Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Wednesday Promo- Leah St. John


To day I'm happy to introduce you to Leah St. James.

Leah's fascination with all things written began when she picked up her first Dr. Seuss book, and she has rarely been seen without a novel close at hand since. Although she's held many positions over the years, from office manager to transcript editor, writing is her passion, and after devouring every romance novel in the local library, she decided to put some of the ever-present words in her head to paper. During the course of her experimentation, she discovered that she enjoys delving into the deepest of human emotions--love and hate, bravery and cowardice, joy and despair--and how we, as human beings, relate to each other. Her greatest hope is to touch her readers' hearts and help them experience the joy that only love can bring.

Married with two grown sons, Leah is a native of the beautiful Central Jersey Shore but now enjoys the peace and quiet of Virginia's Hampton Roads.

Visit Leah at www.leahstjames.com

Some doors aren't meant to be opened. . . .

A young woman is brutally murdered, her body dropped into the sea and carried by the tides onto the beach at a federal park at the Jersey Shore. Hometown investigators believe the woman simply partied too hard and fell overboard, but FBI Agents David Owens and Anna Parker know better.

David and Anna trace the victim's path from a local adult club to a dangerous and shadowed world that forces them under cover, into performances that awaken their own desires, and draw them closer to the killer. Soon they are racing against a clock set by an unknown enemy, compelled to carry out a plan that not only jeopardizes their lives, but tests their very beliefs, and their newfound love.

Surrender to Sanctuary

By Leah St. James

Excerpt

Shaking, she didn't realize she'd started crying until she heard the knock on her door, then David speaking.
“Anna?” He knocked again.
Swiping her fingers under her eyes, she scrambled off the bed and opened the door. He was wearing jean shorts but no shirt, and his eyes went on instant alert, skimming efficiently up and down her body as if looking for damage. Across the hall his door was open, and she could hear his TV on low, one of the political talk shows.
“What's wrong?” He pushed past her to look into her room.
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“I was reviewing the file.”
“See something we missed earlier?”
He moved back in front of her, still assessing her condition, and reached his hand forward, touching her shoulder. Just a feather touch that lasted only seconds before his hand fell back to his side, leaving an aching void behind.
“No. It just got to me.” She shook her head and asked, “Is there something you need?”
“I was going to ask if you wanted to go over the file together, make a plan for the meeting. But I think not. You should get some sleep.”
She shrugged and fought back another wave of angry tears. “I'm not sure I can.”
Her remark was met with silence; he just tilted his head and looked at her with those eyes that saw too much.
“Promise me one thing,” she finally said, breaking the quiet.
He tipped his head, telling her to continue.
“Promise me you'll do everything you can to get this monster.”

* End Excerpt *

6 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Thanks so much, Paty, for having me today! I'm heading off to my day job but will check back in as I'm able. Have a great day, everyone!

Vonnie Davis said...

Love the exerpt. You have a compelling voice. I'm ready to read more. Love the site, too. Visit me at www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com
Vonnie

Anonymous said...

what a fresh voice! not the same old plots and dialogues...great character development and twists and turns in the plot that kept my nose in the book. Her attention to detail makes it easy to picture things in your imagination. Also some ideas in the book that provided food for thought--even though they might cause a few "church ladies" panties to get in a knot!! Best romantic suspense I have read in a long time!

M Pax said...

Love the cover. And the excerpt! All success to you, Leah.

Leah St. James said...

Thanks, ladies, for your kind words! I enjoyed writing the book, and did lots and lots of research! :-)

Sarah Simas said...

HI Leah and Paty!

Wowza! Fabulous excerpt! And that cover--Oh my! LOL Wish my gams were half that sexy. :)