Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 16
March 6, 2024
To Captivate the Viscount (Revenge of the Wallflowers Book 1) by Aileen Fish #revengeofthewallflowers
To Captivate the Viscount (Revenge of the Wallflowers #1)
by Aileen Fish
Release Date: March 5, 2024
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Revenge is a dish best-served cold… Or is it? These wallflowers are about to find out, as they plot against those most deserving. Can society handle a wallflower’s revenge? Or will their targets topple one by one?
CeCe Dixon is tired of being overlooked, and when the militia arrives at the nearby training camp, she decides to set an example for her younger sisters and find herself a husband. She won’t settle for just any husband, either, he must be kind, handsome, and madly in love with her.
Justin, Viscount Stavely, is at first flattered by Cece’s flirtations, and soon finds himself under her spell. He’s falling quickly—until one night he finds her in a passionate embrace with another man. Rather than let his fellow soldiers know how deeply he’s hurt, he withdraws from the many social activities in the nearby town.
CeCe is devastated that Stavely would believe her capable of such an indiscretion, and when she learns someone deliberately mislead the viscount, she vows revenge. Nothing will stop her from discovering who did this and disgracing him somehow.
And nothing will stop her from convincing Stavely she loves only him, and his best future will be with her at his side.
Revenge of the Wallflowers
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February 29, 2024
The Nick Before Christmasby K.L. Brady
by K.L. Brady
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Romance~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:Will an angel’s dire warning, a quest to discover a second act by Christmas Eve, and a touch of Christmas Magic lead Nickie Wright back to the one that got away?
Nickie Wright is ready to celebrate the big 5-0 for Christmas in July, but a hot flash leads her to a sobering revelation: her life has hit rock bottom. Her successes–the home and the car–feel empty. Her vision board has been a waste of time, her job is unfulfilling, and she’s mulling over a proposal from Smith, who she’s not sure she likes. The best day of her life spirals into the worst. During a near-death experience, a meeting with her guardian angel presents Nickie with an ultimatum – either go to heaven or return to Earth and find her second act by Christmas Eve. If she fails, her future’s bleak — her life will be filled with days no better than her worst.
Her second act sets her on a collision path with Evan Goodman, the man who makes her content, and Jordan Devlin, the first love who drives her crazy. She’s torn between two worlds–contentment and safety, passion and excitement.
Time is running out for Nickie.
She only has from Christmas in July until Christmas Eve to find her calling, follow her dreams, and figure out which romantic interest will help Nickie embrace the best of herself.
The Nick Before Christmas is the perfect romantic comedy to help you find your calling and renew your faith. It delivers unforgettable moments of self-discovery and romance. It’s an enchanting story to fill your heart with joy this Christmas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ExcerptThe voice and the name paralyzed her.
One person (in this world or any other) referred to her by that name.
It couldn’t be her.
“Nickie Boo?”
Her body stiffened. She was more shocked than afraid. Uncontrollable streams of tears flushed from her eyes. She glanced from side to side. No one. Nothing, but the faint hope of seeing her mother again after fate stole her only chance for goodbye. Nickie found out about her mother’s illness only six weeks before her death and thought she had more time.
“Mommy?”
Almost as soon as she called out to Nickie Boo once more, an angelic form descended from the sky in a dramatic drop; her arms were folded across her chest. Upon first look Nickie couldn’t discern the face, but her voice was exactly the same as she remembered.
The more the form came into view, the more visible the feathery wings appeared. But the face, she knew the face like her own. Same auburn skin, same bright eyes, same natural thick hair. Her mother’s eyes smiled but her lips didn’t, at least not at first.
“It’s me, Cupcake. Merry Birthday.”
An inexplicable calm washed over her…on the outside. Inside she was scared crapless. Nickie reached for the angel’s arm and pinched her, gently. “Are you real, or am I crazy?”
“Yes,” her mother replied, “and yes.”
Mom angel?
Nickie laughed. No one else could make her chuckle in the middle of paralyzing panic and fear.
ABOUT THE AUTHORUSA Today Bestselling author K. L. Brady is a D.C. native and award-winning author of 20 novels. She self-published her first book, THE BUM MAGNET, after an Oprah “live your best life” moment, which was picked up by Simon & Schuster in a two-book deal. She’s been publishing romantic comedies ever since.
K.L. is a Washington football fan and professed nerd-girl who loves all things Star Trek, Star Wars, and Big Bang Theory. She lives to write stories involving hilarious quirky characters looking for love. She’s hard at work on her next several projects, including Sincerely, Santa, a heartfelt romantic comedy that also celebrates the special friendship between her late mother and grandmother.
Sign up for her newsletter at: http://klbradyauthor.com/sign-up/
Author Links:
Website: www.klbradyauthor.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KLBRADY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klbrady_aut...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-l-b...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/K.-L.-B...?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
The book will be on sale for $0.99.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 26, 2024
HAPPY HARRY: A Magical Golden by Barbara Lampert with giftcard giveaway
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $30 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
In her dog memoir Happy Harry: A Magical Golden, psychotherapist Barbara Lampert, a lifelong dog lover, tells the story of her beloved Golden Retriever, Harry. Like her first dog memoir, Harry’s story comes from her mostly uncensored daily journal and takes place in Malibu, California.
Harry was a genuinely free spirit – wild, and very wolf-like. Did all this contribute to his being exceptionally happy? Perhaps.
Harry was not only the happiest being Barbara’s ever known, happy to the very core of him, but also the bravest. More than once in his life, Harry had to face true adversity, and each time, Barbara would look at him in wonder, not fully understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy.
Harry literally pranced through life, with a joyous attitude that made being around him like magic. Barbara fell in love with Harry. And as you immerse yourself in Harry’s story, it’s likely you will too! Happy Harry is unforgettable!
Read an Excerpt
Harry had a girlfriend for a while when he was about four or five years old. Probably for a couple of years. Oh he didn’t see her every day, but for that two year-or-so stretch maybe once or twice a week. …
Roxie, a one-year-old Yellow Lab – the taller, leaner hunting type – was beautiful, energetic, and happy. Just like Harry. Roxie lived a few miles from our house, on the Point in Malibu. …
When Harry knew he was going to see Roxie, he would get so excited. He would pant, start running around, tail up, and on the ride over he would stand or pace in the back seat the whole time. So eager, such joy. And when we got there, he would literally go flying out of the car, with David at the other end of the leash. Tail up, full steam ahead. And Roxie, being just a year old and still quite a playful puppy, would go equally berserk when she saw Harry. They would sniff and kiss each other through the openings in the fence. …
Sometimes they would chase each other or run together, with the fence between them. David would run with them, since he had Harry on the leash. A few times Roxie’s owner came out and opened the gate to let Harry and Roxie be together. More kissing, chasing, tails up, sniffing. Both not believing their good luck. Both always bursting with joy the whole time they were together. Such a sight. …
Barney didn’t get nearly as excited as Harry about Roxie and didn’t interfere in their relationship. This was Harry’s territory. And it appeared Roxie only had eyes for Harry. …
It was always difficult to leave, because the whole time we were there Harry and Roxie were inseparable. Whenever Roxie’s owner would come out, we’d talk and laugh about the two lovebirds. It was wonderful seeing Harry and Roxie so happy. How he loved her…
About the Author:
My passion is dogs! I’ve had dogs most of my life and hope to have at least one by my side always. Dog energy is the best! I’m the author of two dog memoirs: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and before that Charlie: A Love Story. Each about one of my Golden Retrievers. (I told you dogs are my passion!)
I’m a psychotherapist, licensed for over thirty years, specializing in relationships.
I was a flight attendant for nine years. And taught sociology at several universities. I have two master’s degrees and a doctorate.
Gardening is another love – not as much as dogs, but right up there! I see my garden as a work of art and garden as much as possible in my free time. I love being in nature.
I live in Malibu, California with my husband David and, you guessed it, our two wonderful Golden Retrievers, Oliver and Henry.
https://www.happyharryamagicalgolden.com/happy-harry-a-magical-golden
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMTXK538
https://www.facebook.com/barbara.lampert.50/
https://www.facebook.com/barbaralampertauthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@barbara.lampert5
https://www.instagram.com/barbaralampert1/
https://www.pinterest.com/drbarbaralampert/
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February 19, 2024
Slashed Potatoes and Grave-y by Joann Keder with a giveaway
Slashed Potatoes and Grave-y
Joann Keder
(Honeypie Mysteries, #1)
Publication date: February 14th 2024
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery
Honeypie Sweetwater’s life is a recipe for disaster—her culinary career in San Francisco is burnt to a crisp, her sterling reputation tossed out like last week’s leftovers, and now her home is slipping through her fingers like fine sand. Just as she’s about to surrender to fate, a ghost from the past delivers a bombshell—her beloved grandmother didn’t die; she was murdered. Clutching the deed to a quaint diner on the rugged coast, Honeypie whisks back to the salty sea air of her youth to unravel a mystery that’s been marinating for years. In a town bubbling with secrets, every friend could be a suspect, and every enemy, a clue. As the plot thickens and an enigmatic blast from the past steps out of the shadows, Honeypie must face a bitter truth: the most dangerous ingredients in this simmering scandal are her own buried secrets.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes& Noble / Kobo
—
EXCERPT:
“Ma’am?”
Honeypie Sweetwater stared out the window of her condo. The rain was coming down in sheets, which was fitting for her current financial situation. Unwillingly, she turned her head to face the stern woman sitting across the table from her.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Steam, I—”
“It’s SIStine, like the chapel? And I’m Ms.” She twitched her nose just like the old television show with the witch. Also fitting.
“This is your copy of the documents for the foreclosure on this property.”
“It’s my home. We’re not talking about a lemonade stand. I raised my son here and started a business—”
“And that failed too, didn’t it?”
Honeypie dug what was left of her fingernails into her palms, doing her level best not to lose her cool. “You just look at the numbers. You don’t have any idea what my life has been like, or what it took just to put food on the table for my kid some months.”
After a brief stare-down that Honeypie felt confident she’d won, the banker leaned back, causing the wobbly wooden chair to creak in protest. She flopped an arm over the back of the chair and stuck her tongue in her cheek before delivering the next blow.
“There is also the matter of your inheritance. The land and property in Washington State will also become our holdings after you sign the paperwork.” She shuffled through her papers containing a collection of colorful stickers. “I hear great things about the museum in Misty Cove.”
“The Chewseum? I didn’t realize that was still open. It’s a food museum. Kinda cheesy, get it?”
Ms. Sistine ignored H.P.’s attempt at humor and shoved the documents in front of her.
“Please sign on the lines I’ve highlighted.”
Her inheritance. Her childhood. Everything that made her the woman she was today.
Author Bio:
USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master’s degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
February 13, 2024
An excerpt from A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai
A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute
Miya Malai
Publication date: January 6th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Katrina Shah just wants out of the fame game, away from her high-profile family’s drama. But dodging the spotlight? Tough luck. Especially when she collides with Hollywood’s golden boy, Evan Kristof. Her heart doesn’t seem to have received the memo to steer clear of him.
Evan’s used to the spotlight, the parties, the glitz. Yet, he’s craving a break, some peace. Then he meets Katrina, and suddenly, tranquility’s the last thing on his mind.
As they both try to escape their pasts, sparks fly between the girl who wants anonymity and the movie star. But can they navigate crazy families, an over-the-top wedding, and their undeniable chemistry without getting burned? Their fling might just turn into something much bigger than they bargained for.
—
EXCERPT:
And now Evan is standing there, his soft gaze burning me, as he takes in everything, my jewelry, my low-cut top, my pierced belly button. He steps closer and I turn around, ready to run again. I hear a small gasp escape from him, as he sees the back of my dress, or lack of.
And as I take a step forward, a smug smile on my face, I feel a tug on my dupatta. I turn around and he is gripping it with a playful smile. Right now, at this very moment, I feel like it’s just me and him alone in this hall of hundreds of people. I bite my lower lip, begin playing with my necklace, and slide my hand to my cleavage slightly.
When he’s completely distracted, staring at my boobs with his mouth slightly open, I pull my dupatta out of his now-loosened grip. As I’m walking at a fast pace, I glance around at the crowd and everyone is so busy enjoying the night, no one notices us.
That gives me the confidence to go behind a column, into a secluded corner, where the curtains separate us from the other guests. He’s following close behind. And I’m leaning against the wall.
He ducks into the little corner, his hand goes on my bare waist, the other bracing the wall by my head. He kisses my neck, and I close my eyes as my stomach flutters—I feel myself already wet. He’s licking me right below my earring, kissing and biting my neck.
And just as I’m contemplating whether to ruin my lipstick and kiss him, the DJ stops the music and makes an announcement.
“Everyone please take your seats,” he says through the speakers. “The bride and groom are about to enter.” Evan pulls his head back and raises an eyebrow.
“I’ll go first,” I whisper. I make to leave, but he grabs my wrist.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says, looking into my eyes. “And I thought I’d never fall for a white man in Indian clothes,” I say back . . . I bite my lip and put a hand over his heart. “It’s sexy.”
And cue 3:06 of “Yeh Ladka Hai Allah,” because that’s exactly how he’s looking at me right now. And I’m about to maul him right here and now, but my family is probably waiting for me for Amir and Bianca’s entrance. My eyes linger on him, with a regretful look, and then I sneak out of our little corner.
Author Bio:
Miya Malai was a second-generation confused brown girl with conservative parents, who would have looked at Bridgerton with horror. But little did they know she would sneak Julia Quinn books from the library when she was in high school. She grew up with DDLJ playing at least once a week in her Dadi’s bedroom. And she longed for her favorite Bollywood heroine’s character to be in a book. After years of scouring through smutty romance novels, she thought she’d combine her two favorites on her own.
Miya wants to empower the voice of brown girls struggling with stigmas in the South Asian community, while also appreciating the culture.
When Miya isn’t writing, she’s drinking chai or spending time with her husband and three young children on Long Island, NY.
You can find her online as Miya Malai on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
—
February 8, 2024
Drawn to Murder by Sarah Vernon excerpt and giveaway
Drawn to Murder
Sarah Vernon
Publication date: January 31st 2024
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery
Sam Green is a newly minted art school graduate, excited to attend her first artist residency. But the pretty, serene Vermont surroundings soon turn sinister.
After a few months spent looking for the right project, Sam has landed a dream opportunity: three blissful weeks of working at a beautiful artist residency program in remote northern Vermont. But almost as soon as the residency begins, strange things start happening. Eager to settle into her work and make new friends, Sam tries to ignore the vaguely sinister feelings trying to warn her that something is afoot. But when a body is discovered, Sam can’t ignore what’s going on any longer.
If she has any chance of getting out of here – alive – Sam will have to figure out who the killer is.
—
EXCERPT:
“Sam, it’s your turn.”
I jolted out of my daydreaming, looking up at the dark-eyed, even darker-haired man across from me at the table. From the intensity of his expectant stare, you’d think we were plotting world domination, not playing a simple getting-to-know-you game. If you could call revealing unexpected or odd facts about yourself a game. Everyone was just trying to one up each other in achievements, fame or outright weirdness – because this was a group of artists, after all.
“Uh, sure. I’m Sam. Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam,” I said, stumbling over my words and sure that my cheeks were as bright red as they felt. Whatever I had been planning to say was instantly forgotten. Was there anyone who actually enjoyed these kinds of introductions?
“I’m here from Boston,” I continued. “I just graduated from school in the spring and I’m…taking a kind of gap year at the moment. I primarily work in ceramics and sculpture, especially miniatures.” I paused, willing anyone else to make a comment or ask a question, anything to save me from having to think of an interesting fact to share. What was there to say that was appropriate for this group? I grew up in New York? I have a cat named Paul? I once tripped over the body of a dead famous sculptor who’d been poisoned?
There were polite smiles around the table, which I returned, slightly nodding my head, signaling that I was done with my intro. I was saved from further humiliation-by-spotlight by the woman on my right, who moved her wheelchair closer to the table so everyone could see her.
“I’m Tony. Tonya, but everyone calls me Tony,” she said, throwing a small smile my way. “I’m here from LA, where I make immersive installations that challenge viewers’ perceptions of their interactions with, and limitations within, the physical world.” Tony waited a beat, tilting her chin as if daring any of us to ask the obvious question. There were more polite smiles, although I noticed about half of our group were studiously avoiding eye contact.
Unfortunately, only Eliot took the bait. “What inspired you towards that kind of work?” he asked with a kind of forced obliviousness. I didn’t think any of us needed more of an introduction to Eliot: over the course of the previous twenty-four hours since we’d gotten to the Winterbrook Artist Residency, he’d made himself known as the type of pompous, arrogant artist that gives the rest of us a bad name.
“Well, Eliot,” Tony said, returning his tone. “I’ve used a wheelchair since I was a kid, after a spinal injury. So after all these years experiencing a very different side of the physical world, I thought I’d give other people the chance to have a similar view.” The pair politely smiled at each other (although, one did have to admit – and admire – that Tony’s smile had more than a hint of crocodile to it) while the rest of us avoided engaging. “But if you’ll forgive me, I think I’ll actually head up to bed now,” Tony said, wheeling away from the table. “It was great to meet all
of you!” she called cheerily as she turned towards the door, her wheelchair making an unmistakable bumping motion over Eliot’s foot as she left. I couldn’t help but grin.
Author Bio:
Sarah Vernon is an author and artist based in Massachusetts, where she writes the Triple-Decker Mystery Series.
Website / Goodreads / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
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—
February 7, 2024
Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone excerpt and giveaway
Renewed Hope
Carmen Peone
Publication date: February 6th 2024
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Western
Can they find her son in time?
Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts.
Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch.
Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
—
EXCERPT:
“What’s wrong?” Chad took her shoulders and moved her aside. “Oh, crap. That’s not good.”
Her paintings were strewn over her worktable. Every single one—the meadows, deer, rivers, wolves and coyotes, mountains, birds—had been marked up with a black, permanent marker. And each of her nine-by-twelve-inch canvases appeared to have been sliced with something the
size of a Buck knife, like the one Matt packed around. Oh, and there was the buffalo she’d been working on, a gash across his face. Tears pooled in her eyes. “How could he be so evil?”
With quaking fingers, she made a call. “No way.” Her face and ears turned red.
“What’s the matter?”
She shook her head and made another call. “I can’t believe this.”
“What?”
“Both Matt and Olivia’s phones are no longer in service.” She shoved the cell into her back pocket. “What are we going to do? How am I going to find my son?”
“Chuck will find him.” He had to. Chad strode to the table and began stacking the paintings.
“Don’t bother. Matt’s behind this mess. Besides, we’ll figure out where he has Basin before his fingerprints are processed.”
Sophie ambled over to one of her wooden easels that lay splintered on the brown carpet. “When I left, this canvas . . . was on the . . .” She pointed to the easel. “It was yellow with
brilliant blues and purples . . .” She hiccupped a sob.
The owl painting now lay crumpled on the floor, a dirty footprint across the top. She picked up the piece and traced the rough gash puncturing its heart.
“How will we find Basin? How will I provide for him? I need money to pay rent. It’s due tomorrow.” Sophie squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh, God, why? Why Basin? Why
my paintings? Just when my life had come together. Why?”
Chad brought her to his chest and let her cry. Releasing an animal-like howl, she collapsed into his embrace. “He’ll pay for this.”
Author Bio:
Carmen Peone is an award-winning author who loves to write inspirational stories of hope, healing, & horses that lead to happily ever after.
She is one of the few authors who has not always dreamed of writing. It found her. Spupaleena, Carmen’s character in the True to Heart Trilogy hounded her until she told her story. Carmen soon learned how much she loved writing and creating stories with strong female characters.
Besides Carmen’s infinite love for her Dingo Daisy Mae, may she now rest in peace, she loves horses. They brighten dark days, get creative juices flowing when in a slump, and put smiles on the faces of those who visit with them. You can see Buck and Cash on the covers of the True to Heart Trilogy.
You are invited to subscribe to Carmen’s blog and learn about various cultural traditions and life on the reservation as well as Incredible Western Women and fellow author’s new releases. When you sign up for Connect with Carmen, you can receive 3 free gifts as a thank you: Gentling the Cowboy, a contemporary western romance novella; A Horse Lover’s Manifesto; and a contemporary western romance short story, Arami’s Hope.
Carmen is represented by Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
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—
February 1, 2024
IF THE DUKE DARES by Darcy Burke excerpt and giveaway
IF THE DUKE DARES
by Darcy Burke
GENRE: Regency Historical Romance
BLURB:
Incorrigible flirt Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellesbourne is in need of a duchess. En route to greet a potential bride, he encounters a most intriguing and captivating widow who completely distracts him from his task. However, she disappears before he can deepen their acquaintance. Acton begrudgingly goes to meet his bride, unaware she and the widow are one and the same.
When Persephone Barclay’s younger sister is compromised, Persephone must wed before the scandal spreads. Her parents scramble to present her to the Duke of Wellesbourne; except he’s precisely the kind of rogue she has now vowed to avoid. Taking flight to avoid a match, Persephone runs straight into her would-be betrothed and pretends to be someone else. But dash it all, the duke proves to be irresistibly charming! If she remains in his company, she’ll end up in the wicked scoundrel’s clutches.
Even worse, her second attempt at escape lands her in increasingly poor circumstances. With nowhere to turn and her safety at risk, she may have to accept help from the one man who threatens her resolve—and her reputation.
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
Acton eyed the young woman, curious as to why she was alone. “Seems silly for us to dine at opposite ends of the table,” he said, picking up his utensils and moving them to the place across from her.
She lifted her head, and Acton took a few steps toward her so he could see her more closely. The moment her gaze met his, a ripple of awareness swept over him. Her eyes were a lush, vivid blue that reminded him of the sky in early autumn when the air was crisper and the colors more vibrant. An intriguing bump marred the line of her nose, and dark gold brows arched over her stunning eyes. Her pink lips parted—barely. Acton held his breath in anticipation that she would speak.
“Does it?” she asked, sounding uninterested.
“To me, yes. But then I rather dislike dining alone. Do you mind if I sit here?”
She took just longer than a moment to respond. “What if I said yes?”
Was she joking? Flirting? Or did she really not want him to sit there?
Bah, of course she wouldn’t mind him sitting there. She had to be flirting.
Acton slid into the chair.
She eyed him warily. “I’ll be finished soon.”
He sent her his most provocative gaze. “When you finish, perhaps I’ll persuade you to keep me company. Unless you need to dash upstairs for some reason?” Such as a husband or children. Perhaps she was only alone here in this room.
“I do not. Though, I am tired from traveling. Aren’t you?” she asked before picking up her wineglass.
“I’m quite refreshed after a hot bath. The innkeeper has taken very good care of me. You are traveling alone, then?”
She snorted, then wrinkled her nose before she lifted her hand to briefly cover her mouth. “That is a presumptuous question.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of over sixty captivating, compelling historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Her novels have been translated into five languages and are also available as audio books. Join her Reader Club at https://www.darcyburke.com/join.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming, teacher husband, artist daughter, and writer (yes!) son. They’re a crazy cat family with two Bengal cats, a small, fame-seeking cat named after a fruit, a rescue Maine Coon with attitude to spare, an adorable former stray who wandered onto their deck and into their hearts, and two bonded boys who used to belong to (separate) neighbors but chose them instead. You can find Darcy in her comfy writing chair, folding laundry (which she loves), or enjoying game night with the family. Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcyburke.com and follow her social media: Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans, Instagram at http://www.instagram/darcyburkeauthor, and Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/darcyburkewrite.
If the Duke Dares website link: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares
If the Duke Dares buy links
Amazon: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-Amz
Apple: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-App
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-BN
Google Play: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-GP
Kobo: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-Kobo
a Rafflecopter giveawayLike this:Like Loading...January 29, 2024
Excerpt from Shadows of the Past by Pamela McCord
Shadows of the Past
Pamela McCord
(The Unfinished Business of Eliot Ness)
Publication date: December 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
A copycat serial killer and the ghost of Eliot Ness. Can two amateur sleuths, with the help of the famous ghost, stop the murderer before he kills again.
A ghostly figure surprises India Bennett in her study. That’s unnerving enough, but said ghost leaves a book open to a page showing a mutilated body, a body which looks just like the body in a case Indy’s homicide detective boyfriend, Danny, is currently investigating. Standing next to the body in the picture in the mysterious book is a man Indy recognizes as the ghost she saw in her study. Danny points out to her that it would be impossible for her to have seen the man in the picture, the legendary lawman Eliot Ness.
Despite Danny’s insistence, Indy knows what she saw, and she and her best friend Cara become friends with Eliot’s spirit. With ghostly assistance, the amateur sleuths begin their own investigation. After their discovery of what appears to be a journal describing the original victims from the 1930s, and with two murders already committed by the current serial killer, Indy and Cara rush to find the copycat murderer before he kills again.
In “Shadows of the Past,” a thrilling fusion of historical crime and supernatural suspense, the spirit of Eliot Ness becomes an unexpected ally, guiding Indy and Cara through a treacherous maze of secrets and hidden motives. With their lives on the line and the body count rising, they must navigate the shadows of the past and confront the malevolent force that seeks to perpetuate the sins of history.
The past and present collide in this captivating novel, unleashing a bone-chilling tale of danger, redemption, and the enduring power of justice. Prepare to be captivated by this gripping page-turner.
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EXCERPT:
The man bent over, hands on knees, breathing in deep, ragged breaths until his heart rate slowed to a more normal level. He wasn’t as young as he used to be. Standing, he wiped his hands on his pants, brushed off the dirt and weeds clinging to the denim overalls, then gazed down at the body laid out in the field near the railroad tracks.
He took a moment to look at, and admire, his handiwork, but only a moment, as he couldn’t afford to be spotted. Then he reluctantly slipped quietly through the night to his waiting car, parked not a dozen yards from where he’d dumped the mutilated corpse. There would be time later to savor his memories of the enjoyment the person’s last hours had provided.
The dim whistle of a train sounded in the still evening air as he pulled open the driver’s-side door. The whistle sound was replaced by the crunching of dry weeds as he drove out of the field.
Author Bio:
Born in Arkansas and raised in Southern California, Pamela McCord started writing later in life when she was challenged by a friend to create a book out of his story idea. Since then, she’s become an internationally published author. Pam has spent over 40 years working as a legal secretary at a law firm in Orange County, California. Aside from writing, she follows the stock market, buying, selling and trading stocks and options. In contrast to that, she loves trips to Las Vegas where she can spend many happy hours at the Pai Gow tables. She shares a condo with her very own My Cat From Hell TV star, Allie, who manages to exude just enough affection to make her scary feral ways tolerable.
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January 24, 2024
Pity Pact by Whitney Dineen with an excerpt and giveaway
Pity Pact
Whitney Dineen
(Pity Series, #3)
Publication date: January 24th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
I always wondered who was crazy enough to apply to those reality dating shows…
Turns out, I’m that person. Paige Holland here—lifetime resident of Elk Lake, Wisconsin, and dedicated seventh-grade math teacher.
Unfortunately, if I don’t fall for one of the two guys who live right in Elk Lake I might have to move. This limits my choices to a substitute teacher I can’t stand or Tim, a guy I went through school with. It’s not that I can’t see being with Tim—he’s totes my type—but he’s so wounded from his divorce, he’s made it clear he’s only on the show to make his ex-wife jealous.
With one disaster after another being broadcast around the world, I’m seriously questioning why I thought a reality show was a good way to find love…
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EXCERPT:
Paige
Who in the world is the new woman walking into the ballroom? She must be someone special because all the cameras, except for the one pointed at Tim, turn in her direction. Staring at her, I realize she looks kind of familiar, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. I don’t generally hang out with highly polished and glamorous people, and this chick looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue magazine.
Trina glides back across the ballroom with Tim trailing behind her. “We have a guest!” she announces with so much excitement, you’d think Jesus was here to bless the bread and wine.
On impossibly long legs and stilettos high enough to impress any of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the new woman glides toward the host. “Trina …” she croons.
“Thank you for coming tonight, Eva.”
Holy hell! Eva? As in Tim’s ex, Eva?
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” She turns toward the camera closest to her and offers the most blindingly fake smile I’ve ever seen. No wonder her acting career never took off.
Meanwhile, Tim is standing next to Trina as stiff as a toy soldier awaiting his execution.
Eva walks toward him and when she arrives, croons, “Tim, it’s so good to see you again. How have you been?”
His expression morphs from shock to pure loathing. It’s clear he’s trying to decide his best course of action because he doesn’t respond for several seconds. When he finally breaks his silence, all he says is, “Eva.”
“Daaaarling …” She sounds like she’s a long-lost Gabor sister in those old-time movies. “I was crushed when I heard what a hard time you’re still having with our breakup.” I want to punch this woman right in the face.
Tim cocks his head to the side before replying, “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Eva.”
Striving for a look of innocence and failing, she says, “Trina told me you’ve been unable to move on because you’re still in love with me.”
“I never said love, Eva.” Oh goody, Trina’s decided to enter the fray. “I said that Tim wasn’t emotionally free of you.” Potatoes, potahtoes, am I right?
“I know it was hard on Tim when I left.” Eva bats her eyes like she’s holding back tears. “But I had no choice. He and I got married too soon and when Holden showed up, I knew I had to go to him.” Her lashes flutter like a llama with conjunctivitis.
“Do you have anything to say to that, Tim?” Trina wants to know.
Tim glares at his ex. “You only knew Holden for a week before you left me. We’d been together for four years.”
Eva looks at Tim with pity before dropping a bomb. “Tim, I knew Holden before I’d ever met you.”
The look of horror on his face says it all. He’s about to lose it—spectacularly.
I feel compelled to do something to save him from this humiliation, but I don’t know what. Without thinking, I step forward and declare, “Which makes you the villain, not Tim!” I sound like I’m playing a live-action game of Clue. It was the butler in the pantry with a butter knife!
Eva turns her head and sneers at me condescendingly. “Who are you?”
“I’m Paige Holland.” When that doesn’t seem like a self-explanatory enough declaration, I add, “I’m an old friend of Tim’s.”
“Then why haven’t I ever heard of you?” she wants to know.
“Why didn’t Tim know about Holden?” I retaliate.
“Are you saying you and Tim were having an affair while he was married to me?” That’s not what I was saying, but it does make me wonder if Eva had been cheating on Tim throughout their marriage.
Before I can accuse her of that, Tim steps forward and takes my hand. “Paige, please stop trying to help.”
Part of me knows I should listen to him, but I don’t. Instead, I spin around and yell—yell— “No, Tim! This bimbo is not going to come in here and act like the wounded party. She’s the one who cheated, she’s the homewrecker …” Talk about giving Midwestern Matchmaker their money’s worth, I’m full-on guaranteeing they’ll be picked up for another ten seasons if they can keep delivering the level of drama I’m offering.
“Timothy …” Eva says, “I want to know if you were cheating on me?”
“So would I,” Trina feels the need to add.
Tim exhales loudly. “Paige and I went to school together. That’s all. We didn’t become friends until I moved home.”
While true, that kind of hurts. I just told the world we were old friends and he relegated me to mere acquaintance status. But then he squeezes my hand and adds, “But we’re very good friends now.” Aaaaand I melt.
“I think you’re lying,” Eva tells him.
“I can see why a liar might tend to believe the worst in people,” he retorts.
Eva spins toward Trina. “You said he was a hot mess. You said the only reason he came on this show was to get even with me!”
Before I know what I’m doing, I rush at Eva with the intention of ripping every last hair out of her head. Tim pulls me back in the nick of time, and reminds me, “This is going to be televised, Paige.”
“Not if I can help it!” I tell him. And this is where I totally lose my mind…
Author Bio:
Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries — not always in that order.
Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017
Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
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