Cover Reveal of The Cardinal Code by Avery Sterling

The Cardinal Code: Absolution
Avery Sterling
(The Cardinal Code, #2)
Publication date: April 17th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Michael Chamberlain and Paislee Sullivan finally have a chance to breathe—away from chaos, away from the Order, and away from the world that nearly tore them apart.

But the Cardinalis Order doesn’t forget its own.

When Michael is summoned to London, Paislee is pulled into the glittering core of their society—a world of ancient bloodlines, ritual politics, and expectations she never agreed to.

As Michael is drawn into duties he cannot refuse, everything Paislee thought she understood begins to unravel—about the Order, about Michael, and about the dangerous cost of loving someone born into its highest ranks.

Peace was never meant to last. Not in a world ruled by influence…and sharpened by those who know how to use it.

But some bonds never break.

Return to a world of shadows and desire

in Book Two of The Cardinal Code Series.

Author Bio:

Avery Sterling's love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create.

Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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Book Blitz of Puck Me It's Christmas by Alina Jacobs. (#contests- Win a Copy of the Book.)

Puck Me It’s Christmas!
Alina Jacobs
(Maplewood Falls, #2)
Publication date: November 18th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

When you’re a blacklisted preschool teacher and somehow end up coaching the worst team in the NHL, it’s shaping up to be the crappiest Christmas ever.
We’re adding an NHL head-coaching job to the Yule log dumpster fire of my holiday season.
I lost my apartment and had to move back home for the holidays.
My mom sneaks into my bedroom to watch me sleep because she “can’t help it. I missed my little girl so much, Ellie!”
And my day-drinking granny has declared herself the team’s new equipment manager so she can ogle hockey butts in the locker room.
The last thing I need is twenty-two adult toddlers with blades on their feet and bad attitudes for Christmas.

Captain Fletcher Sullivan? He’s the worst, with his muscles and his sneer, turning every practice into The Grinch on Ice.
Between breaking up fights, hosting snack time, and bailing my goalie out of jail, I have no time for Christmas cheer—or for the cocky, absurdly ripped team captain who thinks I don’t belong in the NHL.

Yes, I played on the women’s national hockey team.
Yes, I lift weights.
And yes, I will pick up a six-four hockey player and put him in time-out if he doesn’t follow directions.
There’s no Christmas miracle coming to save us. We lose. A lot.

But armed with Goldfish crackers and juice boxes, I’m going to turn this team of ragtag hockey players into winners.
Even if it turns me into the Grinch.
Or worse—makes me fall for the enemy.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Girl, they are throwing you off a glass cliff.”

“I don’t want everyone to blame me when we get creamed.” I sink in my chair.

My dad kneels in front of me and grabs my hand. “Exactly! So do the press conference, say you have another job offer, and this will all be over.”

“No wonder they kept trading your ass around when you were a goalie!” Granny Murray makes a rude noise. “You’re a quitter and a narc.”

Angie comes in with my phone that’s ringing and ringing.

I don’t recognize the number, though it’s a Maplewood Falls area code.

“It’s the press.” Angie waves the phone at me. “Tell them you won’t do interviews unless they pay you.”

“Ooh! Yeah, then we can go shopping,” Maxine squeals.

“Aunt Babs already bought you clothes, sweetie.” Mom smooths my hair down.

“Don’t talk to the press,” my dad begs.

“Nate,” my mom tells him, “let me make you some herbal tea.”

“Food!” my little brothers wail.

“For God’s sake,” my dad curses.

I answer the phone.

“Speaker,” Maxie whispers. “Put it on speaker.”

“Hello?” My voice is hesitant.

A loud, irritated male sigh echoes around the kitchen as everyone watches breathlessly. “Candy Cane?” I can practically hear Fletcher roll his eyes. “I mean, Coach Candy Cane.”

I grimace. “About that…”

“You better not be flaking out,” the deep voice warns. “You have the keys. We’re freezing our nuts off out here.”

Author Bio:

I write the kind of books I love—romantic comedies featuring snarly guys with hearts of gold, kick-ass heroines, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after! Also wine. And cupcakes.

When I’m not writing I can be found drinking tea, surrounded by my massive to-be-read pile! So many books...

You can connect with me on social media or find information on my books at my website.

Sign up for my newsletter so that you can get information about new releases, giveaways, and more!

http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!

Puck Me It’s Christmas! Blitz

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Review of Boy With Wings by Mark Mustian

 

I want to welcome Mark Mustian to Books R Us. Mark is the author of the novel "Boy with Wings". Thanks for sopping by and please check out all of the stops on the tour for some interviews, guest posts and reviews.

Book Details:

Book Title:  BOY WITH WINGS by Mark Mustian
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  324 pages
Genre: historical fiction/magical realism/literary fiction
Publisher: Koehler Books
Release date:  March 2025
Content Rating: PG-13: There is adult content, use of the f word and (in limited context) the n word

 

Book Blitz of The Hotel Guru's Journesy by Robert Rauch.(#contests- Win an Amazon Gift Card.)

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Robert Rauch will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

About the Book:

For over half a century, Robert Rauch, referred to as "The Hotel Guru", has witnessed and made history within the evolution of modern hospitality. From performing night audits on Sweda cash registers in the 1970s to utilizing AI-enabled revenue strategies today, he has seen it all. The Hotel Guru's Journey combines his fascinating behind-the-scenes narratives with proven operating insights.

This unique operations guidebook shares both the "war" stories and the systems that matter. Rauch shares lessons learned the hard way in trust, crisis management, technology adoption, and leadership. And aside from the entertaining personal experiences, you'll gain access to tried-and-true frameworks, in-the-trenches checklists, and practical guidance for all aspects of hotel operations.

Whether you're breaking ground on your first property, expanding a hospitality portfolio, or seeking to avoid costly mistakes, Rauch's five decades of experience provide your competitive advantage in building a successful and sustainable hotel.

For up-and-coming hoteliers, veteran general managers, and hospitality investors, The Hotel Guru's Journey is your map to long-term success.

Read an Excerpt:

Wellness

True wellness is about more than just physical health. It encompasses mental and emotional well-being too. Offering a range of amenities designed to help guests relax, recharge, and feel great is the goal. From spa services to tranquil relaxation areas, providing the perfect environment to unwind and find balance will always score points. We’ve built spas into hotels, but they’re tough to make profitable. As hotel operators, we knew we didn’t have the skills necessary to operate a successful spa, but the fix was simple: bring in a spa operator as a partner! We chose a spa operator who had a following in the areas of hair, nails, facials, massage, and more. Professional spa operators are better than most hoteliers at operating a spa and will help make including a spa more profitable in the long run. But that’s not where our wellness desires ended. We continually get involved in each of the wellness modalities.

Nutrition

Eating well is crucial for maintaining energy and vitality, especially when away from home. Menus should be carefully curated to offer a variety of nutritious options, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Prioritizing whole foods and balanced meals, supporting the body’s natural rhythms and promoting sustained well-being throughout a guest stay is a noble deed. Our chefs are in tune with this, and they shop locally so that everything is fresh. At our newest hotel, opened in late 2024, our chef was even featured as the top chef in the region! And our menus always have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Nutrition can include fun activities as well. We’ve often partnered with wineries, chocolatiers, and beer brewmasters. Nutrition isn’t the focus, but in moderation, wine, beer, and dark chocolate can provide a great combination of mindfulness, delight, and healthy imbibing! Cooking classes with our chefs are also in high demand, and wine tastings paired with healthy choices are a close second.

About the Author:

With a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Western International University and a master’s degree in Tourism Administration from Arizona State University, Mr. Rauch has served as president and on the board of numerous tourism organizations. Mr. Rauch is a recently retired faculty member at Arizona State University and taught Tourism Industry Entrepreneurship. He is widely quoted on television and radio and in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times. He speaks at industry conferences regularly and has developed several leading brand hotels, three of which the firm still owns and manages, and has been a finalist for CEO of the year in San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

Mr. Rauch currently utilizes his private company, R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc., to provide management services for his owned hotels, consulting services for various Wall Street firms and selected litigation support clients, and asset management services designed to provide hotel owners with oversight and review of potential and currently operating hotels. He also serves as Chairman and Chief Strategist of Brick Hospitality, a company formed by his management team to operate hotels in California. Mr. Rauch recently sold RAR Hospitality, a leading hospitality management firm with 20 hotels under management or development, retaining management of selected hotels where he serves as an owner in San Diego. As a student, teacher, and mentor in the hospitality industry over a six-decade period, Mr. Rauch continues to be active at industry conferences, in key meetings, and when needed to support the hospitality sector.

Website: https://hotelguru.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrauch/
Twitter: https://x.com/truehotelguru
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20244045.Robert_Rauch
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ozKEjS

Guest Post By Glede Browne Kabongo author of The Forbidden Heiress (Thriller) Enter to Win a $25 Bookshop gift card-2 winners.

THE FORBIDDEN HEIRESS

by Gledé Browne Kabongo

November 17 – December 12, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

Synopsis: 

Sabree Warner's biggest mistake wasn't taking the job—it was being born.

Drowning in grief and desperate for work, brilliant cancer researcher Sabree Warner leaps at the chance to join Montague Pharma, one of the world's most powerful pharmaceutical dynasties. Her first assignment seems straightforward: investigate why promising drug compounds were mysteriously abandoned before they could be developed into life-saving medicines.

But someone doesn't want her digging. A car nearly runs her down on a quiet street and speeds away, and her apartment is vandalized. Undeterred, Sabree probes further and uncovers a twisted game of corporate espionage. The abandoned drugs weren't shelved by accident—they were buried to hide a secret that could destroy the Montague empire.

Then Sabree discovers her connection to the powerful Montague family runs deeper—and deadlier—than she could ever imagine. As a vicious succession battle rages, someone has been watching her every move, someone who has already killed to keep the truth about her identity buried. In this world of ambition and ruthless power games, Sabree is fighting for more than answers.

She's fighting to stay alive.

Because in the Montague family, secrets don't stay hidden, they get eliminated.

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by: Indie
Publication Date: October 22, 2025
Number of Pages: 350
ISBN: 979-8-9913219-6-9

GUEST POST:

Why The Forbidden Heiress Needed a STEM Protagonist By Gledé Browne Kabongo

When I set out to write The Forbidden Heiress, I knew one thing with absolute certainty: my protagonist had to be a scientist. Not a journalist. Not a lawyer. Not someone stumbling accidentally into danger. Sabree Warner needed to be a cancer researcher—and that choice shaped everything about this thriller.

Here's why.

The Plot Demanded Scientific Expertise

When we first meet Sabree, she's grieving the loss of her mother April from a rare form of cancer. Off the bat, the irony is glaring. Here was a brilliant cancer researcher who couldn't save her own mother, couldn't even give her the extra days and months she desperately needed. So when Sabree's determined to ensure her work would one day save lives, she can't believe her luck when she lands her dream job at Montague Pharmaceuticals.

Her first assignment at Montague Pharma wasn't the groundbreaking strategy to attack cancer cells that she spent her postdoctoral fellowship refining. It was to figure out why treatments that could save lives were mysteriously shelved. To uncover why these drugs were buried, my protagonist needed the expertise to understand what she was looking at.

A journalist could ask questions. A lawyer could file requests. But only a scientist could read the data, recognize the patterns, and understand the shocking implications of what someone at Montague Pharma had done. Sabree doesn't just suspect something's wrong—she can prove it because she speaks the language of pharmaceutical research.

Her scientific background is the key that unlocks the entire conspiracy. One with a devastating personal connection she didn't see coming.

Corporate Thrillers Need Inside Knowledge

There's a reason corporate thrillers work: they explore spaces where power, money, and expertise intersect. When billions of dollars are at stake and decisions affect whether people live or die, you need a protagonist who belongs in that world.

When Sabree walks into Montague Pharma, she's seen as just a "junior researcher" by those in power until they realize she's dangerous to their ambition. Her understanding of drug development pipelines, clinical trial protocols, and regulatory requirements is the kind of insider perspective that creates a different kind of tension than the "amateur sleuth" trope.

Representation Matters—Especially in Thrillers

Women in STEM deserve to see themselves as thriller protagonists. They deserve stories where scientific expertise is portrayed as powerful, where analytical thinking becomes a survival tool, and where professional competence doesn't conflict with being fully human, vulnerable, and complex.

Scientists Make Compelling Thriller Heroes

There's something inherently compelling about watching a methodical, evidence-based thinker navigate a world of lies and deception.

Sabree approaches the conspiracy the way she'd approach research: form hypotheses, gather data, test theories, adjust based on evidence. Her scientific training becomes both her greatest strength and her vulnerability—she wants proof, but sometimes survival requires acting before all the data is in.

This creates fascinating internal conflict. When does careful analysis become dangerous hesitation? When does seeking truth become suicidal stubbornness? Scientists are trained to question, to dig deeper, to not accept surface explanations, which is exactly what gets Sabree targeted by people who need their secrets to stay buried.

The Story Chose Her

Ultimately, The Forbidden Heiress needed a STEM protagonist because the story demanded it. But Sabree Warner isn't just a scientist—she's a survivor, an investigator, and ultimately, an heir claiming her own story despite a dynasty determined to erase he

 

Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Goodreads | BookBub

 Author Bio:

Gledé Browne Kabongo writes twisty, unputdownable psychological thrillers about resilient women navigating dark secrets, deadly lies, and impossible choices. A multiple award-winning indie author, her books resonate best with readers who enjoy thrillers with complex characters, dark secrets, multiple deceptions and betrayals, unforgettable twists, and intellectual and emotional engagement.

Her novels include: A Game of Malice, Our Wicked Lies, Fool Me Twice, Conspiracy of Silence,Fearless Series.

Readers have described Gledé’s work as "unbelievably addictive," "brilliant," "unputdownable," and "haunting and complex."

Gledé has spoken at multiple industry events including the Boston Book Festival, Sisters in Crime (SinC) New England Crime Bake, and the Women in Publishing Summit. She lives outside Boston with her family.

Catch Up With Gledé Browne Kabongo:

www.GledeKabongo.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @GledBrowneKabongo
Instagram - @authorgledekabongo
Facebook - @gledekabongoauthor

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule 

 Don't Miss Out! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Gledé Browne Kabongo. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

THE FORBIDDEN HEIRESS by Gledé Browne Kabongo [Gift Cards]

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