Title: Relatively Risky: The Big Uneasy 1
Author: Pauline Baird Jones
Genre: Humorous Romantic Suspense
Book Blurb:
A Humorous New Orleans Romantic Suspense Series from USA Today Bestselling author Pauline Baird Jones.
When children's book author Nell Whitby inadvertently upsets dangerous criminals, it's up to quiet-loving Homicide Detective Alex Baker to keep her safe. Amid the thrilling chase and suspense, will they find a way to forever together?
Nell Whitby is more than just an author; she's an adventurer at heart. Her curiosity takes a dangerous turn when she crosses paths with a would-be carjacker, and accidentally saves off-duty police officer, Alex Baker. But when an unexpected enemy starts shooting, the danger to her life escalates.
Alex Baker, a seasoned homicide detective from a bustling family, prefers the sound of silence and a case well closed. Yet when an attractive cyclist, Nell, tumbles into his life amidst chaos, he realizes he's her best shot at survival.
Their lives entwine in more ways than one when Nell unwittingly uncovers her tie to a crime family. She's shocked to learn she's too close for comfort to a dead crime boss. Sworn to protect her, Alex must find a way to keep the captivating Nell out of the crosshairs of ruthless hitmen.
In this whirlwind of bullet storms and untangling secrets, will their budding romance survive the risks they face?
Relatively Risky is the heart-pounding, and hilarious, first entry in The Big Uneasy humorous romantic suspense series by Pauline Baird Jones. If you're a fan of endearing characters, sharp humor, and a taste of noir, you'll be captivated by this thrilling tale.
Secure your copy of Relatively Risky today and dive headfirst into a love story wrapped in suspense and danger!
Excerpt:
“What if Charlie,” she hesitated, “isn’t dead? What if—” She stopped. Three dolls with holes in their heads. And two wise geezers with holes in their heads. What if Charlie had come looking for them? With a cane and a silenced weapon? There was a thought to make the eye twitch. A geezer-on-geezer crime?
“Ellie Calvino may have put that ring in there. If they were high school sweethearts, he would have given her his ring.”
“That’s something you give back when you break up,” Hannah objected.
“Unless he disappeared before she could.”
Hannah nodded. He had a point.
“You’re wondering if Charlie came back for Ellie. But how would he know—”
Hannah couldn’t help the worry she felt as she looked at him.
“You’re afraid your dad was in touch with Charlie? That he told him? Helped them both?”
She didn’t move, but knew her eyes gave her away.
“It’s a decent theory. But they’re, well, geezers, too. If they are even still alive? Revenge after all this time?”
“Unless it’s not revenge, or not completely. There’s Nell.”
His eyes widened. He looked away for several minutes, sighed, then looked at her again. “What do you want to do about it?”
Her lips twisted a bit. “I want to go back to this morning and have a do-over that doesn’t involve an exhumation. There’s a lesson in here about being careful what you wish for.”
He chuckled and she sent him an inquiring look.
“You were wishing for an exhumation?”
She half grinned. “Maybe.” She rubbed her face, then sighed. “I delve into bodies, not…secrets.” Really, really old secrets. How could they still matter now? They wouldn’t if Nell—
“You can let sleeping rings lie. If Guido didn’t smell your secret?”
“If he did, what can he do about it?” She couldn’t stop the chill running down her back, though.
“He’s a bad guy. He can do what he wants. If he thinks you know something, he will try to find out what it is.”
“I won’t tell him.” Her chin came up, then drifted down.She hated it, but she asked it. There was no one else to ask. And she trusted him, which surprised her but didn’t dismay. Which was also a surprise. “What do you think I should do?”
“Maybe it’s time for the secrets to come out. All of them. Had a mentor that used to tell me that only the truth makes you free.”
“We don’t know—besides, I’m a forensic pathologist, not a detective.”
“Well, isn’t this your lucky day. I’m a detective.”
She fought back the relief. “This isn’t your problem.”
“Well, maybe I’m willing to make it my problem, if you’ll call me Logan, and answer one question.”
Her lips twitched. “And what’s the question, Logan?” She could like this guy. A lot. Too much? She hoped not.
He leaned close, a slow smile turning up a sudden heat in his eyes, and igniting a quiver in her mid-section that her brain tried to discount…
“Is the age difference going to be a problem?”
Her eyes widened. Her heart sped up. It got hard to breathe. “With what?”
“This.”
The arm along the back of the bench slid down to her shoulders and tightened, bringing her in close. His eyes open, he moved in, holding her gaze as he very deliberately and with intent pressed his mouth to hers. At first the pressure was light, but her lips parted involuntarily, surprised by the sweetness flowing from his touch—sweetness with a little fire in its core—and he increased the pressure. Not too much. Didn’t want to go up in flames in the park. In the summer. Her head tilted, her lids sliding down. His grip tightened then. That was nice, too. Maybe more than nice. Might have made her head spin a bit.
Then gently, slowly, he dialed it back, bringing them back to earth. And the bench. No thump though. His arm was still around her.
“Well?” he asked, his voice husky.
She cleared her throat. “No, the age difference won’t be a problem.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
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Author store audiobook: https://payhip.com/b/6R9Gh
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Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1198405
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Author Biography:
USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline never liked reality, so she writes books. She likes to wander among the genres, rampaging like Godzilla, because she does love peril mixed in her romance.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://paulinebjones.com
Website: https://paulinebairdjones.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulinebjones
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perilouspauline/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinebairdjones/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/paulinebjones