Moccasin Trace By Hawk MacKinney ~ Exclusive Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 2, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Historical
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Moccasin Trace organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Hawk MacKinney will be awarding a $15 Amazon 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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Moccasin Trace

By Hawk MacKinney

 

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

…it was about the land.

 

It is July of 1859, a month of sweltering dog days and feverish emotional bombast. Life is good for widower Rundell Ingram and his hazel-eyed, roan-haired son, Hamilton. Between the two of them, they take care of Moccasin Hollow, their sprawling ancestral plantation home in the rolling farming country outside Queensborough Towne in east Georgia. Adjoining Ingram lands is Wisteria Bend, the vast slave-holding plantation of Andrew and Corinthia Greer, their daughter Sarah, and son Benjamin. Both families share generations of long-accepted traditions, and childhood playmates are no longer children. The rangy, even-tempered Norman-Scottish young Hamilton is smitten with Sarah, who has become an enticing capricious beauty—the young lovers more in love with each passing day, and only pleasant times ahead of them.

 

…but a blood tide of war is sweeping across the South, a tide that will forever change everyone and everything.

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Enjoy this exclusive peek inside:

A blizzard of thunder and hell-hot hate had smashed most homes in the countryside around Queensborough Towne.  With Sherman and his army gone, worse than carpetbaggers and a lot more dangerous were the lawless bands of white trash infesting the countryside.  No questions asked, easier to kill anyone that happened in their way, and get on with the stealin’.  Human locust pillaging what they could get their hands on, torching homes, farms, what was left of the Queensborough courthouse.  With parish land records in ashes a fair number of low-lifes claimed land which was never theirs.

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About Author Hawk MacKinney

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With postgraduate degrees and faculty positions in several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. His professional writing includes articles on chordate neuroembryology, and aerospace research on muscle metabolic behavior in multi-orbital environments.

 

In addition, Hawk has authored several works of fiction including a historical romance Moccasin Trace which was nominated for both the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. His Cairns of Sainctuarie Science Fiction Series and his Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series have received national and international attention. He is currently working on a series of horror/suspense novels.

 

Website / Amazon

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The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club ~ Spotlight And Giveaway

Posted: June 2, 2026 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Historical
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The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club by Bill Cusano Banner

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THE OLD CRANBERRY LADIES GARDEN CLUB
by Bill Cusano
June 1 – July 10, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

 

THE GHOST AND THE KEY

With a pitchfork through the man’s groin and another through his chest, it is clear that someone had murdered Chester H. Cranberry. It’s not something that could have happened accidentally. But that was 192 years ago. As Mildred Cranberry, the current family matriarch, puts it, “We have two women, two keys, two pitchforks, and one dead two-timing man.” Who in their right mind would want to dig up that cold case and try to solve it? It’s not like the murderer could be prosecuted in 2024, right? But what if a key piece of evidence can be dug up (literally)? And what if a descendant of Chester’s illegitimate child can get her hands on it? Mildred will need more than the Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club members to solve this bizarre case. The spiritual support she needs may not be what she expects when the ghost of Elcira Cranberry, the widow murderess herself, arrives to do what? Tell the truth or protect her reputation?

The Ladies Garden Club of Old Cranberry, Connecticut, has a 200-year history that has remained shrouded in secrecy for so long, it has been lost to history, until now. Elcira Cranberry and freedwoman Deborah Townsend knew the men of the town would have no interest in a garden club, so it was the perfect cover for their secret organization. Now, nearly two centuries later, the current members have no idea what those ladies were up to in the early 1800s, right here in Connecticut. But the secret will soon be out.

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THE WIDOW MURDERESS

Connecticut, 1833. A year after Chester Cranberry’s unsolved murder, the town that he founded continues to suspect that his wife, Elcira, ended his life. With insufficient evidence to bring her to trial, and little effort to find another suspect, the town gossip labels her “The Widow Murderess.” But Elcira has seven children to feed, ranging in age from three to nine, and her nanny, Deborah, a freed slave, is pregnant with her husband’s illegitimate child. All eyes are on these two women, expecting them to fail to keep the farm and the family together. When the general store cuts off Elcira’s credit and refuses to sell anything her farm produces, the alliance between Elcira and Deborah grows stronger, and the women set out to do something unthinkable, something that can cause one to be whipped and the other thrown in jail. They opened their home to runaway slaves seeking freedom along a secret route north. Behind the facade of a ladies’ garden club, the women run a clandestine school, teaching the formerly enslaved and runaways to read and write-a dangerous act that could destroy everything she’s built.

When a mysterious murder during a violent storm brings old secrets to light, the truth about Chester’s death threatens to surface. With the town’s suspicions mounting and powerful enemies closing in, Elcira must decide how much she’s willing to risk to protect those she loves and maintain the underground railroad that runs through her land.

A gripping historical novel about courage, family, and the price of freedom in pre-Civil War New England, The Widow Murderess explores how one woman’s determination to survive becomes a beacon of hope for those seeking liberty.

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THE SPARROW AND THE CROW

The last time the crows circled the old farmhouse, her husband Chester was found dead and the town named her a murderess. Thirty years later, the truth she buried with him is stirring again, the country is splitting in two, and the family she fought so hard to hold together is being pulled apart by a war that hasn’t yet been declared. Her grandson Auggie wants to fight for the Union. His mother, born to a Virginia plantation family, will do anything to drag him south instead. Millie — the rector’s daughter with golden hair and a satchel full of letters — waits at home for a boy who may never come back. And in the chapel behind the lilacs, Elcira and the women of her garden club continue the work no one is supposed to know about: sheltering freedom seekers as slave catchers tighten their grip on the Connecticut coast. Then a telegram arrives. And another. And the war everyone said would never come has come for the Cranberry’s all at once.  

Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, Paulette Jiles, and Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain — a story about what families inherit, what they hide, and what they’re willing to risk when the country they believed in begins to come apart.

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery

Published by: 4610 Publishing

Series: The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club

 

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About Author Bill Cusano:

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Bill Cusano

Bill Cusano is an author, a retired deacon in the Episcopal Church and a believer that it is the process rather than the outcomes that matter most in our lives. Retired from the corporate world and an eight-year stint running a non-profit feeding program, Bill attacks every project as a ministry, giving it his full commitment. Needing to readjust to life after losing the love of his life to leukemia in April of 2024, Bill returned to writing full-time, resulting in The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club series, the motivation and inspiration for which came from his wife’s voracious appetite for reading historical fiction. While this is Bill’s debut novel, he has always been a writer, publishing short stories and poems early on, and then beginning a daily spiritual blog in 2008. You can follow Bill’s Reflections From The Garden Bench along with other writings on his Substack account.

Catch Up With Bill Cusano:

BillCusano.com Bill’s Substack Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @billcusano Instagram – @billcusano X – @CusanoBill Facebook – @bill.cusano

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Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win! Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

When Crows Circle… It’s Time to Enter to Win
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Bill Cusano. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

. The Old Cranberry Ladies Garden Club by Bill Cusano | Surprise Gift Box w/ Gift Card

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Unmasking The Marquess By Pamela Gibson ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 2, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, historical romance
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Unmasking The Marquess organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Pamela Gibson 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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Unmasking  The Marquess

By Pamela Gibson

 

 

Genre: Historical Romance

 Synopsis

He was a licentious rogue, or was he?

Aubrey St. Clair, Marquess of Leisterbridge, a notorious rake and society fribble, abandons his bride on their wedding night to spite his father, the man who coerced him into the marriage. When his intrepid bride turns up at his personal estate to quash the scandal, they call a truce and finally get to know each other.

Lady Catherine Sturbridge considered ending her betrothal. But a threatening letter sent to her by a convicted criminal whom she chanced upon in London, changed her mind. Marrying the powerful Duke of Gresham’s heir would keep her loved ones safe, even if she must tie herself to a frivolous rogue.

When, despite her silence, her enemy abducts her godchild, Catherine is forced to confide in her husband who agrees to help her. But can she trust him to know what to do when a child’s life is at stake and they’ve been warned not to go to go the authorities?

As they work closely together, they succumb to the passionate side of their marriage. But Catherine is wary, despite finding a different man under the guise of a society dandy, and when Aubrey reveals a long-held secret, she must protect her heart because betrayal is the enemy of trust and their fragile, new-found love is about to shatter.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“A bit solemn, are you not, my dear? If you keep biting your lower lip, I shall have to offer you my handkerchief to staunch the blood, and I would hate to soil it. Smile. This is, after all, your wedding day.”

“And yours, as you now have access to a considerable dowry to fund all of your bad habits.”

The rogue put his hand on her chin and turned her face toward him. A broad grin lit up his face as if taunting her brought him the greatest of pleasures. “Now, now, Catherine. I am not as bad as all that. You might be pleasantly surprised once you get to know me. Gossip would have me sporting horns and a forked tail.”

“I remember seeing a poster with you seated on a bed surrounded by well-endowed, unclad ladies in various positions. Your face, horns, and tail were well-drawn. The only thing missing being signs of the pox.”

The laughter did not leave his face when he clutched his heart. “You wound me, wife. I do not now, nor have I ever, had the pox, if that is the cause of your sour expression.”

“I am relieved to hear it. However, this conversation must be put off. We are nearing my father’s house.”

Horses were drawn to a halt, and the marquess alighted first then turned and grabbed Catherine around the waist, swinging her in a circle before setting her on her feet.

“Milord, are you mad?” she squealed.

He tilted his head and grinned. “Perhaps. Shall we make our grand entrance through the stately front doors?”

Oh lord, what have I done?

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About Author Pamela Gibson:

Author of eight books on California history and twenty-three romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in Southern Nevada. Having spent several years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her latest rescue cat, Lady Diana, a dignified senior. She loves red wine, all kinds of chocolate, old Jimmy Buffet sailing songs, and curling up with a good book.

Thank you for reading. If you are so inclined, we would love for you to leave a review or rating.

Website / BookBub / Facebook / Threads / Goodreads / Amazon

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For She Had Eyes By Seth Margolis ~ Author Guest Post

Posted: June 1, 2026 in Guest Post, suspense
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​For She Had Eyes

By Seth Margolis

Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 300 pages
Genre: Psychological Suspense
Publisher:  Arcanum Books
Release date:  May 2026
Content Rating: PG +M: The book includes scenes of adultery, (mild) descriptions of sex, and some profanity

Book Description:

Three people. Three lies. One deadly reckoning.

When Oliver Troika meets Danielle Hampdon at a hot Manhattan nightclub, the attraction is immediate – and unsettlingly perfect. Oliver is handsome, charming, and newly wealthy; Danielle is poised, intelligent, and born into one of Park Avenue’s most illustrious families. They come from vastly different worlds, yet their connection feels inevitable.
Not everyone is convinced.
Ivan Abelov, Oliver’s childhood friend and business partner, senses something off about Danielle. Or is it wishful thinking born of jealousy?  And the more Oliver falls under her spell, the more determined Ivan becomes to uncover who thinks she really is – even if he has to invent the truth about her.
What begins as unsupported suspicion soon escalates into a dangerous game of secrets and deception, where every revelation raises the stakes – and every move risks exposing a truth that could ruin them all.
In a story that echoes Othello, suspicion is carefully sown, and once it takes hold, it threatens to unravel everything. Who can be trusted? Who is hiding behind a carefully constructed past? And how far will each of them go to protect the life they’ve built?
FOR SHE HAD EYES is a gripping suspense novel about ambition, loyalty, and the fatal cost of believing the wrong person – right up to its startling final pages.

BUY THE BOOK:
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GUEST POST

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Three Voices, No Single Truth

Seth Margolis

My new novel, FOR SHE HAD EYES, is told from three perspectives, none of them entirely reliable. As the story unfolds, readers begin to see how each character deceives not only others, but also themselves … and, at times, the reader. That’s the thrill of an unreliable narrator: realizing you may have been misled and piecing together the truth on your own.

Of course, writing from three perspectives is far less thrilling than reading it. I had to keep a constant mental ledger of each character’s actions and motivations, revisiting earlier scenes in light of new information while avoiding the trap of repetition. Each revelation needed to deepen the story, not stall it.

Creating three distinct voices was another challenge. I wanted readers to immediately recognize whose perspective they were in—without relying on clunky reminders or labels.

Perhaps most difficult of all was crafting three characters who, while far from exemplary, remain relatable and even sympathetic. That’s always a challenge, but it becomes even more complex when the characters don’t particularly like each other – and when I deliberately avoid inserting an omniscient authorial voice to guide the reader’s judgment.

So why choose such a demanding structure? In some ways, it chose me. I set out to write a story very (very) loosely inspired by Othello, the Shakespeare tragedy that left the deepest impression on me. I wanted to give Desdemona – Danni, in my version – more agency, to make her more than a passive victim. But telling the story solely through her eyes didn’t feel right. To fully explore the dynamics at play, I needed Oliver (Othello) and Ivan (Iago) to speak as well.

And then there’s the twist at the end—one that upends everything that came before and, to be honest, surprised even me.

Did I succeed in creating three unreliable narrators, each worthy of some sympathy? I’ll let you decide. Tell me what you think at sethjmargolis@gmail.com

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Meet Author Seth Margolis:

 

 

 

Seth has written and published several novels, including LOSING ISAIAH, which was adapted as a feature film starring Halle Berry and Jessica Lange, and, most recently, THE SEMPER SONNET. He lives with his wife, Carole, in New York City. They have two grown children, Maggie and Jack. Seth received a BA in English from the University of Rochester and an MBA in marketing from New York University’s Stern School of Business Administration. When not writing fiction, he is a branding consultant for a wide range of companies, primarily in the financial services, technology and pharmaceutical industries. He has written articles for the New York Times and other publications on travel and entertainment.

 

 
connect with the author: website ~ X ~ goodreads
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Love Across Time By Beth Ford ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 1, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
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Enjoy this stop on the virtual book tour for Love Across Time organized by Goddes Fish Promotions.

Author Beth Ford will be awarding a $20 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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Love Across Time

By Beth Ford

 

 

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Synopsis

Ashley and Thomas, a medieval knight, are in 1377 England, escaping from present-day immigration authorities intent on capturing Thomas. Having fled to the past to ensure their togetherness, Ashley is faced with adapting to fourteenth-century life, while Thomas, new to his title as Baron after his older brother’s death, is called to Parliament, encountering enemies there and at court as he struggles to build his own alliances.

Ashley’s work at a monastic hospital is deemed “miraculous” but draws unwanted attention as potential witchcraft. Meanwhile, becoming embroiled in a political movement, she realizes too late it’s a plot against the King.

How can Ashley conform to social expectations, counter the plot, and still keep her relationship with Thomas, in all the turmoil?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The scene at Newgate was much different than when they had left only a couple of hours before. The crowd of everyday travelers had dispersed, and de Landys’s men had been reinforced, though a few of them lay on the ground with arrows through their chests. Most of them stood with their backs to Ashley and her group, intent on countering the King’s men, who were heaving against the gate to break it down.

The two knights who had agreed to accompany her paused. Ashley glanced up at de la Garde. “This is your moment, Sir Matthew. Your future reputation will depend on what you choose to do now.”

Sir Matthew set his mouth in a grim line. He glanced at his fellow, who nodded at him. They roared past her and attacked the men from behind, slashing swords into backs and necks. Ashley used the distraction to dash into the gatehouse, where she paused only to slide the torch into a handy sconce on the wall. The King’s men were still tied up. She would have to trust that their loyalty to the King held true. Ashley knelt and used her dagger to cut through the ropes, starting with de Mantel.

“What’s the situation?” he asked as soon as he was free of his gag.

“The King’s men are on the other side of the gate. We’ve reinforced them from inside.”

“You? Are there any fighting men in your reinforcements?”

“Yes. Two.” The bloody body of one of the traitors fell into the gatehouse doorway. Ashley forced a smile even though the sight made her gag. “See?”

About the Author Beth Ford:

 

Beth Ford writes historical and time travel stories that transport you in time. She is the author of the novels In the Times of Spirits, Love Between Times, Love Across, Time, and After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. She also writes the Cassie Woods, Reporter historical mystery romance novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Website / X / BlueSky

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How To Love A Prince By Hayden Stone ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 1, 2026 in comedy, Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
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How to Love a Prince

By Hayden Stone

 

(Being Royal, #2)
Publication date: June 1st 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

What happens when a playboy prince must find a respectable husband to redeem himself and secure the monarchy’s future when he unexpectedly inherits the throne?

When London-based playboy Prince Theodor learns he’s about to inherit the Danish throne, he must clean up his scandalous image by finding an appropriate husband. But his planned redemption arc to audition fake boyfriends to fake marry creates another set of problems, until a fateful trip to Corfu, Greece, leads him to Greek Prince Stefanos, of the former Greek monarchy, and challenges his guarded heart as sparks fly.

It’s too bad they accidentally sink a yacht, which inevitably leads to more scandal, and they must start apart. However, Theodor and Stefanos can’t stop thinking of each other, leading to heated, secret encounters between Greece and England guaranteed to set the tabloids alight once their secret is revealed…

How to Love a Prince, Book 2 in the Being Royal Series, is a light-hearted royal rom-com featuring fake dating, opposites-attract, and forbidden love.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When I pause long enough to go to the bar and get some water, I bump unsteadily into someone. “Sorry,” I manage, clapping a hand on the tall man’s shoulder in apology. It’s solid muscle under my fingers. He’s even more built than I am, and I’ve kept in good shape since my military service years ago and more recent modeling work after that. Before I settled into working with my business partner on our design projects.

The man turns around, frowning, his mouth open to complain. Then his eyes widen in recognition, beneath a tumble of dark, wavy hair.

Of course he’s hot.

I grit my teeth. A hot man is what got me in trouble to begin with tonight. Or, more like, said hot man got himself caught up in the tabloids and then caused me problems.

Also, I might be staring at the stranger.

Not being a British royal usually has its advantages in London. Less recognition, for starters. I’ve lived in London for years now, away from Denmark. I get less than I would get back home anyway, unless on the off chance I come across a Dane or a Danish monarchy enthusiast. Which, surprisingly, happens more often than one might think.

Except I’m hardly being subtle tonight. I want to be seen. Straightening to my full height, I stand my ground in defiance.

Let them photograph me. I insist.

I want Aidan to know what he’s missing. He’ll be sorry then, him and his wretched groom.

Except it doesn’t make things any better, and then it dawns on me I’ve still been gawping openly at a gorgeous man, with olive skin and black hair and blue eyes. Which, I’ve got to say, is a stunning combination known to do a number on me. He’s mesmerizing. I gawp like a tourist taking in one of the wonders of the world. Believe me, he’s one of them. Usually, I’m a shade more coy, to my credit, but I’ve had a lot to drink tonight, and my filter is off. In fact, my filter’s probably tossed somewhere deep in the Thames, like a votive offering right alongside some Bronze Age weapons and Roman coins.

“Prince Theodor?” He has an accent that I can’t quite place. It’s totally hot, though.

“Guilty,” I say flippantly, recovering in an artful facade of manners. I run a hand through my hair. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to crash into you. Shockingly rude. Would you like me to get you a drink to make up for it? Please.”

“No need. Already have one.” The man holds up his cocktail, complete with little umbrella and some fancy garnishes. His eyes dance. “You don’t know who I am?”

If I hadn’t been busy staring at his face like I was trying to etch it into my memory for all time, I would have maybe looked at his hand with its cocktail. Confession time. “To be honest, I barely know who I am right now.”

“Fair.” The grin he gives is spectacular, easy, almost familiar. His white teeth match his white shirt. I shiver. “I can see why you might want to forget tonight. Bad luck about the news.”

Now he looks sympathetic. My face burns.

Oh, hell.

Does everyone follow the tabloids? God, has everyone seen my embarrassment coming before I did?

Even so, do I want to forget this stranger? The probability in truth is at around nil. Around us, the dance music thumps on, people laugh and carry on around the bar where we stand in the shifting strobe lights from the dance floor, all purple and pink and blue.

And then, everything comes crashing down again as his words belatedly register in my brain. My mouth hangs slightly open. So much for finding the evening’s prospect. He’s murdered my opening.

“Ouch, man.” My suaveness has gone right out the door of the club and died on the Soho street. Probably by drowning in a well-trodden puddle. “You had to remind me about the news.”

“Sorry.” He looks contrite. Then he searches my eyes, with amusement lingering in his. There’s no malice that I can see, which makes for a refreshing change, at least. “You really don’t know who I am?”

“How rude, I should have asked your name. I’m sorry, my manners have vanished. Terribly sorry. What’s your name, then?” I ask.

He laughs easily, shrugging. “It’s Stefanos.”

I go back to staring. Something is at last clicking into place through an absinthe-induced fog. No wonder he looks a little familiar. “As in, Prince Stefanos?”

That would be Prince Stefanos of the former Greek monarchy. The Greek Royal Family remains, but in exile outside of Greece, spread across Europe.

“Yes.” Stefanos bows his head. There’s something completely charming in the gesture, almost shy. Certainly self-effacing. “And I’m very sorry about the reminder of the tabloids. I know they’re a pain for all of us.”

“You just re-reminded me,” I complain, but I’m smiling, despite the miserable night he seems to insist on reminding me about, like he’s delighting in a few more twists of the knife. And despite my best efforts to forget about Aidan. A stab wound is like that. My gut twinges. Or maybe it’s the drinks protesting in my stomach.

At any rate, I’m distracted by Stefanos, the moment of his glossy hair as he laughs again, ducking his head down as he breaks my riveted gaze.

“I’ve got to say, the prince-per-capita rating in this club is off the charts tonight.” I gaze openly at him, leaning ever so slightly in. Yes, he’s hot. Confirmed. As if there were any question about his hotness. The evening’s at last starting to look better and better. Thank fuck.

“Absolutely—”

Then, in turn, someone careens into me—and my flirting is officially cancelled.

Because it’s officially messy o’clock at the bar before last call.

And I’m drunk enough to not have my bones left for balance—and I crash hard, my drink splashing him first—and I fall hard right into Stefanos’s chest.

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About Author Hayden Stone:

More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website: haydenstonebooks.com

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Angel’s Salvation By Ines Gray ~ Teaser And Giveaway

Posted: May 31, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance, urban fantasy
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Angel’s Salvation

By Ines Gray

 

(Watchers and Warriors Series, #3)
Publication date: May 31st 2026
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

If breaking a curse meant losing yourself, how far would you go?

In the dark and dangerous streets of Caracas, CIA operative Amani Wilhite is abandoned behind enemy lines. Captured and marked for death, a mysterious warrior appears, plucking her from the torturer’s chair and claiming she belongs to him. Thrust into a world of fallen angels, secrets, and ancient magic, Amani must now decide if her deadly savior offers a path to salvation or certain death.

Val has endured the death of his fated mate nine times across centuries. As a half-fallen angel, each of Amani’s deaths pushes him closer to the demonic transformation he’s fought lifetimes to resist. Desperate, he strikes a perilous bargain with a prophetic witch—but salvation offers no guarantees, and the price may cost him his last shred of humanity.

As Amani and Val fight against ancient forces and confront their destinies, desire ignites. But with Val’s humanity slipping away, the risks are greater than ever. Failure this time doesn’t just mean losing each other. It means Val will become the very monster that will ensure Amani’s death.

Angel’s Salvation is a dark, seductive, must-read fated-mates romance. Filled with betrayal, desire, and scorching chemistry, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoyed Dark Lover by J.R. Ward or A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, you’ll love Angel’s Salvation. Don’t wait, click buy now and experience this thrilling ride today!

Goodreads / Amazon

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About Author Ines Gray:

Ines Gray is an award-winning dark fantasy romance author who specializes in writing about fated mates and forbidden love. Drawing on twenty years in social work and law enforcement, she weaves gritty suspense into her stories of fallen angels, demons, shifters, witches, and other immortals who lurk in the shadows of our world. A fascination with reincarnation and mythology fuels her multicultural cast and the supernatural worlds she builds. When she’s not crafting high-stakes romance, Ines indulges in action and horror movies, travels with her husband, or answers to her rescue cat with cerebellar hypoplasia. Her mission? To write as many stories as possible about mystical humans and the immortals who shouldn’t love them. For bonus stories and new releases, visit her website.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

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The Corpse By The Creek ~ A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery By Iris March

Posted: May 31, 2026 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery

by Iris March


The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series (plus 2 short stories)
Setting – Ohio
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wandering Gingko Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2026
Number of Pages ~200 pages
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8998642616
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GS6S4HB6
Paperback will be available as well.

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Volunteer water sampling. Development deals. A dead businessman in the woods.

While volunteering with a local stream restoration group, Molly and her husband, Scott, expect to end the day with nothing more to show for it than muddy hiking shoes and water samples. Instead, they stumble upon a dead body left in the woods behind the Buckeye Trail. The victim turns out to be Upton North—an unpopular developer with business ties to half the town and enemies to match.

As Molly starts asking questions, she uncovers a web of grudges involving tenants, activists, and business owners. She’ll have to follow clues from forest trails to forgotten basements—and confront just how far greed and intimidation pushed the wrong person too far.

With a busy garden center to manage, and a beloved black and white cat occasionally underfoot, Molly digs into another Succulent Sleuth case where the roots of the crime run deep.

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About Author Iris March

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Iris March has a reputation for killing house plants, and now she’s killing people off in books? Coincidence? Perhaps not. Iris has spent two decades working in the sustainability field and is usually either reading a book or on a trail. She lives in Ohio with her husband, son, and three cats.

Author Links: BlueSky / Instagram / Facebook / Website

Purchase Links- Amazon – Books 2 Read

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

May 25 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

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May 26 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews– SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT  

May 27 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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May 28 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 29 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 30 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

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May 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

June 1 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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The Diva Hosts A Murderer ~ A Domestic Diva Mystery By Krista Davis

Posted: May 29, 2026 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
by Krista Davis


The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
19th in Series
Setting – Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496743482
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496743480
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496743503
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FP7LXJ8C
Audiobook
ASIN B0FVW9XKRW

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Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks.

But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .

Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!

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Blueberry Buckle

I can’t get enough of this blueberry buckle! It’s overloaded with blueberries and simply delicious.

 

Blueberry Buckle

8×8 baking pan

1 ½ cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup butter at room temperature + 1 teaspoon for greasing the pan

1 large egg

½ cup milk

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ cups blueberries

Topping:

4 tablespoons butter, softened

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons white sugar

½ cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 and grease the pan with 1 teaspoon of butter.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the sugar with the ¼ cup butter. Add the egg. Alternate adding the milk and the flour mixture. Mix in the lemon juice and the vanilla. Stir in the blueberries. Pour into the prepared pan and prepare the topping.

In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to mix them. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

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About Author Krista Davis

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New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back.

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

Delicious Mysteries

Purchase Links
Amazon   Apple     Barnes & Noble   Books A Million   Bookshop   Hudson Booksellers  Indigo   Rakuten Kobo    Tantor Audio    Target     Walmart

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May 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 26 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

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May 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 28 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 29 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – FUONLYKNEW – RECIPE

May 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – RECIPE

May 31 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

June 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW

June 4 – @review_thick_and_thin – REVIEW

June 5 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 6 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

 

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Love At The Fiesta ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: May 29, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
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Love at the Fiesta: A Kwentitas Romance Anthology

 

 

(Kwentitas Romance Anthologies, #3)
Publication date: May 26th 2026
Genres: Adult, Romance

Return to Hacienda Luz—the world of Pasko Na, My Love and Forevermore—as the beloved Moore family opens the gates once more for a dazzling Santacruzan Fiesta in the heart of Napa Valley.

For two vibrant days, the vineyard comes alive with music, food, pageantry, cultural traditions, and unforgettable moments beneath the spring sky. But amid the beauty and celebration, hearts are on the line.

Some will fall in love.
Some will fall back in love.
And some will risk it all for the love they’ve been waiting for.

From acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors comes Love at the Fiesta, a joyful romance anthology filled with family, longing, second chances, and love.

Featuring stories by the Kwentitas:
Cat Santos
Celeste Dador
Elle Cruz
June Gray
Kaye Rockwell
Liz Durano
Maan Gabriel
Maida Malby
Mia Hopkins
Preslaysa Williams
Tif Marcelo

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple Books / Kobo

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SNEAK PEEKS:
Rice – Mia Hopkins

“Look at us,” she whispered. They were wet up to their thighs. Their clothes and shoes were a mess of sand and seawater. Ace’s wet T-shirt clung to his torso. Pinky longed to strip it off him, to run her hands all over his skin.

“Guess we didn’t see that coming,” he said, breathless.

Overthinking was her specialty, but right now she didn’t allow herself to think at all. Pinky reached forward and placed her hands on his chest. She looked up at his lips. The wind almost carried away her whisper.

“Can I?”

Ace nodded slowly.

Blood rushing, she kissed him. A gust of cold wind whipped at them, but Ace’s lips were as warm and soft as she’d hoped. She tasted salt and smelled his skin—woodsy and clean, with something delicious in the background. Tea with honey. A gingersnap? No—hot salabat. Spicy and sweet.

When Ace finally closed his eyes, Pinky embraced him, and her brain lit up like a chandelier. She felt everything—his hands on her waist, the soft moan in his throat as she lightly pressed the tip of her tongue against his. He held her tightly, quieting her nerves but setting a fire deep inside her. The wind cut through her wet skirt and bit at her bare skin. The waves crashed. In the distance, seagulls called to each other, back and forth.

After a long, long time, Pinky broke their kiss. She snuggled against him and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with pleasure. His arms were cold, but his chest through the T-shirt was hot, and his heart was beating fast. They both could feel that he was hard as a rock, but he didn’t push himself against her. Horny, but polite—a refreshing combination.

“Do you…” she trailed off.

“Do I what?”

She winced. “Please don’t judge me.”

He stroked her hair. “I won’t.”

“Do you…live nearby?”

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Bring Back The Love – Tif Marcelo

Two days of pretending.

That was all Emmy Briones had to endure. That shouldn’t be hard, right? After all, she’d done harder things in life while on stage as a wedding singer, as a mother to actual grownups, and as a wife in a twenty-two-year marriage that was in a weird stage of limbo.

Granted, it was two days under the watchful eye of the legendary Lola Naty, her husband’s grandmother and matriarch of the famous Hacienda Luz.

No big deal.

Emmy employed the box breathing she’d learned in couples therapy—because yes, she and Aaron were at that stage—and crossed over the threshold of Hacienda Luz while dragging their carry-ons, where the glimmer of the marble floors and the sparkle of the chandelier above took her breath away.

Already decorated for the fiesta, a traditional Santacruzan, the lobby was filled with multicolored flowers. People milled about, talking in hushed voices, many of whom wore shirts that bore the familiar logo of Hacienda Luz.

A step behind Aaron, she swallowed against the enormity of it all. Living in the DC area hadn’t exposed them to this grandeur on the daily, unlike the rest of the Briones and Moore families living in and around the Bay Area. Though she and Aaron had been engaged here, Emmy only kept up with the property’s happenings through social media posts from Aaron’s family.

At the remembrance of their engagement, of Aaron getting down on one knee and pledging his life to her, her chest welled with sorrow.

“Em.” In front of her, Aaron offered his hand. His brown eyes had a message in them, though she couldn’t quite discern his intent.

They’d been in sync, in their thoughts, in their hearts, and in their voices, until they weren’t.

Emmy was just hoping they could pull off this ruse, collect their fee, go back home to their life, and somehow move on from it. It was Aaron who was worried. That his family—specifically Lola Naty—would notice that she and he were not the happy couple everyone made them out to be.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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