~~ CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE ~~Â
“Where evil lurks, no one is safe.”
The suspicious fire that destroyed the shed exposes a surprise corpseânot what ghostwriter Megan Scott and investigative reporter Michael Elliott expected when they reserved a cabin at their friendsâ lakeside resort in rural Ontario.
Fear overshadows their visit like a looming storm. Their friends are receiving anonymous threatening letters. An elderly resident is reported missing. Locals are wary. They arenât used to outsiders snooping around town, asking questions.
When Michael makes a connection to a cold case, evidence points to an ex-convict looking for revenge. Heâs had reconstructive surgery. He could be anyone.
Terror blankets the town as the body count mounts. The killer is playing dangerous mind games with everyoneâespecially with Megan. If she doesnât find him first, she could well become his next victim.
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Excerpt from Dark Deeds by Sandra Nikolai
Madame Ora stood five feet tall and wore a red polka dot wrap dress that resembled something Iâd once seen in a 1940s movie. Her wispy white hair stood on end and looked as if it had gone through dozens of perms. She beckoned me into a tiny room at the rear. A thick curtain separated it from the rest of the shop. Without a word, she motioned for me to sit down at a round cafĂ© table and took a seat opposite me.
âPlease do not ask me any questions until I have completed my reading.â Her voice was thick with a foreign accentâmaybe Polish. She closed her eyes and mumbled words I couldnât understand, then opened her eyes. âPlease show me your hands.â
I extended both hands as requested.
Madame Ora peered at my palms, squinting as if she were trying to decipher coded messages. âMy dear, you have suffered a deep loss, but things will change for the better.â
It was a pretty general statement.
âYour loss had to do with a manâa man who shared a deep bond with you.â
My late husband. Good guess.
âThis man died suddenly and tragically.â
Okay, this was getting creepy.
âYou have since moved on. Another man has entered your life. He is a very brave man.â
I swallowed hard.
Madame Ora continued. âOn this particular journey, you are in grave danger, but you are surrounded by protection.â
Grave danger? Protection?
She looked up at me, her eyes staring at the space above my head. âThe white feather will protect you. Keep it with you at all times.â
Goose bumps rose along my arms. While she closed her eyes and mumbled the same incoherent words as before, I reached into my handbag and rubbed the tiny white feather between my thumb and forefinger. It seemed beyond coincidental.
Madame Ora opened her eyes. âYou may now ask me two questions.â
My practical side told me the simple white feather in my handbag would never protect me from any kind of danger. Regardless, the fact she had mentioned it intrigued me. âCan you be more specific about the grave danger you mentioned?â
She closed her eyes. âYou are involved in matters concerning death. I see three dead spirits around youâspirits that have met with unexpected death. Take caution. Not everyone is to be trusted.â She opened her eyes. âNext question.â
Was she kidding? A dozen questions had popped into my head.
I thought of Michael. âWill the man in my life be safe too?â
âHe has tempted fate many times and succeeded.â
âWhat you mean?â
Madame Ora pushed back her chair and rose. âIâm sorry, I have already answered your two questions.â
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CLICK ON THE BOOK TITLES TO BE REDIRECTED TO AMAZON!
FYI –> THESE CAN BE READ AS  STANDALONE. đÂ
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BOOK ONE: FALSE IMPRESSIONS
BOOK TWO: FATAL WHISPERS
(Short Story): TIMELY ESCAPE
BOOK THREE: ICY SILENCE
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Sandra Nikolai is the author of the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series. In addition to her novels, Sandra has published a string of short crime stories, garnering awards along the way.
Sandra held jobs in sales, finance, and high tech before leaving the corporate world to pursue a career in writing. She likes to think that plotting a whodunit reveals the lighterâyet more mysteriousâside of her persona.
Visit Sandra’s website and sign up to receive her latest book news. Follow her on Twitter: @SandraNikolai or connect with her on Goodreads or Facebook .
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~~ BOOK ONE ~~
Suddenly single, in her forties, and eager to do what it takes to start over, Elaina Samuels meets three women with similar circumstances at a cash-for-gold event. They quickly become friends and form the No Sweat Pants Allowed – Wine Club. This newly found alliance brings about some humorous escapades, a few tears, and a bond so strong no man can break as they try to cling to the past and finally step out of their comfort zones to find a happiness they thought they’d never feel again. Discover Elaina Samuels, Tawny Westerfield, Stephanie Mathews, and Grace Cordray.
~~ BOOK TWO~~
Recently single, Elaina Samuels could’ve never imagined such an amazing six months. She’d met Tawny Westerfield, Stephanie Mathews, and Grace Cordray, at a cash-for-gold event. Individually they were there to trade in their wedding rings to get a fresh start. Little did they know that fate would step in and put them together – first in the jewelry store and then to share their stories over wine in the bar across the street. They clicked from the get-go and a few weeks later, Elaina made an offer for them to move in to share expenses. Best. Decision. Ever. Join Elaina, Tawny, Steph, and Grace as they continue their journeys to get life right-side-up and embrace the next six months with energy, mischief, chaos, fun, and a few tears.
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~~ OUT NOW –> BOOK THREEÂ ~~
Sometimes the only way to truly start over is to move. Thatâs exactly what Elaina Samuels and her unruly band of cohorts decided to do. Elaina, Tawny, Grace, and Steph bought a bed and breakfast in Maine. The trip from Cherry Ridge, Ohio to Portland is a wild and crazy ride, filled with things they never could have foreseen. In this adventure thereâs laughter, tears, doubt, and a little danger thrown in to keep them on their toes. Will this relocation to the northeast be the key to real happiness? Or will it test their friendship to the breaking point? Â
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Could the day get any stranger? First, the guy in the Mercedes; now Frank and Bax.
The unspoken question answered itself.
An old gal with powder-white hair and glasses came up to Elaina. âFour Sassy Chicks. That describes us to a tee. Isnât that right, Flora, Hazel, and Josie?â
Accompanying the short, tiny-framed woman were three carbon copies. The four women were dressed in the same fake fur coats and floral bandanas.
The carbon copies nodded.
âWeâre in our eighties but we can be a bit cheeky.â The leader of the pack smiled so big her eyes went closed. âIâm Adelaide. Weâve come from Tennessee to stay at your bed and breakfast. Sorry it took so long for us to get to baggage claim. Weâre not as spry as we used to be. The airline offered to cart us with one of those fancy four-wheelers.â
One of the carbon copies spoke up. âTheyâre not four-wheelers, Addie. I believe they call them shuttles.â
Another of the four women winced. âA lot you know. Theyâre called courtesy transports.â
âThatâs our know-it-all sister, Hazel. What she doesnât know isnât worth knowing.â Adelaide broke into a cackle that turned into a loose cough.
âI never claimed to know everything; although I do have more upstairs than the other three put together.â
âYou wish. Iâm Flora, dear.â
Elaina nodded. âNice to meet you, Flora.â
âIâm, Josephine, the prettiest of the Turlington sisters.â She put her dentures together in a silly grin. âBoom.â
Did she really say boom? Elaina kept her expression even. Inside she was jiggling with a laugh. She had a feeling it would be a fun few days. âIâm Elaina. Welcome to Maine.â
Adelaide leaned into Elaina. âSeveral years ago we decided to vacation in every state before we kick the bucket. Weâre proud to say this is the fiftieth. Right, girls?â
Their heads wobbled when they nodded. Â
âHow exciting! Iâm sure youâve seen a lot of great things in your travels.â
Flora shook her head. âNot really. We donât get around so good, so we usually donât venture out.â
âYou donât leave the hotel or bed and breakfast?â Â
Hazel didnât hedge on the truth. âNope. We play cards and drink wine.â She made a weird noise that couldâve been a laugh. It was hard to tell. âWhen we get home we brag to our card club that we visited another state.â
âThatâs remarkable.â
âOh it is.â Flora winked. âI want you to know ahead of time that we collect those little bars of soap and bottles of shampoo. Some people collect trinkets. We collect toiletries.â
âCollect?â Josephine scoffed. âWe steal them.â
Hazel set the record straight. âThey think theyâre getting away with something.â
Adelaide rebuffed her sister. âItâs thievery all right. If you donât use it, youâre not supposed to take it.â
Elaina looked from woman to woman. âAre you ready to discover the Four Sassy Chicks Bed and Breakfast?â
âCan we make a stop?â Flora inquired.
âIâll bet she forgot to bring her Depends,â Hazel said under her breath.
Flora leveled a scowl at her sister. She couldnât maintain it. An evil grin splashed across her weathered face. âYouâre just jealous that you have to use the bathroom when you have to pee. I never have to leave the card game.â
Adelaide rushed to deny Floraâs boasting. âSheâs teasing. Flora, tell this sweet lady youâre teasing.â
âNope. I pee wherever and whenever I want. Iâm peeing right now.â
Hazel lifted her eyes in embarrassment. âSorry about that, miss. I could blame it on her age, but age doesnât excuse everything.â
âBooyah.â Flora blew on her fingernails like sheâd one-upped her sisters.
Elaina smiled at each Turlington sibling. âYou remind me of my friends. Wait until you meet them. Youâll see what I mean.â Her cell phone chimed with an incoming text message. She ignored it to remain professional.
Her cell phone rang shortly after the text. Again, she ignored it.
Elaina addressed Flora. âWhere would you like me to make a stop?â
âWherever they sell wine.â
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BUY ALL THREE NOW WITH THIS
——> 1-CLICK LINK <—–
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Jan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres, writes witty contemporary romance and womenâs fiction, enjoys finding new ways to stay fit and gardens even though she doesnât claim to have a green thumb.
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What happens when your sex strike goes viral — and suddenly every man in town has their eye on your prize?
All I wanted was little old-fashioned romance. After a parade of Tinder disasters who think chivalry is giving me a pearl necklace on the first date, I made a pledge: until guys step up their game, this girl is off the market.
But one bottle of chardonnay later, and my drunken rant has gone viral. Iâm the most famous person NOT having sex since the Jonas Brothers put on their purity rings. A menâs magazine has even put a bounty on my (ahem) maidenhead: fifty Gs to whoever makes me break the drought.
Be careful what you wish for…
Now my office looks like an explosion in a Hallmark factory, Iâve got guys lining up to sweep me off my feet – and the one man I want is most definitely off-limits. Jake Weston is a player through and through. Heâs also the only one who sees through the mayhem to the real me, but how can I trust heâs not just out to claim the glory?
And how will I make it through the strike without scratching the itch – especially when that itch looks so damn good out of his suit? The thrill of the chaste has never been so sexy in Lila Monroeâs hilarious, hot new romantic read!
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Lila showed men and women at their highest and lowest points. Yes, both genders can and will excel and falter in showing their love, romantic side, and take for granted their lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife.  Whatever label you are using, the end result should be the same. Want to keep a good man or woman? Then, kiss them. Not because you want sex but because you want them to feel loved and appreciated. Don’t allow your significant other do all the cooking, cleaning, chores, and so forth. PUT IN AN EFFORT! Oh and I firmly believe you should do small things every chance you get and not wait until Valentine’s Day.Â
Lila Monroe made sure readers understood that to keep your sweetums happy, don’t let the romance die because if you do your sex life (relationship) will feel the strain.
Men, you know stroking it gets old. Fake holes aren’t the same as the real deal.
Women, self pleasure isn’t always so fulfilling at the end of the day.
So heed Lila’s words and go give your man or woman some attention. Not because you want sex — expect it. No, give them it because you’re honored and amazed they chose you as their partner.Â
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Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)Â
Score: â€â€â€â€1/2
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~~ EXCERPT ~~
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Linda was passing the empty tables by the tall windows when she felt her arm being tuggedâvery hard. Before she could react, she found herself being forcibly dragged through the open patio doors and onto the isolated garden path. She came face to face with the mighty Wolf and his trusted companion, Hayden. The grounds were deserted. Everyone had left the gardens and she was all alone with the two wicked vampires.
Wolf glared at Hayden. âPlease let go of her arm; we are not animals. We never force ourselves on women.â
âChivalry among demonsâIâm very impressed. Too bad your table manners and choice of dishes leave a lot to be desired,â Linda said. Her hatred of Wolf had just caused her to forget her low position in the food chain; she closed her mouth to stop herself from talking. In the future, she must remember that he was a vampireâthe strongest one in the worldâand that he could easily destroy her at any time.
Wolf didnât seem the least bit focused on her. âI didnât come here to play parlor games with you. I need you to convince Todd to join with us. He can never be human or will ever be accepted by them. He belongs with us. He must stick with his own kind.â
âHeâs not like you in any way at all: he cares too deeply for people and is loyal to his friends. On the other hand, you and your kind enjoy killing too much and have no feelings whatsoever.â
âTodd will never be accepted by humans or by his own kind. He will be an outcast with nowhere to go. He must join with us.â
âTodd is human and will always be accepted by humans.â
âLetâs kill her now, boss. Sheâs going to be trouble. I could take her away and no one will ever see her again,â Hayden said, grabbing hold of her arm again.
Oops, she did it again. Her big mouth had now sealed her fate. She had to learn how to be more assertive without getting herself into trouble.
Wolf strolled over to her with a wicked gleam surfacing in his eyes.
âI have a much better use for her in the future. When she finally comes to her senses, sheâll realize that she will be better off with a real vampire with limitless powers than with a pathetic human. Sheâll learn about intoxicating love and passionânot the games that humans play that pale in comparison.
Here comes the human. Let her go for now.â
Linda was horrified to find herself wrapped in Wolfâs strong, muscular arms. She became hypnotized by his black eyes and tempted by his deep voice. He seemed perfect in every way. She only wanted to be with him.
âIâll be back for you.â Wolf held her tight against his body and whispered in her ear. âI love the way you stand up to me with your flashing blue eyes. Soon youâll be mine, my beautiful ice queen.â
Linda couldnât move her body. She was stuck in some kind of tranceâŠshe couldnât leave; didnât want to leave if given the choice. His voice soothed her and made her think of love, passion, and great need: a need that could be satisfied only by him with his expert hands and mouth. She knew that one day she was going to be with him, to be joined with him.
He lowered his mouth onto hers and drew her into a swirling haze of unexpected feelings and desires. His mouth fully covering hers introduced her to a new realm of pure pleasure. His powerful form enveloped her, making her feel feelings that were foreign and untried for her. She couldnât get enough of him. She tentatively began touching his face and then his body with an eager and unrelenting hunger. She didnât know what she needed, but she knew that she wanted and desired this beautiful man standing right before her. Her past life was washed out of her mind, never to be considered again. She begged him to take her with him tonight. In response, Wolf lifted her in his arms, as if she weighed nothing, and turned to leave the party. His beautiful face looked victorious and happy. His black eyes filled with passion. She hoped that it was because of her. He looked down into her small face and gave a hearty roar.
While Wolf carried her in his powerful arms, a dark shadow swooped out of the house and flew directly at them. Linda was knocked out of his arms, and Wolf was thrown across the patio.
She looked up to see who had attacked them. It was Todd, his eyes a deadly shade of green, standing there panting.
Linda backed away in horror. Toddâs eyes cleared and returned to their original dark color. Then he looked at her. âDonât ever be afraid of me. Iâm here to protect you.â
Then he was struck down by Wolf.
They began circling each other like two wild animals. Todd thrust his body at Wolf, causing Wolf to lose his balance, and they crashed together to the ground. Wolf pushed Todd aside and stood back up. He lunged at Todd, who sidestepped his maneuver. Todd retaliated by lifting him high up in the air and flinging him through one of the glass doors to the house. Wolf rose up and dusted glass off his clothing.
He said to Todd, who stood before him, âWe are not anywhere near finished, my dear friend. The next battle between us will be more privateâwithout so many witnesses. If I were you, I would watch your backâŠand your pretty little girlfriend.â Wolf stalked away with Hayden following close behind. Todd quickly followed.
Linda was left standing alone outside. She felt bereft without the touch of Wolfâs lips on hers and the solid strength of his arms holding her. She had felt the unmistakable pull by him on all her senses. In his arms, sheâd felt weak and needyâas if she needed him to live. Todd and Wolf were extremely powerful and both had taken hold of her senses.
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If I had known it was going to be so hard,
 involving computer skills to the extreme,
 I might have thought twice about it,
 thought twice about writing my book.
 Writers must write each and every day.
 We must promote our books daily.
 We must post on our blogs each day.
 But thereâs not enough hours in a day.
 How do other writers accomplish all this?
 How do they leave free time for their families?
 They must be expert jugglers.
 Experts at writing, blogging, and juggling.
 I must learn this dance,
 this high-wire walk,
 this never-ending battle.
 I must learn to juggle.
 I will do it.
 I will do it all.
 Just give me the chance.
 Book two is being written.
 I feel free.
 I feel empowered.
 I will survive.
 James Patterson, eat my dust.
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