Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Imaginary Heroes By Michael Seidelman ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: April 14, 2025 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, Guest Post, middle grade
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His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

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Imaginary Heroes

by Michael Seidelman

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

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His friends
may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his
Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds.
Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the
company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a
tough-as-nails little girl.

On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless
tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it
seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his
biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not
alone.

Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies
must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes
clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety
before they are all consumed by the darkness.

Although
fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with
bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging
story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective
of someone who has lived them firsthand.

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Can you tell us what your book is about?

Imaginary Heroes follows twelve-year-old Matthew, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome and relentless bullies. He finds comfort in his imaginary friends—a tough girl named Nabie and a lovable green monster named Garby. But when Matthew and his tormentors become trapped in a mysterious underground lair, they must work together to escape before the darkness consumes them all.

 

What inspired you to write this story?

I wanted to dedicate my next book to my nephew, who’s an avid reader, so I decided to write something for his age group. I was working on the final book in my young adult Garden of Syn trilogy when I heard a radio segment about the host’s imaginary friends—and that sparked something in me. I began thinking about my own imaginary friends from childhood and the challenges I faced, like bullying and Tourette Syndrome. From there, the story came together naturally.

 

Are any parts of the story based on your real-life experiences?

Very much so. While the book is fictional with elements of fantasy and adventure, Matthew—the protagonist—is similar to me when I was his age. Like me, he has Tourette Syndrome and is bullied at school. Because of his isolation, he still talks to the same imaginary friends I once had: Nabie & Garby. Although I left my imaginary friends behind in kindergarten, I brought them back for this story. The bullies, especially Declan, are inspired by the real ones I encountered growing up.

 

What was your favorite scene to write?

While the fantastical parts were a lot of fun, my favorite scene to write was when Matthew finally snaps and tells his main bully, Declan, how the constant bullying has impacted his life. It’s everything I wish I could have said to my bullies but never did. Writing that moment was incredibly cathartic.

 

Did any other books or authors influence your writing?

Absolutely. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Their creativity and heart have definitely influenced my own writing style. I also drew inspiration from a few other authors I’ve read over the years who know how to mix humor, suspense and imagination.

 

Are there any hidden details or easter eggs in the book that readers should look for?

So many! While most might go unnoticed, I’ve included the names of businesses my great-grandparents owned, a former teacher’s name, and references to historic Vancouver companies—even though the story is set in Washington State. It’s a little way for me to honor my roots.

 

What was the most challenging part of writing the book?

Writing kids wasn’t too difficult—I was one, after all! But writing kids in a different era than the one I grew up in was definitely a challenge. I had to do quite a bit of research to make sure it felt authentic. My nephew and my sister, who’s a teacher, were incredibly helpful in that process.

 

Do you plot out your stories in advance or make them up as you go?

I’m definitely a “Plotter.” While some authors are “Pantsers” who write by the seat of their pants, I outline everything in advance. I map out the details for each chapter before I even start writing. Sure, some things change along the way, but the major plot points are always planned out from the beginning.

 

What do you hope kids take away from your book?

First and foremost, I hope they have fun reading it. Above all, I aim to entertain. But I also hope the story encourages empathy—that kids will come away understanding that people who are different from them deserve kindness and compassion just like anyone else.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to thank everyone for checking out my books—whether it’s Imaginary Heroes or The Garden of Syn trilogy. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts or ask me anything, feel free to reach out on social media or through my website. I’d love to hear from you!

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When Michael
Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying
nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.

 Working in
Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his
passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.

 His latest
Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction,
the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying,
loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story
while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has
experienced them firsthand.

 Michael was
born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.

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Shadowed Skies By Haley Cavanagh ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: April 14, 2025 in Dystopian, giveaways, Guest Post, YA Fantasy
Tags: , , , ,
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His mountain solitude shattered.

Her lab prison escaped.

Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.

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Shadowed Skies

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance

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Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior
hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the
only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his
kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is
shattered.

Delene

She’s a fugitive
with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from
her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a
bond neither can deny.

In a landscape
scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing
feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their
power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny
entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance
a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.

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I wake to a muscular, silent figure looming over me, his wings
casting unnerving shadows. Intelligent dark eyes scrutinize
me from his smooth, brown face framed by cropped black hair
and raven quills. He’s been around the block.
My guard shoots up. I’d stand, but my body’s too weak from
the climb. “Your nest, huh? Sorry, I didn’t see your name on it.”
“It’s carved right over there.” He points past me to the
rockface. My eyes travel over the stone, where he’d etched River
in craggy letters. The carved name is so tiny I didn’t notice.
“Now you’re supposed to tell me your name. That’s how this
goes.”
I blink. “Delene Fairborne. Listen, would you mind if I––
ow,” I scrape against the wall and suck air through my teeth. I
clamp my eyes shut.
“Are you okay?”
I shrug the blanket off, and my injured wing flops lamely
near my shoulder. River’s eyebrows lower, and he comes closer.
“Let me look.”
He stows his serrated hunting knife, presents empty hands,
and crouches to examine my injury. “Relax. I won’t hurt you.
Let’s see the damage.” He’s gentle, avoiding the wound and
handling my feathers softly. He lightly touches the bandage.
“Dr. Lytle runs the Stockade, the underground bunker and
lab where the humans imprison and experiment on our kind.
His men hunted me down and shot me with a crossbow as I tried
to escape. The wound is still healing––I changed the bandage
earlier, but without a spare set of clothes, I had to tear strips off
my pants to re-dress it.”

“Hmm.” He examines the back with a frown. “There’s an
exit wound.”
“Yeah, I pulled it out.”
“Well, that was stupid of you. You could have died if those
goons pierced a blood feather.”
My temper flares. “Oh, as opposed to leaving it in. I’d rather
take my chances, thanks.” My voice is hostile, though I’m
grateful for his help. I still don’t know who he is or what he
wants, and my mother warned me to be on my guard.
River sits back on his haunches, sighs, and meets my eyes.
“Doesn’t look good. How long have you been here, kid? A day
or so?”
“I’m no kid. I’m seventeen.”
“Well, I’m eighteen. So, you’re a kid.”
“By what, a few whole months?” I snicker. “Okay. If a kid
free-climbed in the pitch-black up a hundred-foot cliff to get
here, I guess I’m a kid.”
After examining the wound, he says, “The damage looks
fixable. Let’s clean this well to prevent infection.”
“I’ve cleaned the wound.”
“Clean deeper,” he admonishes. “I don’t have antibiotics, but
I’ll try to get some. Or at least honey. Honey heals.”
He hesitates before retrieving water, then takes a rag from
his pouch and soaks the cloth. With the knife still in hand, he
comes closer.
“Look … You seem all right, but I’m a lone wolf. I operate
solo. You have a target with a big ‘X’ on your back. I feel bad for
you. I do. But you know how it is with our kind.” He gives me
a blatant look, so here’s your cue to leave.
“Gee, I’d kindly vacate the premises, but I can’t fly.”
He rubs the back of his neck, agitated. “The valley’s full of
drones. And they’ve got at least a dozen soldiers combing the
forest.”

“I’m sorry.” I shift my eyes down. “You never asked for any
of this.”
“None of us did,” he waves me off. “The soldiers are here.
I’m screwed either way.” He pauses and assesses me. “Stay the
night. Then after that, I’m sorry, but you need to find somewhere
else to hide.”
The night might be all I need. “Thank you.”

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Behind the Scenes: The Inspiration for Shadowed Skies

Every story has an origin, and Shadowed Skies was no exception. This novel was born out of a mix of inspiration, personal experience, and a love for dystopian adventure with a touch of the fantastical. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to explore how this story came to life—from its first spark of an idea to the fully realized world of the Evol-humans.

  • The Spark of an Idea

The first whispers of Shadowed Skies emerged during NaNoWriMo 2019. At the time, life was a whirlwind of responsibilities, and most of my writing sessions took place in the carpool lane while waiting for my kids. It was during those stolen moments that River and Delene’s world began to take shape. I wanted to write a story that blended high-stakes survival with the emotional depth of identity, freedom, and resistance.

  • Wings, Science, and the Ethics of Experimentation

I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of science and ethics, particularly the unintended consequences of genetic experimentation. What if human beings were engineered for a purpose—only to be discarded when that purpose no longer suited their creators? This question became the foundation of Shadowed Skies and the plight of the Evol-humans. Designed as super-soldiers with avian DNA, they were meant to be resilient, capable of thriving in extreme environments. But as history often repeats, humanity fears what it does not understand. The same people who created the Evol-humans turned on them, leading to their persecution, imprisonment, and fight for survival.

  • A World Shaped by Dystopian Influences

I’ve always been drawn to dystopian fiction, from classics like 1984 and Brave New World to modern YA series like The Hunger Games and The Darkest Minds. These stories highlight resilience in the face of oppression, a theme that resonated deeply with me. However, I wanted to add a unique twist—rather than a purely tech-driven future, Shadowed Skies introduces an evolutionary shift, where biology itself becomes both a weapon and a weakness.

  • Survival in the Wild

Much of Shadowed Skies is set in rugged, mountainous landscapes, inspired by the breathtaking wilderness of Utah. I wanted to capture the raw beauty and danger of the wild—how nature can be both a sanctuary and a merciless force. River, one of the main characters, has learned to live off the land, a skill that not only defines his character but also plays a crucial role in the survival of those like him.

  • Characters with Heart and Struggle

At its core, this story is about two people who refuse to be caged—literally and figuratively. River, haunted by loss and determined to stay hidden, must confront his past and decide if he will fight for more than just his own survival. Delene, who has suffered unimaginable losses, refuses to let fear break her spirit. Their journey is one of trust, resilience, and ultimately, hope.

  • The Journey from Draft to Publication

Like any novel, Shadowed Skies went through multiple drafts, revisions, and deep dives into worldbuilding. Thanks to an incredible editorial team and supportive readers, the story transformed into what it is today—a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and heart.

  • Final Thoughts

Writing Shadowed Skies was an adventure, one that challenged me in ways I never expected. I hope readers find themselves lost in this world, rooting for River and Delene as they navigate a future shaped by both humanity’s cruelty and its potential for redemption.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes look at Shadowed Skies! I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite dystopian worlds, and what elements make them unforgettable to you?

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Haley Cavanagh is
a military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of Utah
Writers 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in her
Oceanstone Initiative series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical
theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley
resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her
husband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers
and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

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

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Guest Post And Giveaway ~ Tickled To Death By Laura DeLuca

Posted: April 1, 2025 in comedy, Erotic, giveaways, Guest Post, Mystery
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She’s got the whip, he’s got the cuffs—

solving murders has
never been this kinky

… or this complicated.

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Tickled to Death

A Domme Mom Murder Mystery Book 1

by Laura DeLuca

Genre: Murder Mystery, Erotic Comedy

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Crime was yesterday’s kink… until it came crawling back.

Former paralegal Rhonda Campbell left the law behind when
she swapped legal pads for latex. Now, as Mistress Kali, she runs the most
exclusive BDSM dungeon in Atlantic City, where pleasure pays the bills and
fantasy is always in play—until a longtime client is smothered with a French
tickler. Talk about a safe word fail.

Enter newly relocated Detective Jason Dee, fresh off the
gritty streets of Philly and itching for a real case—because so far, New
Jersey’s biggest offense seems to be overpriced cocktails. When he finally
lands a murder investigation, his prime suspect is a whip-smart, leather-clad
domme who’s as infuriating as she is intriguing.

With a killer on the loose and tensions rising, Rhonda and
Jason must combine their expertise in sex and homicide to crack the case—before
another victim is tickled to death.

**New Release!**

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Serving Up Suspects in Tickled to Death—A Murder Mystery with Extra Spice

 

You’ve already been introduced to the whip-smart  doms and cops with a firm grip on justice who’ll be making regular appearances in the Domme Mom Murder Mysteries. Now, it’s time to meet the prime suspects in Tickled to Death—the first in a series of kinky crime capers where the safe word is alibi and everyone’s got something to hide (besides their usual handcuffs and blindfolds).

Before we dive into this whodunit, let’s take a moment to meet our dearly departed—or should we say sensually silenced? Kirk Amenhauser was the executive chef at the Roman Casino, a well-known philanthropist, and three-time reigning Sexiest Man in Atlantic City. A hard-nosed businessman by day, Kirk preferred being tied down in his downtime rather than tying up loose ends. His kinks? Bondage, nipple clamps, and his personal favorite—being tickled until he was gasping for breath. Unfortunately, someone took that a little too literally. No laughing matter.

When it comes to suspects, Detective Dee is convinced the wife is the guilty party—because, well, it’s always the wife, right? Never mind that she happens to be on a first-name basis with the domme who discovered her husband’s bound-and-gagged body. Snooty, condescending, and with an air of someone who corrects your grammar mid-argument, she insists she and Kirk were in an open relationship. But maybe, just maybe, she didn’t find his tickling fetish all that funny—especially when the joke was on her.

Seventeen-year-old Kirk Amenhauser Jr. inherited his father’s taste for variety, but when he thought his dad was cheating on his mom, he wasn’t having any of it. A student at Newman Prep, Kirk Jr. is entitled, athletic, and probably hungrier for power than he lets on. Maybe he was just cooking up a plan to cash in on his inheritance a little sooner than expected. After all, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the family recipe for success?

Kara Amenhauser is sixteen and usually the tag-along to her older brother.  A model student with straight A’s and the quietest voice in the room, she seems like the picture of innocence—but sometimes the sweetest apple has a bitter core. As the mystery unfolds, her shock and confusion could just be a well-seasoned act, hiding a more sinister side. After all, the quiet ones are often the ones cooking up the juiciest secrets.

Lisa Dunn is the hostess of the Emperor’s Casino, a lavish, Roman-themed restaurant Kirk oversaw—where the servers wear togas, but the real action happens off the menu. While officially dating the fiery head chef, Gino, Lisa also moonlighted as Kirk’s personal amuse-bouche—and if the gossip is true, she was part of the all-you-can-eat buffet for a few others as well. Did she serve up revenge because Kirk was helping himself to too many free samples? Rhonda is willing to bet her entire whip collection that this two-timing tart is the main course in this murder mystery.
Gino Mancino is the head chef at the Emperor’s Table, specializing in seafood—and, if you ask the health inspector, extra grease. A walking stereotype of an old-school Italian chef, he sports a wife beater under his chef’s coat, smells perpetually of garlic and bad decisions, and runs his kitchen with all the finesse of a late-night diner after a bar rush. Kirk constantly clashed with him over his slovenly attire and less-than-spotless kitchen, but if Gino found out Kirk was digging into his daily special—aka Lisa—it’d be a recipe for disaster and more than enough reason to turn the boss into the catch of the day.
Blake Freeman is the union rep whose chronic asthma forced him out of the kitchen and into a desk job—because nothing kills the mood in fine dining like a guy wheezing over your filet mignon. Blake was steamed when Kirk blocked his new contract, but that’s not his only beef. The detectives suspect he knew all about Kirk’s off-the-menu specials and, given how jumpy he is, this balding bundle of nerves might have a few kinks of his own—ones he was willing to snuff out the competition to keep under wraps. After all, in both the restaurant business and the dungeon, the wrong exposure can spoil the meat.
Carol Rogers is—well, was—Kirk’s longtime secretary. On the surface, she’s the typical conservative old maid, but don’t let the bun fool you; twenty years ago, she was a spicy redhead and Kirk’s very first side-dish. These days, Kirk’s taste has shifted to fresher entrees, and Carol seems fine with her status as the leftovers. But maybe this simmering vendetta has been cooking for two decades, just waiting for the right moment to spice things up. Mrs. Amenhauser  hasn’t forgotten the indiscretion that nearly destroyed her marriage and hopes Carol will take the fall for her husband’s well-seasoned demise.

Leo Cramer drove the rideshare for a sinister delivery, dropping off a package that wasn’t exactly on the menu.  This shaggy college kid confesses to everything but the murders when the detectives drag him in. From dropping the ball to spilling the beans, Leo seems like a clueless driver—but is he really as dumb as he looks, or is his submissive act just a clever ploy to wiggle out of the mess? After all, sometimes the best getaway drivers are the ones who play innocent.

So there you have it. One of these eight flavorful characters did it in the hallway with the French Tickler—but who’s the guilty party? Was it the spicy seductress, the greasy chef, the union rep with a sneaky kink? To find out, grab a copy of Tickled to Death and be sure to savor the subtle clues sprinkled throughout. After all, a mystery is like a fine dining—it’s only fun if you have a real chance to savor the clues and whip up the right answer. Bon appétit!
**Images generated by Microsoft Copilot AI**

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Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with
her four children and multiple cats. Her works include romantic thrillers,
paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.

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

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Cities Below Series By Jen Colly ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 16, 2025 in giveaways, Guest Post, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
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Secrets, demons, lovers and murder…

Who can you trust?

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In the Dark

The Cities Below Book 1

by Jen Colly

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Fate will
not be denied.

Faith should
be crowned “Queen of the Wrong Place and Wrong Time.” Her impulsive,
solo trip to Paris seems like a genius idea – until she loses her way back to
the hotel. In the rain. At night. When the two men she flags down for
directions shove her into the nearest alley, she fears the worst.

Soren was
irritable. Not surprising as he’d held off feeding as long as possible. The
thought of feeding from someone he knew turned his stomach, and so he ventured
above to become just another body in the chaos of Paris. But when the cries of
a female in distress reach his ears, everything inside him demands he protect
her, and he is unable to hide the true nature of his species.

Soren has no
choice but to keep her and bring her to his underground city. It doesn’t take
him long to realize why he’d been drawn to Paris, to that street, that
alley…Faith. She is the other half of his soul. Admitting the truth to her
could damage the fragile connection they built, but when an old enemy, lurking
in the dark attacks, they are separated. Now, he may never have the chance.

**Get
it 75% off at Smashwords until March 8th!**

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Bound

The Cities Below Book 2

His heart
belongs to one woman, his life to another.

Keir didn’t
exist. Not anymore. The Lady of Galbraith had saved him from death. Forever
indebted to her alone, Keir had become her confidant, her spy, her assassin. He
was her secret weapon against those trying to remove her from power. When Keir
is ambushed by a pack of demons, he used the last of his strength to return
home and warn the Lady of impending danger.

To say she
was stunned when a dying man fell to her feet, was an understatement. For the
first time in her life, Cleo acted on instinct and without hesitation – their
lives now undeniably bound together. Her single act of benevolence left her
reeling, confronted with the knowledge that a stranger had more care and
consideration for her well-being than her own family.

Political
upheaval is sweeping through the city of Galbraith, splitting alliances and
stoking discord. When Cleo is abducted, taken in retaliation from the side
she’s chosen, only Keir can get her back. And he will, even if he must start a
war.

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Beneath the Night

The Cities Below Book 3

Demons are
not the only enemy among them…

Waking from a
seven year healing sleep should have been the biggest shock of Navarre’s night.
It was not. The brave female standing before him was, without a doubt, his
fated mate. That wasn’t the stunner either. She’d been sent here to feed him,
to bring him back and restore his strength, risking her life to save his.
Still, not yet the biggest surprise. What had Navarre reeling was her red hair.
She was decidedly not his kind.

Cat had
responsibilities. Five, to be exact. The children in her care were not hers,
but she would do anything to protect them, and that meant staying in Balinese.
The evidence of her mixed species was something she could not hide. As this
city belonged to Navarre, only he has the authority to allow her to stay. Cat
willingly faces her greatest fear, and with it, her past.

Beneath the
night, a dark plot unfolds, and Navarre finds himself in danger of losing not
only Cat, but his entire city.

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Sheltered

The Cities Below Book 4

When the
enemy is your mind, there is no escape.

Bette feared
the city, and for good reason. Valenna had become corrupt, targeting citizens
with any substantial amount of wealth or power to their name. Her self-imposed
solitary confinement caused her to lose track of time, and her sanity. She
could no longer live this way. Only three solutions existed: allow Valenna to
dictate her fate, die in the sun, or flee to the fabled city of peace. Bette
ran.

Rollin was a
Guardian. His job defined his life, the man he’d become, and his core beliefs.
Everything he did was in service to the city of Balinese and the citizens
within. When a terrified female crashed into his arms, begging for help, he did
not hesitate. Everyone and everything seemed to frighten her, except Rollin. He
took her home, and once safe under his protection, she began to flourish.

Problem was,
in her plea for sanctuary, she claimed a demon chased her toward Balinese, but
none had been found. His affection for her grows rapidly, as does his concern
over her lie. Then, the arrival of a demon forces Rollin to question his
beliefs, his place among the royal family, and the motives of the woman he so
lovingly sheltered.

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The Guardian

The Cities Below Book 5

 

Prepared
to die…fighting to live.

Savard was in
a mood to die, but when a human insists on saving his life, death is no longer
an immediate option. He knew of no species – human, vampire, or demon – that
could see him while in his invisible Spirit form. Unique to this world, this
woman’s singularity was a danger to the entire vampire race.

Waking behind
bars in an underground vampire city was not how Sera envisioned her night drive
ending. She has come to expect nothing from those who pass through her life,
but this man, dying on the side of the road, proves to be different. Savard
fights to free her from tyrannical vampire laws and to hide her unique
abilities. What Sera doesn’t understand, is why he would fight his growing love
for her.

Savard’s
haunted past threatens to tear them apart. Soon, Sera discovers just how far
her guardian is willing to go, and what he’s willing to do, to keep her safe.

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Night Stalker

The Cities Below Book 6

He had
every intention of crossing a line.

In all
honesty, Jake had to give his trip to Paris mixed reviews. Beaten and broken by
seemingly invincible men with eerie red eyes marked the low point, but
abduction by a sexy, knife-wielding vampire? Better than fireworks on the
Fourth of July. She was the best medicine for a wounded man’s body and soul. A
few busted ribs cost him precious time, but he had to keep moving. Call it
vengeance or justice, either way, Jake had a man to kill.

Dulcina had
witnessed the destruction left in the wake of demons for far too many years to
be rattled by a bloody body. She brought him home and catered to his comfort.
Big mistake. The smart-mouth, irritatingly likable man pulled through, and was
determined to leave, but with knowledge of other species in his head, the human
is a problem.

To stop Jake
from escaping, Dulcina promised to help him finish his mission, but the price
was steep, and neither were prepared for what they discovered. Secrets are
uncovered, and as a Night Stalker charged with protecting all species, Dulcina
is forced to make a difficult choice.

**NEW
RELEASE!!**

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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 didn’t set out to be an author. This was not a life dream, a hobby or passion, and certainly not a natural progression from an avid reader. I was not a reader. You couldn’t pay me to read. Mom tried. The BOOK IT! program tried bribing me with the pizza. It wasn’t until I landed a fantastic, but extremely boring job, that I began to read for enjoyment as an adult. I first tried the Terry Brooks series Mom wanted me to read. Then I read about pirates, druids, vampires, and anything romance. Hate to say it, but they were all right…to a point. You can’t just be told to read and that you must find enjoyment in the pages because everyone else does. That’s not reality. But do keep trying until you find the genre that speaks to your soul and sparks your imagination. So one day I find myself at work around 10am and I finished my book. No back up. Looking at a full day of boredom ahead of me, I began to write. Nothing serious, just killing time. I wrote about a pirate. I found a picture on the internet. Long black hair, open white shirt, both nipples pierced. He was the hero. I could see him move and smile, hear his voice, and could even see him fight with a sword in hand. Even so, I couldn’t figure out his story. I didn’t know what made him smile, who he fought with that sword, and why no matter how hard I tried, I could not see him in anything other than dress slacks. He was regal. Important. Out of nowhere it hit me. He wasn’t a pirate. He was a vampire! Everything fell into place instantly. His name, what made him smile, who he would fight, the city in which he ruled his people, and who he would die to protect. Every story in The Cities Below series stemmed from Lord Navarre Casteel. As we know now, his story is book 3 in the series, Beneath the Night. The previous two books I blame on my Hubby. He read the two page scene I wrote about Navarre and point blank asked me what happened before this scene? How did he get here? What caused him to get to this point in his life. In the Dark is the perfect book to drop you into their world as we see a human taken into the vampire city underground and adjusting to their lifestyle. Bound…well, my only explanation for book 2 is I suddenly realized how complex their world was, how many cities were hidden away beneath France, and how much needed to happen during Lord Navarre’s absence to make his return impactful. Bound takes place mainly within a different city and has a vastly different set of problems. So, basically, I became an author because the stories in my head got so complex I needed to write them down before I forgot them.

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Jen Colly is the rare case of an author who rebelled
against reading assignments throughout her school years. Now she prefers
reading books in a series, which has led her to writing her first paranormal
romance series: The Cities Below. She will write about anything that catches
her fancy, though truth be told, her weaknesses are pirates and vampires.

 She lives in Ohio with her supportive husband, two kids,
and four rescued cats.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

High Tea And Misdemeanors ~ A Tea Shop Mystery By Laura Childs

Posted: March 8, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, Guest Post
Tags: ,
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High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery)
by Laura Childs

 


High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
29th in Series
Setting – South Carolina
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 4, 2025)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593815440
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593815441
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D66RG6JG

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When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links:   Website –  Facebook 

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

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 4 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 4 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 5 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

March 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 7 – Wine Cellar Library – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 10 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 11 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

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March 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

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March 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 17 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

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A Family With The Cowboy By Elsa Winckler ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: February 24, 2025 in Contemporary Romance, giveaways, Guest Post
Tags: ,
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When a single dad and his son’s teacher clash, sparks fly and it’s not only because his son is
neglecting his chores to read.

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A Family With the Cowboy

The Westons of Montana Book 1

by Elsa Winckler

Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance

Widowed rancher
Hayden Weston knows what it means to be responsible for his siblings, his
eight-year-old son, and the running of the huge family cattle ranch. Some even
call him a stern and grumpy taskmaster and they’re not exactly wrong. So when
Hayden discovers his son reading a storybook instead of doing chores, he calls
on Luke’s teacher to talk about priorities.

School teacher
Laura Anderson is new to Marietta, Montana, and has never—until now—been
reprimanded for encouraging a child to read. It doesn’t help that
sweet Luke’s father is the handsome cowboy with the amber eyes that she met in
Grey’s Saloon, or that she’s wildly attracted to him.

Sparks keep flying as their paths keep crossing, but Hayden is determined not to give in to
his incomprehensible need to have, hold, and protect Laura from any type of
harm. He’s the one who’ll hurt her if he lets her stray too close. He’s not ready to admit his feelings or commit to sharing his life with her.

Even if love comes tumbling in.

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

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Pen or type writer or computer?

I plan my stories with a pencil but once I start writing, it’s on my computer.

 

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

I’ve always love writing essays while at school but I grew up in a small town where people like authors were from another planet! If it hadn’t been for a competition in a magazine looking for romance stories I don’t think I ever would’ve had the guts to try and send anything to a publisher. Now, of course, I can’t imagine any way of life.

 

A day in the life of the author? 

I get up around seven in the morning, do all the usual chores and try to get in front of my computer by nine except for those days I do online Pilates classes when I only start at ten. I work until lunch time, make sure hubby has something to eat and then I write until about four when it’s time to think about dinner. I try not to write on weekends, but when deadlines are looming, I’ll write on Saturdays. I have also found I need about four weeks a year away from the computer to recharge.

 

Advice they would give new authors? 

Reading books on how to write or attending workshops about writing is all well and good but if you want to be writer, you have to sit down and write. Write your story, not anyone else’s.

 

What are they currently reading? 

I have just finished reading Midnight at the Blackbird Café and loved it. A beautiful story about family, loss, grief, regrets, forgiveness and second chances.

I have a stack of TNR and next is Still life by Louise Penny – a murder mystery.

 

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first? 

I find inspiration in different kind of things. Sometimes an article I’ve read, something I’ve heard or something that has happened to me. Creating the characters is usually the first step for me. What do they look like? (I have a Pinterest board for inspiration) and then comes the interesting part – who are they, where do they come from, what are their quirks and flaws and what do they want, why can’t they get it?

I usually send the publisher a proposal outlining the story and that is what I use. I don’t plan chapters, though. I have find as I write, I get to know the characters better and they usually tell me what they want to do next.

 

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Don’t try and mimic someone else’s writing. Write your own story. You’re going to be someone’s favorite author!

 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Readers of romance novels have very definite expectations of any romance the pick up (as a study by Janice Radway has shown) and you as a writer has to deliver what they are looking for – a handsome hero, gorgeous heroine and a happy ending but it is also the duty of the author to find different and exciting ways to do that – for me, this is the fun part.

 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Writing, like most things in life, is a process. It takes as long as it takes. Some stories bleed from your fingers on to the page, others is like giving birth – a long, and painful process. It doesn’t help to try and force it, though, you’ll only frustrate yourself. Trust the process, is one of my favorite mantras.

 

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

The way men and women think, is different so writing from a man’s perspective can be challenging but I learn a lot from my husband, two sons and three grandsons! Men don’t think so much about the things that keep us women awake at night ☺

 

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the story. I try to write two thousand words a day and I love those weeks I have nothing else going on and can just write. I have written a story in three weeks, but it usually takes me anything from four to six weeks.

 

Do you believe in writer’s block?

It hasn’t happened to me, yet. I do sometimes get stuck, but that is usually when something is wrong – there isn’t enough conflict or reason for a conflict, or I sometimes I need to change a name!

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I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and
when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry
James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my Honours studies, I was hooked for
life. I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and after 47 years, 3
interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, he still
makes me weak in the knees. We are fortunate to live in the picturesque little
seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a
beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always
been an easy ride, it has always been an exciting and interesting one! I like
the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong.
And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity.
They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family
background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who
they are when we meet them in the story.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram
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Amazon * Goodreads

 

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$10 Amazon giftcard.

ebook of My Montana Valentine by Elsa Winckler

-1 winner each!

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Guest Post And Giveaway ~ Barracuda Bay By Carmen Amato

Posted: February 22, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Guest Post, Mytery/Thriller
Tags: , , ,
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She’s the first female police detective in Acapulco.

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Barracuda Bay

Detective Emilia Cruz Book 9

by Carmen Amato

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Female Detective

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Political corruption turns Acapulco’s first female police detective into a fugitive on
the run . . . in Washington DC.

“A thrilling series” — National Public Radio
In a derelict building for sale, Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz stumbles
on the body of a woman brutally shot to death. Incredibly, the victim was the
sister of Acapulco’s ambitious mayor, who is running for re-election against an
opponent with deep pockets.
Emilia’s investigation is immediately under pressure for a fast result. The
victim’s ex-boyfriend has a suspiciously weak alibi but is the crime scene the
key to finding the murderer? The building was once used for a secret Mexican
government operation targeting a ruthless drug lord.
Meanwhile, there’s a conspiracy within the police department to force Emilia
out.
Before Emilia can save her job or arrest her prime suspect, she’s sent on an
errand of mercy to Washington, DC.
There she becomes a fugitive hunted by killers masquerading as cops. Alone,
desperate and on the run, Emilia turns for help to a man she once vowed to
murder.
He’s her only chance to survive a deadly game of political intrigue on the
wrong side of the border.
From Acapulco’s beaches to the streets of Washington, DC, the stakes couldn’t
be higher in this electrifying, page-turning thriller.

 

2019 and 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series – CrimeMasters of
America

 

 

“Emilia is a character who is close to my heart” –
MysterySequels

 

 

“Amato brings her characters to life with her vivid writing style
and sets them on the streets of a Mexico steeped in Catholicism and
corruption” – OnlineBookClub.org

 

With unflinching authenticity from the author’s own espionage and counterdrug
experience in Mexico and Central America, this is a female detective mystery
series like no other.
The Emilia Cruz series is for fans of international mystery and crime by Ian
Rankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Donna Leon and Liza Marklund, plus the
Department Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Fans of Don Winslow’s cartel and
border thrillers set in Mexico love the plots torn from the headlines of the
Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Casa de Plata looked just the same except for the yellow crime scene tape proclaiming PROHIBIDO EL PASO zigzagging across the massive front entrance. Emilia peeled it back on one side and unlocked the door.

The huge echoing foyer was the same as well. Emilia didn’t bother to turn on the chandelier. She wasn’t there to gaze upward.

The crime scene techs had come and gone but she combed the entire building, checking for door locks that looked to have been jimmied open and finding nothing. She even studied the balconies from all angles and concluded that the only way someone could have accessed a balcony from the outside would be to swing Tarzan-style over the razor-topped perimeter wall.

Each of the two ground floor apartments had a French door that opened to a patio running the full width of the rear of the building. In Casa de Plata’s heyday, the doors would have allowed for a beautiful view of gracious living. Now all that remained were paving stones choked with weeds, shards of half a dozen terracotta planters, and an abandoned wrought iron table slowly turning into a heap of rust.

She went back inside and unlocked the door to the apartment where Monica had been killed. She stood in the silent dining room. The crime scene techs had taken the armchair away, presumably for forensic study, but Emilia was more interested in the faint streaks it left on the terrazzo floor.

“You were sitting here,” Emilia muttered as she squatted by the chair. Dust motes swirled gently in the air, illuminated by sunlight filtered through the grimy windows. “Eating all sorts of different tapas. There must have been lots of small plates or takeout boxes.”

Certainly Monica had not been there by herself. No, someone else sat across from the woman, sharing an impromptu but elegant picnic complete with linens and champagne.

Until something spooked her. Monica pushed herself away from the table hard enough to leave skid marks on the floor. Raised her hands to ward off danger. The killer had faced her, with the table between them. Two shots, one through each hand.

She straightened up, looking at the clean tabletop and mute row of chairs on the other side. A tablecloth would have prevented fingerprints and made cleanup easy. No extra bullets that missed the target and hit the wall or chair. No wasted energy. The nerve to shoot a defenseless woman while staring straight at her.

“Her date was either lucky or a pro,” Emilia said, thinking aloud. “He shoots her. Takes her purse and cell phone, then gathers up the tablecloth with all the leftovers and walks out.”

Either way, the killer was someone Monica knew and trusted. Was comfortable eating and drinking with them.

But why here? Why Casa de Plata? Was there a federale angle to this? Lieutenant Campos rose up in her mind’s eye. He was slick and trendy. Not at all the somber federale officer of public imagination.

Help me. 

An invisible hand touched Emilia’s cheek. She flinched so hard that her feet went out from under her.

Her hip hit the floor first, then her right shoulder. Emilia twisted to keep her head from cracking like an egg against the terrazzo. She was instantly dazzled by sparks of pain shooting from thigh to neck.

Her phone rang. Breathing hard, Emilia managed to roll onto her stomach and extract it from the back pocket of her jeans.

“Where the hell are you?” Silvio thundered. He didn’t wait for an answer. “Never mind. Meet me downtown. We found Monica Montoya’s car.”

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**Don’t miss the rest of the Detective Emilia Cruz Series!**

Find out more on the Author’s Website!

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  1. Your Ticket to Acapulco

Ask someone to name a vacation spot in Mexico and chances are good that they’ll say Acapulco.

Name recognition is one of the reasons I set the Detective Emilia Cruz series in Acapulco. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Viewed from the famous Las Brisas neighborhood, the city is a picture postcard with its sweeping bay, gorgeous sandy beaches, white skyscrapers and sparkling nightlife.

Not only is Acapulco a spring break destination, but it used to be a playground for Hollywood stars. John Wayne and Johnny Weissmuller owned the Hotel Los Flamingos, which they ran as a private club for friends. Rita Hayworth celebrated her 28th birthday on Errol Flynn‘s yacht, while Elizabeth Taylor married producer Mike Todd there. Elvis starred in Fun in Acapulco in 1963.

But Acapulco has fallen on hard times. Thanks to the drug trade, the city is a prize fought over by rival drug cartels. Chinese precursor chemicals used to make meth and fentanyl come through its ports. Drugs of all types pass through on the way to the United States.

This duality—Hollywood glam vs dangerous drug waypoint–makes Acapulco a unique setting for a mystery series. Trying her best to be an honest cop in a tough situation, Detective Emilia Cruz is caught in the middle. How does she balance investigating gruesome homicides, then having cocktails in a hi-rise?

Resilience is a theme through all the books in the Detective Emilia Cruz series. Especially in  BARRACUDA BAY, Emilia’s resilience will be tested like never before. On the eve of city elections in Acapulco, a violent murder leads her to Washington DC where she is stalked by killers determined to make sure she never makes it home alive.

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A 30-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency,
Carmen Amato writes the contemporary Detective Emilia Cruz series pitting the
first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico’s cartels, corruption,
and social inequality. Beginning with Cliff Diver, it’s a 2-time winner
of the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and a 4-time
finalist for the Silver Falchion award, lauded by Kirkus Reviews as “Danger and
betrayal never more than a few pages away.”

 Carmen Amato is also the 2023 winner of the Silver
Falchion Award for Best Historical for Murder at the Galliano Club,
inspired by her grandfather’s experiences as a deputy sheriff during
Prohibition. Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico
City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.

 Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence
Award and the Career Intelligence Medal. She has been a judge for the BookLife
Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award. Her work has appeared in Huffpost,
Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications.

 Originally from upstate New York, after years of
globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee.

  

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Enter to win a Swag
Pack with a signed copy of the book, a mini poster with a Frida Kahlo quote, a
seasoning mix to make the recipe in the book and a Detective Emilia Cruz book
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FalconSaga By Robert Winter ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: February 11, 2025 in Excerpt, Fantasy, giveaways, Guest Post
Tags: ,
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An elf afraid of opening his heart, and a human who is heir
to an awesome power:

Only by embracing their shared destiny can they save
Iceland…and each other.

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FalconSaga

by Robert Winter

Genre: Epic Fantasy

In modern-day Iceland, a place of glaciers, volcanoes, and
legends, the Norns have foretold a sorcerous invasion that could destroy
everything.
Magnús, an elf of the huldufólk, is driven by the murder of his human lover a
century ago to save those humans he can, and to figure out what is behind
recent troll attacks on tourists. But the Norns have spoken. He must protect
Altair, a young human from Boston, who is bringing a dangerous magical force to
Iceland. If Magnús fails to keep Altair safe, the country will fall to a
sorcerer called the Black Priest. Yet if Altair lives, Magnús will meet his
doom.
For his part, Altair is a graduate student bullied to visit Iceland by mentors
who seem to have their own agenda. He knows nothing of elves, sorcerers or
prophecies. Suddenly, the handsome, mysterious Magnús is guiding Altair around
Reykjavik and into danger. A witch, a berserker, and more elves are along for
the quest across Iceland’s forbidding landscape. And why does everyone keeps
calling Altair “the Falcon”?
An elf and a human with a shared destiny. Will they solve the mystery linking
their fates before it is too late for all Iceland?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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“Ah, the traitor pays a visit,” a voice sneered from behind Magnús, drawing him to an abrupt stop. “Killed any more of our native creatures? Are you here to find victims to persecute in your humans-first campaign?”

Magnús’s jaw tightened as he turned to face the speaker.  “Lars Berkisson. You must be desperate if you’re grubbing for supporters here.”

Lars gave Magnús a tight smile, his steel-gray eyes narrowing. “I came to offer comfort to Vörður, and to tend to his affairs while he rots in the cell where you put him. Tell me, Magnús. How many more of your own people will you try to destroy in your self-hatred?”

“Vörður put himself in that cell when he stole a human baby and tried to pass himself off as the infant. He ignored the edict laid down by Queen Hildur, risked violating the First Covenant, and in any event, the act was despicable. Changelings have been forbidden for decades.”

Lars laughed. “Of course, you and Bryndís are too modern to gather servants in the old ways. But we who honor the ancient customs have long known that if we must tolerate non-magical humans on our shores, then they are best taken as babes. Those raised from infancy make for superior attendants and retainers. The queen has been led astray by your misplaced devotion to mortals, but I have confidence she’ll return to tradition.”

Magnús clenched his jaw, determined to keep his temper. “A tradition of bigotry and false piety, pretending the gods want us to use humans as pets or chattel.”

“Well, isn’t that what Sigurjón was to you? A pet?”

The twist to Lars’s upper lip enraged Magnús. Although Lars had been back from his exile for nearly a fifth of a century, Magnús’s every encounter with him brought them close to battle. With a tremendous effort of will, Magnús refrained from pulling the dagger tucked in his belt.

“Sigurjón was as much a child of the gods as you once were, Lars,” he said through gritted teeth. “The path you follow leads to Hel’s sunless lands, though you lie to your followers and promise them Valhöll.”

Lars shook his head in a way that infuriated Magnús. “Álfheimur is the true home of our people. Those who hear my words long only for a return to the days before men invaded our shores. Before they killed our trees, stole our magic, and built their abominable cities.”

“The gods led mortals here to Iceland, Cousin. Your brand of fanaticism sets those who believe you against the will of the Æsir. And I, for one, look forward to a reckoning.”

With that, Magnús strode away. He didn’t trust himself to spend one more minute in the presence of the vile creature who had murdered his beloved Sigurjón.

 

**Get the first two chapters FREE here!

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/p81l053or3

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My Travels in Iceland

 

Falconsaga is based upon the folktales and legends of Iceland. The first time I visited the country was in December 2018. It was a short trip that promised a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, a brief glimpse is all we got that time! Plenty of snow and ice, though, including a glacier hike that awed me. I was in Iceland long enough to notice the country’s love of its own folktales, and to begin research them.

I returned in June 2021 because Iceland was the first country during the pandemic to allow tourism to resume. A volcano on the Reykanses Peninsula had recently erupted, so I was lucky enough to see the still-glowing lava field and to peer down at rivers of molten stone.

 

The contrast of those two visits – ice and fire – hooked me on the country. I delved more deeply into the Icelandic sagas and began reading all the folktales I could get my hands on. From those experiences, the initial idea of Falconsaga arose.

I knew I needed more context for the story I had in mind, though, so I went back to Iceland in 2023 by myself and spent a month driving around the perimeter of the country on what is called the Ring Road. That was an amazing journey, complete with nights of gazing up at the Northern Lights, driving past herds of wild horses, taking a ferry to an island that survived a volcanic eruption in the 1970s, exploring a lava tunnel filled with stalagmites made of ice, and trips to many hot springs and thermal baths. Along the way I amassed local legends, and visited towns and locations reputed to be the home of the huldufólk, or Hidden Folk.

 

These legends and locations all factor into my stories in different ways. But beneath all my prose and feeble attempts to weave ancient folktales into a modern fantasy, lies my desire to capture the magic of this strange landscape.

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Robert Winter is a recovering lawyer who likes writing about
love and adventure much more than drafting a legal brief. Once upon a time, he
went to Georgetown University law school. Upon graduation, he moved to New York
to work in a large law firm, but later returned to Washington, DC. The legal
work was entertaining and Robert spent a lot of time in bankruptcy court,
usually representing either groups of creditor or the debtors themselves. But
legal work didn’t satisfy the urge Robert felt to tell stories.

When he turned 50, Robert left behind the (allegedly)
glamorous world of international law firms and bankruptcy court to pursue his
real passion. Now he lives in Montreal with his husband, studying French
between trips to exotic locations.

When Robert isn’t writing, he loves to cook Indian food. The
aromas of the spice blends excite and challenge him. Although he’s never been
to India, the food seems comforting and home-like. Add a trip to the Golden
Triangle to the bucket list!

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Life And Times Of Sherlock Holmes By Liese Sherwood-Fabre ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: December 15, 2024 in giveaways, Guest Post, Historical
Tags: , , ,
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A must-read for
Sherlockians, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to uncover the hidden
layers of Victorian England.

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The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes

Essays on Victorian England Book V

by Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Genre: Nonfiction History, Literary Criticism

Rediscover Victorian England’s forgotten history and culture.

Volume V of The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes explores the
cultural, scientific, and historical allusions found throughout Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. This collection of essays unpacks
twenty-four topics mentioned in the original mysteries, from everyday details
like hats and plumbing to complex issues such as international spying, the
binomial theorem, and relations with Russia. Through such insights, readers
gain a deeper understanding of the Victorian world in which Holmes operated.

Other essays explore both the familiar and the obscure, touching on subjects
like the KKK’s presence in England, the significance of whaling, and legal
concepts like insanity and blackmail. Unique cultural topics—such as the role
of curry in the British Empire, the rise of bohemianism, and the Victorian
obsession with rejuvenation through animal hormones—reveal the rich complexity
of the era. The collection also features a bonus essay on Sarah Cushing
from The Adventure of the Cardboard Box, offering fresh insight into one
of the most sinister characters in the Canon.

Whether examining automata, wax figures, or the legal definitions of murder and
suicide, The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes provides a
compelling lens through which readers gain a deeper understanding of the
historical and social backdrop of the Holmes mysteries.

A must-read for Sherlockians, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to uncover
the hidden layers of Victorian England.

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Master of the Art of Detection

A Collection of Sherlock Holmes Short Stories

By Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Genre: Mystery

Decipher.
Deduce. Deliver.

Sherlock Holmes, the most cerebral of detectives, finds his deductive powers
put to the test in this intriguing collection of cases. Each adventure presents
a web of secrets, clues, and deceptions. Only his highly honed observational
skills lead him to the truth.

In a locked-room murder, did the victim succumb to “The Curse of Kisin?” And
how had the daughter of Squire Northridge disappeared from her own locked
bedroom? Can Holmes, an ocean away, determine if a missing treasure hunter ran
off with Jean Lafitte’s fabled buried plunder? The disappearance of a beloved
dog is an adventure filled with whimsy and humor, as are the return of Lady
Frances Carfax and the howling dog of Baker Street.

Holmes’ unrivaled deductive powers rise to the test with each case. He shines
as the consummate master of the art of detection and will captivate from
beginning to end.

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Sherlock and Christmas

 

Christmas and its Victorian practices appear on one of the Sherlock Holmes adventures. “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” involves a Christmas goose. Sherlock is presented with a case where a blue carbuncle (a gemstone) is found in a goose’s neck when it is butchered for Christmas dinner. Holmes and Watson go on a merry chase to find who put the stolen stone in the goose.

 

The term carbuncle has referred to several stones over the years. Originally, it was another name for a ruby, but also included garnets—or almandine. Most of these stones vary in shades of red to a reddish brown. A very rare form of garnets is blue and display hues of green in addition to the blue.

 

Eating goose at Christmas was a relatively new tradition for Victorians. The observance of the holiday only returned to England during the 1800s. The Puritans (yes, they had them in England too) suppressed the holiday’s celebration beginning in the 1600s. In the 1800s, the traditions were resurrected thanks to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the Royal Family who introduced German traditions (such as the Christmas tree) with an emphasis on family and good cheer.

 

The spirit of the season also filled Holmes himself. When he finds the thief, he decides to let him go with a promise of remaining on the straight and narrow.

 

Anyone with a birthday in January? Your birth stone is the garnet.

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Liese
Sherwood-Fabre is an award-winning author known for her meticulously researched
works of historical fiction and mystery. With a background in social sciences,
she brings a unique depth to her characters and settings, particularly in her
acclaimed series The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes, which
explores Victorian England through the lens of the famous detective’s world.
Her essays delve into the cultural and historical intricacies of the era,
uncovering hidden details that enhance her stories’ authenticity. Her fiction
weaves real historical events and social insights into suspenseful plots,
creating immersive narratives that captivate fans of both history and mystery.  An avid traveler and lifelong scholar, Dr.
Sherwood-Fabre combines curiosity and expertise to craft stories that transport
readers to fascinating past worlds filled with intrigue and insight.

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

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

What Bear Said by Jack Wiens ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: December 5, 2024 in Children's books, giveaways, Guest Post, reviews
Tags: , , ,
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Book Details:

​  What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff 

by Jack Wiens

Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  98 pages
Genre: Juvenile fiction/picture book/values & virtues
Publisher: Torchflame Books
Release date:  October 15, 2024
Content Rating: G. Specifically for children.

Book Description:

The boy has a lot of questions—hard ones about love, honesty, grief and loss, prejudice, forgiveness, why we are here, and more.

Bear’s wise answers are always offered with compassion and enthusiasm. The friendship between these two is deep, tender, and sometimes fun. Bear’s clear, common-sense philosophy of life is a welcome contrast to the complex world our children face today.

On the beautifully illustrated pages, you will also meet Jay, Raccoon, Badger, Elder Moose, and others who add to the fun and adventure.

Walk with Boy and Bear for a while in the woods and see what you might learn about life, love and other stuff.

​This uplifting book will surely become a treasured collection of simple wisdom, inspiring rich, meaningful conversations between adults and children alike.
Buy the Book:
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MY REVIEW

Bear was such a gentle friend to Boy and shared with him answers to some hard questions. Some of Boy’s worries might not come to mind as adults. What seems minor to us could be huge to a child. Me, I found much of Bear’s advice helpful even as a grownup. My son asked questions I struggled to answer and I would have loved to have Bear as my sounding board.

I enjoyed this book from cover to back flap. It was filled with wisdom and delightful illustrations. I’d recommend you keep it within reach when you and child feel like reading together.

5 STARS

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GUEST POST
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Excerpt from the book: Meaning and Purpose

“Bear, what is this all about? Why are we here? What am I supposed to do? I really just want to play a lot and have fun!

What Bear Said

Well, yes, we ARE here to play. Look at our beautiful playground! AND, we have to eat, and stay warm (pick berries and find a den), and that takes some work. The tricky part is keeping it all balanced.

What is this really all about? It is The Great Mystery. Many ideas have been shared, but no one really knows for sure. Perhaps we are close to the answer when we are feeling the happiest, when we have found our “place in the woods,” have loved ones who love and appreciate us, and when we have found our unique gifts—those things we are good at and have passion for—and are offering them to the world.”

My answer to the question, “What is this life all about?” has gotten simpler over the years.  I used to have a lot of dogma to share from my early days of religious and theological study.  Then I moved into much more psychological explanation for things and then more spiritual, generic language. As Bear’s answer reflects, I have drawn from all those earlier orientations and distilled it down. As corny as it sounds, I really do believe love is the answer to most questions. I am a relational person. How I am with people in my life is the most important thing. Am I kind, loving, honest? Can people count on me? Do they know I care? Do I like myself? I know when I am using my abilities, like illustrating or communicating, or even playing tennis, I am happier and feel fulfilled. When I invite a friend to meet me for breakfast or a cup of coffee, I feel richer, happier. When I stop what I’m doing because a blue jay is pecking on my kitchen window and go out and feed him or her some peanuts, I feel happier.  Anytime I enter the natural world and make conscious contact with it, I feel calmer, peaceful and even more hopeful.

Is there some lofty mission I have in this world? I used to think I did. I literally felt I should somehow save the world. These days I believe if a give a friend a ride to their doctor’s appointment or tell someone I appreciate their good work, I have, in some degree, fulfilled my mission for today as a human being.

I think it is important these days to help children have very real, direct experiences of honest, loving, in-depth communication with others—their peers or adults—that happens in person, not on a screen. They need to be really seen and heard by a real person they see and hear. We all need that! This is the main way they will learn what their strengths and gifts are which they can offer the world.

Finally, I think it is good for kids to hear that adults don’t have it “all figured out.” When Bear says, “It is the Great Mystery,” I hope that can light a little fire of curiosity in a young reader. It is important to continue at all ages to find “wonder” in living, to be amazed at the unknowns and unexplainable parts of our world and Universe. It’s really okay to seek answers and to recognize nobody has them all figured out.

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Meet Author Jack Wiens:

Jack Wiens has illustrated over 40 children’s books and designed many book covers, a family magazine, curriculum materials and greeting cards. He has also exhibited his fine art in galleries and art shows in Colorado, Missouri and Oregon.

Jack earned a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and worked as a counselor for 34 years in private practice as well as in a hospital inpatient addictions program and mental health centers. He led many workshops on communication, relationships and self-care during his career as psychotherapist.

​He lives in Ashland, Oregon, where he enjoys the natural beauty of nearby mountains, lakes and rivers, the creative energy of the community and good friendships. Besides hiking, biking and tennis, a favorite activity is exploring the Oregon coast and whale watching in Depoe Bay.

connect with the author: website 

Enter the Giveaway:

WHAT BEAR SAID ABOUT LIFE LOVE AND OTHER STUFF Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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