Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Sweet Nightmares By Hazel St. Lewis

Posted: September 17, 2025 in Excerpt, Fantasy, giveaways, Romance
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Sweet Nightmares

by Hazel St. Lewis

 

(Wicked Mirrors)
Publication date: September 17th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

She was prophesied to destroy an evil god, but she becomes his minion instead.

Jane Whitfield rose from nothing to become the youngest Prima Ballerina in the history of the Royalle Ballet—despite having a violent husband three decades her senior. But her carefully choreographed world shatters when her husband’s enemies come to collect his debts. Jane is tortured into making an impossible die, or strike a bargain with an evil god trapped inside a mirror.

Nightmare is ancient, cruel, and feared for a reason. He trades magic, wealth, and knowledge for soul-crushing costs—and he believes Jane is the witch destined to destroy him. But instead of killing her, he toys with her, offering a twisted sell her soul, serve him, and receive an endless supply of riches—enough to satisfy her wretched husband and his debtors.

Now bound to a god who revels in ruin, Jane becomes more than just his minion—she’s his growing obsession. But obsession doesn’t spare her from his darkness. He’s evil. She’s supposed to hate him, but the more time she spends in his realm, the harder it is to tell if he’s her monster… or her salvation.

She was destined to destroy him, but love might destroy her first.

Sweet Nightmares is an adult romantic fantasy Prequel/Sequel novel to Gilded Wicked Mirrors. It can be read first, or after GWMs. It is a touch-her-and-die, villain romance perfect for lovers of the Hades and Megara dynamic or fans of Kingdom of the Wicked. It is not a standalone.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Jane stood up and put her body between them just in time to be slammed between the Vampire Prince and the ancient god. At the impact, Nightmare’s hands wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Nightmare let out a low, wicked growl. The whites of his eyes bleeding red, fury painted on every curve of his body, his fangs and metal nails bared. Ready to kill every mortal in the room if Jane didn’t do something quickly.

“Everyone get out now,” Jane said, her hand on Nightmare’s chest and her voice wavering. Her eyes never left Nightmare. “Thorne, my monster. Keep your eyes on me.” She dug her hand into his shirt while he tightened his hold around her waist. At the same time, she heard movement from all around them. Everyone else, leaving them alone in the room.

When he still hadn’t calmed down, and his eyes hadn’t lost any of the red, Jane asked, “How can I help you settle down?” Jane flattened her palm once more over where his heart should beat—but it never did. “What do you need?”

“I need to feed.” Nightmare’s eyes flashed, and he darted around, presumably searching for an unsuspecting human he could eat.

“Are you going to kill your food?” she breathed.

“Yes.”

“Do you have to?”

Nightmare blinked, his black, well-manicured eyebrows creasing together.

“Are you able to control yourself?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said slowly, cocking his head, his eyes fixating on her neck.

“Then feed on me.” She cocked her head to the side, giving him permission to take her blood.

“You may hate it.”

“It’s fine. I am not afraid of you.”

An unreadable sound vibrated in his chest, and then, without warning, he pushed her fiercely up against the wall, pinning her in and biting down on her neck.

At first, it hurt, his fangs piercing her skin and claiming her. It was a sharp pain, but then the wound began to tingle and turn… the feeling becoming something hot and pleasurable.

Every nerve ending in her body lit up with an intense feeling that she’d never felt before. A moan escaped her lips, and she suddenly needed to be closer to him, to be touching him, one with him.

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About Author Hazel St. Lewis:

Hazel St. Lewis is a Northern California-based Romantasy author. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she struggled to read and write, but fantasy stories inspired her to start storytelling. Unfortunately, now, she is a little too obsessed with morally gray characters. When she isn’t writing, she can be found playing with her hoard of cats (too many to count…it’s a problem), singing songs to said cats, or painting.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

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Sweet Nightmares 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.

Taming The Perilous Skies By Phil Marshall ~ Spotlight And Giveaway

Posted: September 16, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Science Fiction, thriller
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Taming the Perilous Skies

 by Phil Marshall

 

Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 450 pages
Genre: Hard Sci Fi, Thriller, Political Thriller, Sci Fi Adventure
Publisher:  Phil Marshall
Release date:  Sep 12, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13: There is one suicide (distantly witnessed), and there are F words, and 47 million people die, but very little gore and no graphic violence.

Book Description:

Everyone said the sky could never fall. They were wrong.

In the year 2076, anti-gravity has ushered in a new era of peace, prosperity, and worldwide collaboration. Powered by the scientific marvel known as Persistence, aerial vehicles now replace roads, energy comes from ambient particles, and the world’s nations are connected by open skies and their reverence for The Fabric — the timeless, interconnected thread of all particles, past and future, that not only powers anti-gravity but redefines humanity’s understanding of the presence of God.

But on an ordinary October morning, the impossible happens: passenger aerials start dropping/falling from the sky.

For Jack Woods, a national security official and devoted father, this tragedy is more than a historic anomaly. His son Erik was airborne when the world stopped. As aerials freeze mid-air across the globe like ticking timebombs and chaos erupts below/the death toll rises by the millions, Jack races to uncover what went wrong… and who may be responsible.

Meanwhile, Brian Medlock, the scientist who discovered anti gravity, prepares to leave this world only to be pulled into a political and spiritual firestorm threatening to unravel everything he built.
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Blending science, political intrigue, and the primal human emotions that keep us grounded/connect us, Taming the Perilous Skies is a haunting look at a future world/ riveting journey through a world reliant/dependent on technology, and the people who must fight to save it/will stop at nothing to save it when it begins to unravel/falls apart. And how easily it can all fall apart.

Buy the Book:
Available for pre-order
release date: Sep 12, 2025
Amazon
add to Goodreads
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Meet Author Phil Marshall:

Phil Marshall is a physician, scientist, and AI technology entrepreneur. Taming the Perilous Skies is his debut novel centered on his theory of persistence and a passion for how technology can transform our lives, and how it can go terribly wrong.

connect with the author: website 

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TAMING THE PERILOUS SKIES Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Champagne Crush By Caroline O’Connell ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 15, 2025 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: ,
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The Champagne Crush

by Caroline O’Connell

 

(Les Femmes Series)
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

For fans of The Paradise Problem, a slow-burn romance about a socialite in over her head in a high-stakes job promoting a new sparkling wine with a difficult boss who wants to see her fail—despite the electric sparks flying between them.

Catherine Reynolds has enjoyed a life of luxury, but her diplomat parents have cut her off financially, leaving her flat broke. She is determined to turn things around and gain her independence—so, when an old family friend offers her a lifeline as a PR consultant for his sparkling wine company, she jumps at the chance. But working with Chris McDermott, the company’s sexy, stubborn president, is anything but easy.

A purist at heart, Chris clashes with Catherine’s glitzy marketing flair; still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As they travel from New York to Napa, Paris, and the Champagne region of France, their partnership blossoms amid high-stakes industry rivalries and a launch that could make or break them.

When sabotage threatens to shatter their dreams, Catherine must dig deep to prove her worth. With the dazzling unveiling of their new sparkling wine in Bordeaux in jeopardy, will she and Chris overcome the challenges of the past and present to secure their future—and find love in the process?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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Black Tie dinner at Plaza Hotel in NYC,

fundraiser to benefit the California Sparkling Wine Producers in Napa, CA

 

Sean gestured to the bottle in the ice bucket on the table. “One strong benefit of sparkling is the affordable price, compared to a bottle of French champagne that costs two or three times as much. Granted most sparkling wines don’t have the complexity of champagne, but that’s not necessary for every occasion.”

Chris agreed. He was glad Sean made the point.

“Have an idea for the documentary finale,” Ken said. “How about a sabering and pyramid of flutes? That was quite dramatic at the Spago party for the Oscars.” A reminder Chris would like to forget. The second cork popping off and barely missing the celebrity guests was a drama he didn’t want to repeat.

“All good ideas,” Kevin said. “May call on some of you for on-camera interviews before we wrap.”

Chris was full by the time the dessert of Valrhona chocolate mousse with whipped cream and berries was served. He devoured it anyway. He noticed Catherine hadn’t eaten with the gusto of others at the table. She and Vanessa only sampled their dishes. Must be some party protocol.

While after-dinner coffee was offered, Doug stepped to the mic and introduced the head of the UC Davis Sparkling Winemaking Program, who thanked everyone for their support and described how the money raised would benefit their research and scholarships.

“Now it’s time to end the suspense and find out how much these rare bottles are worth,” Doug said. “Please welcome our celebrity auctioneer, Trevor Jones.” Trevor walked onstage to loud applause. Doug piped in, “You’re clapping now, but if you don’t bid generously, you could be on the receiving end of his jokes.” That drew guffaws. The crowd was getting rowdy after a few glasses of good wine, just the thing to bid up the prices.

Trevor took the microphone. “Good evening, folks.” He went into a short monologue recapping the day’s events and cracking jokes at the expense of high-profile guests. He closed with, “Let’s take the plunge. We have many exceptional bottles to auction off to reach our goal. Please open your wallets and bid with abandon.”

There were other things Chris wanted to pursue with abandon, starting with Catherine’s bare back. Her slinky dress was killing him. Unaware of his train of thought, she was in an animated conversation with Will.

The bidding became heated, and Chris directed his attention to the stage. As each lot was auctioned off, Chris and Ken jotted down notes in the margins of their programs and bantered back and forth about the prices they were fetching. Unlike the blind tasting, this process was highly visible. Chris assumed some buyers were making winning bids for the prestige and bragging rights, as much as for the unique bottles and contribution to the cause. In this case, glitz overrode substance. He said as much to Ken—not grasping he was about to fall into the same quest to be victorious.

Pleased with the competitive bidding, Trevor congratulated the crowd on their good taste. The lots were fetching higher prices than anticipated. After forty-five minutes, one final bottle remained. “Well folks, you’ve risen to the occasion. The California Sparkling Wine Producers thank you,” Trevor said. “And now we have a special surprise for our last bottle.” The crowd drew quiet. “The high bidder on this rare Trianon 1952 vintage jeroboam will also receive a two-night stay at romantic Les Crayères in Champagne and a gourmet dinner for two in their Michelin-starred restaurant, along with a private tour of the kitchen and toast with the chef.”

When Catherine stood up, Chris figured she was going to the ladies’ room, so he was taken off balance by Trevor’s next words. “Catherine Reynolds, representing Trianon, has agreed to join the winning bidder in a toast and to lead off the first dance of the evening.” He beckoned her to the stage.

Did I say I wanted a woman full of surprises? Uh-oh. He’d be damned if anyone else was getting this prize. He was feeling awfully possessive at the moment.

They were off and running. A number of attractive men participated in the early bidding, including Chris, Patrick Tournelle, Will Frost, and even Sean Dunlavy. When the dollar figure exceeded $4,000, the bidding contest narrowed to only two: Chris and Will. Trevor chided the combatants. “Looks like we have a horse race, ladies and gentlemen. Miss Reynolds, would you care to weigh in on the contest?”

All she murmured was, “I’m glad they’re supportive of the cause,” which prompted twitters.

When Chris made it clear he planned to bid whatever it took, his friend Will bowed out. Finally. Do I have to broadcast my interest any louder?

“Fair warning,” Trevor announced, indicating the bidding was about to stop, and the gavel came down. “Sold to Chris McDermott for $5,000.”

Amid applause, Chris walked onto the stage, shook hands with Trevor, and enfolded Catherine in a warm embrace that sent cameras flashing. Doug Barr joined the trio to pose for photos. A waiter materialized with four glasses of champagne that they sipped while the stage was being cleared.

The band took their places. Vanessa stepped up to the microphone and started performing her signature version of “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”

“I believe this dance is mine,” Chris whispered in Catherine’s ear, before he whisked her onto the dance floor.

“You sure know how to make a splash,” Catherine said. “Hope this doesn’t appear like we’re fraternizing.”

“All for the cause,” Chris murmured, holding her possessively close. She felt so good in his arms while they moved in time to the music. Vanessa sang the refrain, and he caught the message of the song—a love so strong it made you weak.

Other couples joined them on the dance floor, and Chris steered Catherine to a less conspicuous spot in an alcove behind one of the pillars. “About that bare back,” he murmured and pulled her closer in his embrace.

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Also check out Caroline’s other book, Affordable Paris Hotels!
Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Trip to Paris is the must-have resource for travelers who want charm, comfort, and location—without the luxury hotel price tag.

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About Author Caroline O’Connell:

CAROLINE O’CONNELL has written five travel guides and numerous travel articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. Her Romance In Paris guide has won widespread praise: “There is no better person to guide you through Paris than Caroline” — Peter Greenberg, the Travel Detective, radio host, and Travel Editor on CBS-TV. And Library Journal raved — “Reading this breezy but informative guide to Paris is like having a series of conversations with a well-traveled friend…”

Her debut novel, THE CHAMPAGNE CRUSH: A Romance Novel (Spark Press), is due out on September 16, 2025.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

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The Champagne Crush 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.

My Name Is Death By Laura Daleo ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 15, 2025 in Dark Fantasy, Excerpt, giveaways, Romance, urban fantasy
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“I am known to some as the Grim Reaper, or the Angel of
Death. Death is my preferred name. It’s stylish and modern, and it goes well
with my Armani suits. I don’t have a fascination with robes, scythes, or
skeletons, especially when I’m releasing souls.”

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My Name Is Death

by Laura Daleo

Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

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My Name Is Death takes the Grim Reaper concept in a creative
direction. Put aside the image of a scary, sickle-carrying, robe-clad entity.
There are no shortages of Italian suits, velvet neckties, and oxford shoes in
Death’s wardrobe.

Death encounters a terminally ill young lady, Annalise,
during a holiday in New Orleans. As she approaches the afterlife, Death wants
to ensure she makes the best of her final moments. It is not long before they
become friends.

A peaceful coexistence between angels and humans is what God
desires. This plan is contrary to one of God’s other sons’ belief that angels
are far superior to humans.

Devastation begins, and only God knows how it will end.

“Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. I
hold this statement in high regard. Why? There are two possibilities. I could
be a tax accountant-borrrinng-or I could be Death. If you guessed the latter,
advance to go and collect $200. My name can influence anyone in a room; some
say Grim Reaper, others say Angel of Death. I like to call myself Death. It has
a pleasant ring and a powerful effect on people. The way “Death”
embodies the style and pizazz of my attire, which includes Armani suits, ties,
and shoes, influenced my decision to select it as my name. It had never
occurred to me to dress in a dark robe, to carry a scythe or an hourglass, or
to assume a skeleton physique.”

Amazon * Apple
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

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She exited the store wearing baggy cargo jeans, a graphic retro T-shirt of butterflies, and platform sneakers. She draped the sweater coat over her arm. It seems odd that she would keep

that thing. Apparently, she has some unknown reason for remaining attached to the article of clothing.

Standing before me, she curtsied, and a big smile spread across her face. “Is that better?” she asked.

“Yes, very much. Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?”

Putting her hand on her stomach, she stated, “I might not be able to keep the food down.”

“I see. Could we have something to drink, or is that out of the question as well?”

“Alcoholic beverages?”

“Nice try, but no. How about a soda?”

“Fine,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

I ignored the pouty performance as I rose from the bench. “Let’s take a stroll and find a soda shop.”

She giggled. “A stroll?”

In response, I balked. “What’s wrong with stroll?”

“Dude, nobody says that.”

“My name is not Dude. Stroll simply means to walk.”

She swatted my arm. “I know what it means, but the word isn’t hip. You look like you’re in your twenties, but you talk like you’re a hundred years old. By the way, what’s your name? I’m Annalise.”

I bobbed my head in acknowledgment. “Ah, got it. I’ll try to work  on my coolness.” I pursed my lips as I pondered telling her my name.

“What, you don’t have a name?”

While we zigzagged down the crowded sidewalk, I avoided eye contact with her. Instead, I gazed at the vibrant buildings and greenery spilling out from balconies. The trot of horse hooves rang in my left ear, and I glanced in their direction. The carriage was full of drunken people toasting their glasses and singing off-key. Her persistent, inquisitive gaze compelled me to respond.

“Yes, I do, but it’s complicated.” I glanced at her. “It will only lead to questions. Once we have our soda, we’ll find a place to sit and

talk.”

“Nothing like being all mysterious.”

I dismissed her sarcasm. “You’d think one of these stores would have soda.”

“I hope it isn’t far,” she said, clutching her stomach.

I studied the lines etched into her brow. “Are you in pain again?”

Rather than speaking, she nodded.

After forcing her to stop, I placed my hands on her shoulders. I lowered my head to match her eye level. “Look at me.”

She obeyed.

As I locked eyes with her, I used my gift—not enough to kill her, but enough to block her brain’s communication. In one blink, I altered her perception of pain. She swayed, and her eyes rolled back into her head for a moment before I released her. “Do you feel better now?”

A slow smile crossed her lips, and she laughed out loud. “God, yes.

What did you do? No, wait. How did you do it?” She inquired, her eyes widening and darting about in confusion.

“I will explain once we find a quiet spot to talk.” Taking my eyes off of her, I noticed the Sip A Froth sign swaying in the warm breeze.

“That might be what we’re looking for.”

She turned her head in the direction I had indicated. “Either that, or it’s a bar, and bars still serve soda.”

“Indeed, they do.”

As we entered the store, an explosion of colors greeted us. Candy, cookies, salty snacks, hats, sunglasses, mugs, postcards, and T-shirts crowded the small store. The entire back wall featured a massive soda selection, and Annalise rushed straight for it. She held up a bottle as I approached her. “Oh my God, Peanut Butter and Jelly soda!” she exclaimed.

“Sounds unpleasant.”

She laughed out loud. “How about this one? Gross Gus Pimple Pop!”

Curling my lips, I cringed. “Hideous.” I searched the shelves for something normal. “These will do.”

“Frostie Root Beer and King Kong Cola? You’re no fun.”

“Your stomach will thank me.”

She waved me away as she rummaged through the store. A highpitched squeal pierced my eardrums. She ran toward me wearing a lace cloche hat and gold flower sunglasses. She waved a fedora hat and pineapple sunglasses at me. “Oh my God, put these on.”

“What on earth for?”

“Come on. It will be fun, and the photo booth will help us capture our memories.”

“Photo booth?”

“Yes, it’s at the back of the store.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me forward.

My gift had adversely affected her. She was high as a kite. I removed her hand from my arm and pointed to the counter. “Let me buy these first.”

As I brought the fedora hat and pineapple monstrosities to the counter, she pointed to the hat on her head and sunglasses covering her eyes. “These too.” She said with a bounce in her step.

The female clerk announced monotonously, “That’s $83.97.”

“Oh, and do you have a seating area where we can quench our thirst?” I inquired after handing her a hundred-dollar bill.

Annalise groaned and rolled her eyes. “We need to work on your vocabulary.”

Instead, I turned my attention to the clerk behind the counter. She was clearly bored, as she twirled her finger around a strand of hair.

“We do. You go around to the back and take the stairs up to the roof.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s time to take pictures; let’s go!”

I sighed. “Very well.

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I was born and raised in sunny San Diego, California. A
creative writing class in junior high ignited my passion for storytelling;
however, it was Anne Rice who truly inspired me. Her novel, Interview With The
Vampire, has become one of the best-selling books of all time and fueled my
desire to craft my own vampire legend. In 1996, I created Immortal Kiss, which
patiently waited until 2014 for its publication.

At present, my published works include Immortal Kiss, Bound
by Blood, The Vow, The Vampire Within, The Soul Collector, The Doll, Once We
Were Witches, and My Name Is Death. My current project is an urban fantasy
titled The Wolf Experiment.

Here are some fun facts about me: I love enjoying Starbucks
coffee while I write. I’m also obsessed with shoes. I have two furry kids named
Rose and Cooper. And, of course, I’m a huge fan of all things vampire.

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Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $40 giveaway!

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Duality By Sunny Hart ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: September 14, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Guest Post, Romance
Tags: ,
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She’s their executive assistant by day, and the city’s
vigilante by night.

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Duality

The Archers Book 1

by Sunny Hart

Genre: Why Choose RH Romance

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Executive assistant
by day… vigilante by night…

Evelyn Harper lives a double life. By day, she is the
unassuming assistant to the Stone brothers and their best friend, efficiently
managing their security firm’s operations. By night, she runs the Archers, a
vigilante organization delivering justice for those that the legal system
fails.

For years, she’s successfully kept her two lives separate,
using the information she’s privy to at the security firm to save more lives
with the Archers. But when a threat targets her men, Evelyn’s two worlds
collide. Evelyn must reveal her true identity and harness all her skills and
resources if she’s going to keep them alive.

But when the four men discover her betrayal, will they let
her help them or will they turn her and her organization over to the very
corrupt system that Evelyn fights?

Duality is the gripping first book of three in The Archers
series, full of action, intrigue, and romance as Evelyn fights to protect her
loved ones and uphold her brand of justice. It is a MFMMM slow burn
contemporary romance with dark themes but is not a dark romance. If you love
strong female characters and a harem that adores their FMC, this is the book
for you!

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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A few days later, I was typing up some meeting notes from a department head meeting that morning when the door to the far office opened and footsteps approached my desk. I didn’t lift my eyes from my screen as the person stopped at my desk.

 

“Evie, do you have the—”

 

I handed him the folder, sitting next to me without looking up.

 

“Oh, and I need the—”

 

I handed him the second folder, hiding my small smirk.

 

“And I didn’t have time after lunch to—”

 

I handed him the hot mocha that was sitting at the corner of my desk.

 

“Marry me?” Sebastian’s blue eyes were smiling as he leaned his hip against my desk. His suit jacket was off, and his sleeves were rolled up, allowing me to see the muscular forearms the tabloids drooled about. He was a striking man with a lean, athletic build and sandy blonde hair that always looked like he’d just rolled out of bed. A lesser woman would have swooned over the proposal, but I had been getting the same proposal from him at least once a week since I started working for him and his brothers.

 

“No.” I smiled primly at him, my lips pressed in a thin line to hide my amusement. “Will that be all, Mr. Stone?”

 

He put a hand to his chest like I stabbed him and dramatically staggered away from my desk. “Evie, you wound me.”

 

“Shall I call the cleaners to get the blood out of the carpet?” I asked dryly, turning my attention back to my computer as the door next to me opened and Alexander stepped out. His sharp suit was a dark gray that made his blue eyes seem brighter than usual.

 

“Are you bothering Miss Harper again?” Alexander rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated by his younger brother’s antics.

 

“I’m never a bother. Right, Evie?”

 

“Only on days ending with y,” I responded in a flat tone but couldn’t hide the smirk on my face.

 

He really wasn’t a bother. That was just how Sebastian was. He took the goofy kid brother act to the extreme and was always pranking his older brothers and Adrian. He did his best to crack the professional mask I wore and had an uncanny sense for when I was having a bad day, going out of his way to cheer me up.

 

“I know you love me.”

 

“Like one loves a root canal.”

 

“If you’re done bothering Miss Harper, I need her.”

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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 written as a way to process the world whether that be journaling or writing short stories. One November, I challenged myself to write a full book from beginning to end and that’s how By Her Sight was written. I fell in love with the why-choose genre and the rest is history!

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

 

Probably not until I had finished writing the first three books in the Unitam Realm series. That feels like a long time but it took a bit for my mindset to shift and be like “I can really write a book!”

 

Do you have a favorite movie? 

 

I love the Marvel universe but especially the earlier Marvel movies. Captain America is one of my favorites!

 

What inspired you to write this book? 

There’s a lot of injustice in the world and there are many, many people that the justice system fails. Evelyn came to life from the part of me that wants to burn it all down sometimes. Obviously she doesn’t and she creates the Archers after something devastating happens to her but writing the Archers series helps give me hope.

 

 

What can we expect from you in the future? 

 

I’ll always be writing! I’m too far deep into the life now and I have too many stories swirling in my brain. I’m excited to finish up the Archers series and maybe dive back into my Unitam Realm series for a prequel trilogy.

 

How did you come up with the name of this book? 

So originally this was going to be a duet and the duet’s title was going to be Duality. But as my alpha and beta readers will tell you, I can’t limit what I write at all so the duet quickly turned into a trilogy but I loved the name Duality too much to let it go so I made it the first book’s title. Duality means “an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or two aspects of something” which I think fits Evelyn’s life at the start of the book perfectly!

 

Who designed your book covers? 

 

The amazing Inessa at Cauldron Book Press!

 

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story? 

 

Oh I have no control whatsoever LOL! I am a plotter so I like to start with a plan but usually somewhere along the way it goes off the rails and I’m changing direction. However, there have been times in a series when I unconsciously write something at the beginning that ties in perfectly at the end and it is usually driven by a character’s actions.

 

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors? 

 

Too many to count! I love everything by Devyn Sinclair, Tessa Hale, J Bree, Grace McGinty, and Nadia Lee. Their books are staples in my library!

 

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? 

 

Some of them come right away. Usually my FMCs are always pretty formed in my head before I start writing. There’s always one guy in the group that fights me. For Duality, that guy was Marcus. He seemed to like fighting anyways so it worked out!

 

Do you see writing as a career? 

I’m hoping to turn it into one! But that’s a long term goal. Right now, I don’t want to put that much pressure on my creativity. Instead, I’m happy writing as the words come to me!

 

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? 

I like to write to music or work in a coffee shop! My first book, By Her Sight, was written almost exclusively to the Hamilton soundtrack actually. There’s something about a bit of noise that allows me to shut off part of my brain and dive deep into the story.

 

Advice they would give new authors? 

The first draft is you just telling yourself the story. It’s supposed to be messy and imperfect! Remember writing is a marathon not a sprint!

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Sunny Hart lives in the rolling hills of the Kentucky
Bluegrass. She has spent her entire life expressing herself through writing and
short stories until one NaNoWriMo she challenged herself to write a book to
share with the world. By Her Sight is the first book Sunny has published but is
one of many floating around in her head. When not writing, Sunny is spending
time with her dogs and horse and working her ‘day job’ as a business strategy
consultant.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

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Go HERE to enter.

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Duality

 

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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.

Murder Pays A Call ~ A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery By Nancy J. Cohen

Posted: September 14, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery
by Nancy J Cohen


Murder Pays a Call: A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orange Grove Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1952886376
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1952886379
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F8NNP8NN

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Personal concierge Keri Armstrong will accept almost any job, but solving murders wasn’t on her to-do list—until now.

When personal concierge Keri Armstrong swings by her favorite client’s mansion to drop off groceries, she expects a heartfelt chat along with a cup of tea—not Fiona Sullivan dead in bed and her room ransacked. Though police chalk it up to a botched robbery, Keri isn’t so sure. Whispers around town suggest Fiona wasn’t as adored as Keri had believed, and many of the philanthropist’s so-called friends in affluent Sunny Grove, Florida seem glad she’s gone.

Keri refuses to let Fiona’s memory be reduced to malicious gossip. Armed with a keen eye, insider access, and a fully charged tablet, she sets out to uncover the truth. Soon her file of suspects grows faster than her to-do list. Between sneaky neighbors, resentful relatives, and tight-lipped charity board members, Fiona left behind a trail of frenemies who’d happily skip her memorial brunch.

As Keri digs deeper, she discovers her late mentor had a gift for extracting people’s secrets and using them like fine china—carefully storing them until they could serve a purpose. But Fiona also kept a few skeletons in her own walk-in closet. Now, with danger creeping closer, Keri must race to crack the case before her number comes up next… and Murder Pays a Call.

“A page-turner of a mystery from one of my favorite authors. Cohen’s deft mastery of the cozy genre shines through in every scene, delighting readers with another engrossing whodunit.” Muddy Rose Reviews

“Fans of award-winning author Nancy J. Cohen’s long-running Bad Hair Day Mysteries will be thrilled to learn there’s a new sleuth in town. Murder Pays a Call is the debut book in her Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery Series featuring a personal concierge who adds solving murders to the services she offers her clients.” – Lois Winston, author of the bestselling and award-winning Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries.

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About Nancy J. Cohen

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / X/Twitter / Threads / LinkedIn

 Instagram / Pinterest / BookBub / YouTube / Goodreads 

BUY LINKS
Universal Link
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Print
Apple Books 
Barnes & Noble Nook 
Barnes & Noble Print
Google Play 
Kobo 
Bookshop.org or Indiebound 
Books A Million

Add to Your TBR Wish List:
BookBub    Goodreads

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 11 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

September 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 12 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 13 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

September 13 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 14 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 15 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 15 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

September 16 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

September 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

September 17 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

September 19 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT 

September 19 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

September 20 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

September 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Mysterious Case Of The Missing Ghost By Michele Pariza Wacek

Posted: September 13, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ghost (The Redemption Detective Agency)
by Michele Pariza Wacek

 


The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ghost (The Redemption Detective Agency)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Redemption, Wisconsin in the 1990s
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love-Based Publishing (September 2025)
Number of Pages ~200
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJ7WTMS2

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Emily Hildebrandt is learning to settle into some of the very strange cases that come through The Redemption Detective Agency’s door.

Like Aunt Tilde’s friend Ruth who claims she’s lost a ghost.

How does one lose a ghost? Apparently when the ghost decides to walk out the door.

But, to make matters more complicated, it’s not just any ghost but the ghost of Ruth’s dead husband. Who was murdered decades ago under very suspicious circumstances.

Emily has no choice but to go back in time and figure out what really happened to Ruth’s husband, in order for everyone to rest in peace.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.

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About Michele Pariza Wacek 

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram

Purchase Link  Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 8 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 9 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

September 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

September 10 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

September 10 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

September 11 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 11 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

September 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

September 13 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

September 15 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

September 16 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 17 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

September 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

September 19 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 19 – Hall Ways Blog – SPOTLIGHT

September 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

September 21 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – 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.

Anna By Travis Short ~ Author And Giveaway

Posted: September 12, 2025 in giveaways, Historical, Interview
Tags: ,
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Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage

by Travis E. Short

 

 

Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  245 pages
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:  July 2023
Content Rating:  G. Suitable for all readers; no sexual content, and no vulgar language​

Book Description:
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Anna’s story begins and ends in a convalescent center in Michigan and is told by the author, whose brother looks after her in her waning years. The story is based on a short memoir written by Anna for her children. Her life is filled with trials and tribulations that test her faith to its limits. With a desperately impoverished and undernourished childhood in an itinerant and abusive family living in rural Pennsylvania, Anna is faced with obstacles that could break most people. She finds solace in God with constant prayer and attendance in church services. Although she has little formal education, she is nominated by her pastor to attend bible college. where she excels and meets her future husband. They start a family and despite their own hardships, they devote their lives to helping others. Her powerful story of sacrifice, faith, and courage is an inspiration to us all.
Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop.org
McNallyRobinson
add to goodreads
Also by Travis E. Short:

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Faraday Fox: A story for Young Readers by Travis E. Short
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  65 pages
Genre:  Adventure
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:  January 2024
Content Rating:  G. Suitable for young readers

Book Description:
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The Adventures of Faraday Fox is the story of a domesticated red fox that is released back into the Cherokee National Forest to find happiness. Instead, he encounters perils, danger, and hunger, and he decides to return to the home he left in Georgia. His adventures take him across the United States by walking and hitching rides on a train, a tractor-trailer, a boxcar, and in the luggage compartment of a bus. He meets many wild and domesticated animals along the way. When he arrives in California, a wonderful surprise awaits him. The story contains many life lessons and is written with readers, eight to twelve years old, in mind. It contains over twenty prints of original paintings of forest scenes, bears, birds, and other animals by accomplished artist Shirley Adams.
Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ AbeBooks​
Bookshop.org
add to goodreads

Book Details:

Book Title:  Killers Can’t Hide by Travis E. Short
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  270 pages
Genre:  Thriller
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:  May 2024
Content Rating:  PG-13. Contains cursing, street talk and sexual implications, no explicit sex. ​

Book Description:
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Glamour, passion, and horses are a deadly combination for Carmen Cantrell. When the former beauty queen is murdered on her horse ranch, the logical suspect is her estranged husband, Delbert Cantrell.  Caught in the throes of a bitter reelection campaign for sheriff, Delbert, a wealthy contractor, must find a way to clear his name. He enlists the help of renowned lawyer Sydney Saperstein and a local investigator by the name of Isadore Holt. Their investigation takes them to Mexico and the southwest USA. More murder, treachery, and romance keep the reader guessing as to the outcome. ​​
Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ AbeBooks​
Bookshop.org
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Book Details:

Book Title:  Corner of My Mind: American Short Stories by Travis E. Short
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  329 pages
Genre:  Short Stories
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:  September 2024
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA only), ebook (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Sep 2 to Sep 29, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13. Most stories are G rated, but some contain curse words and street language. No explicit sex. ​

Book Description:
​
Step into the captivating world of Corners of My Mind, a rich tapestry of new American short stories. In this collection by a master storyteller, ordinary people navigate the unexpected twists of fate with resilience and heart. From soldiers and warriors—both real and imagined—to revival preachers and lonely women, each takes a window into the human experience. Drawing inspiration from real-life encounters, dreams, and whimsical imagination, the stories are as diverse as they are compelling. Meet men of action, contemplative souls, and even talking dogs whose thoughts will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. Whether you seek moments of laughter, tears, or thrilling surprises, Corners of My Mind promises an unforgettable journey.

Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM ~ AbeBooks​
add to goodreads

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Interview With Author Travis Short

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Q-1: In your book, Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage, who was Anna, and why did you write about her?

Ans: Anna was a lady I met at a convalescent center in Michigan, when she was 86, while visiting my brother’s invalid wife. I saw Anna every year after that when I visited. I came to know her as a talented musician, a woman of determination and perseverance. I learned of her life from a small memoir she wrote for her children, describing an impoverished and battered childhood. Through her faith, she overcame the numerous obstacles in her life. Her story is compelling and inspirational. 

Q-2 There are so many children’s books on the market. What makes your story, “The Adventures of Faraday Fox,” different? 

Ans: You will note that the subtitle is. “A Story for Young Readers”. My story does not talk down to them. The language is straightforward, assuming that the youngsters will be inspired by Faraday’s friendly demeanor and acceptance of all people and creatures he meets along his journey. 

Q-3 Why do you write?

Ams: I write for the pure joy of it. It can be a very uplifting endeavor to realize you are creating characters and determining their lives, their fortunes, misfortunes, and the outcomes of their situations. I am often asked whether I know what my characters might do or say. My response is that I usually see how a story begins and ends, but don’t always know how I will make it all happen. I try to get inside each character and imagine what each would do in certain circumstances. That approach determines the outcome most of the time. 

Q-4 What makes your story “Killers Can’t Hide” different from other crime novels?

Ans: Well, for one thing, I believe my characters are unique. Murders mysteries usually cover the gamut of love, sex, jealousy, and/or money. I suppose, in that regard, Killers Can’t Hide covers all the bases. But Killers hosts a variety of characters, a beauty queen, cowboys and cowgirls, a corrupt sheriff, a dim-witted deputy, and a wealthy suspect who will spend any amount of money, travel anywhere he must, and face any foe without fear. A little hint of sex adds to the intrigue. 

Q-5 How would you describe the stories in your book, Corners of My Mind?

Ans: Something for everyone and a whole bunch of excellent reading for most. The volume contains 31 stories of varied lengths. It starts with “Crimson Shoes”, a tale of a good-natured Duffus who inherits his father’s shoe emporium only to be seduced by Ruby Rhinestone, from the other side of the tracks. 

The stories range from a soldier lost in the frozen mountains of North Korea during the Korean Conflict in “In From the Cold”, a middle-aged widower who falls for a seductive dancer n “Pole Dancer”, A dog who talks to his master and vows him to secrecy in “Julius the Talking Dog”, and the straying husband who is counted twice in the census in “The Census Taker Cometh to the young Georgia girl who discovers herself and breaks away from an abusive boyfriend in the story “Discovering May:.

There is something for every reader to enjoy in Corners of My Mind. 

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Meet Author Travis Short:

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Travis Short is the writer and author of several books, including Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage, Killers Can’t Hide, and The Adventures of Faraday Fox.  Among other books, he has also published the illustrated epic poem, Old White Men, a story of the sacrifices by America’s warriors since 1775. His favorite pastime is writing short stories, many of which are contained in this book.

​Retired as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, he pursued a career in shipbuilding and manufacturing. He has extensive experience in technical writing and business consulting. He is a graduate from the U. S. Navy Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, with a degree in Engineering Sciences. He is the father of four daughters and three sons, and currently resides in Moss Point, Mississippi, with his constant companion, A Lhasa Apso named Choi.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ X ~ goodreads
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Travis Short Multi-Book Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Goalie And The Girl Next Door By Elsie Woods ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: September 12, 2025 in Contemporary Romance, Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: , ,
11

 

Goalie and the Girl Next Door

by Elsie Woods

 

(Love in Maple Falls)
Publication date: September 10th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

My life was perfect except for the occasional goat emergency. Then a charming French goalie with dimples turned my life upside down. Rude.

Marcy
I came to Maple Falls to rebuild my life with nothing but four pencil skirts and a broken heart, courtesy of my hockey-playing ex. I like numbers because they don’t lie, and I like my quiet ranch life because it’s predictable.

Enter Clément Rivière—the devastatingly charming French goalie who shows up shirtless to help with barn work, whispers sweet French nothings to our goat, and looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world. But I’m not the only one falling for his act—half the town’s women are already under his spell, and I refuse to be just another conquest.

Clément
I traded Paris for small-town Washington to chase my big league dreams and restore a historic house that’s trying to kill me daily. What I didn’t expect was the town’s brilliant, beautiful accountant who treats me like I’m a tax audit waiting to happen.

Marcy Fontaine sees right through my act and makes me want things I never knew were missing. But she’s been burned by a hockey player before, and I’m running out of time to prove I’m different. There’s a ticking time bomb inside me, and my career is on the line.

If I can’t stay, we’ll both have to decide if love is worth the risk—or if some dreams are too good to be true.

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Goalie and the Girl Next Door is a grumpy-sunshine, wounded hero, fish-out-of-water hockey romcom in the Love in Maple Falls series. Add some goat whispering, sunrise kisses, and a guaranteed happily ever after sweeter than maple cupcakes and you have this sweet romance with all the heart and no spice.

Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.

Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen
Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keeffe
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Skating and Fake Dating by Ellie Hall
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

I’m about to lay into my workplace nemesis who has insulted my attention to detail when a voice fills the meeting room. The voice is loud, joyful, and deeply French.

“Bonjour, bureaucratic friends!”

Phillip nearly jumps out of his loafers and my hand jerks reflexively, and the documents I’m holding scatter like leaves in a windstorm.

A tall man with sun-kissed skin, messy curls, and a hockey duffel slung over one shoulder strides in. He’s grinning like the world’s been personally generous to him this morning, and I’m too stunned to do anything but stare.

“I’m looking for Mayor Thompkins,” he says. “It’s about a building permit.”

He moves smooth, confident, annoyingly magnetic. His jeans cling in a way that is definitely not accidental, and the forest green Henley shirt he’s wearing looks like it was made for slow, appreciative glances. Not that I’m giving him one.

There’s an ease to him, that particular breed of European polish that turns heads even when it shouldn’t.

My better judgment crosses its arms, but my pulse, traitorous thing, doesn’t listen.

When I get over my momentary freeze-up, I drop to my knees, scrambling to recover the paperwork. The Frenchman crouches to help me, entirely unbothered.

“Wow,” he says, flashing a smile as he picks up a page. “Do all town meetings start with this much paper throwing? Because I’m in.”

I don’t know who this guy thinks he is, but he’s holding the town’s most sensitive finances in one very large, very tanned hand.

I snatch the paper from him and say the first thing that comes to mind.

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

He winks, and I’d like to smack that smug grin right off his perfectly chiseled face. “I get that a lot.”

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About Author Elsie Woods:

Elsie Woods is an author of giggly romantic comedy with a big dose of furry friends. While born in Canada, she abandoned cold winters for southern France with her golden retriever and unicycling French hubby. When not writing, she can be found sipping tiny coffees by the Mediterranean, hiking with her hubby and dog, or munching on the most delicious cheese in the world.

Don’t forget to try her free novella available on Amazon: Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa!

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook

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Goalie and the Girl Next Door Blitz

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Wonder And Joy For The Wired And Tired By Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer ~ Interview And Giveaway

Posted: September 11, 2025 in giveaways, Interview
Tags: ,
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Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired:
A Guide to Finding Inspiration and Well-Being in a Wonder-Filled World
by Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer
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Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 218 pages
Genre: self-help
Publisher:  Bear Paw Press
Release date:   August 2025
Content Rating:  G: This book has no cursing, kissing, etc.    
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Book Description:

Feeling wired, tired, and stretched too thin? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

In Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired, Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer, a respected researcher, epidemiologist, clinician, and thought leader on joy, wonder, and well-being, offers a compassionate and eye-opening look at why so many people feel chronically stressed, fatigued, and disconnected. She also reveals why the traditional wellness model, first conceived decades ago, is no longer serving us.

Part science-backed reflection, part celebration of the world’s awe-inspiring details, this book blends thought-provoking commentary with bite-sized facts and trivia designed to reignite our sense of childlike wonder. From the mysteries of the cosmos to the miracles of the human body and so much in between, each chapter encourages readers to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with curiosity, and with what truly matters.

This isn’t a how-to guide or conventional self-help manual. Instead, it’s a gentle, joyful invitation to look up, look around, and rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through powerful insights and warm encouragement, Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired helps readers step off the “happiness = wellness” hamster wheel, take a big step back, and breathe deeply. It creates space to experience the tears, the chills, and the thrills of a world filled with wonder.
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Perfect for anyone seeking a mental reset or a moment of inspiration, Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired is both a balm for the soul and a spark for the spirit.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Bookshop.org ~ B&N ~ BAM
add to Goodreads
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INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DR. PAM STEPHENS LEHENBAUER
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You’ve had a remarkable career spanning clinical practice, administration, education, and research. What initially drew you to the field of health and healing?

Even as a young child, I was always fascinated with the natural world and the anatomy/physiology of living things. When other kids were playing with dolls, I was usually in the creek by our house looking for frogs, fish, and insects. My mom has photos of me when I was five- and six-years old caring for injured birds and putting bandages on my friends’ cuts and scrapes. I think the life sciences, clinical practice, and research/education just became natural extensions of that.

As someone who champions a shift from “wellness” to “well-being,” how do you define the difference between the two—and why does it matter?

Out of habit, the terms “wellness” and “well-being” are often used interchangeably. But they are not synonymous. “Wellness” is the process an individual undertakes to achieve well-being. “Well-being” is the cumulative state of an individual’s current physical, emotional, and spiritual health at any given moment.

This distinction is important because despite wellness models’ best efforts to support our holistic health, the traditional wellness model is no longer serving us. It isn’t effectively supporting our well-being. Just take a look at chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease, or mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse, or acts of violence. Well-being offers a more expansive perspective. It encompasses the parameters of the wellness model, but it also considers the social determinants of health, the social, emotional, and spiritual components that impact life satisfaction, and identifies the gaps in the current health model – namely our need to have greater interaction with nature, prioritizing joy over the “quick-fix” of chasing happiness, and our appreciation of wonder, joy, and living a wholehearted life.

Before you wrote Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired, you started a blog: Mother

Nature’s Apprentice. Tell us about that.

As you know, I love nature, and I have always enjoyed writing. So, I first started the blog as simply a fun alternative to academic writing. I never thought anyone would take much interest in what I wrote because my posts were quite eclectic: gardening, nature, quirky science, embarrassing (and often dumb) things I did, etc. But the blog gained traction and gathered a wonderful following of readers who encouraged me to write a book. At first, I didn’t think I had the skill. But the adage, “write what you know,” is true. Once I took the leap and began writing the book, the blog provided additional creative energy and helped to make the journey quite fun.

With over four decades of experience in healthcare and education, what shifts have you seen in how we approach mental health and holistic well-being?

I am very excited to see that discussions surrounding mental health and its challenges have now emerged from the shadows. Individuals are no longer being institutionalized en masse. New therapies and medications are radically improving people’s lives. But we still have a long way to go. We need to get serious about effectively supporting and maintaining the well-being of individuals and communities. Pilates classes, personal trainers, and preventive health care exams are all great ways to stay healthy. But these are probably not the first priorities of a single parent working two or more jobs and struggling to scrape together enough money for food, rent, and shoes for their kids. We need to shift our priorities and our mindsets.

In your view, what are the biggest misconceptions people have about living a “healthy” life today?

Through savvy messaging and smart technologies, the trillion-dollar wellness industry has sold us on the idea that being “healthy” usually means maintaining our youth (instead of healthful aging), possessing physical attractiveness (according to an idealized North American image of “attractiveness”), and how happiness=wellness. If you look at the statistics, these have not improved our nation’s overall health status.

 What daily practices or habits help you stay grounded and connected to a sense of purpose and joy?

Nature and the natural world continue to be important parts of my life. Even when I have crazy busy days, I make time to go outside and connect with life around me in some way– and not just with the obvious parts of nature we’re familiar with – like trees, flowers, birds, etc. But I also try to consider the hidden parts of the world around us as well; how the trees use photosynthesis to make their leaves green, or why we love the smell of the air after a rainstorm (it’s a biochemical process called “petrichor”).

The other two things are my connections with my family and friends, and what I call, “the extraordinary ordinary,” These are the joys and wonders that are all around us but are often taken for granted; holding our baby for the first time, or perhaps the hand of a loved one for the last time. Sunrises and sunsets. The love we see (and feel) when you look into your pet’s eyes. It may sound cliché, but life is short and it is very precious. We need to remember that.

What’s next for you—any upcoming projects, speaking engagements, or writing you’re

especially excited about?

I have a bit of all the above coming up over the next couple of months. Fortunately, my husband has some free time coming up, so I won’t be traveling alone. As for writing, I’m hoping the book launch goes smoothly, and I’ll use the time to re-charge my creative batteries. But I plan to use the fall to outline my next book. Who knows? Maybe I’ll write a cozy murder mystery.

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Meet the Author:

Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer, Ph.D., MBA, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an epidemiologist, nurse practitioner, researcher, educator, and an adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University where she teaches in the faculty of graduate studies and investigates well-being. Pam is a popular international speaker and thought leader on wellness and well-being, how wonder, joy, and interacting with nature impact health and wholehearted living, and why we need to shift the paradigm from wellness to well-being. She is also the creator and author of the popular blog, Mother Nature’s Apprentice, and her first book, Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired: A Guide to Finding Inspiration and Well-Being in a Wonder-Filled World will be published by Bear Paw Press in September 2025.

Pam has over forty years of combined experience in clinical practice, health administration, and teaching. She has served on the editorial and administrative boards for several provincial, state, and national nursing organizations and is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, Sigma Theta Tau International, and is a clinician member of the Planetary Health Alliance.

In addition to her extensive professional and academic work, Pam is also an avid gardener, a Certified Home Horticulturalist, and a conservationist who has created award winning gardens and sustainable wildlife habitats.

Pam lives on a small acreage in beautiful Northern Kentucky with her husband, Marty. They are the parents of several adult humans and countless non-humans who walk, fly, flutter, swim, crawl, and burrow. She loves to read, write, play piano, and explore the world’s beauty and wonders with her husband, family, and friends.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Wonder and Joy for the Wired and Tired Book Tour Giveaway

 

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