3.24.2024

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice ~ Available Now

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice by Callie Thomas is now available! This is the third book in the Sacrificed Hearts series.

If she can remove the monster’s mask, she will earn her freedom…but failure will cost her life.

Thirteen years ago, Princess Fiona fled the bloodshed within Ravenwood Castle. She has no desire to return to the place of her childhood nightmares, especially not as a prisoner locked in chains. Using the power of illusion, she glamours her appearance to conceal her royal identity, hoping that her facade won’t crumble before she can escape.

When the usurper king forces her on a deadly mission to subdue a wild man terrorizing his kingdom, Fiona must earn the trust of a masked monster who uses his sharp tongue and shifting personalities to keep her away. But the longer she’s with him, the more she sees beyond his disguise and succumbs to his charms.

With her life on the line, the last thing she needs is a distraction. But when he offers her another path to freedom, will she sacrifice everything for him?

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice is book 3 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

Sacrificed Hearts website: https://everlyhaywood.com/sacrificedhearts/

Order Mask of Deception and Sacrifice at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CRB9DRYW

Callie Thomas's Mask of Deception and Sacrifice is now available. Features woman in yellow dress being greeted by a masked man.


3.21.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Guarding Truth

Today, I'm pleased to take part in the Cover Reveal for Sunrise Publishing's upcoming release:
GUARDING TRUTH Elite Guardians: Savannah, Book 3
as Lynette Eason presents Kelly Underwood
(releasing October 15)

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 each (ebook) 
Retail price after release: $7.99 each (ebook)

Available in ebook, print, and audiobook



Elite Guardians: Savannah series synopsis:

This exciting new romantic suspense series takes Savannah by storm. 
In each story, these fiercely capable female bodyguards have to shield their important clients from looming threats, all while grappling with simmering feelings for the ones they protect. Between heart-pounding foot chases down River Street, daring underwater exploits off Tybee Island, and climactic showdowns at Forsyth Fountain, these Elite Guardians pursue justice, keep secrets safe, and sacrifice everything for the sake of those they’ve sworn to protect. With mystery, pulse-pounding action, and swoon-worthy romances in every book, this edge-of-your seat series is totally addicting from start to incredibly satisfying finish.

About the Authors:

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. 
Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com


Kelly Underwood’s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in
New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of
the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. 
Visit Kelly at kellyunderwoodauthor.com





Guarding Truth by Kelly Underwood 
The truth might destroy them both…
Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery never forgot fellow solider Caleb Styles—or her feelings for him. But when the guy saved her life, it cost them their
relationship.

Now, years later, Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she also lives in Savannah, Georgia, where he’s the guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.

Then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb's cyber-security company. Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.

The very last person Juliette thought she’d see again—let alone be assigned to protect—is Caleb. But no matter the attraction between them, she can’t afford to let her heart take over. Her focus has to be on protecting Caleb and Ivy. After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.

When they discover the hackers’ true intent, it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?

An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.




3.20.2024

A Noble Scheme ~ Review

A Noble Scheme
The Imposters #2
By Roseanna M. White

It's been a nearly a year since Graham Wharton broke her heart, and Gemma Parks will never forgive him. His arrogance cost her dearly and she avoids him whenever and however possible. Which isn't the easiest thing to do as they are two members of the Imposters. 

But a case involving a missing boy and a cold-hearted uncle bring them together at the worst possible time. And as they are working the case undercover Gemma can't exactly snub Graham as she'd normally do, as she has been doing for the last year.

Graham's life was shattered Gemma walked away leaving him grieving and isolated. And combined with her unforgiveness he has given up on God. Because God could have prevented everything. And when a father comes to the Imposters seeking assistance in saving his son from kidnappers, Graham can't say no, even if the father can't pay for their services. 

Can two angry hurting people find a way back to the friendship and love they once had? Or will they allow the anger and grief to destroy and consume everything they once had? And when the case they are working on takes another turn the stakes and cost become even deadlier. To solve this case they will need to understand the people involved and the motivations. Because it is obvious that those with wealth and power have no qualms about threatening a young boy's life to gain what they want. And no one and nothing will stop them. But they haven't taken on the Imposters before.

But the more Gemma, Graham, and the rest of the Imposters discover the more questions they are left with. What is the motivation behind the kidnapping? And can they find Sidney before time runs out and something worse happens?

I have to say I was shocked at just what was the wedge between Gemma and Graham. I know that there were hints of trouble between them in the first book A Beautiful Deception but I hadn't expected this. And to say more would be to reveal way too much. I now feel the need to reread the first book to see if I blinked and missed a vital clue that would have prepared me for the incident that changed everything for them.

This book delves into broken hearts and the powerful influence grief can play in and on a person's life. How we deal with grief is indeed unique to an individual. Everyone deals with it differently as we see played out in this excellent addition to The Imposters series. There was a particular line that stood out to me as I read this book, "Faithless is faithless," and when it was used, it was interesting as it pertained to two different instances and was true to both. 

Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title. There are references to incidents in the previous book, but nothing that would detract from the enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of well-written, fully-developed characters, second chances, and historical fiction.        

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.  


About the Book:

 

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

 

AUTHOR BIO

 


Roseanna M. White
 (roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books. . .to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 







3.19.2024

Pride and Preston Lin ~ Review

Pride and Preston Lin cover art featuring the silhouettes of a man and a woman.
Pride and Preston Lin
By Christina Dudley

Lissie (Elizabeth) is the middle Cheng sister who were taken in by her aunt and uncle when their parents died. When Lissie is overworked one night at the family restaurant she makes what could have been a fatal mistake - she serves a customer with allergies a dish that contains shellfish. Not good and then Preston Lin starts throwing his "privileged" opinion about the situation around. He might be good looking but his wealthy family and self-righteous personality make him an instant cringe for Lissie. Especially after the shellfish incident. It's not like she meant to make such a huge mistake.

Pride and Preston Lin is a modern take on Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice with a twist. Preston is a star student at Stanford, and stellar when it comes to swimming. Everything Lissie isn't. And he has his very own fan club in Hazel Bing, the young woman Lissie had the unfortunate incident with. And her brother Charles has a thing for Lissie's sister Jenny, which means more chance encounters with Preston, ugh!

It is really interesting seeing how the author changes up Jane Austen's classic and makes it hers. This is definitely a modern twist, but it all plays out in such an original way that someone with only a passing familiarity with Pride and Prejudice might not recognize it. It is fun seeing the similarities and just how different they come across in a different time period, setting, and culture. Highly recommend to anyone who reads any and all Jane Austen iterations. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


BOOK DESCRIPTION

 

In this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the quick-witted and contrarian Lissie Cheng must navigate societal pressures and her growing attraction to the rich and enigmatic Preston Lin.

 

Lissie is the middle of three sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle. Both she and her older sister, Jenny, work in the family restaurant while pursuing their education and career dreams. When Lissie accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer, she runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?

 

Pride and Preston Lin by popular Regency romance writer Christina Hwang Dudley is a hilarious and earnest contemporary riff on Jane Austen’s classic work. And readers will undoubtedly root for Lissie Cheng, a sassy new Elizabeth Bennet for our times, to find lasting love and happiness.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Christina Dudley's books have been called "enchanting," "sparkling" and "swoon-worthy" by reviewers like Austenprose and Austenesque Reviews. She's authored two award-winning Regency series: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and The Ellsworth Assortment, as well as PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN, a contemporary riff on Austen's classic which was chosen as a February 2024 Editor's Pick by Kirkus Reviews Magazine and received starred reviews from both them and Booklist. She and her family live in Bellevue, Washington.

 





ADVANCE PRAISE

 

"In a world with so many Pride & Prejudice adaptations, a new one has to be truly special to stand out, and this one is. Dudley’s contemporary debut is faithful to its source material but finds clever ways to make it work in a modern setting, while also adding an authentic Chinese American perspective on the beloved story. A warm, sweet story with all the witticisms Austen fans savor."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

 

"Like Crazy (not) Rich Asians meets Jane Austen, Pride and Preston Lin is a delightful retelling of a beloved classic that had me smiling from page one."— Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet




 

3.18.2024

Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice ~ Now Available

 Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice, book 2 in the Sacrificed Hearts series by Everly Haywood, is now available!

Cover of Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice


“He may think he’d stolen a princess who needed saving, but he was wrong–he’d caught himself a feral queen.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Not every damsel is in distress…

When a monstrous creature attacks her homeland, can a swashbuckling princess sort out her suitor drama and solve the mystery of the forbidden Death Pearl before everyone she loves is dragged beneath the sea?

Loosely inspired by Perseus and Andromeda, this hilarious romantasy set on the high seas is sure to enthrall fans of The Princess Bride, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Howl's Moving Castle.
~
Make time to read this swoony, no-spice fantasy romance series featuring all the monsters, maidens, and mayhem you could ask for.

Sacrificed Hearts website: https://everlyhaywood.com/sacrificedhearts/

Order Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CR9L9GB1


Cover of Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice with troupes



3.16.2024

Between You and Us ~ Review

Between You and Us
By Kendra Broekhuis

What if you were given a choice between two divergent paths—paths that had already been chosen, paths that are vastly different yet have similarities, paths that diverged because of a single moment—a moment in which you either shared the truth or hid and buried it deep within yourself?

This is the choice before Leona—and what a choice it is: a cold husband and her very much alive daughter or a loving, caring husband with no daughter in her arms. Wealth or financial struggles? Is one path worth the other? Which life is better? How is she to choose? And more importantly, can she choose? If she chooses the life she knows, is there a way to return to it?

This story is presented in a back-and-forth between the present and the past. The past shows Leona's life in relation to her husband, David, from before they were married. The present starts with a trip across town in a taxi that Leona had to save for to share a pricey dinner, she had also saved for, to enjoy with her husband. This was the start of a new beginning, to try to step out of their shared grief. Well, it was a new beginning, just not one that anyone would have believed possible.

I think anyone who has lost a child would be torn by the choice Leona was facing. I have to be honest if given the choice of having a loved one back in your life but at the cost of something else dear, it could be tempting and yet not. I think it was interesting to see the whole relationship thing between Leona, her mother, her in-laws, and even her friend and sister.

This is a well-written read that has an emotional draw that will pull you deeper into the story as Leona tries to figure out everything. The characters are compelling and the contrast between the timelines is interesting. Well worth the time spent reading.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
When a grieving woman unexpectedly steps into a different version of her life, she must choose between the husband she loves and the daughter she lost in this brave, gripping novel.

Three lives. 

Two outcomes. 

One impossible choice.

When Leona Warlon heads across the city to meet her husband, David, for a rare dinner out, she hopes they can share a moment of relief after their year of loss. But Leona quickly realizes this is no ordinary date night. She hasn’t just stepped into an upscale ristorante; she’s stepped into a different version of her life. One in which her marriage is no longer tender, in which her days are pressured by her powerful in-laws, and in which her precious baby girl lived.

Now Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of both trajectories, facing an unimaginable choice: Stay in a world where tragedy hasn’t struck but where the meaningful life she built with David is gone? Or return to a reality that’s filled with struggle and sorrow but also deep and enduring love?

3.15.2024

Chapter 3 of Yours, Mine, and Hours is now available to read!

 

You may or may not be aware that I have been taking part in the Story of the Month club for the last two years. 

What's the Story of the Month?

Well, I'm glad you asked. It is a collaboration between several authors to provide new and exciting stories for you to enjoy for free. Last year (2023), four authors wrote three stories each, and each month, one of them was offered online for readers to enjoy at their leisure. 

This year, Michelle Francik and I decided to do something different. We are collaborating to write a story, a chapter per month, with each of us alternating chapters (and months). So far, we have been having a blast seeing just where the story is going next because until we get the next chapter from one another, we don't know either.

Chapter three of Yours, Mine, and Hours is now available for you to read at Chapter 3 - Phoebe

You missed the first two chapters? That's no problem; they are available to read at Story of the Month 2024. And the best part is the reading is still free!