REFLECTION: Book Review – Books4tomorrow

REVIEW: “REFLECTION” – by Kim Cresswell

Title: “Reflection”
Author: Kim Cresswell
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Publication Date: January 25, 2013
Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Romance
Reviewed by: Ellen Fritz
Source: Received from author for review
Ellen’s star rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the “Big” story.

She found it.

Now it may kill her.

After Whitney receives a lead pointing to the world’s first cloned human, now a small child, she vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.

When Whitney is nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective—at least not right away.

Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man’s thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother’s death over a decade ago…

Can they save an innocent child before it’s too late?

Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many—Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.

REVIEW

A truly edge-of-your-seat, never-a-dull-moment read, Reflection has a dramatic start and just never slows down. When her ex-husband is killed while trying to tell her something important, investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, realizes that she may be on to the story of a lifetime. Too bad then that Nathan Shaw, Blake Neely and an enemy from her past want to prevent her obtaining the information for her story; and at the heart of all this, an innocent child.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it moves forward all the time with no lengthy descriptions or angsty inner dialogue. The romance in the story is tastefully written and skillfully distributed throughout the book so as to enhance rather than interfere with the main storyline.

The characters are fleshed out and vividly described thus giving the reader captivating mental images that truly makes the story come alive. I love a strong female protagonist who can hold her own, kick butt and doesn’t indulge in self pity. Whitney Steel is exactly that. Blake Neely, the male protagonist, is extremely realistic with his inner battles about keeping Whitney safe, the death of his sister and, ultimately, his own mission. Let’s not forget the bad guys in this story. Ruthless, mean and self-serving are just some of the adjectives that come to mind. Add to that vengeful and the author has some truly nasty but highly realistic antagonists to give our heroes a run for their money.

I highly recommend this five-star page-turner to those who love a suspense laden novel with constant action and well balanced romance. The extra complication at the end gives this book a unique quality, and, oops, let me stop before I give too much away! As the book has a slightly open end, let’s hope that we’ll soon see another book by the highly gifted Kim Cresswell.

Reviewed by Books4Tomorrow

Where to Buy
MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | Smashwords | CoffeeTime Romance | Omnilit | ARe | ibookstore | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Now available in paperback at Amazon & Createaspace

A killer lurks in the shadows of Hyde Park, New York…waiting

A killer lurks in the shadows of Hyde Park, New York…waiting. A district attorneys’ journey into the past makes her a target and anyone she has ever loved.

COMING SOON!
_________________________________________

I’m thrilled to be one of the sponsoring authors giving away a 7″ Kindle Fire HD! Check out the other wonderful authors below and enter to win! Contest ends March 31st!

Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Authors

Cascade Brides by Bonnie Blythe

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

The Return of the Dragon Riders by Kristian Alva

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton

For What It’s Worth by Karey White

Hidden Heart by Camelia Miron Skiba

The Gryphon Series by Stacey Rourke

Shifting Pride by Laura Diamond

Fire Within (Guardian Witch #2) by Ally Shields

The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs

Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Bella Street

Legend Unleashed by M. Latimer-Ridley

Innovera Yakov- The Journey of a Thousand Eyes by Kia Garriques

The Gifted by Deborah Andreasen

Reflection by Kim Cresswell

Forbidden Temptation of a Vampire by Jodie B. Cooper

Family Magic by Patti Larsen

Fall of Sky City by S.M. Blooding

Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke

Grace Doll by Jennifer Laurens

A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron

Alexander Drake by Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows

Owlet by Emma Michaels

Aura by Rebecca Talley

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends: 3/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway

___________________________

Where to buy REFLECTION

A reporter’s determination to expose an illegal human cloning project places an innocent child in the crosshairs of a master criminal.
MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | Smashwords | CoffeeTime Romance | Omnilit | ARe | ibookstore | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Now available in paperback at Amazon & Createaspace

REFLECTION (Camera, Condoms, and a sexy FBI agent) & Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

My heroine, reporter, Whitney Steel is investigating an alleged human cloning project when she meets up with the hero, FBI Agent, Blake Neely, who’s searching for his own answers. Everything from this point on focuses on Blake and Whitney discovering whether or not the villain has produced the world’s first cloned human. They don’t set out to fall in love. The relationship between the hero and heroine evolves because of the suspense.

So here is an excerpt when Blake and Whitney first meet. 🙂

Tagline

A reporter’s determination to expose an illegal human cloning project places an innocent child in the crosshairs of a master criminal.

Excerpt

A circular skylight lit the main lobby and water rushed over a waterfall centered in the room. Highly polished, stainless steel walls created the illusion of a never-ending mirror, but at the same time gave the space a chilling cold feel.

Army guy returned with the same stern look on his face. “This way.”

Whitney followed him into what appeared to be a security surveillance area.

Glancing around, she counted dozens of security monitors, a flock of people sitting at computers, and one huge screen with a black and white picture that appeared to be a satellite image of the complex.

“Welcome to ShawBioGen, Miss Steel. I’m Blake Neely, the company’s security specialist.”

Whitney gave him a quick once-over. Dressed in black jeans, cowboy boots, and an open-necked shirt with its sleeves rolled back over his forearms, he was tanned and well-toned.

“Isn’t a security specialist just a fancy title for a bodyguard?”

Lines crept across his forehead. “You need to sign in,” he said in a firm even tone as he shoved a clipboard and pen at her.

After signing her name, she noticed an x-ray machine at the end of the long counter. If security were this tight here, she’d have no hope in hell of getting into a lab where Nathan kept the child.

Next Blake slid a tray in front of her. “Empty your purse.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

With his arms crossed in front of his chest, Blake shook his head.

“And I thought airport security was tough.” Whitney chuckled, and dumped the contents of her purse onto the tray. While he picked through them, she wondered what kind of man lurked behind those deep-set brown eyes.

“Sorry, no cameras. You can pick this up on the way out.”

“Fine, but—” She reached toward him, but was a second too late. “Those are—”

He clicked open the gold and black leopard print case. Four foil-wrapped condom packages fell on the counter.

Unsure if she should be angry or embarrassed, she felt her face flood with heat. To make matters worse, he took his sweet time inspecting each package, obviously getting her back for the bodyguard comment.

He raised an eyebrow. “Twisted Pleasure. Rough Rider. Must be for cowboys. And this one, Paradise…”

Their gazes collided.

Her body hummed with electricity so intense her heart raced, and her breasts tingled. Raw lust.

She snatched the condoms out of his hand upset he had this effect on her. “Do you mind? Aren’t you getting a bit personal?”

“Personal or not, you’d be surprised at what these packages can be used for.”

He snatched them back, tossed them on the conveyor belt and grinned. “Better safe than sorry.”

Where to Buy
MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | Smashwords | CoffeeTime Romance | Omnilit | ARe | ibookstore | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Now available in paperback at Amazon & Createaspace
__________________
I’m thrilled to be one of the sponsoring authors giving away a 7″ Kindle Fire HD! Check out the other wonderful authors below and enter to win! Contest ends March 31st!

Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Authors

Cascade Brides by Bonnie Blythe

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba

The Return of the Dragon Riders by Kristian Alva

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton

For What It’s Worth by Karey White

Hidden Heart by Camelia Miron Skiba

The Gryphon Series by Stacey Rourke

Shifting Pride by Laura Diamond

Fire Within (Guardian Witch #2) by Ally Shields

The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs

Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Bella Street

Legend Unleashed by M. Latimer-Ridley

Innovera Yakov- The Journey of a Thousand Eyes by Kia Garriques

The Gifted by Deborah Andreasen

Reflection by Kim Cresswell

Forbidden Temptation of a Vampire by Jodie B. Cooper

Family Magic by Patti Larsen

Fall of Sky City by S.M. Blooding

Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke

Grace Doll by Jennifer Laurens

A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron

Alexander Drake by Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows

Owlet by Emma Michaels

Aura by Rebecca Talley

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends: 3/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

___________________________

Master of Deception – Why People Lie

At some point in our lives we’ve all done it—told a lie. According to studies, 12% of adults admit they have lied sometimes. I’m guessing the number is much higher.

For most, we justify a lie in hopes of putting our conscience at ease, to push a gagging guilt or issue to the back of our minds.

So why do people lie in relationships?

They cheat and need a way to hide the fact.

They lie to hide the truth about themselves or about something in their past.

They don’t want to deal with drama with their partner over an issue in the relationship.

And what about the people who lie in the workplace? Certainly, the desire to get ahead of their co-workers will cause people to become skilled ‘storytellers’. Some people lie to avoid work responsibility or for financial gain. Some lie to discredit a colleague in hopes of making themselves look good.

People will also lie to themselves and justify the lie to internalize the fabrication and even end up believing the lie. Denial at times…is much better than the harsh truth.

Of course there are pathological liars. These people do not value honesty. They don’t believe it’s bad to lie. If they’re caught in a lie, they become very defensive and will even get defensive and uncomfortable if you ask a seemingly innocent question. They don’t like to feel threatened and have no remorse when they do lie.

In some cases, people “stretch the truth” for other reasons—not necessarily in a negative way, such as, having to control a situation.

In REFLECTION, Blake Neely (aka Blake Barnett) is a master of deception. It’s part of his job. As a veteran undercover FBI agent, Blake must manipulate the truth in order to protect himself, and his cover. He lies not only in hopes of nailing the villain but to ensure the well-being of a person, a small child—the world’s first cloned human.

Where to Buy
MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Bookstrand | Smashwords | CoffeeTime Romance | Omnilit | ARe | iTunes | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Now available in paperback at Amazon & Createaspace

REFLECTION: Read Chapter One

Mason Bailey gulped down his third Glenlivet. “I didn’t kill her.”

How many times had Whitney Steel heard those words? Dozens. But never from the mouth of a United States senator.For all she cared, the man could drink himself to Mars, but not until she got what she’d come for. An exclusive.

Under the awning shading the Pink Flamingo Club’s patio, she took a sip of her lime daiquiri, and couldn’t help notice the way the mid-afternoon sunlight brutally magnified every line on Mason’s tanned face.

“Of all the reporters in Panama City, let alone Florida, why me? We cut our ties years ago.” And our losses, she wanted to say, but didn’t.

“I know I can trust you.” His gaze darted across the street then back to her.

“Besides, we were married once. That should count for something.”

Whitney straightened. Anger coiled in the pit of her stomach. “Give me a break. For a year and a half, I thought we were married. Too bad your girlfriends didn’t know about our little legal arrangement.” Especially, your twenty something assistant.

“Damn it, Whitney. I didn’t ask you here to rehash our past.” He yanked a monogrammed handkerchief from his jacket pocket and dabbed the sweat from his forehead. “I need your help. I know why Carmen Lacey was murdered.”

Her eyes widened. Now they were getting somewhere. “You have my full attention. Are we on the record?”

Mason shoved his empty glass aside. “Yes.”

Her heart thumped with anticipation. This story would be the topic du jour for months. Her ratings at WBNN-TV would soar, and finally her colleagues would take notice and treat her with the professional respect she deserved.

For the past twelve years, her colleagues said she’d had a free ride because of her father, an award winning war correspondent, and her ex-husband’s political connections. This time she’d prove them wrong.

She rummaged through her leather bag, placed her digital voice recorder on the table and gave the record button a firm push. “For the record, Senator Bailey, did you kill Carmen Lacey?”

“No.” He leaned back in the chair and loosened his pinstriped tie. “It’s true. I was the last person to see her alive. But there’s more to this than you think.”

Brown eyes that once set her heart hammering now conveyed a chilling, hollow look. Was it guilt? Desperation?

No. Fear.

Uneasiness slid down her spine. She stopped the recorder. “Mason, you’re scaring me. What the hell is going on? It’s been over three years since we last spoke. Then, out of the blue, you beg me to meet with you today. I know the police don’t believe you killed that woman.”

“But do you, Whitney? Do you believe I killed her? I need to know. It’s important.”

Stunned by the urgency in his voice, she answered carefully. “Of course not. You’re many things, but you’re not a killer.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” He reached for his empty glass and tapped his chunky gold ring against the side.

Whitney turned the recorder on again.

“Carmen was a scientist working for a biotech company in Nevada. ShawBioGen. Heard of it?”

“Who hasn’t? They were one of the first to clone animals in the eighties. Caused quite a stir. But I don’t understand. What does that have to do with Carmen’s death?”

He opened his mouth to answer.

The large window behind them dividing the patio from the main restaurant exploded. A storm of glass rained down, showering the patio.

There was no warning. Everything moved so fast, yet in slow motion as if part of a horrid nightmare.

Screams. Rushed, heavy, thumping footsteps.

A few feet away, a male waiter dropped the two plates of food in his hands. He froze.

“Get down!” Mason yelled.

Whitney dropped. She huddled into a ball under the table and squashed the side of her face against the patio stones. Amid the chaos, a gunshot echoed and the waiter ran for cover.

A bullet ripped through the man’s shoulder and spun him around, the force slamming his body against the restaurant door. He folded to his knees and howled out in pain.

More shots rang out. Debris spewed through the air. Food, glasses, plates. The sickening smell of deep fried food and scorched cordite assaulted her nostrils. She gagged.

Crimson snaked toward her hand. The warm, sticky liquid met her fingertips.

Blood. Lots of blood. But it wasn’t hers.

Her gaze snapped to Mason, lying on his back. Dark red blood pumped from a gaping wound in his chest, soaking his white shirt. She held her breath to keep from screaming.

He raised his arm and reached for her. “I swear—I didn’t kill her. I swear.”

“I believe you.” Whitney kept her head down and inched her body closer. She grasped his hand. “I do. Oh, God.”

Please don’t die. Her pulse roared so loud in her ears she couldn’t hear her own words. “You’re bleeding so much. Someone help us!”

Another bullet whizzed through the air and slammed into the bottom of wooden table leg.

Needle-like splinters from the wood slashed through her pants and drilled into her thigh like a hundred slivers. The pain knocked the breath from her. The world twisted and turned yellow. Darkness thickened and threatened to overpower her.

Can’t pass out…help Mason.

He gasped a ragged breath and shoved a key into her bloody palm and curled her fingers closed. “Don’t trust—anyone.”

She clutched the piece of metal. A knot wedged in her throat, one she couldn’t swallow. “I’m going to get help.”

“No—stay.” Blood bubbled at the corners of his mouth and trickled down his jaw. “They cloned…”

His eyelids slid shut.

“What Mason? They cloned what?”

Whitney lowered her head to his chest. “Oh, Mason, no.”

Want to read more? Available at MuseItUp Publishing, Amazon, Amazon.ca AmazonUK, CoffeeTimeRomance, Omnilit, BookStrand!

Coming soon to Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo and other fine retailers. Available in print (late February 2013)

 

 

Reflection © 2013 by Kim Cresswell
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Reflection is here!

It’s here! I’m so excited to share! I’m thrilled to announce that my debut romantic suspense, Reflection, is available for purchase!

Available at MuseItUp Publishing (.pdf, .prc for Kindle, .epub for Sony/Nook and HTML), Amazon and coming soon to other fine retailers!

**Available in paperback in February!** (Details to follow)

Watch the trailer

Praise

“Reflection is a fast-paced thriller with something for every reader: scientific experiments, murderous encounters, and a complicated love story. Kim Cresswell’s debut work will leave you hanging on every page in a world where every word counts, every man’s word is suspect, and those ‘three little words’ mean more than anything when all is revealed.”
~M.K. Chester, author (Carina Press)

“Fast-paced and gripping. A riveting story action readers will enjoy.”
~Bestselling True Crime Author, RJ Parker
____________________________________________________________________________

Cover Reveal ~ REFLECTION

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover for my debut romantic suspense novel Reflection. The perfect early Christmas gift! 🙂 Woohoo!  A huge thank you to Marion Sipe for designing such a beautiful cover.

REFLECTION Coming January 2013!

LOGLINE

A reporter’s determination to expose a human cloning project places an innocent child in the crosshairs of a master criminal.  

BLURB

Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the “Big” story.

She found it.

Now it may kill her.

After Whitney receives a lead pointing to the world’s first cloned human, now a small child, she vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.

When Whitney is nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective—at least not right away.

Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man’s thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother’s death over a decade ago.

Can they save an innocent child before it’s too late?

Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many—Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.

Reflection…”will leave you hanging on every page in a world where every word counts, every man’s word is suspect, and those ‘three little words’ mean more than anything when all is revealed.” ~M.K. Chester, author of Surrender to the Roman (Carina Press)

Available January 2013 at MuseItUp Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, SmashWords and more!

41 Days Until The Release of REFLECTION!

Coffee Time Romance: 40% Off All MuseItUp Books-Ends December 31st!

For the month of December MuseItUp Publishing has discounted their books for the holidays through Coffee Time Romance.

A great time to stock up and discover some great authors! Check it out here!

What am I Reading?

Final Accounting by Linda Lovely

Nexi Ketts has reinvented herself—new name, new look, new life. She makes her living catching corporate cheats, partial atonement for dear old dad’s embezzling ways.

A fling with a handsome cop ends badly when he tries to kill her. She flees, naked, causing a fender bender, and making it damn hard for Detective Barry Gerton to think clearly. A second vicious attack convinces Barry the secretive Nexi, who has her very own FBI dossier, is the target of a professional assassin.

Determined to protect her, Barry unexpectedly falls in love. Nexi yields to the same sizzling attraction. Trust is another matter… Nexi has secrets to guard. And Barry’s been burned before.

Yet once the couple lands in Jamaica, trust is no longer a luxury. Amid the trappings of paradise, they need each other to survive a heart-stopping, cross-island game of hide-and-seek and a harrowing descent into the depths of Dragon’s Throat cave.

Happy Birthday MuseItUp Publishing!

Happy 2nd Birthday, MuseItUp Publishing!

A huge thank you to Lea for all her hard work and allowing me to be part of such a fantastic group of editors, cover artists and authors. Cheers!