Archive for the ‘Excerpt’ Category

After The Fall By Wendy Roberts ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 11, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, thriller
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After the Fall

By Wendy Roberts

 

Publication date: October 9th 2026
Genres: Adult, Thriller

“This is an excellent read for those who want true psychological crime built around family secrets. Very highly recommended.”
Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite

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Amber clings to the wreckage of a shattered life; a hermit drowning in the ghosts of what used to be.

When someone dumps a mutilated body on her wilderness property, a cryptic clue makes her the prime suspect. To clear her name, she must confront the dark secrets of her tragic past while a shadowy executioner is closing in.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When the blade of death whittled my family of three down to only me, I ran. Grief had scraped me empty, so fourteen months ago I fled to a shack in the northeastern Washington wilderness. I was seeking sanctuary and hoping the pines would mend my shattered soul. Maybe that was too much to expect of the trees. At least they didn’t judge the monument to my failure; a recycling bin overflowing with wine bottles.

The morning light struggled through my grimy windows and poked at my hangover. I took my coffee mug outside and stood on the splintered porch of the small cabin. The air was deceptively still and heavy, carrying the sharp scent of sunbaked pine needles and the silent, shimmering threat of an approaching scorcher of a day. My cabin sat at the dusty elbow of two dirt roads. Between my door and the ditch was half an acre of thigh-high, dewless grass that stood stiff and dry alongside leggy wildflowers and a single tree.

The western hemlock tried for the heavens at nearly two hundred feet, and it was the area under the tree that drew my critical gaze. A woman sat in the tall grass, back against the tree. What was someone doing way the hell out here?

With an eye roll I left the house and stormed toward her.

“Hey!” I shouted.

The strap of her checkered sundress had fallen from one shoulder and as I reached her, I lifted a hand to tap her arm. As my finger got close, a cloud of flies lifted and re-settled into gaping, torn flesh. The wind shifted direction and a thick miasma of putrid decay stung my nostrils. I stumbled backward as my stomach lurched.

Dead!

I couldn’t stop the tremor in my jaw; my teeth clattered together as I whispered broken words, “I-I should check to be sure . . .”

But my voice trailed off because nothing that smelled like that could be anything but gone.

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About Author Wendy Roberts:

Wendy Roberts is an armchair sleuth, fan of all things mysterious but a huge chicken at heart. Her mind is often in the secretive, cloak and dagger world of intrigue while her physical presence is usually at home or on the road in her camper van. Wendy resides in Vancouver, Canada where she happily writes about murder and is always at work on her next novel.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok

 

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After the Fall Blitz

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Charred By G.P. Gottlieb ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 9, 2026 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, giveaways
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Charred by GP Gottlieb Banner

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CHARRED
by G.P. Gottlieb
October 5 – 30, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
A WHIPPED & SIPPED MYSTERY

  Alene Baron is already juggling frustrated employees, closed schools, and a beggar who harasses customers outside her café. Then two dead bodies are discovered in the charred remains of buildings owned by the husband of her pastry chef, Ruthie Rosin. The mystery deepens when both victims are found wearing jackets stamped with the name, “Rosin,” and crumbled in the pockets are the Whipped & Sipped café’s distinctive wrappers. As if that weren’t enough, Alene’s uncle, a convicted felon who vanished 22 years ago, suddenly appears in Chicago. With suspicion and chaos mounting, it’s all too much for the owner of the Whipped & Sipped Café.

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Praise for Charred: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery:

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“Peopled with tons of quirky characters and loaded with family drama, Charred is so much more than the average cozy culinary mystery.” ~ Donna Thompson “The Whipped and Sipped Mystery Series is a delectable treat.” ~ Julie Ditton “Gottlieb packs a lot into this third book Charred… murder, arson, identity theft, gambling, kidnapping, destruction of property, tax evasion, uncovering a hidden basement under the cafe with tins with treasures in them, family drama, secrets, the pandemic, trying to stay healthy, learning how to live a new life in semi-quarantine….” ~ Missi Martin (Stockwell) Charred “had just enough flavor to make it delicious, and just enough mystery to keep me guessing the whole way through!” ~ Bettybee306 “This series is right up my alley, and if you love cozy mysteries with a little romance and baked goods, it will be right up your alley, too! … This is a five-star book in a very neat little package!” ~ Suzie Mumba

 

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Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery

Published by: Anamcara Press Publication Date: May 30, 2026 Number of Pages: 260 pages, Paperback ISBN: 9781960462824 (ISBN10: 1960462822) Series: A Whipped & Sipped Mystery, Book 3

Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Anamcara Press

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The Whipped & Sipped Mystery Series

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Smothered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery, 2
Battered
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Anamcara Press		   Smothered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery, 2
Smothered
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Anamcara Press		  

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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It was warming up inside the car. Alene searched for Kacey and Kofi through the car window and the construction fence, but there was a jungle of trees and bushes lining the sidewalk. The post-fire building site was probably soggy and disgusting. If only she’d thought of bringing an old blanket to protect the back seat from burnt wood. Kacey startled Alene by opening the passenger door and jumping back in. “He doesn’t need my help,” Kacey said as she used her shirt to clean her glasses. “We were looking for a way to get into the site and my glasses got too smudged for me to see. I’ll stay in here with you.” Kofi had probably circled the tall fence surrounding piles of wet, muddy, and burned wood, trying to get inside. Moments later, they heard an owl hoot, and Kacey whispered it was Kofi letting them know that he’d gotten past the fence. What if tromping through the remains of the fire exposed Kofi to toxic materials? He wore gloves and a mask, but it wasn’t an N95 with protection against particulates. If paper masks didn’t protect against airborne particulates, how could they protect against a cunning virus? The sun had risen, but a scrim of humidity diffused the light. Alene thought she saw Kofi alternating between moving and crouching. She figured he was trying to be invisible. He was lanky, his legs bulging with muscles from years of riding his bicycle for miles through and around the city. They both lost sight of him for about ten minutes, but suddenly he rushed back to the car and jumped into the back seat. He hadn’t taken a single piece of wood. “How was it?” Kacey asked. Alene heard Kofi’s jagged breathing and turned around to watch him pull off his gloves and hat. “It was, um, weird and chilly,” he said, haltingly. “And there wasn’t anything I could use.” His focus was sideways, out the window, and he seemed tense. Alene turned away, imagining one of Frank’s police friends driving by and stopping to ask what she was doing. They drove home in silence and trudged to the elevators. Kofi, usually cheerful after an expedition to find materials, was unreadable and oddly stone-faced as he thanked Alene for the ride. Kacey mouthed her thanks as she unlocked her door, and Alene held her hand to her ear in a sign for Kacey to call later. Alene unlocked her own door, wondering why Kofi hadn’t found even one usable piece of wood. Before she could take off her jacket, her phone rang. “Kofi wants you to promise not to tell Frank about this morning,” Kacey said in a whisper. It seemed unnecessary; it wasn’t as if Kofi had started the fire, and Frank was a homicide detective, not a cop on the lookout for arsonists. “I can’t promise that. We tell each other everything,” said Alene, “But there’s nothing to tell, because Kofi came up empty.” “He’s worried that someone saw us there and the police will get him for trespassing,” said Kacey. Alene could hear her sniffling. Alene had already frittered away forty-five minutes driving them over there and waiting for Kofi to hunt for wood. “Come on, Kacey,” she said. “We didn’t see anyone, and no one saw us.” “But are you going to tell Frank that we were there?” Kacey asked. “Kacey, Frank would never do anything to hurt me or the people I love.” Being with Kacey had always required patience. “And I’m driving the getaway car, so if we were committing a crime, I’d be just as guilty.” Kacey said, “I hope you’re right.” She sounded more than a little paranoid. *** Excerpt from Charred by GP Gottlieb. Copyright 2026 by GP Gottlieb. Reproduced with permission from GP Gottlieb. All rights reserved.

 

 

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About Author G.P. Gottlieb:

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GP Gottlieb

G.P. Gottlieb is the author of the Whipped & Sipped Mysteries (Battered, Smothered, and Charred, Anamcara Press). She is on the board of Sisters in Crime Chicagoland and a member of SinC Colorado, MWA, and Blackbird Writers. As host of New Books in Literature, a podcast channel on the New Books Network, she has interviewed over 280 authors.

Catch Up With G.P. Gottlieb:

gpgottlieb.com Substack Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – G.P. Gottlieb BookBub – @gpgottlieb Instagram – @whippedsipped Threads – @whippedsipped X – @GottliebGp BlueSky – @gpgottlieb.bsky.social Facebook – @authorgottlieb

 

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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  

 

Take a Whisk and Enter!
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Charred. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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CHARRED by GP Gottlieb | Gift Card Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

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The Last Heir Of Bradbury Manor By Michael Mizov ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 9, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, horror
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Last Heir Of Bradbury Manor organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Suthor Michael Mizov 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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The Last Heir Of Bradbury Manor

By Michael Mizov

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Genre: Gothic Psychological Horror

Synopsis

The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is an atmospheric gothic horror novel of haunted inheritance, family curses, and the terrifying secrets buried beneath a crumbling Yorkshire estate.

Lottie Bradbury has not set foot in Bradbury Manor for twelve years. Sent away as a child following her mother’s tragic death, she is summoned home in 1919 by the estranged father she barely knows. The once-great estate is failing, burdened by debt, decay, and generations of neglect. Her return comes with a price: an arranged marriage intended to save what remains of the Bradbury legacy.

But Bradbury Manor is not merely old.

At night, the house makes itself known. Strange sounds echo through the corridors. Rooms refuse to stay still. Moments slip out of place. The past refuses to remain buried.

As Lottie is drawn deeper into her family’s history, she uncovers a pattern stretching back centuries, one marked by unexplained deaths, buried betrayals, and a curse that never truly ends. It simply passes from one generation to the next. Everyone expects her to take her place. To continue what came before.

Caught between the expectations of her father, the promise of a future beyond the estate, and the growing realization that something is terribly wrong within Bradbury Manor, Lottie must decide how much of the truth she is willing to uncover and what it may cost her when she does. The closer she gets to the answers, the harder it becomes to tell whether she is exposing the darkness surrounding her family or being led deeper into it.

Perfect for readers of Mexican Gothic, The Silent Companions, and Rebecca, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor blends haunted houses, family secrets, supernatural mystery, psychological tension, and the enduring power of the past.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

She didn’t remember falling asleep, only waking to the creak of floorboards outside her door.

For a strange moment, she felt as though she had surfaced from deep water, everything out of focus, too loud, the world arriving a heartbeat later than it should. The curtains were drawn. No moonlight. True dark.

The rumbling of her stomach reminded her that dinner was promised, but the footsteps continued down the hall. Her father, perhaps, finally going to bed.

The footsteps stopped. Turned. Marched back to her door. Was he coming to check on her?

She waited.

No knock. No motion. Stillness. She waited until waiting felt worse than opening the door. Creeping toward it, she listened.

Silence.

Lottie opened it.

No one. The hallway stretched empty in both directions.

“Father?” she called into the hallway, so softly she could barely hear herself.

No reply. But she was certain someone had been standing outside. She told herself it was the wind. Or the floor settling. But she didn’t believe it. The hairs on her neck rose. She slammed the door harder than she meant to.

Footsteps approached the moment it shut. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she stifled a scream.

The silence was worse than the steps. Something on the other side was listening too. Backing away from the door, she bumped into a serving cart she hadn’t seen. The silver lid of a covered dish fell to the floor with a crash. The tea beside it was still steaming.

Heart pounding, she turned on the light. The clock read half past one.

Morning was a long way off. She wasn’t sure what frightened her more: that the hallway had been empty, or that it hadn’t.

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About Author Michael Mizov:

Michael writes dark fiction that explores psychological breakdowns, fractured identity, and the strange absurdities of life. When not writing, he works in B2B marketing, renovates a possibly haunted Victorian house, and wrangles twin daughters with his wife in New Jersey.

Accolades:
2025 Top 100: Cheshire Novel Prize National Flash Fiction Day 2025: FlashFlood: Debut Flash: ‘Nobody’s Home’ by Michael Mizov Festivals: Michael Mizov – Awards – IMDb

Website / Instagram / Twitter / BlueSky / TikTok / Goodreads

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Lunar Seductions Limited Edition ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 9, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
Tags: , , ,
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When the moon rises, desire follows.

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Lunar Seductions

A Limited-Edition Collection of Paranormal and Fantasy
Romance Stories

Including stories by:

Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author

Charmaine Louise Shelton

Nadine D. Price

Danika LaRue

Kiera Rose

Peyton Lawson

Celia Breslin

Ravyn Wilde

Ryan L Reeve

When the moon rises,
desire follows.

Some lovers are chosen.

Some are destined.

And some are the kind you should run from, but where would be the fun
in that?

Lunar Seductions brings together nine steamy tales of supernatural
desire, dangerous attraction, and romance that refuses to play by mortal rules.

Lose yourself among shifters, monsters, psychics, goddesses, and other
creatures of the night. Meet lovers bound by fate, trapped by circumstance,
divided by old grudges, or drawn together despite every reason to stay apart.

There are secrets to uncover, enemies to tempt, boundaries to cross,
and more than a few teeth and claws waiting in the dark.

Give in to temptation.

The moon won’t tell.

Including stories by:

Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author

Charmaine Louise Shelton

Nadine D. Price

Danika LaRue

Kiera Rose

Peyton Lawson

Celia Breslin

Ravyn Wilde

Ryan L Reeve

 

Amazon
* Apple
* Google
* Kobo
* Books2Read * Bookbub
* Goodreads

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Diamond Moon Rising

by Celia Breslin

(included in Lunar Seductions anthology)

 

Her wolf wants him. Her human side wants out.

After her last shift nearly kills her, human-wolf hybrid Darci has had
enough—it’s time to stop shifting once and for all. Armed with a cryptic note
from her dead shifter dad, she sets out in search of his mythical hometown in
the wilds of Rogue Valley, Oregon, hoping Dad is right, and the shifters there
might help.

As a dominant beta and pack protector, Ross is never taken by
surprise…until a half-wolf half-human pixie with the biggest green eyes he’s
ever seen lands on his doorstep. It’s rare for strangers to venture into their
world—rarer still for a fated mate to literally fall into your arms. But she
did, and he recognizes her immediately as his one and only.

Darci isn’t sure about the whole mate business. She just wants a normal
human life, free from shifting. Ross won’t give up on her wolf and tries to
help her accept her true nature and their mate bond. But the Full Moon is three
days away, threatening Darci with a potentially deadly shift, and certain pack
members would rather kill a human than help one. Darci might not survive long
enough to trust Ross with her heart.

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A thump from outside on his deck,
heavier than the staccato taps of the hail, halted him in his foyer. More
offbeat thuds sounded near the front door.

Company
in this weather?

No
one would venture up his private road uninvited…

He
stalked to his door and released a bit of power in warning. If they were a
shifter, they would likely take the hint. And if they didn’t… Well, he was a
dominant wolf, a Beta, and one of the alpha’s enforcers.

They
don’t stand a chance.

The
feedback froze his fingers on the doorknob.

Female.

He
inhaled. Damn, she smells good.

Human.
Wolf.

Wait…both?

The
copper tang of blood hit his nose. She’s injured.

He
flung open the door and caught his visitor off guard, one small, white fist
raised to knock. The woman startled then fell forward. Ross caught her in his
arms then pulled her inside, kicking the door shut with one booted foot.

The
petite female sagged against him, a shivering bundle of sopping wet woman.
Underneath the dampness, her scent drop-kicked his gut.

Fresh
and sweet, like apples dipped in cinnamon and honey.

His
body perked up, taking extreme notice. A growl of possession threatened to tear
out of his throat, and an ancient, primal energy stirred to life inside him,
accelerating his pulse.

Holy
hell, she’s my potential mate.

The
scent of her blood spurred him into action. He lowered her gently to the floor.
“Are you okay?”

His
instincts urged him to check her for wounds everywhere, but he was a stranger
and didn’t want to spook her. But goddamn, he wanted to touch her. Peel off her
wet clothes. To see all of her and warm her with his body.

With
a jacket covering her torso, baggy jeans hiding her legs, and a ball cap pulled
low over her face, all he could see so far was her quivering pale chin, full
red lips, and delicate, trembling fingers peeking out from her coat sleeves.

“S-s-sorry,
d-dripping all ov-v-ver your f-f-floor,” she said, her teeth chattering.

Her
snow-white fingers curled into fists, her arms trembling with the effort to
keep herself upright. Blood droplets dotted the floor plank near her hip.

To
hell with propriety.
“You’re injured. Let me help you.” He pulled up her cap and damn near swallowed
his tongue.

Big
green eyes blinked up at him from a face so pale it made him think of
moonlight. Drenched, short black hair lay plastered to her head, the ends
framing features reminiscent of the fairies his sister loved to draw.

Ethereal
beauty. Want her to be my beauty.

She
flinched and batted his hand away. “Stop,” she rasped before listing to her
side, her body trembling.

With
the cold or fear?

He
desperately didn’t want her to be afraid. “Sorry. Please, let me help you. I’m
Ross. You’re safe here. I promise.”

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Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with
her family, including three feisty felines who like to stalk across her
keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal
romances. When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of
course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and
movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!

Website * Facebook *Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon
* Goodreads

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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Resurrection Of Evania James By Jaime Jo Wright ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 8, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, suspense
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The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright Banner

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THE RESURRECTION OF EVANIA JAMES
By Jaime Jo Wright
October 5 – 30, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
If walls could talk, what nightmare might they expose?
1879

When Eloise James’s sister, Evania, goes missing after being admitted to an asylum, Eloise is determined to find her sibling but instead discovers evidence of dying patients and missing remains. Wannabe journalist Silas Dobbs has his own suspicions that something more nefarious is at work, and that black market sales may originate at the asylum. Together, they are intent on learning whether Evania is alive, or if her body has also been stolen. But unraveling a web of underground resurrectionists proves daunting, and the dead cannot share their secrets.

Present Day

Tilly Thompson is horrified to find historical human remains entombed in a wall of the Gothic mansion her grandfather just purchased, launching her into an investigation of the original owners’ questionable past. The James family legacy harbors a darkness tightly woven through decades of secrets, but the past refuses to remain ensnared by silence. Will revealing the truth resurrect dangers best kept buried forever?

Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that brings together a haunting historical tale and a shadowy modern-day mystery. For fans of atmospheric thrillers, spooky reads, the Victorian era, creepy mansions, and dark family secrets.

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Book Details:

Genre: Gothic Fiction; Christian Mystery & Suspense

Published by: Bethany House Publishers Publication Date: October 27, 2026 Number of Pages: 336 Pbk ISBN: 9780764246258 (ISBN10: 0764246259)

Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Jaime Jo Wright:

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Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than eighteen novels and three novellas, including Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestseller The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill, Christy Award-winner Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, and Carol Award-winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines.

Learn more at

JaimeWrightBooks.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @JaimeJoWright Instagram – @jaimejowright Threads – @jaimejowright YouTube – @madlitmusings Spotify – MadLit Musings Facebook – @JaimeJoWright

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

 

 

Don’t Make a Grave Mistake… Enter to Win
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for The Resurrection of Evania James. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

, The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright | Paperback + Gift Card

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Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Look What You Made Me Do By Summer Atkinson

Posted: October 7, 2026 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways, YA
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Look What You Made Me Do

By Summer Atkinson

 

Publication date: September 15th 2026
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

“An absorbing novel that personalizes the psychological twists and turns of abuse.”
—Kirkus Reviews

How far would you go to break a cycle before it breaks you?

Margot is no stranger to suffering. Such darkness feels familiar when you have a violent drunk for a dad and a single mom working multiple jobs just to stay afloat. But Margot yearns for more than these bleak circumstances.

When she falls for the golden boy of her small New England town, she thinks he will be her escape. But she is unprepared for how ugly twisted love can become. Breaking free isn’t easy, but unconditional friendship and untainted love spark a defiant hope that cannot be dimmed.

As the line between love and abuse blurs, Margot must face the stories she’s told herself about who she is and who she is becoming.

“Look What You Made Me Do is an emotionally unforgettable story that captures both the devastating impact of trauma and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. With authenticity and compassion, it explores the profound complexities of survival and the difficult choices trauma can demand. A powerful, deeply human novel that will stay with readers long after the final page.” —Elizabeth May, LCSW, Psychotherapist

“Look What You Made Me Do carefully examines the vast interior world of a young woman growing up around addiction and loss. From childlike observations on men and their power to the desires that come with budding adulthood, this book explores how we can experience trauma, survive it, change, and still find and connect deeply with others.” —Chole Williams, ChloeinLetters newsletter, Substack, and Instagram

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

I had forgotten how charming Old Port could be or had never noticed it amidst all my drama. Not the people, but the place itself. The centuries-worn stone walls that somehow still stood in the woods. The sound of the ocean in the distance. All the quiet comforts of a hometown and its nostalgic beauty that haunts you long after you’ve left.

I watched from the sidelines as the people I once considered peers repeated the same old circular paths, not noticing the furrows they were making in the process. I’d been one of them once, and I wanted to warn them but couldn’t find the words. Not that they would have listened.

There is something about those born on the coast. Those who grow up knowing the closest path to walk to the ocean and who do not know the feel of fresh air without the taste of salt that lingers in its wake. For them, summer is endless, if not in season, then in mentality.

Every day contained possibility, promising to be the one that wouldn’t end. That would change everything. That would make up for the threat of winter hanging in the storm clouds on a humid afternoon. I heard it in the lingering laughter and casual conversation of Old Port’s residents and thought that this easy enjoyment of the ordinary was possible for me too. But I also saw how those same people became too entangled in their comfortable lives, familiar relationships, and unquestioned world views to be willing, or perhaps even able, to consider what might be possible beyond the sheltered confines of Old Port.

So even as I began to appreciate the pleasure of simple enjoyments, I also felt the stir of what was possible for me in life, and I didn’t want to be lulled into complacency.

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About Author Summer Atkinson:

Summer Atkinson grew up in Connecticut and now lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband, Jackson, their dog, Bilbo Waggins, and cats Mr. Whiskers and Mosey. She has a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a master’s degree in public health, which she uses in her day job as a life science consultant. Her professional career has been particularly devoted to women’s health and reproductive justice. When not writing, she can often be found in the mountains, either hiking, backpacking, or snowboarding. Passionate about travel and the great outdoors, she catalogs her adventures on a travel blog and Instagram titled Out There Travels. Connect with Summer online via @summeratkinsonbooks on socials.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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GIVEAWAY

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Look What You Made Me Do Blitz

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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.

Death Hits The High Notes By GG Calpo ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 7, 2026 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: ,
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Death Hits the High Notes

By GG Calpo

 

(The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series)
Publication date: October 7th 2026
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Trouble is brewing at Whitman’s Port Choral Society as choir members drop dead and Detective Jonathan Storm raises more questions than answers in his investigation. When Stefan, the choir’s soloist, gets weaker by the day, Meg and her friends take matters into their own hands. And if a murder investigation was not enough to elevate anyone’s blood pressure, Meg finds herself in danger tied to her past that she’s struggling to understand.
Will Meg and her friends stop the killer before Stefan becomes the next victim—and before Meg’s past catches up with her?
Join these golden-age sleuths as they follow the clues, protect their own, and prove that friendship is the strongest weapon against a killer.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

There were two new faces I didn’t recognize from last year’s concert. They looked familiar, though I couldn’t place where I had seen them before. The conductor stood in front, his back to us as he summoned the choir’s eyes to him with a few taps of his baton. He took a deep breath, synchronizing the choir’s breathing to his own. Gesturing with his baton, he released the soprano’s voice—rich, powerful, and throbbing with emotion. The beginning strains of the solo filled the auditorium. Holding his right hand at waist level, the conductor flicked his right index finger left, then right, counting the beats.

“That’s Amanda, in case you didn’t know,” Liz told me behind her raised hand.

I nodded and tried to stop my giggles when Liz’s shoulder hit mine.

“Will…you…shut…up?” Barbara widened her eyes more with each word.

Liz waved her hands in surrender, twitched her body deeper into the chair, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. If it weren’t for the trembling of her shoulders, Liz could have fooled us with her pose of deep listening. But we knew her, and all she got from Barbara was another shove. Despite her unfailingly put-together appearance—manicured nails and hair always expertly cut and dyed—Liz hadn’t left her teen years behind. We must have been making a racket because a woman three rows down turned around and glared at us.

Liz and I looked at each other and decided to settle down and listen. I swayed, imagining my soul lifting in prayer, soaring past the lights of the auditorium and ever more upwards into the wide open sky beyond the school building. Then it happened. One minute I was up in the heavens, one with the song; the next minute I was crashing without a parachute.

The glorious voice stopped, leaving echoes of the high note ringing in the auditorium. A harsh cough sounded, jarring and unexpected. The accompanist stopped. The conductor jerked forward while the soprano toppled gracelessly to the floor, face down. Music scores fluttered in the air before landing gently around the stricken woman. A choir member huddled over her while the rest stared in shock.

“She’s not breathing!” The grief-stricken wail rattled my bones.

Barbara jumped up from her chair, her eyes fixed on Stefan, who stood frozen in his place, his eyes fixed on Amanda.

Amanda…who wasn’t moving.

I whipped my phone out of my bag and dialed nine-one-one. How long would help take to get here? Stefan moved to where Amanda was, kneeling to touch her on her shoulder. What was Stefan waiting for? Why was he not giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? A few other choir members crept nearer but then backed away when Stefan waved them off. Start CPR, I wanted to shout, but couldn’t because the 911 operator had picked up my call.

Then the door to the auditorium opened, and in walked Edna, former third-grade teacher of Post Elementary School and the last of our group. One look at the stage and the woman laid out on the floor had Edna gasping, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Oh no, not another murder?”

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About Author GG Calpo:

GG Calpo is a retired lawyer and accountant who traded contracts and numbers for the far more enjoyable chaos of fictional crime. Now she writes cozy whodunits featuring warm-hearted golden-aged sleuths who’ve seen it all, heard it all and will investigate a murder with zero hesitation. She loves stories where the stakes are personal, family and friendships are paramount, with characters who refuse to follow the outline and endings that pull the rug out. When not plotting twisty crimes—on paper only, of course—she spends her time reading, crocheting blankets and sweaters for her five grandchildren, watching mystery TV shows and taking long walks in her neighborhood. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband and two corgis, Whiskey and Nugget.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows By Paula Dombrowiak

Posted: October 6, 2026 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
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Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows

By Paula Dombrowiak

 

(Hollow Reign, #3)
Publication date: October 6th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

He’s the uptight rockstar directing the music for my burlesque Christmas show, and driving the grumpy maestro to throw his sheet music is my favorite hobby.

Then we wake up married, and he can’t remember a single thing about our night together.

Theo Mercer is an arrogant control freak in rolled-up sleeves and glasses who thinks he can tame my headlining act. But on my stage, I call the shots. Beneath the falling stage snow, the friction between us is hot enough to burn the theater down.

When our accidental Vegas wedding explodes across the tabloids, Theo swallows his pride and drops to one knee to propose a holiday charade: play blissfully wedded—which means moving my insufferable new husband into my cramped studio apartment.

Forced proximity beneath the mistletoe turns our backstage feud into breathless passion, and behind closed doors, our fake marriage starts to feel dangerously real.

Except our vows have an expiration date. When the tinsel comes down on New Year’s, Theo has to leave.

He swears he’s coming back.

But I stopped believing in Christmas miracles a long time ago, after a string of men who never kept their word. If I let down my walls only to get burned by my fake husband… I won’t survive the fall.

Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows is Book 3 in the Hollow Reign Christmas Novellas, a series of interconnected, steamy holiday romances. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a guaranteed happily ever after.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

In sleep, she looks almost angelic.

Which would be a lot more convincing if I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing she’s a complete and utter menace in sequins and red lipstick who has spent the last couple of weeks driving me insane. The star of the Christmas show who argues with me about every note I wrote for her number. The woman who loves to push my buttons like no one I’ve ever met before.

Mara Delaney.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Do not tell me I did what I think I did.

My stomach drops as I lift the edge of the sheet and look down. Finding myself still in my boxers should be reassuring, but the relief is fleeting, swallowed almost immediately by a deeper sense of dread.

I turn my head toward Mara. The sheet has slipped just enough to expose the curve of her bare shoulder. I pinch the edge of the sheet to lift it.

Please don’t let her be naked. Please don’t let her be naked.

Fuck, she’s naked.

I don’t remember how I got here. Last night is a haze of disconnected pieces, and everything that matters is missing.

I ease out of bed with the stealth of a military operative trying not to set off a bomb. My shirt is draped over a velvet armchair, and I pull it on before anything else because I need at least one layer of dignity between me and whatever the hell happened last night. One of my Vans sits near the bathroom door. I shove my foot into it and search for the other, getting a good look at Mara’s apartment in the process.

I run a hand through my hair and pull it back to stare at it before my brain catches up to what I’m seeing.

There’s a gold band on my ring finger. Not the kind that comes out of a gumball machine.

What the actual fuck?

My gaze snaps to Mara.

I lean over the bed to see Mara’s hand curled loosely around the sheet, dark red polish chipped at the edges.

The ring on her finger matches mine.

This has to be a joke. Some elaborate, deeply unfunny prank, and when I find Casey, I’m going to kill him slowly, because somehow he’s responsible.

There’s a marriage certificate on the nightstand next to my phone.

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About Author Paula Dombrowiak:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

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Love And Other Cures For The Recently Undead By H.J. Ramsay ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 6, 2026 in apocalypse, Excerpt, giveaways, New Adult
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Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead

By H.J. Ramsay

 

Publication date: October 6th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance

CeCe Campbell wakes on the asphalt of a mall parking lot with two missing years and a body that no longer feels like her own. Infected with the Kill Virus on her 18th birthday, she’s among the first to be cured.

Rehabilitation teaches CeCe how to walk, how to speak, how to exist in a world rebuilding itself, but it cannot return what she lost. Her mother is dead. Her brother is missing. And the last memory before the dark is a bite she cannot escape.

When CeCe unexpectedly meets Derrick—the boy who infected her—she’s torn between anger and a strange, undeniable connection. Derrick doesn’t remember what he did. CeCe does, and the truth of that moment is something he’ll never get. Not when he already took everything from her.

But if there’s to be life after the cure, CeCe will have to unwind the past, face what happened the night that bound them together, and decide if love and forgiveness can heal wounds deeper than the ones left by the undead.

Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead is a haunting post-apocalyptic love story about guilt, survival, and choosing connection in a world where nothing can be undone.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

CeCe opens her mouth to ask for a ride, but by the time she gets the words out, Savannah is already jumping into the van. Her aunt pulls away from the curb.

Derrick looks toward the van and then at CeCe. He smiles. It’s probably meant to be charming, but she finds nothing about him appealing.

He steps toward her.

Why did she insist on walking home? If her dad was here, she’d already be in his car. Now she has to find a way around Derrick. Or maybe she doesn’t. She could wait him out. He’ll have to leave eventually.

CeCe turns back to the school. Just as she’s about to reach for the door, it swings open and Olivia slithers out. They’re so close that CeCe can see every strand of Olivia’s bangs—and something underneath. A scar? Does that mean Olivia isn’t a Survivor? She’ll have to think about that later. Not now.

Olivia inches to the side. The moment she’s out of the way, CeCe lunges for the handle, but it shuts before she can grab it. She yanks. It doesn’t budge. The damn thing’s on auto-lock.

CeCe presses her forehead against the locked door. Did Olivia do that on purpose? Knowing it would leave her trapped out here? She senses Olivia’s stare crawling over her—and Derrick’s.

She can’t deal with this. Can’t deal with them. Her hand clamps around the latch, unable to move. She just wants to go home.

“Hi again,” she hears Derrick say from behind her.

She groans. “Are you going to be here every day?”

“Ah, she speaks. I wasn’t sure if, you know, there was something wrong with your voice.”

“I speak,” she snaps as she turns, half expecting to see Olivia standing beside him, but she’s already down the stairs, heading toward the same rumbling truck. At least that’s one problem solved.

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About Author HJ Ramsay:

HJ Ramsay holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is an award-winning author. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Gold Man Review, a West Coast literary journal, and has a background in Psychology and Criminal Justice with dual bachelor’s degrees. Passionate about storytelling that explores the human experience, she crafts narratives that blend emotion, imagination, and depth. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys diving into the worlds of speculative fiction and literary fiction alike.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

 

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Stormy Night By May Wynn ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 6, 2026 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
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Stormy Night

By May Wynn

 

Publication date: March 20th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A spicy Novella! A short read, sensual seduction & second chance romance!

One explosive kiss!

Tripping over her own two feet at the restaurant and falling into the arms of a handsome blue-eyed stranger was the last thing on Marena’s plans for the evening.

She’s balancing single life, career, and family. Working on her laptop at the bar turns into a night of excitement when she meets sexy Hayden.

This was Hayden’s first night in town, new to the area for a business project.
A workaholic, he planned to focus on work, after stopping at the bar for a couple of drinks.

Rescuing a klutz from a fall was unexpected, but this gorgeous woman was a distraction he didn’t see coming.

Sitting at the bar an hour later; wine, flirting and laughing, had them both giddy, feeling like teenagers. They were taken aback at their instant chemistry.

A spontaneous kiss leaves his jaw wide open and his world rocked!

One big problem!

As Marena rode home, the lingering smile on her face slowly disappeared. She came to the sober realization that she didn’t know his name or phone number!!

What just happened?
This woman came into his life only a few hours ago, but the passion between them had rocked his world with just one kiss! Then it dawned on him, in horror, he didn’t know her name!

He couldn’t forget their explosive chemistry; How was he ever going to find this woman?

Would fate intervene and bring them together?
Will a stormy night of passion be in their future?
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*Perfect for readers who love a short read, sensual seduction & second chance romance!
Tropes:
Spicy Novella
Sensual Seduction
Second Chance at Love
Workplace Romance
Stormy Night Romance
Quick Romantic Read

Goodreads / Purchase

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Leaving the restroom, the loud ring of her cell phone made Marena jump. She pulled the phone out of her jean pocket. It was Rose. As she swung the restroom door open, she was looking down at her phone… not paying attention, she tripped over her own two feet. Her cell phone went flying and Marena felt herself stumbling… her body lunged forward and she was headed for a face-first fall to the floor.

Out of nowhere, a muscular arm from behind reached forward, wrapping across Marena’s stomach and waistline to prevent her from falling. Slowly she looked up at the stranger with an expression of relief and horror, as she realized she had a solid grip on his forearm. He easily held her weight and steadied her.

“Um, thank you. I’m so sorry,” she blubbered, as her face blushed with embarrassment.

“Are you alright?” The stranger looked down at her face and was startled to see striking green eyes staring back at him. Neither moved for a second, as she held his gaze.

“Yes, I’m just a klutz. My daughter was calling and I wasn’t paying attention to my footing,” she replied, as she looked into a pair of beautiful light blue eyes.

The man who had come to her aid stood about six feet tall, with a medium build. He was ruggedly handsome. His thick mane of dark brown hair, mixed with slight graying, had a messy look, the kind she’d love to run her hands through. The shadow of a brown-graying beard gave him a distinguished, sexy look. She guessed that he was approximately her age.

“Yes, you need to be more careful,” he said, as he looked around the floor and spotted her cell phone. His eyes took in the woman before him. She was a pretty woman, definitely easy on the eyes, but damn, what a klutz. Their eyes met briefly again, but she blinked and looked away, still blushing and embarrassed.

“And,” he paused slightly. “You’re welcome,” he said, with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, as he handed her the phone. He had an air of confidence about him that she found very attractive.

Her face flushed a warm pink, knowing he was amused. Their eyes locked again, but this time she held his gaze steadily, challenging him, with a slight tug of a smile. He held his breath and his pulse raced…he saw raw emotions in those gorgeous bright green eyes. It halted him in his tracks, mesmerized. The electricity between them sizzled in the air.

The sound of her cell phone rang loud, breaking the special moment between them. She shrugged apologetically and glanced at her phone.

He smiled wryly. In a flash, he was gone off to the men’s restroom.

Marena walked back to the bar, cell phone in hand.

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About Author May Wynn:

May Wynn writes contemporary romance novels known for their emotional depth, engaging characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. A lifelong reader, her passion for storytelling began early, inspired by a close mentor who introduced her to a wide range of authors and genres. Together, they shared their own version of a book club before book clubs were even a trend.

After a successful career in the corporate world, May turned her focus to writing, bringing her love of romance to the page. She is an enthusiastic world traveler. She and her husband share a love of culture, history, and adventure, having traveled to more than 60 countries together. She draws inspiration from the places she has visited, weaving them into the stories she creates.

May lives in Florida with her family, where she enjoys writing on her lanai with a latte in hand, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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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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