June 30, 2015

Excerpt & Giveaway! 24-Karat Conspiracy, Precious Gems #4 by E.M. Lynley


Love is the only gold


Former Ranger turned FBI agent Reed Acton faces his biggest challenge yet: a Christmas visit from partner Trent Copeland’s parents. He’s less equipped to handle hugs and holidays than the Taliban or international art thieves. When he’s assigned to track down a set of gold Babylonian artifacts looted from the Iraqi National Museum after the fall of Baghdad, things start to look up.

This time, Trent’s part of the mission, which takes them to exotic Istanbul. The crowded streets and labyrinthine markets fascinate Trent, but soon murder is on their trail. The investigation continues as Reed goes undercover at a US Army base, with Trent masquerading as his spouse. Surprisingly, fastidious and ever-fashionable Trent fits into base life right away and soon takes one of the suspects’ wives under his wing when domestic abuse rears its head.

Their faux marriage leads Reed to appreciate Trent in ways he never expected, strengthening their bond—until Reed has to confront the worst demons from his past: his relationship with his estranged family.


“You settling in okay, then?” Gregson asked Reed on Monday.

“Yeah, so far, so good.” Reed was so good at lying, the words flowed easily. He already hated this undercover assignment as an enlisted soldier.

“You want to stick around, don’t crap on the colonel.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“Didn’t see you at the Welcome Picnic yesterday, Atwater. Old Atkinson is a stickler for protocol,” Gregson said.

“Is that so?” Reed could enlighten Gregson on old Atkinson, but he nodded and kept his thoughts to himself. “Is that going to hurt my chances here already?”

“Can’t say. But he does tend to listen to his direct reports, so make sure you don’t piss off anyone. At least look like you’re doing your job, even if you aren’t actually getting anything done. Appearances matter here. Plenty of guys trying to transfer in.”

“Good advice. Thanks. Had a little misunderstanding about the plans yesterday.”

“You married?” Gregson asked.

“Yeah. A few months now.”

Gregson looked at his watch as a master sergeant strode across the room. “Lunch break’s over.”

“Sit down, men.” The master sergeant returned their lazy salutes. “Take another five.” He turned to Reed. “You Atwater?”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

“I like to keep things relaxed unless one of the commissioned officers is watching. I’m Miller. My wife, Molly, told me she ran into you and your husband yesterday.”

Gregson’s eyes went wide, and Reed chose to ignore it.

“Yes, we had a nice chat in line at the Smokehouse.”

“That’s what she said. Anyway, just wanted to meet you and see if you like cards.”

“Cards?”

“Poker?”

“I’ve been known to enjoy a few hands now and then.”

“Well, if you can get away from the house on Thursday, we have a nice little game going. Or bring your husband along. Interested?”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

“Good. Gregson, you’ll be there too, right? And Cray?”

“Wouldn’t miss it. It’s at my house.” Cray glared at the master sergeant, clearly not thrilled with how Miller had invited Reed over.

“Good. Gregson’ll give you the details. Now, you can get back to work.”

“Thanks, Sergeant.” Reed saluted and Miller frowned, returned the salute, then strode back out the door.

“Got a husband, then?”

“Yeah.” Reed tried to keep the challenge out of his voice.

“Good. Cray hates it when guys stare at his wife’s tits.” Gregson guffawed.

“I sure do.” Cray didn’t sound particularly amused with Gregson’s comment.

“I couldn’t be less interested in your wife.”

“Glad to hear it,” Gregson joked. “Less competition for me.”

“Ha-fucking-ha,” Cray said. He collected the trash from his lunch and wadded it up into a ball, which he hurled at the nearest trash can, knocking it over like a bowling pin.

Gregson laughed loudly as Cray walked out of the lunchroom.





EM Lynley writes sizzling gay romance with a hint of mystery. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. A Rainbow Award winner and EPIC finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she'd rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.





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