Spotlight: Bly by Kelsey Ketch

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Publication date: September 22nd 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, New Adult

I left the United States to find inner peace. Instead, I find myself confronting a malicious ghost.

Astyr Salt is a spiritual and emotional empath who moved to England with the intent to forget about a traumatic, supernatural event that occurred during her freshman year of college. However, when she takes a spiritual cleansing assignment in a haunted country home in Essex, she is isolated with all her own pent-up emotions.

These emotions energize the ghosts inhabiting the country home, helping them draw their own tragedies to the surface. Searching for the truth, Astyr is forced to relive the past. And the deeper she dives into the country home’s horrific history, the more the intertwined memories place her in the path of an evil and demented predator.

A blend of contemporary fantasy, horror, and mystery, Bly is inspired by Henry James’s classic novella, The Turn of the Screw.

Excerpt

My dream from the past several nights continues to haunt my every waking moment. My mind recalling the few details I can remember of the strange, old mansion. The structure consists of unusual hallways that lead to lavish rooms and staircases that dead end at the ceilings or lay sideways along the walls and floors. It reminds me of the Winchester Mystery House in San José, California combined with a M. C. Escher print. In the dream, I wander aimlessly, searching for Nolyn. I never really see Nolyn in the dream, except a glimpse at the very end, where he looks like a ghost. Meanwhile, a presence hovers around my shoulders and neck, hindering my search until I finally reach a dead end. A dark room.

For most, this would just be a repeating nightmare. Many blowing it off as an indicator of stress or anxiety over a possible budding relationship—like my friend and business partner, Kenya. Not for me. Dreams like this tend to be prophesies, and eventually, manifest in the real world. I had a dream repeatedly back in the United States, while I was working at my old job. Three months after I met my office crush, I started having dreams about him. In the dreams, we were sitting at one of the break room tables, trying to get away from the office Christmas party. He was talking about his baby girl and how he was trying to talk his wife into having a second child. At some point, his words became nothing but noise. Yet the words “you’re a great friend” still echoed vividly in my mind. Six months later, in real life, he’d married another woman in our office. And just recently, he announced the birth of their first child on Facebook—a baby girl.

At least those were happy dreams of a happy future, even if it didn’t involve me. As for my current dreams involving Nolyn, I’m concerned. In them, Nolyn is lost, and some force is preventing me from finding him. I wish I had more details. Anything to pinpoint a time or place of the event. Yet, like a labyrinth, it’s all muddled. I can’t find a clear path or any clues that might reveal Nolyn’s location. I’ve tried my seeing bowl, tarot cards, and my psychic tea blends. Nothing has helped.

Only time holds the key.

Returning to reality, I check the clock on the barren, brown wall of the office suite. It’s been an hour since I sat down in one of the stiff, cherry-red upholstered chairs. Half an hour since Mr. Hellings’s administrative assistant, Ms. Poole, placed some tea on the solid oak coffee table. Twinings English Breakfast. Steeped for five minutes in a warm tea pot. No milk. Just a hint of sugar to mellow out the robust flavor. Nolyn would’ve given me that seductive snicker of his if he heard the thoughts in my head right now. He knows I have a passion for tea, which amuses him. But knowing tea is a part of my business. Only my tea blends are meant for the promotion of emotional and spiritual healing, as well as other aspects of life: love, success, psychic awareness. As a practicing witch, the tea pot is my cauldron and the herbs are my special ingredients. Yet Nolyn, as much as he humors me, doesn’t believe in magic. Nor ghosts. Nor spiritual energy. In fact, Nolyn would think this meeting a joke and a waste of time. Especially, if my potential client causes me to be late for my lunch date with him.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Kelsey Ketch is a young-adult/new-adult author, who works as a Wildlife Biologist and Data Analyst. During her free time, she can often be found working on her latest work in progress. She also enjoys history, mythology, traveling, and reading.

For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

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Spotlight: That Ship Has Sailed by HM Thomas

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When there is Love at Sea, can a singles cruise teach them that love is worth the risk? After her husband’s death, Courtney Fowler swore off love, but when a friend tricks her into a singles cruise where she runs into Seth Mitchell, her world gets turned upside down and she begins to want things she never thought she’d want again. Fans of second chance romances will devour THAT SHIP HAS SAILED by HM Thomas, a sexy widow romance.

Read Now! 

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3A87ZCk 

Whoever said it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, clearly had never lost their spouse.

Courtney Fowler was living proof of that.

After her husband’s death, she swore off love and relationships, too afraid of being hurt again.

Then her best friend tricks her into a singles cruise where Courtney runs into hotshot firefighter and snowboarder - Seth Mitchell.

With a dangerous job and the threat of one day never making it back home, Seth is everything Courtney has tried to avoid - and everything she secretly wants.

When they find themselves ditched by their friends, they decide to make the best of their time on the cruise ship and enjoy each other’s company – no strings attached.

But what happens when the cruise is over and it’s time to return to the real world? Can Seth teach Courtney to love again and convince her that together they’re worth the risk or has that ship sailed?

That Ship Has Sailed is a widow/finding love again romance, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors - happily ever after guaranteed!

Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.

Excerpt 

Copyright 2022 @HM Thomas

I guess I just got peeved last night because I was kind of hoping you’d checked me off on your sheet, since you were the only woman I selected.”

The smile melted from her face. 

Oh shit. What had he said wrong? “I’m sorry, I—”

“I threw my paper away.”

Of course she did, she’d only met overgrown man-children, she wouldn’t want her information being shared with any of them. 

“I’m not on this cruise to meet anyone,” she continued, saving him from having to reply. “Like I’ve said, Ashley didn’t tell me it was a singles cruise and then she signed us up for speed dating. I’m just . . . I was already bad at dating before, and now I just don’t even think I want to.”

“Especially since your only options are overgrown man-children?”

A pink blush worked its way up her neck. “Yes and no.”

He waited for her to elaborate. 

She rolled her eyes. “I briefly considered the possibility of a . . . hookup. Though considered is probably too strong a word. Entertained might be better. Anyway, while at the speed dating, I wondered if I could be compatible with any of the men there.”

“And you found us all lacking?”

Another eye roll. “You’re not on the list, Seth.”

Shock coursed through him. So he wasn’t an overgrown man-child? He was worse? “I’m sorry, did you say I didn’t even make the not considered but entertained list of overgrown man-children?” 

“No.” She shook her head. “I mean, yes.” She huffed out an exasperated breath. “I can’t hook up with you on a cruise.”

His mind went blank of all thought. Had she just said she couldn’t hookup with him? He could most readily assure her she could. 

“Please explain,” he urged. 

She sighed, causing her breasts to push against her strappy tank top. “Your friends with Zack which makes you sorta friends with Ashley. You don’t have vacation hookups with your friend’s friend.”

“You don’t?” Too bad no one had ever told him that, he probably could’ve saved himself a lot of trouble over the years. “Why not?”

“Because I might see you again. You can’t do the whole what happens on the ship stays on the ship with someone you might see off the ship.”

Fair point. “But why would it have to stay on the ship? Like what if it was so good, you wanted it to go off the ship?”

“Do you live in a rom-com, Seth? That doesn’t happen in real life. In real life, you have sex, and it gets messy. One person catches feelings and the other one doesn’t, or the sex is terrible but you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, or . . .”

“Or you’re a widow who isn’t quite ready and you don’t want to have to keep looking at what you did?”

Her face fell and her mouth dropped open. 

“Too close to the truth?”

“You don’t know me, Seth. I already told you that.”

He nodded. “But I’d like to.” 

She opened her mouth to protest, so he picked up another strawberry and shoved it between her parted lips. 

“I’m not saying I want to have sex with you, Courtney.” Though God knew he did. “I’m saying I’m not looking to meet anyone either, and it looks like our roommates have already paired up. Whether either of us like it or not, this is a cruise meant for couples. If we don’t pair up, fate will find someone to match us with.”

“I don’t think that’s fate. I think it’s just the cruise directors.”

He spared her a blank look. “We could hang out. Possibly enjoy each other’s company and have a great cruise.”

“Without flirting or having sex or any of that?”

He ground his teeth to keep from bursting her perfectly constructed bubble of denial. “We won’t do anything you don’t want.”

Her gray eyes narrowed. Something told him that wasn’t the answer she’d been looking for. “Yes,” he clarified, hoping to ease her nerves. “We can hang out without anything romantic or sexual happening.” Though he knew if she didn’t want him, he could make it a lifetime without having sex with her, he highly doubted either of them could make it through the rest of this meal without flirting. Courtney wasn’t as outgoing as Ashley, but her subtle teasing and sweet smile were as effective at getting his attention as any over the top gesture. 

“Fine,” she huffed as if crying uncle. “I guess it would be nice to have someone to hang out with while Ashley’s tongue is shoved down Zack’s throat.”

About HM Thomas

HM Thomas grew up in a southern town creating worlds bigger and more dramatic than her own. She credits her dad’s nightly story times for her love of the written word and her mom’s devotion to Days of Our Lives for her love of dramatic fiction.

HM was writing fan-fiction long before it was a thing, taking the characters from her mom’s soaps or her own books and creating even more twists and turns for them. As she got older, she wrote her own friends into the plots. Some of them are still there.

After graduating from Clemson University, HM got her own Happily Ever After and decided to start writing them for her characters as well. She began focusing on romance, oftentimes mixed with suspense.

When not writing, HM enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, three children and rescue dog. On a good day, she can be found with a book in her hand. On a really good day, there will be a campfire.

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Spotlight: Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch

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Series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries

Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction

Publisher: ‎Kregel Publications (September 20, 2022)

A Bow Street Runner and a debutante in London Society use their skills to find the killer of a wealthy businessman, but the killer’s secrets aren’t the only ones they will uncover. 

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot--but no sign of the killer.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, she may be the only one. It seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him.Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. But when her trusted instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation, Lady Juliette obeys. That is, until circumstances intervene, and she drops right into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

Excerpt

Thorndike House

London March 1, 1816

The problem with concealing a weapon beneath a day dress at a social gathering became all too apparent to Lady Juliette Thorndike the moment she sat beside the Dowager Duchess of Haverly. Juliette had only worn the pistol because, following her abduction last month, Uncle Bertie had insisted she never again go anywhere unarmed. Though she couldn’t think of a single reason she would need a weapon at a small party hosted in her parents’ home, she had decided to humor him. And now here she was, less than a half hour into that party, and the strap holding the pistol against her thigh had shifted and loosened, the gun parting company with her leg.

At least she hadn’t been standing when the defection occurred, but now what?

A flutter of panic arrested her breathing. She imagined herself rising, the gun clattering to the floor, and the entire guest list for the Venetian breakfast gasping in horror. The dowager would first stare and then glare, and Uncle Bertie would roll his eyes and issue a statement forthwith that she was an embarrassment and completely untrainable. As her primary instructor in the art of spy craft—as well as the possessor of a dry, sharp wit—he would not let such a faux pas pass without censure.

Not to mention what her parents might say. The Earl and Countess of Thorndike had tailored the guest list especially to bring certain people into countenance with one another, to gauge reactions and elicit information without the subjects being aware they were under study by several agents of the Crown. If Juliette caused a ruction, today’s mission would be disrupted.

Juliette gripped her fingers in her lap. She couldn’t exactly hike her skirts and apprehend the fugitive weapon. How was she to rectify the situation?

“It’s a lovely party. Though with your mother as hostess, I would expect no less.” The dowager sipped her tea. “Do you think Duke Heinrich von Lowe will remain in England for the rest of the Season? It has been pleasant having him at these social functions. He lends such a continental flair to the gatherings.”

Juliette nodded, barely taking in the dowager’s words while inching her hand alongside her leg, hoping to pin the pistol with her palm. At least the firearm was encased in a holster. Her only prayer was that she wouldn’t accidentally fire the gun, piercing either herself or the velvet upholstery of her mother’s settee. But the satin of her dress worked against her, sliding and slipping, failing to give purchase.

Twenty-five guests filled the drawing room of her parents’ London townhouse, nibbling hors d’oeuvres and chatting. Midday sun slanted through the tall windows, and on one of the sofas, Juliette’s mother held court with the guest of honor, Duke Heinrich von Lowe of Brandenburg. Her mother was exquisite, her black hair coiffed in the latest style and her dress as fashionable as tomorrow. Crystals glittered along the neckline of her blue gown, catching the light and winking. She leaned in to hear something the duke said and then she laughed, causing

heads to turn.

The duke’s military dress, complete with sash and medals, made him noticeable in the group, as did his carefully parted blond hair. Juliette had met him only last month at her debut ball, but they had attended several functions together, and she had found him courteous and interesting. He was a favorite of hostesses throughout the ton and had accepted many invitations.

His gaze met hers, and he inclined his head. He’d paid considerable attention to her recently, and the look in his eyes now was intent and ardent. Her throat closed a fraction, and she looked away. His interest flattered but she didn’t take it seriously. They barely knew each other, and rumor had it he would return to Germany soon. And hadn’t she promised herself that during this, her first Season out in London society, she would not succumb to the attentions of any man? She wished only to reacquaint herself with her parents and find her way in her post-boarding-school life.

Not to mention assimilating everything she’d learned about her family and her history over the last few weeks and embarking on this new journey as a fledgling agent for the Crown.

Praying her face did not give away her discomfiture—both at the duke’s interest and at the fact she still had not secured the infernal pistol—she walked her fingers along her leg. To her horror, she brushed the butt of the gun, inching it toward the edge of the settee. She stiffened, yanking her hand back for fear of sending it over.

But might that be the best course of action? The settee rested atop a thick Axminster carpet. If she could ease the gun over the edge, per- haps she could cough to cover the thump it would make and then kick it under the sofa to retrieve later.

The dowager prattled on, oblivious to Juliette’s plight. “I am ready for this chilly weather to break. I’m anticipating a trip to the sea- shore to visit my daughter, the Countess of Rothwell, this spring, and I hate to travel in the cold. It’s bad enough coming down from Oxfordshire for the Season in the dead of winter, but to have the frost linger this far into the spring is unbearable.”

Chapter 1, pages 9 - 11

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

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Spotlight: Guarded by the Marshal by Kennedy L. Mitchell

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Release Date: September 19

I will stop at nothing to protect her.

The moment she takes the stand I’m lost, drowning in the details of her story escaping an infamous cult’s compound. Every part of me screams to keep her safe from the men eager to kill her for testifying.

When I'm the next US marshal assigned to her protection detail, I know it’s a mistake to make it personal. But taking her to my hometown is my best bet of keeping her safe until the trial is over.

Forced together day and night, her innocence begs me to show her just how good the right touch can be.

Every stolen kiss is forbidden, putting my heart in danger for when she has to leave.

Each glance and unspoken word between us is a risk we shouldn't take.

Fantasies of us together become my only thoughts.

She's becoming my biggest weakness.

I knew better than to let my guard down.

Because the men she escaped from won’t stop until they have her back.

Guarded by the Marshal is the first book in a new WITSEC, small-town romantic suspense series. Please note this series is recommended for readers 18+ due to graphic content, discussion of past abuse, PTSD, and foul language. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best read in order.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Meet Kennedy L. Mitchell:

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

Connect with Kennedy L. Mitchell: 

https://www.instagram.com/kennedylmitchellbooks/ 

Spotlight: The Ghost's Daughter by Cary Herwig

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Genre: YA Paranormal

New schools.

New friends.

No money.

Life as an Army Brat is always challenging. Especially when you’re being haunted.

In the summer of 1956, in the midst of the Cold War, Vivien Brewer, army brat, moves with her family to Camp Breckinridge. She and her sister join friends exploring a nearby abandoned hospital. She’s been told not to go there, but the rumors of treasure prove too great a temptation. What she finds is the spectral revenant of a World War II nurse who wants something and expects Vivien to deliver. Soon she’s in mortal danger, and so are her family and friends. If she can’t deliver what the ghost demands, no one is safe.

Vivien tries to get help, but her father and doctor think her hallucinations must be hormonal. Only her mother knows better—because Vivien inherited a gift from her. Refusing to run or hide, Vivien embarks on the greatest adventure of her young life—and quite possibly, the last one.

Close the doors. Shut the blinds. Turn out the lights. This is a book best read after dark. Just make sure no one is peering over your shoulder…

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

CARY HERWIG is a retired archivist living in Oklahoma.  She grew up as an army brat moving every year or two.  She writes science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery under different names and has published both novels and short fiction for several decades.  She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, but gets restless every few years, wondering if it’s time to move again.

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Spotlight: The Proposal Laughbox by Julia Kent

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(Laughbox Boxed Sets, #2)
Publication date: September 13th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

The Proposal Laughbox contains THREE full-length novels and TWO novellas – ONE ALL NEW! – from New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Julia Kent’s series.

Who doesn’t love a funny, heartwarming proposal? Diamond engagement rings, flowers, candy, romantic dinners — it’s all in here in rom com style.

Julia Kent’s madcap style, that is.

Future brides swallow engagement rings, paparazzi crash tender moments when billionaires pop the question, mistaken identity causes mayhem, small-town lumberjacks ask their girfriends for their hands in marriage, and rock stars make grand gestures on New Year’s Eve.

Laugh, swoon, blush and let your imagination heat up as you read across varying series, different heat levels, but all connected by love.

This boxed set includes:

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancee
Random Acts of New Year
Shopping for a CEO’s Fiancee (A USA Today bestseller)
Random Acts of Yes

and an ALL NEW novella, Love You Fiancee, featuring Kell and Rachel from Love You Right, as Kell pops the question during the I Will Always Love You festival in his hometown of “Love You,” Maine – where every day is Valentine’s Day.

Sink into five fun books that leave you with all the feels, loads of laughs, and strange looks from people around you as you read, giggle, and fall in love.

Note: each of these books can be read as a standalone, but they are part of larger series. All of my Laughbox boxed sets are designed to give readers a taste of my books, centered on a specific concept (in this case, proposals and engagements). Full disclosure for readers.

Excerpt

He guided Rachel away from the gazebo, over to an old and dappled beech tree.

“Does the world feel different to you now, Kell?” she asked. “How can a few words make everything change so much? I feel it, too. It’s as if we unleashed a force of energy we didn’t know was out there. No one tells you this! All the articles on engagements and proposals and what to expect and what to do…” She took in a deep breath. “But no one talks about this, this feeling, this charge between the two of us...”

“Maybe they don’t talk about it because they don’t feel it. Maybe it’s that unique.”

She just blinked, once and then twice, the seconds passing as if all he were meant to do was share this space with her.

Nothing else mattered. Nothing else existed. Just the two of them, talking about how their love had exposed a secret aspect of existence.

You know. Everyday stuff.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

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

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

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

She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

Connect:
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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Kent/e/B00A99V268/