Book Blitz of Sarah by Shanna Hatfield (#contests-Enter to win An Amazon Gift Card)

Sarah
Shanna Hatfield
Publication date: May 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

She desires his heart.
He longs for her love.
Can they find common ground when he returns forever altered by the war.

In a world turned upside down by World War I, all Sarah Richards desires is to love Brett Rawlings and build a future together. After graduating high school a year early, she’s ready to dive into her dreams of college and a home filled with laughter and love. But one impulsive decision threatens all her aspirations—as well as her relationship with Brett.

As the war rages on and men head off to fight, sixteen-year-old Brett reluctantly follows his twin brother, Ben, sneaking off to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces. As the months pass, Ben thrives amidst the chaos of battle, while Brett finds himself haunted by the girl he left behind and the uncertainty of his own heart. When Ben reveals a life-altering secret, the bond between the brothers is shattered, forcing Brett to grapple with betrayal as he faces the brutal realities of war.

Brett returns home a changed man, burdened with memories too heavy to bear, yet yearning to mend the fractures of the past. Will Sarah still be waiting for him, or have time and truth forged an unbridgeable chasm between them?

Find out in this heartfelt historical romance that weaves a tale of hope, grace, forgiveness, and sweet, enduring love.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“You have feathers for brains,” Sarah berated herself as Brett closed the distance between them. She accepted the hug he gave her as the impact of how deeply Ben—and inadvertently she—had betrayed him abruptly hit her. The realization of what she’d done made her head begin to pound.

“I’m so glad you came, Sarah. I stopped by to see you earlier, but your mother said you were out, although she didn’t seem to know where. I looked around town and in our usual spots but couldn’t find you,” Brett said, pulling back and giving her a curious glance.

“I’m sorry. I had a busy day,” she said. It had been busy. Sneaking around, being deceived, and making the biggest mistake of her life had taken the entire day.

Brett offered her a smile of such tender warmth, she wanted to burst into tears and confess what had happened. Only she couldn’t. It would ruin the trip, if not cancel it, and Brett had been excited about spending the summer with his grandparents. There would be time enough to sort out all the complicated details when the twins returned in August.

Three months away from Ben might be long enough for her raging wrath to reach a simmering point instead of teetering on the edge of it boiling over at any second.

“I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye. I hope you,” she emphasized the word and cast a withering glare at Ben before looking back at Brett, “enjoy your time with your grandparents this summer.”

A shadow passed over Brett’s face, but it was there and gone so quickly, she began to wonder if she’d simply imagined it.

“I’m sure we will. I hope you have a wonderful summer, Sarah Beth.” Brett was the only one who called her that, and every time he said it, her insides felt warm. He leaned down and placed his lips close to Sarah’s ear, making her heart pound in her chest. “No matter what happens, don’t ever forget how much I love you.”

“I won’t. Remember I love you, Brett,” she said, speaking around the sudden tightness in her throat. How could she profess her love to him after what she’d done with Ben? If a bolt of lightning shot out of the sky to strike her down where she stood, she knew she deserved it.

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

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Excerpt from Their Mended Hearts by Angie Cole (#contests- Enter to win A $25 Amazon Gift Card)

Their Mended Hearts
Angie Cole
(Cardinal Creek)
Publication date: March 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s a firefighter haunted by tragedy; she’s a nurse who never stopped loving him. Jon and Katie find themselves drawn back together, bound by shared history and the promise of healing and hope.

Jon Clemmons, a devoted firefighter, carries the heavy burden of guilt from losing his sister in a tragic accident. His pain runs deep, and he’s learned to keep others at a distance, afraid to let anyone see his scars.

Katie Deluca, a compassionate nurse, and Jon’s first love, has her own wounds, but she’s never stopped caring for him. When they’re reunited at a family wedding, old sparks reignite, and with them, old hurts that need mending.

As Jon and Katie draw closer, Jon’s troubled past, family secrets, and a volatile temper threaten to unravel the bond between them. Katie’s unwavering love gives him hope, but fears of reliving their painful past linger.

Will they find strength in each other to break free from the grip of old grief, or will their love slip away once more?

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

In the dimly lit living room, memories of Shelly flooded his mind. He could still see her shaking her head in disapproval as they toured the rundown farmhouse he had bought after graduating from the fire academy. With Will by his side, they looked beyond the peeling paint and creaking floorboards and transformed it into a home together. The renovations took nearly a year to complete. He could still see Shelly’s flair for decorating no matter where he turned.

Jon pushed himself off the couch and went to the spacious porch to enjoy the May evening. He settled into one of the two white rocking chairs that Kati and Shelly had refinished for him. It was a comforting familiarity he clung to after Shelly’s death. The porch was a peaceful place for escape and solace. But lately, it seemed empty without Will by his side. They used to spend nights out there, drinking and laughing until they passed out from too much to drink. Ever since Will got engaged, their time together had dwindled to nothing. Jon took a sip of whiskey, savoring the burn as he remembered how things used to be between them. This week was difficult for him—a time he and Will would typically share, drinking to cope with the anniversary of his sister's death. This year, he found himself utterly alone. Since Shelly's passing, he had become merely a shadow of his former self—hollow, burdened by grief, and adrift in a world that seemed dimmer without her vibrant presence. Each day was a struggle against his sorrow, and he often longed for the warmth of her laughter, now just a fading echo in his memory.

Princess, his faithful orange tabby cat, curled up in his lap, purring softly. Since Jon had stopped visiting Will’s ranch and speaking to Kati, he had found comfort in Princess’s non-judgmental presence and constant companionship. He stroked her head, grateful for her unwavering support during this lonely chapter of his life.

He took another sip of the whiskey, and warmth spread through his chest. As he stared at the bottle, he knew deep down that it was time to let go of the Deluca family before they sent

him packing after Will and Anna’s wedding. But for now, he let the familiar comfort of alcohol fill the void in his heart.

Jon scooped up Princess, her soft fur tickling his arm, and carried her into the house. He set her on the floor, and she let out a loud meow, signaling her desire for her evening tuna. Jon reached into the cabinet to grab a pouch of tuna and opened it with one hand while Princess meowed continuously. As he poured the tuna into her favorite bowl, she circled his legs, rubbing against them in excitement. Jon couldn't help but chuckle at her antics and patted her on the head before returning to the living room.

He sank into the sofa. The walls of his living room were decorated with commendations and medals, each a testament to his past victories. However, they were not just symbols of success; they had become a heavy burden that offered no comfort. He was haunted by the unending replay of Shelly’s accident and his failure to save her. The drink in his hand provided his only escape, offering temporary relief from the memories that refused to be tamed.

Growing up, Jon and Shelly faced the cruelty of their abusive father, while their mother endured the worst of his violence. Jon closed his eyes and remembered when he and Shelly huddled in a dark closet, praying their father wouldn’t find them. He could still hear his mother’s cries and pleas for mercy as they hid in that shadowy place. It wasn’t until they met Kati and Will in kindergarten that things started to improve. The Deluca house became their sanctuary, a refuge from the horrors they experienced at home. Will’s father, Robert, treated Jon like a son and taught him that women deserve respect and love above all else—a stark contrast to how his father had treated his mother.

 

Author Bio:

My journey as a romance author is deeply rooted in my personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. The profound impact of the losses I have endured, including the passing of my grandparents and my parents, has shaped my perspective on life and love.

My own love story is one of healing and finding joy after heartache, and it mirrors the themes I explore in my novels.

As a survivor of grief and a believer in the power of love, I channel my experiences into crafting stories that resonate with the complexities and triumphs of the human heart. My writing is a testament to the idea that love can emerge from the most unexpected places, offering hope and healing. The one thing that can be learned from grief is that it’s a very personal experience and isn’t the same for every person.

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Book Blitz of Introvert by Cookie O' Gorman (#Contests- Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card)

Introvert
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: May 15th 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Introvert (in-troh-vurt): Someone who is quiet, shy, and/or thoughtful. For reference, see Aurora Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Aurora Kent likes being alone. For the most part. With her fear of crowds, anxiety issues, and inexperience, she’s never really left home.

Until now.

Aurora loves playing violin…and surprises everyone when she agrees to go on tour with a band for two months.

She surprises herself more by kissing a rockstar.

Felix Cordova. Mysterious, cocky, gorgeous—and strangely familiar. When Felix asks her to be his girlfriend for 10 seconds, she agrees. But Aurora never expected a video of their kiss to go viral.

Now she’s in a fake relationship with the one guy who makes her heart sing.

Stuck on a bus with five hot musicians, playing sold-out shows, Aurora should be living the dream. But as fake dating leads to sharing a bunk, late-night talks, and heartfelt confessions, Aurora finds herself falling hard.

Which is a problem because, real or fake, summer romances never last—right?

This book features two opposites with the most delicious slow burn, one heart-melting grand gesture, so many soul-stirring kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a shy girl falls for a rockstar?

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Taking a deep breath, I walked past him and gave a mental hooray. I was doing it, chasing my dreams. As he fell into step with me, smoothly, hardly making a sound, my brow furrowed.

“What were you doing under that tree anyway?”

“Hiding. Same as you.”

“I wasn’t—”

He shot me a look, and my mouth snapped shut.

We both knew I was hiding. There was no use denying it. The thought that he’d been there as I tried to work up my courage was a little embarrassing. But that wasn’t what struck me.

“What could you possibly have to hide from?” I asked.

We’d almost reached the bus when he paused—then cursed.

Removing the sunglasses, he turned to me with the strangest look on his face.

Soft.

Warm.

With a devastating half-smile that could melt hearts.

Nothing like the guy I’d just met.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey…?”

“I missed you.”

“What?”

In the next breath, he pulled me to him in a hug. His lips were right next to my ear as he whispered, “Listen, I need your help.”

“Okay, what kind of help?”

“I think a kiss will do.”

“What?!?”

I pulled back, and he let me go. But as we separated, he still had that look on his face.

“The reporters just want a good story,” he said barely moving his lips. “To escape, I told them I was coming to see my girlfriend.”

I spotted them hiding in the bushes then looked around.

“Well, where is she?” I asked.

He gave me a real smile then, seeming genuinely amused.

“Ah.” I nodded. “There’s no girl.”

“I just need you to pretend with me for 10 seconds.” He reached out, pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear, and I shivered in response. “Think you can do that, princess?”

“That’s not my name,” I mumbled. “But okay. Since you asked so nicely and you’re desperate.”

He laughed softly then pulled me closer.

Raising his voice, he said, “Missed you so much.”

In the next breath, his lips were on mine.

Author Bio:

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, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now. She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, and The Merriest Christmas.

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Book Blitz of Same Place Same Stars by Katey Taylor (#contests- Enter to Win An Amazon Gift Card)

Same Place Same Stars
Katey Taylor
Publication date: May 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Psychological

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia battles a rare parasomnia sleep disorder that propels her to act violently, experience night terrors, and put herself in dangerous situations—all while she’s unconscious.

After waking up covered in unexplained bruises, she lands herself back in a mental facility. Making friends has never been easy, but at Awana, she quickly bonds with her fun-loving roommate Lindsay and falls for Gabriel, a handsome yet severely depressed resident she secretly meets at night.

As Natalia wrestles with the harsh side effects of her medication, her reality unravels, exposing disturbing truths about those she trusts most. Though romantic relationships are strictly forbidden at Awana, Gabriel becomes her lifeline amidst the chaos. To be with him, Natalia must risk everything—including her sanity, and she learns some choices carry devastating consequences.

Filled with shocking twists, Same Place, Same Stars, unpacks the many layers of what happens when you can no longer avoid dark secrets that refuse to be ignored.

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CHAPTER 1:

No sharp objects. Pack light.

My instinct is to run, but I don’t know how far my sore limbs will carry me.

Apathy is my last line of defense.

I reach for a baggy sweatshirt and leggings. This has become my uniform when I go away, not for any fashion statement but its functionality—it can be easily taken off before my body is searched by a nurse’s gloved hands. The pressure from the fabric causes me to hiss in pain. I carefully step each leg in to cover the tender scrapes and deep purple bruises along my pale white shins and thighs. The bruises are a reminder that I’ve messed up again.

I drag my worn leather suitcase that’s on its last leg away from our cottage and into the trunk of Olga’s station wagon. She doesn’t say a word as we head out of our driveway and onto the tree-dense highway. The branches are grayer than normal, though it could be my mood filtering the world in a cloud of indifference.

Olga rolls every window down even though it’s a brisk fifty-two degrees. Long drives make her sweat. I think she would never leave our small town if it were up to her, but I remain her forcing agent.

My eyes wander from the pastures filled with cows and horses to Olga and her wild blowing hair that is unusually more silver than black for someone in their thirties.

“So, what’s this ward like?” I ask, trying to break the tense silence.

“Don’t call it that. That’s not what it’s called. This is a treatment center.”

She turns up her classical piano playlist, the one she plays to calm her nerves, then hands me a folded piece of stock paper filled with smiling faces of young adults—those who, like me, are not teenagers anymore but not quite what I would consider adults either. Much like our mental state, we’re something in between.

The brochure states this center isn’t government funded. By the looks of it, it seems far out of the budget of Olga’s ballet studio salary and my unemployed status, but it claims as part of their philosophy that they take on special cases free of charge. Just my luck, they happened to have room for a last-minute drop-in.

After the stunt I pulled last night, I’m sure Olga would be willing to pay any price.

Author Bio:

Katey Taylor is a San Francisco Bay Area-based author and published poet, with work featured in online magazines such as DarkWinter Lit, SWAAY, and Fauxmoir. She’s recognized for her ability to address complex topics with sensitivity and depth. To find out more about her previous and upcoming novels, visit www.kateytaylor.com

 

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Book Blitz of The Boy Upon Death by J. Robert Adams (#contests- Enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card)

The Boy Upon Death: Reaper’s Last Call
J. Robert Adams
Publication date: April 5th 2025
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Supernatural, Young Adult

My existence was as cold as my birth. I was born with both knowledge and will—an inevitability for my kind. Drawn to the final moments of mortal life, we came into being. Some of us became Reapers, tasked solely with ferrying souls to their afterlife. Others craved the power of souls, calling themselves gods of Death—Shinigami. They believed that devouring or absorbing souls granted them greater might, but found that power only deepened their coldness and emptiness. Those gods of Death became husks, bored of their own immortality yet too frightened to end themselves. But being a Reaper can yield the same chill. Though I know the souls would be lost without our guidance, my own existence seems bound to a perpetual winter, drawn to the final beat of each mortal life.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Prologue: The Cold Existence

My existence is as cold as my birth. I was born with both knowledge and will—an inevitability for my kind. Drawn to the final moments of mortal life, we come into being. Some of us become Reapers, tasked solely with ferrying souls to their afterlife. Others crave the power of souls, calling themselves Gods of Death. They believe that devouring or absorbing souls grants them greater might, but such power only deepens their coldness and emptiness. The Veil—the great boundary between life and the afterlife—exists as the ultimate destination for souls. It does not judge or choose; it simply awaits those ready to cross. Souls unwilling to pass linger in the mortal world, their tether to the Veil slowly degrading. Once that connection is broken, they descend into madness, becoming fragmented and unstable, unable to find peace. For Reapers, our role is clear: guide the souls before they are lost. Yet even for us, there are choices. We are born as extensions of the Veil, tethered to it as both our origin and our end. At any time, a Reaper may choose to return to the Veil, to be reabsorbed into its vastness and find peace. But there is a second path—one far more dangerous and final. A Reaper may sever their tether to the Veil, abandoning their purpose and embracing free will. These fallen ones become what we call Gods of Death. Free from the Veil’s guidance, they face a choice: help lost souls or exploit them for power. Many succumb to the hunger, consuming souls to strengthen themselves. These beings often destroy themselves, transforming into husks—twisted, empty shells driven mad by their own excesses. I have not chosen to rejoin the Veil, though the option tempts me in moments of despair. And I have not severed my tether, though I sometimes wonder what lies beyond that severance. Instead, I remain a Reaper. But the cold emptiness of my existence grows heavier with each passing year. I guide souls to the Veil, knowing that my own tether will never allow me rest. The souls need us, but who guides the Reapers? Who saves us from the weight of eternity? Perhaps the answer lies in the unknown. In the countless eons of existence, I have never questioned my role—until now. The faint stirrings of doubt creep into my thoughts, like cracks forming in the ice. The time will come when I must choose: to remain a servant of the Veil, to seek peace within it, or to become something greater—or perhaps something worse. This is the story of how I began to question eternity. Of how I—a guide to the lost—found myself on a path to becoming something entirely new.

Author Bio:

J. Robert Adams has been building worlds in his imagination for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood escape quickly grew into a lifelong passion for storytelling. By middle school, he was already scribbling down tales of heroes, haunted places, and fantastical realms—stories that refused to stay quiet.

Today, Adams continues that journey with The Boy Upon Death, a dark fantasy exploring the tension between duty and identity, power and purpose. His work blends introspective character arcs with immersive worldbuilding, often walking the line between light and shadow.

He writes not only to entertain, but to ask the quiet questions—about who we are, what we fear, and what we choose to fight for. Whether you're here for the eerie mystery or the emotional depth, his stories aim to stay with you long after the final page.

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Review of The Audiobook-The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Bad #contests- enter to win a copy of the book and a gift card.)

 

 I would like to welcome Sejal Badani to Books R Us. Sejal is the author of the The Sun's Shadow. She is surfing the Blogosphere with I Read Book Tours. Check out my review below and her guest post posted yesterday on my blog. Don't forget to enter the contest below.

Book Details:

 

Book Title: THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 333 pages

Genre:  Literary

Publisher:  Lake Union

Release date:   January 28, 2025

Book Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/55f83c7a

 

My Thoughts:

The sun's shadow reveals many secrets, illness, and dramatic events throughout the novel. I enjoyed the audiobook version; the narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters and storyline to life. The story focuses on two women facing a difficult situation, conveying deep emotion and sadness. At times, the narrative was a bit drawn out and repetitive, which made me want to fast-forward. Nevertheless, I listened to the entire audiobook. The ending felt predictable and a bit rushed. I give the novel 3.5/5 stars. 

 

Connect with the author:

 Website  ~ X/Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
Instagram ~ TikTok ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

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THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani Audiobook & Book Tour Giveaway

Guest Post by Sejal Badani Author of the Sun's Shadow (Contests- Enter to win An Amazon Gift Card or a Copy of The Book)

 

I would like to welcome Sejal Badani to Books R Us. Sejal is the author of the The Sun's Shadow. The author has provided me with a guest post just for my readers. Check back tomorrow for my review of the Audiobook and enter the giveaway below.

 

Book Details:

Book Title:THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 333 pages
Genre:  Literary
Publisher:  Lake Union
Release date:   January 28, 2025

Book Description:

“A captivating story… richly woven narrative with vivid characters. A perfect story."

From the bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets―that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing family with them. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being―and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope. In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families―and their own futures?

 

GUEST POST:

Do you battle writer's block? How do you work through that?

Writer’s block is a tough one—and believe me, every writer faces it. If you ever find someone who claims they don’t, please ask them for their secret. Inspiration comes in waves. Sometimes it strikes in the middle of a workday, and other times it jolts me awake at 3 a.m. with a rush of ideas I can barely keep up with. The truth is, I have very little control over when inspiration arrives. And on some days, it doesn’t come at all. My mind feels like a blank page, and I’m stuck—pen in hand, but no words to write.

When that happens, I take it as a sign to pause and realign. I stop what I’m doing, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. I imagine myself bathed in white light, reconnecting with my center. More often than not, it’s life that’s blocking us—stress, distractions, or simply being too caught up in everything else. When that happens, the characters go silent. But when we return to stillness and breathe deeply, we create space for the muse to find us again. Inspiration needs serenity to bloom.

To those who aren’t writers, I know this might sound strange. Characters speaking to you? But they do. Think back to when you were a child, making up stories while playing with your toys. You knew exactly what they’d say, where they’d go, and what adventures they’d embark on. That kind of imagination flowed effortlessly because your mind was open—free from pressure or self-doubt.

As professional writers, we have to return to that place. Stay open. Let the words come. And when they don’t, don’t panic. Most of the time, it just means you’re overthinking. Even if the ideas seem “bad,” write them anyway. Invite that playful, curious child back into your creative process—and let them lead the way. And if all else fails, chocolate helps too.

 

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Meet the Author:

Sejal Badani is the Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret and Trail of Broken Wings. She is also a Goodreads Best Fiction award and ABC/Disney Writing Fellowship finalist whose work has been published in over fifteen languages.

 

 

 

Connect with the author:

 Website  ~ X/Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
Instagram ~ TikTok ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

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Book BZlitz of Intimate Secret by D.C. Stone (#contests- Enter to win An Amazon Gift )

Intimate Secret
D.C. Stone
(Empire Blue, #6)
Publication date: April 17th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

A murder was captured on satellite and multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to solve it. One of the detectives on the case, Jake Gonzalez, is led right to the front door of a local author, Francesca Conti. Sparks fly as Jake realizes he’s insanely attracted to his primary suspect, and her father is one of the most ruthless mafia bosses in the city, and someone he’s been investigating for years.

Francesca wants to escape this life her father has set for her and has been putting money away, looking for her opportunity to disappear. And much to her dismay, lately her father has been pushing her toward marrying his right-hand man, someone no woman has ever been able to say no to.

Just when she thinks she’s getting closer to escaping, Detective Gonzalez lands on her doorstep asking alarming questions, and making her heart race unlike ever before.

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EXCERPT:

There’s only so many times one could say they’d been shot by the woman they loved.

Jake stared at Francesca’s shaking hands wrapped around the butt of a SIG .229. She held the gun with as much confidence as one would expect with someone who had little to no experience with such a weapon. Like a toddler taking their first wobbling, unsteady steps. Or a young child holding a chicken’s egg for the first time and being toldthey could break it if they weren’t careful.

Under the full moon, silver tears trickled down her face. A moderate wind teased at hair that had escaped the messy bun held low at the back of her head. Russet tendrils brushed along her neck and cheeks like phantom fingers. She ignored those things. But he saw it all, as if the world moved in slow motion, tracking the shifting of her eyes and hands from one person to another. Saw the way her finger tightened ever so slightly over the trigger.

The safety was off, so if she applied a touch of pressure to that metal hook, approximately ten pounds for the first shot to go off, the gun would fire the bullet waiting within.

“Frankie,” he called in a soothing yet firm voice, using the

nickname he’d started saying a few nights ago. One he’d discovered she liked when he whispered it in her ear as he sank slowly inside the heat between her legs. Her attention shifted to him for only a fraction of a second before she refocused on Dante, her father’s right-hand man. A man many did not want to fuck with. One who’d killed his fair share of folks both in and out of the city. A man who was known to be one of the most ruthless enforcers around. Dante did things in the most violent way to set examples or make a point.

 It was the only way he communicated. And it was the way he got into the position he did, leading one of the most ruthless organizations in New York City.And lucky, lucky Jake was currently in a three-way face-off, like something from the Wild Wild West, with a woman he loved and a man he’d been hunting for years.

And as if his luck couldn’t get any worse, the two had a serious

history he hadn’t been able to wrap his mind completely around.

He quickly glanced around, wishing for that backup he’d called for about ten minutes ago to show up. But with how deep they were in Central Park, that wish would never come to fruition in time. The dull light coming off the yellow haze of a streetlamp reflected dark shadows of trees in the standing puddles leftover from the rainstorm earlier. The only sound outside the passing cars on the streets lining the park and Frankie’s harsh breathing was that of leaves hitting the ground, the season of fall in full swing.

“Frankie, listen to me,” he tried again, his chest growing tight with unease. “Put the gun down. Let’s talk about this.”

“I don’t want to be a woman you love,” she said, lips trembling.

Her arms shook with either fear or adrenaline, both equally dangerous when holding a weapon.

Jake Gonzalez’s heart clenched at the words, but he pushed them away. He had to stay focused, had to sort through this mess and prevent any additional loss of life. As it was, there’d already been too much.

And if she pulled that trigger, there was nothing he could do. He

wouldn’t be able to protect her. As frustrating as it was, he had an oath to uphold. Even against a woman he loved.

Francesca Conti looked broken, disheveled, and cornered. The first two had him angry and concerned. The last…frightened.

Author Bio:

D.C. “Desi” Stone is a best-selling romance author and full-time fraud investigator. She lives in the northeast with her incredibly supporting husband, two kids, a cat, and the ever-growing family of dogs.

After serving eight years of service with the United States Air Force, she went on to transition into the world of financial crimes and became a lead investigator for many years.

Reading has always been a passion of hers, getting lost in a good, steamy romance is one of her favorite past times. She soon after discovered her own love for writing and recreating stories and characters in her head. Her writing concentrates on romantic with specifics in paranormal, suspense, and erotica.

Now, when she isn’t trying to solve a new puzzle in the world of fraud, she is engulfed with coffee, her laptop, and all those crazy characters in her head. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hudson Valley Romance Writers, New Jersey Romance Writers, RomVets, RWA Kiss of Death, and the Liberty State Fiction Writers. She served as the 2014 NJRW Vice President and Conference Chair. Come stop by on Facebook, Twitter, or her website and say hello!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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Blub Blitz of The Guardian Awaits: Fata Morgana by Pamela Ackerson (#contests- Enter to Win An Amazon Gift Card.)

 

THE GUARDIAN AWAITS: FATA MORGANA

Pamela Ackerson

GENRE: Time Travel/Suspense

BLURB:

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had seen it all, or thought
he’d had.

Cruising down the road, rocking to the radio, Colin came across an ethereal phenomenon, the Fata Morgana. It was no mere illusion. The shimmering surreal glow enveloped him, pulling him through a portal, setting his course to a different era and defying all explanations of reality.

Nothing could’ve prepared him for the next leg of his journey, a journey that would take him to a deceptively quiet countryside in Genoa City, 1935, where a sinister serial killer was lying in wait.

Read An Excerpt:

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had spent a week with his family who had come to visit him in Duluth before he left the area.

His mother had always wanted to stay at the historic Fitger’s along the shores of Lake Superior. His father, as always, was accommodating to her wishes. She was thrilled with the stunning lake-view room they’d reserved.

His brother, Rick, was there for a few days but had to return before the week was up. They were short-handed at the fire station and he had to return to work. His mother and sister, Ilene, took advantage of the hotel spa and lots of shopping.

It was extremely relaxing. He’d been on guard, on high alert for so long he’d practically forgotten how to relax.

His good friends, Keoni and Lizette, came to share the last day with him and his family. It was awesome to have all of them together before he headed out of state to the next assignment.

The shaky goodbyes and the hugs filled him with happiness and love. He had one hell of a family. Colin knew how lucky he was to have them.

With his family, Keoni, and Lizette in the rearview mirror, Colin left Locke Bay satisfied he’d done the best job under the extenuating circumstances.

It was hard saying goodbye, not knowing if all would go well with his next assignment. It was something he learned to accept and live with. He was close to his family and, at times, it was extremely difficult to be without them, especially during the holidays, or missing birthdays.

Or, when Lizette put the gun to his head. All he could think of was how much he’d miss his family; how it’d break his parent’s hearts if she pulled the trigger.

Keoni Nani and Lizette Hill are two of the best friends a person could have. They’d met under the most unusual circumstances. When he’d first met Lizette, he didn’t trust her, knew she was hiding something. She was, absolutely without a doubt.

Funny how things turned out sometimes, he ended up knowing she and Keoni would always have his back.

 

Author Bio:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author, Pamela Ackerson is a time traveling adventurer. She was born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life. She lives on the Space Coast of Florida where everyone is encouraged to reach for the stars!

Her literary journey is as diverse and adventurous as the time-traveling escapades she writes about. With a rich tapestry of genres at her fingertips, she weaves stories that span from the wild frontiers of the Old West to the intricate cultural tapestries of Native American history. Her work doesn't stop at fiction; she delves into the realms of history, self-help, and even marketing, showcasing a versatility that resonates with a wide audience.

Ackerson's presence on the Space Coast of Florida reflects her forward-thinking approach to writing, always aiming for the next big leap in her storytelling odyssey. Her prolific output is a testament to her dedication to her craft, inviting readers to join her in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination.

Honest reviews of my books are always appreciated.

Absolutely no AI tools were used to create this story or any story I have written.

Thank you and have a good moments day.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00QY1ARI4

Twitter: @PamAckerson

Facebooks: Facebook.com/pam.ackerson.7

Website: PamelaAckerson.net

Youtube: https://youtu.be/18yWcZv9OS0

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2CNK4N6

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-guardian-awaits-pamela-ackerson/1147184589

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1735229

 

 

Giveaway:

Pamela Ackerson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

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