she gets yet another call to retrieve her drunken roommate, her mind shows her an amber-eyed Universe operative with an impenetrable net around his deepest secret—and a voice that sends shock waves of awareness down her nerve endings. Maya’s curves and aquamarine eyes aren’t the only things that jolt Ian Sanderson’s mental shields, bringing sexual tension thrumming back to life. It’s a power his Universe-trained mind knows he shouldn’t trust. And a vulnerability that makes his telekinetic power burn in his palms to protect her. But to Universe, she is just one of too many unanswered questions. A target for Whisper, a shadowy new group of paranormals with powers beyond anything Universe has ever seen. Once before, Ian failed to protect a sensitive from a brain-scrambling attack. He will not fail again . . . even if it means using his talent—or his body—to stop a bullet. Goodreads * Amazon

Tracking Shadows The Universe Chronicles Book 2

Since the day Jiana Falco was forced to join the paranormal agency Night Stars, she’s been planning her escape. She uses her bodyguard’s split-second of distraction to vanish into the shadows, and burns the last bridge by saving Quillan Hardis. But now, locked in Quillan’s muscular arms, pinned by his calculating amber gaze, his invisibility talent shielding them both, she’s in even deeper trouble. If that’s possible. Quillan didn’t get to Universe Corps’ highest echelons by being a fool. The rare shadow manipulator in his grip is too easy a prize to be anything but a setup. A pretty lure he should send back to Night Stars. Instead, he holds on—and in changing her fate, he seals his own. Under a secret order to unlock her untapped power—by any means necessary—Quillan takes Jiana on the run with only a precog’s vague direction, and a spark of desire that blooms into something warm and genuine. But her fear of being clawed back into Night Stars’ control could drive Jiana so deep into the shadows nothing will get her out. Not even the light of Quillan’s love. But her fear of Night Stars could drives Jiana so deep into the shadows nothing can lead her out. Not even the light of Quillan’s love. Goodreads * Amazon

Claire can’t remember a time when writing wasn’t part of her life. Growing up, she used to write stories with her friends. As a teenager she started out reading fantasy and science fiction, but her diet quickly changed to romance and happily-ever-after’s. A native of Massachusetts and cold weather, she left all that behind to move to the sun and fun of California, but has always lived no more than twenty miles from the ocean. In college she studied acting with a minor in creative writing. In hindsight she should have flipped course studies. Before she was published, she sold books on eBay and discovered some of her favorite authors by sampling the goods, which was the perfect solution. Claire has many book-irons in the fire, most notably her urban fantasy series, The Elementals’ Challenge series, but writes contemporary and shifter romances as well as. While she’s not a movie mogul or actor, she does work in the film industry with her office firmly situated in the 90210 district of Hollywood. Prone to break out into song, she is quick on feet and just as quick with snappy dialogue. In addition to writing she does animal rescue, reads, and goes to movies. She loves to hear from fans, so feel free to drop her a line. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

The press of hundreds of minds beat against her
skull. She could hear the mass of humanity and their
petty grievances and lives flowing over her. Maya
started humming a song she’d learned that kept the
noise at bay. “The Keeper did a hunting go, and under
his cloak he carried a bow,” she hummed.
There were boulders in the water and a few people
hopping across them to get to the island. Life
continued, even if it felt like her insides had been
ripped out.
“So many people,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“You wanted this,” Ian said. His words were mild,
but his aura flared into jagged spikes for a moment.
Maya flushed at the non-verbal evidence of a taut
anger he was trying to suppress.
“You don’t have to babysit me.”
“Yes, I do.”
She shook her head, her hair flying around it.
“No, you don’t. If you don’t want to do it, tell that
big guy Zared to pitch in. But Quillan said you’re
supposed to watch me and take me around. If you don’t

want to do that say so. I can figure it out on my
own.”
He raked a hand through his hair, sending it
standing on end.
“Bollocks. You’re right, Maya. I’m being a
bounder.”
Her scrutiny took in the suspension bridge and
the small island. A sign read ‘Belle Isle.’ She had
seen the island in the tourist brochures and had
mentioned to Bobbie that it would be fun to go. Her
friend had agreed half-heartedly. At the time Maya
figured Bobbie would be too hung over for rock
climbing. But as it turned out Bobbie didn’t expect to
be in her company for long.
“Accepted. I guess we’re both on edge. I didn’t
expect so many people. I thought it would be quieter.”
All around them were tourists in shorts and T-shirts,
taking selfies and video on their phones.
“You can see many of Richmond’s attractions from
here,” Ian said, his tone taking on the cadence of a
tour guide. “The Hollywood Cemetery, the Tredagar Iron
Works, and of course the Richmond skyline.
Fascinating, eh?” His voice was taut, matching the
tightness of his body.

Water rushed down rapids created by the large
rocks. Herons as well as ducks paddled in the river.
The trill of songbirds in the trees would have lifted
her spirits on a normal day. Beyond were green bluffs
and dots of tombstones. Hollywood Cemetery, she read.
Appropriate.
There were people bobbing in the water and more
athletic types on the nearby dirt trails. Maya hadn’t
studied the trail system all that closely. Bobbie was
not much of a hiker. Unlike Ian. This fit, healthy man
might be up for some . . . exercise.
Near the spray of the river were people with
picnic baskets and blankets secured down by heavy
rocks. She pointed a finger to one of the families.
“That looks like fun,” she said, and applauded
herself that her voice sounded normal.
“We can go across on the footbridge,” he said,
holding out his hand. “It’s a lovely spot in the
middle of the city.”
It would have been nice if Ian were one of those
huge rocks—an anchor to ground to. But she couldn’t
trust herself, or him.
“Okay,” she said.

The sun continued to rise. Tourists as well as
locals snaked across the bridge to the nearby island.
Water poured through and around the rocks, drowning
out casual conversation.
“You should see your face, Maya. You’ve got
nothing but frown lines and black pupils.” Ian
hesitated and then put an arm around her. She sank
into him, making a low sound between a sob and a howl.
There was Ian, this strange, impossible British guy
she had no idea existed until night before last. She
wanted—and didn’t want—to know more.
When she moved back, Ian was watching her, his
amber eyes clouded. His aura was streaked with dark
red, his face stamped with desire, and his mind
projecting the need to lick her all over and then
start again.
He touched her cheeks, gently holding her face.
The muscles of his back moved as he ran his hands down
her forehead and over her jaw. His eyes held banked
fire. She wanted to arch into his warm palms and give
her lips to him.
She tilted her head up. He settled on a closed
mouth kiss, moving from one side of her lips to the
other, slow and gentle, as if she were fine china. The

touch of his hands on her body sent an electric pulse
shooting from the spot he touched straight to her
core. Heat flooded her.

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