• Giveaways

    The Walk-On Virtual Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway!

    Commercial Fiction

    Date Published: February 23, 2023

    Publisher: Acorn Publishing

     

    photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

     

    In the twilight of his NFL career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago
    Storm, Mike “the Steelman” Stalowski masks his physical pain and
    mental anguish with alcohol and painkillers. The fan favorite has a rebel
    image and a notorious reputation, and he plays a violent gridiron game
    fueled by inner rage. 

    While estranged from his wife and living in the fishbowl environment of
    professional sports, he unexpectedly meets the fresh-out-of-college Kim
    Richardson. She sees through Mike’s star persona to who he really
    is—a kind guy from the Southeast Side of Chicago who has never
    forgotten his humble blue-collar roots. The lives of the star-crossed,
    seemingly mismatched couple collide during a whirlwind romance that
    culminates in a tragic series of events.

    The Walk-On is a timeless tale of love and loss that explores the
    consequences of personal decisions and the rewards of faith, redemption, and
    hope.

     

    Early Reviews

    “An interesting read where star linebacker Mike Stalowski confronts the inevitable challenges every NFL player faces as they transition to their post-football life. His experiences may seem exaggerated, but they are still very real.”

    Gary Fencik, Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XX Champion

     

    “Despite his NFL fame and bad-boy attitude and antics, I empathized with the humble guy from a blue-collar background fighting painful emotional and physical demons. . .Ultimately, The Walk-On is an incredible story of love and loss, with faith and mentorship fostering hope for the future.”

    Bill Rancic, Author of the New York Times bestseller, You’re Hired

     

    “Just like the protagonist’s very fast sports car, The Walk-On will leave you, from the very first paragraph, just a little breathless as you navigate all the sharp turns that come fast and furious at the reader. . .”

    Jean Becker, Author of the New York Times bestseller, The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush’s Post-Presidency

     

    “The Walk-On is a fascinating story of self-sabotage and redemption. A page-turner!!!!” 

    Mary Pat Kelly, Bestselling author of Galway Bay, Of Irish Blood, and Irish Above All

     

    About the Author

    Richard Podkowski, a native of Chicago’s South Side, began writing
    fiction while studying criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago.

    As a United States Secret Service special agent, Richard protected U.S.
    presidents and foreign dignitaries and investigated major domestic and
    international financial crimes. After retiring from the Secret Service in
    2003 as a supervisory special agent, he became a management member of a
    Fortune 100 company’s global security group. For the last several years,
    Richard has been a private sector strategic security consultant.

    Inspired by professional athletes who lived in a fishbowl under constant
    media scrutiny and made life-altering mistakes, Richard wrote The Walk-On.
    Other projects include a holiday rom-com manuscript and a crime story. In
    his free time, Richard enjoys riding his road bike, working out, and making
    Christmas ornaments. He currently resides with his family in Los
    Angeles.

     

    Contact Links

    Website

    Facebook

    Blog: Pod’s Pen

    Goodreads

    Instagram

    Purchase Links

    Amazon

    B&N

    iBooks

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    RABT Book Tours & PR
  • Giveaways

    WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED by Bill Powers Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway

    Book Details:

    Book Title When the Smoke Cleared (A Murder Mystery in Malden) by Bill Powers
    Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18 +),  400 pages
    Genre:  True Crime
    Publisher:  PowersCourt Press
    Release date:  Oct, 2022
    Content Rating:  PG-13 Some violence some profanity

    Book Description:

    There is no greater distinction or responsibility for a law enforcement officer than to be selected to investigate homicides. The same is true for a prosecutor. It is analogous to a call up to the big leagues where the curveballs or slapshots are frequent and more challenging, the lights are brighter, the audience larger and louder, and the scrutiny and demand for perfection can at times be a bit overwhelming.

    This story follows an extraordinary murder investigation from the crime scene through to the arrest and into the courtroom. It is narrated by retired Detective Lieutenant Bill Powers, the former commander of the State Police Detective Unit for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts:

    “When the smoke from the fire cleared and the water level receded, it was visually evident that a violent struggle, quite possibly a homicide, had preceded the fire. But where was the victim? The waterlogged bloodstains in the function room told us it wasn’t likely they stood up and walked out the door. We were confronted with an unusual dilemma. We not only had to investigate what happened and develop probable cause to make an arrest, but we also had to locate the poor soul who had spilled so much of their blood.”

    ​Walk the path of the investigation with Bill and his team, and then follow in ADA Adrienne Lynch’s footsteps as she guides the trial from opening statements through to the final verdict; a truly unique accounting with a bird’s eye view.

    Beyond a police and courtroom procedural, this story is about the personal struggles in the victim’s life and how her death impacted her family’s lives in ways no one could have foreseen. It is a love story that grew from unspeakable tragedy.

    ​Bill Powers writes from the heart because he spent twenty years living the life of a homicide investigator. He went to literally hundreds of death scenes and, while each made its mark, none had more of a personal effect on him than this case.

    Buy the Book:
    Amazon.com
    add to goodreads
    Meet the Author:

    Bill Powers has been active in the Massachusetts law enforcement community since he joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1974. Over time he rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Detective Lieutenant. He commanded the State Police Detective Units (SPDU) in both Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, where he had direct oversight and involvement in more than one hundred homicides. His State Police career came full circle when he was named Commandant of the Recruit Training Academy. He retired as the director of the Media Relations Section. Following his retirement, Bill was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the graduate program for forensic sciences at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). For the next seven years he lectured on criminal investigation and expert testimony to the graduate students. In addition, he produced training seminars for police investigators covering a wide variety of topics. Following his tenure at the BUSM he returned to the law enforcement profession as the Director of Public Safety at Wentworth Institute in Boston. Bill earned an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University with a major in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law.

    He resides South of Boston with his wife Jane. Their two daughters and their families live nearby. He has been blessed with five remarkable grandchildren who sparkle like bright stars in the night sky.

    connect with the author: website ~ facebook goodreads

    Why Enlist a Writing Coach? 

    I was determined to write a book and narrate a story that I believed had to be shared with a wide audience. I was well prepared with thoughts and ideas about what I wanted to write, but I had no idea about the road ahead. I didn’t lack confidence. I had some writing experience, but certainly not at the level of authoring a book. I wasn’t concerned about commitment or perseverance either. I have always been up to a challenge and the longer and harder the road to victory the more I dig in and embrace it. But I knew I needed a strategy with a winning design.  

    During my career as a criminal investigator, I learned how to talk with people and gather information and how to be thorough and patient and truthful. I also learned to abide by an old Irish proverb, “When you don’t know where you are headed walk slowly.” I knew if I was going to be successful I couldn’t just run down any path and hope I chose the right one. 

    I’ve also learned a bit about situational humility. I’ve had to recognize that, “I don’t know what I don’t know,”, but there are those that do know, and I need to call on them and their expertise for help. It may be hard to accept at  first, but the more you do it, the wiser you become. I knew that I didn’t have a clue about where to begin or where I was headed. I recognized the need for a guide to take my hand and lead me into the forest and show me the pathways that would bring me to a clearing and my final destination. Thankfully I found her. 

    I had taken writing classes where students critiqued each other’s work, and while it was good to listen to others, I found that they were writing in different genres and they really couldn’t identify with what I was trying to convey. In fairness I didn’t connect well with their work either. I searched the internet for writing groups and writing coaches in the Boston area who may be able to help but came up empty there as well. Many listed true crime as a genre they were interested in, but their specialty genres were more in the areas of fantasy, science fiction, self-help, nutrition and young adult. I couldn’t take a chance on just anyone and, if I failed, have no one to blame but myself. 

    One night, as I was about to shut down the computer after a dozen or more website reviews that didn’t align with what I needed, I found a glimmer of hope. She was located 2,000 miles away in a rural section of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She listed herself as both a writing coach and editor who specialized in non-fiction and included mystery and true crime among her specialties. I sent her an email and a few days later we met on a Zoom call. After a couple of lengthy meetings and her review of a few stories I had written and an outline of my proposed book, we became a team. I still remember her initial critique. “Bill,” she said, “You write like a cop. Your reports are full of factual information, but if you want people to read it you need to make major changes. Readers want to hear your voice and learn through dialogue and know more about your characters and you need a protagonist and you need to stop writing in passive sentences!” Some easy changes I thought. 

    It took six years of working side by side structuring and organizing the book. There were a few battles and a lot of determination from both of us, but we succeeded. She taught me how to be a creative storyteller who can narrate with dialogue and descriptive language and bring a story to life. She taught me how to “show and not tell.” When the manuscript was complete she connected me with a website creator, a  book cover designer and formatter, as well as folks in the marketing and publicity fields to help introduce the book. All people I never would have found on my own. 

    I could not be more thankful that I made the effort to turn my dream into an achievement of a lifetime. I would recommend the same path to anyone with a story to tell and a need for an experienced guide for a partner.    

    Giveaway:​

    Win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card courtesy of the author of WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED (A Murder Mystery in Malden) (one winner) (ends Mar 17)

    WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARED by Bill Powers Book Tour Giveaway

  • Uncategorized

    Making Your Move Hassle-Free: How to Choose the Right Moving Company 

    Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but hiring the right moving company can make all the difference. Here are some tips for choosing the right moving company to make your move hassle-free. 


     
    Research multiple companies 

    It’s important to do your research before choosing a moving company. Get references from friends and relatives, search online for reviews, and verify the BBB rating of the business. Create a list of possible businesses and contrast their offerings, costs, and accessibility.  

     
     
    Get multiple quotes 

    It’s important to get multiple quotes. A reputable moving company will provide a detailed estimate that includes all fees and charges. Be wary of companies that offer a low-ball estimate or ask for a large deposit upfront. 

     
     
    Check for license and insurance 

    Be sure the moving company you select is authorized and covered by insurance. In the event of any damage or loss during the relocation, this will safeguard you. You can check a company’s license and insurance status with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

     
     
    Ask about experience 

    Experience is important when it comes to moving. Ask how long the company has been in business, how many moves they have completed, and what kind of training their employees receive. A company with a proven track record of successful moves is more likely to provide a hassle-free experience. 

     
     
    Inquire about equipment and materials 

    Ask the moving company what kind of equipment and materials they use to pack and transport your belongings. Do they use high-quality packing materials to protect your items? Do they have specialized equipment for moving large or heavy items? A company with the right tools and materials can make the move more efficient and reduce the risk of damage. 

     
     
    Consider additional services 

    In addition to packing and moving, many moving companies offer additional services such as storage, packing and unpacking, and cleaning. Consider whether you need any of these services and if the company you choose can provide them. 

     
     
    Read and understand the contract 

    Be sure you comprehend all the terms and conditions of a contract before you sign it. Ask the moving company any questions you may have, and make sure all your belongings are listed on the inventory. A reputable moving company will be transparent and upfront about all fees and charges. 

    By following these tips, you can choose the right moving company and make your move hassle-free. Remember to start your search early and take the time to find a company that meets your needs and budget. With the right moving company, you can have a stress-free and successful move. 

     
     
    Look for guarantees 

    A reputable moving company should provide guarantees and assurances that your items will be transported safely and securely. Ask about the company’s policy on lost or damaged items and what kind of insurance they provide. Some moving companies may offer additional insurance options for added peace of mind. 

     
     
    Check for hidden fees 

    Make sure to ask the moving company about any additional fees or charges that may not be included in the initial estimate. Hidden fees can add up quickly and significantly increase the cost of your move. Clarify all fees and charges before signing a contract. 

     
     
    Choose a local moving company 

    Choosing a local moving company can offer several advantages. Local moving companies are often more familiar with the area and can provide better customer service. They may also be more flexible with scheduling and can offer more personalized services. Consider Mandeville movers, for example, if you live in Mandeville, Louisiana. 

     
     
    Communicate clearly 

    Effective communication is key to a successful move. Make sure to communicate clearly with the moving company about your needs and expectations. Let them know about any specific requirements or concerns you may have. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth move. 

     
     
    Be prepared 

    Before the moving company arrives, make sure to pack your belongings and label boxes clearly. Have a plan in place for how you want your items to be loaded onto the truck. Being prepared can help make the move more efficient and reduce the risk of damage. 

     
     
    Get a written agreement 

    Make sure to get a written agreement from the moving company that includes all the details of the move, including the date, time, and location. The agreement should also include the estimate, any additional fees or charges, and the company’s policies on lost or damaged items. 

    Choosing the right moving company is an important step in making your move hassle-free. By doing your research, getting multiple quotes, and communicating clearly with the company, you can ensure a successful move. Remember to be prepared, ask questions, and read the contract carefully to avoid any surprises. With the right moving company, you can have a stress-free and successful move. 

  • New Books To Read!

    L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39 Book Reveal

    Science fiction and fantasy anthology

     

    From vampires and werewolves to space exploration and time travel, you will
    love these 12 original and diverse stories because they were selected by
    some of your favorite authors.

     

    In the world of speculative fiction…

    Your favorite authors…

    Have selected best new voices of the year.

    24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

    3 Bonus Short Stories by Kevin J. Anderson • L. Ron Hubbard • S.
    M. Stirling

    Art and Writing Tips by Lazarus Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard •
    Kristine Kathryn Rusch

    Edited by Dean Wesley Smith • Jody Lynn Nye

    16-page color gallery of artwork • Cover art by Tom Wood

     

    Check out the stories Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor,
    Robert J. Sawyer, Kevin J. Anderson, Jody Lynn Nye and others chose as the
    best of the best.

    Be amazed. Be amused. Be transported … by stories that take you by
    surprise and take you further and deeper into new worlds and new ideas than
    you’ve ever gone before….

    Twelve captivating tales from the most exciting new voices in science
    fiction and fantasy accompanied by three from masters of the genre.

     

    A miracle? An omen? Or something else? One day, they arrived in
    droves—the foxes of the desert, the field, the
    imagination….—“Kitsune” by Devon Bohm

    When a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua meet on a beach in
    Key West, fireworks go off! But that’s just the
    background.—“Moonlight and Funk” by Marianne Xenos

    The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS agent’s dying body, must regain
    his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original
    sin.—“Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins

    In a metaverse future, a woman who exposes falseness in others must decide
    what is real to her—the love she lost or the love she may have
    found.—“Under My Cypresses” by Jason Palmatier

    Vic Harden wasn’t lured by glory on a daring mission into the reaches
    of outer space—he was ordered out there by his
    editor.—“The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard

    Dangerous opportunities present themselves when an alien ship arrives in
    the solar system seeking repairs.—“White Elephant” by
    David K. Henrickson

    With her spaceship at the wrong end of a pirate’s guns, a former war
    hero must face down her enemies and demons to save Earth’s last best
    chance for peace.—“Piracy for Beginners” by J. R.
    Johnson

    Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., faces one of his funniest and most perplexing
    cases ever—an enlightened ogre, a salamander with low self-esteem, and
    a raging fire dragon terrorizing the Unnatural Quarter!—“Fire in
    the Hole” by Kevin J. Anderson

    Years after the Second Holocaust, the last surviving Jews on earth attempt
    to rewrite the past.—“A Trickle in History” by Elaine
    Midcoh

    When I said I’d do anything to pay off my debts and get back home to
    Earth, I didn’t mean survey a derelict spaceship at the edge of the
    solar system—but here I am.—“The Withering Sky” by
    Arthur H. Manner

    High-powered telescopes bring galactic life to our TVs, and network tuner
    Hank Enos figures he’s seen everything—until the day an alien
    boy stares back.—“The Fall of Crodendra M.” by T. J.
    Knight

    Knights, damsels and dragons, curses and fates foretold—the stuff of
    legends and stories, but unexpectedly perverse.—“Constant
    Never” by S. M. Stirling

    Determined to save his wife, Tumelo takes an unlikely client through South
    Africa’s ruins to the heart of the Desolation—a journey that
    will cost or save everything.—“The Children of Desolation”
    by Spencer Sekulin

    When a terrorist smuggles a nuclear weapon into London, a team regresses in
    time to AD 1093 to assassinate a knight on the battlefield, thereby
    eliminating the terrorist a millennia before his
    birth.—“Timelines and Bloodlines” by L. H. Davis

    The Grand Exam, a gateway to power for one, likely death for all
    others—its entrants include ambitious nobles, desperate peasants, and
    Quiet Gate, an old woman with nothing left to lose.—“The Last
    History” by Samuel Parr

     

    You will love this collection of the best new voices in science fiction and
    fantasy because, as Locus magazine puts it, “Not only is the writing
    excellent…it is also extremely varied. There’s a lot of hot new
    talent.”
     

     

     

     

     

    Twitter

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Pinterest

    YouTube

    TikTok

     

    Purchase Links

    Amazon

    B&N

    Books a Million

    Bookshop.org (to support Indie bookshops)

     

    RABT Book Tours & PR
  • Giveaways

    LOVE MADLY by Tracey Hooker Book Tour PLUS a Giveaway!

    Book Details:

    Book Title:  Love Madly by Tracey Hooker
    Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  284 pages
    GenreContemporary Women’s Fiction
    PublisherTracey Hooker
    Release date:   May 2021
    Content RatingPG-13: some f-words, violence, non-explicit sex scenes

    Book Description:

    One afternoon Jamie is so bored she forms lips with her left hand and kisses it. She is missing passion in her life. Her husband, Joe, always ready with a snide remark, catches her in the act. This time he’s speechless when Jamie quips that she’s “having an affair.”

    ​The story is told in Jamie’s irreverent voice and blends two timelines–that of Jamie’s young years with her teenage soulmate, then her troubled marriage and ensuing Hollywood affair.

    Buy the Book:
    Amazon
    Meet the Author:

    Tracey Hooker is a creative thinker, writer and doer. She has a master’s degree in health administration and spent 16 years educating state legislators across the United States on critical public health issues. Tracey practices yoga, hikes in the Rockies, dabbles in watercolors, writes rap songs and donates blood. She has lived in California, Spain and Arizona, and now lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and her dog, Winnie.

    connect with the author: website

    Giveaway:​

    Win $25 STARBUCKS Gift Card, courtesy of author of LOVE MADLY (USA only) (ends Mar 17)

    LOVE MADLY by Tracey Hooker Book Tour Giveaway

  • Giveaways

    The Dollmaker Book Blitz PLUS A Kindle Giveaway!

    The Dollmaker
    Morgan Shamy
    Publication date: February 28th 2023
    Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Mystery

    No one is safe. Not when the Dollmaker lurks in the shadows.

    When Dawn Hildegard’s best friend Rose is kidnapped by “The Dollmaker,” a crazed serial killer who creates “art” from women’s bodies, she drops everything to find her—including her dream of becoming a doctor. With the help of a handsome new acquaintance and his mysterious brother, they set off to find the killer. Although they quickly become friends, Dawn cannot shake the uneasy feeling that the brothers know more about the murders than they admit.

    As more and more victims are found murdered and displayed throughout town, Dawn must use her wits to find Rose before it’s too late. And before she too becomes the Dollmaker’s next victim.

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

    EXCERPT:

    He slowly began to pace in front of her, his shaded head tipped in thought. His legs were long in the dark, though he wasn’t much taller than her. Bits of slanted light streamed in from the floorboards above them, highlighting the divots of his face. She still couldn’t see him clearly.

    “I’ve never had anyone find me before,” he said. “And I take pride in the fact that no one does. I lead a quiet life, and uninterrupted life, and now… you’ve interrupted it.”

    He paused, facing her head on. He was nothing more than a shadow in front of her. She held still, silent. If he was The Dollmaker, she didn’t want to make him upset. He hadn’t killed her yet, but maybe he liked to toy with his prey before he slaughtered them.

    “I won’t tell anyone about you,” she choked out. “Just let me go.”

    He let out a bitter laugh. “And why should I believe you?”

    “Why are you trying to stay hidden?”

    Both of their questions hung in the air.

    He started pacing again. Her heart was hammering its way up into her throat, she could barely breathe. She edged back a step. His head snapped up and he sprung forward once more. He gripped her upper arm and began to drag her into the dark, away from the orchestra pit. She struggled against him, trying to rip out of his embrace, but his hold was concrete. He led her through a dark hallway that slanted upward at an incline, until the hallway stopped at a dead end. A door towered in front of above them. She still couldn’t see his face.

    He moved in close, yanking her up against him, until she felt his breath on her cheek. “If you tell anyone about me—anyone at all—I will know. And if you do, there will be consequences greater than you can imagine. Death will follow, I can assure you that.”

    Author Bio:

    Morgan Shamy is an ex-ballerina turned YA writer. She has been immersed in the arts since the young age of 4, where she performed various roles alongside a professional ballet company for over seven years, and has danced on prestigious stages like soloing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She has taught hundreds of girls in her fifteen years of teaching, where some of her students have received full-ride scholarships to schools like School of American Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, to name a few.

    Morgan discovered writing when her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. It was through that experience which instilled the need to share art and magic with children through words on the page.

    Morgan is also an accomplished concert pianist. She was the first girl in Utah to receive the 75 pt. Gold Cup in the Utah Federation of Music in piano solo/concerto competition. Morgan currently lives with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and four children in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

    GIVEAWAY!

    GIVEAWAY
    Blitz-wide giveaway (US only)

    *A Kindle

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


  • Giveaways

    SecretlyBook Blitz PLUS A Giveaway!

    Secretly
    Talya Blaine
    (Transformation Series, #2)
    Publication date: February 28th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

    Unquenchable chemistry. The rare gift of a second chance. Choices that could destroy it all.

    Quinn and Jonathan’s erotic journey continues as sizzling tension tests their “friends for now” pact.

    After a desperate call interrupts a failed platonic dinner—and a water main break renders Quinn homeless—she’s left with little choice: Take Jonathan up on his just-friends-no-benefits offer to share his apartment.

    But getting closer? A romantic relationship? Not an option. Even after that one impulsive and magical but heartbreaking kiss.

    Damn, that kiss. It tells Jonathan all he needs to know about Quinn’s feelings and only deepens his desire to build a life with her. Until her defensive walls throw him back into reality. The reality in which his sweet gig as Spice of Life’s travel show host is on the line. The reality in which he can’t fully accept Quinn’s involvement at Octavia’s dungeon. The reality in which the woman he adores is still grieving—and not ready to hear the three words he needs to say.

    The second novel in the Transformation Series, Secretly turns up the heat: A secret trip to a Parisian chateau dungeon, a last-minute wedding to plan, a bold, perhaps impulsive, career decision. Quinn and Jonathan each make choices that alter the course of their lives. Can they forge a shared future?

    A story about discovery and desire, friendship and boundaries, freedom and risk. About the delicate balance between intimacy and autonomy. About the struggle to love again and how we choose to live the second chapter of our lives.

    Friends to lovers, slow burn, second chance, fish out of water—readers will click with the themes in this edgy contemporary erotic romance. Features characters over 40 and a sexy beta hero. Mature themes, strong language, kink, dungeon and steamy open-door bedroom scenes.

    Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

    Q&A with Talya Blaine:

    How did you come up with the idea for Secretly?
    As I was writing one of the later scenes in the previous book, Silently, the scene where Quinn is in the hospital and Jonathan climbs into bed with her and they talk–really talk–I realized there was too much growing between them for their story to end. After I finished writing Silently, that feeling continued–I could not get Quinn and Jonathan out of my head. So I began writing Secretly, and the two of them took it from there.

    What was your favorite scene or theme in Secretly to write?
    That’s easy. Wait, actually I have two favorites. The first is when… Hmm, how to say this without spoilers… The first is when Jonathan catches Quinn off guard at one point and she’s a sweaty mess in the summer heat, and she’s SO awkward with him. He gloats a bit rethinking it later, but in the moment he’s himself–sweet and sexy and relieved she’s not angry with him. They’re both so real with each other in that scene.

    And the other scene I loved writing is when they think they see each other in Paris. During revisions, I was this close (pinching fingers together) to cutting it. But I kept it in and I believe the book is better for it. I think it shows that, at the end of the day, no matter what issues have arisen between them, they’re just really connected to each other.

    What was the hardest scene or theme to write?
    The hardest theme through all three books was Quinn’s grief. Although it lessens over time, it was difficult to balance showing the depth of her sorrow with keeping the story moving forward. In a way, I had to do the same thing to her that the characters were doing — trying to respect her feelings, her experience, her healing process while also nudging her on at a pace that felt “right” for the story.

    Your blog says you love-love-love to read. What are you reading right now?
    A funny, sharply written erotic romance with fake dating and multiple partners, Mint to Be by Madelynne Ellis, and I just finished–and am still thinking about (in the best way)–Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

    What’s your writing routine like?
    Writing routine. Hah, that’s a good one. I’m more of a fits and starts kind of girl. I wish I could say otherwise but that’s the truth. I don’t always write everyday. But when I’m in the middle of a draft, with the ideas clamoring to be put onto the page, I will write every single minute of the day that I can.

    How can readers find you online?
    Visit my blog, or connect with me on BingeBooks, BookBub or Goodreads. To keep up with new releases and special offers, the best way is to add your email to my list.

    Author Bio:

    Talya Blaine writes later-in-life contemporary romance that’s emotionally intense and thought-provoking, spicy and sweet. She writes “older” characters (40+), sexy beta heroes, and explores how relationships of all types change over time. Silently (Transformation Series Book 1) is her debut romance, with Secretly (Book 2) and Entirely (Book 3) completed and releasing soon.

    Website / Goodreads / Bookbub

    GIVEAWAY!

    GIVEAWAY
    Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

    *Ebook copy of Secretly

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


  • Giveaways

    We Come With Vengeance Book Tour PLUS A Giveaway!

    We Come With Vengeance
    H.G. Muralee
    Publication date: March 14th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Steampunk

    The war has stretched on for twenty years, and the soldiers, civilians, and nobles are exhausted. Towns grow more desolate while war technology continues to advance, leaving the rest of Kaier behind.

    Felix—heir to House Leigh-Van—harbors resentment for the war that has claimed his sister’s life and his father’s ethics. Regardless, he follows his orders and is content to remain equal among his fellow soldiers.

    When a routine stop for repairs puts Felix at the epicenter of a brutal attack impacting civilians rather than soldiers, he struggles to continue separating his ethics from his duty. He’s privately ambivalent but publicly supportive of his uncle—the king—when whispers of an underground rebellion start to circulate. The rebellion is gaining traction and could soon make a serious play at ending the war.

    But when even the tactics of the resistance begin claiming lives as quickly as the war itself, Felix starts to wonder who will survive to see the peace they’re fighting for.

    Goodreads / Amazon

    “The Missed Opportunities of our Innovations” 

     

    The inspiration for the airships in We Come With Vengeance came from the USS North Carolina in Wilmington, NC. I try to go every time I’m in the area, but due to the pandemic, I haven’t been since 2019.  

    I’m especially interested in the 16-inch main battery cannons. The shell casings are nearly as big as me (I’m about five feet three inches tall). You can go inside the turret to see just how tiny of a space it is, inside the ship to see how they were loaded, and see where the shells were stored.  

    It’s interesting to think about how such a marvelous thing that was created by man was used for destruction. What would have happened if we had put our man power into designing creations that weren’t for a war?  

    I ask that question in We Come With Vengeance. Kaier’s technology has suffered from the war. Their cars resemble Ford Model Ts, they only have window air conditioning units, and their infrastructure is crumbling and reinforced with metal from retired airships. The country to the north of them has metal, towering skyscrapers, and cars that are sleeker. They weren’t impacted by a war, thus their society was able to advance faster than Kaier. 

    How far could our world have come if there wasn’t war? We can only speculate, but I like to believe those flying cars would have already been created by now. 

    Author Bio:

    H.G. Muralee was born and raised in North Carolina. She graduated from Western Carolina University and works as a paralegal. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading far too many books, watching The Great British Baking Show, learning her husband’s native language, and playing with her dog, Oliver.

    GIVEAWAY!

    Giveaway:
    Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

    *Print copy of We Come With Vengeance, a map, character art, and the enamel pin

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


  • Giveaways

    She, You, I Book Blitz PLUS a $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

    She, You, I
    Sally Keeble
    Publication date: January 11th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Contemporary

    An emotional page-turner of a story about a family torn apart by the legacy of war that asks the question: what happens to the hurt we can’t forget?
    When Skye Stanhope returns to her grandmother’s childhood home, she’s searching for the roots of her life story. Why her tough-minded granny ran away to war. And why her brilliant mother died.

    Behind the women’s successes, lies deep trauma. As Skye strips away the layers of secrecy, she confronts their inner torments: forces that bound the women together, but also tore them apart. It’s a journey from a poverty-stricken tenement block to an airbase in wartime Suffolk, through boom-time London to a coffee cart beside the sea.

    Woven into the women’s lives is Tseng Hsiao Ling, a feisty, enigmatic seamstress whose fortunes become inextricably linked with theirs.

    It’s a sweeping tale of love, war and family secrets over three generations.

    Through each woman’s story, “She, You, I” holds up a mirror to the complexity of family relationships: mothers, sisters, daughters, and the unexpected twists in Skye’s search for closure.

    Goodreads / Amazon

    EXCERPT:

    “She”

    Maisie’s story

    She was safe under the bed. Metal strips above, bare boards below, her father’s tin trunk behind—name, rank, number engraved on its lid. “All you need to know about a man,” her father said. A blanket hung over the edge of the bed. Maisie lay behind it and clenched her fists against her chest to keep in the fear.

    Tonight was bad.

    “Floozy!”

    “No!”

    Shouts from the kitchen. Them fighting. She curled up and squeezed her eyes shut, covered her ears to make it stop. Anything to make it stop.

    “You’re my wife.”

    A scream from the kitchen ran through her body. And then another, and another, until the whole night became a scream. She tried to block it out, but she couldn’t. It was inside her ears, inside her head. She was the scream. And then it stopped. She took her hands from her ears and listened. Nothing. Silence.

    Maisie lifted the blanket and peered into the room. Gaslight from the street spilt over the tattered strip of net curtain nailed across the window. It glinted off the broken mirror above the empty fireplace, touched the two best chairs on their square of worn carpet, and lit up the locked front door out to the landing of the tenement.

    In the far corner was the door into the other room, the kitchen. A spindly table stood next to the door, with a piece of lacey cloth draped over it, “To hide its legs,” her mother said, and on it was  china figurine of a man in a kilt with a lamb around his neck and a dog at his feet.

    Beside the figurine was a photograph in a round frame of pleated cloth. Her mother, Flora, her hair swept up into a chignon and set with glittery jewels—only glass, she said—sat on a chair and behind her stood a soldier, uniformed, his face unmarked, handsome, with jet-black hair and a wide moustache that curled up at the ends like a smile. Her father, Simon. One arm was crocked behind him, the other stretched along the back of the chair, cradling her mother, and the greys of their clothes swirled around the whites of their faces and blended into the beige of the fabric that enclosed them.

    The night the glass in the frame got broken wasn’t as bad as this.

    Author Bio:

    Sally writes novels about the things she’s passionate about—the triumphs and tragedies of people’s lives, their families and life stories.

    It’s what originally took her into journalism and then politics, in the UK and beyond. She spent her early years in the USA, Switzerland and Australia, returning to the UK after working as a journalist in South Africa. After serving as an MP, she worked in international development and travelled widely, especially in Africa and South Asia.

    “She, You, I” is her first novel. She’s written nonfiction previously. Sally splits her time between Northampton and Bawdsey, a village in coastal Suffolk.

    Website / Facebook / Instagram

    GIVEAWAY!

    GIVEAWAY
    Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

    *$25 Amazon gift card

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


  • Giveaways

    The New Single Dad Billionaire Book Blitz PLUS A $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

    The New Single Dad Billionaire
    Tina Gabor
    (Bronson Billionaire Romance Series, #5)
    Publication date: February 28th 2023
    Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

    Tyler Bronson’s hot dating app eMingle just went public, but despite his success at finding matches for other people he’s still single.

    His on and off relationship with his unstable ex has finally stayed off that is until he finds out he has a son.

    Now, he’s not just a new billionaire. He’s a new single dad. And he has no time for love until …

    Goodreads / Amazon

    EXCERPT:

    Tyler POV

    She took a step to steady herself and tripped on my foot. I grabbed her before she fell onto the coffee table.
    “Whoops!” I said. “Are you okay?”
    I had my arms around her to keep her from falling, her shoulder leaned against my chest. She turned toward me and looked up. Her long eyelashes blinking.
    “Nice catch,” she said, her voice a sexy whisper. The feeling of one of her tits pushed against me along with that voice and that look made my cock stir.
    This girl was effortlessly sexy.
    She put her hands on my arms to regain her footing and giggled. “So big. And hard,” she said, running her hands on my biceps.
    She was drunk, but damn. This girl was killing me.
    “Let’s check out that view,” she said, tottering over to the sliding glass doors.
    I stayed close to make sure she didn’t stumble again.
    We stepped out onto the balcony, and I slid the glass door shut behind us. She swayed on her feet, and I put my hand on her back to steady her. “Easy, easy.”
    She’d only had two glasses of champagne, and she was already tipsy. Cute, but dangerous.
    She giggled. “We’re up so high!”
    “Have you been to New York before?”
    “I’ve barely been anywhere,” she said. “This is amazing.”
    I looked down at her as she stared at the New York skyline. She let her head rest against me. A warm summer breeze blew across my face. A giddy feeling shivered through my body. I’d only had one glass of champagne, and I weighed over two hundred pounds. I couldn’t be drunk, could I? Maybe it was the drink and the sugar from the dessert. I rarely ate it.
    But I doubted that was the reason. This fluttery feeling in my chest was because of Betty.
    I leaned down to kiss the top of her head and stopped myself. This wasn’t a date. This was my nanny.

    Author Bio:

    Are you like me?

    Do you enjoy funny, contemporary romances with spicy love scenes?

    Because if you do …

    You’ve landed in the perfect place.

    I’m Tina Gabor, and it’s so much fun getting to write the books I love reading. Gorgeous men and fierce, feisty, and funny women are my jam.

    And since there’s nothing like a love story with a dash of sun and fun …

    I set most of my in Southern California and Florida. I grew up in South Florida, and now I live in Southern California with my fiancee and a stray cat we named Fred.

    To get special deals on new releases and updates on what your favorite book couples are doing after the story ends, go to SparksFlyRomance.com/Tina

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook

    GIVEAWAY!

    GIVEAWAY
    Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

    *$25 Amazon gift card

    a Rafflecopter giveaway