Posts Tagged ‘romantic suspense’

 

Jane Won't Quit by Eva Shaw Banner

JANE WON’T QUIT
by Eva Shaw
May 11 – June 19, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
I’ll protect her—even if she hates me for it… until the day she actually needs saving.

Perfect for readers who love:

  • Dark conspiracy mysteries with emotional stakes
  • Romantic tension without overpowering the plot
  • Strong, unconventional heroines
  • Protective, duty-bound heroes
  • Stories where justice matters as much as love

Pastor Jane Angieski has never fit the mold—too outspoken for church politics, too compassionate to look the other way, and too stubborn to quit when lives are on the line.

When a high-profile scandal erupts inside a powerful Las Vegas mega church, Jane is pulled into an investigation far darker than corruption or infidelity. Behind the polished sermons and celebrity pastors lurks a brutal international trafficking ring—one that buys, sells, and returns unwanted children through a diabolical foreign adoption scheme.

Captain Frank Morales has spent his career protecting the city from monsters. He knows exactly how dangerous this case is—and exactly how reckless Jane is being by digging into it. The attraction between them is instant. The trust is nonexistent. And the closer Jane gets to the truth, the harder Frank has to fight to keep her alive… whether she wants protecting or not.

When a lost disabled child is found abandoned on the streets of Sin City, Jane and Frank are forced into an uneasy alliance.

Because this isn’t just one victim. It’s thousands.

To stop the operation, they’ll have to expose powerful men, corrupt ministries, and an international pipeline that treats children like merchandise. And someone is very willing to kill to keep it buried.

In a city built on secrets, faith and justice may not be enough to save them—but walking away isn’t an option.

Tropes include:

  • Law Enforcement x Civilian Investigator
  • Forced Partnership
  • Opposites Attract (Faith vs Procedure)
  • Slow Burn Romantic Suspense
  • “Stay Out of My Case” Dynamic
  • Protector Hero

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JANE WON’T QUIT Trailer:

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Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published by: Varus Publishing Publication Date: March 12, 2026 Number of Pages: 393 pages, Paperback ISBN: 9798249459451, Paperback

Book Links: Amazon | KindleUnlimited | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Varus Publishing

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Enjoy this peek inside Jane Won’t Quit:

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Chapter 1

Place the blame where it should go: on chocolate. The good stuff. The variety that melts way too fast as you swirl it over your tongue and let it cuddle the inside of your mouth, knowing the sensation is fleeting, which makes it more delicious. Yeah, that’s the kind I’m talking about.

I opened the front door of my Vegas condo and instantly tried to slam it. Except, the man I faced handed me a golden, foil-wrapped box with the unmistakable Godiva logo. He placed it in the palm of his right hand and extended his arm. Then he stepped back. With elegance and skill, he had baited the hook, and I was snagged. Just like that. I’m fast and grab the box before he could pull away. Or maybe that was his plan all along. If it hadn’t been for the lure of delectable dark chocolate, I would have stayed happily ignorant about sex slaves, black-market babies, cheating preachers, and an assortment of lowlifes that suddenly intruded on my cluttered, frazzled life. If only I’d slammed the door, I would never have been rejected, arrested, and nearly exterminated. Wait, did you just say, “Back the truck up”? Sorry, writing a memoir is new to me, and I just got overly excited to tell you everything. Instead, I’m taking some deep yoga-style breaths and will give you the whole story, nothing but the truth, just like it happened. You see, at the stroke of another scorching Las Vegas summer midnight, I found myself feeling the still sizzling breeze swirling around my sleep shorts and tank top—front door open, air conditioning spewing out into the neighborhood. I stood and sniffed the corners of the box, knowing full well the pleasures that were inside. Why was this guy on my doorstep? It was wrong. It was a moment, much later, I wanted to stop time—like you can while watching Netflix. Instead, I ripped open the box, placed a scrumptious piece of heaven-on-earth into my mouth and eyed up and down what the devil had dumped on my doorstep. Medical studies have proven it’s a bad idea to let a woman with PMS eat a pound of Godiva at one time, or so some new report said. Trust me, however. It’s an even worse idea to try to take chocolate away from a woman, PMS or not. Fortunately, this guy certainly knew women. So he waited. I gobbled three more. In a row. Then handed him back the two-thirds empty box. I’m not greedy, see? Forget whatever you’re thinking. This man was not a hunka, hunka burning love, but seemed to be my pudgy grandfather. Or a doppelgänger dressed collar to cuffs in glitter galore, gold, and some gosh-awful alligator-esque cowboy boots. In blood red. He squinted in the light of the front steps of my townhouse/condo combo, and his chin dragged low. He grumbled, muttered, and withdrew his left hand from behind his back, producing yet another box with the chocolatier’s signature wrapping. I told you he was good. I salivated, snatched it, and stepped out of the way. I’m not addicted to the stuff; I just like it a lot, a whole lot. Okay, that gives you the abbreviated version of why, five minutes later, my disgruntled relative was huddled on the beige sofa in the sterile Las Vegas condo that came with my current job. It does not explain why I was stomping up and down in front of him, but I’ll get to that. You see, I’m usually the one who solves problems; that’s my field, being I’m a minister and all. You heard it right. I might not look like any preacher you’ve ever met, being that I’m rounded in all the right places, and I prefer a flashier wardrobe than you may have seen on church ladies. Like it or not, that’s me, Pastor Jane Angieski. I’m ordained and licensed, overly educated and fully confused a good portion of the time. I’ve been told, by the governing board of my denomination, that I should be more professional. It’s taken a long time and therapy, but I like me as I am. You’re not the first, you know, to wonder how a flashy gal like me got into the ministry business. Most folks do not come straight out and ask because they’re dumbfounded to find out I know the Good News backward, forward, and well done in the middle. My response when they sputter a question or raise both eyebrows to the ceiling? “You see. They have quotas. Recall affirmative action? The denomination needed more females who had curves and padding in their ranks. There were plenty of string bean ones.” Honestly? Hold on to something sturdy: When I returned to college to finish my master’s, I was working part-time in retail at Victoria’s Secret, then at a mortuary where I applied makeup to the dearly departed. I also gave out contraceptives and condoms at a free clinic in Watts, and did some hard time asking, “Do you want fries with that?” Along the way, I made enough to avoid incurring huge debt. Psychology was to be my field. I am outrageously curious about people. We humans are so weird, and I love it. One steamy Los Angeles day, I attended a program on campus because the AC in my apartment was broken. I also knew that with luck there’d be cake and coffee. The program, as I found out, was to recruit grad students into the ministry. It was probably the sugar talking, but I signed on the dotted line and started that summer attending seminary. Graduated with honors, accepted an assistant minister gig straight out of the seminary doors and got kicked out because I volunteered to help the cops in tracking down hoods in the hood where I was the pastor in this ghetto church. The church council didn’t mind that I nabbed the bad guys looking like a lady of the evening who could do it all night. What they didn’t like was that I appeared on the front of the L. A. Times in a hot pink leather miniskirt, strappy sandals that wound up to my knees and a blouse leaving little to the imagination of Great Aunt Tillie, or anyone else. The news story hit the floor running, and little old me was seen and talked about on PBS News Hour, CNN, Fox News, and then YouTube, and then it went viral. As if no one had seen a minister before. Go figure. People magazine beseeched and besought me for an interview, full four pages of me, but better judgment kicked in. I turned it down after a call from a member of my denomination’s district council put the brakes on that one. Besides I don’t always want to stay and play second fiddle in the church hierarchy. I do have some pride and ambition. I’d like to be known someday as an important voice in ministry, not one of those television evangelists with flapping eyelashes and hair like dear old Marge Simpson. No offense, Marge. It’s not a good look for either of us. The metaphorical knuckle-wrapping, to me, was worth it. It resulted in the dealing, drugging, and pimping partners in crime who went off to a helping place in another area of California, clogging an overstuffed prison system even more. Not my problem there. I got a letter of commendation from LA’s mayor and my backside booted to Vegas. I wasn’t exactly demoted, but I was no longer a full pastor. These days, if I should burp without saying, “pardonnez-moi,” the council hears about it. In detail. Hence, the youth minister I’m filling in for left exact instructions on the requirements of my professional demeanor so that I wouldn’t lead any teens down a slope where a flashing sign reads: Beware: She’s Crazy and Dangerous. Back to the man of the midnight hour littering my living room. His grumbling continued. Like waiting out a storm, I sat down next to the huddled mass of manhood whose name isn’t Woe Is Me, but Henry J. Angieski, Ph.D.—my grandfather who just happens to have an alternative personality, one of a classic rocker with the 70s band Slam Dunk. You may have heard of him when he was called Hank A. Yes, that’s Gramps. Although you wouldn’t recognize him. I didn’t. Gramps is a “let’s get coffee” kind, friends with Sir Paul, Bruce, Mick and a lot more you can name, if you like the older stuff. In all of my thirty-five years, I’d never known him to be defeated, never seen him without a sly smile and a plan to take on the world. Quick familial footnote: He and Gram couldn’t have children, and they knew it before they married. Gramps told me like this: “Uncle Sam really needed me and thought a tropical Asian trip might help me understand humanity better.” Translation? It was 1965. He’d dropped out of grad school to find his musical mojo. He was drafted, surprise, surprise, and sent directly to Vietnam where horrible things were happening, like an unpopular and soul-crushing war. Did you wonder how I got into this mix? Gramps said, “I found the son of my heart there, honey. The kid was always hanging around the barracks. He had red hair like your gorgeous gram and the most intense almond-shaped eyes I’d ever seen. He picked up English like it was nothing, and one day when I handed him a guitar, he started to play chords. He was six or seven, but he didn’t know his birthday and had forgotten his father’s name, if he’d ever known it. Mom died in childbirth, and the bio family shunned him. The other guys in my unit adopted him like a mascot. “I was finishing my deployment when I got word that I’d been accepted into the music program at the University of Southern California. Your Uncle Sam thought I deserved to return to California because, with this chunk of shrapnel in my knee, I was pretty useless as a foot soldier, and I told everyone the kid was mine.” That country was in shambles, already invaded by the French, English, and Russians before the US stepped into the mess. So Gramps returned to Gram with a ready-made son whom they adored. Fast forward ten years. Gram died after a painful battle with cancer, and a couple of months later I came into the world. My father somehow neglected to tell Gramps there was a teenager in his life who was about to birth their baby, and it was a surprise all around when she showed up one day with me in a pink blanket. Parenthood didn’t rock the Richter scale of life for this young couple. Gramps, once more, manned up, and he became the saving grace for me. The story goes that the twosome, my bio parents, piled their macrobiotic rice, pine nut smoothies, ceremonial drums, unfiltered carrot juice, and love beads inside a rusting, hand-painted purple VW bus, dotted with yellow daisies, and went in search of their bliss. I believe they were about ten years past the real hippies, but that didn’t seem to deter them. The last I heard, when I was sixteen, was that they were in Sedona, selling therapy rocks to tourists. I was happy for them; I had the best grandfather, the coolest Gramps in my school. However, getting a rock in the mail for one’s birthday stunk. Enough about me. At least for a few minutes—unless it has to do with the reason I wrote this memoir, which is to explain why I ended up a viral sensation on YouTube. Again. Although the in-between stuff scared me silly. Gramps interrupted my gallop down Memory Lane with a grunt that sounded suspiciously like he was swearing, which I knew he didn’t. Or the normal-ish grandfather I previously claimed didn’t swear. “Call me Onesimus,” he growled. “What-a-muss?” “Get a clue, you’re a preacher. You know this stuff. Always spouting it off as you do all that Bible-belting.” Then he grumbled about how his granddaughter could easily become a pompous prig. “I’ve never belted a Bible in my life, I’ll thank you.” And I wondered in a tiny spot in my heart if I should look up the definition of prig before I felt insulted. “Don’t give me that look, girl. I’m immune. Been looking at myself too long for one of your freeze-frame frowns to frazzle me and make me spill my guts.” “Are you talking Old Testament or New?” “Look it up, Pastor.” He never calls me, Pastor. Never before had he even raised his voice to me. “Who are you and what did you do with my grandfather?” I demanded. My now mostly-retired from sex, gals, and rock and roll, and teaching at the university, grandfather lived in the beachy town of Carlsbad, California. “It’s midnight, and my real grandfather is safety tucked in bed right now, not in Vegas, baby.” We stared at each other, then a flickering two-watt bulb flipped on. “Are you talking about Onesimus, as in the slave the Apostle Paul wrote about?” “Bing-a-ding ding, girl. Listen, Janey, I’m having a crisis, one that, well, is personal, as private as it can get for a man.” From the dancing rhinestones embedded on his denim shirt, past the belt buckle the size of Rhode Island, and the boots which had three-inch heels, the man was either auditioning for a low-budget movie or had lost his marbles. My real grandfather was a rock star, wore a lot of black, dragged a guitar everywhere and didn’t dress like a cowboy. He was dependable, had style, sure, and a heart for the next gal and guy. Always. Okay, there were some ladies of a certain age, groupies if I’m honest, who would have had their way with him, but Gramps was incredibly discreet about that stuff. Then again, I never had a conversation about the birds and the bees with him. “Oh, personal and private,” I muttered, regretting my decision to have that second Lean Cuisine Mexican Medley. I did not ever, ever, want to discuss my grandfather’s sexual inadequacies or his performance issues, and the souring sensation in my stomach agreed. Big time. Instead, I blurted, “Men your age are well past that. For Pete’s sake, don’t tell me you’re in Vegas to marry an 18-year-old, half-naked dancer who wears pink feathers that glow in the dark with matching pasties that barely cover her nipples. And that she’s just misunderstood and currently employed at a local strip joint because she’s putting herself through med school.” He just took off a boot. There was no denial. “She’s not some chorus babe, Jane. She has to be at least 18 or 19, however. Guess she could be 16 with a fake ID. I never asked.” *** Excerpt from Jane Won’t Quit by Eva Shaw. Copyright 2026 by Eva Shaw. Reproduced with permission from Eva Shaw. All rights reserved.

 

 

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About Author Eva Shaw:

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Eva Shaw

Mystery writer Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is one of the US’s premier ghostwriters specializing in memoirs. She’s the author of more than 100 award-winning books. Eva has been a university writing instructor with for two decades, mentoring more than 50,000 writers in her remote-learning classes through Education to Go. Novels with her byline include: Jane Won’t Quit (Vaus Publishing, March February 2026), The Beatrix Patterson Mystery Series from Torchflame Books (The Seer, The Finder, The Pursuer and The Conductor). Other novels include Games of the Heart and Doubts of the Heart.

She shares her life with Coco Rose, a rambunctious 7 year old Welsh terrier, loves reading, painting, traveling, spending time with friends and family, playing the banjolele, volunteering with her church, the American Cancer Society and other organizations. She lives in Carlsbad, California.

Catch Up With Eva Shaw:

www.evashaw.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub Instagram – @evashawwriter Facebook – @evashawwriter

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win! Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

What Happens In Vegas… Could Win You A Gift Card
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Eva Shaw. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

. JANE WON’T QUIT by Eva Shaw | Gift Cards Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

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The family he
didn’t know he wanted might be the only thing worth dying for.

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Baby ConSEALed

SEAL & Shelter Book 1

by Leah Miles

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Baby ConSEALed won
the 2024 Georgia Romance Writers’ “Maggie Award”!

Rissa Parker struggles to support herself and her daughter
by working overnights as a home health nurse. After witnessing her employer’s
murder, she has no choice but to grab her two-year-old and run toward the one
person strong enough to protect them, the Navy SEAL who fathered her child
during a one-night stand.

Navy SEAL Bernard “Burn” Cruz is a straight arrow,
approaching work and play in equal parts. He doesn’t regret much in life,
except for one woman he’s never forgotten. Nearly three years after their
initial encounter, she shows up in San Diego at the bar his team likes to
frequent, and he believes Forever might have knocked on his door. Until a child
cries, and all hell breaks loose.

As bullets fly and bodies drop, Rissa must outrun a killer
whose connection to her past threatens to destroy any chance at a future with
the father of her child, and Burn discovers the family he didn’t know he wanted
might be the only thing worth dying for.

Baby ConSEALed, an award-winning contemporary
romantic suspense novel, is fast-paced, steamy and suspenseful. Pick up your
copy today!

  

“A tightly
plotted, fast-paced whirlwind of a ride fraught with secrets, danger, and an
emotional love story that focuses on family—the kind you choose.” —Lena Diaz,
Publishers Weekly best-selling author

 

“With a
to-die-for hero, sizzling tension, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this romance
delivers all the feels in an unforgettable, heart-pounding read!” – Charlee Allden,
Goodreads Review

 

“A fast-paced,
slow-burn romantic suspense where danger, secrets, and second chances collide….
 With
bullets flying and hearts on the line, Leah Miles delivers high stakes and
emotional impact in equal measure.” – Cam Torrens, Goodreads Review

**NEW RELEASE – GET IT NOW!!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Burn slung Scoot’s arm over his shoulder and supported him
around the waist. He jerked his chin at Pan. “Head out.”

Rifle up and ready, Pan led as they exited the demolished
building. Outside, Mack leaned against the remains of a wall, his med kit open
on the ground and his leg wrapped in an inflated splint.

Relief punched Burn in the gut. “You good?”

Mack spoke through clenched teeth. “Negative, Chief. My leg is
shit.”

“Hang tight. We’ll get you out of here,” Burn said.

This shouldn’t have happened. The meet with the informant had
been pure clockwork. An easy five-man mission. Styles on the perimeter, Mack
out front, and Pan on overwatch. He and Scoot had been the only ones inside to
parlay with a man purported to know the American they’d spent the last several
weeks hunting. The slippery bastard was selling truckloads of American weapons
to insurgents.

His team had been tasked with finding the American and erasing
him from the planet. This fuck-up was on Burn. He’d been so certain they’d get
him this time he’d rushed the intel.

“Time to leave, Chief,” Pan blurted, his head still on a swivel.
“We stay here any longer, and the neighbors will get the party invitation.”

Burn dipped his chin in agreement, regretting his decision to
split the eight-man SEAL team. He’d like to have his other three guys here
right now, but they were in the helo, waiting to rendezvous at the evac point. If
the neighbors dropped in before his team vamoosed, they were toast. “Where’s
Styles with our ride?”

“Thirty seconds.”

“I’ve got Scoot. See if Mack needs anything.”

The ancient cargo van screeched to a halt in front of them, and
Styles yelled out the open window. “Need a ride, Chief?”

“Fuck yeah,” Burn snarled, half-lifting Scoot onto the middle
bench seat before helping Pan settle Mack on the back row. Then Burn slid into
the front passenger side while agile, five-foot-nine Pan scrambled over the
back seat to cover their rear.

Styles hit the gas, spinning the tires as they shot down the
narrow street. Burn glanced over his shoulder, and despite their injuries, Scoot
and Mack were weapons ready, eyes peeled for pursuers at the side windows. He
was damn proud of his team.

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  1. What comes first, the plot or the characters?

When I began this journey in earnest, I wrote down the stories in my head without planning or an outline, but it was difficult to maintain a consistent story thread. I learned that for me, the best stories begin with figuring out what my characters want and need. After I do that, the story practically writes itself.

Q: What changes between drafts?

I write in layers, so my initial draft is a little messy and filled with notations. After the first draft is done, I do a very rough outline and make sure the threads are all coming together.

After that, I make 2 or 3 passes, adding details and emotions that I skimmed over in the initial draft. I’m my own worst critic.

Q: Do you use writing software?

I love DabbleWriter. It helps me organize chapters and scenes and lets me easily work on multiple books at once. With the outline and plotting tools, I’m able to keep the series details straight and store photos that remind me of my characters. I also use Grammarly for spellcheck.

  1. Roughly how much time do you spend writing every day? 

I work a full-time job, and in January of this year, my husband and I opened a 6-cabin Airbnb-type business. Since then, my writing time has dropped from 2.5-3.5 hours a day to about an hour on weekdays, though I try to make up for that on weekends. This doesn’t account for the time I invest in the business side of the author business: promotions, interviews, social media, newsletters, and cross-promotions, just to name a few.

  1. What’s the best way to improve your writing?

I set a goal to write one short story a month, in addition to my novel projects, to keep my brain churning with new ideas. And I regularly take classes and workshops, as there is always more to learn, whether it’s craft or the business side of being an author.

  1. How do you persuade yourself to sit down to write on days when you really, really DON’T feel like doing it?

Fifteen minutes at a time. I set the timer on my watch to 15 or 30 minutes and try to put down only new words during that interval. It’s a way to commit to the project even when I’m incredibly busy with other things.

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Leah Miles writes romance and paranormal fiction from her
small-town in South Georgia, where she lives with her husband and cocker
spaniel while running an insurance agency and Airbnb business.

After a dozen
years in news production at CNN, Leah Miles now manages an insurance agency and
an Airbnb business in rural Georgia, while writing romantic suspense and
paranormal romance featuring take-charge heroes and fierce heroines.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Enter the Baby ConSEALed Giveaway Here

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Last to Fall by Lynn Blackburn Banner

LAST TO FALL
by Lynn H. Blackburn
March 2 – 13, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
GOSSAMER FALLS

 

She’s caught in a deadly game. He’s the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family’s exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she’s forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again. Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can’t walk away–especially when it’s clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart. With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who’s trying to destroy The Haven. They’ll have to risk everything–including their hearts–to expose the truth before it’s too late. The finale to Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Romance

Published by: Revell Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 9780800745387 (ISBN10: 0800745388) Series: Gossamer Falls, Book #3 | Learn more on Amazon, Goodreads, & Baker Book House

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

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MY REVIEW

I was a fan of the first book, Never Fall Again. It was an engaging introduction to Gossamer Falls and all of the characters. And the author built a solid foundation to make the series a hit. After reading this conclusion to the series I wanted to kick myself for missing the second book, Break My Fall. Not that the author didn’t give me what I needed in filling in the gaps. It was missing out on the changes and growth of her wonderful characters.

Each book features a different couple. This time we get Bronwyn and Mo. They’ve had their ups and downs and their relationship is challenged with sabotage and danger from multiple sides. I really was pulling for them. Things hadn’t worked out in the past and if the current situations were any hint, they get this last chance for a happy ending. Fingers crossed for that.

I zipped right through the story. It’s complexity with the characters and the intrigue of what was truly going on and the who and how of it kept me flipping those pages. It was a super fun read and had a very satisfying ending.

4 STARS

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Lynn H. Blackburn:

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Lynn Blackburn

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Catch Up With Lynn Blackburn:

LynnHBlackburn.com Subscribe to Lynn’s Newsletter Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @lynnhugginsblackburn BookBub – @LynnHBlackburn Instagram – @LynnHBlackburn X – @LynnHBlackburn Facebook – @LynnHBlackburn Pinterest – @LynnHBlackburn

 

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Tour Participants:

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Don’t Be the Last to Fall for This Giveaway!
This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Lynn H. Blackburn and Revell. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Every crime tells a story…

But not every killer is the villain.

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The Serpent’s Order

The Serpent Series Book 4

by S.Z. Estavillo

Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense

An assassin bound by
obedience. A detective marked for death. A cartel war with no survivors.

Von Schlange thought she’d escaped her past. Now Black Nova owns her—an elite,
off-the-books task force where obedience is survival and failure means death.
As their newest assassin, she’s unleashed on targets tied to Jaxon Ryker, a
drug lord buried deep in the Alaskan wilds.

Her partner, Xander Holt, a former Navy SEAL with ice in his veins, lives by
the same brutal code: no attachments, no lines crossed. But as missions turn
bloody, the fragile boundary between partner and lover begins to blur—and desire
becomes its own kind of danger.

Across the country, Detective Anaya Nazario faces a nightmare of her own. A
synthetic “zombie drug,” deadlier than fentanyl and immune to Narcan, is
ripping through Los Angeles. Her investigation exposes a network of dirty cops
shielding Ryker’s empire—and puts a target squarely on her back.

Two women on opposite fronts. One war against corruption and cartel power. And
a single truth—every betrayal leaves a body behind.

Explosive, unrelenting, and razor-sharp, The Serpent’s Order propels the
Serpent Series into its most dangerous chapter yet—where justice is a myth, and
survival comes at a price paid in blood.

 

**NEW RELEASE on Feb 10, 2026! PreOrder Now!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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.Twilight of the Serpent

The Serpent Series Book 3

Some predators hide
in plain sight. Others hunt from the shadows.

Merrick Winslow is a decorated Army officer, a man of discipline and honor—or
so he claims. When he reports that his ex-wife, Cheonsa Soo-Min, has been
stalking him, no one questions his story. He paints her as unstable, vengeful,
and dangerous, a woman consumed by obsession. But when two officers are gunned
down with her own weapon, the truth becomes harder to see. With the law closing
in, Cheonsa vanishes, fleeing to Rio de Janeiro, where she is taken in by Von
Schlange, the vigilante thought to have disappeared for good.

Von has retired her vengeful ways, leaving behind a life of bloodshed to run a
quiet veterinary clinic. But when Cheonsa’s past collides with Winslow’s lies,
the two women begin to unravel a deadly deception—one that turns predator into
prey. By the time Von uncovers the truth, an innocent life has already been
taken.

Now, there’s only one thing left to do: find the real monster and make him pay.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Detective Anaya Nazario and Supervising Special
Agent Blake Huxley are adjusting to life as new parents. But after only four
months of maternity leave, Nazario is pulled back into the field to investigate
the murder of two officers. What should be a straightforward case quickly
spirals into something far more sinister—secrets buried beneath the badge, a
killer hiding behind a uniform, and a web of corruption stretching further than
anyone expected.

As Nazario and Huxley chase down leads, their investigation intersects with a
vigilante they once thought was dead. And this time, Von Schlange isn’t just
seeking justice—she’s delivering retribution.

For fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian Flynn, and Taylor Adams, Twilight of
the Serpent delivers a high-stakes vigilante thriller packed with morally gray
justice, relentless suspense, and a tangled web of deception. Perfect for
readers who love strong female leads, intense cat-and-mouse chases, and dark
psychological twists.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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The Serpent Woman

The Serpent Series Book 2

The exciting sequel to The Serpent’s Bridge…

A serial killer is on the loose. With her insidious tattoo and venomous killer
strike, they’re calling her the serpent woman.

Two of the best in their field, LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario and FBI
Supervising Special Agent Blake Huxley are forced to work together yet again,
despite their strained romantic history and a baby on the way. Together on a
nationwide hunt, they must find this serpent woman before she strikes again.

But, as the cat-and-mouse chase evolves, Nazario and Huxley begin to realize
that their killer is on a mission of vigilante justice and they must struggle
with the question of who really deserves their justice: The killer, or her
victims?

This dark thriller delves into the sensitive topics of sex trafficking,
child abuse, animal death, sexual assault, graphic violence, and dead bodies.
Reader discretion is advised.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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The Serpent’s Bridge

The Serpent Series Book 1

Compelling
dialogue, rich, gritty prose, and characters you won’t forget — if you loved
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson, or Ink and Bone by Lisa
Unger, you’ll love The Serpent’s Bridge.

Recovering alcoholic Detective Anaya Nazario remains haunted by her father’s
murder. Lucas Nazario was the highest-ranking Puerto Rican LAPD detective, and
his case has gone unsolved for twenty-four years since his murder. When Mexican
immigrants are targeted by a serial killer, Nazario senses a connection and
fights to keep the leadless case open. The homicide investigation centers on
Sanctuary Baptist, a church composed of immigrants led by Pastor Stan and his
wife. Nazario’s personal and professional worlds collide when she is compelled
to collaborate with her former lover, Special Agent Blake Huxley. As their
lives merge once more, the FBI and Detective Nazario stop at nothing to find a
killer.

Is this the same monster who killed her father and left him for dead under a
bridge?

Can she put a stop to the murders before more families lose loved ones?

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Get the Box set duo for Only $2.99 for a limited time!

Get it on Amazon!

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As a BIPOC thriller author, she previously parted amicably
with her agent and, three months later, secured an eight-book deal with
Oliver-Heber Books—now boasting 24,000 downloads in its first year and a
BookRaid bestseller ranking in the thriller category. The Serpent Woman (Book
2) reached #1 on Amazon and topped all three of its categories. Her background
spans literary agencies and TV studios, where she contributed to greenlit
screenplays that became Lifetime movies. She holds a Master’s in Television,
Radio, and Film, has taught author branding workshops (L.A. Writer’s
Conference, North Texas RWA), and maintains a 100K+ social media following.

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

 

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

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Enter The Serpent Series Giveaway Here

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Deceiver’s Fall organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author J.A. Jackson will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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The Deceiver’s Fall

By J.A. Jackson

 

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

The stakes have never been higher for Eve Lafoy. After narrowly escaping a chilling abduction, she’s thrust into a darker world of hidden betrayals and dangerous secrets. This time, she refuses to be the victim—she’s ready to take on those who deceived her.

Hawke Deville, carrying secrets of his own, is the only one Eve dares to trust. Yet his loyalty isn’t without its own complexities. With a powerful attraction between them, they must navigate a web of lies, as one wrong move could shatter everything they’re fighting for.

In this thrilling sequel, Eve and Hawke are drawn into a ruthless conspiracy that challenges their trust, passion, and survival. With enemies circling, they’ll need every ounce of courage to unveil the truth before it’s too late. The Deceiver’s Fall is a heart-pounding tale packed with suspense, electrifying twists, and a fierce romance that will grip readers until the final, unforgettable page.

High-Stakes Fierce Romance Thriller

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Izard Moulard, stood in the shadows, his figure barely discernible beneath the dim streetlight. He watched them, his sharp eyes narrowing as Hawke pulled Eve closer, her head leaning against his shoulder. Their happiness was almost palpable, but Izard had no intention of letting them stay in their blissful bubble.

“Happy now, are we?” Izard muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a sinister smile. “We’ll see about that.”

His mind raced with plans—plans to dismantle the fragile connection between them, to destroy the trust they had just begun to rebuild. Izard wasn’t the type to leave things to chance. His wealth and power had given him many tools, and tonight, he intended to wield them with precision. He had already set things in motion.

As he moved swiftly through the alley, his polished shoes barely making a sound on the worn cobblestones. His mind was like a storm, swirling with dark ideas and malicious intent. He couldn’t stand the thought of Eve and Hawke happy together, not after everything he had lost. There was too much at stake for him to let them go on living in peace.

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About the Author J.A. Jackson:

J.A. Jackson is the pseudonym for an author, who loves to write deliciously sultry adult romantic, suspenseful, entertaining novels with a unique twist. She lives in an enchanted little house she calls home in the Northern California foothills. Her love for cooking and writing come from her Southern roots of Louisiana and Arkansas. She is a member of South Bay Writers Association, Yosemite Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Buy Link: Amazon

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills Banner

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CANYON OF DECEIT
by DiAnn Mills
September 8 – October 3, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

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Praise for Canyon of Deceit:

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“…Time was running out, and the chilling certainty settled in Alina’s life depended on them unraveling the truth before the ruthless men hunting them closed in. With danger at every turn, Therese and Blane had no choice but to trust each other, even as the secrets they carried threatened to pull them apart…” ~ Sue Garland, Christian Novel Review

“Set against the rugged, dangerous beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains, Canyon of Deceit is a riveting tale of high stakes, survival, and trust that I couldn’t put down. DiAnn Mills has crafted a page-turning novel. This is romantic suspense at its finest!” ~ Elizabeth Goddard, award-winning author of Storm Warning

“A pulse-pounding blend of romance and suspense, Canyon of Deceit has a gripping plot and unforgettable characters with a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.” ~ Carrie Stuart Parks

“Buckle up, readers! Canyon of Deceit is a heart-pounding suspense packed with intrigue on every page. Danger, action, and adrenaline-fueled drama make this a must-read for fans who crave edge-of-your-seat adventure.” ~ Natalie Walters, bestselling, award winning author of the SNAP Agency series

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Plus, Canyon of Deceit includes two original songs written by the heroine, Therese—one from her childhood and one that captures the depth of her love and transformation as an adult. These heartfelt lyrics come to life in custom-recorded tracks that reflect the emotion and spirit of the novel.

Click here to listen and step deeper into Therese’s world.

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published by: Tyndale House Publishers Publication Date: September 9, 2025 Number of Pages: 352 (pbk) ISBN: 9781496485151 (ISBN10: 1496485157) pbk

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Walmart | Goodreads | BookBub | Tyndale House Publishers

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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Chapter One
New Caney, Texas October, Thursday, Current Day Therese

The shrill ring of my mobile phone jolted me awake at 2:00 a.m., a haunting prompt that emergencies seldom emerged in daylight. Someone had ventured into the wilderness and needed me to lead a rescue mission. My skills of trekking over precarious terrain to find victims who suffered from physical injuries, dehydration, starvation, or all three, kept me on alert. At times I viewed my life like a Star Trek tagline, “Where no man has gone before.”

I grabbed the phone off my nightstand. Unidentified caller. “Hello?” “Ms. Palmer, this is Professor Rurik Ivanov from Houston Leonard University. We met nearly a year ago. You taught a course in wilderness survival as an adjunct professor.” I captured a mental image of the Russian man—gray-blue eyes, stone-gray hair, angular face. “Yes, sir. How can I help you?” “I apologize for the hour, but I’m in a desperate situation.” The angst in his voice zapped me into guarded mode, especially when I barely knew the man. I snapped on my bedside lamp. “Are you all right?” “No, ma’am, which is why I’m calling you. Do you remember my wife and daughter?” “I met them both at a faculty dinner last Christmas. A lovely family.” “My wife was murdered today, and kidnappers have taken my daughter.” I inhaled sharply, and alarm for the professor’s family fired hot from the soles of my feet. “Daria? Alina? What happened?” “A man called me late this afternoon while I prepared to leave for home. He said he’d taken Alina. Then he sent a link to a video showing my wife’s execution—” He stopped abruptly, his final words drumming into my senses. The seconds ticked by, and I waited. “I watched Daria grab her chest and struggle . . . The blood rushed from her precious body—my dear Daria’s life gone forever.” He grappled again to control his tear-filled voice. “He said they would release Alina unharmed if I paid three million dollars. They’d call with instructions. When the man hung up, I hurried home thinking it had to be a terrible mistake or someone had used AI to generate the video. On the way, I phoned Daria and the call went to voice mail. I also redialed the man who’d contacted me. The phone rang repeatedly, but the number offered no way to leave a message. I contacted Alina’s school and learned Daria had picked her up before noon. “At home, reality rooted. A lamp and a table in the living room lay in pieces. Daria would have fought hard, but there were no signs of blood. I didn’t recognize the place in the video where they killed her. I even checked for geotag information on the clip, but it had been stripped. I later clicked on the link . . . the video had disappeared.” I ached for his loss. “What do the police say?” Silence answered me, then Rurik finally said, “Contacting them is impossible. The man warned me against telling anyone who works in law enforcement, or I’d never see Alina again.” He sobbed into the phone. “Please, give me a moment.” “Take all the time you need.” The professor taught Russian language and literature at Leonard University and was highly respected and liked among faculty and students. I’d enjoyed our occasional chats, and he’d observed some of my classes. What had he done to upset the wrong people? “Thank you. I can talk now,” he said. “I have no idea where the killers have taken Daria’s body or how to find Alina. Neither do I suspect anyone.” I willed my pulse to slow. “Professor, the police are trained in handling confidential matters and how to find who is responsible. They have families and understand what you’re going through.” “And endanger my daughter?” Panic throbbed in his ragged voice. “I’m sorry.” My grief over losing Kate many years ago surfaced raw and bleeding. “Are you alone?” “Yes. At home.” “Are there family or friends who can stay with you?” “My family is in Russia, and I do not trust anyone.” “You could very well be in danger too.” “My welfare is unimportant.” “Who are these people, and why has your family been victimized?” “I have no idea. The man refused to identify himself, but he did say ‘we.’ Maybe he thinks I have money or believes I have done something criminal to my country or to the US.” What was he not telling me? I tossed off my blanket and stood in my bedroom, shivering, not from the cold but the horror of this unfolding story. “Professor Ivanov, I’m confused. Why call me? This is a job for the police or the FBI.” “I cannot risk my daughter’s life. You are my only hope to find Alina. You have the skills to get her back.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’m a wilderness-survival specialist, nothing more. I’m not equipped to carry out a hostage negotiation without backup, which is another reason you need to involve the authorities.” More questions bolted into my mental space like a landslide. “How would I find her?” “That’s where I can help you. Alina has GPS trackers hidden in her shoes. Not even Daria knew about them.” “Why would you track your young daughter?” “Alina’s biological mother died when she was a baby, and I’ve been consumed with protecting my daughter ever since. I checked my phone app and learned at one thirty this afternoon, Alina was taken to a private landing strip west of Houston. I called there, and a woman who worked in the small office said no one had filed a flight plan. But she made a mistake. The tracker had stopped registering.” He coughed and asked me to wait while he got a glass of water. A connection at Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management popped into my consciousness. They had the technology to confirm the date and time a plane took to the skies and where it landed. “I’m better. I apologize for my lack of control,” the professor said. “My app showed tracking again near an abandoned airstrip in a remote area south of Hobbs, New Mexico. The tracking indicated ground-speed movement for two and a half hours to a section on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park called Dog Canyon. That’s where the tracking ended, and I’ve detected nothing since. I assume the kidnappers parked the vehicle and proceeded on foot with Alina. Research shows the area is off-grid. Ms. Palmer, did they remove her shoes? How would they expect her to walk in bare feet?” My thoughts trailed to the worst possible scenario. Why take Alina to a remote location unless they planned to dispose of her body there? Another argument lay with logic. Why go to the expense of transporting a kidnap victim there when they had the ability to dispose of her body in their backyard? A morbid idea, except true. Whatever the reason, they risked exposure from security cameras until they reached an off-grid area. “I can’t stress enough how the authorities have technology and skills to find Alina. They can unravel valid threats and comprehend the danger of taking your story to the media.” “The man who called me said they’d be watching my every move. I bought a burner phone tonight to call you.” His anguish rippled through me, interfering with my ability to think clearly. “What about the ransom?” “I can liquidate assets here and in Russia to meet their demands, but the statistics on kidnappers returning my Alina alive are not good. Perhaps they would accept what I can put together now. I’m sorry . . . I wish I had an answer. Why harm an eight-year-old little girl?” “I have empathy for your grief.” Daria’s lovely face and the white-blonde-haired little girl refused to leave me alone. “Although I could lead you into Dog Canyon, I have no idea how to pull her out of the clutches of dangerous men. You’d need armed law enforcement and possibly a negotiator.” “That would draw attention. I’ll pay you whatever you want.” “Money is not the issue, Professor—” “Alina means more to me than anything else in this world. What is love but to take ownership of a problem and do all I can to stop those men?” “What if I fail?” The terror of not finding his daughter alive resurrected an echo from the past that had shaped my career. “Can you live with yourself if you don’t try?” Unaware, he’d pressed my weakest button. “I’ll hear you out. But I don’t believe you’ve given me the whole story, and I need the truth before I risk my life.” “I’ve . . . I’ve given you all of it.” “You’ve stated what you want me to know. What have you done or not done in this tragedy that Daria is dead, Alina is missing, and you can’t go to the police? *** Excerpt from Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2025 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.

 

 

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About Author DiAnn Mills:

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DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling? Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards. DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers, DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops. A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions:

diannmills.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @DiAnnMills BookBub – @DiAnnMills Instagram – @diannmillsauthor X – @DiAnnMills Facebook – @DiAnnMills YouTube – @DiAnnMills

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Tour Participants:

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

 

 

Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

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

CANYON OF DECEIT by DiAnn Mills (Gift Cards)

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Stalled Descent

by Kel O’Connor

 

(DAG Team Series, #4)
Publication date: August 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Thriller

A man forced to work for the enemy and a woman on the run from her past…

For years, ace pilot Archie McKinley has been living a double life. Now that his role as a mole within DAG has been exposed, he has one chance to make things right: take down Elliot Essa, the man who’s held him captive with threats and manipulation for over a decade.

To infiltrate the impenetrable Red Winter compound, Archie needs help from the team he deceived and the one person who truly knows him—Meret Shahid, his childhood partner-in-crime turned photographer. The girl who once earned the nickname “the Imp” in their small Iranian village might be his only shot at redemption. But Meret has her own demons from Red Winter, and returning to the organization she barely escaped could cost her everything.

As Archie grapples with guilt over his betrayal and his growing feelings for Meret, they must navigate new threats, uneasy alliances, and shocking revelations. The mission is clear: destroy Red Winter’s empire and free the innocent families trapped within it.

But the price of redemption may be higher than either of them is willing to pay.

This book is a full-length romance with a happy ending. It is part of a 4-book interconnected series where each book features a different couple.
This is a steamy romance for readers 18+

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The knock on her door had her glancing at the clock. Archie likely wanted her dinner order, even though it was a bit early. She opened the door before she considered her outfit. She’d changed into a tank top and loose shorts after lunch. For comfort. Which, of course, included ditching her bra.

Too late to turn back. She opened the door halfway and hid behind it as much as possible. Surprisingly, Archie walked a few steps into the room instead of remaining outside. When he turned to her, all the moisture in her mouth dried up.

Meret bit the inside of her cheek rather than moan out loud. Gray sweatpants hung so low on his hips, she saw the white elastic band of his underwear. A light dusting of dark hair curled across the top of his chest. There was none on his perfect abs and only a thin trail that began under his navel. The bruises from his recent fight were fading to a greenish yellow along the left side of his torso.

There were scars on his tanned skin, including a long strip across his shoulder, possibly from a knife. On his right bicep, there was a corner of a tattoo showing, but she couldn’t make out the design from this angle. Of course, he was still an agent, maintaining the top-shelf physical fitness that was required. Damn, he was beautiful.

Archie bit his lip, chagrin obvious on his face. He took a deep breath, shook his shoulders, and all the awkwardness fell away, replaced by steely determination. Meret swayed, mesmerized at the transformation. He held her gaze and this time, his voice was strong.

“What happened between us on the boat was good. But we can do much better.”

Shock held her muted. This was not what she’d expected, but oh, was it what she wanted. Her fingers flexed as electricity shot through her in anticipation. She tightened her mouth, loathe to say the wrong thing. Best to let him do the talking.

He continued, “I’m aware my experience and skills are lacking, but I’ve been studying.”

Her mouth fell open, and she managed a single word, “Studying?”

His slow grin was equally charming and sexual, even showing a hint of teeth. Her lungs shrank at least four sizes as she tried to breathe. What was happening? She was 90% sure she wasn’t dreaming. He was not only discussing her and sex, he had smiled.

His voice lowered, and she felt the vibration between her legs. “Yeah. Reading the sexy parts of romance books. I assumed it was better than watching porn made for men.”

Oh, dear God in heaven. Which books? Steamy, spicy, kinky? Okay, she’d gladly take any of the above, even if kinky was not her preference. Her nipples hardened until it was almost painful.

They both chuckled a bit, and he added, “Plus, there are actually helpful instructional websites. I only need someone to test my knowledge on.” His expression morphed to sincere. “Meret, you are the only person I want to touch me.”

Tears stung the back of her eyelids at his confession. What courage it took for him to lay it all out for her. She was honored, but mostly, she was aroused. His fiery gaze roamed all over her body, clad only in the thin tank top and short shorts. His growing erection became obvious under the loose sweats. She stood rooted to the spot in shock, so he moved closer.

He looked feral, reckless, slowly stalking towards her like a predator.

Why did she think he was reckless? Agents were never reckless. They always had a plan. And two backup plans, plus an “oh shit, everything has gone to hell” plan.

What was her plan? Meet him halfway, yank his head down for a kiss? Hold up a hand to stop him? Plot an escape? Oh, hell no.

Suddenly, she didn’t want a plan. It was time to live in the moment. He wouldn’t harm her as long as she held her heart back. Sparks sizzled along her skin, put there by the singular focus in his eyes. For this moment, she would join him in recklessness. Her anxiety broke free, and she waited for him to reach her.

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About Author Kel O’Connor:

Winner of the Pencraft Award and The Chill Award and a finalist for The Book Buyers Best Award, The Maggie Award for Excellence and The Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, Kel lives with her family in the mountains of North Carolina. In addition to reading and writing, she loves coffee, loud rock music, subversive humor and the smell of old books. You can find her online on Instagram, Facebook and at keloconnor.com.

3 Random Facts about Kel:
* She will buy almost anything if it is a hot pink color
* She watches any and every show/movie about crime-fighting, spies, detective work or secret agents
* She and her husband once owned a humor store

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X

 

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Stalled Descent Blitz

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Who Are We Now? organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Beth Anderson will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Who Are We Now?

By Beth Anderson

 

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

As dark secrets unravel around her, Skylar must follow her heart—and maybe find her once-in-a-lifetime love.

Skylar spent years trapped—in a dead-end relationship, in her mother’s cold shadow. But when her mother vanishes without a trace, Skylar is thrust into a mystery that upends everything she thought she knew. With her two best friends, Barrett and Levi, by her side, Skylar hunts for answers—and along the way, finds herself drawn to both men in ways she never expected. As secrets unravel and danger draws near, Skylar must find the courage to reclaim her future… and her heart.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Mr. Whittington nodded. “I understand, but I want to warn you: I’ve seen a lot of complex family situations over the years, and sometimes it’s better to leave well enough alone. I understand your mother is currently—absent, let’s say—and you have questions. As often as people have been relieved to find answers, I find they more often wish they hadn’t poked the bear, if you understand what I’m saying.”

“I do,” Skylar said slowly. “But I think it’s time I stop avoiding the truth.” She looked at Barrett, her pulse beginning to pound. “Whatever that is.”

Barrett reached under the table and gave her hand a squeeze.  “You’re sure?” he asked softly.

Skylar nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Alright,” Whittington, said, signaling for a passing waiter with his menu. “I’ll let Barrett run with this—with my guidance, of course, and as long as his regular workload isn’t affected.”

Barrett looked relieved. He squeezed Skylar’s hand again. “Thanks, Mr. Whittington.”

Whittington looked at the younger man. “Keep track of the hours you spend, too. I have a certain number of pro bono hours put aside every year for tax purposes.” His gaze shifted to Skylar. “I hope you won’t be offended in being my annual charity case.” He showed that tight little smile again. “And I hope you won’t regret this.”

Skylar swallowed. “No, of course not,” she said, but she wasn’t sure which of Mr. Whittington’s points she was answering.

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About Author Beth Anderson:

“Beth Anderson” is the joint penname of a veteran author of numerous novels of several different genres and a new author who loves romance novels.  Who Are We Now?  Is the 2nd romance novel from this team the first being a lower spice Hockey Romance “Pucked Over”

Bluesky / Goodreads / Blog / TikTok / Fable

Brandon Barrows

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Christmas Watch organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Petie McCarty will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 Christmas Watch

By Petie McCarty

 

 

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

The Watchers Series

Fallen angels seeking parole for their betrayal . . .

 

Someone is watching Rachel . . . but who? And why?

 

Child psychologist Rachel Kelly has her Christmas stocking full of troubles this holiday season, both personal and professional. Recently separated from her boyfriend, Rachel still loves him but has no idea how to win him back. If that’s not enough to cause her sleepless nights, she’s uncertain how to handle her newest therapy client—a six-year-old boy who claims he talks to Watchers. And a Watcher is coming to help Rachel.

 

Lt. Jake Dillon has his heart broken when his fiancée Rachel, without warning, suddenly calls it quits. Yet when a stalker crashes Rachel’s Christmas party and takes her young clients hostage, Jake is the first person Rachel calls. Now he has a choice to make—stand back and wait for the cavalry to save her, or step in and try to save her himself. Time is running out, and Jake may be their only chance for rescue.

 

Unless Rachel’s young Watcher spy is telling the truth . . .

 

This romantic suspense tale with paranormal elements is Book 2 in The Watchers series . . . A captivating tale of small-town Christmas romance that will leave you looking over your shoulder and wondering, Is someone watching me?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Jake whipped his BMW into the Azalea Center parking lot and switched off his headlights in one smooth motion. Guided by the light from the few streetlamps, he coasted to a silent stop next to Wally’s Jeep, though his emotions had urged him to come screeching around the corner like the cavalry. Common sense and the need for stealth won out. He couldn’t risk driving the trespasser underground only to have him surface later after Jake had gone.

 

Clicking off his interior lights, he unlocked his glove compartment and drew out his Sig Sauer, then climbed out and quietly pushed the car door in until the latch held. He waited several seconds to let his eyes and ears take in the entire scene. Damn. All the landscaping crowded around the Center provided a multitude of places for a trespasser to hide.

 

He put a hand on the hood of Wally’s Jeep. Still warm, even in the cold night air. A brief stab of guilt hit him for dumping his team so abruptly in the Beef n’ Barrel. Couldn’t be helped.

 

He scanned the closest landscape beds for some sign of Wally. A stiff north breeze whipped across the parking area, stirring up leaves and debris. Barely visible through the treetops, the almost-full moon blazed bright.

 

He made his way past the large perimeter oaks to the interior sidewalk and began a slow circle of the building, checking sections of the garden as he paced. All the offices on the west side of the building were unoccupied, and all the windows were dark, with a few showing vestiges of their interiors due to adjacent emergency lighting.

 

Rachel’s office, just around the corner, faced the back of the property. At this time of night, her office interior would be entirely visible with her lights on. Jake knew this because he’d snuck over here enough times in the last few months to observe her office from the garden. He was pathetic and, every few weeks, needed a glimpse of her to get by. A wry smile twitched the edges of his mouth. He could’ve been called in as a trespasser on any one of those nights should someone have spotted him and cared enough to make the call.

 

Careful to remain off the sidewalk, he silently paced toward the back garden. If the trespasser was a stalker, then the perp probably knew the Center had no security guard and no security system. A fact that had always bothered Jake.

 

At the back corner of the property, he crossed the sidewalk to inspect the landscape areas adjacent to the building. With quick steps, he shifted from one landscape bed to another. Crouching as he left the larger camellias, he moved through the shorter azaleas and Indian hawthorn.

 

Clearing the corner, his position even with the back of the building, he paused to reconnoiter and stared at the faint pool of light cast by an overhead office. Rachel’s office.

 

As his gaze rose to the second-floor office, his eyes searched for the all-too-familiar figure. Without thinking, he straightened to his full height, clearly visible to anyone glancing out the window. Yet no one searched for a figure in the garden. All eyes in the office were busy.

 

Rachel stood with Olivia and her children on one side of the conference room. On the other side of the room, a man in a worn red jacket and baseball cap faced them. Pointing a gun.

 

This was Jake’s horrible nightmare.

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About Author Petie McCarty

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Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—”The  Most Magical Place on Earth”—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her “day” job to write her stories full-time.

These days Petie spends her time writing new Cinderella series tales, her new The Watchers series, sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and more contemporary romance standalones to go along with her two previous releases—Any Fin For Love and Ambush in the Everglades.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Book 2 of The Watchers, Christmas Watch.

 

Visit Petie’s web site online at http://www.petiemccarty.com or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty.

 

Social Media: Website / Facebook / Twitter/X / Goodreads / BookBub / Amazon

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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.

 

Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle Banner

SHADOWED WITNESS
by Angela Carlisle
July 7 – August 1, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
THE SECRETS OF KINCAID

 

A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love.

Murder–that’s what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye’s report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.

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Praise for Angela Carlisle:

“Fans of romantic suspense, add Angela Carlisle to your must-read list!” ~ Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling and award-winning author

“Make room on your shelves–this is a keeper!” ~ Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author on Secondary Target

“Surprising twists and unfolding mysteries kept me turning pages until the end.” ~ Jerusha Agen author of the Guardians Unleashed series on Secondary Target

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published by: Bethany House Publishers Publication Date: July 1, 2025 Number of Pages: 336 ISBN: 9780764242519 (ISBN10: 0764242512) Series: The Secrets of Kincaid, Book 2 (Amazon | Goodreads)

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

Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Angela Carlisle:

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Angela Carlisle

Angela Carlisle resides in the hills of northern Kentucky and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Angela’s debut novel, Secondary Target, was a Parable Weekly top seller and was included in the Library Journal Stars So Far listing. Angela is an editor by day and prefers to spend her free time reading, baking, and drinking ridiculous quantities of hot tea.

Catch Up With Angela Carlisle:

AngelaCarlisle.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @AngelaCarlisle Instagram – @angelacarlislewriter Facebook – @AngelaCarlisle.Writer

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Tour Participants:

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

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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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.