Archive for June 25, 2025

 

 

 

 

Book Details:

THE PRICE OF TRUTH by Michele Clarizio
Category: YA Adult Fiction (18 +), 397 pages
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Publisher:  Michele Clarizio
Release date:  June 18, 2025
Content RatingPG-13 + M: Language, implied rape scene, kidnapping, violence and a character’s dad committed suicide, but it’s only reference since it happened in the past.

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Karis Russo is no stranger to pain. Still reeling from her father’s death, she’s weighted down by grief she can’t seem to outrun. But nothing prepares her for the night that upends her life once again.

After attending the grand opening of The Aragon Luxury Resort and Spa, Karis wakes up bloody and bruised with no memory of what happened. Determined to find the truth, she embarks on a relentless quest for answers.

Her investigation takes a surprising turn when she learns Mason Whitman, practically Duncan High “royalty”, has harbored a crush on her for years. His charm and their undeniable chemistry throw her into a tailspin. Caught between piecing together the night she lost and embracing the possibility of love she never saw coming, Karis convinces herself she can juggle both worlds.

But the deeper she digs into the mystery of that fateful night, the darker the truth becomes. As shocking betrayals surface and long-buried secrets claw their way to the light, Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay.

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 Interview  With Author Michele Clarizio

What genre do you write and why?

I chose to write young adult because I see how much teens are going through today. They’re dealing with things my generation never had to face—like the constant pressure of social media, rising anxiety, and so many overwhelming expectations. I want them to know they’re not alone. Through my writing, I hope to create characters and stories they can relate to, and maybe even find comfort or strength in.

When did you start writing your novel?

I started writing The Price of Truth over ten years ago. But then life happened—I got divorced and became a single parent, so my focus shifted to my full-time job and raising my kids. When COVID hit, I suddenly found myself with a lot of extra time, so I dove back into the story. And here we are now.

What is your next project?

My next project is already underway—it’s the second installment of The Price of Truth. Just like the first book, it’s packed with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing and intrigued. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a touch of romance.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

Geesh, do I ever. There are days—more often than I want to admit—when I just can’t get a scene to read the way I want it to. It’s incredibly frustrating. What works for me, though, is taking a long walk with my character. I know it sounds a little out there, but they really do live in my head and have their own voice—I just have to slow down and listen.

What advice would you give budding writers?

The most crucial step is simply to begin. Don’t wait for perfection or the “right” idea. One highly effective method that worked for me was time blocking. Set a timer for a specific duration—say, an hour—and commit to nothing but writing during that time. The goal isn’t immediate brilliance; it’s to get words onto the page. This practice creates a skeleton for your work, giving you something tangible to refine and build upon. The beauty of this approach is that it trains your brain to focus and removes the pressure of crafting perfect prose from the outset.

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Meet Author Michele Clarizio:

The Price of Truth is Michele Clarizio’s first book in the Chasing Peace series. Michele is a near-native of Denver, Colorado, where she’s fortunate to have her adult children, Mackenzie and Matthew, nearby.

For more information and to stay informed about the next Chasing Peace novel, please visit MicheleClarizio.com and be sure to join her email list.

connect with the author:  website  ~  facebook instagram 


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THE PRICE OF TRUTH Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

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When fate and magic collide, all will witness the rise of a
Luna like no other.

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Blindsided

The Queen Series Book 1

by Em J Bakker

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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A world of danger, desire, and heart wrenching secrets.
Turning 18 is a milestone for members of the pack, marking the age when they
meet both their inner wolf and their fated mate. But when Nyx comes of age, she
is thrust into a chaotic world of romantic and physical trials, forced to navigate
the uncertainty and heartache of being fated-mates with five powerful alphas
while training to become the perfect Luna.

Driven down a path of heartbreak and rejection that threatens to tear her
apart, Nyx is haunted by her mates’ secrets and the hidden truths behind the
prophecies that bind her to an unknown and ever-watching intruder. In a tale
woven with passion, intrigue, and mysticism, Nyx’s destiny unfolds in ways she
never imagined.

Will she unite her mates and fight to fulfil her destiny, or will the rejection
and shadows consume her?

Amazon * Bookbub
* Goodreads

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I’ve always had a passion for writing from a young age, fueled by an active imagination and a love for fantasy daydreams, which were further supported by my reading habits. Unfortunately, as I grew older and entered the workforce, both reading and daydreaming became distant hobbies. That changed dramatically after a significant life event. While serving in the Australian military, I sustained an injury that led to my medical separation from the service—a tumultuous period, as I had hoped to remain in the defense force. During this challenging time, I turned to reading for comfort, which rekindled my desire to write. Over the course of a few years, I completed the first draft of my trilogy, with the first book titled Blindsided.

 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I consume knowledge. I absolutely love knowing as much as I can about many broad ranging topics. I like to research. Actually, I love to research. All kinds of topics, as soon as something piques my interest, I must know about it. Quickly followed by my poor husband being inundated with mass information about the topic of the day/week. Because if I know it, he must also know it 😂

 

Where were you born/grew up at?

I grew up in a small town called Maclean in New South Wales, Australia. It was a very quiet sleepy town and the most important thing in life was soccer and cricket. 

 

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

Without a doubt with my children and husband, making sure they have enjoyable memories to the very end. Then, I would 100% be bargaining with the reaper!!

 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I love to sit, with my Belgium Shepherd, a cup of tea and an excellent book in a sunny part of the house.

 

How to find time to write as a parent?

It’s extremely tricky, as I am sure any author with children would attest to. I honestly just go for it when the inspiration hits. I am lucky with older children that they understand if the pen is furiously scribbling on the paper, it’s probably best to ask dad for that favour at the present moment as Mum is locked in on her craft. I am also thankful to have two exceptionally artistic children as well, so when I am writing, they will be with me also writing, or possibly painting or doing some other craft.  

 

 

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

😂 Eclectic.

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Some days I still don’t, haha. I have a completed trilogy that is just going through all the self-publishing processes and I think when I look at how far it has come and the fact people have enjoyed reading the first book, that’s when I considered myself a writer for the first time, when the words I produced gave other people emotions, of all kinds, but they made people feel something.

 

Do you have a favorite movie?

Yes, I have always loved and will always love The Princess Bride. From the very first time I watched it; it has become a staple comfort movie and I adore the premise and it might also give reasoning behind some of my writing with my love of romance and plot twists! 

 

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I am all about the Fennec Fox. 100% spirit animal. They can be so chaotic, but with those adorable little faces and big personalities and even bigger ears, there can be no other choice! 

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Em J Bakker is a passionate romance writer based in Victoria,
Australia, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the
countryside. With a deep love for romantic narratives, both in her own life
with her doting partner and within the pages she reads and writes, Em has
dedicated the past 5 years to craft her debut trilogy.

Known for her eclectic writing style, Em J Bakker’s projects span from
light-hearted comedic romances to gripping tales of the underworld. Her writing
reflects a blend of creativity nurtured by the serene landscapes and outdoor
adventures she enjoys, including days on the lake, exploring snowfields, and
off-road journeys through picturesque terrain alongside her loved ones.

Website * Instagram * TikTok * Amazon *
Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
by Stacy Wilde


A Camping Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Poinsett Park, SC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Hawk Press (April 28, 2025)
Number of Pages : 137 Pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783133
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990783126
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F6MCFQFT
Audio ASIN B0F7GMFQ58

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A heart-pounding cozy mystery filled with twists, turns, and canine charm. Perfect for fans of page-turning whodunits and outdoor adventures!

Private Investigator Liz Adams isn’t thrilled when her husband, Brad, suggests a camping getaway to South Carolina’s picturesque Poinsett Park. The mention of camping brings back a haunting memory of a childhood Girl Scout trip that went terribly wrong. But for Brad, the park is a refuge—a chance to relive happy moments from his past.

The long weekend escape takes a dark turn when Brad discovers a woman’s lifeless body in the park’s peaceful lake. The victim, the landlady of a strip center in the neighboring town of Sumter, was notorious for making enemies among her tenants. With no shortage of motives but no clear suspects, Liz and her truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, embark on a quest to identify the culprit.

As Liz races to uncover the truth and put the killer in jail, the couple experiences one camping disaster after another. Will justice be served? Or will an unexpected twist of karma change everything?

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Maria’s Asian Chicken Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients for the salad:

1 package coleslaw

1 cup salted sunflower seeds

1 cup toasted slivered almonds

2 green onions, chopped

2 packages Oriental ramen noodles (reserve the seasoning mix for the dressing)

1 cup shredded chicken (Maria uses precooked rotisserie chicken)

1 eleven ounce can of mandarin oranges (drained)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the slivered almonds on a cookie sheet and roast for 5-8 minutes or until slightly brown. Add the above ingredients and the almonds to a salad bowl.

Ingredients for the dressing:

½ cup sugar

½ cup olive oil

1/3 cup white vinegar

2 packages Oriental seasoning mix

Whisk the above ingredients together and pour over the salad. Toss and serve. Enjoy!

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About Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, the adventure of travel, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX, with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Amazon / Instagram / BookBub / YouTube

Purchase Links – AmazonB&NBookshop.org

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 19 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 20 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT  

June 20 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

June 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 22 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 23 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

June 24 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CAMPING CONUNDRUM PLAYLIST

June 25 – Infinite House of Books – SPOTLIGHT

June 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

June 26 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 26 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW, RECIPE

June 27 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

June 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT WITH RECIPE

June 29 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

June 30 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

July 1 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

July 2 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.