Today I have an excerpt for you from Kylie Brant’s upcoming release, Deadly Sins, as well as a giveaway. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

An unknown assassin has appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner, brutally taking out high-level human targets citywide. And the list of suspects is a sensitive one: an Iranian diplomat, a U.S. senator, and a vengeful priest. It's just the kind of case to test the resolve of tough FBI agent, Jaid Marlowe. Especially when her new partner is Adam Raiker, Jaid's former colleague and ex-lover. But that's history—and it left scars.
Determined to leave it behind them, Jaid and Adam dive into the most shocking investigation of their careers. But when Adam himself becomes a suspect, Jaid must choose between past and present. Her choice plunges them into a far-reaching, high-level conspiracy of shadows—and on the run not only from secrets and lies, but for their lives. Now, despite their history, they have only each other, and the desperate hope that love can keep them alive.

EXCERPT

“The name of the man who tried to kill me last night is Mose Ferrell.” Adam finished the saga of the last few nights’ events as the waitress set down Jaid’s diet soda. Taking the bill he’d laid on the table the woman sent him a slow smile and strolled away. “He’s a two bit hood. Last night he claimed he didn’t know who had hired him.”
“The timing of the new attempts is suspect.” Suspect. A dispassionate word for a topic that left her feeling anything but emotionless. He could have been killed. Last night, and again a few evenings ago. In the last few months he’d survived in spite of overwhelming odds. A lesser man, one with fewer resources and innate cunning wouldn’t be sitting in front of her right now.

She toyed with the straw in her drink and tried not to consider how many times one man could conceivably escape certain death. “I’d wonder if your involvement in a very high profile case offers your enemy newfound access to you.”

He shook his head, the gesture frustrated. “This Ferrell…he’s hardly in the same league as the assassin last year. Makes it difficult to imagine the same man hiring him.” His sudden grin was grim. “But I suppose even assassins can be difficult to line up on short notice.”

She considered him for a moment. “Maybe this time you need to think about yourself. No one would expect you to continue at risk to your own life.”

He looked insulted, but she hadn’t expected any differently. “If I thought I was putting you or FBI Agent Shepherd at risk, I’d step aside, believe me. But other than the shooting in Philadelphia last May, an attempt has never been made when I’m not alone. I think the two of you are safe enough.”

Jaid slapped her hand on the table with enough force to draw the attention of the other patron, sitting at the bar. Leaning forward, she demanded, “What about you, Adam? What about your risk? Your safety?”

His stunned expression was as telling as a shout. He didn’t have to tell her that it hadn’t been a consideration. She straightened in her chair, shaken by the strength of her reaction.

“Fear is a tool—“

“—not an excuse. Yes, I remember the mantra.” Because it gave her something to do, she removed the straw then lifted the glass to her lips. “I’d suggest that not acting on it at all is more stupidity than anything else, but it’s doubtful you’ll listen.”

One corner of his mouth kicked up wryly. “Do you honestly think I’m standing still on this? I have some of the best people in the country working for me. We’re looking into this, Jaid. I’ve taken precautions, far more than I’m comfortable with. You can’t expect much more than that.”

“Yes, I learned the danger of expectations with you long ago.” The words hung in the air between them, tinged with bitterness. The moment they left her mouth, she wanted to call them back. It was demoralizing to recognize the feelings they elicited. Feelings she’d thought buried years ago.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to Kylie Brant, 2 lucky winners will receive a print copy of Deadly Sins by Kylie Brant!!

Giveaway open Internationally wherever The Book Depository ships.
ONE entry per person! Those with duplicate entries will be disqualified. I highly recommend you leave a bread crumb (i.e. a comment) so that you’ll know you’ve already entered.
Comments are appreciated and recommended (see above), however, you must fill out the form below in order to enter the giveaway.
Please read the Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules.
You have until midnight (your time) on Friday, August 12, 2011 to enter.