New to the TRS Blog, New Book

Hi everyone! I'm excited to guest blog at TRS today. I've read this blog many times, but I've never posted here before. Next month, on October 1st, I have a new book coming out at Desert Breeze. BELOVED CAPTIVE is the fourth book in my New Orleans Detective series. This book is an “on the run” story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love writing books like this. It’s so much fun! I love the cover, too. Jenifer Ranieri does great work.

Only two more books to go in this series once this one is released: UNWILLING ACCOMPLICE will come out in February, with PERFECT PARTNER to follow in June. I’m working on a new series, though, titled Keller County Cops. Those books will come out beginning in April. Can’t wait!

Blurb for book:

Detective Kevin Jacobs believes integrity is the most important trait a cop can possess, until a beautiful doctor accuses him of murder and he’s forced to take her hostage in order to clear his name. Rebecca Daniels cooperates with Kevin, and soon finds herself in a fight for her very life — and also for her heart.

Excerpt:

He gritted his teeth. “We’re going to get up together and you won’t make a sound. Got that?”

She didn’t answer. Didn’t move, didn’t breathe. Silence filled the space around them so completely Kevin forgot to breathe, too. When he did, he drew in the bitter tang of blood. The coppery scent caught in his throat.

He gripped the back of her neck and squeezed, careful to keep his fingernails from digging into her tender skin. “You hear me?”

She nodded slowly, and a lone tear dripped down her cheek. Her pulse skittered wildly beneath his hand.

He tamped down the urge to be gentle with her slender, quivering body. He needed her to fear him so she wouldn’t cause a commotion as they left the courthouse. How he’d get away without leaving a trail of blood, he didn’t know. But he had to try, and she was his best hope.

“Get up.” He rose and pulled her with him.

She held herself rigid. He turned her around. The light hit her face and he reeled from the animosity written there. Her eyes were the color of a clear summer sky. They snapped with rage.

“You killed Judge Boykin.” Her sharp words made him blanch.

He tightened his grip on her arm. “It wasn’t me.”

“Oh, no? I saw you.” Her accusing gaze slid down his black-clad body and he suddenly realized he and Fowler could be mistaken for twins — except for the blood now soaking his clothes. She tried to wriggle free, but he held her fast.

“I can’t let you go. I need your help.”

“Are you crazy?” She gaped at him.

He fought off a wave of dizziness. “I have to get out of here. I’m losing blood fast.”

She looked at his side and her eyes widened. “Oh, my God.”

“He stabbed me.”

“Who did?” Her gaze jerked to his. “The judge?”

“No.” There wasn’t time to explain further. He eyed the window.

“There’s no way out,” she said “except the door.”

“We’ll see about that.” He lifted the Glock to her head. “Walk over to the window. Now.”

“Surely you’re not planning to–”

He looked at her.

“You are.” The blood drained from her face.


For more info on all of my books, check out my website and my blog, and follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Feel free to email me as well. The address is on my website.

My New Orleans Detective Series:

CHERISHED WITNESS, available now!
PRIME SUSPECT, available now!
CHOSEN TARGET, available now!
BELOVED CAPTIVE, October 2010
UNWILLING ACCOMPLICE, February 2011
PERFECT PARTNER, June 2011

My Keller County Cops Series:

MARKED FOR MURDER, April 2011
SHIELD OF VALOR, September 2011
QUEST FOR JUSTICE, January 2012
DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL, June 2012

Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com
Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins
Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins