Spotlight: On the March: A Novel of the Women's March on Washington by Trudy Krisher

A work of Women's Fiction that has crossover appeal in the New Adult and YA market, ON THE MARCH is about three women, all strangers, who meet on the bus journeying from Kansas to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Henrietta Oldham is an elderly woman who runs a failing antique store; Birdie Jackson is a shy African-American teenager who is marching at the insistence of her feminist aunt; Emily Messer is a recent college graduate who needs more in her life than her job as a barista. All three women have secret, undisclosed reasons for attending the march, and in the course of the novel, as the women begin to know and trust each other, these secrets are revealed.

Although Henrietta, Birdie, and Emily appear to have little in common as they begin their ride, ON THE MARCH confirms that classic women’s issues – sexual harassment, pay inequity, self-sabotage, even bra-stuffing – serve as common intersectional bonds among women across the generations. Even more, sharing their stories on the 34-hour trip together as well as participating in the march itself becomes the catalyst for changing each of their lives for the better.

ON THE MARCH is about the revived feminist spirit of our times, an intellectual, cultural, and often hilarious novel of the zeitgeist. It will appeal to millions of women who are now culturally and politically engaged, whether they marched or not. The idea behind the novel was to watch the way the events of the march helped women of different ages, races, and backgrounds come together to create positive change in the world and in each of their lives.

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About the Author

Trudy Krisher has a reputation as a trailblazer in writing and speaking out about sensitive issues surrounding self-identity, race, and gender through her fictional works. Similar to her protagonists Maggie from SPITE FENCES and Pert from KINSHIP, Krisher grew up in the South. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1946, she was raised in South Florida.It doesn't take much to get me inspired! says Krisher, Usually, I want to write about people who are living out the questions on my mind.In each of her books, Krisher wrestles with difficult questions that each of her heroines needs to face. In SPITE FENCES, for instance, Maggie Pugh asks herself, Why do people try to wall each other out with fences?In my novels, I enjoy exploring a variety of artistic approaches that manifest themselves in unique creative forms. However, most important to me is always the audience for whom I write. Speaking to audiences of young adults-offering whatever insights I can about the world they will soon be entering- is among my most enjoyable experiences.Trudy Krisher is the recipient of an International Reading Association Award. Her books have been named ALA Best Books for Young Adults; an Ohioana Award; a Jefferson Cup Honor Book of the Virginia Library Association; a Parents' Choice Honor Book; a winner of The Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award; and the Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended Books and more.Learn more about her at her website: www.trudykrisher.com

Spotlight: Hidden Justice by Diana Munoz Stewart

This is a gorgeous romantic suspense thriller being relaunched in Kindle Unlimited–check it out and be sure to grab your copy today! 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

About Hidden Justice

Saved from a brutal childhood and adopted into a wealthy, loving family of international spies, Justice Parish trained her whole life to rescue others. But when her latest mission hits a snag, she needs a new cover fast. Unfortunately, her best solution jeopardizes a good man. A man she can’t help but admire…in more ways than one.

After a loss too big to bear, Sandesh Ross left Special forces and dedicated his life to founding a humanitarian group in the Middle East. Helping others isn’t cheap, so when the wealthy and smoldering Justice Parish offers to fund his charity––as long as she’s put in charge of PR––he barely hesitates. What he doesn’t know about his sexy, new benefactor could save his company while endangering not only his heart but his life.

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About the Author

#1 Amazon bestselling author. 

Armed with a razor-sharp wit and a rolled-up MFA in Creative Writing, Diana Muñoz Stewart cartwheel-kicked her way into publishing with her fiery Black Ops Confidential series. Washington Independent Review of Books called the series’ award-winning debut, “original, impressive” a “rollicking good ride” and “high-octane.”

Of her writing Publishers Weekly declared, “Stewart plays adeptly with the reader’s emotions” and noted that in her series, “Stewart’s talent shines.”

Of her unflinching openness in taking on today’s relevant topics, Booklist said, “Munoz-Stewart discusses such sensitive topics as human trafficking, sexual violence, and sexism…while the diverse …Parish family and their mission to protect women everywhere give these topics…hope…” 

Kirkus Book Reviews said her romantic suspense series, along with having, “Sizzling physical encounters” also “enables an emphasis on recovery and power.”

Munoz Stewart’s work has been a BookPage Top 15 Romance of 2018, a Night Owl Top Pick, A BookPage Top Pick, and an Amazon Book of the Month. A 2014 Pages From The Heart Winner, 2015 Golden Heart® Finalist, 2016 Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a 2016 Gateway to the Best Winner, Diana Munoz Stewart is a member of Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. 

Diana lives in an often chaotic and always welcoming home that—depending on the day—can hold husband, kids, extended family, friends, and a canine or two. A believer in the power of words to heal, connect, and distract from chores, Diana blogs regularly on topics near and dear to her heart, including spotlight pieces on strong women from around the world. When not writing, Diana can be found kayaking, doing sprints up her long driveway—harder than it sounds–attempting yoga on her deck, or hiking with the man who’s had her heart since they were teens.

Diana is represented by the wonderful Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency.

Connect with the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon 

Spotlight: Crazy to Believe by Madison Michael

Publication date: February 21st 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

She’s Betting on Love and the Stakes are High

The “Crazy Eights” have been best friends for thirty years, but they rarely get together. The remedy? An audacious dare contrived to bring them together for weddings—their weddings. Each participant must marry within twelve months or complete a personally mortifying task.

Meet Sofia, beautiful and brilliant, longing for a family. Starting over after a divorce, Sofia is focused on her career, not some foolhardy dare. She’s set her sights on a new job, a new home and reluctantly accepting her single, childless status. Independent and determined, she can’t foresee she will both win and lose her heart’s desire in the next six months.

Jeremy Klein, genius engineer and inventor, is also making big life changes. He’s sold his startup to become a billionaire CEO overnight. Unfortunately, his ego hasn’t caught up yet, and despite family pressures and turning forty, he is gun-shy about returning to the dating game.

Then Jeremy meets Sofia. They bond over shared business interests and a chemistry that sizzles. Their attraction is immediate and so electrifying that a one-night stand quickly morphs into planning a future.

But plans can change. Accusations threaten to derail their relationship, Sofia’s career and Jeremy’s position. Spies, lies and misunderstandings abound until those “Crazy Eights” step in, scheming and manipulating to secure Sofia her happily ever after.

The stakes are high. Win the bet and lose your heart; or lose the bet along with your dignity. When the wager is nothing short of true love, are Jeremy and Sofia crazy to believe?

In the tradition of The Beguiling Bachelor Series, Madison Michael creates a romance series about independent and sassy women, sexy and successful men, love, passion, and lasting friendships. Infused with a bit of suspense and plenty of humor, Crazy to Believe is a complex romance you’ll be reading all night.

Excerpt

“It’s just that we never see each other anymore,” Gabriella grumbled “Sofia is in Boston, Harper is way the hell north and Willow’s on her stupid farm. Just hear me out. Avery’s always busy with her cat rescue, Melanie, with her kids. Sydney is off in New Jersey—we need to fix that, Hon—and even though Rachel lives here in Chicago, we never find time to get together. I hate that it took a reunion for even six of us to be together. At this rate, it will be ten years before we see each other again.” There were sad nods around the table. 

“We’re together at weddings and funerals,” Sydney contributed sadly. “Although I don’t recommend more funerals.”

“Noooo—” Sofia spotted the moment Gabriella’s wheels started turning. Gabriella was hung up on Sydney’s words, contemplative, preoccupied. “Not more funerals, please,” she finally continued, “but more weddings would be nice.” Gabriella’s pixie face beamed with mischief. 

“What are you plotting?” Harper questioned. Everyone’s attention swung to Gabriella’s face. 

“Look at how many of us are single.” Gabriella began, ticking them each off on her fingers like she was reviewing her grocery list. “We are ripe for weddings. We could marry Harper off to Travis , for example, and find Sydney a husband here in Chicago.”

“Wait a sec,” Harper jumped in. Sofia couldn’t remember ever seeing the usually calm Harper this anxious. “I haven’t said two words to Travis tonight.” Sofia was similarly jittery. Gabriella was up to something, and that was never good. 

“Well, we need to fix that. I have a husband, so do Melanie and Sofia. Sofia glimpsed down at her lap. She really needed to say something about the divorce. “But we could marry off the rest of you,” Gabriella said as if she was suggesting they go out for coffee. “You are all great catches, my friends. Men should be fighting over you.”

“Count me out,” Avery replied in a millisecond. “I’ve never wanted a husband.”

“I’m not sure I want to remarry,” Sydney admitted in her low voice.

Sensing Gabriella’s scorn from across the table, Sofia barely waggled her head no. She was being set up and rightly so. Gabriella opened her mouth to speak forcing Sofia to pipe up at last. “I need to say something.” She lowered the hand she’d raised as if in the schoolroom and took a deep breath. She wasn’t ready for the questions, and she had no good excuse for waiting so long to share. But Gabriella was done waiting, and it wasn’t Gabriella’s secret to tell. Once she held their attention, Sofia continued. “Count me in on this effort.”

Melanie’s head swerved in Sofia’s direction. “I don’t think so,” Melanie said , disbelief on her pretty features. “Nico would certainly object.”

“Object? Nico would kill you,” Avery chimed in, tossing a pat of butter at Sofia. “Are you insane?” 

She shouldn’t have waited, Sofia realized. As embarrassed as she was about the divorce, she was horrified to admit she hadn’t told her friends. Yes, splitting with Nico weighed on her as a failure, but keeping it from the Crazies felt like a betrayal. Why hadn’t she seen this months ago? 

“There is no Nico.”

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About the Author

Madison Michael is living her dream as a romance writer. Born and raised in Chicago, she covered the four corners of the U.S, before returning to her roots, friends, family and the best pizza anywhere.

She loves cats, cat jokes and cat videos, anything with too much sugar, and everything writing. Author of the Beguiling Bachelor romance series, and several stand alone romance novels, she can be found living in Chicago, writing, eating sugar, pizza or hotdogs, surrounded by cats.

Connect:

www.facebook.com/madisonmichaelromance

www.instagram.com/madisonmichaelromance

www.pinterest,com/madisonmichaelromance

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/madison-michael

https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Michael/e/B01EVUGG6G

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15221601.Madison_Michael

Spotlight: Dr. Perfect by Louise Bay

A boss, his assistant, a snowstorm and just one bed. What could go wrong?

They call him Dr. Perfect.

I call him Dr. Aloof, Dr. Arrogant, Dr. If-you're-going-to-fire-me-just-get-it-over-with.

If I had other options, I'd quit, but I need this job. Badly. So I jump at the chance to impress him by hand-delivering some important documents.

Yes, he's staying on a remote Scottish Island, but I've got it covered...

Until the ferry back is cancelled, there are no hotels on the island and there's a storm headed our way.

So I'm snowed in with my impossibly handsome boss, who barely knows my name, in a tiny one-bedroom cottage in the middle of nowhere.

But unlike the snow outside, his icy stare is beginning to melt and we don't need a generator to keep it warm inside.

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About the Author

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by bonk-busters and sexy mini-series of the eighties Louise loves all things sexy and romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Keep up with Louise Bay and subscribe to her newsletter: https://louisebay.com/newsletter/

To learn more about Louise Bay& her books, visit here!

Connect with Louise Bay: https://louisebay.com/contact/

Spotlight: Two Scandals and a Scot by Tracy Sumner

The Duchess Society Series, Book 5

Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Steamy Romance

Date Published: April 20, 2023

Publisher: WOLF Publishing

Step into a world of scandal, romance, and unexpected love! With witty banter, sizzling love scenes, and a twist on the classic marriage of convenience theme, Two Scandals and a Scot is a must-read for fans of the Duchess Society series by USA Today bestselling author Tracy Sumner!

Scandal number one. A runaway bride.

Scandal number two. The kiss.

When Theodosia Astley’s shocking engagement ball sets society ablaze, she finds herself in need of a hero. Can she help it if her savior comes in the form of her intrepid former student, Dash Campbell, a captivating gambler with a heart of gold?

The carriage was empty. And parked in her brother’s drive. She had no idea it was his.

With a bookish wallflower’s assistance, Scottish ruffian Dash wrote a novel that made him famous. When he finds himself presented with the opportunity to pay his erstwhile teacher back, how can he refuse? Even if Theo’s sharp wit fearfully fascinates him. It’s a dangerous wager for a Scottish gutter rat to think of falling for the sheltered sister of a duke.

When Dash proposes marriage to salvage her reputation, Theo suggests her own twist on the age-old agreement. They marry—but remain friends who do not fall in love.

What could go wrong?

Set against a backdrop of faithful wagers and sizzling desire, Two Scandals and a Scot is a thrilling tale of forbidden romance, with affection and passion pitted against societal expectations and personal demons. Follow Dash and Theo as they navigate their way through the high stakes world of love as they discover whether theirs can withstand the tests of time and circumstance.

The Duchess Society Series
#1 The Brazen Bluestocking
#2 The Scandalous Vixen
#3 The Wicked Wallflower
#4 One Wedding and an Earl
#5 Two Scandals and a Scot
More to follow!

Prequel: The Ice Duchess
Christmas novella: The Governess Gamble

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tracy Sumner’s storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, and her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Portuguese and Spanish. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before finding her way back to the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Connect:

Website: http://www.tracy-sumner.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/Tracysumnerauthor

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/sumnertrac

Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/tracysumnerromance

BookBub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/tracy-sumner

Spotlight: Wed Like Wildfire by Lauren Helms

Wedding planner, Cassie Winters can’t wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes she’s got her work cut out for her. Theo’s grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theo’s position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.

Blurb

Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smiling…

Cassie
You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.

But I digress.

I'm on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.

A little flirting never hurt anyone.

Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I've set my eyes on her, I can't seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.

Hand me an antacid.

Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I've failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won't ever do "love" again. I'm set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.

Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.

But, things aren't always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we're both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.

Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that's about to burn out?

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon https://bit.ly/3IGp2Q5 

Excerpt 

Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms

I spot Cassie immediately, in the corner, at a table for four. I wonder if she knows it will just be us. Taking advantage of the fact that she hasn't noticed my arrival yet, I take a moment to study her. She sits tall, facing the entrance, looking at her phone. She seems to be scrolling through an app as her lips tip up and her eyes glitter as she looks at what’s on her screen. There is an untouched water in front of her, but her menu is closed.

The sheer happiness that radiates off this woman irritates me. I don’t know why, but as I approach the table, what tumbles out of my mouth is unexpected.

“Let me guess, you just took the most epic selfie ever and can’t wait to share it with all your followers?” My tone takes on a mocking tone and immediately I want to take it back. Damn I’m an asshole.

To her credit, she doesn’t even bat an eye at my rudeness. Her face turns up toward me and she smiles. “Well, good afternoon to you too, Mr. Abbot.” She puts her phone down on the table and gestures toward the seat across from her. “Please, have a seat.”

And I do, begrudgingly, because being around this woman causes me to not just be my normal grouchy self, but clearly a prick as well.

As I take my seat, she slides her phone into her bag that sits on the floor next to her chair.

I clear my throat, my attempt to shake myself out of my head. “Nora won’t be joining us. I assume you already know.”

Now this does give her pause. Her brows dip. “No, I didn’t know. She didn’t…” her voice trails as a faint ding from her phone sounds from below. In the few times I’ve seen this woman, I think this is the first time I’ve ever not seen a smile on her face. She studies her smartwatch, clearly reading the message that just came in, her elbows still propped elegantly on the table, as I watch her realize that it will just be us for lunch.

Her creased brows even and she plasters on a smile as she drops her hands to her lap. “Well, her timing could be improved, but you’re correct, she’s not joining us.”

I can’t stop myself before barking out a laugh. She tilts her head, her features dancing with happiness. I shut down my amusement at her words and offer a terse, “Excuse me.”

“No, that was enjoyable to watch. I didn’t know you had it in you, Mr. Abbot.”

I make the decision, in this moment, to put an end to the formalities. “Theo. Please, call me Theo.”

Her grin widens. “All right, Theo,” and just as expected, the sound of my name on her lips fucking gets to me. I shift in my seat as she continues.

“So tell me how I managed to get that laughter out of you moments ago? I get a feeling it’s not a commodity around you.”

“Nora has always waited until the last minute when it comes to communication over things that may cause contention. You’ve known her a short time and already know her tells.” I pick up the menu, though I already know what I will order.

“Ah, yes, well, I read people pretty quickly.” She shifts the menu slightly on the table in front of her, not picking it up.

“Yeah? What’s your read on me?” I don’t know why I ask. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

This time she lets out a laugh. “Let’s keep this lunch civil and not go there.”

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

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