Conned

What do you do when your best friend is on the line- the business end of your fishing line? Finding his murdered best friend’s body drags a soon-to-be-retiring financial executive into the ruthless world of con artists and scammers that prowl idyllic Nantucket Island for unsuspecting marks. Chief Financial Officer Harry Bartlett hasn’t made plans for his impending retirement, but he’s happy for now vacationing on Nantucket Island at the compound of his best and only friend, Ian Bradford, a wealthy wine merchant. But that abruptly changes when he fishes Ian’s body from a Nantucket Island pond full of snapping turtles. Harry volunteers to break the news to Ginny, Ian’s widow, and is dumbfounded when she tells him that she has $20 in her wallet, a maxed-out credit card, and no knowledge of their financial affairs. Harry pays Ginny’s bills while he digs into Ian’s books with his unique financial insights. But the more he digs, the more he discovers Ian’s financial trickery and illegal wine businesses. Teaming up with his new girlfriend, Yvette Truque, a snarky local reporter, Steve Malarkey, and his ex-Mob enforcer relative, Uncle Louie, Harry must wade through a web of lies, deceptions and attacks- tossed overboard from the local ferry, a hit-and-run while bicycling, and attacked by ‘gator attack in Florida - to recover Ian’s money in time to keep Ginny and her two kid from being evicted from their home. Debut author Robert Ainsworth has created an eccentric cast of characters with tongue-in-cheek humor. CONNED is an intricate story with just enough financial detail to bring the reader into the story and feel-like-you-are-there descriptions of Nantucket. Harry Bartlett is no flat protagonist, but instead tackles the passions, loneliness,and compulsions that we all face. CONNED is a fast-paced, complex story that keeps your attention to the unexpected end.

The cross is the key to a priceless treasure...will it secure their future, or doom them forever? One year after being shot in Italy, Rachel Sanders travels to Venice in search of the jeweled cross that triggered a heartbreaking family betrayal. Determined to keep the treasure from her mother’s greedy hands, she’s caught off guard by the interference of an irresistibly charming rival. His unexpected offer to work together might be self-serving, but she’s thrown into a precarious situation where she can’t refuse. Nick Marshall has a family legacy to recover and a score to settle. Anyone with the last name Sanders is fair game—until he meets Rachel. She’s gorgeous, smart, sexy, and doesn’t buy one word of his cover story. When their attraction combusts, each kiss makes his deception burn like acid, and he begins to question his end goal. But they’re not the only ones after the cross. Ruthless players determined to recover the treasure first put Nick and Rachel’s lives at risk. Despite all the secrets and lies, lines quickly blur between the con and the real deal. Can love survive a double-cross when the mystery is unlocked? Join the sexy fun of a treasure hunt through Venice – get your copy of CONNED today! “From the moment the book begins until its exciting conclusion, it’s all blood-pounding chases, near misses with death, and heart-stopping romance.” ~ Adria’s Romance Reviews EXCERPT: “I’m serious, Nicholas, stop following me.” “I prefer Nick.” “Or we could go with creepy asshole stalker.” He grinned. “Nicholas is fine.” “Just leave me alone. It’s not like I’ve got anything you want anymore.” She had plenty he wanted. And plenty more he shouldn’t. Hidden behind his own mirrored shades, he flicked his gaze down to her pink mouth, with its full bottom lip glistening in the morning sunshine. Succumbing to the urge to kiss those lips would give a whole new meaning to keep your enemies closer. For him anyway. He shifted his attention back up, wishing he could remove her glasses. Would that answering glimmer of awareness darken her eyes again? The possibility sent a shot of heat through his veins. Tempting though it was, tasting her was not a thought he should be entertaining. To distract his libido, he said, “I was hoping we could talk. Can I buy your caffe?” “You already did.” A smirk curved the corners of her mouth as she started across the square once more. He automatically reached to feel his pocket. His wallet was still there, but obviously he should have checked the contents—and definitely don’t bet the Bible where she’s concerned. Nick caught up in three strides and kept pace with her. “Then the least you can do is let me sit with you while you drink it.” “The least I can do? Really?” She didn’t stop walking until they reached the café. Then she swiped her glasses off and jabbed them at him as her blue eyes flashed. “You broke into my apartment, stole letters that have sentimental value, and then lost them to those two idiots last night. And you’re talking about the least I can do?” “Whoa, easy now.” He held up his hands to placate her. And ward off the jab. “Before you go getting all worked up, maybe you’d like to hear my proposition.” “No thanks.” “Trust me, yes you do.” “Trust you,” she retorted. “Wow, not only are you delusional, you’re hilarious.” Quit trying to talk her into listening and just say it. “I thought we could help each other.” Her elegantly sculpted eyebrows arched upward as she tucked her glasses in her bag. “With what?” “Finding whatever it is you came here to look for.” Her eyes widened the tiniest bit. Then her eyebrows lowered, drawing together as she appeared to consider his words. “The only thing I might consider looking for are the personal mementos you stole and lost.” So much for consideration. “I might have a lead on those letters.” He had shit, but she wouldn’t know that. Ignoring him, she faced the barista and gave an order for a cappuccino. Then she looked at the pastry offerings and fumbled through a request for something similar to cornetto alla crema. Nick pointed out the bignè alla crema before requesting a caffe doppio for himself. He also advised in Italian they’d like to sit at one of the terrace tables so the cover charge could be added to their bill. He reached for his wallet, but Rachel beat him to it by handing twenty euros to the man operating the register. “Don’t worry, you’re covered.” “I’d say thank you, but I’d be talking to myself, right?” His sarcasm was rewarded with a smug smile. While she accepted the change, Nick took their purchases to carry out to the table. After setting them down, he pulled out her chair and waited. She gave him a suspicious look before gathering her skirt with one hand and sitting with a graceful sweep of elegance. The movement was so smooth, the single, filmy ruffle along her modest neckline barely moved. Like the last time he’d stood behind her at a restaurant table, the faint honey scent of her shampoo wafted up to fill his senses. A hint of sweet and a whole lot of sultry, just like the woman. He drew in a discreet inhale, then straightened with a mental admonishment to keep his focus. When he dropped onto the chair opposite her, she lifted her cappuccino for a taste, then set her cup back on its saucer. She sat back in her chair with her gaze steady on his. “What makes you think I’d want, or even need, your help?” Ah ha. She was thinking about his offer. He considered what angle to play as he sipped his double espresso. Charming or blunt? Yesterday, he’d have piled on the charm. She’d appeared more…innocent. Maybe not quite the right word, but the stylish dress, the shoes, her hair, and even the modest make-up she wore, all suggested a level of somewhat high maintenance. Or sophistication. Class. However, her undetected pursuit of him last night completely contradicted everything on the outside. Coupled with her ambush this morning, he was seeing her in an entirely different light. Class, some sass, and not one to have the wool pulled over her eyes. He went with blunt. “Because I can help you find the cross.” ~~~ ITALY INTRIGUE SERIES Kidnapped, book 1 *Winner* 2012 Write Touch Readers' Award, romantic suspense as Lost in Italy Betrayed, book 2 Conned, book 3 Romantic suspense, sexy alpha male hero, betrayal, international romance series, Italian vacation romance, beach reads, treasure hunt, con job, family betrayal, strong woman, priceless jewels, Venice Italy, on the run romance, blackmail, fans of Indiana Jones, fans of National Treasure, fans of Romancing the Stone, action adventure romance, action, adventure, fans of The Thomas Crowne Affair

Enjoy this Contemporary Small Town Sleuthing Couple Murder Mystery Father Tom and Helen travel to Bellamy, Florida, when Tom’s mother Nola is accused of murdering her twenty-four year old lover, Trevor. While trying to find the real killer and clear his mother’s name, Tom and Helen discover that the dead man had a lot of secrets--and those secrets each had a motive for murder. Along the way, Helen comes face to face with a woman from Tom's past, and Tom once again has to face the demons from his childhood. The Conned Cougar is the fifth novel in the Mercy and Justice Mystery series, a contemporary small town mystery series. The series is a sequel to the Father Tom Mysteries that began with The Penitent Priest and includes the same cast of characters. It features Father Tom Greer, a Catholic Priest who is also an amateur sleuth in the tradition of Father Brown, and his wife Helen Greer, female Chief of Police and detective in the tradition of Kinsey Millhone. If you enjoy the works of Rhys Dylan, Andrew Mayne, and Mary Stone, you will enjoy this novel.

The days of needing a publisher to be a successful, millionaire author are gone. Do you want to make a living as a successful full-time author, making more than $100,000 a year? If you do, then this is your book. How do you write a book and market it effectively? I’ll show you how successful, full-time, self-published authors make more than six figures a year doing what they love for a living — writing! Everything you need to know about being an author and making bank is right here in this book. I cover how to write, edit, format, design covers, and handle copyrights. I also provide in-depth, step-by-step instructions on how to publish and market your book. You can do it all yourself, without a publisher, on a budget and even for free. I’ll also show you how to avoid thousands of con artists and scammers who pose as publishers and marketers. Don’t get taken because you have little to no understanding of how the publishing industry works. Learn it here. Keep your money. Keep your profits. Don’t be a victim. Learn the following from this book: How to get started in self publishing for free if you have no money Tips and tricks for writing better books, links included Learn to self-edit for free if you have no money Learn how to get editing for cheaper on a limited budget Get tips on formatting your book for free if you have no money Get tips on getting your book formatted on a budget How to do your own covers on a budget or for free if you have no money Learn copyright laws, with up-to-date Links. How ISBNs work Step-by-step instructions on publishing your book for free Step-by-step instructions on how to market your book for free if you have no money Step-by-step instructions on how to market your book on a budget Step-by Step instructions on how to market your book like the pros, with links How the business side of books work How to hire the best, for less and avoid con artists posing as publishers, agents, and marketers Numerous author scams and how to avoid them Links to some of the best free and paid training in the self-publishing business

You are searching for answers. I know that it is a painful way to live, and that it is seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I am here to share with you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and his name is Jesus.After learning her husband has cheated on her, Angela must face her demons and put them behind her or let them rule the life she has worked so hard to build. By seeking help from her heavenly Father, she learns the roles of forgiveness and acceptance within relationships; thus, slowly pulling herself from a two-year depression that has threatened to destroy her entire family. With the knowledge she has gained, author Angela K.Serocki hopes to share the truth behind the battles we face. By understanding the lies the King of Cons tells you, you will be better able to grasp the hope of the Savior and fight your way from the lies with which You've Been Conned.

Amanda is still haunted by her ex-husband, Charley…literally haunted. He’s stuck between this life and the next, unable to move on, unable to get more than a couple of hundred feet away from Amanda and unwilling to go even that far. She’d like to take a shower without worrying about him peeking, to have a phone conversation without him listening and commenting, to have a date with the hot Detective Jake Daggett. Jake has asked, but a threesome with Charley doesn’t sound like fun. Her new friend Teresa, a professional psychic and medium, may be able to help. However, before she moves Charley on to the next life, she needs his help in contacting her own dead husband to find out who murdered him. His ghost isn’t talking, and if they can’t find his killer, Teresa could go to prison. Amanda would lose not only a friend but also the possibility of getting rid of Charley. The facilities for spiritual progression in prison are limited. While Amanda is trying to help Teresa find her husband’s murderer, a man from Charley’s past shows up with a document signed by Charley giving him possession of Amanda’s motorcycle shop and apartment. Surely Ronald Collins doesn’t really believe he can get away with that, but after he shoots Amanda’s live oak tree and burns her truck, she realizes the man is serious…and psychotic. Amanda just wanted to get rid of her ghost. Now she has a killer, a crazy man, and two ghosts in her life.

Violence, separation, mums death, destitution, early marriage, husband death, HIV stigma and widowhood, Th ese adversities have birthed a diversity of eff ects such as endurance and resilience that even death wont silence. consequently, the dare of this audacious fellow citizen counterfeiting my president is a life setup, I know. the con may have done it over and over in the past, but the privilege and thoroughness of the experiences as mentioned above have amplifi ed my voice to stand and speak out for a generation which the gods mute. In truth, I am set free indeed to know that its louder in the tomb. Inside these pages is its nakedness. Th e real conversations as is with a fake Kenyan President who conned me hundreds of thousands by impersonating President Uhuru Kenyatta in the name of helping to build a youth centre, a goal I had shared. How much deeper can we as a nation Plunge?