Tuesday’s Child by Dale Mayer: 12 Copies Available! Back to Blog
UPDATE: The winners of the TUESDAY’S CHILD ebooks (from Smashwords) are: Stella (Ex Libris), Fedora, Michelle McMichael, Nikki Barrett, The Warrior, Leisa Prater, Sara, Shadow, Viki, Minna, Connie T, and Karen C! Congratulations!
Do you love great romantic suspense? Then I’ve got a treat for you! Dale Mayer (BRAVA Writing With the Stars finalist) is going to give 12 lucky commenters a free ebook copy of her novel, TUESDAY’S CHILD. This book is a fantastic blend of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Here’s the blurb to tease you:
What she doesn’t want…is exactly what he needs.
Shunned and ridiculed all her life for something she can’t control, Samantha Blair hides her psychic abilities and lives on the fringes of society. Against her will, however, she’s tapped into a killer—or rather, his victims. Each woman’s murder, blow-by-blow, ravages her mind until their death releases her back to her body. Sam knows she must go to the authorities, but will the rugged, no-nonsense detective in charge of tracking down the killer believe her?
Detective Brandt Sutherland only trusts hard evidence, yet Sam’s visions offer clues he needs to catch a killer. The more he learns about her incredible abilities, however, the clearer it becomes that Sam’s visions have put her in the killer’s line of fire. Now Brandt must save her from something he cannot see or understand…and risk losing his heart in the process.
As danger and desire collide, passion raises the stakes in a game Sam and Brandt don’t dare lose.
Want to read an ebook copy from Smashwords? Dale is generously offering 12 copies for winners! To win, share why you enjoy romantic suspense novels. (Shows like Criminal Minds & CSI have me so hooked.) The winners will be picked randomly and announced tomorrow at noon.
And, for more teasing…here’s an excerpt from TUESDAY’S CHILD:
***
Lying in bed that night, Sam couldn’t sleep, her overwrought mind refused to let up. The tantalizing possibility that she was meant to do something with this gift worried the frayed edges of her mind. Depressed and unsettled she fell into a fitful sleep, her dreams dark and disjointed pieces of past visions.
Screams jarred her from a deep sleep. Confusion turned to fear when Sam realized the horrific sounds were coming from her own mouth. Even worse, she had no idea where she was.
Terror overwhelmed her. Her fingers spasmed in a death grip around a strange steering wheel as the car she drove careened further out of control. Still trying to toss off the remnants of sleep, Sam yanked hard on the wheel in a futile attempt to turn it. The mid-sized car plowed through a steel barricade to hang suspended in midair before plummeting to the rocks below. Screams ripped from her throat and she reefed on the useless steering wheel, helpless to stop the deadly impact. Her foot pounded on useless brakes. The front grill of the car crumpled and metal buckled upward. The car smashed into the first of the rocks below, snapping her forward into the windshield. Agonizing pain shattered her spine. Grinding metal, exploding glass and continuous crunching sounds filled the air as first the bumper flew off, then the rear window shattered outward. Twisted metal ripped and groaned, flying to land beside the crash site. The car tumbled, smashed on a huge rock, careened to the left and flipped end over end before coming to a hard landing on its wheels at the bottom of the cliff.
Then utter silence.
Sam trembled. Shock and pain pulsed through her veins even as her blood dripped out one beat at a time onto the shredded seat beside her. God, she didn’t want to die.
She wanted to live. Please, dear God.
Someone help!
Blood streamed over her face, her spine…where a shearing heat set off continuous stabbing pain. The steering wheel jammed into her ribs. The front dash had crumpled into a mess of twisted steel and plastic, the famous Mercedes emblem now hung drunk in mid air over the remains of the once beautiful cream leather seats.
Sam couldn’t feel her right arm. And wished she couldn’t feel her left. She closed her eyes, willing away the image of bone shards that had sliced through her sweater, a few loose strands of wool clinging to the ends. Heart wrenching sobs poured from her throat, tears coated her cheeks. She was alone. And dying.
A brilliant flash of light engulfed the car as the fuel from the pierced gas line flashed into flames. Heat seared her lungs and scorched her hair, the strands melting against the inside of her car window. Panicked, she screamed as flames licked at her feet, burning, and cooking the flesh right off her bones.
Agony. Pain. Terror.
A voice whispered through the blackness of her mind, so odd, so different it caught her attention. She strained to hear the words.
“Let go. It’s time to let go.”
Sam stared through the flames, stunned. Let go of what? She couldn’t hear over the roaring fire and could barely see, but knowing that someone was there stirred her survival instinct, and she started fighting against the seatbelt jammed at her side. She was saved. Just another minute and they’d open the door and pull her free. She’d be fine.
“Please hurry,” she cried out.
“Let go. You don’t need to be in there. Let it all go, and come with me.”
She peered through the golden orange windshield to see a strange male face peering at her through the flames.
He smiled.
“Come with me.”
“I want to, damn it. Can’t you see I’m trapped?” she screamed, her vocals crisping in the heat.
“Release yourself. Come with me. Say yes.”
The pain hit a crescendo. She twisted against it, hearing her spine splinter. The car seat melted into her skin. So much pain, she couldn’t breathe. Blackness crowded into her mind, blessed quiet, soothing darkness. She reached for it.
“Let it go. You don’t need to go through this. Hurry.”
She started. Why wasn’t he opening the door or getting others to help? He should be trying to save her. Shouldn’t he? Sam, so confused and so tired, she could barely feel the pain overtaking her body. Where had he gone? She tried to concentrate. His face was now only a vague outline that rippled with the heat waves. A soft smile played at the corner of his mouth. The flames burned around him, weird as they centered him in the warm glow. She wanted to be with him. To live.
“Here, take my hand.”
Dazed and on the brink of death, Sam focused on the hand reaching for her. She struggled to raise the charred piece of flesh that had been her arm and reached out to grasp his.
She was free.
Overwhelmed, cries of relief escaped. She turned to hug her savior, her head just reaching his shoulder. He stood beside her, the same radiant beaming look on his face. His blond hair glowed, and he had the brightest teeth. She sighed. This beautiful man pointed to her right arm. Confused, Sam glanced down at her burned arm, realizing she could feel none of her injuries. Just like her other one, her broken arm had miraculously healed – whole, smooth and soft. Her skin hadn’t looked this good in ten years.
Realization hit.
She spun around to find a massive fireball below. What the hell? She had to be dead. But instead of the horror or shock, she expected to feel, she felt good. In fact, she felt great. She turned to the ever-smiling stranger.
“Let’s go sweetheart.”
Sam didn’t know why he’d called her that, but she bloomed under his loving gaze. Honestly, she was so damned grateful to be out of the car, she let him get away with it.
Holding hands, they floated higher into the cloudless blue sky. Then when the crash site below had become a tiny speck, Sam felt a hard flick on her arm and the words, “Thanks, but I can take it from here.”
And she woke up.
***
TUESDAY’S CHILD is currently available at Amazon and at Smashwords.
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I don’t read all that many romantic suspense books because I really love the paranormal world but when I do they’re really good. What I like most I think is how involved the author gets with the danger and transfers to the page. You can always tell when an author has done good research. I also like to try and figure it all out while reading along.
Hi Vicki!
It’s a little early in my corner of the world, so slugging back caffeine while I pop in and say hi!
Isn’t this a great party!
I love doing research on the paranormal world. Then it’s an area that’s fascinated me for decades!
Have a great day!
I like romantic suspense because it’s a combination of mystery and action with romance…I like watching the characters resolve the conflicts and get their HEA or at least their HFN.
Hi Maria,
That combination of mystery and action with romance is actually why I write books like this! I like a fast paced book that makes me think. Yet, I want to know that the characters get their HEA – at least somewhat!
I read everything, but writing RS seems like a natural fit.
I like romantic suspense because you get a blend of romance, action and mystery. They keep you on your toes wondering what is going to happen next.
Hi Crystal
Keeping you on your toes is a priority for me as a writer. As I write, I’m actually looking for ways to increase the thrill, the ‘turn the page, I dare you’ energy.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love romantic suspense. I have to have the “edge” to keep me interested.. I love that “thrill” you feel in wondering what in the world is going on…and OF COURSE I love all the romance!!
Hi Kathy!
Lol on the romance – don’t we all love that part!
Maybe you’ll win a copy of Tuesday’s Child and you can tell me how I did on keeping that ‘edge’ sharp and interesting!
Have a great day!
I love it because it keeps you turning the pages because you HAVE to find out what happens next! The best romantic suspense books will make you read the book until it’s finished because you could not put it down. 🙂
Hi Carlyn,
That the way an RS should make you feel – like you HAVE to find out what happens. For that reason, I don’t start reading oneat bedtime – it’s usually morning before I put it down 🙂
I like to see the good guys win.
Lol – Don’t we all. In my world, that’s a MUST!
Thanks for stopping by!
In case you’re all wondering, some authors will be popping in throughout the day and others are out of town at a major convention this week!
I’m home all day!
I love the way romantic suspense keeps you wondering how it is going to end.
Hi Lorie,
For me, that’s what romantic suspense is all about! I love that mystery element.
Thanks for stopping by and good luck with all the draws today.
I love the twist and turns and no matter how much I think I know how it is going to end I always am surprised 🙂
I love finding a twist thrown in at the end of a book. Sometimes, I read along and think I know the way the ending plays out, but am really happy to find a twist happening that throws me off.
Have a great day!
I don’t read a lot of romantic suspense.But I do like the action and mystery all blended with the romance.I like trying to figure out whodonnit.
I enjoyed the excerpt.Sounds like a great read.
I read almost any genre nowadays. And love mysteries. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
Maybe you’ll win one of the free copies being handed out today!
Dale
I already read this and loved it, so don’t put me in the mix. For me, I like mystery and action. But if the story turns too torturous, I start feeling the “ick” factor. Tuesday’s Child was done very well and didn’t cross that line. 🙂 And I love great characters in every book I read. TC definitely has that!
Hi Edie!
So glad you could drop by. I’m delighted that you enjoyed reading Tuesday’s Child! Don’t forget there are a lot of other giveaways happening today as well!
Maybe, you’ll get lucky!
Dale
Wow this book sounds awesome. I really enjoy romantic suspense, the romance helps you feel and connect with your characters, the suspense gets you reading faster just to figure out what will happen next and how it will end. I love trying to figure it all out
Hi Hilleary,
Glad you like the sound of the excerpt. This book is very close to my heart! It’s also one of SIX books in the series. I’m nothing if not prolific!
Good luck with the draws!
I initially started reading romantic suspense because, for me, they satisfy different needs. I love romance, but I know that the HEA isn’t always real. I love suspense because it can keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. The combination gives me that sense of something more, that the good guys will prevail in defeating evil and may end up with the girl at the end. Probably not explaining it well.
Tuesday’s Child sounds like a very interesting read that should satisfy the need for romance & suspense! Thanks for the chance to win.
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi Karen,
Glad you like the sound of my book.
There’s 12 copies being handed out today! Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones!
Have a great day!
Romantic suspense books give the reader the chance to try and figure out, like a good mystery, who the bad guy is while wondering if it’s your hero or heroine. I’m not good at puzzles but it’s still fun to try.
Hi Diane,
Puzzles are something I can take a long time to finish, but reading RS is a puzzle with lots of hints and help, making it fun to get to the end where you can find out if you got it all right or not!
Thanks for stopping by!
I LOVE romantic suspense, paranormal or not, the mix of danger, intrique and romance is amazing and I can’t resist:)
Plus, those dangerous bad boys who end up the hero are drool worthy!
wayfaringwriter at gmail.com
Hi Brenda,
Yeah, gotta love those bad boys! Where would romance books be without them!
Have a great day!
OMG psychic suspense stories are one of my favorite genres!!!!!
Hi Connie,
That’s great! Love to find people who love what I write. Tuesdays’ Child is one of six psychic books I’ve written. Book 2 in this series, Hide’n Go Seek is coming out in July!
Have a great day!
I like romantic suspense, as opposed to straight crime, because I like the focus on the fact that love can blossom in the midst of danger- paranormal or not and bring two unlikely people together.
midnite dot fantasy at gmail dot com
Hi Camille,
That’s the link in RS, even though there’s mystery, suspense, danger, romance links them all and keeps the characters with someone to help them through the mess they are going through!
Thanks for stopping by!
Good luck on the draws!
I like romantic suspense, it keeps you on edge wondering what is going to happen, who is the bad guy, etc. And there is the HEA which in todays day that isn’t always possible.
Hi Jean,
How true about today’s world and romance. That’s the biggest draw for me with reading romance – I can count on that happy ending!
Good luck today!
Romantic suspense and paranormal romance are my favs. thank you for sharing
Hi desiree,
Glad this is your kind of reading! There are many different giveaways today – maybe you’ll get lucky!
Romantic Suspense is a new genre for me that I’ve recently got into. The series that got me hooked? Pamela Clare’s I-Team series. Yup, amazing stuff! I love love love being on the edge of your seat as you read a book. If the romance isn’t getting your heart pumping, then the suspense aspect certainly is!
Hi Annie,
Great books aren’t they! Glad you’re hooked, you’ll never leave the genre now, (maniacal laugh).
Have a great day!
Love the twist and turns a romantic suspense brings. The love story balances it out so it never gets to scary for me. Thanks for the excerpt on TUESDAY’S CHILD, need to add this to my TBR list.
Hi Angela,
Glad you like the excerpt! You might be lucky and win one of the dozen free copies!
Have a great day!
Love romantic suspense and loved the excerpt. I really want to read this one now. I fell in love with RS after reading Cynthia’s Deadly series. I love how it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time while still having the passion of romance.
Hi Leagh,
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt! It was a fun book to write. Aren’t Cynthia’s books great!
Good luck with all the draws today!
I am in LOVE with romantic suspense! From what I read I really want this book! Cynthia was the first and she got me hooked!! I hope that I get it if not I have to buy it!!! 😀
Hi Khelsey,
Love the spelling of your name! So glad you like the sound of my book!
Cynthia is a great writer! I love her books.
Good luck today on all the draws.
i like romantic suspense. Isn’t life suspenseful? I like the unknowing
Hi there,
It’s so true! We don’t know from one day to another what life is going to bring us.
Sometimes I like that and sometimes…well, I’d really like a hint!
Hi Dale,
I don’t know why exactly that I like the romantic suspense stories. I think taking the journey with the characters to find out how strong and smart they are just excites the readers. I also like knowing that good will overcome evil. I am also hooked on the crime shows on tv. If you like paranormal thrown in check out HAVEN on SYFY. It is amazing.
Hi Michelle,
I haven’t seen Haven but will now check it out thanks. I enjoyed Fringe because the concepts were so unique.
I agree though, it’s the characters that take us on this journey and it’s interesting to watch them figure out the mystery.
Have a great day!
I like reading romantic suspense novel because of the mystery. I love trying to figure out who did it.
Hi Marjana,
It’s great when I’m surprised at the end too. It’s keeps things moving and the twist or surprise ending just nails it for me.
Have a great day!
I do enjoy a good romantic suspense novel, there is always a twist to the story that I never see coming. I love how they pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat 🙂
And yes Criminal Minds is amazing! Derek is rather yummy too 🙂
Hi Michelle,
Criminal minds is great! That’s a definite favorite of mine. Along with Castle! One’s so dark and the other has such great comedy. Lol.
Edge of the seat is what we aim for!
I love Castle! Rick & Kate’s chemistry is amazing and I do love the humour in it. I really enjoy Nathan throwing in references to his previous roles, always has me giggling 🙂
Wow this sounds great!! I love a romantic suspense because it blends my two favorite kind or reads together. There’s just something about thrills and suspense that keeps the romance hot in a story, and it really can test the boundaries for the hero and heroine. It’s my favorite sub genre of romance!
Hi Nikki,
Glad you could make it to the party! Think of real life relationships and how much stress from unknown or scary events can pull people in different directions. Events like that can test everyone’s boundaries!
Thanks for stopping by!
Romantic suspense is just so thrilling! I like the added spice of the “on the edge of your seat” added to a good love story!
Hi Ashley,
Romantic suspense is really in a category all it’s own. It combines elements of other genres that it can be a challenge to write. The love story though is the main element that must survive the trials to come.
Thanks for stopping by.
I enjoy the combination of romance amid a background of crime/mystery/adventure. I started out reading mysteries when I was a kid and they still strongly influence me.
Hi Anne,
I loved mysteries growing up. Nancy Drew was my icon way back when! I really enjoy switching off my reading now adays too. I’m rereading the J.D. Robb series now.
I love trying to figure out who did it and why, and love the action happening around a great couple.
Hi Grace,
Those are both good reasons. Action, love, and a mystery to figure out! Just need a cozy chair, a glass of wine and a burning fire. Perfect!
I love the mystery and the intrigue of a good romantic suspense. If forensic science is included, I’m especially happy.
Forensic science shows are some of my favorites – books too. It’s fun to see how the puzzle pieces are pulled together.
Thanks for stopping by!
gives me a break from all the paranormal books I read:)
Hi there,
Isn’t that the truth! That’s why I read so many cross genres. Keeps each fresh!
Have a great day.
Enjoy the bit of mystery mixed in with romance… trying to figure things out as the book progresses…
Hi Colleen,
Glad to seen another romance die hard here! Good place for us.
Good luck with all the draws!
I love thrillers and romance, so a mix of both (romantic suspense) is perfect for me !! I want action along with romance 🙂
Hi Betul,
Thrillers were always a favorite. Then I’m an old Hitchcock fan! Love where they add in a strong love theme to pull it all together.
Have a great day.
i love romamtic suspense, they’res crimes with murders and than theres romance at the same time
Hi minhchieu,
Nice to see another RS fan here. Glad you could stop by. Hope you do well with all draws.
Thanks for stopping by.
I absolutely love Romantic suspense and I am always looking for new books and authors. I love shows like Criminal minds and Navy CIS LA.
Hi Danny,
I write RS and RS with paranormal. Most of my YAs (crossover young adult to adult) are fast paced and edgy as well. They all have a suspensemystery element as well.
I can’t resist writing like that – it’s what I love!
I love to read about stories that I try to figure out while I am reading it…makes it hard to put down until it is finished…I love it
Hi Leisa,
Thanks for stopping by. Cynthia throws a heck of a party, doesn’t she?
Page turners – love em. Gotta keep turning the page until the book is done. Trouble with that is I always want the book to continue.
I always find romantic suspense novels to be very involved. I’m experiencing the action with the characters. It’s very fast-paced, dangerous, thrilling and you’re right there. There is that sense of not knowing, yet anticipating. Tuesday’s Child looks great and I find the cover eye-catching.
Hi Na,
That’s the sign of a good book. When you’re right there, living the characters lives with them.
Thanks for the compliment on Tuesday’s Child!
Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky draw winners!
Romantic Suspense is my favorite genres. I love it because it has those excitement, thrill of action and romance.
Hi Julia,
It’s amazing that Romantic Suspense is one of the hardest genres to sell in today’s market. They are a fabulous read and touch so many different reading styles.
I love them – reading and writing them.
I enjoy the mystery and pulse pounding action of these stories. I enjoy seeing good overcome evil while feeling like I’m on a roller coaster.
Hi Joder,
You know that’s interesting, because I am a roller coaster nut. I’ll beat my kids to the front row every time!
Thanks for stopping by.
Good luck with all the draws!
I love the ‘who done it’ factor 🙂
Hi Chelsea,
Love that ‘who done it’ factor. Played Clue as a kid. I guess I never outgrew it!
Thanks for stopping by.
It’s always exciting when you actually figure out who the bad guy is.
Hi Jane,
Thanks for popping by. That’s why I love twists at the end. Once explained and the reader can see how the clues led to both the right and the wrong trails, it makes so much sense.
I really do enjoy romantic suspense because for me it is fun to try and figure out where the story is going and who the bad guy is. I have always loved mysteries. 🙂
Hi Larena,
Another fan of RS and mysteries! You’ll find lots of company here!
Thanks for stopping by and good luck on all the draws.
I enjoy romantic suspense stories because the contemporary settings of the stories make them seem more real. Also, romantic suspense books tend to feature a bad boy Alpha hero and I love those so much!
Hi Amy,
Alpha heros and bad boys – they are sooo addictive!
I also prefer contemporary settings for myself, but loved all of Julie Garwood’s historicals.
Thanks for stopping by!
Great except has me wanting to read more.
Hi Keisha,
I thought I responded but it hasn’t shown up! Thanks for the compliment on the excerpt! This is definitely one of my favorite books.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mystery and romance are a great combination especially when the people involved work together to solve it!
Marianne,
Teamwork makes for great relationship building – and conflict, the essence of any good story.
Thanks for stopping by.
I love romantic suspense because I like to have action and mystery in the books I read. I love it when the twists just keep coming in a book and you get so into it you just can’t wait to see what happens next.
Hi Sara,
A girl after my own heart – twists, twists and more twists.
Have a great day!
i love romantic suspense! never knowing whats going to happen, sitting on the edge of your seat, watching as the story builds up to the climax…i live for that. i love being able to connect with the characters and living through them. there adventures are my adventures. 🙂 thanks for the awesome giveway!
Hi shadow,
Thanks for stopping by. It’s my pleasure to do the giveaways. Good luck winning something today. Cynthia has some wonderful draws happening!