Tag Archives: romance

$20 GC – The Cardinal Code: Absolution by Avery Sterling @xpressotours #averysterling #thecardinalcode

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

The Cardinal Code: Absolution continues the dark, seductive saga of the Cardinales—an elite society of vampires whose influence shapes governments, history, and the hidden world beneath human civilization.

Paislee Sullivan never wanted power. She only wanted Michael. But loving a man born into a secret dynasty of blood and control means standing in the shadow of everything he represents.

When Michael Chamberlain is summoned to London, he’s pulled into a political struggle rooted in ancient bloodlines and forbidden truths. As old laws are challenged and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Paislee finds herself no longer at the edge of his world—but at its center.

The deeper she is drawn into Cardinales society, the more dangerous her presence becomes. To some, she is leverage. To others, a threat. To Michael, she is the only thing that has ever mattered.

Bound by love and hunted by forces determined to preserve the Order’s control, they must confront a truth the Dominium has spent centuries suppressing.

Because some bloodlines were never meant to merge.

And loving each other may cost them everything.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Paislee leaned her head on Michael’s shoulder.

“You didn’t look surprised by that envelope.”

“Because I wasn’t.”

“What is it?”

“An invitation,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers and brushing her knuckles with his lips.

Her head lifted. “An invitation for what?”

“To Etxe Bakarra.”

“What’s that?”

“A celebration they hold every year—but barely understand. It was hand-delivered. Required my signature. Which means I must attend or face consequences.”

She studied the envelope, running her fingers over its embossed seal. “It’s beautiful. What is Etxe Bakarra?”

“A celebration of unity. Of peace.”

“Are you required to attend every year?”

“No.”

“Then why now?”

“Because the harvest moon aligns with the autumn equinox. It’s incredibly rare.”

She blinked. “Harvest moon, autumn equinox . . . the Order sounds mystical.”

He chuckled. “It’s their favorite bedtime story.”

As the car hummed down the avenue, she turned the envelope over in her hands.

“You didn’t even open it.”

“I know what it says.”

“I’ll open it, then.”

Her eyes skimmed the elegant script inside. Then she paused. “Michael . . . why is my name on it?”

He went still.

“Right under yours. It says the invitation extends to ‘Michael Chamberlain and companion, Paislee Sullivan.’”

He reached over and took the invitation from her hands. His easy charm shuttered, replaced by something darker. Calculating.

Michael stared out the window for a long moment.

“They want to see you,” he said quietly.

Paislee frowned. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

A pause hung between them.

She rested her head against his shoulder, listening to the steady thud of his heart beneath the fine weave of his jacket. He didn’t speak again, but he didn’t have to. She could feel it in the way he held her hand tighter than before—the silent promise tucked into his touch.

Whatever this celebration meant, whatever game the Order was playing, she was now a part of it.

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 / X


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The Cardinal Code: Absolution Blitz

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GC Giveaway – Royal Mayhem by Samantha Jayne Grubey #samanthajaynegrubey #royalmayhem @xpressotours

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Royal Mayhem
Samantha Jayne Grubey
Publication date: April 15th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Part one of a duet.

Melinda Brown doesn’t want much in life, graduate university and survive.

Prince Alexander has everything, surrounded be riches and spoilt to the core. Everything he’s ever wanted has been at the tip of his finger due to his prestigious status as future King of England.

Despite coming from two different worlds, they share the same university. One day everything changes when the two crash into each other’s lives, literally.

As they both enter each other’s worlds, they’re forced to make compromises for the sake of their growing attraction.

Will Melinda and Alexander be able to win people with their love, especially when it becomes clear that they both hide secrets? Or will Prince Alexander by denied for the first time by the first woman that he truly wants? Not everything is as it seems in Royal Mayhem.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Rolling onto my side, I was met with thin air falling to the floor letting out a groan as I hit the floor.

How did I fall out of bed?

I opened my eyes seeing I was in the living room. The memories of last night finally came rushing back to me. We had been binge-watching my favourite reality television show and fell asleep.

Looking behind me, Alex was still fast asleep. He looked so peaceful. With him asleep, I had time to admire him without him knowing it. It had taken a bit for Alex to get comfortable after the incident again. I could tell he was fighting with himself. There must’ve been a huge part of him that wanted to run and hide, whilst the other part of him wanted to stay.

What scared me the most is that I wanted to know both of those parts of him. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I wanted to know it all. I wanted to know him.

Then, there’s the secret.

Could I cope with not knowing what his secret was?

It was obvious he had one, no adult had a grown babysitter without a reason. The security that had suddenly appeared around the campus, it all coincides with when Alex started at university.

I couldn’t figure out what the reason was.

Did he have a famous and important family?

Was he secretly a political figure?

Would I end up hurt?

I wanted to google him so bad. I reached for my phone, opening up the browser and stared at it.

Could I break my promise?

I told him I wouldn’t.

I let out a groan, throwing my phone back on the sofa.

I stood up, made my way to the bathroom, and showered quickly. I wrap the towel around me heading to the bedroom changing into some clean clothes. My body ached so much. Sleeping on a small sofa with someone else was not the best way to sleep.

After finishing getting ready, I made my way downstairs, Alex was still asleep on the sofa, and into the kitchen. I grabbed a can out of the fridge, opening it and taking a small sip.

Maybe I should prepare some breakfast.

I know Alex brought breakfast things I couldn’t believe he went shopping for me. I don’t think anyone would top what he did for me. I walked into the living room and saw he was sitting up looking confused.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” he said. “I was really confused about where I was then.”

“Do you often wake up at random houses not knowing who you’re with?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not happened in a few years,” he admitted. “Do you have plans today?”

I shook my head.

“Do you want to go on that date?”

“I’d love to.” Butterflies filled my stomach, this was my first real date.

“Great,” he smiled. “I’m going to go home and then I’ll come pick you up” he looked at his phone “around midday if that’s alright with you?”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I said. He stood up, stretching his arms out.

I made my way over to the door and let him out. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes, you will. Just so you know, I had fun last night,” he said.

“Me, too.”

He got into his car and drove off.

I headed into the living room, grabbing my phone.

Megan answered straight away. “If this isn’t life or death, I’m going to fucking kill you, Melinda,” she mumbled.

“Does Alex asking me on a date count?”

Author Bio:

Samantha Jayne Grubey is an author of new adult romance.

When she’s not writing or reading, she will be playing sims or doing some diamond art and if she isn’t doing any of that she could be pole dancing or most likely working.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / X


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Royal Mayhem Blitz

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$25 GC – Pity Prank by Whitney Dineen @xpressotours #pityprank #whitneydineen

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Pity Prank
Whitney Dineen
(Pity Series)
Publication date: March 30th 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

What happens when a quirkier than normal girl meets a hunky doctor from New York?

It’s not that I have subpar intelligence, or that I’m a total weirdo. In fact, I would consider myself kind, creative, and an all-in-all great catch—if you can get past a few peculiarities.

I love soft things. ALL soft things, and I surround myself with them to help self-sooth my way through the day. I have very particular opinions about sand, aluminum foil, and gum snappers. You wouldn’t believe how many men find this odd. In short, being on the spectrum has not exactly done wonders for my love life.

Enter Dr. Thomas Culpepper. Never in a million years would I have predicted someone like him would move to tiny little Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Then he gets sent to my photography studio to have his picture taken. I misunderstood the assignment, and instead of taking a boring old headshot like the hospital wanted, I forced him to take sexy pirate photos.

As far as meet cutes go, it was awkward. I won’t even mention the baby oil …

Pity Prank is a laugh-out-loud, small town romantic comedy featuring misunderstandings galore, a tiny bit of fake dating, a lot of fuzzy sweaters and socks, and oh, yeah, some sexy pirate photos.

Perfect for fans of Hallmark vibes. Book eight in a feel-good series of standalones.

*** For fans of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Finley

As soon as I enter, I notice a man sitting on one of the two overstuffed shabby chic chairs by the window. He looks up and makes direct eye contact which causes every thought in my brain to pour out like sand in a sieve. Holy. Hot stuff. Batman. This man is extraordinarily handsome, but his appeal is more than just physical. He emanates a kind of golden energy that’s positively intoxicating.

“Hi there.” As soon as he stands up, I can feel the room start to sway. I stagger to the counter, so I don’t fall over. He’s well over six feet and from what I can tell he’s built like he spends hours at the gym every day.

“H…h…hi, yourself. Thomas Culpepper?” I ask, both hoping he is and isn’t at the same time. How in the world will I be able to take sexy pictures of this man and keep my wits about me? I can’t even look at him fully clothed without stuttering.

“That’s me.” He flashes a brilliant smile which makes me wonder if he’s ever starred in toothpaste commercials. His hair is the softest looking wavy chocolate brown I’ve ever seen. My hand lifts of its own accord like it’s trying to reach out and touch it. Which of course I know I can’t do. At least until it’s time for me to style his hair for the shoot. I practically drool at the thought.

Thomas looks at my hand suspended in mid-air before copying the gesture and waving at me. “He-llo.” He breaks the word into two syllables like I’m new to the English language and might not understand otherwise.

I drop my hand immediately and try to regain my composure. “Constance is very excited about these shots.”

“Really?” He looks confused, like he doesn’t know who I’m talking about.

“Really,” I assure him. “She’s ordered the basic package to start but if she likes what she sees…” In lieu of finishing my sentence, I give him an exaggerated wink.

“I didn’t realize this was such a big deal to her,” he says. I wonder if I got it wrong and they aren’t a couple? Darn it, that’s the thing with me, I have an awful time reading people.

“Oh, it’s a very big deal.”

Thomas’s hazel eyes narrow in confusion before he bends down to pick up the bag he brought with him. “I brought some different shirts.”

“Oh, we won’t need shirts.” There’s no way, I’m covering up this man in unnecessary clothing. No way. Unless of course it’s a pirate shirt, wide open, and billowing in the wind. Lucky for him, I have such an item in my costume collection.

Thomas’s gorgeous brow furrows, drawing my attention to the golden flecks in his eyes. “I brought a doctor’s coat too, if you prefer that.”

“A doctor’s coat?” I love the idea of turning him into a sexy doctor. It’s decided then, we’ll do a pirate look and a doctor one. Constance is going to love these.

Motioning to Thomas, I tell him, “Follow me into the backroom and you can get ready there.”

As he approaches, I inhale his spicy aftershave. Cloves, cinnamon, and orange, oh my! “You smell great.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. That’s another fun thing about me, I don’t always think before speaking, which can sometimes make other people uncomfortable. Like the time I told a woman in the grocery store that her pants made her butt look amazing. While meant as a compliment, it was clear she wasn’t used to such a forthright comment from a stranger. I figured that out when she walked out of the store, leaving a full cart behind.

The last thing I want to do is make Thomas nervous, so I hurry to tell him, “You smell like my favorite Christmas cookies.”

“Huh. I’ve never heard that one before.”

“It’s a compliment of the highest order,” I assure him. “My mom makes the best orange spice shortbread you’ve ever tried.” Just when I think I’ve saved the moment from getting too awkward, I groan suggestively and declare, “Yummy!” Thomas’s eyes pop open wider in an expression I once again worry is fear.

The backroom of my store is one big unfinished space with a variety of backdrops scattered about. I point toward the barber-style chair in front of a big lighted mirror in the corner and tell him, “Let’s start there. I’ll get your hair and makeup done first and then we’ll settle on wardrobe.”

“Hair and makeup?”

“Yeah, you know, so we can get the look we’re after.”

“I thought I was okay the way I am.”

“You’re fantastic,” I assure him. “Really great! But I want to make sure we capture your character to the fullest.”

“I’m a doctor,” he tells me. I’m starting to think Thomas might be the one new to the English language.

“Doctor, pirate, sexy duke with a superiority complex… you can be anything you want and I’m here to make that happen.”

Thomas sits down in the makeup chair looking highly uneasy. “I really am a doctor.” Then he asks, “Do you get a lot of pirates and nobility in here?”

“Tons,” I assure him.

Thomas sits down with the same amount of enthusiasm he might have knowing he was about to be electrocuted. “I’m pretty sure I don’t need hair and makeup,” he says again.

“I’m not putting lipstick on you, Thomas.” Picking up a bronzing palate, I tell him, “Just a bit of contrast to sharpen your angles.”

“Why exactly do I need sharper angles?” How is it possible that he’s even sexy when he’s acting stupid?

Turning to look him square in the eye, I ask, “Why do you think you’re here?”

“I’m here to get my picture taken for …”

“Constance,” I finish his sentence for him. “You’re here for Constance. And you want to make her happy, don’t you?”

“I… suppose?” He isn’t selling it.

“You suppose? She’s paid me four hundred dollars to take very specific pictures of you and that is exactly what I’m going to do. Do you understand?” He nods his head almost imperceptibly, so I tell him, “This is my job, Thomas. My job. It’s what I do for a living. It’s how I pay my bills.”

“Yes, but…”

“Constance came in here herself to tell me what she wants, and as she is my client. I’m not going to let her down.”

Thomas sits as still as a statue while I brush bronzer on his cheeks and jaw. By the time I’m done with him, he could have posed for a Michelangelo statue of a Greek god. I can’t take all the credit for that though; he practically is one on his own.

Once I’m convinced his face couldn’t look any better, I put the makeup brush down and face my model once again. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. After turning the chair so his back faces the mirror, I lift my hands and run all ten of my fingers through his hair. Holy heck. It’s even softer than it looks. It’s better than all my furry sweaters combined. It’s like running my hands through a litter of baby minks. It’s softer than the Barefoot blanket I spent way too much money on. But only because it lost some of its softness after being washed. Until then, it was worth ten times as much.

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is to rub Thomas Culpepper’s head every day of my life until I die.

Reluctantly, I remind myself that Thomas is Constance’s boyfriend, not mine. Yet I don’t understand how that can be because this man is so vital and alive. Constance has the warmth of a vampire bat in winter. But they got together somehow and now it’s my job to give my client the best fantasy material I can.

She never has to know it’s doing the same for me.

Author Bio:

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries — not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X


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Military Romance Review – Buried Scars by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor #buriedscars #bearspotpublications

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Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love Jane Blythe’s writing and am always excited to return to her world of strong male and female characters that rise above the danger and pitfalls that rock their world. The characters are damaged, but that makes them love life fiercely, to hold onto and appreciate the moments of love and laughter.

Numerous characters have a back story, which Jane fills in with bits and pieces of past books, so that each book ‘can’ stand alone. Series characters make appearances in other series, because Prey Security will come to the aid of their ‘family’ whenever the need arises.

Elle is in danger and they kidnap her daughter, Ruthie, to force her compliance. She seeks the help of Prey Security, who send Rafe, Panther, Neal to the rescue. He has a young son, Andy, that stole my heart…and I think he will steal yours too.

Jane Blythe delivers blow after blow to her characters. Think you can figure out when and what the next twist will be? Good luck with that. There was a stumble or two, for me, but I get it. And, we still have to find out what happened to Beth for the eight months she had been missing. Stay tuned for Wicked Scars.

Thanks Jane, for the opportunity to review Buried Scars.

 

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He’s her only chance at saving her daughter’s life.

Becoming a mother was the best thing to ever happen to Elle Cavey. It was her first time experiencing unconditional love and her seven-year-old daughter is the center of her world. Which makes knowing she’s responsible for her daughter’s abduction that much worse. When the cops and FBI tell her there’s nothing else to do she only has one last shot at getting her child back.

Rafe “Panther” Neal is a father, if anyone can save Elle’s daughter it’s him. At least he prays he can because each moment he spends with the strong yet fragile mother he falls a little further. But he has scars, and when they rear their ugly heads it threatens his chance at building the family he’s always longed for.

Failure means losing the woman he’s falling for, her daughter, and his own son.

  • Genre: Fiction, Military, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller
  • 240 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published June 11, 2024 by Bear Spots Publications
  • Series: Prey Security: Bravo Team #5

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane’s most popular series includes Saving SEALs, part of Susan Stoker’s OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker’s world. When Jane isn’t binge-reading she’s counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

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The Spotlight Is On Royal Mayhem by Samantha Jayne Grubey @xpressotours #samanthajaynegrubey #royalmahem

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Royal Mayhem
Samantha Jayne Grubey
Publication date: April 15th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Part one of a duet.

Melinda Brown doesn’t want much in life, graduate university and survive.

Prince Alexander has everything, surrounded be riches and spoilt to the core. Everything he’s ever wanted has been at the tip of his finger due to his prestigious status as future King of England.

Despite coming from two different worlds, they share the same university. One day everything changes when the two crash into each other’s lives, literally.

As they both enter each other’s worlds, they’re forced to make compromises for the sake of their growing attraction.

Will Melinda and Alexander be able to win people with their love, especially when it becomes clear that they both hide secrets? Or will Prince Alexander by denied for the first time by the first woman that he truly wants? Not everything is as it seems in Royal Mayhem.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


Author Bio:

Samantha Jayne Grubey is an author of new adult romance.

When she’s not writing or reading, she will be playing sims or doing some diamond art and if she isn’t doing any of that she could be pole dancing or most likely working.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / X


—

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • Product images are linked/I am an Amazon affiliate.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

    • A Cut Above by Rebekah Dodson @authorrdodson #acutabove

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    Amazon / Goodreads

    MY REVIEW

    Between the cover and the title, I knew I had to grab me a copy of A Cut Above by Rebekah Dodson. It’s a fast read and an interesting plot line. Allison Chase has a condition known as Fatal Familial Insomnia, with the emphasis on FATAL. Since her failure on SuperChefs her life has fallen apart. As her grip on reality falters and chefs start dying, detective Lucas Gray becomes an ally. The more I read, the darker the story became and the more I loved it. The shifting points of view help to see the thoughts and actions of both main characters. There were a couple of bumps along the way, but I would recommed A Cut Above by Rebekah Dodson.

    My thanks go out to Rebekah Dodson for the opportunity to read A Cut Above.

     

    4 Stars

    GOODREADS BLURB

    Allison Chase was on the verge of her dream of winning SuperChefs. A half-million-dollar prize and culinary stardom were finally within her grasp. But when a devastating third-place loss leaves her life in ruins, she’s forced to pick up the pieces in a world that suddenly feels cold and dangerous.

    The disaster doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. When her former castmates fall victim to a series of tragedies, Allison realizes someone is settling a score. The only person who seems to believe her is Lucas Gray, a rugged, sharp-eyed detective with a reputation for playing by his own rules. As they team up to uncover who’s “cutting” the competition, the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore.

    In a game where the stakes are life and death, Allison must decide whether she can trust the cop who’s captured her heart or if he’s just another player in a deadly recipe.

    Fans of You by Caroline Kepnes, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides will enjoy this story of competition gone cutthroat… literally.

    • Genre: Dark Romance, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
    • 200 pages, Kindle Edition
    • Expected publication March 20, 2026 by Thorned Heart Press

    ABOUT REBEKAH DODSON

    Rebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.

    Website

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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    • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
    • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
    • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
    • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
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    $25 GC – The Sheik And The Slave by Nicola Italia @xpressotours #nicolaitalia #thesheikandtheslave

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    The Sheik and the Slave
    Nicola Italia
    (The Sheik and the Slave, #1)
    Publication date: March 13th 2026
    Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

    He owned her body… but could he ever claim her heart?

    In the merciless splendor of the Arabian desert, Sheik Mohammed rules as an absolute master. His command is law. His power unquestioned. Women adore him, enemies fear him—and nothing he desires has ever been denied him. But when a golden-haired English beauty is dragged before him in chains, defiant despite her fate, something long buried in his warrior’s heart awakens. For her, he pays a king’s ransom… and claims her for his harem. Yet the proud, fiery Katharine refuses to surrender—not her spirit, not her will… and certainly not her heart.

    Lady Katharine Fairfax was born to privilege, not bondage. The cherished daughter of English nobility, she has known only safety, luxury, and freedom. But when she dares to reject the vile advances of a powerful Baron, his vengeance is swift and cruel. Torn from her homeland and sold into the sultry, dangerous world of an Arabian palace, she becomes a prisoner of a man whose touch both terrifies and awakens her.

    In a palace of silken veils, whispered secrets, and forbidden longing, passion ignites between captor and captive. Katharine burns with hatred for the man who owns her… yet trembles beneath the heat of his dark gaze. Mohammed has conquered kingdoms—but Katharine’s love may prove the one prize he cannot command. And as treachery coils around them and enemies close in, they must risk everything for a love that could destroy them both… or set them free.

    Sweeping. Sensual. Unforgettable.

    Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

    —

    EXCERPT:

    The candle lights flickered low and the music began. It was a beautiful piece by George Frederick Handel, a Trio Sonata in B Minor. Katharine listened to the music and closed her eyes. The violin, flute, and continuo were in perfect sync with each other as the music moved and flowed through the room. She stood with James, sipping a glass of champagne, while she watched her guests mingle. A hundred people filled the room, and dozens more stood or danced in clusters and groups around the food tables. Champagne was in abundance. She had lost count how many people she had greeted and smiled at. She suddenly felt lightheaded as the champagne drizzled into her veins. The trio sonata continued playing, and its beauty was mesmerizing.

    When she opened her eyes and looked across the room, she glimpsed him across the room and knew she had drunk too much. He had walked behind a group of people standing at the far end of the room. Kat almost dropped her flute of champagne.

    “Darling, what is it?” James whispered as he felt her lean into him.

    “The heat. It’s the heat,” she answered. “I need some fresh air.”

    “Of course. I’ll accompany you,” he said.

    “No, you should stay. I’ll only be a few minutes,” she replied. She moved her dress hem aside as she moved gracefully through the room.

    Kat placed her champagne glass on a table and walked outside the ballroom and into the night. A few couples were outside talking and they greeted her. Her brother Charles and his wife, Sarah, smiled at her, and Charles kissed her in greeting.

    She smiled to them and then turned away. She was going mad! She brushed a hand across her forehead and flushed cheeks.

    Katharine looked out over the gardens that she knew so well. Earlier that day, she had stood next to James, thinking of the stallion and wanting to give him a proud name. She had always loved Greek mythology so she had thought of Ares, the god of war. But just then, she had seen him. Either that or her imagination was going wild.

    She saw at first the figure behind the large group of people at the far end of the ballroom. He was dressed in a deep blue coat and waistcoat with snug knee-length breeches, low-heeled shoes and silk stockings. His hair was unpowdered but clubbed with a black ribbon, and he appeared to be clean-shaven. He was well-dressed, and the cut of the coat showed off his muscled back and the width of his shoulders.

    The breeches did well to expose his muscled legs, and his dark shoes had no buckles on them.

    But as much as tried to fit into this world, he did not. He was like a wild tiger in a small cage. He belonged in a hot world of sand and sandalwood incense, not in a ballroom filled with dandies and champagne.

    He belonged in a world of sandstorms and harems, where the world smelled of incense and jasmine.

    Kat shook her head. This was madness. This was what happened to women who had no clean grasp on reality. She wandered into a farthest part of the gardens, where the willow trees had been planted long ago. The birch and ash trees grew there as well.

    Katharine was particularly fond of elm trees. The willow tree branches dipped low, almost to the ground, and she stepped inside one. She looked down at her hands and saw that they were shaking. She closed her eyes and remembered his goatee as his mouth touched hers. She remembered his hands on her, inside of her, and taking her that night after the party.

    The air was cold, and her breath foamed out as she exhaled. The willow tree branches encircled her and protected her as she sighed. She must let it go. She must forget him. This can only drive me mad; she told herself for the thousandth time.

    She touched the diamonds at her throat and tried to calm herself. Silly, she said to herself. She breathed out and turned to go back to the party.

    But then, her quick intake of breath and the pounding of her heart inside her chest happened instantaneously. She shook her head and closed her eyes.

    “You aren’t real,” she breathed out in disbelief, her breath foaming in the cold air.

    “Oh, I’m real enough,” he mocked her.

    His clothes were European as she had seen in the ballroom and his hair was pulled back without a wig. But his golden body belied the fact that he was not European and never would be. He would never fit in and would never want to. He had come here for one reason.

    “I don’t understand. How are you here?” Katharine asked him, as her fantasy and nightmare collided together. She pressed a hand to her exposed chest as her heart raced.

    “The horse, your Arabian, was my Arabian. I bred and sold him to your father,” Mohammed explained.

    “Did you know when you sold it to him that it was for me?” she asked.

    “Yes,” he said. His dark eyes met her blue ones.

    Mohammed watched her intake of breath, which caused her breasts to swell over her neckline.

    He had watched her that night, not able to take his eyes from her. He had many dealings with Europeans because of the Arabian horses he bred. The horses were renowned for their beautiful bone structure and stamina, but he had never accompanied the horses once they were sold. He had always dealt with the foreigners, accepted their money and had his men transport the horses. This time was different, however. This time everything was different.

    Her father had written to Mohammed, inquiring upon the price of an Arabian stallion. Edward wrote in detail about his spirited daughter, explaining that the horse must be the same, intelligent and spirited. Mohammed had accompanied the horse to England to bring back what was his by Arab law.

    He had watched her stand near the English dandies at the ball and smile into their faces. He had watched a young blonde dandy rest his hand on Katharine’s waist and clenched his own fist in anger. She had used her body well to trap men into wanting what they couldn’t have. Poor Majeed had found out the hard way. His own brother was enchanted by the little falcon! Majeed should have known better.

    And now, after coming across the sea, he was here to claim her again. There would be no negotiations and no bargains; she would be his.

    Unaware of his thoughts, Katharine shook her head, confused. Her diamond earrings glistened in the dark.

    “Why are you here?”

    Mohammed stepped toward her.

    “You know exactly why I’m here. I’m here to take back what’s mine,” he told her.

    He closed the small gap between them and jerked her into his arms.

    “No,” was all she managed to say before his mouth took hers. He was clean-shaven and well-groomed, which only made him more dangerous. She knew what was underneath the fancy clothes.

    Author Bio:

    Nicola is a Los Angeles native. Early in elementary school, Nicola had a great fondness for reading and began to write creatively. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and has held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.

    Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China, Central America and Egypt and loves all things historical.

    She has nineteen historical romance and mystery novels on Amazon.

    https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia

    Website / Goodreads / Facebook / X / Instagram


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    The Sheik and the Slave Blitz

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    • The Spotlight Is On A New Dawn by Trina Spillman @pumpupyourbook #trinaspillman #anewdawn

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    A pulse-pounding political thriller where love, betrayal, and democracy collide…


    A catastrophic explosion at a New Orleans convention hall critically injures presidential nominee James Sinclair and ignites a national crisis. Attorney Ian McCullough soon uncovers evidence tying the attack to Vice President Jay Buckley, who has orchestrated a false-flag EMP event to mimic a Chinese assault and destabilize the country for his own rise to power. With the economy collapsing, industries crippled, and global alliances shifting against the United States, Buckley intends to weaponize fear, chaos, and national confusion to consolidate control. Secret recordings obtained by Lee Chang confirm collusion between the administration, foreign officials, and powerful tech interests. The evidence is strong enough to expose the conspiracy if Ian can deliver it safely.

    Determined to return to Washington, Ian turns to naval commander Sean Hennessey and asks for a plane. Their strained past reignites when Ian finally admits how deeply Sean’s emotional withdrawal wounded him, especially after concealing the deaths of Ian’s mother, brother, and sister-in-law. Despite the unresolved pain between them, Sean agrees to help. With presidential immunity shielding those in power and time working against him, Ian risks everything to expose the conspiracy, protect James, and prevent the nation from descending into manufactured chaos.

    • Genre: Political Thriller/Romance
    • Sub-genre: Conspiracy Thrillers
    • Language:English
    • Pages: 224
    • Paperback ISBN: ‎ 978-1509264681 
    • Kindle ISBN: 978-1509264698
    • Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

    A New Dawn is available at Amazon at https://a.co/d/7vJUkhy. 

    If you like to read:

    🕵🏻‍♀️Suspense

    💕Romance

    🥹Betrayal

    🏛Political

    ⚔️High Stakes

    🥺Emotional

    📖Page Turner

    You’ll love this book!

    Excerpt: 

    The explosion ripped through the hall like a hellish fireball, leaving chaos and devastation in its wake. Charred confetti rained down from above as smoke billowed through the air. The presidential nominee was missing. Ian McCullough’s heart pounded as he scanned the scene. He had to find James. The sight of the first responders rushing to aid the wounded spurred him into action. Secret service agents were already combing the debris around the stage, their movements frantic and purposeful. Out of the corner of his eye, Ian spotted a glint of something shiny on the ground, a monogrammed cufflink. Recognition struck him with a visceral force. It was one of the anniversary gifts he had given James. With desperation fueling him, Ian shouted, “Over here! He’s over here!” Ian scrambled to the edge of the collapsed stage. His desperate attempts to lift the structure were futile. The secret service detail, alongside a squad of firemen, swiftly intervened, pushing him aside to use hydraulic jacks on the massive wooden platform. The creaking and groaning of the wood echoed in Ian’s ears as they carefully raised the wreckage. Firemen pulled James out just before the stage gave way in a splintering crash. A dust cloud enveloped Ian, blurring his vision. In the haze, he glimpsed James being whisked away. Ian fought to catch up with the firemen carrying James’s unconscious body, but he was swept aside by the panicked tide of people evacuating the building.

    Out on the sidewalk, Ian faced a barrage of questions from reporters. Emergency vehicles, their lights flashing, lined Convention Center Boulevard. The entire scene was a surreal, macabre circus. Spying one of the firemen who helped rescue James, Ian pushed through the throng of people. “Hey, do you know where they took the senator?” Ian screamed. “He’s being taken to University Medical Center,” the fireman replied, his face etched with concern. Ian thanked him and pushed through the crowd. The streets around the convention center, which had been cordoned off, were now choked with cars, first responders, and camera crews. Navigating through the dense, swirling crowd, Ian walked toward the French Quarter. With mechanical precision, Ian’s body moved forward while his mind remained trapped in a labyrinth of nightmarish images. The humid New Orleans air clung to his skin, thick with the mingled scents of bourbon, jasmine, and Tabasco sauce. It hung heavily, like a shroud. Ian’s mind drifted, transporting him back to that warm spring evening of March fifth, the night James had first shared his presidential ambitions. Their dining room had been bathed in soft amber candlelight, the table adorned with crisp white linens Ian had carefully pressed earlier that afternoon. Crystal wine glasses captured the flickering light, their refined edges creating small prisms that reflected across the walls. Ian had spent hours preparing a menu that told their story, each course a carefully curated celebration of their years together. The cufflinks had been his masterpiece. Crafted by an artisan who specialized in customized metalwork, they were more than mere accessories.

    Each link bore James’s initials in an elegant, flowing script, the letters intertwined so intimately that they seemed to breathe with the same rhythm as their relationship. The twenty-four-carat gold caught the candlelight, warm and rich, a tangible representation of their deep, unbreakable bond. When Ian presented them to James that night, the vulnerability in his eyes spoke volumes. These were not just cufflinks but a promise, a private emblem of their commitment to one another. A violent shudder tore through Ian’s body, shattering the tender memory. Suddenly, all he could see was a blood-splattered cuff, James’s hand emerging from beneath the stage, the cufflink’s intricate engraving barely visible beneath the dried blood, a brutal testament to how quickly hope could be transformed into horror. A group of boisterous tourists, their laughter sharp and discordant, collided with Ian, jolting him from his nightmare. The French Quarter continued its relentless celebration, a cacophony of jazz and drunken revelry. He moved like a ghost among the living, barely registering the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds surrounding him. A nearby bar’s raucous applause caught his attention. As he stood at the threshold, Ian’s eyes were drawn to the television mounted above the bar. The president, a man Ian had long despised, was delivering a national address, his carefully crafted words sliding like poison into the nation’s consciousness.

    – Excerpted from A New Dawn by Trina Spillman, The Wild Rose Press, 2026. Reprinted with permission. 

    About the Author

    Trina Spillman, who also writes under the pen name Selene Greenleaf, crafts both practical witchcraft guides and immersive works of fiction that span romance, magical realism, and contemporary thrillers. Splitting her creative life between Colorado’s mountain landscapes and a growing library of story ideas, she blends current events, folklore, plant magic, and real-world rituals to invite readers into transformative experiences. Under Selene Greenleaf, she’s the author of Witchcraft Essentials: A Modern-Day Guide to Spells, Herbs, and Crystals; Cupid’s Craft: Love Spells for Valentine’s Day; and her forthcoming Plant Magic Encyclopedia: Rituals & Remedies, resources designed to help modern practitioners weave intention and botanical wisdom into everyday life. Writing as Trina Spillman, she’s best known for her engaging fairy tale retellings. Upcoming projects include: 

    A New Dawn — a gripping political thriller of power, ethics, and love, to be released by The Wild Rose Press 

    Collateral Justice — the powerful sequel to A New Dawn, where a hidden alliance of the world’s elite blurs the line between justice and vengeance. 

    The Witches of Fablecastle— When a witch hunter’s mirror exposes her forbidden magic, Holly McCool flees through a portal to Fablecastle, only to learn she’s the one destined to stop him from tearing both worlds apart. 

    The Quantum Hitchhiker’s Guide to Escaping the Matrix — a witty, mind-bending manual on how to hack reality, rewrite your personal code, and manifest with humor, consciousness, and a touch of modern witchcraft.  

    Whether she’s exploring the ethics of power in a thriller or sharing herbal recipes for daily rituals, Trina/Selene’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the healing and transformative power of words.

    Trina’s latest book is A New Dawn.

    Visit her website at https://authortrinaspillman.com. 

    Connect with her on social media at:

    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authortrinaspillman/ 

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18389879.Trina_Spillman


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    Giveaway – Bistro La Boheme – Complete Series by Alix Nichols @xpressotours f#alixnichols #bistrolaboheme

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    • The Bistro La Bohème Complete Series Box Set: 7 Parisian Romantic Comedies
    • by Alix Nichols
    • Publication date: February 25th 2026
    • Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

    Synopsis:

    Love rom-coms packed with banter, warm fuzzies, and spice?
    This complete series box set has you covered.
    7 full-length romances. One Paris café. Pure binge reading.

    1. Falling for Emma — a redemption romance
    Rising star of French soft rock Cyril is blind, talented, and broken. Graphic artist Emma lives in her sister’s shadow, hiding her love for Cyril… until the day she decides to give fate a helping hand.

    2. What If It’s Love — a second-chance romance, Dante Rossetti First Place Winner
    When the hottest man in Paris, Rob Dumont, shows interest in geeky, introverted heiress Lena, she suspects something fishy. And she’s right to.

    3. Winter’s Gift — a modern Cinderella romance
    When tech mogul Anton and elite call girl Anna cross paths over the holidays, neither can deny that what they share is special. But it threatens the principles they’ve lived by for years: love is poison, and don’t trust anyone.

    4. Under My Skin — a love triangle romance
    After three years of no contact, up-and-coming politician Mat Gerard believes he’s over his crush on sassy barmaid Jeanne Bonnet… Or is he?

    5. Amanda’s Guide to Love — an opposites-attract romance, Kindle Scout Winner
    One uptight career woman down on her luck. One free-spirited blackjack player. One wild, no-strings night that changes everything…

    6. An Autumn in Paris — a single-parent romance
    For single mom Dana, passion is a thing of the past. When she meets handsome vet Thomas, will she dare to love again?

    7. The Devil’s Own Chloe — a friends-to-lovers romance
    Patient and strong, contractor Hugo prides himself on fixing anything. But can he save his high school crush Chloe from herself?

    “Ooh-la-la! Fun and entertaining.” (USA Today Bestselling Author Ann Omasta)

    “The twists and turns will keep you hanging off the edge of your seat, and the magical setting will reel you in.” (Romantic Times)

    Follow a close-knit group of friends as they fall in love—one swoony Parisian romance at a time.

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245838719-the-bistro-la-boh-me-complete-series-box-set

    Purchase: Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tQXM8c

    AUTHOR BIO:

    Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a longtime fan of Mr. Darcy. She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantasy. At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper.

    Decades later, she lives in France and still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), she has become a Kindle Scout winner, USA Today bestseller, Book Riot’s Top 100 Must-Read International Romance author, and Amazon All-Star.

    Author links:

    The Bistro La Bohème Blitz

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    Review – Songbird Of The Sorrows by Braidee Otto #netgalley #songbirdofthesorrow #braideeotto

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    Amazon / Goodreads

    MY REVIEW

    I was born dead.

    The first sentence of the book wrapped it’s hooks around me and it didn’t take long for me to be hanging on every word.

    I love books where the characters are forced to face life altering decisions, so Songbird Of The Sorrows by Braidee Otto was a wonderful choice. This romantic fantasy will challenge Princess Aella. She is torn from the palace, the only world she has ever known, and sent to the Aviary to be trained as an assassin. She is not only a princess in hiding, only a few people knowing who she really is, but she is to be trained to be a scout, a spy, an assassin, a thief, a songbird.

    The rules: Don’t ask questions. Obey your orders. Respect your masters. Most of all, love no one.

    “…I know the rules.” I’m just not very good at following them…

    Nyssa cracks me up. She’s Aella’s friend and knows her true identity. She will stick by her side, no matter what the outcome will cost her.

    Forbidden love. Does that peak your interest? It did mine. I love to see how the characters figure out what is most important in their life and then find a course of action that will allow them to get it. I love to watch characters grow and develop as fully fledged characters.

    Aella is tasked with competing in the bridal trials held by the Prince of Eritrea…as herself.

    I love when an author creates a world I want to get lost in. Where the characters have me holding my breath in anticipation, waiting to find out what happens next. The adventure is filled with danger and betrayal. Will there be war?

    OMG…talk about a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait for the next book, Myths of the Empyrieos.

    I am so glad I saw this on NetGalley and grabbed a copy for myself.

    Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
    4 Stars

    GOODREADS BLURB

    An outcast princess turned spy embarks on a mission to infiltrate a rival kingdom, but the secrets she uncovers force her to decide whether to follow orders or defy them.

    Ask no questions. Obey your orders. Respect your masters. But most of all, love no one.

    Spy. Thief. Princess. Songbird.

    Princess Aella was ousted from the Palace of Sorrows as a child, shattering her world and forcing her to abandon the truth of her royal lineage. Instead, she was raised in The Aviary, which disguises itself as a school for orphaned children but is actually a secret order designed to train its students as spies for an intelligence network embedded throughout the Empyrieos.

    Now twenty-three years old and having completed her final tests, Aella is summoned to join Alpha Flight, the Aviary’s elite team of assassins that’s led by none other than her former flame, Raven. Everything about him calls to her—he’s brave, loyal, and lethal. But is Raven worth breaking the rules and risking everything she’s worked so hard to achieve?

    Before she can decide, the Alpha Flight team is sent on a dangerous mission that tests Aella’s resolve in every way. Her role is crucial and she must assume her former title of Princess of the Sorrows, the identity she once had to forsake, to compete in the bridal trials held by the Prince of Eretria. As old sparks reignite and the harsh realities of the realm reveal themselves, the mission begins to unravel, and Aella must decide if she is brave enough to disobey her superiors in order to do what she believes is right.

    Songbird of the Sorrows is the first book in Myths of the Empyrieos, an epic romantic fantasy series that follows a feisty heroine through trials, a perilous heist, court intrigue, kingdom politics, and a journey of self-discovery, true love, and redemption.

    • Genre: Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Greek Mythology, Romance,
    • 387 pages, Kindle Edition
    • First published June 18, 2024 by The Dial Press
    • Series: Myths Of The Empyrieos #1

    ABOUT BRAIDEE OTTO

    A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Braidee Otto combines her academic background in Literary Studies with a deep passion for storytelling to create heartfelt, immersive narratives. Songbird of the Sorrows is the first installment in her debut adult romantic fantasy series, Myths of the Empyrieos. She lives in Adelaide, South Australia with her partner, two beloved dogs, and a cat that appeared in her backyard on the winter solstice.

    Website

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