Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 21
August 4, 2023
The Widow Queen and her Lover by Alan Gold
The Widow Queen and her Lover
Alan Gold
Publication date: September 1st 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical
No longer one of the spoils of war, Catherine, Queen of England and France, resolves to fight for her new life – on her own terms
Catherine of Valois, daughter of the defeated king of France, looks down from the battlements as her future rides to greet her.
As one of the spoils of war, she is to be married to her father’s enemy, Henry V of England. She is prepared to do her duty – what could be worse than continuing to live with her ailing father and cold mother – but she wasn’t prepared to fall in love.
Henry is everything that she wanted in a husband, and a king. In him she finds a devoted lover and inspiring ruler. When he dies, shortly after she has delivered his heir, her future and that of her son is in doubt. Not only must she protect her baby, the young Henry VI, she must protect his legacy from the grasping and scheming of his uncle and protector.
When Owen Tudor — Welshman, commoner, troublesomely attractive — stumbles into her lap, she sees her future. A man who will not lead armies, nor rule kingdoms. Instead, one who will devote himself to protecting what is hers. But he must sacrifice everything he has in order to marry her, and even that may not be enough to keep them all safe.
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EXCERPT:
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Gaspar saw movement. It was a woman coming up the steps from the rooms below in the castle. She’d heard the singing and wanted to see who was chanting. Monks? Townsfolk? Jongleurs? She didn’t look scared, and Gaspar recognised her immediately. It was the young and beautiful Catherine of Valois, only eighteen and the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Tall, majestic, regal, yet happy in her life, friendly, open, and warm … the very opposite of the mad father and especially the cold cow of a mother. God knows how she could be so happy and cheerful when she had a mother like that woman down below, that Bavarian bitch and a lunatic for a father.
Author Bio:
Alan Gold began his career as a journalist, working in the UK, Europe, and Israel. In 1970, he emigrated to Australia with his wife, Eva, and now lives in St. Ives, Sydney, where he divides his time between writing novels and running his award-winning marketing consultancy.
GIVEAWAY!
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August 3, 2023
Yoga One For Me by Eden Bloom – read an excerpt and enter the giveaway
Yoga One For Me
Eden Bloom
(Misty Falls, #1)
Publication date: October 30th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
They say you can’t outrun your problems, but that won’t stop me from trying…
Josie
It takes my boyfriend proposing for me to realize I need a new life plan, and fast! So I grab my yoga mat and hit the road. I talk my best friend into swapping places while I sort things out. Her small town of Misty Falls is incredible, and exactly what I need to rethink my life choices.
Everything is going great until I run into her brother Rake — literally — and my dinner ends up all over his clothes. Even covered in mashed potatoes, he’s gorgeous. Not that I care. The last thing I need is a relationship after just fleeing one…
Rake
The moment Josie dumps food on me, I know I’m done for. Between the tornado of a person she is and the unexpected surprise that she’s my sudden roommate, I’m in for a ride. But I’ve got too much at stake to let her become a distraction. My lifelong dream depends on staying away from her.
Even if it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Yoga One For Me is a sweet and funny romcom that will warm your heart. It’s a full-length standalone novel that takes place in a charming small town overlooking the beach. Once you step foot in Misty Falls, you won’t want to leave.
Get it FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
—
EXCERPT:
I put down the yoga mat and check the fridge. It’s fully stocked with enough food to feed a football team. Raine went all out, and I only left her some bags to dump in the Crockpot. I owe her big time.
My mouth waters as I rifle through the contents of the fridge. I’m going to double my weight if I try to eat all of this before it goes bad. Most of it will end up in the freezer.
As my stomach roars, I make myself a plate of food and fill a glass with iced tea. Then I head for the dining room, my mouth watering.
I round the corner and crash into something. No, someone. A very tall and very muscular someone.
His eyes widen as my food smashes against his white button-down shirt and my black iced tea runs down his khaki pants, making it look like he wet himself. Maybe he did — I can be scary.
I scream. Smack his side with my plate. He’s surprisingly solid. “Get out!”
He backs up, holding out his hands. “Me? I live here. You get out!”
My pulse thrums in my ears. “No, I do. This is my house for the summer.”
“Says who?” He pulls mashed potatoes from his shirt and flops them onto my plate. His wavy, dirty-blonde hair blocks his face, and he brushes it aside getting food in it.
I get lost in his eyes for a moment. Until I remember that he’s an intruder, and my life is in danger. “Leave! Before I call the police.”
“Did you catch the part about me living here?”
I throw the potatoes back at him. “I don’t know who you are, but Raine said I’d have this house to myself.”
He’s really hot. Maybe he’s one of the guys she’s seeing, and he doesn’t realize she’s in Nevada. That makes sense. But why would he think he lives here?
“Where’s she?”
“If you live here, you should know.” I fold my arms.
He tilts his head, and while he looks menacing he also takes my breath away. “I don’t keep track of where my sister is.”
His sister? He’s Raine’s brother.
Crap. He really does have every right to be here.
Though we’ve never met, now I recognize him from the pictures I’ve seen over the years. He’s even taller and more gorgeous in person.
It takes me a moment to find my voice. “You’re Rake.”
“In the flesh.”
“You still have to leave. This isn’t part of my contract with Raine.” There is no contract. At least not on paper. But she did promise me the house to myself. That’s like a contract. In a way. Fine, it’s a stretch. But I’m going with it.
Rake’s brows furrow. “Leave? I need to shower, thanks to you.”
“After that, you can go.” I storm to my room, taking my useless plate of squished food with me. I’ve lost my appetite anyway.
Author Bio:
Eden has always lived in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s her favorite place to write about. She loves hiking in the great outdoors, sitting by lakes, watching waterfalls, and of course reading romantic comedies. There’s nothing like love and laughter to to lift a person’s spirits, and that’s a gift she hopes to share with all of her readers every time they open one of her books.
Goodreads / TikTok / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
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—
The Time Between Space by Charlie Laidlaw
Welcome to the tour for The Time Between Space by Charlie Laidlaw. Read on for more details!
The Space Between Time
Publication Date: June 17, 2023
Genre: Lit Fiction/ Dark Humor
The Time Between Space is a dark comedy about love and loss, and how a childhood falsely remembered can years later distort what we feel about those closest to us.
The story follows the protagonist, Emma, during her childhood and adult years in Edinburgh and East Lothian. Emma Maria Rossini should be the luckiest girl in the world, except that’s not how she sees it. She’s the daughter of a famous film actor and a loving mother, and a gilded life of privilege seems hers for the taking. She also happens to be the granddaughter of an eccentric Italian astrophysicist.
But when tragedy strikes, and her world begins to fall apart, she reinvents childhood memories to find someone to blame. Her reaction to her mother’s death precipitates a suicide attempt and leads to her estrangement from her father. Emma stumbles through university and finds work as a journalist in Edinburgh, although she once more starts to become mentally unstable and, following the death of her father, she ends up attempting suicide again. It’s while she’s in hospital that her psychiatrist suggests she write a memoir of her life, to help her make sense of everything that’s happened to her. The Time Between Space is the story she writes. As she reflects on the complexities and interrelationships in her world, Emma finds solace in her grandfather’s theorem on the universe.
Available here and on Amazon US
About the Author
I was born in Paisley, central Scotland, which wasn’t my fault. That week, Eddie Calvert with Norrie Paramor and his Orchestra were Top of the Pops, with Oh, Mein Papa, as sung by a young German woman remembering her once-famous clown father. That gives a clue to my age, not my musical taste.
I was brought up in the west of Scotland and graduated from the University of Edinburgh. I still have the scroll, but it’s in Latin, so it could say anything.
I then worked briefly as a street actor, baby photographer, puppeteer and restaurant dogsbody before becoming a journalist. I started in Glasgow and ended up in London, covering news, features and politics. I interviewed motorbike ace Barry Sheene, Noel Edmonds threatened me with legal action and, because of a bureaucratic muddle, I was ordered out of Greece.
I then took a year to travel round the world, visiting 19 countries. Highlights included being threatened by a man with a gun in Dubai, being given an armed bodyguard by the PLO in Beirut (not the same person with a gun), and visiting Robert Louis Stevenson’s grave in Samoa. What I did for the rest of the year I can’t quite remember
Surprisingly, I was approached by a government agency to work in intelligence, which just shows how shoddy government recruitment was back then. However, it turned out to be very boring and I don’t like vodka martini.
Craving excitement and adventure, I ended up as a PR consultant, which is the fate of all journalists who haven’t won a Pulitzer Prize, and I’ve still to listen to Oh, Mein Papa.
I am married with two grown-up children and live in central Scotland. And that’s about it.
Charlie Laidlaw | Facebook | Twitter
Twitter: @CLaidlawAuthor @RingwoodPublish @RRBookTours1 #RRBookTours
IG: @rrbooktours @ringwoodpublishing #rrbooktours #thetimebetweenspace
Book Tour Schedule
July 31st
http://rrbooktours.com Kick-Off
https://www.instagram.com/caseys_reads/ – Review
https://thediaryofareader.com/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofa...
August 1st
https://www.thebloodprophecy.com/ – Review
https://aubreywynne.com/ – Feature
https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature
August 2nd
http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Review
https://instagram.com/_tonyareadsbook... – Review
https://christinebialczak.com/ – Feature
August 3rd
https://www.instagram.com/mythicmelan... – Review
https://www.instagram.com/jen_lynn_c1... – Review
https://www.instagram.com/bookswithta... – Review
August 4th
https://www.instagram.com/agameofbook... – Review
https://www.instagram.com/mamacanread... – Review
https://www.instagram.com/booksdogsca... – Review
https://www.instagram.com/in_todaysre... – Review
Book Tour Organized By:
R&R Book Tours
Like this:Like Loading...July 27, 2023
A Viscount for the Spinster by Samantha Holt new release with excerpt and giveaway
A Viscount for the Spinster
Samantha Holt
(Spinsters and Rebels, #1)
Publication date: July 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
Some sinners deserve a second chance. Not this one, though…
Miss Maisie Beaufort has no intention of running away ever again. She’s more than ready to return home after a decade in the midst of society and take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman. Nothing will distract her. Especially not her first love, the rebel who destroyed her young heart…
Apollo Everly always knew Maisie was too good for small town life…and for a spare heir like him. He never stopped wanting her, though. Not that it matters. Even though he’s reformed and a viscount, his lingering reputation is still a threat to her. He should stay away. But fate—and Mother Nature—seem to have other ideas…
If Maisie and Apollo want to rebuild their village after a devastating flood, they’ll need to work together. The only question now is whether they can trust each other when it matters most. And if they can avoid heartbreak this time around…
If you love second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn’t beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters, A Viscount for the Spinster is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance!
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EXCERPT:
The fierce beat of Apollo’s heart thudded against her palm. Warmth seeped into her fingertips and left her breathless. She glanced briefly to the side, spying the tile embedded inches into the ground.
That could have been her.
She met Apollo’s gaze, his pupils dark. His breaths were ragged and whispered through her hair. She smelled sweetness on his breath for a moment until it gave way to a soapy fragrance that wrapped about her.
His arms framed her against the wall, a protective cocoon that should have slowed the pounding of her pulse. But he was so close. Inches away. And he was so warm. Her fingers remained splayed upon his chest. She couldn’t move them even if she wanted to.
And she didn’t.
The firmness of his chest and thump, thump of his heart eased away the breathlessness and brought her back to the world. A breeze tousled her hair, sending a curl tickling around her neck. Somewhere in the village a baby cried. And the tingle of awareness that came with touching Apollo continued, rippling through her and leaving her feeling as though her entire body was aflame.
When she met his gaze, everything but the awareness dissolved. Gone were the sounds of life in the village. She swore she could hear the raging hammer of his heart which had yet to slow and each thick inhale she took.
Maisie dragged her gaze over his features, lingering upon the white scar then to the slight stubble on his jaw and up again to meet a gaze that remained intense. All she needed to do was push him away. To utter a quick thank you for saving her life and retreat inside.
Neither her legs nor her arms would obey such a command.
His gaze flicked down and up again. He twisted the golden ring on his index finger, his body swaying ever so slightly forward.
Her breaths quickened, rasping in her throat. A single word would stop him. All she had to do was force one from her throat and it would put an end to the inevitable.
Perhaps she’d known this would always come, even from the moment she’d first spotted him. Perhaps that was why she’d hidden from him. Apollo had always held sway over her, and years apart hadn’t changed that. If anything, it was worse. She liked the man he had grown into far too much.
“Maisie,” he murmured, his tone guttural.
She blinked. Her name echoed in her ears, and a flash of recollection flared. He’d uttered her name in exactly the same manner when he’d sent her away. A word tinged with regret.
Well, she wasn’t giving either of them anything to regret now.
She ducked under his arm and backed up by several steps. He offered a rough curse and pushed away from the wall.
“That was a mistake.”
He scrutinized her, his face giving nothing away. Could he not at least show regret at his actions? It would make escaping what had to have been a near kiss easier—if he did not really want it either.
She knew what she wanted, and it wasn’t a kiss from Apollo.
Was it?
Author Bio:
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She’s been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She’s a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.
She’s usually writing (or napping) but when she’s not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she’s posh.
You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com
If you’re not sure where to start, why not try:
Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!
You’re the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.
There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.
Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.
To Steal a Highlander’s Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
July 24, 2023
Saving Piper Moonlight by Joann Keder with an excerpt and giveaway
Saving Piper Moonlight
Joann Keder
(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Thriller
Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…
In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.
When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.
Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.
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EXCERPT:
“Can I ask–did you ever love me?”
There is laughter from the other room and a chill runs down his spine.
“I assumed we’d already discussed the uselessness of emotions. They get in the way. Imagine if I let that interfere during the last two decades. We wouldn’t be where we are, on schedule for the metamorphosis.”
“YOU wouldn’t be on schedule. The rest of us–well, me–would be fine. You don’t remember those times we were gardening at Fallen Branch, talking about the future? You said then you couldn’t picture anyone else by your side.”
“I couldn’t. That didn’t mean I loved you, though. You were the perfect partner…for a time. As you’ve said: you didn’t have control of your emotions and I could direct you easily. I gave you a list. You accomplished every bullet point.” The Killer stalks closer. “Is there anything you want them to know? I’m giving you this gift that we never gave the others. A thank you for your service. Let’s call it my ‘emotion’ for today.”
“Tell them I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to continue by your side and I wasn’t smart enough to survive on my own.”
“That’s not at all what I thought you would say.”
“What did you expect? A lengthy speech? I’ve always left those to you.”
“I thought you might want them to know you were a brave soldier in our war. Kind of make them proud, at least.”
He throws his hands in the air. “I give up. You’ll make it your own story no matter what. I learned long ago that it’s impossible to please you. They’ll learn that soon enough.”
“I hope not.”
“Tell them…I tried. Just get on with it now. I can’t bear to think about it anymore.”
His killer hands him a cup. “Cheers, my friend. It was a good ride while it lasted.”
His hand brushes his killer’s and without looking up, he lifts it to his lips.
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
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July 20, 2023
The Rose of Florence by Angela M. Sims with an excerpt and giveaway
The Rose of Florence
Angela M. Sims
Publication date: March 23rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance
Prologue (1460):
Gianetta is born in a farmhouse in Fiesole. Her mother dies in childbirth. The unnamed father is distraught but leaves her in the care of her grandmother and returns home.
The Story (1478):
Gianetta grows up and moves to Florence, where she is in service to a wealthy family of textile merchants – the Rosini. They are friends to and supporters of the powerful Medici clan. In the small, tight-knit group of staff, we meet Eleonora (cook), Luigi (Signor Francesco Rosini’s private assistant), Antonio and Lucia and our hero, Matteo. Gianetta and Matteo are in love and have a happy, peaceful life with the kind and generous Rosini family. They enjoy entertaining at Palazzo Rosini, where the Medici and Botticelli are frequent visitors.
Following the suspected poisoning of Lorenzo de’ Medici and near death of Giuliano de’ Medici, both within the Rosini family home, there is suspicion that there is a traitor in the house and speculation as to who it might be.
In Botticelli’s workshop (where Matteo worked previously), there is discussion about unrest in Florence with rumours in the city that Medici days in power are numbered, and there may be trouble at Easter.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
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EXCERPT:
Setting the scene: Matteo is a manservant in Palazzo Rosini, and Cesare Conti is a guest at the family banquet that night, but clearly, they have come across each other before…
Matteo remained behind to make sure that all the guests’ cloaks were hanging neatly and away from the fire, so that they didn’t smell of smoke by the end of the evening. He hadn’t noticed a figure standing quietly behind him until he heard a slight cough. Turning round, he almost bumped straight into Cesare Conti. He had been half expecting this but had hoped to avoid a direct conversation with him.
“Signor Conti,” he said, with a small bow. “Can I help you?”
“Oh, I think you have already helped me enough, don’t you?” The young man’s piercing green eyes looked directly at Matteo. Then, as if the sun had come out, Cesare broke into a beaming smile and put his arm around Matteo.
“I just wanted to thank you…for last week. What a coincidence that you should be passing, just as I was leaving that place.”
“I have to pass it occasionally when I am running errands for Eleonora. What goes on there is no concern of mine, ser.” Matteo was uncomfortable and hoped that was the end of the conversation. He made to move towards the stairs, but Cesare’s grip tightened.
“We are grown men…er…”
“Matteo, ser.”
“We are grown men, Matteo. Women serve a purpose from time to time. Indeed, some are very beautiful, but some of us also have other needs, which must be satisfied. Sadly, the city looks on some of those needs as vices, the “Florentine vice”, I believe some call it.” He shook his head, sadly. “Whatever the rights or wrongs of the situation, I could have been arrested that day. You could have turned me in to the guard, and the life I have now would have been over. But you didn’t, and I wondered why.”
“It’s none of my business, ser. As I said, I pass that place often, and who I see going in or coming out is no concern of mine.”
Cesare raised an eyebrow. “I suspect you hold many secrets, Matteo.” He paused, as if deciding his next words carefully. Then he shone his beaming smile at Matteo. “Thank you, Matteo. Your discretion is noted and appreciated. I…” He paused, “…won’t forget it.” With a last glance, Cesare turned on his heel and bounded up the stairs to the dining room.
Author Bio:
The Rose of Florence is my first novel, borne of a love for the history, art and city of Florence, grown over many years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it.
My background is in healthcare, and I have been a University lecturer since 2010. My writing experience was limited to a Masters dissertation, purely academic, but the research skills I learned during that process were soon put to use in researching my favourite topic, the Italian Renaissance. It didn’t take long before the seeds of a story began to germinate, and The Rose of Florence blossomed.
I joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) and the New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) in 2020 and found the encouragement and resources available taught me so much about the process and skills needed to write fiction. I have been lucky enough to have the support of the same NWS reviewer since joining, and her advice and guidance has proven invaluable, and I am now a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award 2023 for debut authors.
I am also a member of the Society of Authors.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s seventh annual Christmas in July Fête
Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s seventh annual Christmas in July Fête. 45 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon (US or Canada) gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, Merry Christmas Henry, will be featured on July 20. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
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July 18, 2023
Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts with an excerpt and giveaway
Take the Honey and Run
Jennie Marts
(A Bee Keeping Mystery, #1)
Publication date: July 18th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Mystery
The town is all abuzz when a murder occurs in Jennie Marts’ debut cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Amanda Flower.
As a successful mystery author, Bailey Briggs writes about murder, but nothing prepares her for actually discovering the dead body of the founder of her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado. Bailey grew up at Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch and was raised by her beekeeping grandmother, Blossom Briggs, aka Granny Bee, and her two eccentric sisters, Aster and Marigold—which is why she drops everything to come home and help Granny Bee after a bad fall.
A broken foot doesn’t stop her grandmother from ruling The Hive, her granny’s book club, or continuing to prepare and package her bee-inspired products. But when Bailey’s grandmother’s infamous “Honey I’m Home” hot spiced honey turns out to “bee” the murder weapon and her granny is now the prime suspect, Bailey has no choice but to use her fictional detective skills to help solve the murder and “smoke out” the real culprit.
With the help of Bailey’s witty bestie, a pair of meddling aunts, the feisty members of The Hive, and her computer-savvy daughter, this amateur sleuth is determined to solve the case. A malicious attack and an ominous threat reveal that someone wants Bailey to butt out of the investigation, but there’s no way she’s backing down. She must use her skills to uncover the truth and catch the clever culprit before her grandmother ends up bee-hind bars.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
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EXCERPT:
She couldn’t seem to catch her breath. “Like dead-dead?” she whispered, trying to keep her anxiety in check and not hyperventilate.
Sawyer arched an eyebrow. “Yes, Bailey. Like that.”
Her hands fluttered to her mouth as she slumped to the floor next to Werner. Praying he was wrong, she picked up Werner’s hand, just as Sawyer had done to her the day before and tried desperately to find the flutter of a beat.
“Just breathe, Bailey,” Sawyer said, firmly cupping the side of her shoulder, the same way he used to when she’d had panic attacks back in high school.
The pressure of his hand calmed her, just as it always had, and she matched her breathing with his, taking in a deep breath, then slowly letting it out. “I’m okay, but we’ve got to call someone,” she said, pulling her phone from her pocket and stabbing at the screen as she tapped 9-1-1.
“It’s okay, Bailey. I’ve got this.”
She shook her head. How was he so calm? “No, we need an ambulance. Or a fireman. Or the police.” Her heart rate climbed even higher. “Oh my gosh, do we need the police?”
“Yes, but—” he started to say, but Bailey cut him off as the line was picked up.
“Nine-one-one. What is your emergency?” The operator’s voice sounded familiar.
“Yes, hello. We just found Werner Humble on his dining room floor, and we think he might be dead.”
“He is,” Sawyer confirmed. Again.
Bailey shot him a quick glare as she heard the operator say, “I’m sending an ambulance now.”
“Tell her there are suspicious circumstances,” he instructed.
Suspicious circumstances?
“Well, shoot fire,” the dispatcher whispered, then recognition set in as she said more clearly, “I heard him. I’ll contact the sheriff now.”
“Linda? Is that you?” Bailey asked.
“Yes, this is Linda Johnson.”
“This is Bailey Briggs.” She and Linda had gone to high school together and been lab partners for chemistry. Linda had been notorious for diving in without reading the lab notes, and Bailey had heard that whispered “Well, shoot fire” many times as their experiments literally went up in smoke.
“Oh hey, Bailey, I heard you were back in town. Hold on, I’m ringing the sheriff.”
Bailey turned toward Sawyer as she heard the theme song of Mission Impossible coming from his pocket.
He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “Dunn here.”
Bailey heard Linda say, “Hey, Sheriff, you need to head over to Werner Humble’s house. I already sent an ambulance, but apparently he’s dead and they think there might be suspicious circumstances.”
“Thanks, Linda, I’m already at the scene.”
“How’d you get there so fast?”
“I’m the one who discovered the body.”
“I thought Bailey Briggs did.”
“She’s here with me.”
“Oh, then why did I need to call you?”
Bailey spoke into the phone. “Because he didn’t tell me he was the sheriff.”
Sawyer shrugged as the corner of his lip tugged up in a grin. “I tried.”
“Not hard enough,” she muttered.
“Why don’t you call off the ambulance, Linda,” Sawyer told the dispatcher. “And send the coroner instead.”
“I’m on it, Sheriff. But he was doing a lecture at the hospital in the next town over today, so it may take him a half an hour or so to get to you.”
“That’s fine. I’ll wait here.”
“Okay, well, I’ve got another call coming in,” Linda said. “Welcome home, Bailey.”
What a homecoming.
“You’re the sheriff?” Bailey asked as she pushed her phone back into her pocket.
He nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me that yesterday?” “Didn’t come up.”
And why hadn’t her grandmother or her so-called best friend informed her of this fact? Oh yeah, Evie thought it was just so much more fun this way.
I’ ll be sure to let her know how much fun I’m having.
“Why does he look like that?” She pressed her fingers together and tried to rub the tackiness of them on her jeans. “And why is he sticky?”
“I’m assuming he’s sticky from the honey-slathered biscuit it appears he was eating.” He nodded to the evidence lying on the floor a few feet from his outstretched hand.
It was partially under the table, so she hadn’t noticed it before, but now she could see the biscuit had a large bite out of the side. “There’s no way Werner was eating that. Granny Bee just told us he’s deathly allergic to honey. And that’s not something you eat by mistake.”
“I’m not the medical examiner, of course, but the way his lips are swollen, the hives, the . . .” He waved his hand in a circle around his head. “The way he looks leads me to believe he died from anaphylactic shock, presumably from eating that honey we know he was allergic to. It’s hard to see around the hives, but it looks to me like there are also traces of the honey on his chin and around his mouth.” He furrowed his brow as he leaned closer and sniffed at Werner’s face.
Bailey drew back, wrinkling her nose. “What are you doing?”
“I know this scent.” Realization lit his eyes, then his expression changed to dread as he leaned back and gazed around the room.
“What is it?”
His shoulders slumped as he shook his head. “I sure wish I hadn’t heard Granny Bee threaten to kill this man yesterday.”
“Why? What does Granny Bee have to do with this?”
He pointed to the jar of Granny Bee’s signature Honey I’m Home hot spiced honey sitting open on the table, a spoon covered in the amber substance next to it. “Because it looks like it was her honey that killed him.”
Author Bio:
Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”
She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.
Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.
Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her at www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.
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July 7, 2023
N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Christmas in July Fête
Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s seventh annual Christmas in July Fête. 45 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon (US or Canada) gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A Merry MacNaughton Mishap, will be featured on July 7. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
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June 30, 2023
Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend by Melanie Munton – read an excerpt and enter the giveaway
Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend
Melanie Munton
(Shell Grove, #3)
Publication date: June 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Sometimes The One you’ve been looking for…
is the one who’s been there all along.
Reason #1: Finn is Maggie’s best friend. They don’t have secrets. Which means they know exactly how disastrous they would be as a couple. They bicker, they annoy each other, but they also have one hell of a good time together. Outside the bedroom, of course. Why would they risk ruining a great thing just to satisfy years of curiosity?
Reason #2: Finn is stable and secure while Maggie acts on any wild hair she gets. She’s always looking for her next adventure. But it’s been a while. Everyone around her is moving forward with their lives, leaving her floating alone in open waters. And when she’s offered the job of a lifetime in Key West—hundreds of miles from their hometown of Shell Grove, SC—it’s too enticing to resist. Besides, it’s not like she’ll ever be the kind of woman Finn would want to settle down with anyway.
Reason #3: Losing Finn would destroy her. That’s exactly what would happen if they ever took things too far and it blew up in their faces. But ever since that job offer was put on the table, Finn is putting a whole lot of other stuff on the table, too. Suddenly, Maggie and Finn are forgetting all of their rules. And she’s wondering why it’s taken them so long to be bad when it feels this good.
Maggie wants more adventure? Fine. Finn will give her all she can handle. She’s avoiding commitment? No problem. He’ll keep his thoughts on the subject to himself. But he’s not letting her take that job in Key West. She has no idea what she’d be throwing away. It’s taken him a long time to see things clearly, too, but his vision is 20/20 now. And he’s not letting his best friend—who might just be the girl of his dreams—go without putting up the fight of his life. All he has to do is show her he can be so much more than just the BEST FRIEND.
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EXCERPT:
Finn stepped through Maggie’s back door and immediately ducked, dodging the flying tennis ball at the last second. Without that fourth cup of coffee, that sucker would have nailed him right in the damn eye. As it was, he was alert—and jittery—as hell.
Don’t give the caffeine all the credit.
Tossing his keys on her kitchen counter, he hesitantly walked across the tile floor, approaching the living room with caution. There was… Shit, he didn’t know what to even call the wide assortment of household items littering her floor. There was obviously a purpose to it all, but that was a code only Maggie could crack. Entering her Alice in Wonderland of a mind made The Butterfly Effect look like a walk in the park.
“What the hell am I looking at right now?”
Maggie’s head whipped in his direction, whisps of her dark hair plastered to her temples where she was sweating. “Canine calisthenics.” She stated it like he was dumb for not seeing it with his own eyes. “The vet says Berkeley’s weight is teetering right on the edge. Gotta keep my boy in shape, Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta style.”
“Isn’t that the movie where they spend an entire scene air-humping each other from across a room?”
He dodged another tennis ball that came flying at his head.
“Leave it to you to only remember the tawdry details of an 80s classic.”
The closer he looked at the objects around him, the more shapes he could make out. She had created her own makeshift obstacle course for their four-legged pet. Canine apparatuses of her own invention were set up throughout the house. As was always the case with Maggie, there was a method to her madness. One only she understood, but there was something to be said for it.
Finn rolled his eyes. “Just so you know, the vet only says that so you’ll keep coming back. He’s more interested in checking out your ass in your spandex pants than whether Berkeley’s put on a pound or two. Trust me, his weight is fine.”
A new song came over the speaker that Berkeley seemed to recognize because his tail started wagging like crazy. Maggie caught him when he excitedly stood up on his hind legs, and they proceeded to dance in the middle of the living room.
Oh, Jesus.
Finn only just noticed the matching leg warmers they were wearing. And headbands.
“Since when is my dog a Shakira fan?”
“Since always. He’s part Colombian, after all.”
“We found him on the side of Highway 21, Mags. Pretty sure he didn’t hitchhike from Bogotá.”
“But his spirit animal did.”
“He is an animal.” When Maggie swerved her hips, he swore Berkeley mimicked her. Finn scraped his hands down his face, groaning. “Look what you’re doing to my dog. He’s going soft on me. He didn’t even bark when I entered the house without knocking.”
“Why would he bark at you?”
“He wouldn’t have known who it was when the door first opened.”
Berkeley dropped back down to all fours and copied Maggie when she started twirling in circles. “If anyone is softening up this dog it’s you with all those steaks you’re feeding him. Why do you think he’s having weight issues?”
His molars ground together. “He’s not having weight issues. The vet is having infidelity issues. Dude is married, yet he’s drooling over you like Berkeley does when I pull our steaks off the grill.”
“Ribeyes or porterhouses?”
“What does it matter?”
“If I’m going to be compared to a steak, it better be the finest slab of meat on the market.”
For whatever reason, the moment she said those words, Finn’s eyes dropped straight to her ass. He wasn’t even conscious of the action. Some otherworldly compulsion—likely a demonic possession—seemed to take hold of him. She had on a pair of those ungodly tight pants women wore when they worked out. There were slits cut in the spandex that were made of a sheer, mesh material, and her top was one of those dri-fit tanks that had a built-in bra thing. Maggie still always wore a brightly colored sports bra when she worked out, though, regardless of any built-in material. She couldn’t exactly go without one, considering how…ample…her chest was.
Jesus Christ.
Why was he thinking about her chest size? Or her bras? For fuck’s sake, he only looked because Maggie talking about being compared to a steak had the words prime meat flashing like a goddamn neon sign in his head. Holy shit, he was as bad as the vet. An actual Neanderthal.
The next words out of his mouth proved it to be true.
“You know you’re filet mignon, Mags.”
She tripped over a couch cushion and stared at him in shock.
Oh, motherfuck.
Author Bio:
Melanie grew up in the Midwest, but she loves living in the Southeast (where the beaches are!) now with her husband and daughter.
Melanie’s other passion is traveling and seeing the world. With anthropology degrees under their belts, she and her husband have made it their goal in life to see as many archaeological sites around the world as possible.
She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together…ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.
At the end of the day, she is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspense. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love.
Go visit Melanie’s website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!
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