I don’t know about you, but I’m always interested in what’s selling. Which genre is hot right now? How is self publishing doing against standard publishing? Are people buying print books?

I went searching and here’s the latest information I could find. The first is on Self-publishing from Bowker and the second part is the hot genres from Ingram Spark, but it’s about 2018. Still, I found it interesting. Let me know if you have any thoughts.

Annual Bowker report shows sustained growth in print self-publishing

New Providence, NJ, October, 10, 2018  – According to the latest   report  from ProQuest affiliate Bowker , self-publishing  grew at a rate of more than 28 percent in 2017, up from an 8 percent increase during the prior year. The total number of self-published titles grew from 786,935 to 1,009,188, surpassing the million mark for the first time.

Self-publishing of print books increased by 38 percent in 2017 for a total of 879,587. This is the fifth consecutive year of print growth – driven by a 50 percent increase at  CreateSpace , a self-publishing platform. Self-published ebooks decreased by 13 percent, continuing a downward trend for the third successive year. Two service providers, Smashwords and Lulu, accounted for 105,037 ebook titles, 81 percent of the ebook total of 129,601.

As the numbers confirm, self-publishing continues to grow each year. According to Beat Barblan, Director of Identifier Services at Bowker,  “Self-publishing shows no signs of slowing down and continues to grow at a steady rate. CreateSpace was very popular in 2017 – and now that its customers are moving to the new  Kindle Direct Publishing  platform, we don’t expect any decline in self-publishing.”

Since 2012, the number of ISBNs assigned to self-published titles has grown 156 percent. “We believe that this is due, in large part, to the increasing number and quality of products and services now available from several providers to aid authors who choose to publish some or all of their titles independently,” Barblan said. “In addition, there are numerous associations serving the indie author community that promote best practices and stand ready to offer solutions and support.

“Authors who set out to self-publish, market and distribute high-quality books now have more resources than ever.”

This annual study from Bowker highlights self-publishing trends in print and ebook formats from 2012 to 2017, based on the number of titles registered in the Bowker Books In Print® database.

Genre: What’s Hot, What’s Not?

  Toward the end of 2017, you probably noticed poetry books by Rupi Kaur (Milk and Honey ) and r.h. Sin (whiskey words & a shovel ) among the bestsellers both online and in bookstores. This is a trend we predict will continue throughout 2018, along with a return to chick-lit, romance novels, and books about witches.

What you won’t be seeing much of in the 2018 bestsellers are zombies and vampires. This was a trend that lasted a few years but has its best days behind it— at least for now.

The publishing industry in general, but particularly the self-publishing side, has also had its fill when it comes to political thrillers. We’ve noticed that readers are becoming less and less interested in reading about politics as of late.

And although you’ve probably read at least one or two of the top-selling books whose main character is, to put it kindly, a little unsteady (think Gone Girl ), we believe the unreliable female narrator has left the publishing stage for 2018. In her place is a different, much stronger woman like the women of 2017 who marched in the street and created a movement.

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That’s how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she’s lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more join Dee on Nomad Authors. Contact Dee at dsknight@deesknight.com .

The concept for my book, Only a Good Man Will Do , started many years ago with a joint project between Vanessa Hart and me. We thought writing a book together would be fun and so we tossed around a few ideas and came up with the premise of a set of twins who were very different, facing the prospect of their parents’ upcoming wedding. Part of what made the boys so unique was how they’d responded to growing up with eccentric parents who had never tied the knot. Now they were going to—on national TV, no less—and that was the impetus to bring the family together after years of being apart.

Nessie and I decided we each would write a chapter and alternate points of view. My twin, Daniel Goodman, would be a snooty teacher in an even snootier private school in New England. Nessie’s hero would be a blue-collar mechanic who was so accomplished he was in high demand by NASCAR teams.

I loved writing with Vanessa but eventually other projects—and even life—took precedence and we gave up the book. Last year, with Nessie’s permission, I took my character’s story and developed it into Only a Good Man Will Do , changing it from the Goodman twins to the Goodman triplets, and fleshing out the conflict. I transformed Daniel from a man with a stick up his…um, rear end to one who knows he has to toe the line with school policy but who also has a heart of gold.

Jonah, in book 2 of the Good Man series, One Woman Only , is still a mechanic but different from the character Nessie forged. Jonah is searching for a change in life and begins to dream that the change might come with his former girlfriend. He wants a second chance at love but is up against a stubborn woman in Kelly Shepard. This character is requiring some research since I know next to nothing about cars or engines. Yikes!

 

Mark, the third brother, is entirely new. He’s a genius who hardly notices the world around him—until he discovers a woman in his office and realizes she understands his work. I’m going to have some fun with Mark and Paige Morrison, the equally genius woman who has had to notice the world around her a bit too much for comfort.

Why did I make Daniel a teacher? Because I had 13-years-experience in the field and could empathize with Daniel’s predicament of needing to follow front office dictums, even when knowing they weren’t always best for the student. Sometimes, balancing the needs of the school, where parents and then even the government were the clients, against the needs of the student, where sometimes strong discipline and then maybe a hug were needed, were very hard to accomplish. Where I taught, in a residential school, we spent more time with the students than their parents did, but even then, the students were not the client—their parents were. Daniel faces the situation in the book where the parents’ desire was not what was best for the student and he does the right thing, jeopardizing his dreams. How does he fare? Well, he is a Good Man.

Blurb for Only a Good Man Will Do :

Seriously ambitious man seeks woman to encourage his goals, support his (hopeful) position as Headmaster of Westover Academy, and be purer than Caesar’s wife. Good luck with that!

Daniel Goodman is a man on a mission. He aims to become headmaster of Westover Academy. For that he needs a particular, special woman to help him set high standards. Into his cut and dried life of moral and upright behavior, comes Eve Star, formerly one of Europe’s foremost exotic dancers. Her life is anything but cut and dried, black and white. Daniel is drawn to her like a kid to chocolate. Nothing good can come of this attraction. Or can it? He is after all, a good man.

Excerpt for Only a Good Man Will Do:

“Daniel, am I talking to myself, here?”

“Oh, no, I’m…” He chuckled an amused admission. “Tell me what you said again.”

He could almost hear Eve smile. “I said, you called at four-thirty on Saturday and Sunday, so I took a wild leap that you would today, too.”

“Ah.” Smiling to the empty room, he squirmed to get into a more comfortable position. “A woman of logic.”

“Absolutely. You don’t want to play me in chess. I think five or six moves ahead.”

“I’ll remember that. There’s nothing worse than seeing a guy cry when he’s been beaten at chess by a girl. Now tell me why you’re upstairs. I know you don’t have a lot of help this time of day.”

“I’m paying Jed extra to come in a bit early.” Her voice was low, as though she didn’t really want to tell him. The words struck his heart.

“You don’t have money to be paying Jed extra, Eve. I’ll start calling later, after dinner and before I grade papers.”

“No, don’t. It’s quiet this time of day and I want these few minutes to myself. Jed doesn’t mind, and he can use a few extra bucks.”

“Well, okay.”

“Besides, you won’t be calling forever. Soon you’ll be head of the school and won’t have free time for the likes of me.”

Daniel hadn’t promised her on Friday that he’d call. He’d simply felt the desire and acted on it. Then, by unspoken agreement, they hadn’t mentioned what might happen next in their relationship. They’d spent time sharing that day in their respective worlds.

Today, he’d discovered the desire to talk to Eve wasn’t an “at loose ends” feeling that sometimes came over him on weekends. After his dorm assistant had arrived, Daniel had locked his doors, put his books and papers away, and picked up the phone. Only after they’d been well into the fantasy did he remember he hadn’t even removed his gown and jacket before pressing her number. He’d wanted to hear her, find out what her day had been like and communicate his own. He felt seventeen again, with an infatuation about to drive him crazy. Except men his age didn’t have infatuations. They had obsessions.

“Hey,” Eve charged, “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, like I was hunting for compliments or reassurances. I was simply stating a fact, the way we both know it to be. I want this to be short term as much as you do, so don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried.”

But he was. How long did obsessions last, anyway? Daniel had never allowed himself to be distracted by a woman or anything that might waylay his goals.

But now? Now was a different story.

Buy links for  Only a Good Man Will Do :

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2q7ovi4

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1129630612?ean=2940161770603

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/898008

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/only-a-good-man-will-do

Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

Do you have your books out in audio?

I thought I would share some information from Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLI) on audio books for those who don’t have access to it.

The  Alliance of Independent Authors  is a professional membership organization fostering ethics and excellence in self-publishing. ALLi is a diverse, supportive and friendly community of thousands of authors, collaborating with other author organizations and service partners.                  In addition to an active, engaged, and growing membership, alongside with a healthy social media presence, ALLi has credibility and influence in the publishing and self-publishing industries with its founder-director, the award-winning novelist and poet Orna Ross,  repeatedly named one of the “Top 100 people in publishing.” (The Bookseller) As the only non-profit representing independent authors globally, with members on all seven continents, the association has become the most trusted voice in self-publishing. And its outreach education programs and campaigns ensure its impact is felt beyond its membership designations and borders, influencing the wider author community at every level.                                                       The information on audio books comes from an article on their Advice Center posted Aug 7. Advice Centre info @allianceindependentauthors.org

Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Recording Your Audiobook

Indies are empowered business people. Our income streams are limited only by our imagination, which is probably one of the reasons indie author audiobook narration is becoming so popular. Gordon Rothman, partner member, teaches us seven rookie mistakes to avoid when recording our audiobooks.  

The post Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Recording Your Audiobook appeared first on Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center .

 

AudioBooks and Exclusivity: A comparison of ACX and Findaway Voices

With the rise of audiobook popularity, comes a familiar question to other book formats: wide or exclusive? Still today, indie authors struggle with the decision over whether or not to publish their ebooks exclusively with Amazon’s KDP Select or “to go wide” by distributing them to additional retailers. In today’s post, author member Mary Louisa Locke discusses audiobooks and exclusivity.

The post AudioBooks and Exclusivity: A comparison of ACX and Findaway Voices appeared first on Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center .

Audiobook Price-Fixing by Audible: Is It Coming to An End?

The current economics of producing an audiobook is an uphill battle, especially for indie authors. How much of this is due to “price-fixing” by Audible? ALLi Partner Member Tim McConnehey predicts a continued boom in audiobook popularity, and some welcome changes in the way Audible conducts its business.

The post Audiobook Price-Fixing by Audible: Is It Coming to An End? appeared first on Alliance of Independent Authors: Self-Publishing Advice Center .

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!”  ™ and reviewed as  “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without  decreasing the message.”  Sign up to receive Pam’s  newsletter  and get a FREE short story!

2018 Character Interview from Tempered Hearts

Beverley: What’s your name?

Tamera: Tamera Collins

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Tamera: Greenville, MS

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Tamera: Depending on who you’re talking to the 70’s are either contemporary or Historical LOL!

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Tamera: I grew up an only child with a passion for horses. As a young teen I decided I wanted to be a Veterinarian and specialize in caring for these beautiful creatures. Since I went to private school, it was easy to take extra classes and college courses and to finish my degree in Veterinary Medicine by the time I was twenty-four. I’m not sure why Pamela chose to write my and Craig’s story, but I’m glad she did.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Tamera: To be healed of my grief and to find a way to cope with my parents’ and fiancé’s deaths and to simply do my job as summer Vet on the Rockin’ H ranch to the best of my ability. I didn’t expect to fall in love….

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Tamera: Working for an arrogant jerk cowboy! At least that is my initial opinion of Craig Harris, heir to the Rockin’ H ranch in Bandera, TX and indirectly my boss. His grandfather is the one who actually hired me. He’s pretty jaded and chauvinistic when we first meet, but Craig and I learn to get along.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them ?

Tamera: I’ve found that God and time have a way of resolving things much better than we can on our own and that we’d do well to just keep moving forward, do the best we can and trust that all things work together for good.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Tamera: Not necessarily just me but women in general….no matter how strong we are, how talented or smart, we still need tender care, nurturing and a strong man to be our helpmate in life. Ladies, if you find one, don’t let him get away! And gentlemen, if you find a strong woman, be her equal, not her opposite. You’ll both be better off lifting one another up instead of tearing each other down.

Blurb for Tempered Hearts:

Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

Exce rpt f rom Tempered Hearts:

“Leave the girl alone, Craig,” his grandfather warned as Craig took an ominous step toward her. His gray eyes flashed furiously. “She has the right to a day off. Tell her what happened so she can check on Rocky.”

Anger, desire, jealousy, and frustration were more than Craig could take. “I run a ranch here, and a ranch runs twenty-four seven. There’s no such thing as a day off. And as for you…”

He turned on his grandfather. “It’s a shame all it takes is a pretty face to turn you into a traitor.”

Tamera ground her teeth. She stepped toward him and her eyes dared him to say more as fury overrode her common sense.  “Don’t you dare talk to him like that!”

Craig’s eyes narrowed and jaw muscle twitched as he forcefully refrained from putting his hands on her. “He’s my grandfather; I’ll talk to him any way I please!”

“Not around me you won’t.”

“Tamera, you’re pushing it,” he warned. “You better back off before something happens that I’ll regret.”

Tamera glared at him for a moment, turned on her heel. “God forbid you should ever say or do something you’d regret.”

Craig grabbed her arm, twirling her around to face him. “The last thing I need right now is your smart mouth.”

Her reaction was instinctive, fueled by fury, as her palm connected with his cheek. “I told you once before not to manhandle me. I won’t tell you again.”

Wheeling his chair closer, Gramps tried again to diffuse the situation. Craig ignored his soft command, pulled Tamera firmly against his chest and forcefully restrained from beating her.

His hands bit into the soft flesh of her arms, his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits of steel. His jaw muscle throbbed furiously. Tamera’s chin lifted another notch. They glared at each other, neither willing to back down; both waiting for the other to continue or end the fight.

“Enough.” Gramps insisted when she continued to hold her ground despite the tear that rolled down her cheek.

Craig ground his teeth and pushed her away, releasing her from his punishing grip. Pride warred with the pain and anger in her eyes but Tamera made no attempt to rub her arms or brush the tear away. Head held high, fists clenched, she turned and stalked up the stairs. The door slammed behind her with a resounding thud.

Purchase Links for Tempered Hearts:

Audible: http://bit.ly/THAudio2

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1Elwhpx

Kindle http://amzn.to/1rdBRzW

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1WpcBIp

Nook: http://bit.ly/1OdQyhT

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9

Author Links:

Website address:  http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

Blog:  http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Newsletter:   http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter

Face Book:  http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/psthib  @psthib

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/

Amazon Author Page:  http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux

I’m late blogging. I was going to post on statistics about self-publishing but my wonderful, loving, sixteen-year-old Shiba Inu is not doing well.   Sachi doesn’t see too well anymore, and hearing is going. But she’s bee doing okay. Now she’s having seizures. She’s had three in the last few weeks, I phoned the vet after the first one, but they weren’t too concerned.

So, I started to do my research. Apparently, seizures are fairly common in dogs. I’ve read articles that say Vitamin B6 could help slow down seizures. CBD oil is also suggested as something that could help.   I’ve got her own both now. It took her about a day and a half for her to recover from her last one and her balance is a little off and I think she’s a little confused.

So, I’m spending a lot of time with her and hoping the medications will kick in and she’ll stabilize and hang out with us for awhile longer. Hopefully Sachi improves and I’ll be blogging and writing again soon. Anyone have any other suggestions I’d love to hear them.

 

Spotlight On… The Viking’s Witch

                                                   By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

I’m pleased to announce the release of my latest historical romance, The Viking’s Witch. This full-length novel is set in Celtic Scotland and blends a sensual love story with adventure and paranormal elements.

The Viking’s Witch

Scotland, 803 A.D.

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time runs out.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW

Link to all other platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

Read more about the book on my new site: www.kelliwilkins.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, 5 non-fiction books, and 2 online writing courses. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

Her latest historical romance, The Viking’s Witch , was released in June 2019. This full-length novel takes place in Celtic Scotland and blends a sensual romance with paranormal elements.

In March 2019, Kelli published Dangerous Indenture , a historical mystery romance set in Colonial Pennsylvania. She released the second half of her flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes , in early 2019. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Kelli released her latest Teachable mini-course, Fiction Basics: Finding Ideas in February 2019. She authored Fiction Writing for Beginners through Teachable in 2018. These courses are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit:   https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.

If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her latest novella, Nightmare in the North .

Not just  an author, Kelli is also an amateur photographer. Visit her pages on Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins and iStock https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins to view her photos.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor .

Visit her NEW website www.KelliWilkins.com or blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

I know I missed last weeks post. I was at the Romance Writers of America National conference.

We stayed at a hotel on Time Square. Here’s a view from our window.

On Sunday, before conference started, we went to a show and saw Cher. I’m not a Cher fan. I like the music but sometimes she’s a little over the top. However, the show was great. It showed Cher’s life and the challenges she faced and how she survived and changed to meet the times. The music was awesome. It was fast paced and kept you watching. No dozing through this performance. And now I admire Cher.

On Tuesday we had an all-day workshop at the FBI. Lots of good information for writing mystery and suspense, and even romance.  In the morning after we passed through security, we learned about The Counterintelligence Program and Couunterterrorism/Domestic Terrorism with SABT’s (Special Agent Bomb Technician’s).

We had a catered lunch as we couldn’t leave the building. Then in the afternoon it was the Violent Crimes squad in New York. They had some great stories and had been partners for about seven years. They slipped in that they were now married (there’s the romance). After that we learned about the Criminal Justice Information Service, and how the Identity History Summary Checks system works. It was really interesting. I learned fingerprints aren’t all equal. The pinky makes the worst fingerprint and then the thumb.  There is also the Registry for Individuals with Special Concerns. Police carry a mobile finger printer and can get an identity in seconds.

If anyone has any questions, let me know and I’ll check my notes.

Award-winning author Claudia Shelton could write her name before the first day of school, but now she writes romantic suspense, thrillers and contemporary romance. In addition, she presents workshops for readers and authors. Her debut novel, Risk of a Lifetime, released to 5-star reviews, reached Amazon’s Best Sellers Romance Series Top 100 and was named one of eBooks Galore top reads for 2014. She is also a two-time nominated Daphne Du Maurier (Unpublished) finalist for excellence in mystery. Claudia is the author of the Shades of Leverage action-adventure romantic suspense series.

On a personal note, Claudia considers herself a traveler, music lover and water person. A cool drink while listening to the splash of waves is always nice—so is a mug of hot chocolate in the falling snow. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Mitch: Mitch…OPAQUE Protector Agent Mitch Granger

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Mitch: In a lower-middle-class suburb of Chicago where families worked hard, went to Mass on Sunday and looked out for each other.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Mitch: Now! Everything in my life has always been in the moment.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Mitch: Growing up, my dad knew how much I liked the water. So every few weeks my entire family would pile in the car, pull through a drive-thru to grab lunch and head to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Those couple of hours spent laughing and having fun were the happiest time of my life. Everything changed when my dad died. Now I do whatever it takes to keep people safe in the world.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Mitch: I’ve been assigned to protect Liz Walkert, so my goal is to make sure we both come out the other side breathing. Except…something about her is worming its way into my…I guess you’d call it my emotions, and I don’t like that one bit! Can’t happen—I don’t have time for emotions.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Mitch: On assignment, I always think two or three steps ahead, but this time it’s hard to figure out who to trust. Lies are everywhere.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?  

Mitch: Yes, I’ve called in a few Shades of Leverage team members as back-up. I’m the leader on this assignment, but they’ll be there to finish the job if I don’t come out the other side…breathing.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?  

Mitch: I’m good at my job. I love the water. And I’m responsible. That’s it—I’m out of here!

Blurb for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

To ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Granger, responsibility isn’t just a word. It’s his Code of Honor. But when assigned to protect Coercion Ten’s latest target, she challenges his authority, defies his rules, and wreaks havoc on his personal willpower. Fighting for her isn’t a problem. Giving his life for her isn’t a problem. Forgetting their world-stopping kiss? Definite problem. And if he can’t concentrate solely on keeping her safe, it may cost them both their lives.

Journalist Liz Walkert’s missing father sent her a cryptic message that she was in danger. What he didn’t tell her was why. Unbeknownst to Liz, her family has been in Witness Protection all her life. Mitch may be her bodyguard, but his protection comes close to being control, the one thing she has none of in his presence. After a kidnap attempt and a narrow escape from attacking CT forces, they both realize they’re going to need to focus on the mission and fight their attraction if they have any hope of surviving.

Each book in the Shades of Leverage series is STANDALONE:* Slater’s Revenge* Dangerous Lies

Excerpt for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

        The three of them moved inside the chopper and buckled up. One of the crewmen closed the door then radioed to the front that they were ready to leave.

        Mitch laid out the protection strategy in his mind. Devised his plan. Worked through all foreseeable obstacles. There were a lot of unknowns. Always were.

        “Who’s in charge?” the crewman asked.

        “Me,” Mitch replied.

        “Where to, sir?”

        “First, Dallas. Need a small jet waiting. Pilot ready for takeoff.”

        The crewman relayed the info to the pilot.

        “Reese, make your way from Dallas to Utah the fastest way possible. Coordinate with Josh on arrangements. I want you to find out everything you can on her dad.” Mitch stared into his eyes. “Talk to friends. Enemies. Get a photo and show it to people who don’t recognize his name. Check out his house. Top to bottom. Inside and out. You know the routine.”

        Liz leaned forward. “Don’t forget the secret room in the house.”

        “Got it.” Reese nodded. “Where and when should I meet up with you two after that?”

        “I’ll be in touch.” Mitch motioned to the crewman.

        “Yes, sir.”

        “Make the drop in Dallas fast. Set down. Ten seconds. Up. Head straight north thirty minutes. Send the bill to OPAQUE.”

        “Yes, sir. Where should I tell the jet pilot you’re headed?”

        “California. Coronado. NSWC. Have them get permission to land.” Mitch leaned his head against the backrest, crossed his arms across his chest, and closed his eyes.

        “Tell them SEAL Reserve Lieutenant Mitch Granger requests shelter…for two.”

Buy Links for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

Amazon       Barnes & Noble      Kobo      Apple Books

You can find Claudia at:

Website:      http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/

FB:                https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaSheltonWriter

Twitter:        https://twitter.com/ClaudiaShelton1

Newsletter: http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/claudiasheltonauthor/

Pinterest:     https://www.pinterest.com/claudiashelton1/