Tag Archives: Colleen Helme

Desert Devil Blitz

Desert Devil cover

Sand and Shadows Book 2

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

 

Date Published: 04-05-2022

A fragile beginning, a past that won’t let go, and a deadly enemy.

With hope for a bright future with the man she loves, Ella St. John begins her new life, only to find that a deadly enemy from her past is intent on getting his way. Drawn into a fight that isn’t hers, Ella must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means going against everything she believes in.

Angel Falls: Sand and Shadows cover

Angel Falls: Sand and Shadows Book 1

 

Sale price: $1.99 – Beginning April 5 at 12 am and ending April 12 at 12 am (PDT)

Sent away because she let someone die, her burgeoning powers leave her with more questions than answers. Now her only chance for redemption comes at a price… one she may not survive.

As a trauma nurse in a New York City hospital, Ella St. John had no idea that refusing to help a known killer would have such dire consequences. Being sent to the middle of nowhere is bad enough, but when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger, everything changes. She can’t deny the attraction blossoming between them, but that is nothing compared to the trouble he brings to her door. Helping him could be the biggest mistake of her life… if she manages to live long enough to regret it.

AMAZON

About the Author

Colleen Helme

Colleen Helme is the author of the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, a wildly entertaining and highly humorous series about Shelby Nichols, a woman with the ability to read minds. She is also the author of the Sand and Shadow Series, a spin-off from the Shelby Nichols Series featuring Ella St. John, a woman with a special ‘healing’ touch. Between writing about these two friends, Colleen has her hands full, but is enjoying every minute of it, especially when they appear in books together. When not writing, Colleen spends most of her time thinking about new ways to get her characters in and out of trouble. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of her books keep her writing.

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Desert Devil Teaser Tuesday

 

Desert Devil cover

Sand and Shadows Book 2

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

 

Date Published: 04-05-2022

A fragile beginning, a past that won’t let go, and a deadly enemy.

With hope for a bright future with the man she loves, Ella St. John begins her new life, only to find that a deadly enemy from her past is intent on getting his way. Drawn into a fight that isn’t hers, Ella must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means going against everything she believes in.

Excerpt

 

Chapter One

I stepped down the hallway and paused in front of room two-one-two-seven. At three in the morning, most of the patients were asleep, and it was relatively quiet. Taking a breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The boy lay quiet and still, hooked up to several machines. The halo around his head held his neck in place and kept him from moving. His curly, blond hair was pushed back from his forehead, and, even with his eyes shut, his dark, long lashes went on for days. For a fifteen-year-old, he looked small and helpless, surrounded by all the machines that monitored his vital signs.

This was the first time I’d been able to visit him, but I’d been drawn to this room since my first shift at the hospital. I’d had to wait until now, when things had settled down, before I could visit him without drawing unwanted attention. I still didn’t have a lot of time, so I stepped to his side and took his hand.

To my surprise, his eyes fluttered open and his gaze met mine. I smiled to put him at ease. “Hey Tucker, I’m Ella. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

S’ okay.” He blinked a few times, trying to wake up.

I just wanted to see how you were doing. Is it okay if I sit with you for a minute?”

Sure.”

You can go back to sleep if you want.”

It’s all I ever do anymore.”

I smiled. “That’s because sleeping will help you get better.”

Tucker’s breath hitched, and his eyes brightened. “You think I’ll get better?” The desperation in his tone sent sorrow into my heart. Through no fault of his own, this poor boy had broken his neck in a freak accident.

The doctors had little hope that he’d ever walk again. Tucker’s parents had been devastated, but this young man had put on a brave face, telling everyone he’d be okay… and he’d walk out of this hospital and prove them wrong.

Now, alone with me, his eyes filled with tears, and worry tightened his brow. He’d tried to be brave for his parents, but now he couldn’t hold back the emotion.

As he blinked his tears away, I tightened my grip on his hand. “I don’t see why not. You just have to give it some time, and let your body heal. Can you do that?”

He tried to nod his head, but couldn’t with the halo around it, so he pursed his lips instead. “I think so.”

Good. Now try not to worry. Close your eyes and go back to sleep. Everything’s going to be okay.”

His eyes closed, and a tear rolled down his cheek. “What does that even mean?”

It means that it’s okay to be scared, but don’t lose hope; you’re stronger than you think. Now rest and go to sleep.” He glanced at me with half-closed eyes. I smiled and sent him a reassuring nod. He let out a breath, and his eyes dropped shut. He relaxed and, a few seconds later, his breath came deep and even.

Now that he was asleep, I closed my eyes and concentrated on my connection to him. Still holding his hand, I placed my fingers against his wrist and felt the beat of his heart. Sending my awareness through our connection, I traveled up his arm to his neck and centered on the source of his injury.

There, I felt the swollen tissue and the herniated disc that had damaged his spinal column. Through surgery, the disc had been successfully treated, but the injury to his spinal cord was irreparable.

Using my gift, I sent my healing power into his neck, starting with the swelling and proceeding to the injured nerves of his spinal column. Stimulating the nerves and bringing them back together was a slow process, but soon the tissue began to regenerate. I sharpened my focus, pouring all my energy into the tissue until it had strengthened and fully reconnected.

Several minutes later, I knew the moment the injury had completely healed. The swelling was gone, and the vertebrae reset, allowing his neck and the rest of his body to resume its normal position and functionality. My breath whooshed out of me, and I pulled my focus away.

Opening my eyes, I panted, feeling like I had just run a marathon. Thankfully, Tucker’s eyes were still closed. As I studied him, I noticed that his face held a slight flush of healthy color that hadn’t been there before. With his spine restored, he’d be able to walk again and live a normal life.

Totally exhausted, the exhilaration of using my gift to help him gave me the strength I needed to get up and walk out of there. With one last glance at his peaceful face, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

Holding the outside door handle, I made sure the door closed without the usual loud click. I turned to leave and nearly crashed into a cart being pushed by an orderly.

Oh! I’m so sorry,” the woman said, covering her mouth with her hand. Her long, dark hair was pulled back into a low knot at the base of her neck, and her dark eyes flashed with embarrassment. “I didn’t see you there.”

It’s okay. I was just… I was trying to be quiet.”

Of course.” She nodded, glancing at the door. “That’s the poor boy with the broken neck. How is he? I feel so badly for him.”

She stepped down the hall in the same direction I needed to go, so I moved beside her. Still a little weak, I couldn’t quite keep up with her pace. She noticed and slowed her step, sending me a look of concern. Before she could ask if I was okay, I picked up the conversation where she’d left off.

I know. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? But maybe with some therapy, he’ll get some of the use of his arms and hands back at least.”

That would be something. I pray for him every day. Such a tragedy.”

Yeah, for sure.” I’d never seen her before, but she acted like she knew me. Maybe she’d been in one of my patient’s rooms and I’d missed it. Orderlies like her were nearly invisible in a hospital this size, but I usually wasn’t so preoccupied that I couldn’t be friendly. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Ella St. John.”

Oh… it’s nice to meet you. I’m Reyna Torres.” Her surprise that I’d introduce myself seemed genuine. “I’ve only worked the night shift for a few days, but I’m always happy to make new friends, although… I have to say that I’ve heard of you.”

You have?”

Her eyes widened. “Oh… nothing bad of course. It’s all been good. I mean… you’re new here, so people have talked about you a few times. But in a good way. You’re a really good nurse… at least that’s what everyone says.” Her gaze met mine, and she gave me a rueful smile. “So… I’m happy to run into you.”

I chuckled. “Yes… well… it’s nice to meet you, too, Reyna. I guess I’ll see you around.”

She nodded and continued down the hall, while I stopped at the bank of elevators. I pushed the button for the main floor and stepped inside, grateful to be alone so I could lean against the side and catch my breath.

It concerned me that she’d seen me leave Tucker’s room, but there was nothing I could do about it now. If she’d been praying for him, that meant she’d be sure to follow his progress. By tomorrow, she’d know that something drastic had happened. I just hoped she wouldn’t put it together with my visit.

About the Author

Colleen Helme

Colleen Helme is the author of the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, a wildly entertaining and highly humorous series about Shelby Nichols, a woman with the ability to read minds. She is also the author of the Sand and Shadow Series, a spin-off from the Shelby Nichols Series featuring Ella St. John, a woman with a special ‘healing’ touch. Between writing about these two friends, Colleen has her hands full, but is enjoying every minute of it, especially when they appear in books together. When not writing, Colleen spends most of her time thinking about new ways to get her characters in and out of trouble. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of her books keep her writing.

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Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Goodreads

Instagram

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HIDDEN DECEPTION BY COLLEEN HELME -RELEASE BLITZ

 

Mystery (cozy, psychic)
Date Published: August 12, 2016
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Just back from Paris, Shelby barely has time to get over her jet lag before she is right back in the thick of things. Uncle Joey, the local mob boss, needs her help to find out what his son is hiding from him. Detective Harris, AKA Dimples, has an unsolved homicide on his hands, along with a missing engagement ring. Shelby’s husband, Chris, just got promoted to partner in his law firm, and she has yet to see his new office or meet his new secretary. Add to that the opportunity to purchase a beautiful home, and Shelby is racing from one thing to the next while trying to keep them all straight.
When a courier in Uncle Joey’s organization turns up dead, it’s up to Shelby and her mind-reading powers to find out who killed him and why. The house Shelby wants to buy has a few problems that go beyond the building code, and the murder she’s helping Dimples solve has ties to Chris’ law firm. Even using all of her skills, Shelby finds one hidden deception after another. And if she’s not careful, it might be the one she least expects that will kill her.
EXCERPT
Today began like any other Monday.
The routine of getting my kids off to school was just the same as it had always been, and I found it a little disconcerting to think that I’d just had the adventure of my life in Paris, and now it seemed like I’d never been gone.
We’d gotten home on Friday, so with the weekend to get over my jet-lag, there was no excuse for not going back to my everyday life. It would have been depressing except for the fact that I had something to look forward to. Just thinking about it sent a thrill of excitement through me.
My husband, Chris, had just made partner at his law firm. With that came a few other benefits, one of which was a big raise in pay. On the plane ride home from Paris, Chris had mentioned this to me, along with the news that the house I’d always admired from afar was for sale. Now, there was a real possibility we could afford it.
I’d had my eye on that house ever since we’d moved into the area. It had a certain enchantment about it that fueled my imagination. It was situated on a beautiful, stately, tree-lined street, and was built in the Old Victorian style. It even had a round turret on one side that spanned two floors, and another in the back. A wrap-around porch had recently been added, making it even more inviting.
It wasn’t a huge house, but big enough for our family, and I’d always thought it would be cool to live there. Even better, it was in our neighborhood and school district. So if we did buy it, our kids could stay in their schools and keep their friends.
The only drawback I could see? People moved in and out a lot, so it might need some fixing up, especially the yard. But that also meant the price would be lower, so it could all work out in the end. Chris had called a realtor on Saturday, and I had an appointment to meet him there this afternoon.
This fit into my plans perfectly, since I needed to visit Thrasher Development this morning and have a talk with Uncle Joey. He was the local mob-boss and my employer. And he wasn’t even my real uncle. But since he knew my secret, I was more or less coerced into working for him.
Recently, he’d sent his hit-man, Ramos, to look after me when I’d accompanied a federal agent to Paris on a routine trip. It had turned out to be a heck of a lot more than I’d bargained for. In fact, without Ramos’ help and protection, I’d be dead.
The last time I’d talked with Uncle Joey, he wasn’t too happy with me. And since he’d basically saved my life by sending Ramos… again, I owed him big-time, probably for as long as I lived. Or at least until my mind-reading abilities stopped. So far, that hadn’t happened. And deep inside, I hoped it never would.
It had been a whole year since my life changed during a bank robbery at the grocery store while I was shopping for carrots. A bullet wound to my head had changed something in my brain, and now I could hear people’s thoughts. I could hardly believe how fast the time had gone since then.
In fact, reading minds had become so much a part of my identity that I didn’t think I could ever go back to the person I was before. So, even though it might get me out of helping a mob-boss, and keep me out of trouble, and even keep me from getting killed, I’d hate to lose it. How crazy was that?
On the other hand, Uncle Joey was getting older. He had to be over sixty-five. That meant he should retire at some point in the next few years. Maybe by then, he’d let me off the hook. Ha! Who was I kidding? Uncle Joey didn’t seem like the retiring type. He liked power way too much. And barring death, either his or mine, I didn’t think I’d ever be out from under his thumb.
It also worried me a little that the circle of people who actually knew my secret had just widened to include French Inspector Gabriel Dumont. But since I’d helped save a chunk of Paris, he’d readily agreed to keep it to himself.
So, including Uncle Joey, Ramos, my husband, Chris, and Detective Harris, whom I called Dimples, that still added up to only five people, so maybe it wasn’t so bad. Oh wait, there was one more… Kate.
How could I forget her? She was the main reason I got involved with Uncle Joey in the first place. As a new lawyer at Chris’ law firm, she’d set her sights on Chris, even though she knew he was happily married to me. In order to stop her, I’d threatened to expose her ties to the local mob-boss, Joe ‘The Knife’ Manetto, whom she called Uncle Joey.
That’s when it all went wrong, and I had to tell Uncle Joey my secret in order to stay alive. Kate had since been banished to run Uncle Joey’s operations in Seattle, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t pop back up in my life at any time.
Just thinking about her brought a sick feeling to my stomach, but now that she was involved with Alec Passini and his shipping company, I hoped that kept her occupied. Still, I wouldn’t put it past her to ask for my help if she needed it. So, of all the people who knew my secret, Kate was the one I worried about the most. Good thing I had Uncle Joey on my side. Everyone else thought I had ‘premonitions,’ and I needed to make sure it stayed that way.
Now that I was back in the real world, it hit me that I had a lot to worry about, so to alleviate those worries, I decided to change my focus to the possibility of purchasing my dream home. That helped revive me and, with anticipation, I jumped into the shower to get ready for my day.
An hour later, I pulled into the parking garage of Thrasher Development and gathered the special gifts I’d purchased in Paris for Uncle Joey, his secretary and wife, Jackie, and Ramos. I was excited about the gifts I’d bought for Uncle Joey and Jackie, but more than a little nervous about the one I’d bought for Ramos. I mean, what could I possibly give to the man who’d rescued me from a bunch of crazy terrorists?
Not only that, but he’d stuck by my side when he could have easily been blown up. The little Eiffel Tower I’d gotten him seemed kind of silly, but it was also personal. The first time I’d seen it sparkle was the night he’d saved my life and took me there to help settle me down. Now, when I thought of the Eiffel Tower, it was always of that moment standing there with him.
It was bad of me in so many ways, especially considering the kiss. Of course it wasn’t a personal kiss since Gabriel had kissed me too. It was kind of a French thing to celebrate not getting blown up; Joie de Vivre, and all that.
Still, I had to admit that I’d liked it, and that I didn’t feel too guilty about it. That probably made me even more of a bad person, but it’s not like I’d ever do it again. I loved my husband more than I could say, and we had two great kids together.
But Ramos was special to me too, and always would be. So giving him the Eiffel Tower was an okay thing to do, right? Still, maybe I should forget about it and just give him the extra chocolates instead. Then I wouldn’t have to worry that I’d crossed some sort of line.
“Babe.”
 
About the Author
As the author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. “Definitely,” she says. “Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. “I love getting Shelby into trouble…I just don’t always know how to get her out of it!” Colleen lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family. Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.
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Contact Links
Twitter: @ColleenHelme
Giveaway
Amazon $25.00 gift card
 
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