Monday, July 18, 2011

Launch Day Fun: Fatal Consequences

It's finally here! July 18! Fatal Consequences is available for sale all over the e-book-o-sphere!

The murder of two members of the Capitol Cleaning Service might’ve been just another homicide investigation—that is if one of them hadn’t been romantically involved with a married senator from Arizona. Lt. Sam Holland and her team are plunged into another complex case that at first seems open and shut. But as Sam tugs on the threads of the investigation she uncovers a deep, dark Washington secret that threatens the careers of some of the government’s highest-ranking officials. Racing to catch a killer before he can strike again, Sam and her fiancĂ©, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, attempt to plan a wedding while her colleague Detective Tommy “Gonzo” Gonzales faces life-changing news.

Here’s a brief excerpt:

Nick approached her from behind, resting his hands on her shoulders and massaging the tense spots. He knew exactly where her stress collected, and it was all Sam could do to remain standing as his talented fingers hit all the right places. “It’s getting late, babe.”

“Did you clean up my desk again?”

“Maybe.”

“It’s a sickness. You have a sickness.”

“Guilty as charged.” He laughed softly and planted a kiss on her neck. Desire rippled through her. She was so easy where he was concerned, and he knew it. “What’s up with the case?”

The facts ran through her mind like a silent movie. “Until I get Lindsey’s report, I’m at a standstill.”

“Then let’s go home.”

Back in the day, Sam would’ve waited all night—if necessary—for the autopsy report and lab results. Now, though, she had a good reason to go home. She looked up at him. “Sorry for letting work invade our day off. Maybe one of these days we’ll succeed in actually scoring a full day off.”

“We can dream.”

She let him help her into her coat and lead her from the office. “I know you really needed the break.”

“Not your fault, and besides, I did get a day off from campaigning, so it’s all good.”

“We missed out on our early Valentine’s Day,” she said once they were in the car.

He reached for her hand, laced his fingers through hers. “Every day with you is Valentine’s Day.”

Sam smiled at him. “Even if we end up on different sides on this case?”

“We may not always agree, Sam, but we’re always on the same side.”

She relaxed into the heated leather seat and enjoyed the companionable silence. That was one of her favorite things about her relationship with Nick. Even in the quiet spaces between words, she was always in tune with him. In the past, when she’d been unhappily married to a manipulative man who wanted to control her every thought, she’d often been lonely even when he was sitting next to her on the sofa or lying next to her in bed. She had never once felt that way with Nick.

“What’re you thinking about over there?” he asked.

“I’m thinking about us.”

“What about us?”

“Could I ask you something and will you tell me the truth?”

He glanced at her. “Of course you can and of course I will.”

“When we’re together, do you ever feel lonely?”

“Lonely?” He released a short laugh. “That is one thing I never feel when I’m with you.”

“Good,” Sam said, relieved. “That’s good.”

Nick parallel parked on Ninth Street, killed the engine and turned to face her, reaching out to caress her cheek. “What’s that all about?”

“Sometimes, well…a lot of the time when I was with Peter, I remember being lonely even when he was right there with me. I was thinking that I’ve never felt that way with you, and I was hoping you hadn’t either.”

“I’ve never felt that way, and I’m glad you haven’t.” He reached for her, and she leaned into his embrace. “If you’re ever lonely, will you tell me?”

She nodded. “Will you?”

“I promise.”

“I doubt it’ll ever be an issue between us. Everything about this is different.”

“Yes,” he said, kissing her. “It is. Come on, let’s go in.”

I’m really excited to get Fatal Consequences out to readers this week! You can find it at the following places:

Carina Press

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

Sam and Nick’s big year continues on Aug. 22 when we begin to reveal the choices readers made back in February for their wedding. Watch this blog for the grand reveal over the 14 days leading up to the launch of the wedding novella, Fatal Destiny, on Sept. 5. As we reveal the wedding choices, we’ll have all new prizes and chances to win copies of the books.

To celebrate the launch of Fatal Consequences, tell me your favorite Sam & Nick moment and qualify to win a copy of the book. Because I'm on deadline for Fatal Flaw, I'm not doing a blog tour for FC, so there will be just a few chances to win free copies. I'll give away two copies here this week, with the contest closing at noon EDT on Friday, July 22. Thanks to everyone who pre-ordered or bought a copy on launch day. I so appreciate your excitement about the continuation of Sam and Nick's story!