All For A Dead Man's Leg


Humorous Romantic Suspense

Book 1 in the Tour Director Extraordinaire Series

My name is Harriet Ruby, Tour Director Extraordinaire.  At least I thought I was worthy of that title until one of my tourists, Archie Philpot, died in the middle of my first, solo European tour.

Teaming up with William Talbot, a seemingly kind stranger who turned out to be a spy in disguise, I tried to keep my tourists happy and unaware while smuggling poor old Archie's body out of Morocco.  I never expected my newfound friend and helper to be the love of my life.  It certainly didn’t hurt that he was such a hunk!

But before our romance even got properly started, we were chased by terrorists, smugglers and murderers.  Since my role model had always been Tour Guide Barbie, I was out of my league and had to rely on Will to get us to safety.

Little did I know that getting out of Morocco was just the beginning...

(70k) ISBN #978-1-934657-16-4
Buy Links:  Sapphire Blue Publishing   Amazon.com   Barnes & Noble
 

READ AN EXCERPT

            Unable to orient myself, I closed my eyes again and snuggled closer to the other body.  If I was suffering from hallucinations, so what?  The person beside me turned over.  Strong arms wrapped around me.  Mmm.

            Then Will kissed me again.  I knew it was Will.  I recognized the lingering scent of his musky aftershave spiced with a smidgen of salt from the ocean water, the firmness of his lips, the muscled chest and slightly coarse hair.  Everything I’d fantasized about all day.  This time I was breathing, so I responded with enthusiasm.

            NiceReally nice.

            Finally, he eased us apart and sat up beside me.  He placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a little shake.  “Come on, Harriet, open your eyes.  I know you’re in there.”

            With reluctance, I did as I was told and smiled up at him.  “How’d you know I was awake?”

            In the subdued light, his teeth flashed as he smiled.  “Well, let’s see.  You stuck your tongue down my throat and nearly chewed my lip off.  That’s a pretty sure sign.”

            “Sorry,” I said, not sorry at all.  “I was dreaming.”

            “About what?”

            “I’ll never tell.”  I adjusted the covers around me, my face burning.  Considering the fantasies I was having, I must be feeling a lot better.  “How, ah, did I get like this?”

            He knew exactly what I meant.  “I had to warm you up.”

            I propped myself up on my elbows, making sure the blanket was tucked around my chest.

            “Warm me up for what?”  My imagination shifted into overdrive, running away with me.  It must have shown on my face.  Maybe it was the way I was panting, not to mention the drooling.

            He laughed as he climbed over me, got off the bunk, and stood up.  I was disappointed to see he was wearing an ill-fitting pair of trousers that looked too short for him.  Only his chest was bare.

            “Not warmed up for what you’re thinking.  I mean warmed up as in not dying.  You know, to prevent hypothermia.  Any other kind of warming you up might be a little awkward right now.”  He indicated our surroundings with a lift of his chin.

REVIEWS

Between The Lines  (Rating: Memorable/Good)
07/18/09 By Lisa Mitchell for Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction

All for a Dead Man’s Leg is a comical romantic mystery. Harriet is a likeable heroine who good-naturedly endures the griping, whining, complaining tourists, some of whom can’t even say her name correctly. It is her kind nature that endeared her to me as I read. She’s doing her best to keep things going after the death of a tourist turns out to be more than just “a death.” Will Talbot, her hero, is a true romance hero—to quote Bonnie Tyler, ‘big, strong, and larger than life.” And it is Harriet who uncovers that sensitive side that he tries so hard to hide.

R. Ann Siracusa has done a great job weaving this tale. For those who enjoyed Romancing the Stone, this is reminiscent of the film. While the plots are very different, the story was in the same tone. All For a Dead Man’s Leg is a good rainy day—or any day read.

Night Time Romance Reviews  (Rating: 5 Stars)
06/21/09 By Estefanie Larranaga for Night Time Romance Reviews

R. Ann Siracusa managed to keep me smiling throughout "All For A Dead Man's Leg," and had me from the beginning with this line: "Mez Harri Boobies."  I just couldn't love Harriet and Will more because no matter the danger they were in, both managed to do some major banter and flirting. 

This is a genuine gem.  It kept me in awe with each new chapter.  From the middle to the end there's plenty of action packed scenes.  Harriet is determined to save a friend of Will's whether he helps her or not.  Here's to Harriet and Will for rescuing the good and catching the bad guys.  I definitely enjoyed the talks between Will and Harriet. Cute nickname Will has for Harriet.

"All For A Dead Man's Leg" is an amazing romantic comedy with well written action scenes mixed in, well written characters and storyline that is well thought out.  It's hard to find great humor novel.  Ms. Siracusa sure knew how to work this into an A+ charming tale.  I definitely recommend this top choice of the week!  I don't know how much more I can say, but that I love "All For A Dead Man's Leg" and give it a rating of 5 stars!   

Romantic Crush Junkies   (Rating: 4 Stars)
06/19/09 By C.S. Morehouse for Romantic Crush Junkies

All Harriet Ruby wants to do is get her little tourist troop through Morocco without incident. This being her first guided tour since graduating college she would like to get every one through and out of the country without a hitch. One problem, one of her tourist Archie Philpot keels over making a once easy job now a very huge complication.  Enter undercover bad boy agent William Talbot, he’s on a mission of his own when the sultry Tour Director falls into his arms. With one dead man, a group of errant tourist and assassin s chasing their every step how is a girl to have a real relationship?

Oh. My. Gosh. Reader get your self a hanky because “All for A Dead Man’s Leg” is this years go-to romantic comedy is sure to have you shedding tears. Tears of joy. Tears of laughter. Ms. Siracusa has masterfully created long lasting and endearing characters that had this reader laughing through one escapade to the next. Get ready to split a stitch and shed a few tears because reader this story is too funny to not pass it on.