After Pearl by Stephen G. Eoannou Banner

AFTER PEARL
by Stephen G. Eoannou
April 14 – May 9, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
A Nicholas Bishop Mystery

 

1942. War rages in Europe. Pearl Harbor still smolders. And alcoholic private eye Nicholas Bishop wakes up on a hotel room floor with two slugs missing from his .38 revolver. The cops think he’s murdered lounge singer Pearl DuGaye, mobsters think he saw something he shouldn’t have, and Bishop remembers nothing…

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Together with his indomitable assistant Gia Alessi, who he may or may not have fired, a WWI vet who often flashes back to 1918, and a one-eyed female dog named Jake, Bishop tries to piece together the events that took place during his disastrous five-day bender. Along the way, he stumbles across a dirty politician, a socialite and her unfaithful husband, and a cabal of American Nazis who are undoubtedly up to no good. Written in the spirit of classic noir, Eoannou adds his own unique voice and flair to the genre in this, the first action-packed outing of the Nicholas Bishop Mysteries…

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Praise for After Pearl:

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“…thanks to Stephen Eoannou, Buffalo has a hard-boiled detective to call its own. Say hello to the irrepressible Nicholas Bishop” ~ Tim Wendel, Author of Rebel FallsAfter Pearl is a wonderfully rendered hard-boiled historical mystery reminiscent of Chandler’s Marlowe novels.” ~ Bruce Robert Coffin, International Bestselling author of The Turner and Mosley Files “Mickey Spillane and Dashiell Hammett would be proud of this next generation author who takes their styles and not only matches them but adds his own unique flair and voice to the genre. This is a novel dying to be made into a movie.” ~ Historical Fiction Company 5 Star Review

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AFTER PEARL Trailer:

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Book Details:

Genre: Historical Noir

Published by: Santa Fe Writers Project Publication Date: May 1, 2025 Number of Pages: 260 ISBN: 9781951631475 (ISBN10: 1951631471) Series: A Nicholas Bishop Mystery, Book 1 

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Talking Leaves Books

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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Chapter 1
Nicholas Bishop named the one-eyed dog Jake even though she was female. Jake seemed like a good name for a pup missing an eye. He couldn’t remember where the mutt had come from. When he awoke on the floor of his room at The Lafayette Hotel, she sat close by, giving him a single eye stare. Strong odds said he stole the dog. She didn’t weigh much, maybe ten pounds, easy enough to scoop under his arm as he staggered home. He struggled to a sitting position and waited for the room to stop teetering. Vertebrae ground together as he rolled his head, hoping that would end the pounding between his ears. It didn’t. He massaged his closed eyelids. The corneas felt swollen beneath his fingertips. Jake watched all this, never once taking her eye off him. Bishop took inventory when the world righted itself. Rubbing his chin, whiskers whispered against palm. He tried to guess how long it’d been since he’d shaved. Two days? Three? His shirt cuff was dirty and frayed. He pushed it higher on his arm. The Bulova was still on his wrist, the crystal cracked, hands frozen at 2:30. His pewter-handled cane was on the floor next to an empty bottle of Four Roses. The pain in his right foot stabbed sharper than usual. He wondered if it would swell when he unlaced his shoe. No memory of reinjuring it came to him. He patted his suitcoat and felt his wallet in the inside pocket and the .38 Detective Special holstered near his heart. The wallet was empty. There were four slugs in the snub nose. Not six. He sniffed. It had been fired. He crawled to bed and pulled himself on the mattress, not bothering with his clothes. Jake hopped up, circled twice, then settled by the footboard, keeping her eye on Bishop as if her doubts about him were increasing now that he was conscious. Memories were slivered as he tried to recall when he had fired the gun: Day drinking at the Kitty Kat. The revolving bar at The Chez Ami. Perfume. A blonde. A car ride. No recollections about a one-eyed dog or gunshots. He checked the .38 again. Who had he fired at? Had he hit them? Killed them? The ringing phone was an ice pick to his ear. The only way to stop the pain was by answering. “Hello,” Bishop said, his voice raspy. “Coppers.” It took a heartbeat for the desk clerk’s voice to register. The line died. When it did, Bishop slammed the receiver into its cradle and swung his legs to the floor. The world again tottered. He swallowed bile until his swollen eyes teared. His damaged foot bore weight but each metatarsal sent ripples of agony with each step. He retrieved his cane and hat from the floor without toppling, something he considered miraculous, and felt grateful to the angel or demon in charge of keeping crippled detectives upright. The hallway was deserted. He limped to the stairwell before the elevator full of cops arrived at his floor. Bishop didn’t mind talking to the police, but he wanted to know what they were after before he did, certain it had nothing to do with a stolen dog but everything to do with two fired slugs. Guilt, thick and dark, oozed through him but he couldn’t tell if it was old remorse or something new, heavier. It was slow going down the stairs. He couldn’t outrace the fattest cop, not with his 4-F foot. He gripped the railing and leaned on the cane as he eased down each step, moving like a man much older than thirty. Jake waited on the landing, tilting her head as if to listen for shouts or thunderous feet descending from the floors above. There were none. Was Buffalo’s Finest tossing his room, rifling through drawers, pulling suits from hangers, checking pockets for…what? His gun? He wished he could walk into The Allendale Theater, buy a nickel bag of popcorn, and watch the last few days of his life projected on the silver screen, certain it would be more informative than any newsreel. When he reached the ground floor, he pushed open the fire exit and was blinded by sunshine reflected off the sidewalk and car fenders. So, it’s afternoon, he thought. But was it Monday or Tuesday? Bishop raised his hand to shield his eyes. He didn’t see his Packard anywhere. Benny The Junk Man stood by the hotel’s dented garbage cans. His cart was loaded with the day’s salvaged items—bundled rags, andirons, dresses, blouses. The clothing looked newer and of better quality than what Benny usually found. Bishop wondered if they’d been pulled from clotheslines. Unlike the mean drunks and meaner children who tormented him, Bishop knew Benny wasn’t stupid. He’d left the best part of himself in the Argonne still fighting that battle two decades later. He spent his days pushing his cart through the streets, crisscrossing Buffalo, searching for discarded treasures. His body passed through alleys rummaging for things to pawn, but what remained of his mind was mired in that burning forest surrounded by the dead and dying. Still, Benny sometimes saw and heard things that were real: A woman got her purse snatched on Genesee Street. There was a new girl, a real doll face, working at the Michigan Avenue brothel. A big card game was going on above The New Genesee Restaurant. He would whisper these truths to Bishop, and the shamus would pay for the information—a quarter, fifty cents, maybe a buck—even if it had nothing to do with the case he was working. Other times Bishop asked him to keep an eye out for a certain car or dame—nobody paid attention to a junk man lingering on a corner, just like no one had paid attention to a fifteen-year-old Bishop when he’d started working the streets. The information that Benny provided that was relevant to Bishop’s investigation was worth a fin or more—a fortune to a rag collector. Benny was still the good soldier, putting the mission first, and most times getting information the gimpy detective needed. Jake sniffed the junk man’s unlaced army boots. “Benny, what do you know? What do you hear?” Benny turned from the garbage pails and squinted as if trying to pick Bishop out of a crowd of gathering ghosts. Recognition registered in stages from the top down—brow wrinkled, eyes widened, mouth curved to a smile. “I didn’t know you had a dog, Bishop.” “You see her, too?” The junk man wasn’t sure how to answer. “Have you seen my car, Benny? The Packard?” “Your car?” “The green convertible.” Benny looked around the hotel alleyway and down Ellicott Street. “There’s no green car here, Bishop.” “Keep your eyes open for it, all right? You know which one it is, don’t you? Let me know if you spot it.” “You think someone stole your green car?” “It’s probably parked in front of The Kitty Kat or The Chez. Hopefully, it’s not in a ditch somewhere.” “Why would you leave your car in a ditch, Bishop?” “For safekeeping,” Bishop said. “Say, you hear anything about a shooting or why the cops are looking for me?” “I haven’t heard about those things.” “Okay, maybe it’s nothing. But if you hear something or find my car, you come tell me. If I’m not here, leave a message with Corbett at the front desk.” Benny saluted, his hand slicing the air as sharp as it had in 1918. “Good man. Carry on,” Bishop said, and the junk man resumed rummaging through the garbage pails. It was a four-block limp to The Kitty Kat to hunt for his car. Bishop wasn’t sure he could make it. He was considering sticking out his thumb when Lieutenant Darcy rounded the corner. His face, flushed pink from the heat, broke into a wide grin when he saw Bishop. “Rats are always in alleys, but I found a weasel. You think you can outrun the law with that crippled foot, Bishop?” “I’m not running, Lieutenant. I’m walking my dog.” “That’s a dog? It’s in worse shape than you.” “Me and Jake aren’t morning people.” “Morning people? The day’s half done, Bishop.” “Time flies.” “Not in prison it don’t. Which is where you’re headed, draft dodger.” Bishop winced and hoped it didn’t show. “Is sleeping late a crime?” “No, but murder is. What do you know about Pearl DuGaye, smart guy?” “Never heard of heard of her. Who is she?” “A singer from The Chez Ami gone missing. We found her purse not far from here. Cleaned out, of course, except for one thing.” “Trolley fare?” “Your business card.” Darcy pulled out the card and read, “Bishop Investigations. Civil. Criminal. Missing Persons Located. Licensed and Bonded. Who the hell would bond a coward like you?” Bishop took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “When did this DuGaye woman go missing?” “Saturday.” “What’s today?” “Thursday.” Jesus. Darcy wiped his face with a handkerchief. “Funny you never heard of her. Not only was your card in her purse, I got a revolving bar full of people at The Chez Ami who saw you two together. They say you weren’t exactly acting like brother and sister.” “You ever seen my sister, Lieutenant? She’s a looker.” “I wouldn’t put it past you. I wouldn’t put anything past a guy who sticks his foot in front of a moving taxi to keep out of the army. Were you working for DuGaye or just working her?” “I honestly can’t say, Lieutenant,” Bishop said, and wondered if she was blonde. “If she hired you to protect her, it looks like you did your usual swell job. Speaking of which, how’s business?” “It pays the light bill.” “Not at your office it don’t. Heard you had to close that down. Got rid of that good-looking secretary, too. Lucky Teddy Thurston must be rolling in his grave.” “I work out of The Lafayette now. Teddy would be fine with that.” “The hell he would. Only whores work out of hotels. Funny how business dried up on you. I guess folks who lost husbands and sons on December seventh and at Bataan don’t want to hire a chicken-shit Jap lover. Makes me wonder why DuGaye hired you. She must be as shady as Fat Ira. I read you work for him these days.” “I hear you work for Joey Bones. Have been for a long time.” Darcy took a step forward and jabbed a finger at Bishop. “Listen, you crippled shit. If this Pearl DuGaye shows up dead, I’m pinning it on you. I got a nice frame already picked out.” “Pleasure talking to you, Lieutenant, but I’m late for an appointment.” “With which bottle?” “Say hello to Joey for me.” “Watch out for taxis, weasel. Wouldn’t want you to have two crippled feet.” Bishop caned his way down Ellicott as Jake trotted ahead. The sun was hot on his neck. He could smell bourbon seeping through his pores. His stomach cramped and he wondered when he’d last eaten, uncertain he could keep anything down if he ate now. Guilt weighed on him, its cause remained unclear. *** Excerpt from After Pearl by Stephen G. Eoannou. Copyright 2025 by Stephen G. Eoannou. Reproduced with permission from Stephen G. Eoannou. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Stephen G. Eoannou:

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Stephen G. Eoannou

Stephen G. Eoannou is the author of the award-winning short story collection Muscle Cars and the novels Rook, Yesteryear, and After Pearl. He holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte and an MA from Miami University. He has been awarded an Honor Certificate from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Best Short Screenplay Award at the 36th Denver Film Festival. His latest novel, Yesteryear, was awarded the 2021 International Eyelands Award for Best Historical Novel, The Firebird Book Award for Biographical Fiction, and Shelf Unbound’s Notable Indy Books of 2023. He lives and writes in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, the setting and inspiration for much of his work.

Catch Up With Stephen G. Eoannou:

www.SGEoannou.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @seoannou YouTube – @stepheneoannou341 X – @StephenGEoannou Facebook – @steve.eoannou

 

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The Third Ring

by A.N. Horton

 

 


Publication date: April 15th 2025
Genres: Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Ten Trials. Two Oaths. One Chance.

To Adrian, the gods were never anything to be worshipped, just tolerated. But in the walled city of Sanctuary, whether through the religious fervor of the elite or the quaking fear of the poor, the Geist have always been served. And now it’s Adrian’s turn.

Born into power and raised for greatness, Dante stands for everything Adrian has come to despise, but he may be her only hope of survival. When the two of them are bonded against their will and forced to compete together in the Trials, the god’s ancient gauntlet of physical brutality and psychological torture, they have no choice but to set aside old prejudices and work together. Navigating religious zealots, a patriarch intent on breeding the pair for power, and the increasingly obvious cruelty of the gods, Adrian must come to terms with the fact that, whether Culled or Championed, we all serve the gods in the end. And, for her, betrayal has always been waiting just around the corner.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“He told me to seduce you,” he confessed, and I couldn’t help the laughter that burst out of me. His own lips quirked up into a smirk, amusement dancing in his bright eyes.
“I hate to break it to you,” I replied, still laughing, “but you’re shit at it.”
He laughed then too, a loud burst that had me grinning.
“I told him seducing you would be like trying to seduce one of the ancient serpentine beasts. But he only said that made you a true Viper.”

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About Author A. N. Horton:

A. N. Horton is a two-time award-winning author living in Nashville, TN with her husband, children, and moderately chunky Corgi. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, baking more cookies than her family can eat, and plotting crimes against her characters. Best known for crafting characters that steal her readers’ hearts as much as they shatter them, A. N. Horton is a cross-genre writer focused mainly on fantasy and romance with her upcoming urban fantasy series, The Third Ring, and her soon to be released historical romance novel, A Promise Kept.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter

 

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To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Being Broken organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Geoffrey R. Jonas will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Being Broken

By Geoffrey R. Jonas 

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Genre: Memoir

Synopsis

A young woman dies alone in a hotel room, her fentanyl-poisoned cocaine still on the desk. She had been missing for nearly 2 weeks. Social Services had been trying to find a place for her to live with her 3-year-old son, whom she had left with her parents. Six months later her father fights for his life in intensive care, but succumbs to his illness because of a lifelong use of alcohol and tobacco. A month after his death her mother is assessed by doctors to be unable to care for herself because of her Alzheimer’s and mental health issues brought on by benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction.

The son, brother, stepson is the only one left to pick up the pieces. He begins a journey of the self and finds out the truth of his family. After going over letters, notes, emails, videos, and text messages, he uncovers a disturbing picture of the abuse his sister suffered at the hands of their parents. He also begins to better understand his own struggles with mental health and substance addiction because of the trauma and abuse he also suffered from their parents.

Follow the son as he looks through his family history to discover the generational abuse that trickled down through the years. Learn about how parents who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder emotionally abuse and manipulate their children. See how the abuse and trauma becomes mental illness in the abused, and how they fall into vicious traps of addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Witness the transformational change of the son as he works on the recovery of his inner child and tries to become the man he was meant to be.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Part 1 – In the beginning…
What Came Before… – Part 1 Maternal Family History

My mother had a difficult upbringing. My mother’s mother was continually pregnant for 16 years, producing 4 boys (Robert, Edward, Charles, Shane) and 3 girls (R – my mother, Lorraine, Claire)2. She would later die of cancer while the children were young. My mother’s father led a jazz orchestra, resembling the ones in movies from the early 20th century that didn’t fit neatly into the category of a symphony or a standard band. He had even played for the queen.

However, the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) of my grandfather became overwhelming, and the authorities of that time deemed him unfit to care for the children. They split the children up and put them into foster care. The foster care system back then did not have the safety systems we have in place to protect the children today, and I would not be surprised if some of the children were further emotionally or physically abused in foster care.

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About Author Geoffrey R. Jonas

: Geoffrey is a first-time author. He lives peacefully by a lake, spending his time writing, painting, gardening, and woodworking. His recovery is ongoing, and he enjoys his privacy and seclusion.

Website / Goodreads / Bluesky / Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

To celebrate A Dilemma for the Duke‘s release, I’m thrilled to join the A Marriage to the Marquess book tour. USA Bestselling author Ruth A. Casie combines regency romance with suspense, swoon-worthy heros and smart heroines. Check out an excerpt below and be sure to take advantage of pre-release pricing for book two.

A Marriage for the Marquess

Barrington’s Brigade Book One

Published January 25, 2025

Amazon | Goodreads

In a world of secrets, love, and ticking clocks, their alliance of convenience may just become a marriage of the heart.

Ewan, the Marquess of Glenraven, finds himself returning to his home in Belgrave Square, summoned back to London by his former commanding officer, Lord Barrington. Ewan’s been entrusted with the task of unraveling a deceitful gambling scheme and uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths tied to it. He is also faced with a pressing personal ultimatum: either secure his trust by marrying by his 30th birthday, five weeks hence, or risk losing it all.

In Cavendish Square, a mile north of Belgravia, Lady Juliet Hayward carries the heavy burden of her late brother, Bradley’s gambling debts. Her own future teeters on the brink of destitution. Determined to confront the man who has her brother’s vowels and control of her survival, she’s determined to find him and negotiate a solution.

As Ewan and Juliet are drawn together, they conceal their true intentions, not knowing they both seek the one person who holds the cards. However, time is not on their side. In a bold move, they confess to each other and devise a plan—a marriage of convenience, a calculated business arrangement—to simultaneously fulfill Ewan’s inheritance requirement, settle Juliet’s brother’s debts, and expose the scheming ringleader As they dig deeper, they uncover a far-reaching conspiracy, orchestrated by a clandestine organization manipulating events from behind the scenes. Yet, a single kiss on their wedding day unleashes a deluge of conflicting emotions within each of them, shattering their carefully constructed façade.

This is a breathtaking Regency tale of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Amazon

Enjoy this peek inside:

The Puppet Show

“Oh, sir, could you help us, please?” A neatly dressed man called out to him from the puppet stage.

The crowd, which he realized had gathered waiting for the puppet show, turned their attention toward him.

Glenraven scanned the area, unsure if the gentleman was calling out to him. He glanced back at the man.

“Yes, sir, you. You look like a man who would help a lady in distress.” A soft chuckle rippled through the onlookers. “It is a simple script that needs to be read.”

“Forgive me. I would gladly help a lady in distress.” Glenraven glanced at the crowd. “I see some lovely ladies.” He nodded to several ladies not too far from him. “But I do not see any ladies in distress.”

The man operating the puppet stage peeked under the curtain. “My lady. Are you in distress?” he called out.

“Yes, my lord,” came a voice from behind the curtain. As the puppet master opened the curtain, a female puppet was revealed. “I have no Punch.”

Glenraven checked his watch. It was ten minutes past one. “Ne’er let it be said that I didn’t come to a lady’s aid.”

Glenraven made his way to the stage to the crowd’s chuckling and applauding.

“Thank you, my lord. Thank you.” the puppet master whispered to him before turning to address the audience.

“Kind people. I am the puppet master, Percival Thimbleby. You’ve already met Miss Juliet Hayward, who will be our Judy. She has taken her place. This is,” the puppet master turned to Glenraven and waited. He coughed and waited a bit more. “And this is?” He raised his eyebrows at his Punch.

With a good natured smile, he slightly bowed to the audience. “Lord Glenraven at your service.”

“My lord.” The puppet master doffed his cap and bowed to him. “Ladies and Gents, we have a real hero,” he added with a playful eye roll, making everyone laugh. “Lord Glenraven will be playing our Punch. We are fortunate to have found two willing people to help us today. They do not know what has happened in the story so far. It will be very telling how they portray this scene. Be gentle with my actors, my friends. I dare say they are new to this trade. We want to encourage them. Who knows, you may witness the beginning of a most enchanting partnership.”

The puppet master turned to Glenraven. “This way, my lord. While you and your Judy say your lines, I will manage the puppets.”

He guided Glenraven to his spot, handed him his script, and then returned to address the audience.

Glenraven glanced at the paper and burst into laughter, the sound echoing for all to hear.

“Are you all right, my lord?” the puppet master called out.

“Quite. I see you are also a magician. For us mortals, the script is blank.”

The audience laughed along with him, clearly in on the jest.

“Well, my lord. I am a poor puppet master. I only had one script and, as a gallant puppet master, gave it to your Judy as I know you would want me to. After all, you are a gallant hero.”

“Yes, I am.” Glenraven chuckled. “I accept the challenge. You, my friend, may have to suffer the consequences.”

“Very well, my lord. I am certain your quick wit and heroism will come to the fore.” Again, the audience chuckled.

The puppet master turned to the audience.

“I will set the stage. Punch has brought back a treasure and must convince his Judy to let him keep it.” The puppet master paused. “Punch. You can begin whenever you are ready.”

Glenraven took a moment, cleared his throat, and began with a theatrical flair.

“Oh, Judy, my love.” Glenraven’s voice, a warm whiskey baritone, rang out. “I have fought hard and long. I’ve brought back a treasure. It must be protected at all costs.” He paused a heartbeat and continued, his voice a bit lower, “I won’t let anyone take it from us!”

“But Punch, dear, we must be careful.” His Judy’s voice was sweet and slightly breathless. “There are those who covet what we have.”

“Fear not, my sweet Judy.” Glenraven’s Punch declared with theatrical bravado. “I’ll stand against them all, even if it means facing the darkest of contenders.”

He imagined Judy gazing at Punch as she went on, her voice sweet and a touch unsteady, “Then let us be strong together, my Punch. Our love will guide us through.”

Glenraven stared at the curtain separating him from his Judy and put the papers down. He focused all his attention on his unseen partner.

“And when the storm clouds gather,” Punch continued, his tone filled with anticipation, “and the world around us seems uncertain…” A dramatic pause lingered. “We’ll find shelter in each other’s arms, and our hearts will be our fortress. But, Judy, my love,” Punch’s voice softened, “there’s one thing you must know. Our journey won’t always be easy.”

The puppet master skillfully moved Punch to Judy’s side, his puppet arm around her.

“I understand, Punch. I’m prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.”

“Then, my dear Judy, let us embark on this adventure together, hand in hand.” The puppet master had Punch take Judy’s hand.

“Together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all,” Judy declared.

“And as we travel through life’s mysterious twists and turns…” Punch turned his head and looked around. “We’ll uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows, and they shall not hold us back. Judy, my love,” Punch’s tone deepened with passion, “desire burns within me like an unquenchable fire.”

Judy delicately touched Punch’s face. “And what of commitment, Punch? Will your flames endure, or will they be snuffed out?”

“Fear not, dear Judy,” Even the audience could hear the smile in Punch’s voice, “for desire may kindle our passion, but it’s a commitment that fuels our eternal flame.”

“Then let our love burn brighter than the stars, Punch, for we are bound by both desire and commitment.”

This little game excited Glenraven in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The essence of sincerity he heard in ‘Judy’s’ voice warmed him. The more he spoke, the more the line between him and his Punch blurred.

Absurd. He gave himself a mental shake. This puppet performance is only a game. Judy isn’t the only one capable of playing a believable game.

“So, my love,” Punch said tenderly, “let us dance through the pages and write our own story, bound by fate and love.”

“Forever entwined, together we’ll craft our own destiny. It awaits, Punch, my dearest.” There was a pause. “Forever,” was Judy’s breathless reply.

Barrington’s Brigade

Amazon

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About Author Ruth A. Casie:

RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now-writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Beds, Breakfasts, & Beta Blockers (Three Dog Mysteries)
by Jann Franklin


Beds, Breakfasts, & Beta Blockers (Three Dog Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Louisiana
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published (February 20, 2025)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8307176375
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DT54173H

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Ro Bergeron’s grandparents raised her to be, well, helpless. She can’t boil an egg or keep a plant alive. When Ro inherits her childhood home, she decides to open a bed and breakfast for humans and their canine friends. Running a business catering to people is a big undertaking for thirty-two year old Ro—let alone pets too—yet with faith she is confident she can handle it. She even has her first guests booked for the coming weekend!

But when her meddlesome great aunts find the opportunity to solve a local murder too irresistible, Ro’s new life as a business owner is turned upside-down! As Min and Win Rascoe indulge their sleuthing skills, a reluctant Ro and her enthusiastic house guests are drawn into the mystery.

Will the Rascoe sisters and their unconventional team solve the murder before Ro’s high school crush Detective Jason Charbonnet? Can Ro master the skills of cooking and hosting? Will life for Ro in the tiny town of Belle Bayou ever be the same?

This book is the first of the Three Dog Mystery Series.

About Jann Franklin

jann franklin

Jann Franklin is a faith-based cozy mystery writer living in northwest Louisiana with slightly less than three hundred other people. Many of her stories are based on the tales she hears from residents.

She and her husband John enjoy Sundays at church, dinner with family and friends, and watching the lightning bugs in their backyard. Their kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives. Visit her at www.jannfranklin.com

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads / BookBub

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

April 10 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

April 11 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 12 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

April 12 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

April 13 –Cassidy’s Bookshelves – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – REVIEW, RECIPE

April 14 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

April 15 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

April 15 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 16 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 16 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

April 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 18 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

April 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

April 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

April 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 21 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW  

April 22 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

April 23 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 23 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

 

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His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

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Imaginary Heroes

by Michael Seidelman

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

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His friends
may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his
Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds.
Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the
company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a
tough-as-nails little girl.

On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless
tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it
seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his
biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not
alone.

Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies
must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes
clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety
before they are all consumed by the darkness.

Although
fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with
bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging
story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective
of someone who has lived them firsthand.

Amazon
*
Bookbub * Goodreads

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Can you tell us what your book is about?

Imaginary Heroes follows twelve-year-old Matthew, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome and relentless bullies. He finds comfort in his imaginary friends—a tough girl named Nabie and a lovable green monster named Garby. But when Matthew and his tormentors become trapped in a mysterious underground lair, they must work together to escape before the darkness consumes them all.

 

What inspired you to write this story?

I wanted to dedicate my next book to my nephew, who’s an avid reader, so I decided to write something for his age group. I was working on the final book in my young adult Garden of Syn trilogy when I heard a radio segment about the host’s imaginary friends—and that sparked something in me. I began thinking about my own imaginary friends from childhood and the challenges I faced, like bullying and Tourette Syndrome. From there, the story came together naturally.

 

Are any parts of the story based on your real-life experiences?

Very much so. While the book is fictional with elements of fantasy and adventure, Matthew—the protagonist—is similar to me when I was his age. Like me, he has Tourette Syndrome and is bullied at school. Because of his isolation, he still talks to the same imaginary friends I once had: Nabie & Garby. Although I left my imaginary friends behind in kindergarten, I brought them back for this story. The bullies, especially Declan, are inspired by the real ones I encountered growing up.

 

What was your favorite scene to write?

While the fantastical parts were a lot of fun, my favorite scene to write was when Matthew finally snaps and tells his main bully, Declan, how the constant bullying has impacted his life. It’s everything I wish I could have said to my bullies but never did. Writing that moment was incredibly cathartic.

 

Did any other books or authors influence your writing?

Absolutely. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Their creativity and heart have definitely influenced my own writing style. I also drew inspiration from a few other authors I’ve read over the years who know how to mix humor, suspense and imagination.

 

Are there any hidden details or easter eggs in the book that readers should look for?

So many! While most might go unnoticed, I’ve included the names of businesses my great-grandparents owned, a former teacher’s name, and references to historic Vancouver companies—even though the story is set in Washington State. It’s a little way for me to honor my roots.

 

What was the most challenging part of writing the book?

Writing kids wasn’t too difficult—I was one, after all! But writing kids in a different era than the one I grew up in was definitely a challenge. I had to do quite a bit of research to make sure it felt authentic. My nephew and my sister, who’s a teacher, were incredibly helpful in that process.

 

Do you plot out your stories in advance or make them up as you go?

I’m definitely a “Plotter.” While some authors are “Pantsers” who write by the seat of their pants, I outline everything in advance. I map out the details for each chapter before I even start writing. Sure, some things change along the way, but the major plot points are always planned out from the beginning.

 

What do you hope kids take away from your book?

First and foremost, I hope they have fun reading it. Above all, I aim to entertain. But I also hope the story encourages empathy—that kids will come away understanding that people who are different from them deserve kindness and compassion just like anyone else.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to thank everyone for checking out my books—whether it’s Imaginary Heroes or The Garden of Syn trilogy. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts or ask me anything, feel free to reach out on social media or through my website. I’d love to hear from you!

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When Michael
Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying
nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.

 Working in
Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his
passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.

 His latest
Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction,
the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying,
loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story
while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has
experienced them firsthand.

 Michael was
born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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The Revenge Game

by Jax Calder

 

(The Revenge Club, #1)
Publication date: April 11th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Rule #1 of Revenge Club: Don’t fall for your target

Andrew
I’ve come a long way since being the gawky, geeky, gay kid who was constantly picked on growing up. Having just sold my tech start-up for so much money it broke my phone calculator, I’m now at a loose end wondering what to do next in my life.
Then I run into Justin. Justin, the golden boy from high school. Justin, the popular jock who turned my life into a living hell for four years.

And do you want to know the kicker? He doesn’t even recognize me.

Even worse, it looks like karma hasn’t done its thing because Justin definitely hasn’t been punished for his previous sins.

Maybe my next mission in life is to give karma a helping hand…

Justin
My life looks perfect from the outside – good job, good friends, no worries. Only I know it is all based on a lie. I’ve never been honest with anyone about my sexuality.

Then I meet the new IT guy at work who has just moved into my apartment building too. Given I seem to be having an extraordinary run of bad luck with technology at the moment—like having my email randomly decide to spam the entire company with images of trolls in intimate embraces —Drew’s been a lifesaver. And the more I get to know Drew, the more I want to confess my secret in the hope we can become something more.

But I can’t help the niggling feeling Drew is hiding something from me…

The Revenge Game is a laugh-out-loud journey through misadventures in revenge and the unexpected twists of fate. It’s where old grudges spark new attractions, where secrets unravel, and where two men learn all about redemption and love.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

He didn’t even recognize me.

My mind can’t let go of that fact. It lodges in my brain like a corrupted file that keeps trying to load. How is it possible that someone who starred in my nightmares for four years, who shaped every decision I made from which hallway to take to which college to choose, doesn’t even remember my face?

There was that time in gym class when we played volleyball, and Justin and his friends decided that instead of spiking the ball over the net, they would aim for me.

And one of them struck the ball so perfectly that it hit my stomach with a loud thunk, winding me.

I still recall that dizzy breathlessness, my panic when I couldn’t draw oxygen into my body, the struggle to make my lungs recover from fright and remember what their job actually was.

That’s exactly how I feel now.

How could he not recognize me? How? How?

Okay, due to my late growth spurt, I’m a few inches taller than I was in high school, rounding out to a decent five foot eleven. Back then, my dark hair was a floppy mess, whereas now, it’s been carefully cut in a style my barber assures me is the latest fashion. And my face has slimmed down since high school, along with my standard-issue nerd glasses being replaced by a trendier pair.

But I’m still recognizable. I haven’t changed that much.

In all the time I’ve spent thinking about this moment, I never considered the idea he might not recognize me.

How did I miss that possibility?

But then, why would he recognize me? I’m a tiny blip in his life.

Justin Morris is woven so intricately into the tapestry of my teenage years, one of the main antagonists in my story. Meanwhile, I was simply some mild entertainment to amuse him when he was bored.

My features are not etched into his consciousness. He has not spent years scripting our reunion. I’m nothing to him. A nobody.

The unevenness leaves me breathless.

But then the phrase repeats in my head in a different voice. Less defeated. More…intrigued.

He doesn’t recognize me.

According to technology sector analysts, I’m the guy who sees gaps in the market, problems that have yet to be solved. And while it makes me sound like a superhero coding ninja rather than simply a guy who spends countless hours hunched over my laptop muttering to myself, there is some truth to it.

While at MIT, I developed a system that revolutionized how computers share information, basically creating digital traffic lights to improve efficiency.

On the back of that, I started my tech company, which I sold a few months ago for the kind of money that sounds made up when you say it aloud.

Now, my brain is ticking faster than an atomic clock.

I take a large sip of my drink. The smooth tones of the red wine linger on my tongue after I swallow.

I’m a big believer in karma. What goes around, comes around. If you put enough good into the universe, some of it will return to you. I like to think I’ve always been a good person, and as the balance of my bank account testifies, a lot has made its way back to me.

But now, my faith in the all-encompassing might of karma has been shaken.

I study the restroom door with the same intensity a cat studies the red dot from a laser pointer.

Justin emerges after a few minutes. He weaves through the crowd effortlessly, sliding back into the fold of his friends, who greet his return with shoulder bumps and easy laughter carrying across the pub.

My chest constricts with an emotion I can’t quite name—something between rage and despair—watching him hold court. The carefully constructed walls I’ve built between my past and present suddenly feel paper-thin.

Because Justin’s still exactly who he was in high school. The golden guy surrounded by a circle of smiling admirers.

Yes, it definitely appears karma hasn’t caught up with Justin Morris.

Possibilities swirl in my mind. I’m currently footloose, with no set ties or projects lined up. I have almost unlimited funds at my disposal.

And there’s that one important, undeniable, inescapable fact.

He didn’t recognize me.

Maybe just this once, karma needs a helping hand.

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About Author Jax Calder:

Jax’s stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax’s Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter

 

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His mountain solitude shattered.

Her lab prison escaped.

Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.

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Shadowed Skies

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance

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Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior
hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the
only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his
kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is
shattered.

Delene

She’s a fugitive
with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from
her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a
bond neither can deny.

In a landscape
scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing
feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their
power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny
entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance
a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.

Amazon * B&N * Betterworld Books * BAM * CollectiveInk * Thriftbooks * WalMartGoodreads

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I wake to a muscular, silent figure looming over me, his wings
casting unnerving shadows. Intelligent dark eyes scrutinize
me from his smooth, brown face framed by cropped black hair
and raven quills. He’s been around the block.
My guard shoots up. I’d stand, but my body’s too weak from
the climb. “Your nest, huh? Sorry, I didn’t see your name on it.”
“It’s carved right over there.” He points past me to the
rockface. My eyes travel over the stone, where he’d etched River
in craggy letters. The carved name is so tiny I didn’t notice.
“Now you’re supposed to tell me your name. That’s how this
goes.”
I blink. “Delene Fairborne. Listen, would you mind if I––
ow,” I scrape against the wall and suck air through my teeth. I
clamp my eyes shut.
“Are you okay?”
I shrug the blanket off, and my injured wing flops lamely
near my shoulder. River’s eyebrows lower, and he comes closer.
“Let me look.”
He stows his serrated hunting knife, presents empty hands,
and crouches to examine my injury. “Relax. I won’t hurt you.
Let’s see the damage.” He’s gentle, avoiding the wound and
handling my feathers softly. He lightly touches the bandage.
“Dr. Lytle runs the Stockade, the underground bunker and
lab where the humans imprison and experiment on our kind.
His men hunted me down and shot me with a crossbow as I tried
to escape. The wound is still healing––I changed the bandage
earlier, but without a spare set of clothes, I had to tear strips off
my pants to re-dress it.”

“Hmm.” He examines the back with a frown. “There’s an
exit wound.”
“Yeah, I pulled it out.”
“Well, that was stupid of you. You could have died if those
goons pierced a blood feather.”
My temper flares. “Oh, as opposed to leaving it in. I’d rather
take my chances, thanks.” My voice is hostile, though I’m
grateful for his help. I still don’t know who he is or what he
wants, and my mother warned me to be on my guard.
River sits back on his haunches, sighs, and meets my eyes.
“Doesn’t look good. How long have you been here, kid? A day
or so?”
“I’m no kid. I’m seventeen.”
“Well, I’m eighteen. So, you’re a kid.”
“By what, a few whole months?” I snicker. “Okay. If a kid
free-climbed in the pitch-black up a hundred-foot cliff to get
here, I guess I’m a kid.”
After examining the wound, he says, “The damage looks
fixable. Let’s clean this well to prevent infection.”
“I’ve cleaned the wound.”
“Clean deeper,” he admonishes. “I don’t have antibiotics, but
I’ll try to get some. Or at least honey. Honey heals.”
He hesitates before retrieving water, then takes a rag from
his pouch and soaks the cloth. With the knife still in hand, he
comes closer.
“Look … You seem all right, but I’m a lone wolf. I operate
solo. You have a target with a big ‘X’ on your back. I feel bad for
you. I do. But you know how it is with our kind.” He gives me
a blatant look, so here’s your cue to leave.
“Gee, I’d kindly vacate the premises, but I can’t fly.”
He rubs the back of his neck, agitated. “The valley’s full of
drones. And they’ve got at least a dozen soldiers combing the
forest.”

“I’m sorry.” I shift my eyes down. “You never asked for any
of this.”
“None of us did,” he waves me off. “The soldiers are here.
I’m screwed either way.” He pauses and assesses me. “Stay the
night. Then after that, I’m sorry, but you need to find somewhere
else to hide.”
The night might be all I need. “Thank you.”

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Behind the Scenes: The Inspiration for Shadowed Skies

Every story has an origin, and Shadowed Skies was no exception. This novel was born out of a mix of inspiration, personal experience, and a love for dystopian adventure with a touch of the fantastical. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to explore how this story came to life—from its first spark of an idea to the fully realized world of the Evol-humans.

  • The Spark of an Idea

The first whispers of Shadowed Skies emerged during NaNoWriMo 2019. At the time, life was a whirlwind of responsibilities, and most of my writing sessions took place in the carpool lane while waiting for my kids. It was during those stolen moments that River and Delene’s world began to take shape. I wanted to write a story that blended high-stakes survival with the emotional depth of identity, freedom, and resistance.

  • Wings, Science, and the Ethics of Experimentation

I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of science and ethics, particularly the unintended consequences of genetic experimentation. What if human beings were engineered for a purpose—only to be discarded when that purpose no longer suited their creators? This question became the foundation of Shadowed Skies and the plight of the Evol-humans. Designed as super-soldiers with avian DNA, they were meant to be resilient, capable of thriving in extreme environments. But as history often repeats, humanity fears what it does not understand. The same people who created the Evol-humans turned on them, leading to their persecution, imprisonment, and fight for survival.

  • A World Shaped by Dystopian Influences

I’ve always been drawn to dystopian fiction, from classics like 1984 and Brave New World to modern YA series like The Hunger Games and The Darkest Minds. These stories highlight resilience in the face of oppression, a theme that resonated deeply with me. However, I wanted to add a unique twist—rather than a purely tech-driven future, Shadowed Skies introduces an evolutionary shift, where biology itself becomes both a weapon and a weakness.

  • Survival in the Wild

Much of Shadowed Skies is set in rugged, mountainous landscapes, inspired by the breathtaking wilderness of Utah. I wanted to capture the raw beauty and danger of the wild—how nature can be both a sanctuary and a merciless force. River, one of the main characters, has learned to live off the land, a skill that not only defines his character but also plays a crucial role in the survival of those like him.

  • Characters with Heart and Struggle

At its core, this story is about two people who refuse to be caged—literally and figuratively. River, haunted by loss and determined to stay hidden, must confront his past and decide if he will fight for more than just his own survival. Delene, who has suffered unimaginable losses, refuses to let fear break her spirit. Their journey is one of trust, resilience, and ultimately, hope.

  • The Journey from Draft to Publication

Like any novel, Shadowed Skies went through multiple drafts, revisions, and deep dives into worldbuilding. Thanks to an incredible editorial team and supportive readers, the story transformed into what it is today—a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and heart.

  • Final Thoughts

Writing Shadowed Skies was an adventure, one that challenged me in ways I never expected. I hope readers find themselves lost in this world, rooting for River and Delene as they navigate a future shaped by both humanity’s cruelty and its potential for redemption.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes look at Shadowed Skies! I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite dystopian worlds, and what elements make them unforgettable to you?

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Haley Cavanagh is
a military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of Utah
Writers 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in her
Oceanstone Initiative series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical
theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley
resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her
husband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers
and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

Website * Facebook
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Time Travel Swap

by Connie Lacy

 

Publication date: February 26th 2025
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

A unique time travel romance

With her star rising and her rock band about to hit the big time, Carly Munro is infuriated to find herself whisked thirty years into the future. Her band needs her. So does her guitarist boyfriend – her partner in the band. But the doorway that transported her to 2054 seems to be a one-way street.

A guy named Ian takes her in and becomes her ally as she tries find her way home. They discover her trip through time may have been more than just a random accident of nature. There’s something suspicious about how it all went down. Stuck in the future, she can’t help feeling that her life has been stolen.

When Carly and Ian develop feelings for one another, it comes as bad news since she has no intention of giving up the music career she worked so hard to build.

To her ears, the pop music of 2054 sounds like it’s straight off an Artificial Intelligence production line. Which is one more reason she’s determined to find her way home so she can reclaim her life in a time when “real” music is valued.

“A compelling read for anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of personal growth and timebending adventures.” – Readers’ Favorite 5-star review

“The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity, all while keeping readers hooked with its intriguing plot twists and vibrant characters.” – Donadee’s Corner 5-star review

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

From Chapter 1

A sigh near her right ear made her flinch. Could there be an old steam radiator behind the wall making those sounds? No time now to investigate.

She turned off the lights, opened the door and backed into the hallway, key in hand. Sensing movement close behind her, she spun around once again. No one there. Yet the prickly sensation lingered as though someone was watching her.

“Natalie?”

There, a few feet away, a tall slender man had just exited a door she’d never seen before. In chino shorts and a polo shirt, he looked like he was heading out for a round of golf.

“You’re not Natalie,” he said, his head tilting to the side – a human question mark.

He studied her as she studied him. He was a good-looking Asian-American guy with dark hair – a little spiky on top – and large, inquisitive eyes. More European than Asian, she decided.

He pulled his door to, triggering a soft buzz and a click as the door locked.

“You must be Natalie’s younger sister? A niece?”

She had no clue what he was talking about or why he was standing beside a door that didn’t exist yesterday. What the hell!

Squinting in the bright light, she was baffled to find the hallway transformed. The antique ceiling globes were gone, replaced by modern light fixtures. The deep green walls were now pale cream and the wainscoting had been removed. Plus, the hallway was longer now with eight doors instead of four.

“I didn’t know she had company,” he said, as though trying not to alarm her. “I live here in one eleven.” He gestured at the door from which he’d emerged. “The name is Ian.”

She glanced from his door to hers, discovering the heavy wooden door to her apartment had been replaced with a smooth white door. No beveled panels, no woodgrains.

Was this a virtual reality projection? If so, it was the most realistic VR she’d ever seen. Must be Hawke’s idea of a prank. She would kill him later. Pranks were not welcome on what could be the most important day of her life. Right now she had to get going.

She gripped her key, ready to lock the door and be on her way. But the doorknob no longer had a keyhole.

The man moved closer. He seemed so real! This was like an amazing hologram. Where was the projector?

Touching the door, it was the same as the door her eyes were seeing – smooth and featureless. And the doorknob definitely had no keyhole.

“There’s a keypad,” the man said, pointing.

She couldn’t resist touching his arm, but yanked her hand away like she’d burned her finger. Not virtual reality.

His expression turned wary, as if he was standing too close to a buffalo in Yellowstone Park that was about to gore him.

So if this wasn’t a virtual reality gag, then where was she? And how did she get here? This was not the converted mansion she lived in.

“I don’t have time for this!” she cried.

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About Author Connie Lacy:

Connie Lacy writes fast-paced novels about gutsy young women struggling with moral dilemmas and life-changing decisions, all while falling in love. She writes speculative fiction, time travel and historical fiction.

She worked for many years as a radio news anchor and reporter. It’s not surprising that many of her books feature journalists. Some of her books have themes of social justice and women’s rights.

She loves beautiful old trees, sparkling rivers and learning about the history of our forebears, recent and ancient. She’s also fascinated by the idea of time travel.

She and her husband live in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Website / Goodreads / TikTok / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

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A Limited Edition Collection of YA Epic Fantasy Authors on
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Beyond the Realms

A Young Adult Epic Fantasy Anthology

with stories by

K.M. Jenkins, Christina Wallace, Joli Campbell, Megan
Charlie, R.E. Joyce

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In lands far beyond our world heroes step forward to take on
epic journeys into the unknown. They must face the thrill of adventure, love,
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Twisting tales of battle, magic, intrigue, love, and tragedy. Perfect for those
looking for light romance with epic adventures to enjoy.

Genres: Young Adult, Epic
Fantasy, Swords and Sorcery, and Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, One
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No spice second chance romance, Epic quest, Magical test, Facing ones fears,
Hero’s journey, The mentor, and Love triangle turned inside out.

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Amazon * Apple
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The Swordmaster
Brothers

by K.M. Jenkins

EVERY YEAR SWORDMASTERS ARE CHOSEN. But first they have to
be tested. Together, Rikkin and Roulle must endure the trials that will reveal
their greatest strengths and weaknesses and possibly lead to their deaths. Can
two brothers survive the challenge of the GrandMaster to become the next
generation of SwordMasters? Only through overcoming their greatest fears can
they change their destinies forever.

K.M. Jenkins is a published international bestselling author that
writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She
has a big love for the fantasy genre and loves dragons above all creatures.

When she is not writing, you will find her chasing her twin boys around
the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and
nothing ever gets boring.

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* Goodreads

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