August | 2024 | fuonlyknew

August 2024
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

Archive for August, 2024

In The Event Of Murder ~ A Starlit Bookshop Mystery by Cynthia Kuhn

Posted: August 25, 2024 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway

In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery)
by Cynthia Kuhn

In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Colorado
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books (August 20, 2024)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639100709
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639100705
Digital https://amzn.to/3xRh1X8

It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.

Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.

About Cynthia Kuhn

Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries, which focus on a bookseller solving crimes in an artistic mountain community, and the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries, featuring a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Diabolical, Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Twitter/X

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse

~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 20 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

August 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 21 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 23 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 23 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

August 24 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

August 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 26 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

August 26 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 27 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 27 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 28 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW

August 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 29 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

August 30 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 30 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 31 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW

August 31 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

September 2 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

~~~~~

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.

Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Breaking The Ice by Whitney Dineen

Posted: August 24, 2024 in comedy, Contemporary Romance, giveaways
Tags: comedy, contemporary romance, giveaway, Sports

Breaking the Ice

by Whitney Dineen

(Love on Thin Ice, #1)
Publication date: August 22nd 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

What do an entitled billionaire and small-town ice-skating coach have in common?

Ellie
My life is not turning out like I thought it would.

My mom’s arthritis has gotten so bad that I had to move in with her. I’m making ends meet by giving ice skating lessons at the arena in Maple Falls. I’d be in serious trouble had the Harts not given me that job.

Which makes it impossible to say no when they ask me to let Troy’s obnoxious billionaire brother stay in the cabin on my mom’s property during the charity hockey event they’re running.

Zach
First the tabloids call me out for being a cheapskate and then Yolanda Simms takes to national television to tell everyone what a vicious heartbreaker I am?

Yeah, my life has been better.

My brother thinks I can fix my bad press by coming to Maple Falls and donating big to his new charity endeavor. Too bad he didn’t mention the woman who owns the cottage I’ll be staying at hates me with a passion.

He also didn’t mention she’s everything I’ve ever looked for in a woman…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

Zach

I’ve learned a lot of things from being a billionaire in my thirties, but so far, the most essential is that you can’t have thin skin. Everyone wants a piece of you and when you’re not giving them the time or attention they think they deserve, they set out to tear you down. Case in point, Yolanda Simms, the entertainment reporter for KBIZ and the most annoyingly fame-seeking woman it has ever been my displeasure to know.

Yolanda and I went out three times, which is a record for me as I barely have a minute for myself. Given my busy schedule, you might be wondering why I would spend my precious free time with such a person. When I first asked her out, I didn’t see her for who she truly was. I may have also had a hidden agenda.

I’d recently been called out by a national tabloid for not putting my money where my mouth was. As in, they didn’t think I donated enough to charity. And while supposedly no press is bad press, I really don’t like people thinking of me the way I was being portrayed.

I figured if I wined and dined Yolanda—who had previously flirted with me outrageously every time she saw me—she might spread the word that I was a decent guy. Self-serving? Yes. But I’m not the villain the press would have you think I am, and I wanted a chance to prove it.

Unfortunately, Yolanda got ahead of herself regarding our friendship and decided to announce on air that she and I were in an exclusive and committed relationship. As we had never so much as kissed, I took exception to her declaration.

“Zachary!” my assistant Anabelle yells out. Before I can ask her what she wants, she says, “Your brother is on line three.”

I have five brothers, so I ask, “Which one?”

Instead of answering, I overhear her tell someone else, “Mr. Hart has no comment on Ms. Simms’ allegations.” Great, another day fending off the aftermath of Yolanda’s interview on The View. She told Whoopi Goldberg I was an egomaniacal alpha-male.

I hesitantly reach over to the landline on my desk. “This is Zach.”

“Hey, big bro,” my younger twin says. In my mind’s eye, I see his lopsided grin, which, even though we’re fraternal twins, is remarkably like my own. MacElroy, aka Mac, is four minutes younger than me and has four times the personality. “It’s starting to look like you’re wading through a herd of cows in a rainy field.”

“What does that even mean, Mac?” My brother recently bought a sustainable farm in Oregon and his metaphors have taken on a rural sort of charm.

“Where there are cows there are cow pies. Need I explain that a rainy field full of heifers is full of wet …”

“Manure. Got it.” Gross.

“Why don’t you set the world straight and tell them the majority of your charitable donations are given anonymously?” he wants to know. The man definitely cuts to the chase.

“You do know the definition of anonymous, don’t you?” I condescendingly inquire.

“Yes, Zach. What I don’t know is why you don’t just come clean about what a good guy you are.”

“Because if I bragged about doing good deeds, they wouldn’t feel like good deeds,” I tell him for the hundredth time.

Shifting in my chair, I stare out of my home office window onto Wilshire Boulevard below. You’d think all the short skirts and tanned legs would be one of the benefits of living in Southern California. Yet no matter how good the view is, wealthy Beverly Hills women are not my type. They’re simply too high maintenance, not to mention too self-involved.

“I’m just saying…”

“Let it go, Mac.” Removing my feet from the edge of my giant mahogany desk, I ask, “Did you call for any other reason than to bust my butt about Yolanda? Because if not, I have work to do.”

“What are you buying today?” he wants to know. “Another office building? A high-rise? Malibu?” While I like to have a diversified financial portfolio, as a real estate developer, I am obviously partial to buying property.

“I’m giving a speech at Pepperdine,” I tell him. Tongue in cheek, I add, “I call it ‘One House, New House, Big House, You House.’”

“Ah yes, a nod to your childhood love of Dr. Seuss.” Releasing an exaggerated yawn, he asks, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re becoming kind of boring?”

“You tell me that at least twice a week,” I remind him. “Now, why are you calling?”

Instead of putting me out of my misery, he wants to know, “When was the last time you strapped on a pair of skates and played a game?”

About Author Whitney Dineen:

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries — not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Tide Together by Melanie Summers

Posted: August 24, 2024 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: adult, contemporary romance, giveaway

Tide Together

by Melanie Summers

(Paradise Bay, #7)
Publication date: August 22nd 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

What happens when a stressed-out bridesmaid and a laidback pilot are stranded alone together on a sun-kissed Caribbean island?

Paige Chadwick is having the worst day of her life. Her tyrant boss has made her three days late for her sister’s destination wedding trip, and now she’s stuck on the wrong Caribbean island with the wedding just hours away.

Enter Mac Gamble, a brooding yet irresistibly attractive pilot, who reluctantly agrees to get her to the church on time.

When a fast-moving storm leaves them stranded on a deserted island, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive. As they navigate their new surroundings, tempers flare and an undeniable attraction grows.

Amidst the stunning sunsets and white sand beaches, Paige starts to see that underneath Mac’s gruff exterior is a heart of gold.

Can these two opposites find a love as deep as the ocean, or will their differences stir up a hurricane of heartbreak?

Tide Together is a STAND-ALONE hilarious and heartwarming, banter-filled tale of two complete opposites stranded together in a tropical paradise.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Opposites attract
Stranded together on a tropical island
Forced proximity/only one bed
Fish out of water
Deliciously witty banter
A whole lot of tension, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice

Goodreads / Amazon

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

I plunk myself on my suitcase and give in to despair. Sobs pour from my chest. I’m the worst sister of all time. Tiffany is never going to forgive me. It’s not as if this is the first time I’ve flaked on her. The truth is, since Guy offered me the job, I haven’t been there for her at all. I wouldn’t forgive me either.

I’m crying so hard, I don’t even register the sound of a plane until it lands in the water nearby. I watch as it slows and turns, then glides to the far side of the dock. It’s bright yellow and a little rickety. In my normal life, I’d never step foot on that thing, but it’s my only chance.

I stand, load up my arms, and drag my suitcase as I run toward the plane, waving my makeup case at the pilot while the propellers slow to a stop. The door opens, and a tall, built guy in jeans and a white t-shirt hops out.

“Hey! Hi, there!” I holler.

He ignores me in favor of locking the door.

“Hello, Mr. Pilot Man! I need your help!” Mr. Pilot Man? WTF, Paige?

His body stiffens, then he turns to me with an irritated look on his face. Even though he’s wearing aviators, his set jaw is making it clear that he’s annoyed. Why am I so annoying when I panic?

I stop right in front of him, panting. “Hi! Sorry. I need to get to Azure Island right away.” Pant. Pant. How embarrassing. Chadwicks don’t pant. Especially not in front of insanely hot men.

He sniffs, then says, “All done for the day. Check back with me tomorrow. Or better yet, check with someone else.” Looking me up and down, he adds, “You look high-maintenance. I don’t do high-maintenance.”

Wow. What a jerk. “First of all, the last thing I am is high-maintenance. And second, I’m not asking you to do me. I’m asking you to give me a ride.” Although, my lady bits wouldn’t mind negotiating the type of ride I’d be getting.

He grins down at me, and it’s not a particularly friendly grin at that. There’s something about it that causes a shiver to run down my spine. Pointing to my makeup kit, he says, “What’s in there?”

Lifting my chin, I say, “None of your business.”

“If I’m not mistaken, it’s filled with all sorts of creams and paints and powders you don’t need. Any woman with that much makeup is high-maintenance.”

Well, that was certainly rude. Except for the part about me not needing makeup. “That’s a pretty big assumption. What if there’s no makeup in here at all? Maybe I have a chronic illness and I need dozens of medications every day to keep me alive?”

“Do you?”

“Are you always this nosy?”

“You do realize you need something from me, and not the other way around, right?”

“Fine. It’s makeup,” I say. “But it’s for my job, not because I care about this kind of thing. And I work sixteen hours a day. I don’t have time to be high-maintenance.”

He pockets his keys and turns away from me, calling over his shoulder, “Where do you work? Inside a tanning booth?”

What a jackass! I stand, frozen in place while he strolls toward the parking lot. My brain seems to have seized up and I can’t quite think of a response. He’s arrogant, rude, know-it-all-y, and just plain awful. But he’s also my very last chance. So instead of running up behind him and pushing him into the ocean (which is super tempting at the moment), I leave my suitcase on the dock and follow him like a puppy. “Wait! It’s just a very short ride, I promise you! Are you familiar with Azure Island? It’s only five minutes away. You can still catch almost the whole soccer game!”

“It’s seventeen minutes from here, and I have no interest in football, but I still can’t help you out.” He continues striding toward one of the few remaining vehicles here—a shiny motorcycle.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Take your pick. The result’s the same.” When he reaches the bike, he mounts it with one quick move, then starts it up. Well, that was ridiculously slick. Why on earth do I find this awful man so attractive? I mean, yes, he’s tall, he’s got thick chestnut brown hair that I want to run my fingers through, and he’s devilishly handsome. Sure, he’s built like a tank. All muscles on his muscles. But still. Rude.

About Author Melanie Summers:

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally – then she’ll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for ‘K’ Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn’t require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she’s not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken ‘from above’. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something–more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

Forever To Fall by Libby Kay ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: August 23, 2024 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: contemporary romance, giveaway

Welcome to Buckeye Falls, where second chances mend broken hearts for
these childhood sweethearts. Wedding bells are ringing, but the sister of the groom
is conflicted.

Forever to Fall

Buckeye Falls Book 5

by Libby Kay

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Welcome to Buckeye Falls, where second chances mend broken
hearts for these childhood sweethearts. Wedding bells are ringing,
but the sister of the groom is conflicted.

Fifteen years ago,
Mallory Lawson “married” her childhood sweetheart, Beckett, in a
pretend wedding on his family’s apple farm. She treasures not only
the memories, but the ring he put on her finger. The trouble now, her
brother, Evan, wants to put that family heirloom on his fiancée’s
finger. Mallory adores CeCe, but she struggles to get past her
girlhood fantasies of Beckett swooping back into her life with a
certain ruby ring…

Beckett Fox is at a
crossroads. After losing his grandfather, he’s listless and fearful
of coming back to the family farm. There are too many memories, and
most of them are tied to the love of his life, Mallory. He doesn’t
even know if she remembers that fateful day when they were kids,
playing make- believe under the apple trees, but he does. Now he’s
back to help his buddy get married, and he hopes to find peace on the
family farm, with Mallory by his side…

When the wedding
planning kicks into high gear, Beckett and Mallory are thrust
together as maid of honor and best man. The more time they spend
together, the harder it is to ignore the sparks between them. Beckett
fears Evan won’t support him dating Mallory, so the pair date in
secret. But true love won’t stay hidden forever…

Best-selling author
Libby Kay’s Buckeye Falls Series reminds readers of small-town life
where everyone knows each other. Fans of Sharon Sala’s Blessings,
Georgia series and Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series will fall
in love with Buckeye Falls and the childhood sweethearts who are
tired of hiding their feelings. Come for the wedding and stay for the
whole series.

Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Kobo
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

How was Beckett so calm right now? Not only was the world ending outside, but they were

casually eating like they hadn’t just made out like teenagers. God, that kiss. It was hungry and filled

with years of tension and longing. That couldn’t all have been one-sided, right? He instigated, so

clearly he was into her.

Didn’t he feel this? Was that kiss the result of too much pain meds and the adrenaline of the day?

Why wasn’t he spiraling down the rabbit hole like she was? Pulling her briefly from her musings, she

felt the warmth of his hand in hers.

Beckett held her hand as he shoveled his second helping of chili fries into his mouth. His thumb

gently caressed over her knuckles while he ate like he had been on a deserted island for centuries.

And to think, just ten minutes before he was devouring her like that.

She watched him, willing him to say something perfect, something romantic to prove he felt this

connection between them. Instead, he turned to her and asked, “Are you going to eat that ranch

dressing?”

Mallory couldn’t help it, she burst out laughing. The last weeks’ worth of muddled emotions

spilled out of her in hysterical laughter. Beckett’s grasp on her hand loosened and she pulled free to

dab at her eyes with a crumpled napkin.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, clearly alarmed by her outburst. His mouth hung open so wide, she

could have shoved the entire bottle of ranch dressing inside.

Mallory propelled the chair back with a clatter, striding to the sink for a glass of cold water. After

chugging half the contents in one go, she let out a long exhale and leaned back on the counter. Once

again, he asked, “What’s wrong, Mal?”

**Don’t miss the rest of the Buckeye Falls books! **

Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her
husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels
of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul.
Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily
ever after—she’s in love! When not surrounded by books, Libby can
be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the
road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will
allow.

Libby cohosts the
Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend
romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers.
Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

Website
* Facebook *
Instagram *
Bookbub *
Amazon *
Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

Keeled Over At The Cliffside ~ A Delicious Seaside Cozy Mystery by Nancy Stewart

Posted: August 23, 2024 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway

Keeled Over at the Cliffside: A Delicious Seaside Cozy Mystery
by Nancy Stewart

Keeled Over at the Cliffside: A Delicious Seaside Cozy Mystery
Sandcliff Mysteries
1st in Series
Setting – California
Independently Published (August 15, 2024)
Number of Pages – 254
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3CB8HH1

In the charming seaside town of Saltcliff on the Sea, Dahlia Vale’s life is about to take a dramatic twist. Leaving behind her monotonous job as a defense contractor, Dahlia inherits her late sister Daisy’s cozy inn and a new role as guardian to her spirited niece, Diantha. But Saltcliff holds more than just new beginnings; it hides whispers of past loves, local feuds, and a string of suspicious deaths that soon draw Dahlia into their depths.

Navigating her new life with the loyal Taco, her service dog, at her side, Dahlia stumbles upon secrets that Daisy left behind. The quaint Saltcliff Bed & Breakfast becomes center stage for these mysteries as Dahlia uncovers links between a controversial local chef’s death and her sister’s secretive gardening habits. As Dahlia delves deeper, aided by the astute Detective Owen Sanderson, she finds herself untangling a web of betrayal, blackmail, and hidden motives—all under the guise of serving the perfect morning scones to her guests.

With each chapter, Dahlia transitions from an outsider to a beloved figure in the community, piecing together clues with a charm only a true amateur sleuth could possess. Amidst the culinary delights and scenic walks on the beach, “Keeled Over at the Cliffside” crafts a tapestry of intrigue and murder, testing Dahlia’s wit and pulling her further into the heart of Saltcliff’s darkest secrets. Will Dahlia serve justice as adeptly as she serves her guests?

Step into the pages of this culinary cozy mystery, where every character has a story, and the truth is as layered as a well-baked pastry. Perfect for fans of a good puzzle and a great plate of food (or those who just love a loyal Labrador), this book promises to be a delicious read from start to finish.

Join Dahlia, Diantha, and Taco as they discover that even the most picturesque towns can hide the most sinister secrets.

About Nancy Stewart

Nancy Stewart is the cozy pen name of USA Today bestselling rom-com author Delancey Stewart. This is her first cozy mystery, despite being raised on a steady diet of Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, and supplementing that in adulthood with mysteries and thrillers whenever possible. She writes from her home near Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her former Marine hubby and two teenage boys. And of course, her dog, Charlie Taco (who appears in her mystery series as Taco the service dog.)

Author Links
Website Facebook Amazon

Purchase Link Amazon

~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 12 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 13 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 14 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

August 16 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – RECIPE

August 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 22 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 23 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 24 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

~~~~~

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.

In The Pale Light by Westley Smith ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: August 22, 2024 in Excerpt, giveaways, reviews, thriller
Tags: crime thriller, giveaway, review

IN THE PALE LIGHT

by Westley Smith

August 12 – September 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

When Clay Graham and his family are found slain in the parking lot of his struggling business, the police suspect Clay’s troublemaker brother, Terry. Terry claims he was drunk the night of the murders and passed out at home. With little evidence against Terry to make an arrest, the case soon goes cold. Shunned from the community, harassed by the locals who believe he’s a murderer, and suffering from an undiagnosed illness, Terry lives alone on his farm, punishing himself for his past indiscretions. Then Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Henry Miller, who has ties to the town and the Graham murders, shows up with newly discovered evidence that kick-starts the case all over again. Now, before his illness kills him, Terry sets out, battling against small-town secrets and old grudges, racing against time to stay one step ahead of both the State Police and his own impending death, to finally find out what really happened to his family and hopefully prove himself and innocent man –if he is one.

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Thriller

Published by: Watertower Hill Publishing Publication Date: August 13, 2024

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Watertower Hill Publishing

MY REVIEW

Terry Graham is running out of time. He’s dying. And he needs answers. Answers to who killed his family and why. He’s consumed with thoughts of vengeance. The town and law enforcement long suspected him of the murders. When State Trooper Henry Miller comes back in town with new evidence on the cold case, Terry struggles to stay a step ahead and exact that vengeance.

Terry wasn’t a likable character. He drank too much. Fought too much. Had a hair-trigger temper. I tried to feel sorry for him. Reminded myself of his circumstances. It was hard, since his character hadn’t changed much since before the tragedy. I think that’s what really made the story work for me. I kept reminding myself of the victims and got behind Terry.

Terry also did a credible job of sniffing out witnesses and information on the murders. He didn’t always approach them in an agreeable manner but he was getting answers. Sifting through the self interest and lies and zeroing in. This kept the suspense ramped up. As Terry got closer to those answers, so did I. And I couldn’t wait to find out how it wrapped up.

A man out for vengeance. Not at all a sympathetic character. Yet, I was on his side. How cool is that!

5 STARS

Enjoy this peek inside:

December 25th, 2015

The emergency lights from the Hickory Falls Sheriff’s Department Ford Interceptor flashed across the snow when it pulled into the Graham Video store parking lot. The sheet of white should have been untouched by tires at 6:45 a.m., and the snow-covered green Jetta, sitting in the far left-hand corner of the parking lot should not have been there. Two different sets of tire tracks cut through the pristine snow. One set belonged to the Jetta. The other set made a large circle in the snow before making its way back toward Main Street. The officer brought the SUV to a stop about five feet from the Jetta; its headlights bathed the car in the frigid darkness. Unable to see past the Jetta’s frosted snow-covered windows, a building sense of unease began to crawl over him, tightening the flesh to his bones. The officer’s shift had been easy that night. He had not responded to any emergency calls, nor had he had to pull anyone over. A Christmas miracle itself. But all that had changed fifteen minutes ago while he was patrolling Broke Run Road, when Sheriff Will Daniel’s voice came over the radio. “Call just came in. We got a report of shots fired at the Graham Video store. Caller says they saw a man running across the parking lot, carrying what appeared to be a shotgun. The suspect reportedly got into the passenger side of a blue sedan before it took off with two others inside. Need you to check it out,” Daniel had said. Why the hell is the sheriff in at this hour? the officer had wondered. Shouldn’t Susan be on the call desk? And what’s going on at the Graham Video store? Now on scene, with the first cracks of gray sky beginning to materialize through the night horizon, he radioed back into the station. “I’m at the Graham Video store. I’ve located a V-dub Jetta. It’s an early 2000s model. No sign of anyone else, including the reported blue sedan. Though there are two sets of tire tracks in the snow, indicating another vehicle was present.” He glanced at the video store’s entrance. There were no broken windows and no ajar door to indicate a robbery had occurred. The place appeared buttoned up tight. “No signs of a break-in, Sheriff. Getting out to inspect the vehicle.” “Ten-four,” Sheriff Daniel’s voice came back over the line. “Proceed with caution.” Again, the officer thought it was strange that the sheriff was in at that hour, and on Christmas morning. Where was Susan Green? She usually worked the overnight shift; she should still have been at the station, working the dispatch desk. Still, the officer knew, she could have gone home for any number of reasons—the holiday, the storm, or maybe a family member had fallen –ill—and the sheriff had filled in for her. Pushing the thought from his mind, the officer returned to the pressing matter at hand. Stay focused. Stay sharp. Stepping from the SUV, the blowing snow and driving wind bit at the officer’s exposed skin, penetrated his clothes. Zipping his jacket up to his chin, he started toward the car, trudging through the shin-deep snow. As he neared the Jetta, pelted with snow and ice so hard it stung, he noticed a set of footprints leading away from the passenger-side door toward the second set of tire tracks before vanishing. The tracks were nearly filled in with fresh powder, but it was unmistakable what they were. He assumed this was where the person had gotten into the second car—an old blue sedan. Looking back to the Jetta, he saw something smeared along the top of the passenger-side door. Whatever it was had frozen to a hard, ruby-colored substance. He eased in for a closer look. lood! Frozen blood. A strange tightness gripped the base of the officer’s neck as if Death had wrapped a cold, boney hand around him and begun to squeeze. His heart rate quickened. He placed his right hand on his sidearm and identified himself. “This is the Hickory Falls Sheriff’s Department. If there’s anyone inside the vehicle, would you please step out?” There was no reply. The car was dead still. The only sound across the parking lot was the howling wind and the ice pebbles hitting the closest metal lamp post. Not wanting to disturb what he believed to be blood on the passenger-side door, the officer lumbered through the deepening snow, around the front of the Jetta, to the driver’s side. Reaching down, he took hold of the handle and pulled. The driver’s side door was locked. He took a deep breath of cold air, sending what felt like ice daggers into his lungs as he tried to steel himself for what he might find inside. His teeth began to chatter, and an internal shudder tremored in his core and quickly expanded to the rest of his body. “I’m asking anyone inside to identify themselves and step out.” He waited, but when no one replied, he said, “If you do not comply, I will be forced to inspect the vehicle. Last warning.” Silence. No movement came from within. The car’s stillness bothered him—like it was dead. But that was impossible. Cars could not be deceased like humans or animals. So why was he getting the dreaded feeling that death emanated from it? Placing his gloved hand on the window, he brushed the light dusting of snow away and bent down to look inside. The officer recoiled at what he saw or who he saw staring back at him. His feet slipped out from under him, and he went down onto his backside, hard. Snow kicked up when he hit the ground, and for a moment he was cocooned in falling white powder, protected from what he had seen. But when the snow settled, the officer was again gazing at the driver’s-side door of the Jetta. There, he saw a man’s pale face pressed against the glass, the muscles twisted and tightened in agony. His eyes were open and locked directly on the officer with a vacant, lifeless stare, pleading with him, even in death, to save him. Too late. I’m too late to save you. The officer shot to his feet; snow fell off his uniform in large patchy clumps. And though the temperature was in the teens, he felt sweat break out across his back and forehead. Moving gingerly toward the Jetta again, the officer realized he knew the dead man looking back at him. Clay Graham—the owner of the Graham Video store. He removed his Maglite from his belt and turned it on. Bending, he shone the beam through the ice-crusted driver’s-side window and began to scan the car’s interior. That’s when he saw them. He pressed a gloved hand over his lips, suppressing the scream that wanted to leap from his throat at the horrific sight of carnage and death inside the Jetta. It wasn’t just Clay Graham dead inside the car but also his wife, Claire, and their teenage daughter, Sidney. *** Excerpt from In the Pale Light by Westley Smith. Copyright 2024 by Westley Smith. Reproduced with permission from Westley Smith. All rights reserved.

About Author Westley Smith:

Westley Smith had his first short story, Off to War, published when he was just sixteen. He is, more recently, the author of two horror novels, Along Came the Tricksters and All Hallows Eve, as well as the thriller Some Kind of Truth. His short fiction has been published in various magazines and websites. Wes lives with his wife and two dogs in the beautiful woodlands of southern Pennsylvania–the perfect place to hide a body.

Catch Up With Westley Smith: WestleySmithBooks.com Goodreads BookBub – @wssmith100 Instagram – @wsmithbooks Facebook – @westleysmith100

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Westley Smith. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

~~~~~

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.

Rescue The Night by Christine DePetrillo ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: August 22, 2024 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: contemporary romance, giveaway, steamy

Touching Spencer—even for a millisecond—did things to my body.

Wild things I could barely control.

Rescue the Night

A Hartley’s Nest Romance Book 1

by Christine DePetrillo

Genre: Small-Town Contemporary Romance

.

Touching Spencer—even for a
millisecond—did things to my body. Wild things I could barely
control.

I hate dentists. Except for Dr. Spencer Holland. It’s hard
to hate him when he smiles at me, and those adorable crinkles appear
at the corners of his big, brown eyes. I’m nervous as hell when
he’s aiming sharp dental tools at me, but I’m also imagining how
his lips would feel against mine. How his arms would feel wrapped
around me. How our bodies would fit together perfectly.

I can’t actually have this sexy dentist though because he’s my
brother’s best friend and totally off limits. Actually, Spencer is
friends with all of my brothers—all five of them.

Oh, did I forget to mention I have five brothers?
Five brothers who circle like me like a pack of protective wolves.
Yeah, so anyway . . .

I’ve managed to hide my attraction
to Spencer for fourteen years ever since he came to my rescue on my
prom night. Lately ignoring my feelings for him, however, is a
full-time job. One I’m failing at. Epically.

And there are these . . . moments when I almost believe
Spencer wants me too. But that couldn’t be.

Could it?

I’m tired of being underwhelmed by every
relationship I attempt with other guys. None of them measure up to
Spencer, and it’s time I did something to make him mine.

Just don’t tell my brothers.

Rescue the Night is a small-town, brother’s-best-friend, steamy, contemporary romance.

Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Google
* Kobo
* Smashwords
* Books2Read *
Bookbub
* Goodreads

Merlin rose to all fours, stretched, and followed Spencer through the living and dining rooms to the sliding doors at the back of the cabin. The dog shot outside as soon as the door opened while I waffled between staying where I was by the front door and wandering toward Spencer. Of course I’d wandered through his home before. I’d been in every room except one.

The bedroom.

Magnetism won out and I snaked my way through the living room, pausing by the couch so I didn’t seem too eager to be beside Spencer. I peeked down the hall toward his bedroom. Would I finally get to see it? Tonight?

He turned when a floorboard creaked under my foot and I froze.

“Why do I feel as if I’m sneaking up on you right now?” I asked.

Spencer lowered his head and slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Why do I feel as if I don’t know how to act around you right now?”

“Because we’re on a date?” I shrugged. “This is a different scenario for us.” I took a few steps closer so only the dining room table was between us now. “We’re both worried about what happens if this goes badly. We’re afraid of my brothers finding out.”

He winced at that last concern. “They might murder me.”

I waved a hand. “They hardly murder anyone anymore.”

That earned a little grin from Spencer so I rounded the table to stand in front of him. He kept his hands in his pockets and I kept mine clasped behind me, both of us not sure what touching each other would do.

“What if we pretend we haven’t known each other since we were kids?” I suggested. “And that you’re not Logan’s best friend, and none of my brothers even exist?”

“It’s just us tonight.” Spencer nodded. “Okay.”

“All right. So we’ll behave as we would on a regular first date with someone.”

“We can try.” His gaze swept over me again. “But, honestly, none of my first dates have ever interested me as much as you do, Vanessa.”

Damn. How could I follow my own advice when he fired me up again?

“I’m not that interesting,” I said.

Spencer’s lips tilted up. “Bullshit.”

Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees,
conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed
soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight,
and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her
way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.

Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her
obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like
sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she
writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and
definitely make you believe in the power of love.

She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who
defend her fiercely from all evils.

Website
* Facebook
* FB Group
* Instagram
* Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

One Little Witch by Crystal Beach ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: August 21, 2024 in Children's books, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: children's book, giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for One Little Witch organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Crystal Beach 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.

One Little Witch

by Crystal Beach

Genre: Children’s Book

Synopsis

A brilliant Little Witch counts the pumpkins in her pumpkin patch and discovers some surprising surprises. Join author and illustrator Crystal Beach (One Polar Bear and Two Polar Bears) as she captivates you with her latest adventure story and a brand-new series—One Little Witch. You and your child will be delighted by this hilarious tale as together you learn counting and sight words, and experiment with sound.

A charming holiday tale for autumn, or any time of the year, One Little Witch is filled with pumpkins and childlike enthusiasm for learning. This little book is sure to enchant, and will make a spooky addition to your child’s library.

If you can be anything, be inclusive.

About Author Crystal Beach:

Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex
medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children’s future.

Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children’s literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily
newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.

She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads / TikTok / Instagram

~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

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.

Nurse Florence For Beginning Reads Coloring Book ~ Why Is Chicken Healthy To Eat?

Posted: August 21, 2024 in Children's books, Excerpt
Tags: children's coloring book

A coloring book about the health benefits of eating chicken.

Title: Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers Coloring Book: Why is Chicken Healthy to Eat?

Author: Michael Dow

Publication Date: May 6, 2024

Pages: 43

Genre: Children/Coloring Book

Jean, Condi, and Sonia see Nurse Florence in the cafeteria and ask if they can sit with her so they can learn something new. The nurse is eating chicken, and the girls ask her why it is healthy to eat. Nurse Florence discusses the types of nutrients inside like vitamins, minerals, and protein. The nurse mentions that research shows eating chicken with lots of vegetables is very healthy for you. The girls are amazed at how the body works and how chicken can help them have a healthy lifestyle. They can’t wait to see Nurse Florence again and keep learning new things about the body.

You can purchase your copy at Lulu.

Enjoy this peek inside:

This is a health book series meant to help kids take their first steps in their journey of healthy living. A friendly nurse, Nurse Florence, guides three girls named Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they ask questions about their body and how to live healthier. The title character, Nurse Florence, is in honor of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. We hope a new generation of kids get interested in nursing and other health careers.

– Excerpted from Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers Coloring Book by Michael Dow, Michael Dow, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

About Author Michael Stephen Dow

Michael Stephen Dow is married to Perla in Arizona and has 3 kids. Michael was on a path to attend medical school and then the events of September 11, 2001 occurred. Michael became angry at the terrorists and decided to join the US Air Force. He went through Officer Training School and then graduated specialized Navigator training to become an Electronic Warfare Officer. Michael deployed 6 times for the Global War on Terror between 2005 and 2009 with the EC-130H Compass Call mission. Michael medically retired in 2010 and then became an US Army contractor serving Wounded Warriors and ensuring they received all of their entitled benefits for 8 years. Michael always had a love for science and the human body so he then used his GI bill to go through nursing school and graduated in August 2020. Michael now works as a Registered Nurse at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Michael’s education is as follows: B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University in 1999, B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2001, M.S. in Management from Troy University in 2010, Masters in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2017, and M.S. from the University of Arizona in 2020 through its 15 month accelerated Masters Entry to the Profession of Nursing program. Michael is the Founder and Manager of Dow Creative Enterprises, LLC. His books have garnered the Silver Nautilus Book award in 2020 (Nurse Florence, Help I’m Bleeding) and an Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion category for the 2021 International Book Awards (A Prayer to Our Father in the Heavens: Possibly the Greatest Jewish Prayer of All Time). Michael believes we will need the best of science and religion to successfully navigate ourselves, our civilization, through the future obstacles we will face. More information can be found at www.DowCreativeEnterprises.com and www.NurseFlorence.org. Nurse Florence® is a federally registered trademark by Dow Creative Enterprises. The Nurse Florence® series seeks to promote science and health among children and to help increase the health literacy levels of our society. With teamwork, inclusion, faith and perseverance, we can bravely face our problems and help each other reach our better selves as well as our best collective good.

Author Links

Website | Facebook

A Corpse At The Witching Hour ~ A Food Blogger Mystery by Debra Sennefelder

Posted: August 21, 2024 in Book Blast, Cozy Mystery
Tags: cozy mystery

A Corpse at the Witching Hour: A Food Blogger Mystery
by Debra Sennefelder

A Corpse at the Witching Hour: A Food Blogger Mystery
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing (October 6, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1960511394
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960511393
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CKM7LTGJ

Hope Early has to contend with ghosts, a fatal curse, and a decades-old family secret to catch a killer in the new Food Blogger Mystery . . .

When her best friend’s Aunt Issy falls ill, food blogger Hope Early agrees to help him hand out Halloween candy at his aunt’s house, which is rumored to be cursed. A murder-suicide took place there a century ago, and legend has it that a woman has died there every twenty years since—on Halloween. Hope doesn’t really believe in curses or ghosts, but when all the trick-or-treaters are gone and she discovers a woman’s dead body on the front lawn, she wonders if the curse might be real after all.

Then Hope and her friend discover a cache of love letters linking the dead woman to Aunt Issy’s husband years ago, and Hope is certain they’ve uncovered the motive for murder—and the police are certain Aunt Issy is their main suspect. Determined to prove Issy’s innocence and nab the real culprit, Hope starts shaking other branches of the family tree. But she forgets that Halloween isn’t the only day people hide behind masks, and if she’s not careful, Hope will come face-to-face with a ghoulish fiend who’s not afraid to kill again . . .

Includes two tasty recipes!

About Debra Sennefelder

Debra Sennefelder lives and writes in Connecticut, where she lives with her family and slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. An avid reader across a range of genres, mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. She’s the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series, the Resale Boutique Mystery series and the Cookie Shop Mystery series. When she’s not writing, she’s either baking or reading. To learn more, visit her on the web at www.debrasennefelder.com

Author Links: Amazon / B&N / Website / Facebook / BookBub / Goodreads / Instagram

Purchase Links – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Bookshop.org

BLAST PARTICIPANTS

August 21

Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense

Angel’s Book Nook

Christy’s Cozy Corners

The Mystery of Writing

Baroness Book Trove*

Celticlady’s Reviews

FUONLYKNEW

StoreyBook Reviews