bold strokes books e -Books E-Books are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. What Reviewers Say About Bold Strokes Books “With its expected unexpected twists, vivid characters and healthy dose of humor, Blind Curves is a very fun read that will keep you guessing.” – Bay Windows “In a succinct fi lm style narrative, with scenes that move, a character- driven plot, and crisp dialogue worthy of a screenplay ... the Richfi eld and Rivers novels are ... an engaging Hollywood mystery ... series.” – Midwest Book Review Force of Nature “...is fi lled with nonstop, fast paced action. Tornadoes, raging fi re blazes, heroic and daring rescues... Baldwin does a fi ne job of describing the fast-paced scenes and inspiring the reader to keep on turning the pages.” – L-word.comLiterature In the Jude Devine mystery series the “...characters seem fully capable of walking away from the particulars of whodunit and engaging the reader in other aspects of their lives.” – Lambda Book Report Mine “...weaves a tale of yearning, love, lust, and confl ict resolution ... a believable plot, with strong characters in a charming setting.” – JustAboutWrite “While these two women struggle with their issues, there is some very, very hot sex. If you enjoy complex characters and passionate sex scenes, you’ll love Wild Abandon.” – MegaScene “Course of Action is a romance ... populated with a host of captivating and amiable characters. The glimpses into the lifestyles of the rich and beautiful people are rather like guilty pleasures ... a most satisfying and entertaining reading experience.” – Midwest Book Review The Clinic is “...a spellbinding novel.” – JustAboutWrite “Unexpected Sparks lived up to its promise and was thoroughly enjoyable ... Dartt did a lovely job at building the relationship between Kate and Nikki.” – Lambda Book Report “Sequestered Hearts ... is everything a romance should be. It is teeming with longing, heartbreak, and of course, love. As pure romances go, it is one of the best in print today.” – L-word.comLiterature “The Exile and the Sorcerer is a mesmerizing read, a tour-de-force packed with adventure, ordeals, complex twists and turns, and the internal introspection of appealing characters.” – Midwest Book Review The Spanish Pearl is “...both science fi ction and romance in this adventurous tale ... A most entertaining read, with a sequel already in the works. Hot, hot, hot!” – Minnesota Literature “A deliciously sexy thriller ... Dark Valentine is funny, scary, and very realistic. The story is tightly written and keeps the reader gripped to the exciting end.” – JustAbout Write “Punk Like Me ... is different. It is engaging. It is life-affi rming. Frankly, it is genius. This is a rare book in that it has a soul; one that is laid bare for all to see.” – JustAboutWrite “Chance is not a novel about the music industry; it is about a woman discovering herself as she muddles through all the trappings of fame.” – Midwest Book Review Sweet Creek “... is sublimely in tune with the times.” – Q-Syndicate “Forever Found ... neatly combines hot sex scenes, humor, engaging characters, and an exciting story.” – MegaScene Shield of Justice is a “...well-plotted...lovely romance...I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!” – Ann Bannon, author of The Beebo Brinker Chronicles The 100th Generation is “...fi lled with ancient myths, Egyptian gods and goddesses, legends, and, most wonderfully, it contains the lesbian equivalent of Indiana Jones living and working in modern Egypt.” – Just About Write Sword of the Guardian is “...a terrifi c adventure, coming of age story, a romance, and tale of courtly intrigue, attempted assassination, and gender confusion ... a rollicking fun book and a must-read for those who enjoy courtly light fantasy in a medieval-seeming time.” – Midwest Book Review “Of Drag Kings and the Wheel of Fate’s lush rush of a romance incorporates reincarnation, a grounded transman and his peppy daughter, and the dark moods of a troubled witch—wonderful homage to Leslie Feinberg’s classic gender-bending novel, Stone Butch Blues.” – Q-Syndicate In Running with the Wind “...the discussions of the nature of sex, love, power, and sexuality are insightful and represent a welcome voice from the view of late-20-something characters today.” – Midwest Book Review “Rich in character portrayal, The Devil Inside is an unusual, unpredictable, and thought-provoking love story that will have the reader questioning the defi nition of right and wrong long after she fi nishes the book.” – JustAboutWrite Wall of Silence “...is perfectly plotted and has a very real voice and consistently accurate tone, which is not always the case with lesbian mysteries.” – Midwest Book Review SPLIT THE ACES by Jove Belle 2008 SPLIT THE ACES © 2008 BY JOVE BELLE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ISBN 10: 1-60282-033-3 ISBN 13: 978-1-60282-033-3 THIS TRADE PAPERBACK ORIGINAL IS PUBLISHED BY BOLD STROKES BOOKS, INC. NEW YORK, USA FIRST EDITION: OCTOBER 2008 THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. NAMES, CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND INCIDENTS ARE THE PRODUCT OF THE AUTHOR’S IMAGINATION OR ARE USED FICTITIOUSLY. ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PERSONS, LIVING OR DEAD, BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, EVENTS, OR LOCALES IS ENTIRELY COINCIDENTAL. THIS BOOK, OR PARTS THEREOF, MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION. CREDITS EDITOR: JENNIFER KNIGHT PRODUCTION DESIGN: STACIA SEAMAN COVER DESIGN BY SHERI ([email protected]) Acknowledgments My heartfelt gratitude to Len Barot for having the vision and business savvy to make Bold Strokes the coolest ticket in town. I’m especially grateful that you invited me along for the ride. What a rush. Thanks to Jennifer Knight for ironing the bumps out of the road. The depth of your knowledge never fails to amaze me. In a pinch, I’m betting on 17 black. Michelle, keep growing, you’ll get there. Thanks for saving my schedule-impaired ass time and time again. Tara, thank you for thirteen years, three gray-hair-inducing children, and the never-failing support. Without you, I’d still be searching for home and there would be no room in my heart for writing. Finally, to all my friends, thank you for pitching in for daycare during the crunch times. I love you guys in spite of your questionable judgment. By the Author Edge of Darkness Split the Aces Visit us at www.boldstrokesbooks.com Dedication For Tara – you are my true north.