~Excerpt contains adult language and mature themes~On select days I showcase books from other authors! Today I welcome Melanie Atkins during a Super Book Blast tour of her title BLOOD BOUND. And check out the end of this post for a giveaway!
Blood Bound
Fueled
by grief after his fiancée is brutally murdered, Detective Sam Walker focuses
on finding her killer -- a calculating predator who binds books with human
skin. Dani Barrington, the newest member
of NOPD's Victim and Witness Assistance Unit and a survivor of another
frightening attack, helps him discover the terrifying link between the
monster's known victims. Despite his
anguish, Sam is struck by Dani's strength and determination, especially when
her inquisitive nature makes her the
killer's next target. He must find a way
to protect her or risk losing the one woman who can bring his dead heart back
to life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned." NOPD
Detective Sam Walker's low rasp echoed inside the tiny confessional within the
deep recesses of St. Mary's Church. He pressed his damp palms to his thighs.
"It's been nine months since my last confession."
"Continue."
"My sins are... indescribable..." He let the word trail
off. Sweat pooled at the base of his spine. "I don't know if I can--"
"You must voice your transgressions, son, to get them
off your chest. It's the only way to gain absolution."
"I don't deserve God's forgiveness."
"Sam, tell me the truth." Father O'Malley cleared
his throat. "Is this about Kristen?"
"She died a horrible death," Sam whispered, his
heart breaking all over again for his fiancée and the family he would never
have with her.
The priest paused.
"It's been a long time."
"Eight fucking -- sorry, Father." Sam broke off
and swallowed, doing his best to regain his composure. "Eight long months.
I thought I was coping, but I can't get past it. Especially since I'm the
reason she's dead."
"How did you come to that conclusion?"
Sam pressed his lips together. Every time he thought about
his fiancée's brutal murder, his gut clenched. He should have taken her to
dinner that night like he'd promised, instead of letting the job get in the
way. The Glock riding his hip was a constant reminder he'd been a detective
first, and her intended husband second.
God should damn me straight to hell.
Father O'Malley shifted inside the tiny booth, and the
ornate screen between them shuddered. The too-sweet odor of funeral lilies
wafted over Sam.
"You didn't murder her, my son. Some sick, depraved
individual did it."
"I was supposed to protect her."
"You were doing your job."
"When I should have been with her. Keeping her
safe." Agony pierced his soul. He dropped his elbows to his knees and hung
his head. His voice broke. "I let her die."
"You didn't let her die, Sam. A terrible thing
happened. It wasn't your fault. God doesn't hold you responsible."
"Well, He should. I'm guilty."
"Sam--"
"He... he skinned her, Father. I don't know why, but he
did." Tears burned his eyes.
Clearly shaken, Father O'Malley murmured more words of
condolence. "I'll say another prayer for her soul."
"It's my fault
she's gone. I can never do enough penance to make up for it." Sam
shuddered. "Not in this lifetime."
"I want you to say one Our Father and one Hail
Mary."
Sam barked a harsh laugh.
"That doesn't even scratch the surface. I can't
even--"
"Wait. I'm not finished." Father O'Malley regained
his poise, and his strong, even tone reverberated in Sam's ears. "I also
want you to pray for the person responsible for Kristen's death."
"Hell, no!" Sam blurted, the idea of absolution
jolting his brittle psyche. "I can't pray for that sick son of a bitch.
He's killed four women, including Kristen, after brutalizing them, and we have
no idea who he is. We're working day and night--"
"That's your penance, son." Father O'Malley said,
gravely. "In addition, you must perform the Act of Contrition and say the
Rosary. Don't let that individual's cruel soul steal yours."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio:
Melanie
Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, an editor for an online
publishing company, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for
her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales
and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love,
suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.
Melanie is an
active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance
Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronic and Small
Press Authors' Network (ESPAN), the Electronically Published Internet
Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, the Gulf Coast
Writers Association, the Southern Writers, the Mississippi Authors Guild and
the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.
GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment below for a chance to win your choice of a Melanie's eBook backlist eBook! One randomly drawn commenter will be selected during the tour. And for more chances to win, follow the tour!
~~~
About the tour host:
Thank you for hosting
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie, for being here today! And thanks to Goddess Fish Promotions for introducing her intriguing book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me!
ReplyDelete