Spotlight: Fumbled Beginning by S. Jones

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(Atlanta Arrows Series, #2)

Publication date: October 12th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

One of the perks of being one of the best wide receivers in the league was having my pick of cleat chasers looking for a good time. Unfortunately, the only one to hold my attention was the feisty brunette who wanted nothing to do with me.

Did I still try to flirt with her—you bet I did.

Did she fall for my charms? That would be a hard no.

Instead of laughing at my jokes, she pretended I didn’t exist.

Until I tried to rescue her from a bad date, did she thank me? Of course not, but she did try to kiss me (at least, that was my version of the story). The girl was trouble with a capital T.

She was also smart, gorgeous, and all wrong for me—just ask her brother.

My best friend.

Dating her would be a terrible idea, but then again, I was famous for making bad decisions.

So, when her car broke down, and I came to her rescue, I offered up a way she could pay me back—one dinner! That’s all I needed to prove I wasn’t just a player.

I should have put a stop to things right then and there. Because now she wasn’t just under my skin, but under my sheets too.

Until I messed up—big time, and now I have to prove to her that I deserved a second chance, because I refused to accept that it was game over.

I knew the rules, I knew the stakes, and I was playing for keeps.

Excerpt

I unrolled my window, and the sight of him made me wish I had walked or called my dad instead. His playful green eyes smiled down at me.

“Thank you for coming. I hope I didn’t tear you away from anything too important, like a date or something like that.”

His brow raised, and I suddenly felt the urge to pound my head against the steering wheel. Maybe it would reset my brain and get it to start working right again.

I felt like Baby in Dirty Dancing when she blurted out, “I carried a watermelon.”

“You didn’t tear me away from anything. I was up watching ESPN.” His face broke out into a full-blown grin. “Would it bother you if I was on a date?”

“Of course not. It’s none of my business what or who you do.”

He snorted. “Yeah, I can tell.”

“Whatever.” I sighed because it was obvious that I was lying. “How much do you know about cars?” I asked, leaning back slightly. His large frame was taking up so much room it was hard for me to think clearly.

“What seems to be the problem?” he asked, sticking his head farther into my personal space. I could practically feel the heat coming off his body, and with the smell of his cologne, that was a dangerous combination for me.

When I looked up to answer him, I swallowed, and my attention immediately went to his tattooed arms, gripping the end of my door. Every tiny movement would cause the hem of his shirt to ride up his toned stomach. I averted my eyes up to his sharp jawline and noticed his newly trimmed beard, it was short, and I liked it—a lot. It made his lips more noticeable, and I wanted to kiss him so badly that I envisioned what it would feel like. No doubt I would savor every second because a man as confident as him had to be skilled in that area.

He cleared his throat, pulling me from my thoughts. “Rylee?”

“Yeah?” I blinked up at him, trying to remember what we were talking about before I slipped into fantasy land.

“Your car?”

“What about it?” I was confused and distracted and making a complete fool of myself.

His eyes were sparkling. “You mentioned something about overheating.”

“Yes, right, that would be me.” My eyes flashed to his in mortification. “I mean my car! My car is overheating. Not me!”

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About the Author

S. Jones is a contemporary romance author from Upstate New York. She has a strong passion for writing and reading stories that will rip your heart out before it’s put back together again. 

If she’s not buried in her writing cave, she’s usually reading or planning out her next vacation. She loves to travel to different places and spends all her free with her husband, and two college age children. 

When the weather permits, you can find her outside walking her golden retriever or enjoying a nice cocktail by the pool. She loves cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. 

 When she’s not holding a glass of wine in one hand and her kindle in the other, she loves to hear from her readers at: Authorsjoneswrites@gmail.com 

Connect:

https://sjonesauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorsandrajones/

https://www.instagram.com/sjonesauthor/

https://twitter.com/sandyjones23

Spotlight: Breaking Point by Bailey Thomas

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(Mill Creek Mystique)

Publication date: October 9th 2023

Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

FBI analyst, Noah Parker, receives credible intelligence on a kidnapped woman from a ghost in his past who happens to be the man who shot him. The catch, he must act alone to obtain the geographic coordinates of her location.

Terrified and alone, Jasmine West doesn’t know if she’ll survive another day. When a lone man appears in her makeshift prison, they forge an alliance to survive.

Can they find the middle ground between analyzing and action when corruption and deceit surround them?

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About the Author

Bailey Thomas lives in the beautiful but hot southwest with her husband and their adorable four-legged children. An only child, Bailey’s active imagination and adventurous nature always kept her busy. Now, she channels those creative powers into storytelling.

Her wonderful husband encouraged her to chase her dream of becoming an author and continues to be her greatest champion. Being able to write these stories has been a thrilling experience that is truly special to her. 

When she’s not behind a computer working on her next deadline, she’s reading her favorite authors, playing with her fur babies, and spending time with her husband. They love to watch movies and sports and play all types of games. 

Connect:

https://twitter.com/Bailey_Author

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bailey-thomas-dc49a247-f8e2-49aa-b229-8d476477aa0e

https://www.baileythomasauthor.com/contact.html#newsletter

https://www.baileythomasauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/Author_Baileythomas/

Spotlight: A Monster Mash Made for Two by J.C. Valentine

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(A Coffee Break Mystery, #2)

Publication date: October 11th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

In the haunted town of Oakdale, sparks fly between bartender Noah and shy photographer Allison amidst costumes and spooky decor at his tavern’s monster bash on All Hallows’ Eve. But Allison experiences unexplained supernatural events—glimpses of a shadowy figure that may be the legendary Irish Jack’s ghost. Are these just harmless paranormal tricks leading up to Halloween, or could the haunting be real?

Amid lingering questions of the paranormal, cute surprises, and creative dates, Noah and Allison’s connection deepens, until they both begin entertaining ideas of taking their lives and relationship to the next step. But even the sweetest romances have challenges. Will their sweet romance end as just another holiday fling?

Excerpt

"Wait, hold that pose!" I instructed Noah, framing the perfect shot on my camera and then snapping away. We were taking advantage of the vibrant fall scenery at a park on the outskirts of town I'd been wanting to photograph since I’d come through on my first night to meet up with Kara.

Ever since Noah had suggested I take his picture, I hadn’t stopped thinking about it. So when he had asked me to spend this sunny Saturday together, I hadn’t hesitated to bring my camera along. Since he'd been so supportive of my photography goals, I didn’t think he’d mind—and he hadn’t. Capturing Noah's good-natured personality and the colorful landscape was hardly a challenge. Instead, it was a blast. Not only was he insanely photogenic, but his charm and character oozed from every picture. A girl could almost be jealous. The man didn’t possess a single bad angle!

"Let me see!" Noah said, bounding over to peek at the preview on my Nikon. I laughed as I scrolled through the shots of him climbing trees, admiring the foliage, and grinning cheesily at me. He was a total goofball, and I loved every second of my time with him.

"These are awesome, Al. You have a great eye," he praised, giving my hand an affectionate squeeze. I smiled up at him, feeling that now familiar, fluttery happiness I always did when we were together, which, these days, had been near constant. There wasn’t a day that went by that didn’t have Noah in it. I’d even decided to stick around a while longer and stay with Kara, taking up her spare bedroom at her insistence, and at this point, even thinking about returning home seemed abominable.

I didn’t want to leave at all, and thoughts of giving up everything and moving here were starting to take over.

Things had been going amazingly between Noah and me since meeting at O'Reilly's Halloween bash a few weeks back. We both wanted to take it slow, but I knew this creative, funny guy was someone special. And the possibility of pursuing my dream of photography with Noah's endless support only made me more smitten.

Eventually, we collapsed onto a quilt beneath a canopy of red and gold leaves, munching the snacks we'd packed. Noah had even brought a thermos of rich homemade hot apple cider. He was so thoughtful, I couldn’t stop smiling inside. If ever God had made a perfect man, Noah was it.

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About the Author

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn't sorry. 

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor's in English and when she isn't writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors. 

Sign up for J.C.'s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

Connect:

http://www.jcvalentine.com/

https://www.instagram.com/authorjcv/

https://jcvalentine.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=d0ef39cb33de77a2c9919aed2&id=283f332910

https://www.facebook.com/JCValetineAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6571021.J_C_Valentine

Spotlight: The Ancient Ones by C. B. Strul

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The Ancient Ones is a Science Fiction adventure that takes place on Earth 100,000 years ago. It is the survival tale of a teenage girl named Blue Flower who escapes into the wilderness as her tribe is captured by an opposing clan. Out in the far reaches of the desert landscape, she is rescued by a being from another world and the two of them form a bond through music.

c.b.strul presents his first full-length science fiction novel under the publishing flag of Odom's Library. He has previously released a series of three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? He lives in Los Angeles with his fiance, extended family, and two sweet pug doggies.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

C.B. Strul is excited to launch his first full-length science fiction novel entitled The Ancient Ones. He has previously released a series of three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? He lives in Los Angeles with his fiancée, extended family, and two sweet pugs. To learn more, please visit OdomsLibrary.com or follow him on Instagram @CBSciFi.

Spotlight: Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette

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It is easier than ever to publish a book, but many authors find out too late about the actual work-the book marketing-that needs to be done to achieve sizable book sales. Instead of embracing the opportunities to promote their books, authors are intimidated and shut down. Those days are over. This is the book authors MUST HAVE to give their books the best chance to be seen and sold.  

In this essential, easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand guide, the author will work through the graphs, examples, and exercises in the book and learn:

  • The fundamentals of book marketing: Message, Audience, and Hook 

  • How the book marketing fundamentals effortlessly feed into every aspect of book marketing

  • The breadth of book marketing options and how book marketing works, with examples

  • How book distribution IS a crucial part of book marketing 

  • To develop an elevator pitch and a formal pitch to media contacts

  • To develop with a doable book marketing plan

  • To develop media kit items for their book publicity efforts: Press Release, Author Bio, etc.

  • The types of book reviews and how to get them

  • To create a list of media contacts and how to use them

  • To organize their new entrepreneurial business as book marketer/author

  • Ideas to “shake their tree” to develop unique book marketing opportunities 

  • To examine the best social media channels to promote their books

  • Where to put their book promotion dollars

  • Most importantly, authors will learn something priceless...the correct starting point!

Authors, You CAN do right by your book! Go on and reach the book buyers that you had in mind when wrote your treasured manuscript and Get Your Book Seen and Sold today.

Excerpt

Your Message

You Are Sharing What Your Audience Already Desires

Always remember that you are sharing a message that your audience already desires. You are not selling anything. The process of identifying your message is fun because you know your message better than anyone. You care about your message more than anyone. You needed to share your message so badly that you wrote a book! YOU are the person who will come up with the best ideas for sharing your message. YOU will know who and where to pitch your story. YOU are the one who cares the most, so you will be the one who will work the hardest. Once you start to get responses to your marketing and promotion efforts, you will love it and have fun. More ideas will flow. You will be on a roll, and there is nothing more fun than seeing your message out in the world.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette are experienced in sharing their knowledge of the publishing industry to give books the BEST chance to be sold. Julie is the long-time owner of Satya House Publications, which published and marketed the award-winning I See the Sun series of books, among others. Claudine Wolk is a published author, journalist, podcast host and book marketing consultant. You can find her writing in her weekly newsletter on Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Her book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, (Harper Collins) is translated into three languages and was released as an audiobook (Nov. 2022).

Find Claudine online at:

Substack: https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com

Website: ClaudineWolk.com

Instagram: @ClaudineWolk

Facebook: Facebook.com/ClaudineWolk

Twitter: @help4newmoms

Spotlight: Eat Smarter Family Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes to Transform Your Health, Happiness, and Connection by Shawn Stevenson

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Release Date: October 10, 2023

Pages: 304

The companion cookbook to Shawn Stevenson’s Eat Smarter, a national bestseller, featuring 100 family-friendly recipes to help you boost your metabolism, up-level your energy, and start living a happier life.

Starting a new health journey may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, not doing it alone is a secret to longevity and health that has been largely overlooked… until now! The latest research shows that simple changes to our environment, and eating more often with people we care about, have a tremendous impact on our food choices, metabolic health, mental health, and so much more.

As health expert and #1-ranked podcast host of “The Model Health Show” Shawn Stevenson shows us, nutrition goes beyond preparing and eating healthy foods, and can be a delicious, transformative experience for all. In Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, Stevenson expands on his bestselling Eat Smarter with 100 delectable recipes with radically upgraded ingredients that are fit for the whole family. Inside, you’ll find recipes like Sweet Potato Protein Pancakes, Supreme Salmon Burgers, and Avocado Fries that offer a healthy and mouthwatering twist to old classics.

Each easy-to-prepare recipe is designed with nutrient-dense ingredients that will transform your body from the inside out. Complete with sample meal plans, mind-blowing food facts, and tips to transform your family’s kitchen, Eat Smarter Family Cookbook has all the recipes you’ll need to upgrade your food choices and, ultimately, transform your health and the health of your entire family.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org