Book Tour: The Unveiling of Polly Forrest by Charlotte Whitney

The Unveiling of Polly Forrest

by Charlotte Whitney

Genre: Historical Mystery

Rural Michigan, 1934.

During the throes of the Great Depression Polly marries for money. After her husband Sam dies in a bizarre farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam’s murder. Secrets abound and even Polly’s family can’t figure out the truth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt One:

Sunday, August 19, 1934

Having no choice, I began climbing the exterior ladder that ran up the height of the silo. I got up five or six rungs before my fear of heights kicked in. My body started shaking and I willed myself not to look down. I kept putting one foot above the other. The towel around my wounded right arm had loosened and I let it fall to the ground, not wanting to remove my other hand from the rung.

Every step required my mind telling my arms and legs to move. My hands were jittering and I could hardly grip the ladder. You can do this, I told myself. You can. You can.

“Keep going.”  His voice was piercing.

I willed my feet to move up the ladder. My body convulsed. I was about five rungs from the top when I stopped. Reason told me I needed to quit shaking and get my body under control or I would fall. Then it occurred to me. He’s not going to push me into the soft silage. He’s going to knock me off the top of the ladder down to the hard earth.

Author info:

Charlotte Whitney is the author of historical fiction set during the Great Depression in the rural Midwest. Her most recent work, The Unveiling of Polly Forrest, a stand-alone historical mystery follows her groundbreaking novel, Threads A Depression-Era Tale, which was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. Raised on a farm in southern Michigan, she often She received a master’s degree in English at the University of Michigan, and after a short stint of teaching at two community colleges, worked at the University of Michigan where she was an associate director of the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts. Currently living in Arizona with her husband and two dogs she enjoys hiking, bicycling, swimming, and yoga.

Author’s website:  https://www.charlottewhitney.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Whitney/e/B001KCTFWQ

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CWhitneyAuthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-whitney-8235463a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CWhitneyAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottewhitney65/

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Unveiling-Polly-Forrest-Mystery/dp/B09SNSGWJ3/

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Book Tour: Blood of Azure Series by Jonathan J. Michael

BLOOD OF AZURE SERIES

Four races with powers dictated by the seasons seek balance and prosperity. However, life instinctively primes itself for survival, and when one race commands the touch of death, all others fall in line. Tyranny plagues Azure as an immortal ruler governs the knowledge of the seasons and those wielding its power.

Four young protagonists, Stone, Jaymes, Goose, and Astor, each navigate their way to escape his shadow and reclaim their freedom. Simple ambitions for young souls. But little did they know, they would uncover the secrets the realm is built upon, and the unique talents they each carry. Their ignorance allows the knowledge of the seasons to escape into the world around them little by little, and with it, a power loosing anarchy upon the realm. A power most aren’t worthy of wielding. It is up to Stone and his companions to tame that power and reclaim the balance.

Four seasons to balance the land. Four sages to balance the life

SEASON OF SACRIFICE, BOOK 1

Courage is for the bold. It is not for Stone McLarin. He’s been in hiding for four seasons after being orphaned by the Taoiseach. He doesn’t care for the heroic antics of avenging his parent’s death or securing his freedom. He only desires one thing—to protect his sister’s life.

This proves challenging when his sister, Jaymes, possesses a rivaling power of decay to that of the tyrant ruler’s. She’s a threat to his dominance, and there will be no escaping his shadow.

When the Taoiseach manipulates his way into Jaymes’s life and steals her away, Stone has no choice but to follow. He must venture into the heart of the tyrant’s domain and figure out how to penetrate the impenetrable. And if he succeeds there, he will have to slay the most powerful man in Azure.

In a world ruled by decay, what chance does life stand?

Season of Sacrifice is part one of the Blood of Azure series—an epic fantasy full of grim encounters, heroic adventures, unique magic, and a captivating world to explore.

Author’s Note: Contains explicit language and some graphic descriptions.

SEASON OF SUFFERING, BOOK 2

A villain in his own mind, Stone McLarin is labeled the hero for murdering a man.

Not only is Stone weighted down as a hero, but he’s idolized by the dominant religion, and he’s the sole protector of the knowledge of the ages. The pressure of the entire realm is on his shoulders.

Carib Reign, a shapeshifter building an army of immortals, plans to purge the Crimson Capital to find this hidden knowledge. His motive, to give the people of Azure the freedom they deserve.

With many adventures along the way, Stone will lead the charge to defend the Crimson Capital against the Immortal Army. Should he fail, anarchy is inevitable. Death for all Azure, a possibility.

Where there is life, death anticipates. But what if death is abandoned? Life will rebel.

Season of Suffering is part two of the Blood of Azure series—an epic fantasy with both light and dark hearts. You’ll experience many fantasy tropes, clashing swords, unique magic, fantastical beasts, and a wide range of Azure’s scenic terrain.

Author’s Note: Contains explicit language and some graphic descriptions.

EXCERPT I: SEASON OF SACRIFICE – GOOSE

My heart beats heavier. I inhale and, with the back of my hand, brush a drop of sweat that has found its way down my forehead. I know what these tracks be-long to. But why now? Am I projecting my ambitions—to slay a Creature of the Night? I grab a handful of Everweed from the ground and reluctantly head in the direction of the trampled vegetation.

My experience with these beasts is nonexistent, but then again, there isn’t another who can claim otherwise. They’re the type of animal man stays far away from, which was the primary reason for choosing this location as a refuge. We chose to risk being mauled by the Creatures of the Night over the public execution we would have inevitably encountered by hiding in a small village. Some would consider us the biggest halfwits in all of Vedora, all of Azure even, for making the decision we made, but I know Harris Martelli personally, and the fact he is capable of persuading a strong-willed and morally sound man like my father to do what he did is far more threatening than any beast living in the wood.

About the Author:

Jonathan J Michael was born and raised in the greater Seattle area in the scenic state of Washington. Jonathan is an advocate of science, nature, and exploration, which has a heavy influence in his debut series, Blood of Azure.

When I drive down the freeway, I often want to veer onto the backroads and head for the mountains. When I'm at an evening gathering, I'm eager to step outside and gaze at the stars. When I'm on a ferry, I'm at the guardrail staring into the depths wondering what kind of leviathans lurk below. I'm an explorer, and since I'm not on the next Crew Dragon headed for the ISS, fantasy novels let me have what I seek. I write to explore a world of wonder.

~ Jonathan

SOCIAL LINKS

Website: https://jonathanjmichael.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.j.michael.author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_j_michael/

BUY LINKS

Season of Sacrifice – Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T1XV54W

Season of Suffering – Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NSM62N8

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Book Tour: Bad Boys Don’t Date Clumsy Girls by Ke Strand

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. KE Strand will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

When the school’s bad boy infiltrates her shelter, will she lose her sanctuary or her heart?

Hopelessly clumsy Ava, is too focused on graduation and keeping both feet on the ground to have a boyfriend. She has enough to worry about with a less than ideal home life.

Bad boy Dylan can’t help but find Ava’s klutziness entertaining. That doesn’t mean he wants to date her.

When court-ordered community service forces them together at the animal shelter, Ava fears she’s lost her refuge. Dylan’s arrogance gets under her skin. And she finds it unforgivable the dogs prefer him after everything she’s done for them. A spontaneous water fight heats things up and suddenly she anticipates each meeting. But his reputation might be too much for her to overlook.

Will Ava be forced to find a new escape? Or will she stumble her way into his heart?

Bad Boys Don’t Date Clumsy Girls is a light-hearted, clean young adult romantic comedy. The first book in the Oak Grove High series by KE Strand. It will make you cringe, cry, and cackle.

Buy Bad Boys Don’t Date Clumsy Girls for your latest binge read today.

Read an Excerpt

There must be something I can talk to Rex about. He likes baseball, but I don’t know what position he plays or who the local professional team is. That’s out. He’s in my Bio II class, I could ask about the homework. Yeah, that’s lame. We both know I get a better grade in the class than he does.

“Aren’t you eating?” I blurt. “I could get you a refill on my fries if you’re hungry.” I’ll have to thank Bek for the inspiration later.

“No, I ate, thanks.”

I wilt. That’s the extent of my small talk. I should just shut up and listen to Sam too. I reach for my iced tea. At least I can stick a straw in my mouth and pretend that’s the reason I can’t chatter merrily with the hot baseball player. Unfortunately, the cup catches the lip of my plate and slips from my hand. I jerk to recover it, but only manage to nudge it and change its trajectory so that it splats to the table and spills its entire contents down Rex’s shirt and into his lap. He leaps backward out of the chair, tea soaking the front of his pants as well.

The room burst into laughter and applause.

I want to slink under the table. Instead, I grab Sam’s napkin and blot at Rex’s leg.

He grabs the napkin from my hand. “I’ll do that.”

Only then do I realize where I’d been blotting. I turn seven more shades of red. Honestly, I’m probably purple by this point. I’m surprised the heat of my embarrassment doesn’t instantly dry Rex’s clothes.

About the Author:

KE Strand escapes within the pages of a book when real life thwarts her own outdoorsy adventures. But her favorite escape is into a story about young love. KE Strand writes clean teen romance because she loves those heart pounding moments of having a crush. The excitement, fear, and confusion of falling in love for the first time. And the relief and thrill of the first kiss. Each time you pick up a KE Strand book you’ll fall in love for the first time. You can find her on the following social media

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Book Tour: Death Warden: Grave Spirits MC Debbie Cassidy

Death Warden: Grave Spirits MC
Debbie Cassidy
Publication date: May 27th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Reverse Harem, Romance

Death waits for no one, unless you’re a necromancer, in which case he might stop for a cup of tea and a chat.

I didn’t ask to be a necromancer, and I certainly didn’t ask to be saddled with a magical amulet holding an ancient big bad at bay.

I got both.

All I want to do is steer clear of trouble, write horror novels, and hang with my talking cat.

But the spell on my amulet is weakening, and the only way to sustain it is to pick up and go to Frostgate—a city built on a powerful convergence of ley lines.

The plan is to lay low and wait for a revelation that’ll lead me to my conduit, my perfect match, to help me to sustain the spell on the lock.

But there is no laying low at Grave Spirits MC. No avoiding the burning stares of the hellhound Vice President, the icy cool assessment of the undead Sergeant at Arms, or the warm amber gaze of the hellhound Club Secretary.

I can’t get involved with any of them. I have a perfect mate to find.

But for the first time in my life steering clear of trouble is the last thing I want to do.

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—

Author Bio:

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head - in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

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Book Tour: Beyond The Birch by Torina Kingsley

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Torina Kingsley will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family's farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?

Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macy's mother is attacked, and ever since, unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the family's sheep start behaving unusually.

Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won't find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you'll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.

Read an Excerpt

“Oh, yes,” the old woman sighed. “There was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sister’s to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel smiled at the woman, “If you’d like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.” Though they didn’t have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense, we’d love to have you.”

The old woman’s shoulders visibly relaxed, “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” she cried. “You can call me Dores.”

“Well, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.”

“I can’t thank you enough dear,” the old woman said, shivering.

Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.

All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.

About the Author:Author Torina Kingsley masterfully creates a world where things aren't always as they seem. Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.

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Book Tour: Along Came A Spider by Kate SeRine

We are back with another Transplanted Tales novel as we celebrate the series 10-Year Anniversary. In this third novel, we are hunting vampires with Trish Muffett and Nicky, aka “Little Boy Blue”. Come read an excerpt, and enter to win some goodies before grabbing a copy!

Along Came A Spider

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Little Miss Muffet and Little Boy Blue are all grown up—and hunting the world’s most famous vampire—in this gritty paranormal romance novel.

Ever since Make Believe characters were transported into the ordinary world, their Happily Ever Afters have been a thing of the past. So when Trish Muffet is attacked at a grisly crime scene, the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Nicky “Little Boy” Blue. But these days Nicky’s doling out vigilante justice as “The Spider,” taking on predators of the night in the hopes of locating his ultimate target—Vlad Dracula. And he needs Trish’s help.

Although Nicky’s renegade style goes against everything Trish stands for, she’ll do what she must to bring Dracula down. With danger stalking her, Trish knows the only person she can count on is the one man who has the power to leave her breathless. There’s no way she’s letting this spider frighten her away.

Transplanted Tales Series

Red

Grimm Consequences

The Better to See You

Along Came A Spider

Ever After

Better Watch Out (Fall 2022)

Read an Excerpt

 

I glanced around, searching frantically for some escape, but it was useless. Unless I suddenly discovered some latent ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, I was well and truly hosed. I pressed my lips together and squared off. If I was going down, I wasn’t going to make it easy. They’d have to earn my blood.

            “Come on, you bitch!” I growled at the blonde. “You want a piece of me? Bring it on!”

            She leaped forward like she was on a spring. My eyes went wide, my courageous last stand suddenly not such a brilliant idea. But a split second later, she jerked back with a screech, her hand clawing at a small black arrow lodged in her shoulder. I heard an answering screech from the brunette and swung around in time to see her head snap back as an arrow pierced her eye.

            What the hell?

            There was a scuffling noise behind me that brought my head around in time to see the blonde struggling with a figure dressed in black fatigues and wearing a black ski mask. As I watched, he swung his fist, catching her jaw with a right hook, then slamming her chin with a left uppercut that knocked her on her ass. In the next instant, he had a knee on her chest and snatched from his ammo belt something that looked like a railroad stake. The blonde didn’t even have time to react as he drove it down into the center of her chest.

            I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath until it burst from me with a gasp. But my relief was short-lived. An arm came around my throat, cutting off my air. I drove my elbow into my attacker’s ribs, but it barely fazed her. I grabbed her arm and tucked my chin down to take some of the pressure from my esophagus, then drove the edge of my snow boot down along her exposed shin, making her howl in pain.

            “Get down!”

            My eyes darted toward the sound of the man’s voice. He stood over the body of the blonde, a small crossbow aimed at the brunette. I bit down on the vampire’s arm as hard as I could, drawing her tainted blood. When she roared with rage, her grip loosening for a fraction of a second, I dropped, rolling out of the way as the man in black fired the crossbow. The arrow struck the center of the woman’s chest. Her eyes went wide for a fraction of a second before she crumpled into a permanently dead heap.

            So this was the infamous Spider…

            I totally took back everything I’d said about the guy being no better than the criminals he brought down. He was my new BFF. I was tempted to see if he was a bit parched after the ass kicking he’d just doled out and maybe wanted to join me for a super stiff drink at Ever Afters, but then the mind-numbing pain in my wrist reminded me I probably had other business to tend to first.

Out of breath, I scooted myself back with my good arm until I could lean against one of the dumpsters. My adrenaline left me in a rush, and I was suddenly completely exhausted. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against the dumpster.

            “Are you hurt?”

            My eyes snapped open, my stomach clenching painfully. There was something so familiar about that voice. . . . “What?”

            My rescuer squatted down in front of me. “Are you all right?”

            I blinked at him, suddenly experiencing a serious case of déjà vu. The man’s tone was rough, clipped, and there was no hint of mischief or roguish charm. Still . . .

            “My wrist is broken,” I said a little breathlessly. “But it’s already healing. I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”

            He gave me a tight nod and started to rise, but then seemed to reconsider and resumed his crouch before me. He studied me for a long moment, giving me a good glimpse of his eyes, but they were in shadow, obscuring the color, and he was completely on his guard. There was no way I was getting in.

            “You did good, doll,” he said finally. “Made my job one helluva lot easier.”

            I felt my cheeks going warm at the praise. “Thanks.”

            His eyes narrowed, crinkling a little behind his ski mask and giving me the impression that he was grinning. “But you know, you shouldn’t be out here alone at night, even if you can kick ass,” he admonished. Then he reached up and twisted one of my ringlets around his gloved index finger and pulled gently before letting it spring back into place. “I’d hate to see harm come to a girl as pretty as you.”

            My eyes went wide. Holy shit. “Nicky Blue?” I gasped. “You’re the Spider?” He jumped to his feet and took a few quick steps before I found my voice to cry out, “Wait! Nicky! It’s okay—I know you!”

            He halted midstride and shook his head. “No, you don’t,” he said over his shoulder. “No one does. Not anymore.”

            I scrambled awkwardly to my feet, my knees still shaky from my encounter with the vampires, but when I looked up again he was gone. I turned a full circle, searching for him in the shadows, but he had slipped away as silently and mysteriously as he’d come. I let out a disappointed sigh.

            “You’re wrong, Nicky Blue,” I announced to the darkness. “Nobody knows you better than I do.”

 

About the Author

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it’s no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She’s the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES paranormal romance series as well as two romantic suspense series: PROTECT AND SERVE and DARK ALLIANCE.

Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project — probably while consuming way too much coffee.

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Giveaways

Along Came A Spider Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter to win a $25.00 eGift card from retailer of your choice (Amazon, Apple, B&N or Kobo). Ends June 5, 2022

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10-Year Anniversary Giveaway

Join Kate SeRine’s newsletter for the chance to win a US Amazon eGift Card. Winner will be selected at random from her active subscriber list on December 16, 2022. Enter here ➡️ https://www.subscribepage.com/w8n0q1

Book Tour: Kiss of Darkness by Taylor Aston White (Curse of the Guardians, #1)

Kiss of Darkness
Taylor Aston White
(Curse of the Guardians, #1)
Publication date: May 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

He despises her… almost as much as his beast craves her.

Kyra’s seen and survived the worst things imaginable, all because of the magic she was born with. Trapped by her secret, she has no choice but to serve Councilman Gallagher or risk everything she has tried so hard to build. Because despite black magic being banned, her very survival depends on it.

When she’s commanded to summon a Daemon, a Breed notorious for their corruption and brutality, she’s torn between keeping her secret and doing the right thing.

Xander’s hate for black witches was notorious, but nothing frustrated him more than the one witch that brings trouble with a capital T. With dark amber eyes, and a controlled strength that fascinated his beast – the monster he’s cursed to share a soul – Xander will do anything to push her away.

So when he’s forced into protecting her, he must put aside his prejudice and ignore his growing desire that’s an insult to his past.

Because he’s had an entire childhood to remember why you can’t trust black witches.

And he definitely can’t trust Kyra Farzan.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Little girls shouldn’t be here.” A hand struck out, carefully circling her wrist with enough pressure to stop her, but not enough to hurt.

Kyra paused, the coin at the edge of the slot. She looked up, and Xander removed his sunglasses.

“That’s a rude comment,” she said, trying to tug from his grasp.

His mouth twisted, pale eyes narrowed as he released her wrist, only to grip her jaw. He angled her face against the light, her lip stinging when she frowned.

“What are you doing here, Kyra?” His white silver hair, just long enough to cover his unusually dark brows moved across his forehead, partially concealing his expression.

“Minding my own business!” she snapped, but the steel behind her reply lessened when she met his eyes, and flinched. “Don’t touch me.” The words came out quiet, desperate. His eyes had been blue, she was sure of it, yet she could see her own reflection in his irises made from a liquid silver.

His fingers opened, and she stumbled back, breathing heavily. She needed to get out of there before she suffered a full panic attack. Xander was just too much, his gaze too direct as she tried to look anywhere but him.

“Black witch,” he grunted, as if she were tainted.

Which she wasn’t, but she couldn’t explain why he was wrong. He wouldn’t care either way, his opinion on her already set in stone, and had been since they first met. Black witches were seen as evil because of their ability to gain power from death, and while many embraced that sordid side of magic it didn’t mean they were all evil. It did, however, make them illegal.

Ignoring him, or at least trying to as he seemed to press himself closer, always pushing her boundaries, she inserted the Ravyn into the slot, the portal opening with a flash of light. He said nothing as she stepped through, the package hugged tight to her chest, and as soon as the portal closed behind her she released a sigh of relief.

Author Bio:

Taylor Aston White loves to explore mythology and European faerie tales to create her own, modern magic world. She collects crystals, house plants and dark lipstick, and has two young children who like to 'help' with her writing by slamming their hands across the keyboard.

After working several uncreative jobs and one super creative one, she decided to become a full-time author and now spends the majority of her time between her children and writing the weird and wonderful stories that pop into her head.

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Book Tour: The Litter by Kevin R. Doyle

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kevin R. Doyle will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner, and a second drawing for a free e-Book copy of the book, via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

They kept to the shadows so no one would know they existed, and preyed on the nameless who no one would miss. Where did they come from, and who was protecting them? In a city that had seen every kind of savagery, they were something new, something more than murderous. And one woman, who had thought she had lost everything there was to lose in life, would soon find that nothing could possibly prepare her for what would come when she entered their world.

Read an Excerpt

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Pam said.

“Still think it was a dog?” her partner asked.

“What else could it have been? It doesn’t take the ME over there to know that this guy’s been all chewed up.”

“What I’m getting at is it may not have been a single animal.”

“Come again? Are you thinking of a pack or something?”

“Well,” Gonzales said, “just looking at it . . .” He waved his arm in the direction of the mess on the pavement.

“That’s insane, Enrico. Who the hell ever heard of a pack of dogs attacking people in the middle of a city?”

“You ever hear of one dog doing anything that even remotely looks like that?”

“What about rats?” she asked the older cop, fearful he would laugh in her face.

“I actually thought of that myself for a moment there. It’s not the most far-fetched of possibilities.”

“No?”

“Not at all. Once, I saw what was left of an old wino eaten by rats, back when I’d been on the force not much longer than you have. But that was a guy who’d crawled under the porch of a house, probably trying to escape the weather. Besides, long ago as it’s been, from what I remember, that body didn’t look anything like this.”

“No, huh?”

“Not really, no. It looked more like he’d been nibbled on till he was worn down to practically nothing.”

Pam pointed towards the corpse.

“That’s not a bunch of nibbles,” she said.

About the Author:

A high-school teacher, former college instructor, and fiction writer, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of numerous short horror stories. He’s also written three crime thrillers, The Group, When You Have to Go There, and And the Devil Walks Away, and one horror novel, The Litter. In the last few years, he’s begun working on the Sam Quinton private eye series, published by Camel Press. The first Quinton book, Squatter’s Rights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award for Best First PI Novel. The second book, Heel Turn, was released in March of 2021, while the third in the series, Double Frame, came out in March of 2022.

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Book Tour: Midnight Highlander by Anya Summers

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anya Summers will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Xavier Campbell needs a miracle. If he doesn’t want to lose the life he’s worked so hard to build, he must get married, and quickly. Trouble is, there is no woman in his life. Not even a friend with benefits. As a regular Dom at Eternal Eros, he gets what he needs and goes home. And a wife? Hell, no. This Highlander is single for a reason. So when his entire existence threatens to come crashing down, he realizes he might have to make some adjustments…or a bargain with the she-devil who beguiles him, body and mind, from the first moment he touches her.

Emma Morton wants a man. To play with. Watch television with. Cuddle with. And yes, God help her, she wants him hard, naked, and in her bed. More than once. What she doesn’t want is complications. Expectations. She is dedicated to her work, to building her business. She’s worked too long and too hard to change her plans for something as fleeting as love. No matter how much she wishes otherwise, life has repeatedly proven that romance is a myth. Pure fairytale.

But passion? Yes. She could definitely go for a ‘Single’s Night’ of play—and release—at the infamous Eternal Eros.

After one scorching night of pleasure, a reckless bargain is made. Marriage with an expiration date. A business arrangement. Nothing more.

But what starts as a farce becomes a bit too real and Xavier realizes this is no game. Telling Emma the truth would be dangerous…especially when he realizes he is playing for keeps.

Read an Excerpt

The announcement sounded over the loudspeaker that it was time for the submissives to assemble in the Pit to begin the selection process. Emma hoisted her glass. With her gaze unwaveringly trained on Xavier, she drained it, setting the empty tumbler back on the bar.

She tore her gaze away from Xavier and focused on his brother, casting a flirty smile in his direction. “Well, maybe I will see you in a bit.”

“If not tonight, lass, another night. Any woman who can drink good Scots whiskey like that, I want to get to know better.”

“Careful, or you’re going to fall in love with me.” She winked as she stood up.

Jasper pressed a large palm over his bare chest. “Lass, I’m already halfway there.”

With a throaty laugh, Emma swaggered away from the bar, putting a little extra sway in her hips for good measure. She would enjoy a night with Jasper. But it wasn’t his gaze on her back she felt with every step.

She tossed a glance over her shoulder, just to check.

No, Jasper was too gregarious, and was deep in conversation with another Dom at the bar already. It was his beast of a brother, with brawny muscles upon muscles and impossibly wide shoulders, whose gaze bored holes in her back. At least he wasn’t a participant in the event tonight. He never took part, for which she was extremely thankful.

Could you imagine doing a scene with that one? She shivered at the thought.

Emma would select literally any other Dom in the club to play with over him.

She got into line behind Nora and Tessa, who were each dressed up as pagan maids—the naughty version with skirts that ended mid-thigh, displaying a hint of the garter belts beneath. Behind her were Daisy, and Sage, and a few others.

The point of the selection process was to introduce a submissive to a Dominant they might not have tried playing with, and vice versa. It was always a bit of a head trip, the wondering, and waiting to see who they would spend the night with. Sex wasn’t always a given, either. That was something the Dom and sub discussed before engaging in their scene.

When it was Emma’s turn to pick, she fished around in the bucket and closed her hand around a marker. She withdrew it to the delight of the crowd assembled around the Pit.

She opened her closed fist. Stared dumbfounded at the marker in her hand and the man it represented.

“No.” Her gut clenched in fear. It couldn’t be. Not him. He never participated. After the tongue lashing she had given him at the bar, he would spend the time punishing her.

“Is this right?” She couldn’t stop the question as she stared at Sophia Ryan, doing her damndest not to recoil in horror before all the onlookers.

Sophia’s kind smile nearly undid her. “Yep. That’s Xavier Campbell’s marker. You’ll be down in private room six.”

Internal warning bells sounded that screamed: Danger imminent. Red alert. Engage offensive maneuvers.

Emma pasted a smile on her face as she exited the Pit. Her legs trembled on her walk toward the elevator. Fear coiled in her belly. Her hands shook as she reached for the elevator call button.

She could go home. Right now. Abandon ship, and take whatever consequences there might be.

She couldn’t do a scene with Xavier. She didn’t even like him. And the feeling was mutual.

About the Author:

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

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Book Review: Monster Inside (Shadow Pact #1) by River Starr

Monster Inside (Shadow Pact #1)
by River Starr
Expected publication: April 21st 2022
Received via Xpresso Book Tours and the author

Sometimes the most enchanting monsters are the ones you can’t see, only feel…

I am a survivor. For the past ten years, I’ve been forced to give every part of me to sinister vampires in a feeding community. But when I touched an ancient book and recited a spell out of sheer desperation and zero arcane knowledge, a dark entity came to me. Rescued me. Mrak helped me escape.

I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. But Mrak has been at my side for the last three months—well, inside me, anchored to my existence and lovingly tender with his ethereal touches. It’s not quite possession, not quite a haunting. But it’s real, it’s sexy as hell, and he’s mine. Or I’m his. Either way, we’re now in this life together.

Mrak is distracting, seductive, and powerful, but he’s also keeping a secret. One that’s now put me in immense danger despite his claims he’ll do anything to protect me. Because the cops have come calling. Bodies have turned up. And despite his reassurances, I’m starting to wonder if Mrak has a hidden agenda that he’s somehow kept secret from the inside.

My life might be in my monster’s debt. My body might be his for pleasure. But my future is mine no matter how much he wants and uses my body. I’m no longer the weak woman he saved from a vampire lord, and it’s time to take my body—and my life—back.

Review: 

Not what I was not what I was expecting. From the start you can tell Aisling is a strong young woman. Going through what she has in the feeder community, for the last ten year after being sold into it by her family. Understandably her trust is hard to earn. In desperation she makes a pact with an unknown entity. This leads to the destruction of the community and the freedom of the feeders who were little more than slaves and food. Fast forward and Aisling has made a new life for herself. She has a business and a friend; things are looking up. Until a guy shows up looking for a sword that has a rune on it that will block Mrak and she is attacked, while out at a bar.  

The story is fast paced, a lot of action paired with a bit a mystery. We’re kind of dragged along with Aisling as she learns to trust this entity that has latched itself on to her. I would have liked more building on their relationship see how it developed. We just kinda jump into it and Aisling goes from not really trusting Mrak to I love you, which for me based on Aisling’s wary nature was a bit hard to swallow. That aside the world building was solid. The idea was original and Aisling was easy to empathize with if a bit frustrating. I’m hoping for a bit more character development for both Aisling and Mrak in book two. The plot was a whirl wing and does keep you reading. 

Book Tour: Her Thrilling Fling Susie Warren

Her Thrilling Fling
Susie Warren
(Love at the Office, #1)
Publication date: October 5th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“I love this author, her writing is crisp, clear, flawless, and her story-telling is brilliant.” 5 STAR

A daring ultimatum – and an unlikely romance!
Perla Lyman is the glamorous force behind Lyman News, and insists on the truth being told. After surviving a bitter tell-all by an ex-boyfriend and hidden financial issues, the final blow is having a slanderous article posted to her news site–causing her reputation to shatter.

Powerful billionaire Lucas Braxton is darkly handsome and wildly successful, yet refuses any contact with the media. Especially someone as flashy and curious as Perla Lyman. But when his young, impulsive sister hacks into Lyman News, he is dragged into negotiating with the beautiful influencer.

When Lucas asks her not to press charges, she offers him an ultimatum. She’ll grant the favor if he’ll accompany her as her besotted date to various high-profile events and give an exclusive tell-all interview to Lyman News.

When their orchestrated romance puts them in close proximity, it proves impossible to resist their secret desire. Will their stark differences fuel their growing passion, or will they go their separate ways when their bargain ends?

*******
Her Thrilling Fling is the first book in the series Love at the Office. Each book is a stand-alone office romance and tells the story of one of the Lyman family members.

Love at the Office Series

Meet the Lyman Family: Albert and Victoria Lyman sold their family’s newspaper business a decade ago and relocated their family to Florida. Within the year, they launched a popular tabloid and the family went from barely making ends meet to fabulously wealthy. Their four children grow up juxtaposed between their previous life running a newspaper in New Jersey and a glamorous life near the beach. The Lymans embody all the strengths of a large, close-knit, loving family. They pull together in times of stress, openly show love and appreciation, and go the extra mile for each other when needed!
In the years that follow, each sibling embarks on their journey to find success and love.

Book 1: Her Thrilling Fling (fake relationship)
Book 2: His Boundless Fascination (second chance romance)
Book 3: Her Charming Entanglement (revenge plot)

More books coming soon!

Excerpt:

Lucas caught sight of Perla Lyman seconds before she saw him. Against her short, pale blonde hair, her flawless face held only the slightest trace of cosmetics. The flashy journalist wore a white sleeveless blouse tucked into a short, pink shirt. Her long, graceful legs and insane stiletto heels drew his interest, but he made a rule for himself years ago about not getting involved with reporters.

He had observed Perla from a distance at several black-tie events, and each time his carefully cultivated reserve sparked with a desire so intense that it had been difficult to dismiss. He despised the media and had no time for a woman who wielded a pen as her weapon. Even if she stirred something deep inside of him. He had been on the receiving end of poisonous gossip too many times and he much preferred to limit unneeded speculation about his family in the media.  

He extended his hand. “Ms. Lyman?”

Her skeptical glance met his and she shook his hand for the briefest moment. Her eyes were a piercing blue, the color of the Caribbean Sea when the sun was overhead, turning the water into sparkling shiny hues. And her demeanor couldn’t be clearer: she wanted nothing to do with him.

She crossed her arms, drawing attention to her slim feminine frame. “Perla. And you’re Beatrix’s uncle?”

He made an effort to smile and said, “Brother, actually. We’re separated by a dozen years.”

She looked down at her desk briefly before meeting his gaze again. “I’m not sure why you’re here.”

Ultimately, he was here because Beatrix acted terribly and the consequences would be rather unpleasant for his entire family. If he stayed on the sidelines, then scathing comments would be bandied about by gossip columnists and the tabloid news, sparking new interest in old wounds. He had no desire to let that happen.

His hands tightened. It had been a gigantic mistake to let Beatrix work for a reputable news organization, as they’d want the truth to prevail and would press charges. 

He made an effort to keep his voice neutral and not to display any discomfort. “It’d be best if we could find a more private place to have this discussion.”

 

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Susie Warren is an up-and-coming author of smart, sexy contemporary romance. Her novels feature swoon-worthy heroes and determined, sassy heroines. Her stories take the reader on a heartfelt, emotional journey about discovering true love with plenty of plot twists, passionate moments, witty dialog, fiercely loyal family members and ultimately, a satisfying happily-ever-after. Each novel is part of a series with a large, tight-knit family expressing affection, showing endless support, and overcoming difficult circumstances together. Each novel can be read as a stand-alone romance or as part of the larger series.

Growing up in upstate New York with five brothers, endless responsibilities, and a large, extended family nourished her gift for storytelling. Fast forward a dozen years, she met her own larger-than-life hero in Chemistry class and after graduating college, they married and had three daring, creative children. In the intervening years, her passion for writing was mostly satisfied by writing advertising copy, technical briefs, and working for non-profits. As her oldest daughter graduated college, Susie took the creative leap and began writing full-time. She now has nearly a dozen published novels and the ideas for countless more.

Sign up for her newsletter for a chance to read her next book early and receive information on discounted prices and free books!

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Book Review: When the Moon Shines (Six Shooter and a Shifter Book 1) by Lucia Ashta

When the Moon Shines (Six Shooter and a Shifter Book 1)
by Lucia Ashta
Published April 1st 2022
Received via Xpresso Book Tours and the author

Welcome to Traitor’s Den. I hope you like it here, because there’s no leaving the small western town that’s more theme park than authentic. Once you walk through the portal, you’re stuck as a boot heel in a half foot of mud.

I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.

I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.

At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.

Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.

No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.

They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.

Or someone...

Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Book Review: I haven’t read many of the reverse haram books, but this one was a lot of fun. 

Loretta is sheriff of Traitors Den, a little western town stuck inside a magic bubble, temporal rift, ok not quiet sure on that one. Alright so the town is actually more of a old west theme park version of a town. All the inhabitants are stuck there dumped out of a one way portal. The other catch is all of the inhabitants are magical, either shifter or magic users. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule and Loretta is that exception she doesn’t have magic. Even without the help of magic she is one tough lady. I loved Loretta and her take no crap attitude. 

When two new guys fall through the portal they bring a whole heap of trouble with them. The plot is very character driven and if I hadn’t been so taken with Loretta I might not have gotten invested in the story. Rhett and Zeke the two who fell through the portal, are sexy as sin and twice as troublesome. They’re taken with Loretta, but she already got enough relationship problems. The sexual tension between these three was thick.  

I enjoyed the banter, jokes and general world building that the author used. The cliffhanger ending left me a little sore but over all I really liked this book.  

Book Review: The Better To See You (Transplanted Tales #2) by Kate SeRine

The Better To See You (Transplanted Tales #2)
by Kate SeRine 
Published March 2022 by eKensington
Purchased on Kindle

Once upon a time, a spell went awry and Make Believe characters were cast into the ordinary world. And the results aren’t always happily ever after…

Everyone thinks fairy godmothers can do no wrong. But if not for a certain spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, the Tales would not be stuck in the Here and Now. Fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending…

The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to the truth. And that distraction could put innocent lives in danger. Including her own…

Review: After reading Red I was eager to know how the Tales ended up in the “Here and Now”. This is Lavender’s story. How she went from one of the most promising fairies to one of the most hated Tales. Ok possibly this is a little melodramatic but it’s how Lavender sees herself. In need of a new start she goes to the Refuge. A place for Tales who couldn’t quite hack it in the “Here and Now” or just need a new start. Red sends her to stay with an old friend, who ends up being none other than the big bad wolf himself. The tension between these two is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Yet neither is ready to be burned again.  

If this isn’t enough to keep you reading there’s the mystery of the missing Tales and dead ordinaries. And lets not forget someone sent hellhounds to stalk Seth and Lavender. While this might seem overwhelming the author does a great job of balancing everything and keeping the plot moving.  

The story is engaging, the characters are likable and easy to empathize with. I felt for Lavender and Seth they were both flawed yet wanted to do the right thing. I really enjoyed this story and the twist on nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and lit characters.  

Book Tour: The Better to See You by Kate SeRine

In The Better to See You by Kate SeRine, fallen fairy godmother Lavender Seelie finds refuge in the arms of a wolf. Come check out this second novel in the Transplanted Tales series as we celebrate its 10-Year Anniversary. Be sure to enter both giveaways! 

The Better To See You

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A fallen fairy godmother finds refuge in the arms of a wolf—until a series of murders threatens to break the spell—in this gritty paranormal romance.

Thanks to a spell mis-cast by Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother, Make Believe characters have been cast into the ordinary world. Now that the Tales are flesh and blood, their storybook lives aren’t so simple. But fortunately for Lavender, she’s about to get a second chance at a happy ending.

The Refuge, a sanctuary for wayward Tales, seems like the perfect place for Lavender to start a new life—especially when she discovers an unexpected ally in Seth, the brooding werewolf who’s been typecast as a villain ever since his run in with Little Red Riding Hood. But when humans from nearby towns start turning up dead, their bodies mutilated with archaic Tale symbols, Lavender wonders if Seth’s deep sensuality has blinded her to a deadly reality.

Read an Excerpt

 

It was over.

I was going to be torn apart here in the middle of nowhere by some winged demon dog. I’d never get the chance to start over. I’d never get the chance to prove I was more than just a colossal failure in every regard—as a daughter, as a woman, as a fairy.

I couldn’t believe my unbelievably shitty luck.

Shaking violently from the pain wracking my body, I lay there, the raindrops mixing with my tears as I sobbed and watched helplessly as pine needles gathered together, creating a thick rope that wound itself around my arms and torso, pinning me to the ground.

Briefly, I wondered how people would remember me after I was gone. Would they speak the name Lavender Seelie and think of the fairy godmother who’d once wielded almost unparalleled power and skill? Or would they remember only the screwed-up fairy who’d ruined their lives when that same power had betrayed her?

            After several agonizing moments, I finally heard the creature leap across the ravine and snapped out of my last-minute pity party, fear and panic once more flooding my veins.

There was no point in trying to summon my magic now—it had deserted me, that was pretty freaking clear. I just hoped like hell my death would be quick.

            The creature prowled toward me, its massive bulk a mercifully indistinct silhouette, and I swear I thought I heard it chuckle, the sound sending chills down my spine. Then from behind me came the whisper-soft padding of paws on the underbrush. In the next instant, a great white wolf leaped over me and slammed into the shadow-creature. The two rolled end-over-end in a tangle of claws and teeth, coming to rest with the wolf on top, its lips peeled back in a vicious snarl.

            I turned my head to get a better look just in time to see the wolf grab the creature’s throat in its teeth. The beast’s howl ended abruptly as the wolf gave a powerful shake of its head, tearing out a large section of demon dog’s throat.

The wolf flung the chunk of flesh into the underbrush then cautiously padded toward me, its head down between its shoulders, sizing me up. As it came closer, I realized it wasn’t an ordinary timber wolf. This animal was easily twice the size of any wolf I’d ever seen and had a distinctly human intelligence shining in its eyes.

I didn’t stand a chance.

It bit through the pine needle rope and shook its head, scattering the needles all over the ground. The rest of the needles instantly fell away, and the trees halted their brutal assault.

I raised a bloody, trembling hand, not sure if I’d just exchanged one predator for another. “Please,” I managed to gasp between the quick, shallow breathes that were all my punctured lung would now allow. “Please…”

In response, a soft shimmering light encased the wolf, and where the beautiful creature had stood, now crouched a man, his ice-green eyes still glowing. As he gently lifted me into his arms, I cried out, pain engulfing me.

“It’s all right,” he said softly, cradling me against him. “You’re safe now.”

I looked up into the grim face of my rescuer, now recognizing him. How could I not when I’d seen his face on Wanted posters and in the Tale news so often over the centuries?

As pain and nausea sent me careening toward a dark abyss, his name drifted to me:

Seth Wolf.

Transplanted Tales Series

Red

Grimm Consequences

The Better to See You

Along Came A Spider

Ever After

Better Watch Out (Fall 2022)

About Author

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it’s no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She’s the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES paranormal romance series as well as two romantic suspense series: PROTECT AND SERVE and DARK ALLIANCE.

Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project — probably while consuming way too much coffee.

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The Better To See You Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter to win a $25.00 eGift card from the retailer of your choice (Amazon, Apple, B&N or Kobo). Open to anyone who can receive a US eCard from listed merchants. Giveaway ends April 14, 2022.

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10-Year Anniversary Of The Transplanted Tales Giveaway

Join Kate SeRine’s newsletter for the chance to win a $100.00 Amazon eGift Card. Winner will be selected at random from her active subscriber list on December 16, 2022. Enter here ➡️ https://www.subscribepage.com/w8n0q1