Welcome to the book blitz for THE SELECTIVE MUTE PRINCESS, the first book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Royal Bodyguard Romance, by Samantha Jayne Grubey. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE SELECTIVE MUTE PRINCESS (Royal Bodyguard Romance Series #1) by Samantha Jayne Grubey
Synopsis Princess Amelia has been silent for ten years, ever since Amelia and Ava were kidnapped. One returned home the other did not. Amelia has always kept herself guarded with her twenty-first birthday approaching things are going to be changing.
Ethan Sparks is on his first assignment, guard the Princess in the Palace. The longer he’s there the more he finds himself being drawn to Princess Amelia, he can see she’s drowning and he wants to help.
Romantic interests stirs in a mixing pot of emotions as Amelia and her family recover from the kidnapping and murder of her sister. Unsure what to feel or who to believe, Amelia needs to find her truth, as she deals with her trauma and finally brings her family to mend. Along the way they find themselves hitting challenges at every wall. So many questions left unanswered by the kidnapping and murder, can she finally find the answers she’s searching for? Can Amelia finally allow herself to live and be freed from the guilt she feels? Can Ethan survive the challenges that come with falling for a Princess in line for the throne?
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Excerpt #1:
I sent him a small smile and walked through the halls, entering the cinema room and grabbing the remote. Ethan shut the door, and I patted the seat next to me. I flicked through one of the many streaming services, finding Harry Potter.
“Which one is your favourite?”
I held my hand up, signalling five.
“Really? Some people think that is the worse one; it comes in at number three on my list of best Harry Potter films.”
I chuckled, laying my head on his chest. I was determined to make it through all eight films, and I hoped I could binge watch them all in one day. I pressed the first film, and it began to play. I had yet to find something better than watching a film with Ethan by my side.
The first film finished, and I lined up the second one, hitting pause. “Do you know sometimes I wish we could order a takeaway to the palace?”
Ethan laughed.
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are.” He laughed. “You could have it ordered, but by the time it’s gone through all the checks, it’d be cold. What are you fancying?”
“Chinese. I know the chef can cook, but sometimes a takeaway is needed,” I muttered. “Why?”
“I’ll go get us some. I should see if Katie wants anything.”
“You could invite your sister to watch films with us too, you know,” I said pointedly. “I don’t think I’ve actually gotten to spend time with her other than our initial meeting.”
“She’s being a brat,” Ethan muttered sourly.
“Ethan.”
He rolled his eyes. “She’s not opening up, and I don’t know how to deal with teenage Katie. I’m way out of my depth here… like oceans away out of my depth.”
“Teenage years are hard,” I told him. “Maybe all she needs to know is that you love her still. Have you told her lately?”
“She knows.”
“Ethan, teenagers always know, but have you said the words?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Have you told her lately? She’s clearly going through a lot, ignoring the fact that she can’t speak.”
“Okay, I’ll see if she wants to come with me,” he said. “What do you want?”
“Egg fried rice, chicken chow mien, vegetable spring rolls, Hawaiian chicken, and chicken balls,” I said as I watched him type it on his phone.
“I’ll be back soon. I’ll post a guard outside your door.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes slightly. He left the room, and I sighed. I wondered if it was time I invested in a phone. I stood up, opening the door and made the short walk to my room, ignoring the guard following me. If I ignored them, then I couldn’t see their looks. I grabbed my blanket and Mac and made my way back to the cinema room, waiting for Ethan to return.
I wrapped myself in the blanket and switched on the Mac. I loaded up Google Chrome and stared at the blank search engine. I still had no idea what my project would be. I suppose part of that was due to the fact that I knew nothing. Maybe it was time to go back to school. I typed in universities and began scrolling through them. I had no idea what I was even looking for. If I was going to take over as queen, then I should at least know more about our history. I mean, our history books were fine, but I didn’t want to just stick with what we had. I wanted to experience the outside world, and I knew convincing my parents would be the hardest part.
“I’m back.” I jumped a mile, shutting the laptop quickly. Holding a hand to my chest, I glanced at the clock and saw half an hour had passed. He chuckled. “You must have been really deep into whatever you were doing.” I held onto my chest, trying to calm my breathing. I had completely gotten lost in my research.
Ethan sat next to me, and I looked to see Katie had sat on the other side of Ethan. I waved, and she smiled and waved back.
“What were you looking at?” Ethan asked curiously.
I shrugged.
“If you won’t tell me, I’ll just assume it was porn. You naughty, naughty princess.”
I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped. Ethan was definitely something else. He sat next to me, handing me a plate with a lot of food and handed Katie hers, then he pressed play on the film. It had been so long since I had takeaway food. My parents tried to limit us, but every now and then, we managed to convince a nanny to sneak us out of the house. I picked up a vegetable spring roll and began to eat it as I concentrated on watching the second Harry Potter film.
As I looked at Ethan, I noticed our legs had become intertwined as they laid out in front of us. I couldn’t help but smile; everything felt easy with us. I didn’t know if that was good or bad, but Ethan made it easy.
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Author Samantha Jayne Grubey
About the Author Samantha Jayne Grubey is an author of new adult romance.
When she’s not writing, reading, you can probably find her heading back to university for teaching training. If she’s not doing any of that then she’s probably playing sims (sims 3&2 are the best out of the franchise) or colouring.
Follow her on social media, learn all about the books at: https://www.samanthajaynegrubey.com
Welcome to the cover reveal for FIRE WITHIN, the first book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Beyond the Stage, by Nicki Rae, releasing October 20, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
FIRE WITHIN (Beyond the Stage Series #1) by Nicki Rae
Synopsis Music brought us together six years ago. Our love existed between guitar strings and every beat of the music. Song lyrics spoke the words of our souls – words only meant for us.
He was a coworker at my first job – a record store. So many great songs surrounded us. But I was only interested in what our song would become.
With Kelley Shane, I found the first love song that filled my soul with fire. But he also introduced me to my first sad song – heartache that filled my veins with ice water.
Marketing a new band has brought us back together. Going on a three-week tour with Kelley is not how I pictured our reunion. I’m not sure I can trust him to have my back, let alone to confide in him.
But what worries me most? What if my heart decides to trust him without my permission?
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Author Nicki Rae
About the Author Nicki is the author of The Moore Love Series: Lather and The Date: A Moore Love Short Story, The Perfection Series: Damaged Perfection and Resisting Perfection, Broken Minds, and Angel Face. She is a born Buckeye turned Hoosier who loves to spend time with her family. Along with being an avid reader, she also loves her animals and the Indianapolis Colts!.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE FIRST DARK SORCERER, the first book in the Young Adult Steampunk Fantasy series, Whisper Court, by Abby Arthur. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE FIRST DARK SORCERER (Whisper Court Series #1) by Abby Arthur
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: THE FIRST DARK SORCERER Series: Whisper Court Series #1 Author: Abby Arthur Publisher: Fire and Ice Young Adult Books Release Date: August 22, 2022
Genre: Young Adult Steampunk Fantasy
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis An awkward wizard. An aspiring ballerina. And a dark god with a wicked vendetta.
Clyde Blitzkurr is devastated. Rejected by every reputable magic academy in the realm, this seventeen-year-old aspiring wizard resolves to make his sister’s dream come true. But things take a turn when a demon tries to kill him.
Aylee Blitzkurr’s deepest desire is at hand. Accepted to the most prestigious dance academy, this sixteen-year-old ballerina is a breath away from becoming a principal dancer. But when her brother’s life is threatened, and ghosts start leaving cryptic messages, fighting for Clyde’s wellbeing takes precedence.
The siblings begin to uncover dangerous secrets connecting them to a vengeful god. Neither is safe. Clyde must grasp the untapped power he possesses. Aylee must discover the courage to face her darkest fears. If they do not, they will lose more than their lives … they will miss their destiny. And the realms are counting on them.
Phantom of the Opera meets Cassandra Clair’s Clockwork Angel in this young adult steampunk fantasy!
Escape to a world imbued with magic and the paranormal. Find mermaids, demons, dragon shifters, elves, wizards, sorcery, and a healthy dose of fantastical ballet. This exciting book for teens is for boys, girls, and everyone in between.
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Excerpt #2
Aylee “Students, please give him space.” Madam Ruelle looks us all over, and there’s this underlying threat in her gaze. It says if we act out of line in front of the most important man in our lives, there will be drills galore in our future.
“Oh, this is going to be good,” Mr. Taylo says not-so-quietly to Sedric. They both watch as Nori moves to the center of the room.
“What song shall we play?” Madam Ruelle asks Nori.
He doesn’t need a translation for that, but answers something in his fast-paced Kuromanese. The piano begins the song, apparently understanding him. On the first note, I understand the song as well.
It’s a well-known piece from an opera called the Warrior and his Bride. This is “the Dance of the Warrior”. My body chills at the idea because this is one of the hardest dances to perform. I know because I’ve done it. Normally, it’s a duet where the Warrior brandishes his sword, killing foes and protecting his love.
Nori looks at me when he takes his first pose.
No, I mouth to him, and pray he understands what that word means. We may have been partners during auditions, but there is no way I’mdancing this song with him. The last time I performed it was three months ago at the North Kingdom’s Dance Competition. My old instructor wanted me to do it with Drew, a boy in our studio. In training, I was whacked with a wooden sword too many times to count. Worse, during the final performance, I broke my ankle because Drew dropped me.
Let’s not forget that sword Nori holds isn’t wooden.
I will not have myself be made a fool in front of Mr. Taylo and his son.
Nori looks away as the music cues his movements, and I let out a breath in relief.
Quietly, Nori speaks words we all know. It’s a spell to call up mist … a well-known spell in dance, to add dramatics.
The room fogs with a heavy haze that rises from the floor, billowing like smoke. As it builds, Nori draws his sword in the theatrical movements of the Warrior. His gaze is dark, and his lips continue to move in a spell. The mist takes on the silhouette of a foe, and he watches it like a man ready to kill, as he should. This is the moment the Warrior prepares to slay for his Bride.
A battle is about to happen.
A new sort of hush falls over the room as the music builds. The fog grows so thick that the dance studio disappears. There’s only Nori slowly dancing the choreography, and the fog made foes circling him. Tension builds in the air as well, but not the same as when we expected trouble. This tension is of anticipation. Will Nori pull this off?
Following the build of music, Nori spins, slicing his blade through a fog-made foe and leaping at the same time. The foe bursts into the mist, dissipating into nothing. Simultaneously, Nori spins, and the surrounding mist accentuates his movements, making everything he does that much more captivating. This is a dance mixed with ballet and swordsmanship, and Nori is consumed by it. He runs across the room, slicing his blade through numerous fog-foes as he goes. He rolls to avoid a blade of mist and gets back up to dance again.
My mouth is open in awe at how well he acts out the scene. His form is spectacular, and his control with his weapon is just as good. I want to watch him dance this scene forever.
As the story goes, the first part of this dance is the Warrior killing foes to free his bride. Usually, the female dancer is in a cage at this point. I half expect Nori to end at the moment he sets her free. Or maybe he will attempt to improvise where the duet normally comes.
He does neither.
Nori jumps through the air in a marvelous spin and lands before me.
His free hand takes mine. I open my mouth to protest, but he spins me against his chest and says, “Feel the music,” in my ear with his heavy accent. Then he spins me out into the fog.
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Author Abby Arthur
About the Author Abby’s books combine magic, action, swords, and dragons with a healthy dose of sarcasm. She started winning writing contests and getting published in newspapers when she was just sixteen.
Her magic portal is located in small town Iowa, protected by herself, her husband, and their son. For more info on Abby and her books check out her site: www.abbyarthur.com
To view her character illustrations, check her out on your favorite social platform!
THE RUMOR GAME by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra
Synopsis “A juicy, elegant, absolutely flawless thriller with a twist. It’s the diverse Gossip Girl we’ve been waiting for!” —Tiffany D. Jackson, New York Times best-selling author of Grown and White Smoke
“Explosive.” —Entertainment Weekly
All it takes is one spark to start a blaze.
At Foxham Prep, a posh private school for the children of DC’s elite, a single rumor has the power to ruin a life.
Nobody knows that better than Bryn. She used to have it all—the perfect boyfriend, a bright future in politics, and even popularity thanks to her best friend, cheer captain Cora. Then one mistake sparked a scandal that burned it all to the ground.
Now it’s the start of a new school year and the spotlight has shifted: It’s geeky Georgie, newly hot after a summer makeover, whose name is on everyone’s lips. When a rumor ignites, Georgie rockets up the school’s social hierarchy, pitting her and Cora against each other. It grants her Foxham stardom . . . but it also makes her a target.
As the rumors grow and morph, blazing like wildfire through the school’s social media, all three girls’ lives begin to unravel. But one person close to the drama has the power to stop the gossip in its tracks. The question is—do they even want to?
From Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra, authors of the Tiny Pretty Things duology (now a Netflix series), comes another edge-of-your-seat social thriller perfect for fans of We Were Liars and Cruel Summer.
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My Review High school drama has never been so dramatic. When a scandal hits an elite DC private school, no one is safe. Three daughters of some of the most powerful people in Washington become embroiled in a dangerous game of rumors and online bullying that goes beyond just out of control into a careening disaster with victims well beyond the prep schoolers. Senior Bryn has a shattered reputation after she let her anger at her cheating boyfriend take control of her actions, even unintentionally. Now, trying to reclaim her spot as the queen bee, she elicits the help of her shy, Desi neighbor, Georgie. But Georgie has massive issues of her own, so when the rumors start swirling around her, she turns to Bryn’s ex-BFF, super popular, Cora, to out the perps and regain control of her life. With so many behind-the-scenes maneuvering and games being played with peoples lives at stake, the fallout will be wide and detrimental.
Plot The plot was interesting with several unexpected twists. It centers on the rumors swirling around campus and online. The comments are brutal and they impact all three girls’ lives. The whispers, stares, and snide comments in the hallways at school means the online rumors don’t stay online. So even if they wanted to delete their social apps to escape the bullying, they really can’t. It’s a well-written story of how cyberbullying can take a toll on even the strongest individuals and tear their lives apart.
Characters The characters were absolutely the best part of this story. All three main characters are really well developed, deeply flawed, and worthy of the way we come to care about them.
What I Enjoyed About THE RUMOR GAME 1. Own Voices. The authors helped bring their diverse characters to vivid life the way only #ownvoices authors can.
2. Fighting Back. I love stories where victims turn the tables on their bullies, but this had a twist that made it more realistic than just a feel good kind of story. Because even when you fight back with good intentions, you can leave unintended damage in your wake.
3. Consequences. The consequences for all were the natural fallout of bad behavior and I felt like everyone more or less got what they deserved.
4. Indian Food. Georgie has an interesting relationship with her food, but the way she described it all in detail left me salivating for some samosas and biryani.
5. Baez. Cora’s long-term childhood friend turned boyfriend was as loyal as they come. I hated that he got caught up in all the drama, but he remained so devoted to Cora, it was heartwarming.
Bottom Line An intense look at the devastation wrought by online bullying among teens, told with heart and grace.
Disclaimer I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
About Dhonielle Clayton Born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Dhonielle spent much of her childhood hiding beneath her grandmother’s dining table with a stack of books. As an English teacher at a ballet academy, Clayton rediscovered her passion for children’s and young adult literature. To ground herself in the canon, she pursued her Masters in Children’s Literature from Hollins University before receiving her MFA in Writing for Children at the New School. She is a former middle school librarian, where she pestered children to read and curated a diverse collection. An avid traveler, Dhonielle’s lived in several foreign countries, but she’s now settled in Harlem, where you’ll find her writing late into the night, lurking in libraries, and hunting for the best slice of New York pizza. She is the COO of We Need Diverse Books and the co-founder of Cake Literary. The co-author of the dance dramas Tiny Pretty Things and Shiny Broken Pieces, as well as the upcoming Rumor Game, Dhonielle is the author of the New York Times bestselling YA fantasy series The Belles. Find her on the web at DhonielleClayton.com or on Twitter @brownbookworm..
About Sona Charaipotra The author of the YA doc dramedy Symptoms of a Heartbreak, SONA CHARAIPOTRA is not a doctor — much to her pediatrician parents’ chagrin. They were really hoping she’d grow up to take over their practice one day.
Instead, she became a writer, working first as a celebrity reporter at People and (the dearly departed) TeenPeople magazines, and more recently contributing to publications from the New York Times to TeenVogue. She was also the editor of the Barnes & Noble Teen blog. These days, she uses her Masters in screenwriting from NYU and her MFA in creative writing from the New School to poke plot holes in her favorite teen TV shows — for work of course. She’s the co-founder of CAKE Literary, a boutique book packaging company with a decidedly diverse bent, and the co-author of the YA dance dramas Tiny Pretty Things and Shiny Broken Pieces (now a Netflix original series!), as well as the upcoming psychological thriller Rumor Game. Her follow-up to Symptoms will be the YA contemporary romp How Maya Got Fierce, which draws on her magazine world experience and is pitched as the Bold Type meets Younger. She’s a former We Need Diverse Books board member. Find her sharing pictures of her kids and her chai on Instagram @sonesone2, talking writing and books on Twitter @sona_c, or pinning gorgeous lenghas and her favorite Indian food on Pinterest...
Welcome to the cover reveal for THE SWEETEST GAME, the second book in the new adult contemporary sports romance series, Southern U O’Brien Brothers, by Cookie O’Gorman, releasing September 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE SWEETEST GAME (Southern U O’Brien Brothers Series #2) by Cookie O’Gorman
About the Book
Title: THE SWEETEST GAME Series: Southern U O’Brien Brothers Author: Cookie O’Gorman Release Date: September 2022 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis
Hopelessly in love with my best friend’s brother.
That’s what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior “June” Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.
It’s not like I haven’t tried liking other guys. I have. It’s just none of them measure up to him.
Baylor O’Brien. Beautiful. Cocky. Talented (on the field and in the bedroom—or so I’ve heard).
And completely oblivious to my love for him.
When Bay asks for my help, I can’t say no. He needs my PR expertise to revamp his reputation and up his chances of being scouted after one scout—the one he really wants—dismisses him as nothing more than a party-loving playboy.
When he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I accept his proposal.
But how am I supposed to act like I’m in love without revealing the truth? And why is Baylor so good at pretending?
About the Author Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake..
Welcome to the book blitz for SAVING SOPHIE, a standalone young adult contemporary romance, by Debbie Schrack. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Seventeen-year-old Gabe Hunter knows he has a purpose in life. He has always strived to be the “best of the best,” but lately nothing has gone his way. Gabe was devastated six months earlier when his half-brother Josh had a drunk driving accident that killed four members of a family and left a sixteen-year-old girl named Sophie an orphan. Josh went to prison and Gabe struggles to forgive him because how can he forgive the unforgivable? When Gabe reluctantly agrees to do math tutoring for his senior service project, he discovers that the girl he will be tutoring is also named Sophie. But in a town of eighty thousand people, what are the odds it will be the same person? Astronomical, Gabe figures.
Gabe soon discovers, though, that it is the same Sophie. A former National Merit Scholar finalist, Sophie had a severe brain injury in the accident. She has seizures, amnesia, and can barely read or write. When he meets her, Gabe realizes what his purpose in life must be—to help Sophie and make amends for his brother. His plan is to spend the rest of the school year tutoring Sophie, then say goodbye and go quietly off to college without ever telling her that his brother was the one who killed her family. What Gabe doesn’t count on is falling in love.
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Excerpt #2 After Mom got the call that Josh had been in an accident and had been taken to the hospital, it was our bad luck to have to drive right by the place where it happened, the intersection of King and Park. It’s one of those intersections that’s needed a traffic light for years—a four-way stop where no one really stops. It’s just far enough on the outskirts of town that people usually get away with it.
I will never forget what I saw there. Splotched sheets on the road. Glass everywhere. A burned-out Chevy Suburban, upside down on its roof. Josh’s silver Camaro, farther down the road, also upside down and so flat it looked like a crushed soda can. Red and blue flashing lights casting a garish purple glow over everything.
I wasn’t prepared for the horror of it all, the obliteration of both vehicles, the number of police and firemen sifting through the aftermath. I remember the smell of burnt metal, the sound of Mom’s gut-wrenching sobs, the way my insides shriveled into a twisted knot. Because even if Josh was alive when they pulled him out of the car, there’s no way he could have survived that. No one could survive that.
A police officer approached our car and I rolled down the window. He leaned in to look at us. “This road is closed. You’ll have to find another way around.”
“That’s my son’s car,” Mom wailed, pointing at what was left of the Camaro. She was sobbing so hard her whole body was shaking. “Please. I need to see my son.”
“Sorry, ma’am,” the officer said, glancing back at Josh’s car, his face grave. “I’ll get you an escort.”
While we waited, his words tumbled over and over in my mind. Sorry, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am. Did that mean that Josh was already dead? That taking him to the hospital was just wishful thinking?
Within minutes, the officer was back, and we were hauling ass behind a cruiser, sirens screaming in our ears. As I drove, I kept thinking about the people in the Suburban. Where were they headed in such a hurry that they didn’t have time to stop? Why didn’t they see Josh’s car? Because there was no doubt in my mind that they were the ones who caused the accident.
I’ve never been so wrong.
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Author Debbie Schrack
About the Author Debbie Schrack has spent her professional life working with children and young adults. She has a B.S in Special Education from the University of Virginia, and an M.Ed. from George Mason University. Although the character Sophie in her debut novel SAVING SOPHIE is fictional, she is a composite of many of the struggling learners Debbie has taught over the years.
Debbie lives with her family in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Debbie finds personal fulfillment in creating new things, whether it be a novel, a painting, or a batch of croissants. She loves animals, and horses are her special passion. When she’s not writing or horseback riding, Debbie is a sucker for musicals, enjoys visiting art galleries, and desperately wants to travel more. She also loves hanging out with her three children, who she will always consider her most amazing creations.
Welcome to the cover reveal for REASONS WHY NOT TO DATE YOUR NEMESIS, the second book in the adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Shell Grove, by Melanie Munton, releasing October 4, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, preorder inks, and details on her giveaway.
REASONS WHY NOT TO DATE YOUR NEMESIS (Shell Grove Series #2) by Melanie Munton
About the Book Title: REASONS WHY NOT TO DATE YOUR NEMESIS Series: Shell Grove Series #2 Author: Melanie Munton Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Release Date: October 4, 2022 Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis There’s a new sheriff in town…
And he’s her worst nightmare.
Reason #1: Ben Crawford is Olivia Knight’s long-time arch rival. They’ve been sworn enemies ever since she wore overalls to school one day, and he asked her in homeroom where she parked her cow. Now that he’s back, it doesn’t appear much has changed. He’s still arrogant. He’s still trouble. And this time, he’s got a badge and handcuffs. Which will make murdering him and disposing of his body much more challenging for her.
Reason #2: Sheriff Ben has done a lot of growing up during his time away from Shell Grove. He went and got himself some muscles and tattoos, and has the nerve to wear that sheriff’s uniform absurdly well. For some reason, that’s all she can seem to focus on whenever they cross paths. All the nice changes he’s made, instead of how vehemently she’s vowed to hate his guts for all eternity.
Reason #3: The complicated connection that has forever entwined their lives doesn’t have a pleasant backstory. As adults, they should be able to forget what happened when they were teenagers and move on. But in a small town where everyone has long memories, there are reminders everywhere of the nasty events that destroyed both of their families years ago. And she’s not sure their growing feelings for each other are enough to forgive the sins of the past and carve out a future…together.
Ben has a secret. A big one. The longer he’s in Shell Grove and surrounded by people who know his sordid history, the more likely that secret is going to come out. But if it does, Olivia will never speak to him again. Which will not do. Because he’s finally realized that Olivia is the reason why he came back to town in the first place. And if he doesn’t want to lose her forever, he needs to correct the mistakes he made a long time ago and prove he’s not the NEMESIS she’s always thought him to be.
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Excerpt: “Well, if it isn’t Livvie Knight. Long time, no see.”
You would think his head had just rotated around 360 degrees before he projectile vomited all over the place for how fast she scurried to the other side of the room.
“Not long enough, in my opinion,” she hissed. “And don’t call me Livvie.”
He clutched his chest dramatically. “You wound me. What, you don’t have a smile for your old pal?”
“Oh, there are many things I have for my old pal,” she said through gritted teeth. “And all of them would require you to wear some sort of protective gear.” She snorted. “Or not.”
Damn.
Even as she spewed venom like a viper, her eyes murdering him on the spot, she was still one of the most gorgeous women he’d ever seen. Even more gorgeous than she’d been in high school.
And that had always been the crux of his contradicting feelings when it came to Liv. His unwanted attraction toward her. It had slowly and unwittingly developed in high school and evolved with every encounter they’d had. He’d been disgusted with himself, causing him to lash out at her even more viciously. As if the way she had stirred his dick to life every time he saw her was her fault. He supposed it was, in a way, but it wasn’t like she’d been doing it on purpose.
Fortunately, he’d been able to focus on other aspects of her personality that he’d convinced himself drove him crazy. Like the fact that she’d been a goodie two shoes, straight-A student who won everything and never broke the rules. Never got reprimanded by the adults around her. Everyone she came into contact with swooned over her within two seconds of meeting her. Ultimately, the perfect child. Basically, she was everything Ben wasn’t.
As his eyes raked over her, his mind mentally replaced all the teenage images of Liv he had stored in his brain with the adult version. A hell of a lot of appreciation accompanied those images too. Her toffee brown hair fell past her shoulders now, with blunt bangs that framed her oval-shaped face and complemented her features well. Her breasts had gone from a small A to a full C—clearly a late bloomer—and her shorts hugged her flared hips like a dream. There definitely hadn’t been that much shape to her figure at sixteen years old.
She was no girl now.
Beauty aside, how did he really feel about seeing her? Honestly, he had no fucking idea. It wasn’t completely enjoyable, but it wasn’t wholly unpleasant either. He had years of negative impressions of her swirling around in his head, but he couldn’t discern whether those still held water or not. Or if they rationally ever had in the first place.
The sound of her snapping fingers had his eyes darting back up to hers.
“You getting a good look?” she asked acerbically.
Propping himself up on his hands, he lazily stretched out across her table, putting his entire torso on display. She had dropped the sheet in shock when she’d realized who she’d been massaging and was now trapped in a room with. The sheet was splayed across one of his legs and part of his other thigh, barely covering his package. He had no inclination to move it.
He had changed a lot since high school too.
And part of him wanted her to see that.
“Figured I’d return the favor,” he drawled. “You know, since you’ve been getting a good look for the past half hour.”
Her nostrils flared. “Believe me,” she seethed, “if I’d known it was you, I never would have taken the appointment.”
“Funny. It sounded like you were enjoying yourself a minute ago.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think it was me asking you out for a drink.”
“Well, I thought I was asking out a funny, intelligent, kind woman.” He waved down at her. “Amazing how anonymity can warp the mind.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, plumping up her full breasts. Her low-cut tank top revealed just enough cleavage to have him discreetly adjusting the sheet to conceal more of his rising issue.
Stay down, you dumb bastard. This one’s not for us.
“Great attitude, Sheriff Crawford. I’m sure you’ll be very popular among all the other smug jackasses in town.”
Wrapping the sheet around his waist, he rose to his feet and moved toward her. He couldn’t prevent his grin from forming when she refused to back up. Classic Olivia, always giving back as good as she got, never afraid to stand up for herself. While she might have been a goodie two shoes in high school, she’d never been a pushover. At least, not with him.
“Careful, Livvie,” he warned in a low voice. “You don’t want to get on a law officer’s bad side.”
About the Author Traveler. Reader. Beach-goer. St. Louis Cardinals fan. Pasta-obsessed. North Carolina resident. Sarcastic. Bit of a nerd.
Author of the Cruz Brothers, Possession and Politics, and Timid Souls series, Melanie loves all things romance, comedies and suspense in particular because it’s boring to only stick to one sub-genre! From light-hearted comedies to sexy thrillers, she likes to mix it up, but loves her some strong alpha males and sassy heroines.
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!
Welcome to the book blitz for JESTER, a standalone young adult fantasy romance, by Brielle D. Porter. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Lisette’s father killed the King. His execution leaves Lisette alone, disgraced, and without the magic he intended to pass on to her. In Oasis, that’s a problem. Glutted with enchanted performers, Oasis is a sin city where courtiers pay in gold to drink, gamble, and above all, be entertained. To survive on its competitive streets, Lisette peddles paltry illusions in place of magic.
Desperate to prove herself, Lisette enters into a deadly competition to be chosen as the highest-ranked magician in the world, the Queen’s Jester. But her rival, the irritatingly handsome Luc, possesses the one thing Lisette does not—real magic. Lisette will do anything to win, but when evidence implicating the Queen in her husband’s murder surfaces, Lisette must choose between redeeming her family name, or seizing the fame she’s hungered for her entire life.
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Excerpt Even though the knife feels like it’s blistering my palm, I take a moment to pan the audience. This is always my favorite part. The tension is a palpable thing, visible in held gasps, wide eyes, and awe.
Magic.
And that’s when I see him. Expression carefully neutral, almost bored, one eyebrow raised, arms folded across a suit that costs more than my father made in a year. A seeker.
My heart pounds, as I realize more than Stefan’s crotch is at stake here now. If I nail this, that pretentious clown in a suit has the power to get my act in front of the queen. I could be the next Jester. It’s the reason I’ve come here tonight, the same reason I’ve performed for thousands of crowds like this one.
Sucking in a breath, I hold the knife level.
Stefan thrashes, but the binding’s pinning him to the wheel like a dead butterfly hold. Right as I pull back to throw, there’s a shout. “Kingkiller!”
The knife slips in my grip, but it’s too late. I watch, horrified, as the blade wobbles in the air, the trajectory off. It clatters to the ground a few feet away from Stefan, flames smothered in the dirt. There’s a moment of shocked silence, as though the crowd is waiting for me to do something.
Make a joke. Throw another knife. Something. I can still save this.
Even Stefan gawps at me as I stare unseeing at the crowd. But I don’t do anything. I just stand there, the word pounding in my head, over and over.
Kingkiller.
Even real magic couldn’t save me now.
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Author Brielle D. Porter
About the Author Brielle D. Porter decided to become a writer after a well-meaning elementary school teacher told her she had a gift for it. Stolen moments under the covers reading anything from Harry Potter to William Goldman solidified the desire to tell stories herself one day. Jester is her debut novel.
Brielle lives with her husband and three sons on a lavender farm in Northern Idaho. When she’s not writing, she can be found running and beekeeping. Only ask her about her hobbies if you have plenty of time to spare.
Welcome to the blog tour for BUCK UP BUTTERCUP, the first book in the new adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Montgomery Brothers, by Anna Alkire. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
BUCK UP BUTTERCUP (Montgomery Brothers Series #1) by Anna Alkire
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: BUCK UP BUTTERCUP Series: Montgomery Brothers Series #1 Author: Anna Alkire Publisher: Water’s Edge Publishing Release Date: June 30, 2022 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis All’s fair in love and war.
With Randi and Buck, it’s hard to tell the two apart…
An uptight, self-contained college girl, Randi Becker just needed one thing: a room. Somewhere she could study, and keep away from the things that most confuse and frighten her: people.
Unfortunately, the “nice quiet place” she reserved turns out to be a room in the campus’ most raucous house. A place seemingly designed to make studying impossible, made even worse by the other girls’ non-stop drama.
But then Buck, a fun-loving cowboy whom all the ladies love, shows up…and everything gets much worse.
Buck seems to have it all: friends, fun, and a never-ending line of admirers. But what he most desires is a break. So when Buck spots Randi, he figures she’s a perfect decoy: he can play up a “crush” on her that will take him off the market; buy him some breathing room. And if he can tease her a bit, and get under the skin of the uptight busybody? Well, that’s just gravy.
But Buck is about to find more than he bargained for. Randi’s strong-willed, opinionated, difficult—and maybe just what he needs. And Buck isn’t alone. Soon Randi wonders as well…if the world she wanted is really the world she needs. If her future is nothing more than a diploma on the wall. And if the most important thing in her world isn’t a grade, but the cowboy who’s planted his boots firmly in her heart.
Fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will delight at this mix of romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and cultures colliding in a campus town with a western flair. Grab your copy today, and fall in love with Buck Up, Buttercup!
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Excerpt The cab driver obviously smoked cigarettes and didn’t use his air conditioner. Or deodorant. Randi pulled off her thin cardigan in the stuffy backseat. It still felt like mid-summer down here, even with October twelve days away.
She would finish her degree and get out. Done is better than perfect, she told herself for the hundredth time. Companies hiring for business, marketing, and graphic design (her combined major) wanted graduates, not perfect grades. A good thing because she’d be lucky to pass everything.
At last, the car turned onto a gravel road winding into an orchard. The cab’s high-beams lit up the bushy branches and thick gnarled trunks of hazelnut trees. She couldn’t wait to see it in daylight.
“Shit!” the driver yelled. He slammed on the brakes and the cab jerked to a stop, swirling dust up from the gravel road. Randi gasped. Someone ran right in front of the cab, pink, naked skin glowing in the headlights.
Male butt cheeks sprinted up the middle of the road blocking them from passing. Pale, hairy legs ended in cowboy boots. One of his hands was holding a cowboy hat on his head. He whooped and veered off into the orchard.
They sat in silence for a stunned moment. If that was somebody’s boyfriend, she would be moving out.
“Did a naked guy jump in front of the car?” Randi said, taking her glasses off to rub her eyes.
The cab driver grunted.
“Do you see that kind of thing often?”
“Hazing week,” he grumbled. “You want to keep going?”
She paused, her head a foggy cloud. What did he mean, keep going? Did he want her to jump out and walk the rest of the way? Not with insane naked men running around. “Yes,” she said.
Belatedly, her brain caught up with the conversation—he’d meant he could turn the cab around with her in it. A lump the size of a fist lodged in her throat. Something was brewing up ahead and it wasn’t herbal tea before bedtime.
The cab rolled forward at a slower pace, veering around the largest potholes. Her clenching stomach churned with acid. She couldn’t think. They rounded a bend. Cars lined both sides of the road, wedged between the trees. Women came tumbling out of one of them—young, wearing cowboy hats, short shorts, and halter tops.
Randi’s mouth opened and closed. The cab kept going. Beer cans and red keg cups littered the gravel and the dirt shoulder. Noise was filtering in: shouts and high-pitched laughter. She realized the seat belt was clenched in both her fists. They drove out of the orchard. A sea of cars spread out in row after row on the grass in front of a farmhouse, like the parking lot of an outdoor concert.
People swarmed everywhere, blocking stairways, twenty deep around the sides of the house. A huge bonfire burned in front of a barn.
The driver turned off his radio. The overwhelming muddle of music, shouting, whooping, and a few hundred people talking at once brought reality crashing home. She sat suspended, unable to speak, chest heaving, panting in short gasps. Her sweating back could have been glued to the sticky leather seat.
“Hey, kiddo,” the driver said, “got a pickup in twenty minutes. You want a ride back into town?”
She stared at the house number. It was correct. Not to mention the old farmhouse matched the picture online. And so did the orchard. Over the summer, Trish had emailed her back promptly, answering all her questions. This was the house of “studious women serious about school.” When asked directly about parties, Trish had responded, “Little get-togethers— yes. Massive parties—absolutely not.”
Anger boiled up, burning away the paralyzing fear. She huffed in dawning realization. They’d taken her savings. Conned her. After working fourteen-hour days, seven days a week for three months in Buenos Aires, she’d spent everything to secure her spot living at this house. She would get her money back, tonight—first and last month’s rent, plus a deposit. Her stomach roiled.
“Meter’s running. What’s it going to be?”
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Author Anna Alkire
About the Author Anna Alkire has been a long-term college student, a business owner, and a world traveler. Now “settled”—with a sigh and a cup of decaf—Anna lives in Washington state, where she splits her time between a husband who thinks the North Pole would be a great place to live, chasing her hurricane of a son, learning new handicrafts, and creating worlds full of the kind of romance and fun she most wants to read. Find more about her (and grab a freebie or two) at her website, annaalkire.com.
Welcome to the cover reveal for CHRIS, the third book in the adult romantic suspense series, Cross Security, by Nancy Brown, releasing September 9, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
CHRIS (Cross Security Series #3) by Nancy Brown
About the Book Title: CHRIS Series: Cross Security Series #3 Author: Nancy Brown Release Date: September 9, 2022 Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense Links:Goodreads
Synopsis
This will be a job from hell… I knew that from the moment I laid eyes on her.
Ex- MI6 agent Chris Winters lives by the rules. The most important rule of all: no messing around with a client. It works for him. Until it doesn’t. His newest job for Cross Security should be simple. Poppy Jones, the hottest swimwear and lingerie model on the planet, has a stalker… a ghost from her past who is coming to collect what he believes is his. Chris is to protect her and find out who is issuing the threats.
Simple. Cut and Dry.
Until it’s not.
Their chemistry is off the charts. But even as Chris fights his attraction to Poppy and discovers there is more to her than meets the eye, the real threat comes not from her stalker, but from the growing connection between them.
If he puts everything on the line, including his heart, will Chris still be able to keep her safe? Or will the ghost from Poppy’s past succeed in taking what he believes is his?
It’s a dangerous game to play. Who will succeed and who will fail?
About the Author Nancy Carolyn Brown is an author of contemporary romance, fond of writing love stories about hunky badass men endowed with massive hearts, and strong heroines with just the right mix of sweet and sass… flaming hot chemistry and thrilling nail biting suspense is always guaranteed!
She loves cosmos and chocolate and a swoony good book with a strong storyline.
She lives in sunny southern Alberta, Canada with her high school sweetheart husband and naughty Bengal cat. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends, reading and running with her favorite playlist blasting in her ears..
ALL OF US VILLAINS (All of Us Villains Series #1) by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Synopsis
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An Indie Bestseller! An Indie Next Pick!
The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick…
You Fell in Love with the Victors of the Hunger Games.
Now Prepare to Meet the Villains of the Blood Veil.
The Blood Moon rises. The Blood Veil falls. The Tournament begins.
Every generation, at the coming of the Blood Moon, seven families in the remote city of Ilvernath each name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death.
The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world—one thought long depleted.
But this year a scandalous tell-all book has exposed the tournament and thrust the seven new champions into the worldwide spotlight. The book also granted them valuable information previous champions never had—insight into the other families’ strategies, secrets, and weaknesses. And most important, it gave them a choice: accept their fate or rewrite their legacy.
Either way, this is a story that must be penned in blood.
The All of Us Villains Duology:
#1) All of Us Villains
#2) All of Our Demise
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My Review Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games. That’s the best way to describe this amazing tale of a group of teens, fighting to the death, to see whose family will control high magick until the next generation of champions. Each family chooses one champion to represent them in the tournament. There is only one survivor and the family of that survivor will be the powerful for at least a generation. Which means they’ll stop at nothing to ensure their champion is the winner. Including cheating, bribery, coercion, and even sacrifice. The story is told from the point of view of four champion, all with their own concern, motives, and desires. There were so many unexpected twists that this became the page-turner I needed to keep me engrossed, reading late into the night.
The story starts with various teens vying to be selected as their family’s champion, but soon, the sinister nature of the tournament becomes apparent. But unlike The Hunger Games, these magical kids want to sacrifice themselves for the fame, the glory, and of course the power. Even though only one can win, each believes they will be the winner. But the further into the story we go, the more we learn about these champions and that not all are created equal. Not just in their abilities, but in their motivations and desires. And one champion in particular has an idea, crazy as it sounds, that could end the tournament once and for all, and maybe just maybe save all their lives in the process.
Plot The plot is complex with so many moving parts and balls in the air, it’s an intense read. With so much going on, there was action or drama of some kind on every page. So many secrets, lies, and power plays, the story moves at a clipped pace, without ever becoming exhausting. It also never got confusing, which can happen when there are a lot of levers in play. The authors did a masterful job of plotting an intriguing tale, giving us surprises and twists at just the right times, and foreshadowing everything.
Characters This might be my only complaint. I often confused to two female protagonists. Though they serve different purposes, their personalities were very similar, while the two male leads, were as different as night and day. The other minor issue I had with the characters is that most of the non-narrators tended to fade into the background, with only a few exceptions.
What I Loved About ALL OF US VILLAINS 1. World Building. Spell casting, and spell making, and spell rings, oh my! The level of world building was off-the-charts good.
2. Setting. The fictional town of Ilvernath was such a key factor in the story, it was almost a character itself.
3. Magic. I really love the take on magic the two authors weave into their story. It’s different from any other magic I’ve read in the genre.
4. Twists. There were so many twists and turn, that I came to expect the unexpected, but still managed to be surprised all over again.
5. Ending. While this is the first half of a duology, I liked the ending that left me breathless for more rather than a frustrating cliffhanger.
Bottom Line A fabulous dark tale of magic, friendship, and loyalty that left me ready for more. I’ve already preordered book 2!
About the Author Amanda Foody is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of All of Us Villains, the Wilderlore series, the Shadow Game series, and more. Her work has appeared in publications including Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Culturess, and Amazon selected All of Us Villains as the Best Young Adult Book of 2021. Originally from Pennsylvania, she lives in Boston, MA with her partner and their orange tabby, Jelly Bean. When not writing, she unironically loves to cook. You can find her on Instagram @amandafoody or on her website, www.amandafoody.com..
About the Author CHRISTINE LYNN HERMAN is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of novels about magic, monsters, and growing up, including All of Us Villains, The Devouring Gray duology, and The Drowning Summer.
Christine resides in Somerville, MA, with her partner and cat. To learn more, follow them on Instagram @christineexists, sign up for Christine’s newsletter, or visit christinelynnherman.com.
Synopsis
An embattled actress becomes entangled in a dark conspiracy at a spiritual retreat—and starts a true crime podcast to try to break the case—in this chilling novel about fame, violence, and our morbid fascination with murder, from the acclaimed author of Dead Letters.
Olivia Reed needs a break. She doesn’t want to think about her name plastered on tabloids or be reminded of her recent meltdown on a Manhattan street. Her micromanaging publicist has just the thing in mind: a remote retreat in upstate New York—the House of Light. It’s not rehab; it’s a Spiritual Center, a site for seeking realignment and personal growth. There will be yoga and morning meditation, soft bamboo-blend fabrics and no shortage of crystals to cleanse her energy.
But Liv will soon find that the House of Light is filled with darkness. A prickly local, Ava, informs her that something twisted is lurking behind the Light’s veneer. There have been a series of mysterious suicides committed by women caught in the Light’s web, and no matter who Ava talks to, no one believes the Center is involved. To find out what’s really happened and put her celebrity to good use, Liv starts a podcast, seeking to connect the dots and expose the Light’s true intentions. Because beneath the glowing skin of the Light’s inhabitants lie rotten souls, and Liv starts to wonder if anything—even her own life—is how it appears.
Caite Dolan-Leach brings her tantalizing voice, her gift for atmosphere, and a cast of delightfully devious and absorbing characters to this riveting novel of suspense.
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My Review This was an intriguing read. It starts off with troubled actress, Olivia Reed, being taken to a rehab facility, known as the House of Light, and spirals from there into a mystery within a mystery and peppered with several interesting surprises. While there was lots of mystery and intrigue, there wasn’t enough action to make this a full five stars from me. Plus, Olivia, or Liv, is a less than likable character without enough growth to change my opinion of her. After some very new-age spiritual orientation, she more or less reluctantly settles into her time there, going with the flow with leaders with names like Dawn, and Rain, and Mud Puddle. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the picture. These people are crystal-channeling, Birkenstock-wearing, robe-clad cult leaders and Liv has too many street smarts to be fooled by their promises of “finding the light.”
It’s only when she meets her wacky neighbor, Ava, that she begins to suspect there may be something more sinister going on. She manages to get herself kicked out, but Ava has ignited a desire in her to uncover the truth. This leads her to conducting her own investigation and launching a true-crime podcast surrounding the deaths of a number of women once associated with the House of Light. Liv has made more than her fair share of mistakes in the past, but that doesn’t stop her from having inappropriate contact with Ava’s husband. That particular storyline was very much in character with who Liv is, but it made her very difficult to connect with. Her rate of self-absorption never really resolves, unfortunately, as the mystery unfolds.
The closer she gets to uncovering the truth, the more she feels like she’s in danger. But what she uncovers will rock her world and leave her questioning nearly everything about her own life.
Plot As I mentioned above, I didn’t find enough action in the plot to keep me riveted to the pages. But it’s not boring and it didn’t drag; it’s just not a page-turner. The author did a good job of foreshadowing, but enough that I figured out some of it before the big reveal. Some other elements of the overarching mystery were surprising enough to make up for that, though.
Characters While the characters were all really well developed, I never liked Liv. I would have liked to have seen a positive change character arc for her, but I also understand that not everyone needs that. But we spend so much time inside her head, it would’ve been nice. While she does acknowledge some of the stuff she did was wrong, she’s still doing dumb stuff right up to the very end.
What I Enjoyed About DARK CIRCLES 1. Mysteries. A love that there were a series of mysteries rather than just a single one. The missing and dead women, Olivia’s missing mother, her father’s true motives, and more, were expertly woven throughout.
2. Setting. The fall setting in the northeast U.S. set a great tone for a dark and twisted tale.
3. Writing. I really enjoyed the author’s voice and how she interwove the podcast narration into the the narrator’s tale.
4. Olivia’s Lack of a Driver’s License. Yes, her reason was she lived in New York, and didn’t really need to know how to drive, but a lot of Gen Z and Millennials aren’t bothering to learn how to drive, and that felt really authentic to me.
5. Surprises. There were enough interesting surprises to make of for the lack of overt action, making this a satisfying read.
Bottom Line A dark tale with intrigue and fully-fleshed out characters.
About the Author Caite Dolan-Leach is the author of Dead Letters and a literary translator. She was born in the Finger Lakes and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the American University in Paris..
Welcome to the book blitz for BLACKMAIL, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, Controlling Interest, by USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
BLACKMAIL (Controlling Interest Series #1) by Amelia Wilde
Synopsis Bristol Anderson will do anything to protect her younger siblings. Even if it means embezzling from the company where she’s a temp. No one will find out. And the wealthy owner of the investment firm will never notice.
Except Will LeBlanc doesn’t miss a thing.
He could call the police, but he has more interesting plans for her. In the copy room. On the conference table. Under his desk.
The coldhearted venture capitalist will make her pay back every last cent.
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Author Amelia Wilde
About Amelia Wilde Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.
Amelia is a USA Today best selling author from northern Michigan. Be her friend!
Welcome to the book blitz for PEACHES AND CREAM, the latest release in the adult contemporary romance series, Lunchtime Chronicles, by USA Today bestselling author, S. London. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
PEACHES AND CREAM (Lunchtime Chronicles #37) by S. London
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: PEACHES AND CREAM Series: Lunchtime Chronicles #37 Author: S. London Publisher: Juno Waves Publishing Release Date: August 3, 2022
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis
Gabriel Abruzzo
Soft.
Ripe.
Juicy.
Her name is Empress. I asked, she didn’t tell. The new masseuse at The Governor is quiet and delicate. Delicate things get broken in the underworld, but Empress is on edge, those dark eyes harboring a thousand nightmares. Edgy gets my attention. And drawing my attention means trouble is coming. I should send her packing, but she clings to me, a man without a soul. One touch and all I think about is the taste of sweet nectar on my tongue. I know she has secrets but I’ll protect my little peach from bruises…at all costs.
Empress Reign
Dark.
Lethal.
Haunted.
I ran from a dangerous man. Now, I’m attracted to one with a darkness that frightens even my demons. Distractions, in the form of my new client, Gabriel could prove deadly. Touching him, stroking my fingers over all his sinewy muscle makes my mouth water for a taste. Getting involved would mean trusting him with my secret. Gabriel’s no angel, yet being close to him transforms my living hell into heaven. Maybe I’m biting off more than I can swallow, or am I?
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Excerpt “Bill ain’t here, lady. Now get out.”
Bill? Now I’m for real confused. “I don’t know Bill.”
He twists those gorgeous full lips into a lopsided smirk. “With the road dust on you, thought you were here for a kill.”
I can’t help the eye roll at the movie reference. “Haha. You made a funny.”
“I don’t joke,” he rasps. “Who are you?”
“Excuse me?”
“Answer my question. A name.”
“I would like to see The Doctor,” I repeat, lifting my chin, staring him in those dark pits that are swallowing me up like shadow giving way to darkness.
“No. Leave,” he says.
“Why is that?”
“Because you don’t belong here.”
“Tell me something I don’t know, Mr. No. But it’s a free country.”
“Not in these walls. Management reserves the right to say leave… while you can.” He smiles, flashing me one gold canine.
My heart slams in my chest. What the fuck? I will myself not to take a step back. He’s trying to intimidate you, Empress. Inhaling, I slow my rapid breathing. Who in the hell on the management team thought a bully with a double flare plug in each earlobe and a polished fang should greet the guests? Not that it’s my business, but I ain’t scared… that much.
“He’s expecting me. You can do your job and tell him that his guest has arrived. I will wait right here.”
He narrows dark eyes on me. The broad muscles across his chest bunch in agitation. I can see it even through his suit jacket, that looks so out of place on a man built like a mountain. Images of him shirtless, no, naked and alone on a mountain peak, the world perfectly poised on his broad shoulders, have me sucking in a breath. He-man tattoos all across his chest proclaiming him the biggest and the baddest of them all.
I forget that Jada is on speaker until she says, “Tell that asshole that you have an appointment with The Doctor, don’t let him stop you.”
He looks to the phone I’m still holding in my hand. I tuck it behind my back as if he might take it from me. Like I’m a child who’s touched something that daddy says I can’t have.
“Yeah, what she said. Go get The Doctor, now.”
“Why do you need his help?” The way he asks the question gives me pause. Like he’s trying to decipher an agenda beyond medical necessity.
“That’s none of your business. Why don’t you just do your job, you glorified jackass. And go get The Damn Doctor like I asked.”
“Not wise to call me names, pretty girl.”
“Woman,” I correct. “And, normally I don’t, but when the ass fits, wear it. You’re giving me a hard time. So, I do what I have to do.” It’s true. I’ve always done what I had to do. It may have taken me a little bit longer to get away from Rafa, but I did it. I’m not going back.
No one is gonna stop me. Not even this asshole who’s trying to play gatekeeper in this fancy hotel. No one gives shit about women like me. Those who choose the wrong men. Who are stalked and hunted by men with money, power, or both.
I don’t give a shit what this man thinks of me. I have responsibilities. Jada is depending on me to protect her. And Alfie… I have to figure a way out of this.
“You know what? Never mind. I don’t need your help. I’ll find The Damn Doctor myself.”
I pivot on one soggy sneaker, a deliberate drag of my feet to scuff the clean tiles. Looking from left to right for something that hints at where a doctor’s corner would be in a palatial hotel.
There’s this club to my right. Al Di La is elegantly carved into the sign above double paned doors. It looks like some type of lounge. Inside, people are huddled in semi-circular booths chatting and laughing. Distracted by the opalescent, I missed the soft jazz accompanying a female vocalist floating through the air.
I turn to my left. There’s a bank of elevators. I’ll start with them.
Before I can take a step, Mr. No is around the counter. I see him coming towards me. I take a step back, stumbling over another guest’s personal luggage behind me.
Mr. No reaches out an arm and snakes it around my waist.
Panic. Fear. It all crushes into me.
“Let go of me. Don’t!” I scream. My arms are flailing as I curl my fingers into talons to fight off my attacker.
“Sis, what’s happening? Say something. I swear, if that jackass lays one finger on you, I’m gonna come down there and a kick his jolly green ass.”
“Whoa,” he grumbles while blocking my blows with ease. “You’re going to hurt yourself.”
Too late. Cramps shoot up my balled fists. Pain explodes in my shoulders. “Damn it.”
“That’s enough!” His voice rumbles over me, weighted and slow, crushing my anger. The previous agitation tumbles over at the impact. A new, more troubling sensation emerges. Attraction.
He holds me firm in his arms, but his touch is gentle. Our size difference is comedic. His big beast nostrils flare to my round-eyed dark beauty. I relax my fighting stance and cling to him. But then, like a well-trained pet, I remember. Big hands bruise. Big hands hurt. Big hands kill. Tensing, my demons break free, their defenses fighting a battle one touch from this stranger could defend.
I draw back my hand. With my open palm, I make contact, across his bearded jaw as hard as I can.
“What the fuck was that for?” he bellows, but he doesn’t release me.
“Don’t ever touch me!” I yell, shoving his hands away. “Stop being an asshole. Stop telling me no. Stop holding me.”
My breath is a choppy, high pitch. My inside voice is gone. All hope of staying invisible vanishes. The other guests watch the beginnings of what I’m sure is an emotional meltdown.
My clothes have shifted, and the scars to both wrists are on display. He looks at them, then back at me. I refuse to feel shame for surviving Rafa’s hell. Steeling my spine, I point in the direction of the lounge.
“Is The Doctor in there?”
“No,” he says, lifting one of my wrists for a closer examination. “Who hurt you?”
It comes out as a growl. His eyes darken to an obsidian I’ve only seen under museum glass. His whole body seems to grow before my eyes like the hulking beast he is. I grab the edges of my secondhand sweater, yanking the sleeves lower.
“No one,” I lie, averting my gaze.
“Hate liars, pretty woman.”
“Well, that’s all you’re gonna get from me, beast boy.”
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Author S. London
About the Author Siera writes heroines you know, heroes you love, and romance you feel.
USA Today Bestselling & Award-winning author, Siera London pens contemporary and paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and crime fiction. She crafts stories of diverse characters navigating their journeys to love with intelligence, wit, and heart-gripping emotion.
When away from the literary world, Siera lives on the east coast with Mr. Awesome and a color patch tabby named Frie. Visit her website at www.sieralondonauthor.com to subscribe to Siera London News or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorsieralondon. Repped by Latoya Smith / ArtHouse Literary Services
Welcome to the book blitz for THE LIGHT AFTER THE ORANGE, the first book in the adult post-apocalyptic fantasy series, The Tundra Stone, by Beverley J. Hall. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE LIGHT AFTER THE ORANGE (The Tundra Stone Series #1) by Beverley J. Hall
Synopsis EVEN IN A DYING WORLD, IS SURVIVAL ENOUGH?
After the Orange and the catastrophic devastation of Earth, magic began to seep in—but will it help Alex Chegasa survive?
Hidden and protected by magic, she grew up embracing her gifts. After witnessing the only people she can call family being murdered, eighteen-year-old Alex must choose between her head and her heart in her search for a place to belong. But, her hunt for a home means having to hide her magic.
All the while, in the shadows, eight-hundred-year-old Fae Billey NicNevin, suffering from amnesia, is rediscovering her magic.
Are their fates intertwined?
What if the fantastical stories Alex’s mother told her as a child were true?
ALL MYTHS ARE BASED ON TRUTH
Sales Copy: Eighteen-year-old Alex Chegasa, one of the first generation to be raised on post-apocalyptic Earth, was taught to embrace her magical gifts.
After the Orange, as the planet burned, magic trickled in. The bombs that had wiped out most life ripped open the barrier between worlds. Can the next generation, connected to the magic, be the solution to mankind’s problems or are they destined to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors?
Did the Orange, the very thing that ravaged the planet, also provide the solution? Or is magic more than a coincidence?
While Alex searches for somewhere to belong, in Massachusetts, she questions if survival is enough when she comes to understand that magic, used by the wrong people, could be more dangerous than the power of the generations before her.
Meanwhile, in a parallel story, we meet eight-hundred-year-old Fae, Billey NicNevin. With a past she doesn’t remember, she struggles to fit into Nuadh Caled (New Scotland) as it rebuilds itself. When she meets a woman whose soul calls to her, will she find her missing piece or tumble into insanity?
Are their destinies connected?
WHAT IF THE FANTASTICAL STORIES FROM ALEX’S CHILDHOOD WERE TRUE?
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Excerpt My eyes followed the shadows of the skeletal trees behind me. Their dead silhouettes, like fingers, pointed and directed me toward my past. My eyes rested on the debris filling the street, and I struggled to remember, even imagine, the houses, the homes, the families who lived here, before.
This was my world and my time, but the lone white house, hemmed in by what must once have been other homes, was a lie. With its paint peeling from the wooden boards, it stood as a memory of a world long gone. A time that was gone. A life that was gone. A life that was taken from me.
The silence filled me, allowed me freedom, but the house dragged me back to a time I didn’t truly remember. How many of my earliest memories were real? Were they the result of stories told to me as a child?
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Author Beverley J. Hall
About the Author Beverley J. Hall was born in Kent, England, and raised in Scotland. Most of her childhood was spent with her nose in a book, and her love of stories was born.
While studying Art and Design, she discovered her love of storytelling, whether with paint, sculpture, fabric, or words.
After completing an MA in Creative Writing, she is now living her best life, writing stories at the seaside with her son, her granddaughter, and her cat Bertie.
Head over to TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter to join her overthinking and daydreaming (she’s still hoping for a pet dragon).
Welcome to the book blitz for CHILD OF ETHERCLAW, the first book in the young adult science fiction/dystopian series, Etherclaw, by Matty Roberts. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on their giveaway.
CHILD OF ETHERCLAW (Etherclaw Series #1) by Matty Roberts
Synopsis
The bonds of family go well beyond blood.
But can those bonds hold when the blood itself carries a devastating secret?
Fenlee’s opal necklace had always radiated a certain warmth since her mother’s death. But now, at sixteen, her world begins to unravel as the stone sparks to life, revealing itself to be an otherworldly artifact of untold power.
Between her mechatronics studies at the academy and scavenging expeditions beneath the sprawling city of New Cascadia, Fenlee and her adopted brother, Elliot, try to decipher the mysteries of her necklace and its link to events in Fenlee’s past.
But they’re not alone in their search.
Strange undercity dwellers offer cryptic warnings, drones track their movements, and deadly corporate agents lurk in the shadows. When tragedy rips Fenlee’s family apart, she must learn to use the artifact’s power to save those who are deeply precious to her. But nothing can prepare her for the dark truths that she will uncover on that journey…
“Lee,” Elliot mumbled. “I’m not who you think I am.”
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Excerpt #2 When you grow up in an orphanage, you learn to read people pretty quickly. When you grow up in an orphanage run by an abusive drunk and his neglectful wife, you learn that everyone is full of shyt and you have to fend for yourself if you want to survive. The former enabled Quinn to do the latter. Reading people helped him find good marks, then he and Lyra would rob them blind. Lyra was quick and clever, like most foxes, but she was special. She could start fires with the flick of her tail, which came in very handy when you needed to distract a mark to pickpocket them, or on cold nights when you didn’t have an actual roof or walls to protect you from the harsh frost seasons. He’d learned long ago that they had to take care of themselves. That meant doing whatever it took to survive.
Q didn’t like looting corpses, but he wasn’t above it either; sometimes they had the best shyt. When he saw her lying there half-curled against the cold, on the side of the road just outside the Dark Woods, he couldn’t pass up the golden opportunity. She had a whole bag of who-knows-what lying next to her. It could just be food, but it could be decent enough stuff to sell or use themselves. Even if it was food, he and Lyra weren’t exactly feasting these days. Besides, she was dead. What did a dead girl need with whatever was in that bag?
“Lyra, you know the drill,” he whispered. As a fox, she was innately adept at sneaking, which was why she always made the initial approach. They’d tried other ways when they first started out on their own, but this was by far the most effective. Q sat back, partially hidden behind an old oak tree, and waited.
As Lyra crept closer, he could feel her heart rate slow and her senses heighten. She was inches from the corpse when he felt a violent shock, as though he’d been struck by lightning. He cried out, as did Lyra, before nearly blacking out. Q pulled himself from behind the tree, barely able to crawl to his knees before a second, more powerful blast struck them and he keeled over completely.
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Author Matty Roberts
About the Author Matty Roberts began their career in journalism where they earned an Emmy and had the privilege of working on several other award-winning projects. They hold an MS from Johns Hopkins University and are now an engineer in renewable energy in Denver, Colorado where they live with their wonderful partner, two extraordinary kids, and the best doggie ever.
In addition to writing, engineering, and parenting, Matty is a vegan enby nerd who is in love with this world and will forever be doing all they can to make it a better place. And they may be known to occasionally play in a punk band here or there.
For more information about Matty and their upcoming books, visit www.mattyroberts.io.
Welcome to the book blitz for A COUP OF TEA, the first book in the adult paranormal fantasy series, Tea Princess Chronicles, by Casey Blair. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
A COUP OF TEA (Tea Princess Chronicles #1) by Casey Blair
Synopsis When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.
In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.
Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power.
A Coup of Tea is the first book of the Tea Princess Chronicles, a cozy fantasy series full of magic tea, friendship, and lifting people up even when the odds seem impossible.
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Excerpt #2 “Well. I can’t deny I’d like to hire you, after a performance like that.”
A spike of panic. I don’t know how else to persuade her, nor how to get a job elsewhere.
“But?”
“This area is under a lot of pressure,” Talmeri says. “You need to make a living wage, and I’m not willing to pay you one.”
I steady my breathing, watching her, trying to think.
No. I need to listen.
I’ve heard how easily she manipulates her tone—she should have pronounced that with finality, and she didn’t.
This is the opening sally to bargain.
“I don’t need a living wage right away,” I say. “I need enough for food, general household items, and to style myself in a manner befitting your shop. I’d be comfortable starting with a low salary initially until I’ve proven to you how useful I can be.”
It’s a risky statement, with undefined parameters. But I need to turn the ‘no’ into a ‘yes’ before I impose conditions.
“A possibility,” Talmeri allows. “And what if I never decide you’re worth a full salary?”
“I’m confident you will.”
Talmeri laughs. “I appreciate that kind of confidence, but I’m looking for a plan of action here, Miyara.”
Certainty in her voice. “You already have one in mind.”
Her eyes narrow. “So I do. In three months my lease on this building expires. What do you think that means for a struggling business, when prices are rising?”
I think for a moment. “If your profits have been dwindling, then it isn’t enough to make as much as you used to. You need to be more profitable to compete.”
Talmeri nods. “Just so. Good, you understand the basics of commerce.”
“Lorwyn intimated she hoped I might assist with the business spreadsheets.”
“Ha! Clever girl, dropping that in. But one thing at a time, Miyara.”
“Yes, Grace Talmeri,” I say demurely.
“Good,” she approves. “Now. You understand that even if you took on more of the work around here, that wouldn’t be enough to turn our fortunes. If I can’t count on customer revenue exploding beyond my wildest dreams, what does that leave me to bargain with?”
“Providing a valued service to the community,” I say.
“I already have that. No, stop, I realize I can add value or services. That’s not the answer I’m looking for.”
I cast around, thinking of what else I’d heard from her this morning. She’s leaving her business to see a friend, she values her image, she’s proud—
“Reputation,” I say.
Talmeri nods slowly, eyeing me with more appreciation.
It occurs to me that until that moment she wasn’t sure I was actually intelligent.
She waves her hand at me, indicating my body, my clothes, my poise. “Yes. Reputation. With a reputation, I have bargaining power. And you know what would bring me one?”
“A tea master,” I say. And: “Which you can’t afford.”
“But you, with no credentials, references, or paperwork to your name, I can,” she says. “Because I can pay you whatever I like.”
I keep my expression even. She wants a reaction from me at that, the implicit threat. She knows I’m desperate or I wouldn’t accept less than a full wage.
“But I’m still not a tea master,” I say. “And if you try to use my position as leverage for investments, every noble will know you for a liar. Which won’t be good for your reputation at all.”
“Ah, you know how the game is played. We’ll get along fine.” Talmeri smiles. “And that won’t be a problem if you become a tea master in the next three months.”
I blink.
She’s serious.
“Three months?”
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Author Casey Blair
About the Author Casey Blair writes adventurous fantasy novels for all ages, and her serial fantasy Tea Princess Chronicles is available online for free. After graduating from Vassar College, her own adventures have included teaching English in rural Japan, attending the Viable Paradise residential science fiction and fantasy writing workshop, and working as an indie bookseller. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest and can be found dancing spontaneously, exploring forests around the world, or trapped under a cat. For more information visit her website caseyblair.com or follow her on Twitter @CaseyLBlair.
Welcome to the book blitz for STORM AND FLAME, the first book in the young adult fantasy series, Enchanted, by Mallory Wanless, releasing September 22, 2022. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
STORM AND FLAME (Enchanted Series #1) by Mallory Wanless
Synopsis Elena has always been a disappointment. Her magic is practically non-existent and now, on her sixteenth birthday, she is expelled from magic school by the strict headmistress–also known as her mother. Cast out into the world of the magically inept with only her familiar for company, Elena feels lost and alone until she meets a strange boy in the woods.
Quinn is a thief, a hunter, and a hothead. His unexpected friendship with Elena awakens a fiery side in him–quite literally–and uncovers new and surprising magical abilities. Except men aren’t supposed to be capable of magic.
With Quinn’s help, Elena carves a safe new life as a barmaid, but when she is attacked, her powers awaken with shocking ferocity. Elena’s explosion of magic creates a power surge that attracts the attention of magical investigators, sent to uncover and contain the source of the power surge.
But the awakening of their powers kickstarts an ancient prophecy. Will they be able to escape those that hunt them? Can they fulfill the prophecy, destroy the turmio and save magic from being destroyed once and for all?
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Excerpt #2 When you grow up in an orphanage, you learn to read people pretty quickly. When you grow up in an orphanage run by an abusive drunk and his neglectful wife, you learn that everyone is full of shyt and you have to fend for yourself if you want to survive. The former enabled Quinn to do the latter. Reading people helped him find good marks, then he and Lyra would rob them blind. Lyra was quick and clever, like most foxes, but she was special. She could start fires with the flick of her tail, which came in very handy when you needed to distract a mark to pickpocket them, or on cold nights when you didn’t have an actual roof or walls to protect you from the harsh frost seasons. He’d learned long ago that they had to take care of themselves. That meant doing whatever it took to survive.
Q didn’t like looting corpses, but he wasn’t above it either; sometimes they had the best shyt. When he saw her lying there half-curled against the cold, on the side of the road just outside the Dark Woods, he couldn’t pass up the golden opportunity. She had a whole bag of who-knows-what lying next to her. It could just be food, but it could be decent enough stuff to sell or use themselves. Even if it was food, he and Lyra weren’t exactly feasting these days. Besides, she was dead. What did a dead girl need with whatever was in that bag?
“Lyra, you know the drill,” he whispered. As a fox, she was innately adept at sneaking, which was why she always made the initial approach. They’d tried other ways when they first started out on their own, but this was by far the most effective. Q sat back, partially hidden behind an old oak tree, and waited.
As Lyra crept closer, he could feel her heart rate slow and her senses heighten. She was inches from the corpse when he felt a violent shock, as though he’d been struck by lightning. He cried out, as did Lyra, before nearly blacking out. Q pulled himself from behind the tree, barely able to crawl to his knees before a second, more powerful blast struck them and he keeled over completely.
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Author Mallory Wanless
About the Author Mallory lives in Texas with her husband and their two young boys. She spends her days homeschooling and full-time parenting. Her nights, and any free time she manages to carve out during the day, are devoted to reading and writing.
