A Whisper in the Trees by Susan Dalessandro – Spotlight and Giveaway

June 23, 2025 By 4 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susan Dalessandro will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

For Gabby Patterson, a dedicated, but sometimes obsessive, cross-country runner, junior year is her time to shine. She has to start thinking about tomorrow: the future college recruiters and scholarship offers. But today means beating her impossibly skinny rivals any way she can.

Then eerie encounters in the woods and a cute secretive guy with the same quirky musical tastes interfere in Gabby’s plans. Sweet CJ is connected to the forest mystery… and to what’s happening to Gabby. But hard truths aren’t that easy to run from…

Enjoy an Excerpt

My stomach groans and I brace my hand on the trunk of a small tree, a sudden bout of dizziness overwhelming me.

I can’t stand here all day, so I proceed into the woods, beneath the canopy of tall, sturdy oaks and sheltering pine trees. Fallen leaves crunch underfoot as I follow the dirt path, narrowing as it skirts the edge of the cliff. Hurrying, I push deeper into the heart of the forest before I steel myself and take the plunge into the clearing, the place that’s caused me such angst these last few weeks.

I pause as a breeze splays loose strands of my ponytail across my face. The cool air refreshes as it passes through my nose and my mouth, filling my lungs. Okay, this isn’t so bad. But as I shuffle to the other side, a fog descends upon me like damp, heavy drapes. Dizziness slams me and I lose my balance, my vision blurring. I slump to the ground, fatigue sinking into my bones. That’s when the music cues and the song streams through me. An ache throbs in my head. My empty stomach groans as I rise off the grass and brush myself off. Just leave me alone.

About the Author: I’m a lifelong lover of books and storytelling and hold an M.A. In Applied Math, a subject which finds its way into many of my stories.

I live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with my husband, two sons and two dogs. I gather story ideas as I run in the early mornings with my dogs. Running is the perfect environment for me to think and create.

My debut novel, Complex Solutions, a YA coming of age thriller, released March 16, 2021. Strong Enough, a YA novel, part of the Play Like A Girl series, came out on August 8, 2023. My latest novel, A Whisper In The Trees, a YA romance with paranormal elements, releases on June 30, 2025 with The Wild Rose Press.

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As an Author, What Scares Me the Most by Shelly Campbell – Guest Blog and Giveaway

June 20, 2025 By 7 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Shelly Campbell will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

As an Author, What Scares Me the Most
As an author, what scares me most is writing.

It’s okay. Feel free to laugh it up. Honestly though, that imposter syndrome, it’s a tricky beast. Every single time I start penning a first draft, my brain chugs to a stop and insists quite loudly that actually I don’t know how to write books anymore. What’s more I never knew how to do it. Somehow, the last bunch of times I wrote and published books, I fooled everyone into believing I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t, and even if I did, I’ll never be able to do it again.

Ridiculous, I know. But it’s also ridiculously convincing.

I don’t think us creatives ever quite shake that imposter syndrome. It comes with the territory of simultaneously pouring your soul into your work while maintaining some awfully thick skin because rejection is part of the business of writing and publishing. And no matter how we try to not take the rejection of our art personally, it always feels a bit personal because there are pieces of us in our creations. That kind of thing feeds imposter syndrome, I think.

The good news is, that doubtful little voice in my head can go suck it because it’s wrong.

I can write.

There are readers out there who take time to tell me that they really enjoy my work—which is incredibly uplifting to hear. I enjoy writing. Once I get going, it’s damned addictive. I get to make up whole worlds that other people get to re-imagine in their heads. I get to make readers cry—Is it wrong that I’m happy when readers tell me my books make them cry? I get to meet other creatives who inspire me on a daily basis. I get to hold beautiful books in my hands and know that myself and my beta readers, publisher, editor, formatter, and book cover designer worked hard to bring those books to completion. It’s an incredibly cool feeling.

First though, I have to stare at a blank page in a Word document and push myself to write said book. And it’s scary each and every time.

But, man alive, it’s the best kind of scary.

Thanks so much for having me on the blog as a guest. Really appreciate it!

Glitching between dimensions wasn’t supposed to be my life, but sometimes you have to dance with the darkness.

I should be dead. Shot twice through the chest. But the Embassy saved me because I’m a one-of-a-kind freak who blips to worlds they can’t reach. Now I’m their personal mule, raiding collapsing planets to fatten their coffers. Lucky me.

And things have gone from bad to worse. My old team is being held hostage, my family’s in danger, and the darkness hunts me across realities. My one shot to end this living hell? Take down the Embassy, save Charlie, and torch the whole rotten system. Simple, right? One misstep though, and we’re toast. Alien breach. Apocalypse. End scene.

If I fail, the darkness won’t stop until it swallows us whole.

Enjoy an Excerpt

I used to be David.

David had a big family. Wanted to join the army. Always got stuck cleaning out the soft serve machine at his after-school job because everyone else despised the chore. But now he’s gone and I’m all that’s left. A dead animal under glass, gutted and hastily stitched together—you know the kind where the taxidermist didn’t get the eyes quite right? That’s me. Sad display in an Embassy trophy case.

But I’m not just for show. My captors use me well.

About the Author: At a young age, Shelly Campbell wanted to be an air show pilot or a pirate, possibly a dragon and definitely a writer and artist. She’s piloted a Cessna 172 through spins and stalls, and sailed up the east coast on a tall ship barque—mostly without projectile vomiting. In the end, Shelly found writing and drawing dragons to be so much easier on the stomach. Shelly writes speculative fiction ranging from grimdark fantasy, to sci-fi and horror. She’d love to hear from you.

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Feels Like Love by N.D. Jackson – Cover Reveal

June 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment

We are excited to share today’s cover for N.D. Jackson’s latest book FEELS LIKE LOVE.

If you love Friends to Lovers Romances, take a look at this sexy, small-town, diverse romance.

I just wanted to belong…

Sadie had never belonged anywhere other than on stage. A soulful singer and musician, she left home at a young age and never looked back. No one missed her anyhow. Traveling the country with one no good boyfriend after another for work, Sadie settled in New Orleans until another d-bag boyfriend decided she wasn’t enough…and the slutty new bartender was.

She left for Mustang Prairie and the open arms of her half-sister Amelia…or so she thought

I just wanted to protect her…

Dylan Parker retired at the ripe old age of 34. After catching a serial killer who’d tortured Chicago for a decade, he was ready to turn in his homicide detective’s shield.

Needing distance from his high society parents and their social climbing friends he packed up his truck and bought a bar in Mustang Prairie. Getting reacquainted with small town life would be an adjustment…until he met a copper haired amazon with a voice like warm honey.

Sadie was everything he wanted; a friend, a devil’s advocate, a sister, and a confidante. Theirs was a deeply satisfying friendship so Sadie and Dylan fought their mutual attraction.

Can Sadie & Dylan admit that their friendship feels more like love?

Pre-Order on Amazon. Free to read on KindleUnlimited

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About the Author: Wanderer. Lover of books. Romance author. Vegan. Those are just some of the things used to describe me! When I’m not spinning tales of small town and contemporary romance, I love to travel, cook, and watch/listen to true crime, history & strange documentaries and podcasts. I’m a native Chicagoan currently living in Europe who has been in love with books for as long as I can remember. My first book, Conflict of Interest, was published in 2014, and I’ve been writing books ever since! I’m a full-time writer and part-time author, traveler, vegan blogger, and obsessive fan of Dawson’s Creek.

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Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement by Julia Kent – Spotlight

June 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Julia Kent who is celebrating the recent release of the romcom SHOPPING FOR A HIGHLANDER’S ELOPEMENT.

I didn’t expect to fall for a Scottish footballer so annoyingly sunny you need shades to be around him.

I didn’t expect to say yes to his heart-felt, if loopy, proposal while he lay injured on the pitch, blathering on about banana pudding and sparkly unicorns.

What I definitely didn’t expect?

For our engagement to explode into a paparazzi circus, our mothers to turn into wedding bulldozers, and for our wedding protector’s perfectly reasonable elopement plan to spiral into a road trip escape.

So here we are.

In Love You, Maine, a town that celebrates Valentine’s Day every single day. We’re here to get married. Quietly. No drama. In disguise.

Although good luck hiding a 6’5” ginger Scottish striker wearing a knee brace and a perpetual extrovert smile.

Instead of being subtle and blending in? Our quiet escape is vibrating heart-shaped beds, mirrors on the ceilings, secret identities, interfering mothers, and one suspiciously enthusiastic moose that humps dumpsters.

This was supposed to be a simple wedding. Just me and Hamish. No fuss.

But nothing about us has ever been simple with us.

Still, this is what love is, right? It’s chaos. It’s compromise. It’s crying in a wedding planner’s office, then kissing in a hot spring.

It’s choosing each other again and again, even when everything goes sideways.

No matter what comes next… this is our comeback story, in more ways than one.

And no – that’s not a euphemism. 🙂

Enjoy an Excerpt

Love isn’t a football game.

It’s a feeling.

A feeling that uses instinct as a tool.

I’m smarter than this. When everything felt off, I should have known that it was off for a reason.

“Jody,” I say softly, “I canna do this.”

“Of course you can. You just have the jitters. Amy’s a wonderful woman and–”

“I dinna mean the proposin’ part. That’s fine. I can do that. I mean doin’ it on the pitch.”

His turn to go green.

“You want to cancel the proposal?”

“Aye. Nae. No’ the proposin’. The doin’ it in public part. I love Amy wi’ all ma body and soul.” I frown. “She’d hate to hear me say it that way. Soul and body.” I wink at Jody. “But it’s really the other way around. Ma body knows more than ma mind.”

“I don’t need to hear every thought that pops into your head, Hamish.”

“I only tell ye the important ones.”

“Like not wanting the big spectacle we arranged for you?”

“I’m tellin’ ye now, aren’t I?”

“We have extra cameramen here for this. Your parents and siblings are in the crowd. Declan and Andrew McCormick are here. We doubled the security.”

“Is this about money? I can pay for all that.”

“It’s not–well, yes, some of it is about the money. But it’s more about publicity and planning. A lot of people put forth a huge effort to make today special for you and Amy.”

“And forty thousand of ma closest fans.”

He closes his eyes and sighs through his nose. “A better time to realize this would have been weeks ago. Not a huge US exhibition game.”

“Ma instincts told me then that this was right. Now ma gut says something else. It all feels off.”

“Your gut.”

I pat my flat stomach. “It’s gotten me this far in life. Good gut.”

He’s right. I know how much work all the coaches, teammates, stadium staff and administrators, sponsors–hell, even the car park attendants–have put into helping me today. I don’t have cold feet, and I love Amy to the moon and back, but something feels wrong.

As Amy says, hinky.

I can’t explain it. If I had words for it, I’d use them. It’s a feeling, and those don’t always line up nice and neat in words that make sense.

About the Author New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers.

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How I Handled Research for this Book by B.T. Polcari – Guest Blog and Giveaway

June 18, 2025 By 13 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. B.T. Polcari will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

How I Handled Research for this Book
I will start this post with stating my greatest fear about writing books. I mean, by far, my absolutely biggest, baddest, most terrifying, fear. And it has nothing to do with getting a bad review. Although, gotta admit, that’s right up there. But it isn’t my biggest fear. What gives me nightmares and leaves me in a cold sweat after one of my books is released?

Someone coming up to me or leaving a comment that something I wrote isn’t correct or possible or even remotely feasible.

Terrifying.

So, prior to writing a story, as part of my very involved plotting process, I research everything. And I mean—everything. No detail is too small. As an example, in my last book, Fire and Ice, I even researched pre-1600s Atlantic hurricane seasons.

I know.

It’s bad.

Now that I’ve bared my author’s soul, I’ll give a little insight into the painstaking amount of research I conducted before ever writing the first words of Lucky Secrets. Speaking of which, as a little reward for reading this post, here is the first sentence of the book:

“I recently overheard my golf-crazy dad go on and on about some of his golfing buddies insisting on taking something he disparagingly called a “mulligan” when they hit a crappy shot.”

How’s that for a hook, pun intended. I could go on and explain what a hook is in golf, but there is an adage to trust the reader, so I won’t.

And no, the story has nothing to do with golf. Go figure.

Back to my book research psychosis. When I begin the plotting process for a book, I create a “Research” folder for all the articles, photos, scans, and similar that I come across as I build the plot out in a document I call my “blueprint.” A typical blueprint for one of my books runs around fifty pages. For Lucky Secrets, my research folder contains 169MB of data (97 files) plus there is a second folder containing 60MB of photos I used to help visualize and build out various rooms of the El Sueño mansion where the story is set.

Keeping in mind that a lot of what I research never makes it into the plot, I thought it would be fun to list some of the subjects and articles I researched for Lucky Secrets. Just remember, this is not even close to being the full list of topics, and what I have listed below might not have been woven into the plot. But this will give a taste of where I’ve been during the plotting of the story, and where Lucky Secrets might go.

• Best Instant Cameras
• Cook Islands Trusts and How to Use Them Properly
• The Cook Islands
• The Best Offshore Trust Jurisdictions for Asset Protection
• The Count of St. Germain
• The Man Who Will Not Die
• Casanova and The Marquise D’Urfe
• The First National of Chicago Robbery
• The Bangladesh National Bank Robbery
• The 2014 Moldovan Bank Fraud Scandal
• How to Steal $1 Billion in Three Days
• Chopin’s Etude, Opus 10 Number 4
• Stan Swamy
• The Theft of Caravaggio’s Nativity
• How Dogs Can Smell Deception and Sense Lying
• Professor Khaw Kim Sun
• Italian Olive Oil and the Mafia
• Eddie Tipton
• Swimming Pool Maintenance
• Numerology
• Truly Random Numbers
• Numbers in Egyptian Mythology
• License Plates
• Fortune Cookies
• Mortgage Fraud Schemes
• Insider Trading
• Arbitrage
• Plane Autopilot Basics
• Money Laundering Through Casino Gambling
• The Dark Web
• The Bhima-Koregaon Case
• The Steve Fossett Plane Crash

If you can figure out the Lucky Secrets plot from the above list, then you shouldn’t be reading this post but instead be writing mysteries!

A big thank you to Long and Short Reviews and Goddess Fish Promotions for letting me share my book and give a little insight into my author psyche (yikes) and the types of topics I research as I prepare to write a book. Which is pretty much everything, as is evident from the above.

And if anybody finds something in Lucky Secrets that is inaccurate—keep it to yourself. Wink.

College student Sara Donovan is in the homestretch of graduating when a mysterious package arrives with an invitation to an exclusive contest. One that will drastically change the winner’s life. Included are unsettling photographs from forgettable chapters in her life and a threatening note strongly suggesting she participate.

With no good options, Sara enters the contest and finds herself at a fabulous mansion up against eight formidable opponents, each with a dark secret and all racing to solve seven levels of riddles and puzzles.

After a contestant’s body is discovered, Sara contemplates dropping out when another package arrives, its chilling contents making clear she’s at the center of a dangerous game with deadly consequences if she quits. But what it doesn’t say is—what happens if she wins?

Enjoy an Excerpt

I spent the first two hours of every workday by myself while Finn was off with Bertie drinking his lunch, presumably trying to forget his ex-wife. On my first day way back on the fifth of August, I enthusiastically reported to work. I was stoked, ready to assist the unrenowned yet Majelski-recommended, and sorta sober, Melvin “Finn” Finnegan, with taking down perps, crooks, and degenerates. Instead, I spent that day and most of the last seven months digging up dirt on two-timing husbands, boyfriends, and insurance fraudsters, and tracking down the last location on the Internet for delinquent debtors and the occasional bond jumper. Truth be told, the only time I spent out of the office was walking from my car to the dang building and then back again for the trip home to Sketchville. But working the streets on a high-profile case? Any case?

Not a chance.

A typical weekday for me consisted of business and criminology classes in the morning, then grabbing a quick lunch of fifty-cent noodles and a cola before jumping in my traumatized hatchback more the color of gray primer than its original black and flying up I-59 to one of the more questionable areas of Birmingham for a scintillating five hours as a part-time receptionist and researcher for Finn. And if that wasn’t enough to light up my life each and every fricking day, my drive home was a daily battle-royale with crazed Birmingham commuters reminding this soon-to-be college graduate, hopefully, that I was no match for their unparalleled skill at breaking every traffic law in the book while exhibiting quite the fluency in sign language.

About the Author: B.T. Polcari is a graduate of Rutgers College of Rutgers University, an award-winning mystery author, and a proud father of two wonderful children. He’s a champion of rescue pups (Mauzzy is a rescue), craves watching football and basketball, and, of course, loves reading mysteries. Among his favorite authors are Richard Osman, D.P. Lyle, Frederick Forsyth, and Michael Connelly. He is also an unapologetic fantasy football addict. He lives with his wife in scenic Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Align Your Business with the Real You by Jennifer Musser – Spotlight and Giveaway

June 17, 2025 By 2 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jennifer Musser will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Is the exhilaration of entrepreneurship tainted with exhaustion? Discover more for your business and yourself.

Do you feel like your professional and personal lives are out of sync? Maxed out trying to juggle work and family? Are you unsure where you belong or how to create a roadmap to get there? Global business consultant and passionate creative Jennifer Musser has spent decades helping high-functioning corporations solve complex puzzles, reduce risk, and increase profit. And now she’s here to show you how to refresh your perspective and fuel the future you want.

Align Your Business with the Real You: Connect with Yourself, Create What Matters Most, and Define Your Success is a groundbreaking paradigm shift for anyone interested in running a company. Well aware of common concerns and struggles faced by every founder, Musser delves into finding your true goals with help from practical exercises, empathetic stories, and easy-to-apply insights. And as you use her ego-free blueprint, you’ll delight in a bounty of unique takeaways that let you stay grounded no matter the situation.

In Align Your Business with the Real You, you’ll discover:
– Strategies for staying honest with yourself that keep you on the right track
– Tips for writing your own definition of success, so your personal and professional life is fulfilling
– Ways to healthily engage with your emotions and feel good about your everyday
– How to remember that you’re the boss and permit yourself to funnel time and money toward your ultimate objectives
– Tools that you can instantly put to use, ideas for renewing your commitment, and much, much more!

Align Your Business with the Real You is a fresh and candid guidebook for entrepreneurs. If you like relatable teachers, down-to-earth chats, and heartfelt advice, then you’ll adore Jennifer Musser’s straightforward approach.

Read Align Your Business with the Real You to start getting results right now!

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Do you feel connected with yourself? Do you feel in sync with your business and your life?

Your ability to connect with yourself and others is an asset, and the most valuable connection you can make is with yourself. It is never too late to connect with yourself. In Chapter 1, you’ll learn how connecting with yourself allows you to find where you belong in life and business. In Chapter 2, you’ll discover how knowing where you belong positions you to connect with like-minded others and conquer the right opportunities. As worthwhile experiences flow, the clouds begin to part. You feel engaged and at peace.

Let’s connect.”

About the Author: JENNIFER MUSSER shines a light on the financial operations of businesses where it is needed most to raise profit, solidify processes, save time, optimize talent, reduce risk, and help business leaders achieve meaningful growth with results they can see—and feel.

Jennifer knows how to lead businesses. She holds over twenty years of experience in global consulting, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship. Jennifer is the founder of JLM & Associates Consulting, LLC, where she applies her big company expertise to steer high-achieving business leaders with financial and operational tools and support for growth with less stress.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Villanova University, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, and multiple certifications in business strategy, Jennifer is committed to helping small businesses succeed.

She loves life (and coffee) with her family and two dogs, Penny and Rockie, in New Jersey.

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Spotlight on Click of Fate by Lauren Helms

June 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment

This post is part of a book tour organized by Indie Pen PR.

Once upon a time, there was a charming climber and a stubborn photographer who swore she’d never fall—until she did.

Stella

I don’t do roots. Or relationships. Or anything that involves the word “forever.”

But Luke Farley? He’s the kind of man who makes one night feel like a promise. With that stupidly perfect smile, a body built for sin, and hands that know exactly what they’re doing—he’s dangerously easy to want.

It was supposed to be casual.

A few non-dates, a little flirting, and zero expectations.

Now I’m staring down feelings I swore I’d never catch… and falling for a man who climbs like he was born to take risks.

And worst of all? I don’t want to run.

Luke

Stella Young walked into my life like a dare I couldn’t resist—smart mouth, with a camera around her neck and zero intention of sticking around. She warned me not to catch feelings.

Too late.

She’s the one I want—complicated, messy, and magnetic as hell.

She says she’s not built for love.

I think she’s just scared of falling.

Good thing I’m here to catch her.

Click of Fate is a swoony, one-night-stand romance about climbing risks, letting go of fear, and finding the kind of love worth falling for.

Enjoy an Excerpt

On my tiptoes, I make my way through his room and into the living room. His door is a rolling door, so unfortunately, I can’t shut it behind me; I don’t know how much noise it makes. I spot my undies and slip them on as I hunt for my bra. I can’t find it, but I’m not opposed to leaving it.

After a few more seconds, I finally spot the bra and slip it on as Luke’s voice, still thick with sleep, breaks the silence.

“Wow. You’re good at this. Almost too good.”

I freeze, then let out a breath and roll my eyes.

So much for a clean getaway.

Turning, I find him leaning against the doorframe, watching me with an easy smirk.

“You make a habit of this?” he asks.

Unoffended, I smirk right back at him. “Not really, just have a thing against sticking around.”

This earns me a raised eyebrow. “That so?”

“Yep, and I also have a thing against relationships,” I tell him as I snag my jeans off the floor and hoist them on. I wait for the usual reaction—the awkward pause, the immediate ego that insists he can be the one to change that—but it never comes.

Instead, he just nods, shrugs his shoulders, and says, “Fair enough.”

Really?

Wasn’t expecting that.

About the Author Lauren Helms writes romance that’s nerdy, flirty, and just a little bit dirty. Her stories are set in big cities with small-town vibes, where every couple gets their happily ever after—and probably a few swoony gaming references along the way. Her love for love stories started with a book blog and leveled up fast—thanks to her background in video game strategy publishing and a passion for stories that make your heart race. That magic combo sparked her beloved Gamer Boy series, and she’s been writing HEAs ever since.

She’s also the founder of Indie Pen PR, where she helps fellow romance authors bring their book boyfriends to life and make some serious buzz in the process. When she’s not plotting meet-cutes or helping other authors promote theirs, Lauren’s all about iced coffee, perfectly color-coded planners, and binge-worthy TV.

She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and their three aspiring nerds-in-training—where love, laughter, and chaos are always part of the storyline.

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Among Us by V.G. Harrison – Spotlight and Giveaway

June 16, 2025 By 6 Comments

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. V.G. Harrison 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.

She’s in the most dangerous place in the world.

Prof. Meridia Vail, a member of the Bridgeway Space Station, has escaped the government stronghold and is on a mission among the human population of this “new” Earth. She needs to find scientists, engineers, researchers, anyone who can help her and her crew get back to their derelict space station that has crossed over into a different dimension. The sooner the better, too. The Bridgeway is in a decaying orbit and has the potential to kill millions, if it crash lands on the planet.

Trusting anyone in this New Earth is going to be hard to come by. The authorities have branded her as a maniac who has escaped from a mental hospital. For the past five years, multiple countries have colluded in declaring no survivors from the Bridgeway Space Station incident. When Meridia’s finally able to convince a university professor, Dr. Dana Haden, of who she is, Prof. Vail realizes she’s not home-free yet. She has to convince the entire world who she is and expose the lies nations have been telling their citizens. Will governments be forced to free her crew so they can work the problem…or will they take their chances and nuke the station from orbit to bury their secrets?

Read an Excerpt

“Wait! Stop!” Dr. Haden grabbed the chair, but wasn’t able to yank it from my grip. She placed herself between me and the window. “What are you doing? Put this thing down.”

“He threatened you,” I replied. “I can break the glass with this and we can make it out on the ledge. I might be able to even carry you in my arms and we jump–”

“Oh my God, no.” She shook her head before smiling and motioning for me to lower the chair. “It’s okay. I swear. He’s a friend. Put the chair down; he won’t hurt us.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She eased the chair out of my hands and placed it back on the floor. A sigh released the tension from her face and shoulders. “You would’ve seriously thrown that thing and tossed me across your shoulder before jumping three stories to your death?”

“Of course. I don’t know if I would’ve come away unscathed, but I would’ve taken the chance, as you’re my only chance to get back to my space station right now.”

“Wow. That’s some friendship.”

“You’re welcome…I think.” I half-smiled.

“I’m not even sure my husband would’ve gone to those depths.” A chuckle seemed to calm her more as she made her way to the door. Her hand motioned for me to relax. “It’s just my colleague, Professor Carlin.”

She opened the door and motioned for him to enter.

About the Author:Amazon best-selling author, V.G. Harrison enjoys creating smart heroines who are more comfortable dealing with things like Fine-structure constant and quantum entanglement than the fallout from their conflict. She loves to write stories that leave her audience so engaged they can’t sleep at night, thinking about the possibilities.

V.G. holds a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering and a Masters in Information Technology. When she’s not writing, she’s an IT manager for software company.

Her ever-growing list of hobbies include astronomy, attending comic cons, keeping an eye on the cryptocurrency and stock markets, hydroponics gardening, hiking, and connecting with her daughter on a cool level. Building Lego sets at night with milk and cookies on the side come in handy for that.

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Spotlight on: Click of Fate by Lauren Helms

June 13, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Click of Fate by Lauren Helms
 is a flirty, heartfelt romance with heat, humor, and a whole lot of chaos. With tropes like one-night stand to more, he-falls-first, and forced proximity, it’s perfect for readers who love emotional depth, found family, and a hero who falls hard—and a heroine who’s terrified he means it.
Blurb Once upon a time, there was a charming climber and a stubborn photographer who swore she’d never fall—until she did. Stella I don’t do roots. Or relationships. Or anything that involves the word “forever.” But Luke Farley? He’s the kind of man who makes one night feel like a promise. With that stupidly perfect smile, a body built for sin, and hands that know exactly what they’re doing—he’s dangerously easy to want. It was supposed to be casual. A few non-dates, a little flirting, and zero expectations. Now I’m staring down feelings I swore I’d never catch… and falling for a man who climbs like he was born to take risks. And worst of all? I don’t want to run. Luke Stella Young walked into my life like a dare I couldn’t resist—smart mouth, with a camera around her neck and zero intention of sticking around. She warned me not to catch feelings. Too late. She’s the one I want—complicated, messy, and magnetic as hell. She says she’s not built for love. I think she’s just scared of falling. Good thing I’m here to catch her. Click of Fate is a swoony, one-night-stand romance about climbing risks, letting go of fear, and finding the kind of love worth falling for.

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Excerpt 

Copyright 2025, Lauren Helms

When Alex texted me earlier today and told me about the fun special he had running tonight, he demanded that I stop by. When I realized I actually had the evening free and didn’t really need to stick around my office until ten like I normally do, I decided beer and meatballs sounded pretty fire. “So, I’m not going to lie, I was wondering what Meatball Thursday was all about,” Stella says, reading over the small menu Alex dropped in front of us. Glancing down at it myself, I realize he once again went all out for specialty food night. “Yeah, I’ll give it to Alex. He knows how to pair beer and food.” I chuckle when I see he has seven different pairings. “I never really think much of meatballs, but I’m strangely excited about this.” “Do you think meatballs live rent-free in most people’s minds?” I ask her, and while she doesn’t look at me, I see her smile and know I’m on the right track with her. I really didn’t plan on hooking up tonight, but this woman is intriguing as hell. There is something about her that screams, You want to get to know me, but I won’t make it easy. I’ve always found that hard work pays off. “So, you own a rock climbing gym?” she asks as she looks around the crowded bar. I guess I still haven’t earned her full attention. “I run it. I don’t own it yet. Family business. I’ve been given some freedom to prove myself,” I tell her honestly. “Ah. That sounds both invigorating and stressful.” She glances at me. The Trading Post isn’t a dark and dreary place, so there’s plenty of light for me to see the look she gives me. She must know a thing or two about having to prove herself. “It is. What about you?” I ask her, picking up my glass and taking a sip. She finally gives me her attention, and her face lights up as she starts to share. “I’m a photojournalist.” Impressed, I lean back and whistle. “Look at you. That’s an impressive career.” She smiles and shrugs, trying to play it cool. “So, what kind of things do you photo journal about?” She lifts her chin. “Sports, cultural events, and human-interest stories across the US.” “Like…” I just want her to keep talking; she’s clearly passionate about her career. “I’ve covered Mardi Gras, several major music festivals, people with interesting jobs—like storm chasers—and most recently, last year’s X Games in Aspen.” “Wow. So I bet you’ve seen a lot of interesting stuff.” “You could say that. But I’ve never needed a meatball served seven ways with beer.” She laughs, grinning wide, and I can’t help it—I’m locked in. She’s fucking gorgeous when she isn’t pretending she isn’t invested in our conversation. Determined, I clear my throat. “All right, first test. What kind of meatballs are you getting?” I ask her. “What do you mean, first test? What happens if I fail?” She finally looks away from the menu and levels me with a challenging look. “I get up and leave. That’s it. That’s the deal breaker.” I know I’m taking a risk by saying this, but I’m nothing if not a risk taker. She ponders this for a moment, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth. “That’s dramatic. You own a climbing gym, not a Michelin-star restaurant.” “Hey, you learn a lot about a person from their food choices. You get Swedish meatballs, you’re a comfort creature. You pick buffalo, you live for chaos.” “And what about bourbon barbecue?” she asks, eyeing the menu again. “You like things sweet with a little kick. You act tough but secretly love cozy things, like flannel and autumn and sad acoustic music.” I don’t tell her that perfectly describes me. “That’s disturbingly specific. Do you also moonlight as a psychic?” she challenges. “Nah, I just observe things.” I grin at her and tap my glass. We’ll need to get some food in front of us before we get another drink if we plan on keeping up this flirting tonight. “All right, Professor Meatball, what are you getting?” she asks as she turns toward me, crossing one leg over the other, her Converse-covered foot dangling dangerously close. “I’m feeling the Korean gochujang. Spicy, unexpected, and a little bit of an adventure,” I tell her with a slow, knowing smirk. Let her read into that. Her mouth twitches with a ghost of a smile. “That tracks. I was gonna say it sounds reckless, but you probably climb rocks for fun.” “And you photograph people doing reckless things for fun. Not so different.” “Hmm. Maybe.” She studies me, and the attention is addicting. “So, what’s it gonna be? Are we food soulmates or is this doomed before it starts?” Stella taps her finger over her lips as she pretends to think hard. Laughter twinkles in her eyes as she watches me. “Bourbon barbecue. Guess I’m leaning into the ‘sweet with a kick’ label.” I pump my fist in the air. “Knew it.”

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About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms writes romance that’s nerdy, flirty, and just a little bit dirty. Her stories are set in big cities with small-town vibes, where every couple gets their happily ever after—and probably a few swoony gaming references along the way. Her love for love stories started with a book blog and leveled up fast—thanks to her background in video game strategy publishing and a passion for stories that make your heart race. That magic combo sparked her beloved Gamer Boy series, and she’s been writing HEAs ever since. She’s also the founder of Indie Pen PR, where she helps fellow romance authors bring their book boyfriends to life and make some serious buzz in the process. When she’s not plotting meet-cutes or helping other authors promote theirs, Lauren’s all about iced coffee, perfectly color-coded planners, and binge-worthy TV. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and their three aspiring nerds-in-training—where love, laughter, and chaos are always part of the storyline. Follow: Facebook | Reader Group |  Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon |  BookBub | Website | Newsletter |

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Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone – Q&A + Giveaway

June 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment

We are happy to welcome Georgia Stone. Ask the author a question or leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of the book.

How long have you been writing?

One of the earliest stories I remember writing was a modern-day Cinderella retelling when I was probably about eight – written entirely in a bright pink notebook with a pink fluffy pen, of course.

As a teenager, I dabbled in fanfiction, but I had a habit of starting a fic and then getting distracted by a new idea and starting that instead. I think in the end, I only completed two stories – at the time, they felt like huge literary masterpieces, but looking back, I’m pretty sure they weren’t even a quarter of the length of my novels today.

I was a copywriter in my early and mid-twenties, and I thought I’d reached my peak with that – I was writing for a living! Over time, though, I became more and more aware that I wasn’t writing anything I was passionate about, so in 2022 I started writing The Friendship Fling.

So I guess, to summarise, in terms of novel writing, I’m still a baby, but I’ve been dipping in and out of writing my whole life. Eight-year-old me with her fluffy pink pen would be buzzing to see me now.

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?

Try to enjoy the experience of writing your first book, because you’ll never get another experience like it again. You get to move at your own pace, it’s very much focused on figuring out if you even can write a book, and it’s overall so much fun just to let the story take you where it needs to without a deadline on your shoulders.

Also, don’t put too much stock in advice that speaks in absolutes. Never do this! Always do this! If you don’t do this, you’ll fail! A lot of advice out there is treated as if it’s universal, when really it should be situation specific. Know that you’re smart enough to figure out what works for you, your books, and your lifestyle.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

Definitely the characters. Sometimes they’re super clear right from the start, other times I just know their general vibes, but I usually end up building the plot around who the characters are. And as a romance author, one of the first things I decide is what kind of dynamic the two main characters will have, because that will inform how the romantic arc unfolds.
I always wish I could come up with super cool, fresh hooks and marketable ideas for the plot and then build my story and characters around that, but that’s just not how it works for me.

Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.

A big part of my main character Ava’s arc revolves around her relationship with her twin brother Max. He shows up in the book a few times and is one of my favourite characters (mostly because he’s a bit of a menace, and unfortunately that is extremely hot to me).

No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which isn’t ideal for a barista in a busy London coffee shop. She’s sarcastic, blunt, and cynical, and her relationships are strictly no strings attached. With her best friend Josie soon leaving for a year, Ava knows she’ll be all alone unless she shakes up her routine. But she can’t risk bringing chance back into her carefully controlled life.

Then insufferably cheerful, country-hopping, undeniably gorgeous Finn O’Callaghan rolls into her coffee shop with a horrifying proposal —a strictly friends-only summer fling. Finn needs a local to help him complete his London bucket list, and Ava needs to reassure Josie she won’t be on her own. And it’s only for a few months.

To Ava’s surprise, their mismatched friendship of convenience becomes oddly tolerable, and as they work their way through Finn’s list and around the sun-drenched city, from rooftops and floating bars to nights at the museum, their adventures—and Finn’s company—start to feel . . . nice. Incredibly, terrifyingly, dangerously nice.

Still, rules are rules—Ava has good reasons for them—and as the days get shorter, Finn’s departure gets closer. Because that’s the thing about summer: it always ends. Right?

About the AuthorGeorgia Stone is a romance author based in London. She writes love stories filled with heart, heat, and slightly ridiculous humor. Outside of writing novels, she’s usually swooning over other people’s stories, copywriting and proofreading for work, or doing a piece of entirely unnecessary DIY in her extremely colourful flat.

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