Spotlight: Dark and Lovely Mermaids by Julie Catherine

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(Broken Mermaids, #2)
Publication date: June 11th 2024
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis:

Mermen. Monsters. And a lot of Manipulation. An at-odds prisoner (merman) and warden (mermaid) are about to set off to cross the deep ocean and end up running for their lives. Dive into the twisted waters of Dark and Lovely Mermaids, a forced proximity, enemies to lovers paranormal romance where the love is deep and the ocean is wild.

Ellara Merme made a bad deal. To save her friends and human sweetheart, she agreed to become a sea-slave, the lowest class in the mermaid world. It’s hell on earth, at the bottom of the ocean. A terrible choice. The only decision that’s worse, is the choice she’s about to make.

The leader of the mermaids has offered her an out: Deliver the merman prisoner to Neptune’s army and all will be forgiven. No problem. Should be an easy mission. Except…

… the deep ocean is full of sea monsters itching to make the mermaid their next meal.

… plus she might be catching feelings for the merman she’s supposed to be delivering. Could he possibly be so charming? Or are there other manipulations at play?

With danger crashing with every wave, Ellara has to decide: should she stick to the plan and save herself from sea-slavery? Or dive headfirst into the waters of romance? Can she outsmart the ocean and resist the merman’s charms? Or will she end up making an even worse bargain to survive?

Dark and Lovely Mermaids is a thrilling, loyalty-testing, romantic underwater adventure full of monsters, natural disasters and an army of mermen—an underwater story so enchanting you ­won’t want to come up for air!

Excerpt

“Who should go? Among us, there is a mermaid brave enough, wise enough, and strong enough to do this task? To journey alone. To finish what must be done. To save our kingdom from Poseidon’s spy work. Ellara Merme.” 

Petra thrust me forward and lifted the hand she still held in a victorious pose. 

All of Merme erupted in whoops and cries. 

I plastered a foolish smile upon my cheeks. 

All this adoration was for me? What a joke. 

I was a hoax standing here, paraded out to the town, in my new silver hair. They were acting like I was some sort of savior, but in reality I was just a jerk they could blackmail into completing the task. So desperate to become a Fert, I’d risk my life. 

“Smile,” Petra hissed. 

“I am smiling.” 

“Bigger.” 

A hollow grin pushed up the corners of my lips. I tried to hide the terror behind my eyes. Petra swooped me forward ’til I was side-by-side with Quinn. The leader held up my other arm. I tried not to faint. 

“Ellara Merme is our courageous warrior, our mighty Merme.” Quinn said. “She brought the terrible merman’s presence to the attention of the Pause. Ellara brought him down in the fight during the storm. She has killed a Portrayan Kingfisher Crab, manipulated human women into becoming her friends, and she has bedded hundreds of men.”

How about one. The day after my transition was over. 

I wanted to vomit in my own mouth. 

At best, these claims were a wild twisting of the truth. At worst, the city of Merme had just been pacified with lies. And promises that couldn’t come true. Somewhere in the crowd, I imagined Blonde craning her neck, rolling her eyes. Quinn was making me out to be some sort of super woman. It couldn’t have been farther from the truth. But the women of Merme didn’t care. They just wanted to be safe. 

“Ellara Merme was blessed by Abigailya, the sea witch. In fact, the sorceress bestowed on her the magical third eye.” 

Which I still didn’t know how to use. 

“She defeated a clever water nymph. All by herself.” 

I couldn’t stand it anymore. My eyes searched for Blonde. I started to shake my head, no. Petra’s fingernails dug into my palm. 

“Play along,” the rainbow-woman hissed. I tightened my smile. 

“Ellara Merme is the perfect woman for this mission. A vital soldier. A master mermaid. A linchpin in the success of Neptune’s war. And we will win.” A less experienced orator might have shouted that from the rafters and beaches, but Quinn knew better than that. “We will win,” she whispered, it came out like a shiver. An ear-worm in the brain of every young mermaid. “We will win.” She repeated. Then, finally, she brought the mighty point home. “We. Will. Win!”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Spotlight: Love Under The Stars by Judith Keim

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The Lilac Lake Inn Series, Book 3

Romantic Women's Fiction

Date Published: June 17, 2024

Keeping a family promise can be the beginning of a whole new life for everyone in town.

Whitney Gilford is delighted to be called away from Hollywood where her co-star and former lover, Zane Blanchard, is addicted to drugs and blaming her for his unhappiness. News of her beloved grandmother, GG, giving her and her sisters a cottage on the land of The Lilac Lake Inn is a tremendous relief from the negative publicity about her on social media. In Lilac Lake, helping with the renovation of the cottage, Whitney starts to rethink her entire career. Lilac Lake is full of interesting people, including the man she’d once had a crush on. As she struggles to rediscover the woman she wants to be, Whitney and her two sisters become closer. And when danger arises, threatening the life of the man she’s come to love, Whitney realizes what’s she wants out of a new life.

Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Hardcover | Paperback

About the Author

Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.

She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their adorable dachshund, Wally, and other members of her family.

While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.

Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judith-keim

Website: https://judithkeim.com/

Subscribe to her Newsletter: https://BookHip.com/RRGJKGN

Join my special FB Group - Women with Heart:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1693681604216738

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2999038.Judith_Keim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043321043934

Giveaway & Spotlight: She Serves the Realm by Lee Swanson

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The epic saga of Christina Kohl continues in the fourth novel in the No Man is Her Master series, She Serves the Realm.

At the conclusion of Her Dangerous Journey Home, Christina Kohl learns of the death of Sir Edgar Baldewyne, the boorish and abusive husband of her beloved Lady Cecily. At last free to marry, Christina and Cecily lack only the permission of the king to fulfill their heart’s fondest desire. This seems only a modest hurdle, as they both enjoy his favor. But in the turbulent times of Edward II’s reign, he is much more concerned with making use of Christina’s considerable talents than in bringing happiness to her life.

In She Serves the Realm, Christina is torn from her merchant trade and the woman she loves to become an officer of the king. She is placed in ever-growing danger as civil war seems all but inevitable; the Lords Ordainers demanding the banishment of the Earl of Cornwall, King Edward just as adamant to retain Gaveston by his side. Complicating matters further is the always present peril of her disguise being discovered, revealing her not to be Sir Frederick Kohl, but in actuality a woman.

With her mentor and friend Herr Ziesolf no longer by her side, Christina finds herself devoid of her staunchest ally. But she is not left to fight alone; the irreverent Reiniken, erstwhile Jost, and noble Sir Giles join her on her adventures, as well as others both old and new to the readers of the series.

Can Christina succeed in the tasks King Edward sets before her, winning the right to claim Lady Cecily as her bride? And what of Piers Gaveston; can Christina somehow save him from his enemies, and even himself? Rein your palfrey beside Christina’s Pearl and join her as She Serves the Realm.

Read an excerpt from the book here.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Lee Swanson is a retired soldier and teacher who is the author of the No Man is Her Master historical fiction series, including the titles "No Man’s Chattel," "Her Perilous Game," and the recently released "A Dangerous Journey Home."

Lee has enjoyed a lifetime interest in medieval history. Living in both Germany and England for extended periods of his life, he has traveled extensively throughout Europe, seeking out-of-the-way places with little-known stories to tell. Among these are the Scottish Marches that figure prominently in "Her Perilous Game" and the Kattegat shoreline of the Jutland Peninsula that is the setting for much of "Her Dangerous Journey Home."

Holding a Master’s Degree in European History from the University of North Florida, Lee’s thesis centered on the Hansa, a confederation of merchants from primarily northern German cities in the 12th through seventeenth centuries. Many of the colorful characters who populate his novels are drawn from the lives of these resolute wayfarers who traveled the waterways of Europe in search of profit and prestige.

Lee, his wife Karine, and their dog, Banjo now split their time between Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Connect with Lee at https://www.facebook.com/lee.swanson.315080

Lee's website is at www.LeeSwansonAuthor.me

Spotlight: Things Left Unsaid by G.A. Mazurke

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Release Date: June 14

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

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Colt’s the town’s golden boy…

…I’m a no-good McAllister

My grandmother summoned me to the family ranch and dropped a contract in my lap. I either marry Pigeon Creek’s resident billionaire and give him a child or we lose the Bar 9. 

Pretty soon, I’m leaving NYC behind and moving onto the 7Cs. 

A long time ago, my last name didn’t matter and his status meant nothing. Now, he hates me and I can’t forgive him.

Forced proximity reminds us of what we once had, but with so many things left unsaid, can we ever be anything more? 

Buy on Amazon

Meet G.A. Mazurke:

G. A. Mazurke is the crazy lady behind Serena Akeroyd, crafter of smexy heroes you just wanna lick. While Serena has us expecting dark romance with lots of twists and turns … G. A. is her more mainstream/contemporary personality. 

She explores her sweeter side while keeping the sexy we love, where the women fall hard but the men fall harder.

Some of G. A.’s books will cross over into Serena’s universes… so expect a cameo or two from beloved characters, while discovering new bands of brothers, with the banter, the laughs and the tears you are used to.

Keep up with G.A. Mazurke and subscribe to her newsletter https://bit.ly/3OutEMd

To learn more about G.A. Mazurke & her books, visit here!

Spotlight: Teacher by James Eric Riley

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Genre: Fictional Biography

These students aren’t just bad, they’re dangerous. And then there’s the principal...

For Los Angeles teacher Eric Riley, summers off, holidays, and health benefits are all that matters. Why else get into teaching in your forties? With a wife and two young daughters, and a mountain of debt after suffering a broken leg, teaching represents a steady paycheck and time off he’s never experienced.

Riley surviveshis rookie year as a teacher, only to be assigned a class with a special designation: Emotionally Disturbed. He starts the new position, after taking a mandatory training session on the latest approved methods of physical restraint – the delicate name for self-defense when dealing with violent students.

One day, a student attacks Riley – and Riley puts him down hard on the floor. The school principal orders Riley to be placed on administrative leave. During a series of preliminary hearings regarding his status, he realizes that the official version of the incident is changing. When his union and legal representatives appear to be incompetent, he secretly contacts staff members at his school. They break into an administrator’s office and uncover statements and records regarding his suspension that implicate the principal, the district, and even the teachers’ union.

From classic teaching moments to administrator run-ins to a district boardroom showdown, one teacher finds out what he’s good at. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

James Eric Riley grew up near the rust belt town of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He attended Eastern Kentucky University and graduated with a degree in Theater Arts. After years of summer stock and regional theater, he and his wife Jeneva moved to Southern California where they discovered a love of snow skiing and – for Riley – ice skating. But after breaking a leg competing in a short track speed skating event, suddenly teaching seemed like a better idea. His best years were teaching high school, where he finally put his theater background to good use teaching public speaking and writing. Now retired, he and Jeneva live in Independence, Kentucky. 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Spotlight: We're One by Melody Anne

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Genre: Small Town Romance 

Two brothers down . . . one to go. Zach must finish the game as it's inevitable. His brothers tell him he must play. They’ve always done everything together so what does he have to lose . . .

Zach isn’t sure why he’s playing this game. It’s nonsense, all of it is nonsense. That nagging feeling inside won’t allow him to brush away the fact that his two brothers played . . . and fell in love. That isn’t what he wants . . . right? None of this matters, though, because he’s in the family ranch, and his box tells him he has to make it new. His clue tells him he must call Sia. Who is she, and why her?

He obediently calls, and in walks Sia, her hair tightly atop her head, her clothes stiff, and two big of glasses falling from her nose. She’s nothing like the women he normally likes . . . but he can’t help but want to see what she’s trying so hard to hide from him. And he also can’t help but feel a connection to her . . . like he knows her. Impossible.

Sia wants nothing to do with this well-known playboy who goes through women faster than a child goes through chocolate. She should know as he broke her heart nine years ago, and doesn’t even recognize her now. She loves interior design, though, takes it seriously, and has built her business from the ground up while giving up so much in life to follow her dreams. She won’t allow this man who thinks he can have any woman to mess up her carefully laid plans. She knows how to deal with men like him . . . or at least she used to until he comes after her like a wrecking ball with her backed against the wall.

They should let the past stay where it is . . . but can they fight fate?

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of the popular series: Billionaire Bachelors, Surrender, Baby for the Billionaire, Unexpected Hero’s, Billionaire Aviators, Becoming Elena and some solo titles. As an aspiring author, she wrote for years, then officially published in 2011, finding her true calling, and a love of writing. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in business, she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen and the corporate world.

Connect with the Author: Facebook - Instagram - Website