Book Blitz of The Lightslayer (Book 1 of Everdusk)by Jack Townson(#contests- Enter to win A $25 Amazon Gift Card)

The Lightslayer: The Vampire Jack Townson
Jack Townson
(Everdusk, #1)
Publication date: June 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy epic that will consume your imagination.

Welcome to Draconia, a realm cloaked in shadows and intrigue, where ancient power struggles simmer beneath the surface. When the enigmatic Vampire Lord, Jack Townson, master of the Manor of Mystery, uncovers a sinister conspiracy threatening to ignite a supernatural war, he and his eclectic band of misfits-the Degenerates-must rise to the challenge. Together, they will navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous secrets, and a world filled with breathtaking magic and monsters.

Immerse yourself in a tale of supernatural action, dark romance, and fantasy adventure, where every page brims with danger, desire, and destiny. From spine-chilling battles to forbidden love, this novel takes you on a journey through a richly imagined universe where power comes at a price, and loyalty is tested at every turn.

Fans of spicy dark romance, vampire lore, and epic fantasy will be spellbound by Draconia’s intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, or Deborah Harkness, this is your next must-read.

Step into the shadows. Welcome to Draconia. Your adventure awaits. Mind your throat.

—

“A darkly Gothic romp through a dense and sinister world with the compelling and mysterious Jack Townson.” — Laurell K. Hamilton, New York Times Bestselling Author of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

“They want a fight,” Townson growls, his voice steady but burning with conviction, “so we’ll give them one— but not

because we crave revenge!” His face contorts with emotion, locking eyes with his people. “Not because we thirst for blood!”

He raises a talon high into the air, his black claws curling into a fist with a loud, menacing crack. “But because we are family, and we stand together against any foe!”

Tears well in the eyes of many in the crowd, stirred by a fierce mix of fear and inspiration.

“BECAUSE WE ARE ALL DEGENERATES!” His voice erupts, a flash of fury in his eyes, as a supernatural wind howls from his aura. “WANTED BY NONE—” he roars, his words shaking the room, “AT HOME WITH EACH OTHER!”

Author Bio:

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.

Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one's humanity.

Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Interview of the Author Joanne Kukanza Easley Author of Higher Love (#adult fiction, #contests- Enter to Win a Signed Copy of the Book.)

 

I want to welcome Joanne K. Easley to Books R Us. The Author has provided an interview just for my readers. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to enter the contest below.

Book Details:

Book Title:  HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 360 pages
Genre:  Women's Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Red Boots Press
Release date:   May 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Adult themes of alcoholism, underage drinking, underage sex

Book Description: 

In 1986 Austin, Texas, sixteen-year-old Stephanie steps into sixty-two-year-old Lauren’s life, her uncanny resemblance cracking open a buried past. Claiming to be the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption forty-five years ago, Stephanie upends Lauren’s life—already complicated by her remarriage to Brett after thirty-three years apart. Stung by her adoptive grandmother’s deception, Stephanie stays, her past of tragedy and self-harm forging a fragile bond with Lauren and Brett. When Stephanie’s trust fund evaporates, crushing her college dreams, Lauren sacrifices all to give her a future—only to face a bittersweet twist that echoes the past and changes everything. This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads

INTERVIEW:

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired nurse, writes fiction about complex twentieth-century women from her Texas Hill Country home. Her debut, Sweet Jane, won multiple awards. She authored Just One Look and I’ll Be Seeing You, with Higher Love forthcoming on May 12, 2025.

What do you consider the most essential elements of great writing?

Great writing is a craft honed through practice and passion. While proper grammar and punctuation are non-negotiable foundations, the heart of a story lies in its ability to connect with readers. I believe fully realized characters—that readers can root for or relate to—are crucial, as is a gripping plot with high stakes that keep the main character’s journey compelling. Authentic dialogue that mirrors how people actually speak breathes life into the narrative, making the story feel real and immersive.

How important is a book cover in your view?

A cover is the book’s introduction to readers, and research shows people absolutely judge a book by its appearance. I’ve worked hard to create a signature look for my novels: each cover features an impressionistic portrait of the main character, a cohesive color palette, and a bold, consistent font for my name and title. This unified aesthetic not only catches the eye but also makes my books instantly recognizable, inviting readers into the heartfelt stories I tell.

You’ve written four novels—can you share more about them and their themes?

I set my novels in the twentieth century, in the era before cell phones, when human connections were deeper and more intentional. They center on resilient women who face and overcome profound challenges, tackling heavy themes like alcoholism, suicide, self-harm, miscarriage, divorce, and teenage pregnancy with honesty and hope.

Sweet Jane, my debut, follows Jane as she returns to the troubled hometown she fled at sixteen, seeking to heal old wounds. It’s a story of redemption that won multiple awards and holds a special place in my heart. Just One Look, a standalone set in 1960s and 70s Chicago, traces Dani Marek’s journey through grief after losing her fiancé in the Vietnam War, her descent into destructive choices, and her chance at love again. I’ll Be Seeing You revisits characters from Sweet Jane, chronicling five decades in the turbulent life of Lauren Eaton, Jane’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, with unflinching depth.

My latest, Higher Love, set for release on May 12, 2025, is a sequel to I’ll Be Seeing You. It’s my first novel with dual perspectives: sixty-two-year-old Lauren and Stephanie, a teenager who is

the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption. This poignant family drama explores the ripple effects of secrets, the healing power of unconditional love, and the courage to confront the past.

How do you go about developing your plots and characters?

My stories begin with the character, not the plot. I take my time—sometimes weeks or months—getting to know my protagonist, dreaming about her, and uncovering every detail: her appearance, quirks, relationships, and inner world. Only when she feels vivid and real do I craft her journey and the challenges she’ll face. I don’t map out the entire plot beforehand; instead, I let the character lead, allowing surprises to unfold as I write.

Has your upcoming novel, Higher Love, evolved significantly since its first draft?

Absolutely. The first draft was written in third person, but I realized it felt too distant from the raw emotions driving Lauren’s story. Since each of my novels has a unique structure, I reimagined Higher Love with alternating first-person chapters from Lauren and Stephanie’s perspectives. This shift amplified the emotional intensity of the family drama, letting readers feel the weight of their secrets and the depth of their connection. The change was a challenge but made the story far more intimate and powerful.

Thank you for this chance to share my writing journey and the stories that mean so much to me. For those eager to explore my novels further, you can find them at my bookstore: Book Store - Joanne Kukanza Easley

 

Meet the Author:

 

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired registered nurse who worked in the cold, stark environment of operating rooms and the highly charged setting of psychiatric facilities, now resides in the Texas Hill Country. There, she crafts fiction centered on complex women of the twentieth century. Her debut novel, Sweet Jane, garnered multiple accolades, including the adult fiction prize at the Texas Author Project, and was a finalist for prestigious honors like the Sarton Award and the Eric Hoffer Award, among others. Her second book, Just One Look, was selected as a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick. Her third novel, I’ll Be Seeing You, revisits characters from Sweet Jane. Her fourth novel, Higher Love, a continuation of her third, is slated for release in Spring 2025. Easley’s award-winning short stories and poetry have been featured in various anthologies. 

Connect with the author:

website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

---

Enter the Giveaway:

HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley Book Tour Giveaway

Book Blitz of Falling for the CEO A Billionare Romance Collection (#Contests- Enter to Win A Signed Copy of All of the Books)

Falling for the CEO: A Billionaire Romance Collection
Anna Zaires, Brenna Aubrey, Evelyn Austin, Lee Savino, Misha Bell, Renee Rose, Tasha Boyd, Theodora Taylor
Publication date: June 5th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Boardroom chemistry meets bedroom passion! When ordinary women step into a billionaire’s world of luxury and power, sparks fly and hearts race. Indulge in 8 COMPLETE novels of steamy workplace romances where ambition, wealth, and magnetic attraction collide. This exclusive collection of swoon-worthy stories delivers all the drama, passion, and heart-melting moments you crave—available for a LIMITED TIME only!

Wall Street Titan by Anna Zaires

One high-end matchmaker, one dating app, one mix-up that changes everything… Opposites may attract, but can this last?

Holt: Her Ruthless Scion by Theodora Taylor

Born into one of the wealthiest families in the world, Holt Calson had everything—except me, and what Calsons want, Calsons get. For one blazing summer, we had it all, until….

Billionaire Grump by Misha Bell

A hilariously disastrous elevator ride brings them together. Will their insecurities tear them apart?

Accidental Tryst by Tasha Boyd

Restaurant blogger Emmy accidentally switches cellphones in a busy airport with a grumpy, sexy CEO on the verge of the biggest business deal of his life. Insults and then sparks fly! Can their explosive chemistry translate to real life?

The Director by Renee Rose

After discovering her secret pregnancy, a bratva boss kidnaps a lawyer pregnant with his child.

Royally Bad by Lee Savino

Billionaire. Playboy. Prince. My new boss. Theo Kensington the most eligible—or ineligible—bachelor in the entire world. So what he’s starred in a sex tape…or three? I’m the fixer hired to clean up his image, but this bad boy is more interested in misbehaving…with me.

At Any Price by Brenna Aubrey

Blogger Mia Strong cashes in on her online popularity by selling her virginity to the highest bidder — with no strings attached. But when sexy CEO Adam Drake wins the prize, all bets are off…

The Mistress Contract by Evelyn Austin

Powerful billionaire Evan will stop at nothing to convince college student Madeline to sign a contract to be his possession. But the longer they’re involved, the more entangled they become…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Guest Post by Desiree Moodie -The Real-Life Inspirations Behind The Book The Perfect Mother (#contests- Enter to Win a Book Club in a Box)

 

I want to welcome Desiree Moodie to Books R Us. The author has provided a guest post just for my readers. Thanks for stopping by and please enter the contest below.
 

Book Title:  THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few "f" words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

Book Trailer:

Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)

GUEST POST:

 

The Real-Life Inspirations Behind The Perfect Mother

When I first started writing The Perfect Mother, I had no idea just how personal this story would become. At its core, it’s a psychological thriller—a tale of secrets, obsession, and the devastating consequences of a single choice. But beneath the suspense, it’s also a story about motherhood in all its messy, complicated, and deeply emotional forms. And in many ways, writing it forced me to confront my own evolving relationship with motherhood.

Dawn: The Mother Who Lost Dawn’s story is, without question, the emotional backbone of this book. The pain of losing a child, of not knowing where they are, if they’re safe, or if you’ll ever see them again, is a nightmare no parent should ever have to face. And while Dawn’s experience is extreme, the themes of loss, guilt, and relentless determination were ones I found myself deeply connected to.

For a long time, I wasn’t sure if motherhood was for me. I spent years convincing myself that I didn’t need it, that I was perfectly happy without it. But deep down, that wasn’t the full truth. My fears of not being enough, of repeating generational cycles, of wanting something I might never have, shaped how I viewed motherhood. And when I finally did become a mother, it shattered me and remade me in ways I never expected.

Dawn’s grief, her rage, and her refusal to let go of her son? Those emotions came from a very real place. I understand what it means to hold onto something so tightly, to fight against forces that feel impossibly big. Because even though my story is different, that need to love, to protect, to find a way forward no matter what, was something I poured into every page of Dawn’s journey.

Evelyn: The Mother Who Took Evelyn was a fascinating character to write because, in her mind, she isn’t a villain; she’s a savior. She truly believes that she did the right thing. That Daniel was meant to be hers. That she gave him the life he deserved.

Her character was inspired by real-life cases of long-term child abductions, particularly those where the kidnapper managed to convince themselves (and sometimes even the child) that they were the true parent. There’s something chilling about that level of self-delusion, about the way a person can rewrite reality to fit their own desires. And yet, Evelyn’s fears of losing control, of being exposed, of having everything she built fall apart… they’re all deeply human.

I also pulled from my own experiences of stepping into motherhood later in life. The fears Evelyn has about being judged, about not being seen as a “real” mother, about the crushing weight of expectation are ones I understand, though in a very different context. Evelyn is an extreme case, but the fear of not measuring up as a mother is something so many of us can relate to.

Daniel: The Child Caught in the Middle Daniel’s story was, in many ways, the hardest to write. The idea of having your entire reality ripped away from you—the people you trust, the history you believe is yours, the truth about who you are—is terrifying. And while I personally haven’t experienced anything like Daniel’s ordeal, I thought a lot about identity while writing him.

What happens when those narratives are disrupted? When everything you thought was true turns out to be a lie? 

That’s the core of Daniel’s journey, and it’s something I think so many of us, in one way or another, can understand.

I love thrillers. I love stories that keep you on edge, that make you second-guess everything. But I also love stories with emotional depth, ones that don’t just entertain but make you feel. With The Perfect Mother, I wanted to craft a page-turner that also explored the deep, raw complexities of motherhood. The love, the fear, the sacrifice, and the desperate, all-consuming need to hold on.

This book may be fiction, but the emotions? The struggles? The questions it raises about what it really means to be a mother?

Those are real.

And I hope that as readers turn the pages, they feel that too

 

Meet the Author:

 

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she's not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com

connect with the author: Website Twitter-X, Facebook, Goodreads, bookbud, instagram, pinterest,

---

Enter the Giveaway:

THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway

Book Blitz of Her Darkest Hour by Suzy Henderson (#contests- Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift Card.

Her Darkest Hour
Suzy Henderson
Publication date: May 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

In the shadow of war, a young woman must choose: deny her magic or wield it to stop a traitor before Britain falls.

England, 1939. A young witch. A nation at war. A spy hiding in plain sight.

As war looms over Britain, Eliza MacLean wants nothing more than an ordinary life. Raised on the Isle of Mull, she’s spent years denying her gifts—just as her mother insisted. But her grandmother taught her differently, whispering ancient knowledge of herbs, charms, and spells.

When her grandmother dies, Eliza seeks refuge in Cambridge with her cousin and the women of the WVS. But beneath its spires and blacked-out streets, Cambridge hides more than just scholars and soldiers. A secret network of witches is working to protect Britain from an enemy who knows magic is real—and seeks to weaponise it.

Drawn into the fight, Eliza is thrust into a world of espionage, deception, and occult warfare. Her rare abilities catch the attention of MI5 agent Alex Fletcher, who needs her help to unmask a deadly spy before it’s too late.

As she learns to harness her power, Eliza finds herself torn between duty and love, risking everything for Jim, a fighter pilot whose fate seems written in the stars. But war is ruthless, and magic has a price.

With the spy closing in and the war reaching new heights of peril, Eliza’s only hope of saving those she loves is to embrace the very magic she’s spent a lifetime hiding—no matter the cost.

But some powers were never meant to be used.

Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Rose Code, Her Darkest Hour blends historical fiction with supernatural intrigue in a gripping tale of war, witchcraft, and sacrifice.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

The Witches Who Went to War: The Real History Behind Her Darkest Hour

When I started writing Her Darkest Hour, I wasn’t just inspired by the idea of witches in wartime—I was captivated by the real, historical belief that magic could be used to defend Britain.

In researching the book, I discovered a lineage of magical resistance stretching back centuries. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada threatened England, tales emerged of magical circles cast to summon storms. During the Napoleonic Wars, rural communities quietly turned to cunning folk—herbalists, charmers, and wise women—to protect them from invasion.

But perhaps most fascinating of all is the rumour that during WWII, a group of witches gathered in the New Forest to perform a ritual known as the Cone of Power. Their aim? To stop Hitler from setting foot on British soil. It sounds like folklore—but it’s part of Britain’s strange, often forgotten magical undercurrent. The war wasn’t just fought on beaches and battlefields. It was fought, too, in glades and gardens, by those who believed the spiritual realm had a part to play.

That hidden history became the beating heart of Her Darkest Hour. Eliza Maclean, a young Scottish witch, is drawn from her quiet life on the Isle of Mull into a war she never expected to fight. Recruited by MI5, she finds herself hunting a German spy in Cambridge—but with magic, not guns.

I wanted to honour both the women who stepped into wartime roles and the lesser-known stories of those who used ancient knowledge to protect what they loved. Eliza’s magic is not flashy or cinematic—it’s rooted in emotion, empathy, and intuition. And that, perhaps, is what made it so powerful.

In the end, this book is a tribute to the quiet guardians of our past—those who lit candles, traced symbols, whispered prayers to old gods, and believed, fiercely, in their country’s protection.

What if those rituals worked?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy discovering Eliza’s journey in Her Darkest Hour.

Suzy Henderson
Author of Her Darkest Hour
#HerDarkestHour #HistoricalFantasy #WartimeWitches

Author Bio:

Suzy Henderson is the author of The Beauty Shop, Madame Fiocca, and SPITFIRE, novels which are set during the turbulent times of World War Two. She also writes romance and recently released a novella, Christmas in the Highlands, a best seller on Amazon UK.

Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of pioneering plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe, and the Guinea Pig Club – an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander.

Madame Fiocca is also based on a true story. This gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of SOE heroine, Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.

Suzy lives with her family on the edge of the Lake District, where she can be found rambling around lakes, country lanes or roaming the fells. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, she is often lost in the 1940s, writing historical fiction.

To receive all Suzy's latest book news, do join her reading group here & claim a free story: https://www.suzyhenderson.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Book Blitz of Finding Charlie by Jess Allen (#Contests- Win an Amazon Gift Card)

Finding Charlie
Jess Allen
Publication date: May 6th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Charlotte Evans has never belonged. Her entire existence has been one wrong turn after another. When faced with a hard look at her future, she decides to change her fate. Desperate to not be the reason her boyfriend doesn’t pursue his dreams, she takes off in search of her own.

Ten years later, at the height of his baseball career, Liam “The Rocket” Hayes has it all. Fame, fortune, and he’s finally stopped pining for the lost girlfriend from his youth. But when coincidence leads him straight to her, Liam gets more than he bargained for, including a ten-year-old son.

In a story about first loves and second chances, follow Charlotte and Liam as they find their way back to each other, one pitch at a time.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

For the rest of her life, whenever she closed her eyes, she’d see Liam’s face at that moment. Hurt and fury blended into anguish, his face twisted and eyes cold. Eyebrows narrowed in disdain.

“Hey there,” Jack said from behind her. He stuck his hand out to Liam. “I’m Jack, and you are?”

Liam didn’t acknowledge him or his offer of a handshake. Instead, he turned and walked away from Charlie. She watched as he got into his car and peeled out of the parking lot, disappearing from sight. She watched the space where he stood, as if watching would bring him back.

“Charlie, you look like you saw a ghost.” Jack moved in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “You all right? Who was that?”

Her face fell, the weight of what she’d done bearing down on her. She wanted to crash to her knees and let the heaviness blanket her until she couldn’t feel it anymore.

“Hey, let’s get home,” Jack pleaded gently.

“Go ahead,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll meet you there. I just …I need a minute.”

Questions plagued Jack’s face, but he didn’t object.

The stars kept shining; the crickets continued to chirp. Families hugged their kids for a job well done and piled into cars to go home. Time passed, crowds dispersed. She waved off the coach when he told her he was shutting down the lights. The world moved on unaffected while Charlie’s carefully built life crashed and burned around her. She found herself on the pitcher’s mound, her bare legs covered in goosebumps despite the late summer heat.

She screamed into the night sky. She stomped and kicked at the dirt. Dust billowed around her like a tornado. She flailed her arms and pounded her feet while ugly tears slid down her cheeks. Why? What will happen now? Bile rose in her throat, and her heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst.

Impossible questions throttled her, which only made her cry harder. What-ifs circled her like vultures. She thought of Matty and their wonderful life with Ada and Sam. What would she tell them? She plopped to the ground and pulled her knees to her chest. She wanted to curl into a ball and sleep. Every muscle in her body ached with exhaustion. The emotional turmoil of the evening finally catching up to her. She longed to be held, to smell Rachel’s lavender perfume as she held her close.

Tires in the gravel lot startled her out of her misery, and she watched as Liam climbed out of the driver’s seat and strode toward her.

Author Bio:

Jess Allen is an avid reader and has been writing since she was a child. She loves romance novels and psychological thrillers. She loves to talk books, Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars. You can find her on instagram: jesswritesromance

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

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.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

—

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!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

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.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway