Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 22
June 29, 2023
Quicksand Series Boxset by Delaney Diamond with an excerpt and giveaway
Quicksand Series Boxset
Delaney Diamond
Publication date: Jun 16th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Quicksand is a series of stand alone stories based on love, sex, and romance. You can’t fight your way out of quicksand, and you can’t fight your way out of love. Books four, five, and six are available in this box set!
NIGHT AND DAY
Are they just two people on the rebound seeking comfort in each other’s arms?
When Tamika Jones arrives at the apartment on Hargrove Street, she expects to find her boyfriend, the money he stole, and the woman he cheated on her with. Instead, she finds Anton Bevins, a young attorney, who’s good-looking, bewildered by her appearance, and also a victim. The two end up in a sexy, fun-loving relationship that takes them both by surprise, but is it really love?
WHAT SHE DESERVES
Fiery passion wages a war between two destined hearts.
Layla Fleming may miss the toe-curling nights between the sheets with Rashad Greene, but it took a long time for her heart to heal. So when she sees the cocky playboy years later, she ignores his advances and moves on. With the first glimpse, Rashad knows he must have Layla back in his bed, but he still holds a dark secret and worries the chemistry between them will fizzle if she knows the truth.
THE FRIEND ZONE
Their friendship is strong. Their attraction is stronger.
For years, English professor Dana Lindstrom has been crushing on her friend, ex-NFL football player Omar Bradford. When another man sparks her interest, she embarks on a new relationship to help her get over those feelings. When Dana’s new love interest stirs intense jealousy, Omar will risk their friendship to show her once and for all he’s the only man she’ll ever need.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
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EXCERPT:
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Anton rolled onto his back and squinted against the sunlight coming in through the curtains.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
The noise was coming from the front door. Someone was knocking. Loud.
Rolling onto his side with a groan, he checked the clock beside the bed. Seven-thirty on a Saturday morning. What the hell? Who would—
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Irritated, he tossed off the sheets and marched to the door with angry strides. The person on the other side better be dying, or they’d be getting their butt kicked.
Though upset, he took the precaution of peering out the peephole to see who was attacking his door and was taken aback when he saw the petite woman out front. Wearing a baseball cap low on her head, he could tell she was attractive even through the distorted lens and the angry pucker of her lips.
“Open the door, Calvin!” she screamed. “I know you’re in there, and I’m not going anywhere, so you might as well come out.” She started banging with her fist again.
How could someone so small make that much noise?
Anton swung open the door and her hand remained suspended in the air, mid-bang. Her eyebrows winged together in a startled expression, and then her gaze traveled from his bare chest, down his pajama pants, to his bare feet. His skin tingled everywhere she looked, as surely as if she’d dragged her palms down his chest.
“Who are you?” she demanded.
“I should be asking you that question. I live here, not this Calvin person you’re looking for. You have the wrong address.”
She smirked. “Nice try. I know he doesn’t live here, but I know he’s here with that b*tch.” She then lifted a baseball bat he hadn’t seen through the peephole, over her right shoulder, as if she were standing at the plate ready to swing.
Anton’s hands lifted in defense. “Whoa, hold on. There’s no Calvin here, and I don’t know who the b*tch—I mean, woman—is that you’re looking for.”
One sculpted brow lifted above her skeptical dark eyes. Despite the volatile situation, he couldn’t help appraising her features. When was the last time he’d seen anyone quite so… stunning? With a round face, high cheekbones, and catlike eyes that glared at him but managed to look sensuous at the same time. Her nose tilted slightly upward at the tip, and her full, thick lips could be too much on the wrong face, but settled on hers in a way that drew the eye and made him temporarily forget the damage she could do with that bat nestled on her shoulder.
She wore a red top that, well… it was rather revealing, exposing her midriff and showing off the dark walnut of her flat stomach and the white-gold belly ring nested in her navel. He had to force himself to look at her face and keep his gaze there, which wasn’t an easy task.
Anton swallowed hard to beat back the lust that reared its head as he admired nature’s handiwork.
“Sure you don’t know them. Unless you want some of this”—she waved the bat—“I suggest you get out of my way and let me handle my business.”
“This is my apartment,” Anton insisted.
These gated communities weren’t worth the money. Why pay extra when it was so easy for crazy people to slip in behind someone else, like this psycho obviously had?
“Calvin!” the stranger screamed. When she tried to shove past him, Anton slammed his hand on the doorframe.
“Listen,” he said, lowering his voice to a lethal level, “I don’t need you waking up my neighbors and causing me problems, all right? This is my apartment. I’m not telling you again. There is no Calvin here. This is 2516 Hargrove Street Apt C. You have the wrong address.”
Bad enough she’d woken him up out of bed after a long week, but now she was getting on his nerves with her insistence of trying to get past him to find this Calvin dude.
“No, I do not have the wrong address. Tell me this, do you know who Melissa is?”
Shock jolted Anton’s back ramrod straight. “Melissa?”
The stranger smirked knowingly. “You do know her. Where is she? Tell her I want to talk.” She tapped the bat in her left palm, looking like anything but someone who only wanted to talk.
Author Bio:
Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of black romance and interracial romance in the contemporary romance and romantic suspense genres. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, visit her website and join her mailing list. Enjoy free stories on her website at www.delaneydiamond.com.
Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Mailing list / Pinterest / Podcast / Instagram / Amazon
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—
June 27, 2023
A Seasonal Songby Dan Shaskin & Deb Wesloh
A Seasonal Song
Dan Shaskin, Deb Wesloh
Publication date: March 21st 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Discover love and music in the sultry streets of Miami with “A Seasonal Song.”
Clarissa Bianchi, a talented violinist, lands her dream internship with the Miami Orchestra, but little does she know that she will also discover the love of her life. Jack Williams, a rugged rock guitarist with a broken heart, meets Clarissa and is instantly drawn to her beauty and passion for music. Despite their different musical backgrounds, their mutual love for music brings them together on a journey filled with passion, growth, and unforgettable memories.
As the summer draws to a close, Clarissa and Jack must navigate their intense feelings for each other and determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the distance between Miami and Boston. Will their hearts play a different song, or will the romance come to an end?
“A Seasonal Song” is a love story that will leave you humming a sweet tune long after you turn the last page.
Excerpt
They got into the car, and both were silent. Clarissa sighed.
Jack finally said, “Clarissa, talk to me.”
“You can’t imagine. I’m so scared. I’ve known you for a month, more-or-less. Since that time, I’ve held your body next to mine. I kissed you and told you I loved you.” Now I’m planning on living with you. Okay, only part time. I’m a little overwhelmed.”
Jack smiled. I don’t want to make light of the situation, but maybe you are overthinking this. He held up his hand to calm her thoughts and smiled. “Do you love me?”
She nodded her head affirmatively and smiled.
“Do you want to be with me at this moment?”
She smiled and said yes.
“So, what exactly do you fear?”
Clarissa sighed, gave a deadpan look to Jack. And finally spoke. “I fear . . .” She paused for a few seconds to formulate her thoughts, but she could not complete the sentence. She realized she couldn’t put into words exactly what she feared. She thought for a few seconds, sighed, and completed the sentence. “I fear this is going to end horribly and cause both of us a lot of pain. I have so much invested in this relationship; I’ve given everything to you.” She looked at the floor mat of the car. The logo of BMW blurred in and out of focus as the tears ran down her face.
Finally, Jack spoke. “Girl, look at me.” He grasped her chin and gently moved it so their eyes met. “Please smile. Just give me a smile.”
She relaxed and gave him a sincere smile.
“That’s my girl!”
She laughed at his comment.
Jack continued. “If your world comes crashing down, my world will crash with it. Damn it, my world will not come crashing down. I refuse to entertain such a prospect. Have faith, stay with me. We will figure this out.”
“Oh, Jack, forgive me. I have never been here before. I have never been so in love and so vulnerable, ever!”
He looked at her. “Because we have so little time, you only have two choices. One, you leave and forget all of this and pretend it never happened. Time will eventually wash the slate clean. One day you will wake up and it will seem this was all just a dream. The second choice is you engage one hundred percent. If you believe what we have is real and sustainable, then trust your feelings. If this is not what you want, all you need to do is open the car door and walk away. You will never see me again, and I won’t come looking for you.”
Clarissa paused for about ten seconds, deep in thought. She sobbed and slowly opened the car door. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. She turned her body and put one foot on the ground outside the car. She paused for a few seconds before she got out and slowly closed the door. Clarissa leaned with both arms on the roof of the car, crying. She was wearing a half shirt and her stomach trembled with her sobs.
Finally, after a minute, Jack got out of the car and stood on the opposite side. He put both arms on the roof and set his chin on the warm steel of the car. Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other.
“Clarissa, are we okay? You shocked me when you opened the door. I envisioned you would walk out of my life.”
“Would you have chased after me?”
He sighed. “Oh, damn girl. This is a typical female question. A trap. If I say yes, you will say‘but I made a decisive decision to leave, and you didn’t respect me enough to comply with my wishes.’ If I say no, you will say I don’t love you enough to fight for you. In these circumstances, it is impossible to give the correct answer. Both answers are wrong. I think it is ironic women can’t see this. They simply plunge ahead and criticize when the man inevitably gives the incorrect answer.”
Clarissa stared at him, expressionless. Finally, she spoke. “Jack, have you been watching self-help videos on YouTube about how to understand women? Your answer is disturbingly close to the truth. Even I couldn’t have summarized it so succinctly.”
He laughed.
She paused for few more seconds. “So?”
Jack tipped his head to the side and gave her a questioning look. “So what, Clarissa?”
“So, do you let me go or chase me?”
Jack cracked up. “Oh, for the love of God, after what I just said, you want me to answer that question. Are you serious?”
“Jack, I’m serious. I want to know.”
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June 26, 2023
No Cooldown for Love by Aliyah Burke with an excerpt and giveaway
No Cooldown for Love
Aliyah Burke
(Entangled: Amara)
Publication date: June 26th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
From USA Today bestselling author Aliyah Burke comes a playfully sexy romantic-comedy about one room, one bed, and a man who knows how to play…
When ex-pro basketball player Mitchell Anderson sees an overturned car on the edge of a cliff during a nasty snowstorm, he knows he has only minutes to rescue the woman trapped inside. What he’s not expecting is their instant attraction, or that she can deliver one hell of a pick-up line even under the most terrifying of circumstances.
Hope Roman’s entire life is on the edge. She’s already overwhelmed with grief and upset, and nearly dying is pretty much the icing on a terrible, soggy cake. So it’s just her luck that she’s suddenly snowbound at a charming little inn with the hottest, yet down right grumpiest, man she’s ever met. And naturally, there’s only one room left.
Now the pillow barrier between them keeps disappearing. And the walls are coming down. But Hope knows she doesn’t belong in Mitchell’s world any more than he belongs in hers. The question is whether either of them can trust the other long enough to play for keeps…
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
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EXCERPT:
She migrated in her sleep. Not that he had an issue with it—he’d enjoyed having her in his arms. Stretching, he yawned and burrowed back into the bed, pulling the blankets up to his neck. No rush in getting up, as they weren’t going anywhere. He snuggled up against the wall she’d made and inhaled, drawing in her scent with each slow breath he took.
The door cracked open and he held his breath as Hope poked her head in. Watching her through slitted eyes as she snuck into the room, he had this insane urge to smile like a fool. Even now, she was trying not to disturb him.
“Morning.”
She squealed and jumped, hand slamming against her full chest.
He slowly sat against the headboard and stared at her, eyebrows up. “You sure are jumpy this morning.”
Hand flexing against her chest, she shook her head. “You scared me.”
“I scared you?” Mitchell didn’t take his eyes off her for a second, just stared, wishing the fire burned a bit higher so he could see more of her facial expression.
She propped her hands on her full hips, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “That’s what I said. I don’t scare myself. I was minding my own business when you…” She waved a hand around.
He smirked. “Said ‘morning’?”
Hope gave him a sage nod. “Exactly.”
“I can see how that would’ve been scary,” he said drolly. “Opening my mouth to say one word to you.”
Hope narrowed her eyes at him. “I was trying not to interrupt you.” She cleared her throat. “Wake you.” A deep breath. “Whatever.”
He scratched his stomach through his shirt, not ignoring the way her gaze darted toward the movement. “Interrupt me? That’s intriguing. What exactly were you envisioning me doing in this bed, Hope?” He leaned forward, lips curling up in a full-fledged smile. “And if you were concerned, why not knock on the door? Did you want or hope to catch me doing something in this bed?”
“Sleeping.” Her voice was higher and he wasn’t positive but he felt like she was blushing.
“Oh,” he replied as he tossed the blankets back, sucking in a breath at the difference in temperature outside the bedding. “Sleeping, huh? You wanted to catch me doing what I was doing when you snuck out?” Disbelief smacked hard. And damn it, he enjoyed making her engage with him.
Her gaze drifted to his arms and he flexed one, loving how she nibbled on her lower lip without looking away from him. He’d heard Emma mention to Linc about how his arms were porn-worthy. Did Hope feel that way about his? Something definitely worth finding out, but he thought she did, considering how her eyes continued to drift to his forearms.
“Or whatever.” Heat filled her eyes and he loved that she didn’t drop her gaze.
“Hope,” he said, rising from the bed.
He watched and waited for her to stop staring at his arm.
“Yes?”
“You didn’t have to put the wall back up. I already know you travel when you sleep.” In basketball, traveling was a foul, but in bed, he was all for her doing it again. Tonight.
Author Bio:
Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at http://aliyah-burke.com/blog/contact/
She is married to a career military man, they have three Borzoi. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training/showing.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Newsletter / Twitter
GIVEAWAY!
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June 22, 2023
Beach Please by Melanie Summers with an excerpt and giveaway
Beach Please
Melanie Summers
(Paradise Bay, #6)
Publication date: June 22nd 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
A hilarious and heartwarming story that’ll have you snort-laughing, swooning, and sighing with happiness…
Lola Gordon’s dreams of a thriving surf shop were shattered when her ex vanished with all the money in their business account, leaving her on the brink of losing everything. With the bank set to auction off her beloved shop and its contents in just six weeks, Lola is desperate to find a solution.
When news of an exciting treasure hunt sweeps through the island, Lola sees it as her last chance to reclaim her surf shop and rebuild her life. There’s just one obstacle standing in her way: she needs a boat.
Enter Aidan Clarke, a disillusioned Canadian expat seeking solace in the tranquil shores of Paradise Bay. Having recently discovered his fiancée’s infidelity with his brother, Aidan wants to be alone. So when his parents decide to visit and hunt for a house near his seaside cottage, Aidan realizes he must create an illusion of happiness.
He proposes a deal to Lola: he’ll provide the boat she needs if she agrees to pose as his live-in girlfriend.
As Lola and Aidan set sail on their adventure, the lines between fiction and reality blur, and their fake affection starts to feel all too genuine.
Join Lola and Aidan as their dreams are tested, their hearts are mended, and a sun-kissed romance awaits…
Beach Please is a closed-door rom-com with a bit of heat and a fair bit of cursing. It stands alone (although to get the full treasure hunt experience, it’s best to read Whisked Away first) and comes complete with maps, colourful graphics, and a whole lot of ice cream…
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EXCERPT:
“Aww, you two look so sweet,” his mom says. “I need to get a picture of you together.”
We both sit up and Aidan puts his arm around me, pulling me in. I rest my head on his shoulder and smile, my heart pounding and my stomach fluttering for some strange reason. I don’t want either of those things to happen. Yes, he’s hot, but he’s also a fussy neat freak and we have absolutely no future together.
“You two are going to have the most beautiful children,” she says, still holding the phone up.
My face flames at that thought and I can’t help but feel a tug of guilt for lying to them like this.
“Did you get the shot, mom?” Aidan asks.
“Nuts,” Ginnie says. “The camera was aimed at me the whole time. One second.”
“Sorry about this,” Aidan murmurs.
“It’s fine, really,” I say, even though it’s not fine because the longer our bodies are pressed together like this, the more I’m enjoying it. If I’m not careful, I’m going to wind up feeling very confused about what we’re actually doing here, and with us about to spend who knows how long alone together on his boat, I definitely can’t afford to be getting confused. I remind myself that he’s solidly anti-relationship. I remind myself we have nothing in common. I remind myself that the last thing I need right now is a man. And yet, the smell of his skin and the feeling of his arm around me is suggesting otherwise…
Author Bio:
Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.
Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.
In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally – then she’ll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for ‘K’ Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn’t require makeup and/or nylons).
Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she’s not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken ‘from above’. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something–more like just staying until they turn the lights off.
She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
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June 17, 2023
Susanna Horenbout Series
Intrigue and romance in King Henry VIII’s court…
Congratulations to author Michelle Diener on the release of this stunning series! Starting June 16th, In a Treacherous Court will be FREE to download from Amazon but it’s only for a few days!
In a Treacherous Court (Susanna Horenbout Book 1)
Henry VIII’s most lethal courtier and his newly appointed artist become the only thing keeping him on the throne—and if they survive, neither will ever be the same.
John Parker is one of Henry VIII most useful courtiers—utterly merciless and completely loyal. But one small favor for his king will pull Parker into a deadly plot against the throne, one that will test his courage, his resolve, and most especially, his heart.
A commission from Henry VIII should have been the crowning achievement of Susanna Horenbout’s career, but before the beautiful and talented artist even sets foot in England, she finds herself in possession of a secret that could change its history.
With Parker as her only protection against killers who will stop at nothing to silence her, Susanna has to trust the dangerous, enigmatic courtier.
She’s used to fighting in a man’s world, but she never expected to be fighting for her life.
Keeper of the King’s Secrets (Susanna Horenbout Book 2)
A priceless jewel. A royal court rife with intrigue. A secret deal, where the price of truth could come too high . . .
The personal artist to King Henry Tudor, Susanna Horenbout is sought by the queen and ladies of the court for her skilled portraits. But a chance meeting of someone from her past pulls her into a duplicitous game, where the consequence of failure is war. Soon, Susanna and her betrothed, the king’s most dangerous courtier, are unraveling a plot that could shatter Europe. And at the heart of it is a magnificent missing diamond . . .
With John Parker at her side, Susanna searches for the diamond and those responsible for its theft, their every step dogged by a lethal assassin. Finding the truth means plunging into the heart of the court’s most bitter infighting, surviving the harrowing labyrinth of Fleet Prison—and then coming face-to-face with the most dangerous enemy of all.
In Defense of the Queen (Susanna Horenbout and John Parker Series Book 3)
An artist never betrays her patron . . . especially one of the world’s most powerful kings.
Susanna Horenbout has learned this lesson from the cradle. But when she receives a letter from her father telling her to do just that, she faces a dilemma. Betray Henry VIII, or carry out the request of her father’s employer, Margaret of Austria, and pass secret information to Henry’s queen, Katherine of Aragon.
Caught between the machinations of her husband and her nephew, the Emperor Charles, Queen Katherine needs all the allies she can get. But what can Susanna really do to help her, and even if she does, will it be enough?
Susanna and her betrothed, Parker—one of Henry’s most trusted courtiers—balance on the knife’s edge of treason as they try to make sense of both international and domestic conspiracies.
Sometimes, it’s better the enemy you know . . .
About the Author
Michelle Diener is the bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction. Having worked in publishing and IT, she’s now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.
Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and children.
When she’s not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter, posting pictures on Pinterest and interacting with readers on Facebook.
Book Blitz Organized By:
June 14, 2023
If I Asked You to Stay by Brianna Remus with an excerpt and giveaway
If I Asked You to Stay
Brianna Remus
(Pebble Brook Falls, #1)
Publication date: June 6th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
For readers of Elsie Silver, Laura Pavlov and Catherine Cowles, fall head over heels for this binge-worthy read of two hearts who have always been destined to come together…even after twelve years of being apart.
*****************
We were both orphans.
While Johnny Moore was the product of alcohol and bad decisions, he never let his family define him. And me? Well, let’s just say that my mother’s unwanted pregnancy almost destroyed her family name and leaving me behind was the best decision she ever made.
Johnny and I made a pact all those years ago—never leave. Two simple words that always gave me hope. Something solid to lean on when things got tough.
But I guess promises are meant to be broken. The memory of Johnny walking away on his eighteenth birthday will forever be burned into my heart like a brand.
Ten years of forgetting him. Ten long years of forging my own path and trying to make my dreams come true…without him.
Nothing could have prepared me for the series of events that brought me back to Pebble Brook Falls and face-to-face with Johnny Moore. The very man I wanted nothing more than to forget…forever.
And nothing could have prepared me for the man that was the embodiment of my weaknesses. With his towering height, southern accent, and a smile that made me weak in the knees, I was completely helpless against him.
He had been my first for everything, and I mean everything. And even though I knew he was the only person who could break my heart, the moment I laid my eyes on him after ten years, I knew I wanted him to be my last—my forever.
The only question was, would he even want me to stay?
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EXCERPT:
Johnny’s hand cradled the back of my head as he brought his mouth to my ear. “Every moment we’ve been apart, there hasn’t been a single second when my thoughts weren’t of you. How your blonde strands feel like silk against my fingers. The way your blue eyes remind me of sweet summer days filled with your laughter. And how your cute button nose crinkles when you’re frustrated or thinking too hard about something. But most of all”—his thumb grazed the bottom edge of my lip, tugging it down slightly and I swore an entire field of butterflies flew came to life in my stomach—“I missed these pretty pink lips and how they taste like honey pulled straight from the hive.”
I closed my eyes as his hand slid up to cup the side of my cheek and a quiet moan escaped from my lips.
When I opened my eyes again, I said, “Coming back to our home made me realize that there is no place I’d rather be because this is where you are, Johnny. I’m not staying for a few more weeks just to see what might come of this thing with my mother’s journal. I’m staying forever to see if I might have a chance of you loving me again.”
A raspy chuckle and then, “Darlin’, haven’t you been listening to a word I’ve said? Since the first time I held your hand in the garden behind the orphanage, and probably even before then, every breath in my lungs, every beat in my heart has been for you. I love you, Willow Mae. Nothing has and nothing ever will change that.”
And then he kissed me. Slow. Tender. With such agonizing gentleness, it brought tears to my eyes because this was what I had held onto for twelve long years of his absence. The song his heart sang to mine when he was near—and even when he was far, far away.
Author Bio:
Brianna Remus is a Florida-based author who lives with her husband, three pups, and terrorizing cat. She started her writing journey in 2016 to ward off the woes of graduate school. The light-hearted hobby quickly turned into a passion filled dream that consistently distracts her from the real world.
When Brianna isn’t working as a psychology resident or writing books, you can find her getting lost in the worlds created by others (through writing and movies), spending a day at the ocean, or taking a walk in the forest. She loves to spend her days outdoors surrounded by the beauties of nature.
A true Tolkien nerd, she also spends a lot of her time immersed in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as praying that Amazon doesn’t completely fuck up the new LOTR series.
Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub
GIVEAWAY!
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June 9, 2023
THE MYSTERIES OF TAROT by Kirsten Weiss with an excerpt and giveaway
The Mysteries of Tarot
by Kirsten Weiss
GENRE: Contemporary Mystery/Suspense
BLURB:
The Mysteries of Tarot: A Work of the Imagination
How to Read the Cards for Transformation
When Tarot reader Hyperion Night sent his manuscript, The Mysteries of Tarot, to a friend to edit, it was a simple guide to reading Tarot. Hyperion couldn’t anticipate that his editor’s notes would evolve into a murder mystery, or that his friend would go missing. Shockingly, the annotated manuscript eventually made its way back to Hyperion, who forwarded it to the authorities.
Now this astonishing Tarot guide is available as a book. The Tarot guidebook features:
• Tarot basics―How to manage different interpretations of cards in a spread, how to read court cards, and a clear and simple method for dealing with reversals.
• Detailed card breakdowns― Keywords, flash non-fiction narratives, and a deep dive into the symbols of each of the 78 cards of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
• Questions to apply to the cards for transforming your life―Insightful questions for each card to help you dig deeper into your Tarot reading practice.
Bonus feature: the guidebook also includes his editor’s comments on the more esoteric and philosophical interpretations of the Tarot, as well as his notes on the baffling mystery that engulfed him.
Gain deep insight from the cards, transform yourself, and solve The Mysteries of Tarot with this work of experimental fiction that’s part Tarot guidebook, part murder mystery.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot: Unleash the Power of Major Arcana Tarot Readings with Hyperion Night
Hey, Tarot enthusiasts and mystery lovers! Hyperion Night here, your favorite tea-drinking detective from the quaint town of San Benedetto. Today, I’m going to dive into the captivating world of Tarot and share my insights on reading Tarot with the Major Arcana.
Now, you might be wondering why I’m focusing on the Major Arcana alone. It’s because a friend, Abigail, just gifted me a Major’s only deck. Thanks, Abigail!
But whether you’re reading with a Major’s only deck or just getting to know the Tarot better, the Major Arcana is like the heartbeat of the Tarot deck. It represents profound archetypal energies and significant life lessons that shape our existence. Think of them as the main players in the cosmic (or comic?) drama of life, where each card portrays a vital aspect of our human journey.
So, how do we embark on a Major Arcana Tarot reading? Let me guide you through the process:
Set the Stage: Find a calm and serene space where you can connect with the cards. Light a candle, sip on a cup of soothing tea, and allow your mind to enter a state of tranquil focus. Embrace the mystique surrounding you, and let the cards speak to your intuition.Shuffle with Intent: As you shuffle the Major Arcana cards, ponder the question or situation you seek guidance for. Concentrate on the energy you wish to explore. Remember, these cards hold profound wisdom, so treat them with reverence and respect.Draw Your Cards: Select a card, but instead of a traditional Celtic Cross or Three-Card Spread, try using a narrative approach. Arrange the cards in a sequence that tells a story, like the chapters of a cozy mystery novel. Let the cards guide you through a journey of self-discovery.Embrace the Symbolism: The Major Arcana is rich in symbolism, so pay close attention to the details. Each card has a unique story to tell, and understanding the symbols can unlock deeper meanings. Explore the connections between the cards, and allow your intuition to guide your interpretations.Reflect and Interpret: Once you’ve laid out the cards, take a moment to reflect on the narrative that has unfolded. Analyze the interactions and transitions between the cards, and let the messages resonate within you. Trust your instincts and the insights that emerge from your reading.Remember, Tarot is a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. The Major Arcana cards are a gateway to understanding the greater mysteries of life, and they can help you gain clarity, guidance, and even inspiration for your own creative endeavors.
As a writer myself, (ahem) I’ve found immense inspiration in the Major Arcana. The archetypal characters and themes have fueled my imagination and provided rich material for my stories. In fact, my latest book, The Mysteries of Tarot, blends the Tarot with a gripping murder mystery narrative, inviting readers to unravel the secrets hidden within each card.
So, whether you’re a Tarot enthusiast or simply a curious soul seeking guidance, I encourage you to embrace the Major Arcana and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the mystical world of Tarot.
Until next time, my friends, may the cards illuminate your path and may your mysteries be solved!
Yours mysteriously,
Hyperion Night
Excerpt Two:
The Suit of Pentacles
Earth
Abundance
Foundations
Fertility
The physical world
Health and home
Notes: Suit of Pentacles
50 I’m regrouping with a thorough cleaning of my temporary home. And yes, the caretaker’s cottage was already clean, but I felt driven to… Start fresh now that my father’s gone?
Adelaide stopped by, catching me in the middle of scrubbing behind the stove. She thought I was mad not to call in the servants. But that wasn’t the point. The point was rolling up my sleeves and getting dirty. Laughing, she left me to it.
What finally stopped me was discovering an old plastic yellow house at the back of the closet. It was my mother’s. When we were kids, she’d bring it out for Christmas and create a little village beneath the tree. An old mirror became an ice skating rink. Cotton for snow. This was before my father got big and mom got cancer. You know the rest.
I cried for the first time since his death, not just for the past but for what could have been. Could things have changed between us? It seemed like he was trying. Like something had changed. Why, Hyperion? Why did he do it? -T
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries, and now a Tarot guidebook that’s a work of experimental fiction. Her heroes and heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.
Kirsten is best known for her Wits’ End, Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, and Tea & Tarot cozy mystery books. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
You can find Kirsten at KirstenWeiss.com
Twitter: twitter.com/SBPM_Museum
Buy links – The Mysteries of Tarot:
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C18BKGXB
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mysteries-of-tarot-kirsten-weiss/1143066958
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kirsten_Weiss_The_Mysteries_of_Tarot?id=Thq3EAAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-mysteries-of-tarot
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6447194167
Author Website: https://bit.ly/tarotmysteries
a Rafflecopter giveawayLike this:Like Loading...June 7, 2023
Babe in the Woods by Jude Hopkins – read an excerpt and enter the giftcard giveaway
Babe in the Woods
Jude Hopkins
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: June 7th 2023
Genres: Women’s Fiction
It’s September 1995, the first year of the rest of Hadley Todd’s life. After living in Los Angeles, Hadley returns to her hometown in rural New York to write and be near her father. In addition to looking after him and teaching high school malcontents, Hadley hopes to channel her recent L.A. heartbreak into a play about the last moment of a woman’s innocence. But she seeks inspiration.
Enter Trey Harding, a young, handsome reporter who covers sports at the high school. Trey reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to fire up her imagination. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But the surprising twist that transpires when the two of them go to Hollywood is not something Hadley prepared for.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
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EXCERPT:
“Have you ever fallen in love?”
He winked at her. “All the time.”
She’d have the last word, something she realized was important to her. “I think it’s wrong, all these women you lead on. Don’t you? I mean, they may get attached, fall for you. But you seem to use them, to see what you can get out of them for your own purposes. I think that’s wrong, They’re human beings, after all. With feelings.”
He turned around, his eyes drained of any light. “They use me, too. It’s not like they’re not getting anything out of it.”
“What am I getting out of this?” she asked him, if not rhetorically.
He stood on one hip, a move that made him appear more rakish than usual. “I really don’t know, Miss Todd. I wondered that myself. I thought perhaps you were bored or intrigued. Or maybe you’re a control freak.” He took a step toward her so he was within half an inch of her face. “Or maybe you’re just like the rest and can’t resist me.”
Hadley stood her ground. “How do you know when it’s over? The moment when love, or lust, turns into something else. Something not as passionate?”
“I don’t think about it,” he said, returning her gaze. “It’s something that happens. Maybe it’s not one moment. It just is.”
He turned around and walked out of the room.
Author Bio:
Women’s fiction—with a splash of romance, albeit tempered. I was once an adjunct professor in English at various universities, expecting a lot of my students. But the need to write something besides comments on student essays gnawed at me. I wrote poems and essays, one of which appeared in the L.A. Times. One day, I took out my old self-help book manuscript from a cobwebby drawer and began the process of turning it into a novel. That novel became Babe in the Woods, coming out June 7, 2023. I was a runner-up in the 2018 Personal Essay Contest by Proximity Magazine, judged by Hanif Abdurraqib. Besides the essay in The Los Angeles Times, you’ll find me on Medium, including The Belladonna, The Writing Cooperative and others, and have had poems published in Timber Creek Review and California Quarterly, among other journals. My publications can be seen on my website: judehopkinswriting.net/. Thanks for visiting!
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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June 6, 2023
Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe by Tim DeRoche
For fans of Lemony Snicket or Shel Silverstein.
Welcome to the tour for Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe by Tim DeRoche. Read on for more details!
Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe
Publication Date: January 24th, 2023 (In honor of Lewis Carroll’s birthday)
Genre: Children’s Humorous Poetry/ Grades 1 – 12
Publisher: Redtail Press
If your moral character is flimsy
Or your wit be rather slow,
Oh dare not read these tales of whimsy
For often do they end in woe.
Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe is quite possibly the most dangerous book of poetry ever written. Do you dare? It’s so good it will make you sneeze. What becomes of a girl who absolutely detests the color green? What about a king who joins a punk band? And the little boy who calls up God on the telephone? Monsters, bears, wizards, and talking vegetables―This book has something for everyone. Winner of the prestigious Baldersquash Medal, which honors the very best in highfalutin nonsense.
Tim DeRoche and Daniel González, author and illustrator of the best-selling Ballad of Huck & Miguel, return with a book of verse that will delight anyone who loves Lemony Snicket or Shel Silverstein.
Add to Goodreads
Available on Amazon
About the Author
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Tim DeRoche emigrated to California to attend Pomona College, where he studied English literature. His first book, The Ballad of Huck & Miguel, was featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, the LA Review of Books, and the Mark Twain Forum. It was also selected by the Pasadena Public Library as the “One City, One Story” book for the Summer of 2019.
He has served as executive producer and writer of the children’s science series Grandpa’s Garage, produced by Turner, and is a graduate of the PBS Producers Academy at WGBH in Boston.
Tim lives with his wife Simone and three young kids in the La Crescenta neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Book Tour Schedule
June 5th
http://rrbooktours.com – Kick-off
https://www.instagram.com/thrillersandcoffee/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/latishaslowkeylife/ – Review
https://mamof9.blogspot.com/ – Feature
https://www.instagram.com/booktales_o_artistry/?utm_medium=copy_link – Feature
https://www.instagram.com/balancing_books_and_beauties/ – Review
http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Review
June 6th
https://aubreywynne.com/ – Feature
https://www.instagram.com/jaslikestoread/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review
https://www.instagram.com/jlreadstoperpetuity – Review
https://www.instagram.com/seetaylorreview/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/froggyreadteach/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/louturnspages/ – Review
June 7th
https://www.instagram.com/Audreymckenzie_reads/ – Review
– Review
https://www.instagram.com/sogladtoreadyou/ – Review
http://www.ismellsheep.com/ – Feature
https://www.instagram.com/808bookdr/ – Feature
https://www.instagram.com/bookswithachanceof/ – Review
http://ramblingmads.com – Feature
June 8th
https://www.instagram.com/onemoreexclamation/ – Review
https://onemoreexclamation.com/
https://www.instagram.com/libertylanecreative/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/fathomsamidstthelines/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/magicalmushroombookshelf/ – Review
https://freelancewriterjannyc.com/ – Feature
June 9th
https://countrymamaswithkids.com/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/dany.alvy/ – Review
https://www.superkambrook.com/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/definitelynotreading/ – Review
https://www.instagram.com/bookishlykenia/ – Review
Book Tour Organized By:
June 5, 2023
House of Sticks by Marc Scott
…remember, not all girls are made of sugar and spice.
Welcome to the tour for House of Sticks, the sequel to House of Straw by Marc Scott. Read on for more details!
House of Sticks
Publication Date: February 2022
Genre: Psychological Thriller
They are united now, two sisters who were kept apart by the cruel twists in their lives. And, despite the fact these siblings grew up at the opposite end of the social ladder, they have discovered that they share an unbreakable bond. It is like a modern-day fairy tale coming to life.
However, the pathway to their shared happiness is littered with misgivings and depraved memories from which they can never escape. Brianna is still haunted by the tragic death of her twin brother while Poppy finds it hard to let go of the ghosts of her abusive childhood.
It seems that the forces around them will never leave them alone. Neddy, a ruthless drug dealer is hell-bent on revenge. A worried mother who is desperate to unlock the darkest of secrets. A stranger with tattooed fingers who must face retribution for his evil sins. These women must be strong to survive.
But remember, not all girls are made of sugar and spice.
Be prepared! This is not a fairy tale…
Excerpt
Liver and Lights never did visit Lucy on that bitter cold and frosty night, but the myth was enough to buy the silence of at least a dozen of the victims of the sadistic caretaker. A lifelong warning that would forever disturb the minds and souls of even the strongest of them.
The loud commotion at the back gate that night was that of Lucy’s father, who, following his release from prison, had driven south from Cumbria for eight hours in heavy snowstorms to be re-united with his daughter. The pair enjoyed a hearty breakfast the following morning before driving up to Kendal in the north of England. Life returned to normal, or at least as normal as it would ever be for young Lucy.
She never did tell her rescuer about the atrocities that went on behind closed doors in that Childrens Home. She feared that if she did, her father would over-react, as he had done with the ‘touchy-feely’ teacher at her school and beat the living daylights out of Sean Donovan. She did not relish the idea of her father going back to prison. But neither Lucy nor her father were surprised when they discovered that the Bluebridge Childrens Home was closed some years later, following several abuse allegations against members of its staff. Justice final caught up with the wicked caretaker more recently when a Paedophile Hunting Group caught him red-handed grooming two thirteen-year-old girls. He has served almost two years of the seven-year sentence he received for his crimes and had recently been placed in the isolation unit of the prison for his own safety.
Lucy Jones had carried the unwelcome burden of being an exceptionally pretty child. Her shiny blonde hair, silky soft skin and piercing blue eyes made her stand out in a crowd. It also made her a target for every sick pervert that crossed her path when she was placed into the care system. However, the girl had coped better than most did and is now a strong-minded survivor of the torturous nightmares she endured during those eighteen months.
She is twenty-seven years old now and is married to the manager of a clothing store. She lives two streets away from her doting father who visits her at least three times each week. She is a mother herself, twice over, two daughters, one of which she named Poppy, in memory of a brave young girl who had once put her own safety at risk to protect her.
She never fails to read her daughters bedtime stories, telling them tales of handsome princes and fairy queens who live idyllic lives in beautiful surroundings. But sometimes, just sometimes, when she slips those magical books back into the drawer, it all comes back to her. She remembers Donovan’s frightening tale of his phantom accomplice Liver and Lights. And on those nights, she will always watch over her children until they are soundly asleep. Occasionally, she finds herself caught up in the moment. And on those nights, she can be seen staring out of her children’s bedroom window, up at the surrounding darkness, shouting a few words she keeps locked away inside her head.
Available on Amazon
House of Straw
Publication Date: November 2018
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Traumatised by the tragic death of her twin brother, Brianna falls into a state of deep depression, isolating herself from the world and all those that care about her. When a twist of fate reveals that she has a half-sister she finds a new purpose in her life and sets out to find her sibling, desperately hoping she can fill the void left in her world.
Poppy has not enjoyed the same privileged lifestyle as her sister while growing up. Abandoned into the care system at the age of eight, she has encountered both physical and sexual abuse for most of her life. Passing through the hands of more care homes and foster families than she can remember, the damaged product of a broken upbringing, Poppy has never found a place to feel truly safe. Kicking back at society, she turns to drug abuse and acts of extreme violence to escape from reality.
When the two siblings are finally united, they discover that they have much more in common than their DNA. Their paths are shrouded with sinister secrets of betrayal and regret and both girls share a deep-rooted hatred for one of their parents. As the dark truths of their lives are unveiled they realise that nothing can ever be the same again…
CW: Dark chapters involving child abuse and brutality, adult themes
About the Author
Marc Scott was born and raised in the heart of the East End of London. He spent more than 25 years working in the video and film industry, including a 12-month spell on a project in Los Angeles. More recently he has been involved with assisting at the rehabilitation section of the UK court service, working predominantly with young offenders. It was here where he met the people that would inspire him to write his first novel House of Straw.
He is unapologetic for the dark backdrop and raw brutality in his books. ‘You can’t sugar-coat some of these damaged individuals that live in a broken society and make excuses for them.’ he says. ‘Not everyone wants the chance to redeem themselves.’
His gritty writing style has earned him much praise from reviewers and bloggers. The second book in his trilogy, House of Sticks, will be available later this year. A story that Marc describes as, ‘An even darker and more twisted journey into the depths of depravity.’
Marc lives in Halstead in England. He has a son and two daughters, who, he says, have given him the proudest moments in his life. He lists his favourite author as Kazuo Ishiguro, and his favourite book as ‘Birdy’ by William Wharton. He sums up his reading choices with a method which he applies to his own works. ‘When I read a book, I want to feel like a bystander, watching on, as an ‘extra’ as everything unfolds. If any of the characters in the book are bland and don’t affect you in some way, the author has wasted an opportunity.’
Book Tour Organized By
