While seeking safe haven at a friend’s home in Scotland, a troubled young computer programmer finds herself implicated in a fraud scheme she took no part in. She soon finds herself swept up in the case and falling for the detective assigned to investigate her.
Those We Trust
Those We Trust Book 1
by Marie Jones
Genre: Romantic Thriller, Suspense, Crime
Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads
1
In my defining moment, each of my senses became aware of the smallest, most infinite detail. The distant cry of a wild, eager fox. The soft, rippling sound of crystal water stirring within the loch. The sweet scent of a pine tree moving lazily in the wind. The freshly fallen leaves dancing around our feet. The acrid, metallic taste in my mouth as I forced away its dryness. His warm breath on my neck, stirring the tendrils of my hair and sending a tremor through my body.
I had let my eyes drift closed to savour it all for one sweet second. My hand moved carefully behind me, so he could reach for it. As I felt his calloused palm cover mine, I squeezed hard, knowing without any words he would understand what I needed. We spoke a silent language, our bodies moving of their own accord.
Then, knowing all too well what would confront them, my eyes reluctantly opened. Yet still, the shock of meeting those eyes staring hard and dangerously at me caused me to stiffen and bite down hard on the inside of my cheek.
Eyes that had once looked at me with affection were now that of a feverish stranger, hell-bent on getting what was so desperately sought, regardless of what happened to me. Had I ever really known the person behind them?
As we stood there, suspended, each waiting for the other to make the next crucial move, I knew it was my choice now as to how this tale would end. Would I go back to the woman I had once been, full of self-doubt, low, hollow, and giving in to the inevitable? Or would I rise up and fight back, show my new strength and courage to protect the man I loved fiercely?
Had it really only been five weeks since I’d made a different choice to take up a seemingly kind offer to stay at a friend’s flat? Had it been so short a time from when Aneella had smoothed her way back into my life after ten years of utter silence? When she became determined to have her way over my life, once again…
Those We Seek
Those We Trust Book 2
I
thought the darkness could no longer touch me.
I
was wrong.
***Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite***
Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads
Prologue
The cold, sharp wind whipped against my numb cheeks, stinging my eyes, and causing me to inhale rapidly. The uneven rocks beneath my feet made me stumble and curse. My legs, aching from the frantic steep climb, moaned as I forced them on. My heart beat too fast, like fluttering wings of an insect desperate to escape its trap.
Yet I had to keep going. I must. His life, the only one I cared desperately about, rested solely on me. So, I would keep climbing, until there was nowhere further to go, and the light lost its battle against the gathering darkness.
All I could see in my mind was him, the last look he'd given me. Long now I'd realised I only felt strong with him by my side. But he wouldn't believe that now. I'd done my job too well, too effectively. The memory of my parting words had me choking back a suffocating cry. No, this time I was truly alone. Alone, except for an enemy waiting for me — surrounding me from all sides. And this enemy wanted my blood. Nothing else would satisfy.
As if I'd conjured up the voice from my darkest terrors, seeping coldly into my skin, the wind taunted, “You better keep climbing if you want to reach him in time.”
I spun around, trying to peer through the descending clouds, as if to see how close on my heels they were. I could just make out the dim shadow of a moving person. Fear ripped through me.
I had no choice but to keep climbing. We both knew that. Something more powerful than me had me scrambling up once more on my hands and knees, barely feeling the stones cutting into my skin.
I should have known this wasn't over. What a stupid fool I was to believe our love would shelter us from danger. That it would act as a shield against the enemies lurking in the shadows, turning us from predators into prey.
The darkness was coming for us.
It was coming for me
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’m born and raised in good old England. I live down near Brighton/London in the South East, originally from Dorset. I have one husband, two teenagers and one cat called Bella who rules the household. I love travelling, photography, working out and walking. And of course a lovely cup of tea (well I am British!).
I started writing when I was very young, writing stories into my notebook that I insisted on reading to anyone who visited us. My teacher read out my story one time in class which I was so proud of. I studied creative writing at college. I also received a handwritten letter from Barbara Taylor Bradford, who I adored as an author – that was incredible!
But I put aside writing for many years around jobs and raising children until a few years ago when I thought you know what, now’s the time to fulfil my dream. So I wrote Those We Trust and was delighted to get a publishing deal. Never give up on your dreams!
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I got to hang out backstage with Jean Luc Pickard and Joshua Jackson. Joshua and I shared a laugh!
What are some of your pet peeves?
Toilet seat up. Dirty cups left around the house.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Oh goodness, so much I’d want to do. But mostly with my family in the highlands of Scotland.
Who is your hero and why?
Jane Austen – wow there was a woman author ahead of her time breaking huge taboos.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Empathic and firm – rule like a mum really
What are you passionate about these days?
My children, books, travelling and opening my eyes to what’s around me. Chocolate. Tea. Gin.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
Curl up with a book or binge watch TV series on Netflix.
How to find time to write as a parent?
It’s easier now mine are much older and independent and I can write even when they’re around. I used to write when they were at school in the afternoons.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Fun, tenacious, passionate, hard-working, organized.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The first time I held a copy of my book in my hand.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Sweet Home Alabama – I know every word!
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Both my books in this series – Those We Trust and Those We Seek. In fact, I have written Those We Trust into a feature and TV series so you never know!
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Tiger – strong, powerful, majestic
Readers Favorite Gold Award Winner 2022
NYC Big Book Award Winner 2022 - Romantic Thriller
Finalist American Fiction Awards 2022
Chatelaine Romance Fiction First Place Winner 2023
Amor Book Award Finalist 2022
Author of multi award winning romantic suspense/thriller Those We Trust series
Published with GenZ Publishing
Semi finalist Australasian Screenwriting Competition
Double recommendation from Stage 32
Marie Jones’ passion for writing and creating stories began from a young age, where she loved nothing more than writing stories into her special A4 lined book. Later on in life, Marie went on to study creative writing at night college. Her favourite place to write is in her lounge when the house is quiet (though have learnt to write around noise!). Wherever she is, everyday men and women with all their amazing complexities always fascinate and inspire her.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Scottish thistle keyring with personalized initial,
$10 Amazon giftcard
-1 winner each!
This story sounds really interesting. I like the covers and book trailers.
ReplyDelete