Title: Redemption’s Mark
Author: C.C. Bolick
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
Tosh Henley told the agency to shove their job. Protecting the senator’s daughter was the only reason she stayed, not to translate every message the agency can’t handle. When her friend is kidnapped and she’s forced to help those seeking revenge, she believes their mark is the senator. For years, Tosh has hurt the people closest to her. She’s damaged beyond repair and blames Travis for her fears. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon. Travis Payne thought taking a job on another planet might give him a break from enemies on Earth. When a series of messages is intercepted, in a language no computer can decipher, he knows Tosh’s ability to translate could be the answer. He’ll need the agency’s help, which won’t be easy with his new boss in tow. And what will he say when he finds her? After being a bully for most of her life, can Tosh find redemption and play the part of hero?
Excerpt:
How could she have left without me seeing or hearing? I moved toward the corner where I’d heard voices before, where someone had threatened Lauren, and my heart picked up speed. I patted my jacket to make sure the gun still hung inside.
“Tosh,” called a voice, barely audible.
I ran around the corner as the door to a stairwell shut on the far wall. Ahead I raced, throwing open the stairwell door and grabbing the railing as I leaned over and looked through the gap at the stairs below. Beneath me was a flash of blond hair and a gold dress. The muffled cries were Lauren’s. Someone dressed in black held a hand over her mouth.
My heart slammed in my chest as I took the stairs three at a time, nearly falling as I descended. Sounds of kicking and a squeal of terror came from below. I reached inside my jacket and pulled out the gun, gripping it tight as I ran. Another floor and then another, they were still ahead. Round and round I went until I felt dizzy, but I forced the thought out of my head. Nothing was more important than saving Lauren. If only the security guards had given me a radio, I’d have backup on the way.
No one had seen us leave the party.
No one knew Lauren was in danger.
Damn those guards for not listening to me and not locking the place down.
When I reached the bottom floor and burst into the night, my chest felt like it would explode. From ahead, Lauren’s scream sounded above the honking cars and pedestrians on the sidewalk. I shoved people out of my way. Someone screamed ‘gun’ and the crowd scattered. Oh yeah, that was me holding the gun.
I’d never been so thankful for the agency’s training. If only I’d thought to grab my phone… No, the gun would have to be enough. The person holding Lauren was tall with a large frame, definitely male. He turned at a corner and I followed. If he got out of my sight with Lauren, if he shoved her into a car… A shiver passed over me as I blocked out the thought.
If you get in the car, you’re as good as dead. In my head, my mother’s voice said those words and took me back to all those years ago when I’d been kidnapped myself. It had all happened so fast. I’d been gone in an instant.
I rushed forward, heaving for air as I turned the corner. Something hit my head and I fell forward. The gun dropped from my hand and skidded across the sidewalk as my body slammed against the concrete. My head pounded; I was out of breath. Lauren was out of sight. The world spun as I tried to look up, but my strength was gone. I cursed as I lay on the sidewalk and my vision filled with a sideways glance of people’s shoes. Tires of cars. Trash along the street.
Tears rolled down my face as the sounds of cars and voices faded. “Help me,” I cried.
Then I saw the hand, a black glove that closed over my mouth. I was too tired to fight the hand as it turned my face skyward. Above me were lights from a building set against the night sky. If only I had one of those useful powers the aliens had. With their ability to teleport, I could picture the townhouse and take myself there.
Instead, my worst fear was coming true. These people would kill me and Lauren and I’d never see anyone I knew again. In that moment, I felt the same regret I’d felt during the dance. My biggest contribution to the world had been hurting those who didn’t have the power to fight against me.
Now I was powerless.
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Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
Secret government agency, aliens, and a mission that could lead to redemption for more than one person…
Giveaway –
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Runs April 1 – 30
Drawing will be held on May 2.
Author Biography:
C.C. Bolick is an engineer by day and author by night who loves mixing sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal. She writes young adult stories with twists you won't see coming and characters who deserve their happily ever after.
If you enjoy page-turning drama, family secrets, and a special power or two, her books might be for you.
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