Tour Stop/Giveaway; Mortal Escape by Amanda Murr

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Amanda Murr will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lily is a conscientious college student with a gift for songwriting and a passion for music. Life on Ember Island is pretty conventional until the morning Lily wakes up to a transformed world. As she begins to discover her roommates and entire campus have been impacted by some sort of fiendish disease, Lily finds herself all alone and heads for the city in an attempt to understand what is going on. In the scramble for survival, Lily meets the charming yet unpredictable Halen, and comes to understand they are now living in a dystopian society.

Although the quick-tempered Halen has a distrust for almost everyone she encounters, she seems to make an exception for Lily. They have an instant attraction to each other, which Halen is more forward about and finds enjoyment in making Lily nervous by this sudden attention.

With only each other to depend on, they face dangerous obstacles to escape the island. As they fight for their lives, Lily finds herself fighting her feelings for Halen just as much while Halen develops a strong urge to protect Lily. Will the two be able to trust their connection and find refuge on the mainland and within each other?

Read an Exceprt

I go to another place for a while on my drive to the city. I think I’ve hit my max of what I can process, and it all still feels surreal. As I turn off the highway, I begin to look for any signs of life. Nothing. Not even bodies. I turn down the narrow street where my grandma lives, park my car, grab my backpack, and head to the gate. Three men stumble toward me in the parking lot, their pale skin glinting in the dim light. I quickly close the gate behind me as more stagger my way. I take off running through the alley, hoping to get inside the building, when I slam into someone.

She’s standing there, emerald specks in her eyes. “Are you a being?” she asks. I barely have time to respond before she yells, “Then we need to go. There’s a swarm on this side.” She boosts me onto a dumpster, guiding me toward the fire escape. My arms strain as I grab the ladder, her strength helping me up. Heights aren’t my thing, and panic sets in when one of them grabs my shoe. Suddenly, a loud sound erupts, dampness splashes over me, and their grip loosens. I look down—blood, but safety above.

On the rooftop, she trains a gun on me. “Did he scratch you?” she asks coldly. “No!” I stammer. Satisfied, she puts the gun away. Then we hear them shaking the ladder below. She tucks her curls behind her ears. “They need to feed,” she states. My heart pounds as I watch her flip a body over the ledge to distract them. Chaos, blood, survival—this is my new reality, and I can’t catch my breath.

Talking with Amanda Murr

What is your latest book about?

Mortal Escape is a sci-fi sapphic romance set in a world that collapses almost overnight, as people begin turning into zombie-like creatures and society falls apart under fear and chaos. Lily wakes up in the middle of it with no answers and no one to call for help, and when she leaves her university to search for safety, she discovers the danger is everywhere. That’s where she meets Halen, who has already learned the hard way not to trust anyone. At first their guard is up, but as the world around them keeps crumbling, Lily and Halen realize they have to rely on each other to survive. What begins as survival slowly grows into connection, and together they find love and trust in the one place they never expected it: the end of the world as they once knew it.

Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you?

For me, a story usually lives in my head for months before I ever start writing. During that time, it plays out almost like watching a movie unfold, scene by scene, until the entire world feels real in my mind. The characters, the setting, and the emotions all settle into place and stay there. I have a photographic memory, so my brain naturally holds onto these details and organizes them into clear chapters before I even open a document. Then, when the moment hits, I write fast because the story is already fully formed in my head. After that first draft is out, I focus on shaping, editing, and polishing it into something ready to share with readers. For example, I wrote Mortal Escape in 3 days, but the idea was living rent free in my head for a few months prior.

Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to you and your books?

If you’re new to my books, I would recommend starting with To the Bones or Emery Ever After. They’re both novellas, so they’re quick, easy reads but still packed with emotion, adventure, and sapphic romance. They’re a great way to get a feel for my writing style without committing to a full-length novel. If you’re more interested in sci-fi romance, then I’d suggest starting with Mortal Escape and then continuing with its sequel, Mortal Reckoning. Together, they dive deeper into the apocalyptic world, and the sequel also brings another sapphic romance into the story.

Do you have a favorite personal development or writing book you would recommend?

I actually don’t have a specific personal development or writing  book that I recommend. Instead, I really enjoy reading other sapphic romances. Spending time in those stories helps me tap into my romantic side and stay connected to the kind of love and emotion I want to bring into my own writing. It keeps me inspired in a way that feels natural and authentic to the stories I tell.

Tell us something fun or interesting about you.

I have a really big imagination and have been creating elaborate worlds in my head since I was a kid. I’ve always loved thinking about different places, characters, and adventures, and that habit naturally turned into writing. For me, imagining new worlds is just as exciting as exploring them on the page.

What have you learned throughout your writing process?

Having patience with the process. Sometimes the story needs to live in your head for a while before it’s ready to come out on the page. Also, vulnerability connects readers. Including your own emotional experiences, even subtly, makes the story resonate more with readers. There’s not one story I have written which doesn’t contain multiple easter eggs throughout of my own life and experiences.

What has inspired you to become a writer?

I was inspired to become a writer because there simply wasn’t enough WLW content in the world. I wanted to create stories that filled that gap and to tell love stories in my own way…ones that are heartfelt, hopeful, and celebrate sapphic women in the center of their own adventures. Writing gives me the chance to contribute to that representation and to share the kind of love I wish I had seen more of when I was first coming out.

How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over well-worn territory?

I keep my ideas fresh because my brain naturally works in quirky and unconventional ways. I don’t try to force originality, it just tends to happen because I approach storytelling from my own perspective, and I’m not afraid to explore ideas that feel a little strange or out of the ordinary.

What trope have you not written yet but want to?

I’ve explored tropes like forbidden love, second chance romance, and friends to lovers in my stories, but I haven’t yet tackled a true enemies-to-lovers or fake-relationship storyline. Those are definitely tropes I can see myself exploring in the future, as they offer a lot of tension, humor, and opportunities for characters to grow in unexpected ways. 

Do you have a specific writing process?

I don’t follow a rigid writing process, but I do have a rhythm that works for me. Most of my stories live in my head for months before I ever write a word. I visualize the world, the characters, and the plot, then I begin writing the dialogue.

Do you have a favorite author and/or favorite book?

Some of my favorite reads have been The Honey Witch by Sydney Shields and Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper. If you’re looking for holiday-themed sapphic romances, I’d recommend Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake for Christmas and A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love by Ann Rose for Halloween. I love these books because they combine heartfelt romance with fun, seasonal vibes and strong wlw characters.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

By day, I work as a People Development Manager, but when I’m not at work, I love exploring local coffee shops and bookstores, going on adventures with my daughter, reading sapphic romance books, growing herbs and cooking. Lately, I’ve also been spending more time on yoga and hiking, which helps me recharge and stay inspired for new stories.

About the Author:

Amanda is a sapphic romance author based in Westminster, Colorado, where she balances her love of storytelling with her role as a People Development Manager and devoted mom to a spirited little girl. When she’s not writing about the supernatural and soul-deep love, she can be found exploring local coffee shops and bookstores, experimenting in the kitchen, or going on various adventures with her daughter. Known for her warmth, humor, and passion for human rights, Amanda brings equal parts compassion and imagination to everything she does—both on and off the page.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.murr.sapphic.author
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amanda.murr1985

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Escape-Amanda-Murr-ebook/dp/B0CJ2DWP73/ref=sr_1_1

Tour Stop/Giveaway: Hook, Line and Murder

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. GG Calpo will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What does Meg, a retired kindergarten teacher, do when the killer of her husband and only child still walks free a year after dirt had covered their graves? Go rogue, of course!

When the detective responsible for Meg’s nightmares takes over the murder investigation of her former student, Meg hunts the killer down with help from her friends. Their cozy lunches at Sweet Buns Café turn into tactical meetings while these retired grade school teachers get themselves in trouble better suited to those in their twenties. And to put the icing on their cream scones, someone is after Meg. Is it the killer? Or has Meg uncovered secrets better left buried with her loved ones?

Read an Excerpt:

The day was beautiful, with clear skies and a mild snap in the air. It was cold yet warm with the right amount of heat from the sun, making it the perfect spring day. Motorboats and sailboats dipped in and out of the water, out by Poet’s Bay. And at the edge of the harbor were the fishermen, alone or in groups of two or three, a rod in their hands and their tackle boxes opened beside them. We rounded the corner, almost done with our walk, when we saw mothers dragging their children away and fathers covering the eyes of the children in their arms. Pushing against the stream of parents scrambling away were others whose eyes were fixed on the man by the harbor’s edge. A man on whose fishing line dangled a catch with, what I thought were, red fins and a red tail swaying lazily around the hook.

Red? In the salt waters of Poet’s Bay? As I stood there trying to figure out what I was seeing, Barbara shoved her way into the crowd. I followed, my curiosity getting the better of me. Murmurs of “Good morning” and “Good to see you, Mrs. B” trailed behind me, changing to “You sure you want to see this, Mrs. B?” and “I wouldn’t go any further if I were you, Mrs. B.” We fetched up to the front and looked down on the ground before us while the fisherman beside us puked his guts out.

It wasn’t a fish he had caught

Instead, on the ground was a hand. Just a hand. Nothing else.

Author Interview with GG Calpo

What is your latest book about?

Hook, Line, and Murder features retired grade school teachers as amateur sleuths solving the murder of a former student. It is set in a fictional coastal community inspired by Long Island’s North Shore and blends small-town charm, close-knit friendships, and a puzzling mystery - with clean content and a strong sense of family and community.

Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you?

For me, the story starts with the “Who?” I like character driven stories so it’s important for me to fully flesh out my amateur sleuths. Next is “Who died?” Because that’s where the mystery unfolds. And the plot twists and the red herrings. It’s the relationships between the sleuths and the community, and between the victim and the community, and finally between the sleuths and the victim that make the story wheel turn. Once I have the backbone of the story, then I go ahead with revisions, then polishing and edits. Only then is the story ready to head out into the wild — hopefully with a bit of charm and a few surprises in tow.

Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to you and your books?

Hook, Line and Murder is my debut cozy mystery, Book 1 of The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series. Book 2 should be out by end of 2026. I also write cozy mystery short stories featuring a retired detective. Readers can get their free copy by visiting my website at https://www.ggcalpo.com

Do you have a favorite personal development or writing book you would recommend?

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. Highly recommend. I use it to check that my beat sheets are on target.

Tell us something fun or interesting about you.

I love to travel, especially on a cruise ship. There’s something magical about waking up somewhere new without the fuss of planes, trains, or long car rides. You open the curtains to the window or balcony door of your cabin to take in this new delightful destination – or you gaze into that endless ocean and let the waves soothe you.

What have you learned throughout your writing process?

I’ve learned patience. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a very patient person. But writing has taught me not to force a story before it’s ready. To not be afraid of the blank page. To let ideas fully form. Playing with storylines makes all the difference, for me, in whether my characters come alive to readers or if they lie flat on the pages. 

What has inspired you to become a writer?

I used to make up stories in my head when I was younger, usually when I was doing nothing except look at the sky, waiting to get called in for dinner. When I retired, with nothing to do again, I remembered my stories and thought, why not?

How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over well-worn territory?

Cozy mysteries lean heavily on small-town vibes and community, but readers still love a good plot twist. I like to take an ordinary relationship — friend or family — and ask “what if?” then follow that question from the familiar to the unexpected. Letting those ideas simmer often leads me to storylines that feel both comforting and fresh.

What trope have you not written yet but want to?

I write urban fantasy and have been working on a trilogy for some time. The first book is currently under revision, and the second has a completed first draft. The third and final installment is still at the concept stage.

Do you have a specific writing process?

I work intuitively. I let story ideas simmer in my mind. Stew in their juices, so to speak. I let the characters talk, fight, and get into trouble. It’s like waiting for an avocado to ripen. You buy an avocado when it’s rock hard from the store, and it gradually ripens as it sits in a bowl on top of your breakfast table while you wait for that right moment to cut the avocado into slices. Too soon, and it’s inedible. Too late, and it’s brown and mushy. Same thing with a story. I write when the story feels ready, not a moment before.

Do you have a favorite author and/or favorite book?

I adore Terry Pratchett who wrote Good Omens with Neil Gaiman, a comedic fantasy about the end of the world, since serialized by Amazon. Pratchett is also famously known for his Discworld series, about a flat world set on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle swimming through the void of the universe. I love his dry wit and humor.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading or watching cozy crime shows on TV while crocheting. It’s good to get away into someone else’s world — and I love following the trail of a good whodunit.  

About the Author:

A retired CPA and lawyer, GG Calpo now writes cozy mysteries and urban fantasies. She blends her experiences as a Filipino American immigrant with the everyday stories of life around her. She spends her time reading, crocheting blankets and sweaters for her five grandchildren, watching mystery TV shows and taking long walks in her neighborhood. She resides in Central New Jersey, with her husband and two corgis, Whiskey and Nugget.

Website: http://www.ggcalpo.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/gg.calpo
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gg.calpo
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/194657776-gisella

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2YT1P7B
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hook-line-and-murder-gg-calpo/1148773282
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hook-line-and-murder/id6755481320

 

Tour Stop/Giveaway: Forever Kind of Love

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susan Bagby will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Author Interview with Susan Bagby:

What is your latest book about? Thank you for having me today on your blog. My book, Forever Kind of Love, is a contemporary romance novel. When Willow Barton’s husband is arrested for financial fraud in New York City, she loses everything—money, home, friends—not to mention the humiliation when the story spreads throughout the Internet. Forced to rebuild her life, she heads to her hometown in Cedar Hill, Ohio, where she moves in with her mother, gets a job as a bookstore manager, and helps out with her best friend’s father’s care who is in early stages of dementia. Swearing off men, she is not prepared for the chemistry with Zachary Hayes, famous country music star and brother of Leah, her best friend. He returns home for a visit and circumstances keep bringing Willow and he together. Determined to stay single, Willow knows Zach is a player and tries to protect her heart. Zach has never been interested in a committed relationship but finds himself questioning his choices in life. Willow must face a painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Zach battles his own demons. What will it take to bring them together?

Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you? I usually have a small idea that blossoms into more as I begin to plot. For this book, it started with a newspaper article I read about a man arrested for fraud in my hometown. I wondered if his wife knew anything about his criminal activity. And what would happen to her? Then it took off. I usually get the ending right away and work my way toward the conclusion of the book.

Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to you and your books? The last book I wrote, Sweet Ridge Hearts, is a standalone in another series of 3 books I’ve written. It can be found on my website.

Do you have a favorite personal development or writing book you would recommend? Save the Cat Writes a Novel is my go-to for plotting.

Tell us something fun or interesting about you. I practice yoga and mediation daily. When I was in my twenties, I lived in a yoga community. I guess I’m a hippie at heart. Lol.

What have you learned throughout your writing process? I’ve learned that it’s a marathon not a sprint. The one thing that I’m working on now is to remember: Comparison is the thief of Joy. It’s easy to look at very successful writers and compare oneself to them. That’s never helpful. I am where I am and as long as I’m moving forward, I’m successful. That’s what is important.

What has inspired you to become a writer? Watching Hallmark movies as a young woman with my mother. I always wanted to write a book like those stories. My mother was also my inspiration in that she always had a book by her chair and more than anything, she enjoyed romance novels.

How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over well-worn territory? I try to come up with new and different occupations for my protagonists. I’m working on the next book after Forever Kind of Love and the heroine is a state trooper. I had fun with research and putting that job with the heroine instead of the hero.

What trope have you not written yet but want to? Faked-dating. I think that would be fun to do.

Do you have a specific writing process? Yes, yoga/meditation first thing in the morning, then make a chai tea and go to my favorite writing chair for 2-3 hours. I also write in the kitchen and my office throughout the day.

Do you have a favorite author and/or favorite book? I’m a big historical fiction fan and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is at the top of my list.

What do you do when you’re not writing? When it’s warm, I like to garden, take walks, swim and play golf. In the winter, I play pinocle and Mahjong with my friends. I also play piano and am presently studying jazz.

Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up. Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?

Read an Excerpt

He browsed the shelves, stopping in front of a framed photograph on the wall of a close-up picture of a couple, sitting in a park somewhere in New York City. The woman was laughing, and the man held her outstretched hand. “The carefree expressions on their faces strike me with a feeling of wistfulness. Not an easy emotion to capture in an image. Who did this?” Zach pointed to the picture.

“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.

“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.

“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.

“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”

She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.

“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”

Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”

“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.

About the Author:

Susan is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has three novels published with independent presses and her newest release is slotted for February 2026 with The Wild Rose Press entitled, Forever Kind of Love. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her last book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio where she relishes the four seasons, (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf and walking anywhere outdoors. Susan belongs to the Great Lakes Fiction Writers organization and to Romance Writers of America (RWA). She loves seeing new characters come to life and is a firm believer that dreams do come true.

Newsletter: https://susanbagby.com/newsletter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077976577802
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/susanbagbyauthor
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Book Spotlight/Giveaway: JUJU Justice

 

In the mystical world of voodoo culture, justice is not always black and white

JuJu Justice

by T.E. Lane

Genres: Supernatural Thriller

JuJu Justice is a gritty suspsense drama set in the belly of the New Orleans voodoo culture, pitting a juju priestess against her dangerous childhood nemesis in a war between good and evil. This much anticipated new drama is T.E. Lane's second novel, based on their award-winning screenplay. Fans of mystery, crime, paranormal, and action/thrillers will love this book!

 

Deep in the Louisiana river bottoms, the legendary "swamp witch" Mama Moo must decide who to share her juju with—the white light voodoo priestess or the black magic criminal mastermind. Her seemingly obvious choice is complicated by long-buried secrets that will determine who lives or dies.

June Mae, a white-light practitioner, faces off against her childhood nemesis, Mister—a well-connected criminal who practices the dark side of voodoo. When June’s straight-laced sister April drops into town for an unplanned visit, she quickly understands the dangerous world that June inhabits. As the sisters reconcile past traumas and reconnect, June must overcome her fears to face Mister in a voodoo battle to save their lives.  Their mentor, the “swamp witch” Mama Moo, faces a perilous choice which will determine who lives or dies.

 

The screenplay has won five script awards:

*Semifinalist Your Script Produced 4th Edition 2025

*Semifinalist Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards

*Official Finalist NYISA Best Feature Screenplay Award

*Second Rounder Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition

*Quarterfinalist Manchester Film Festival

 

What readers are saying:

“JuJu Justice spins a tale that is both intriguing and culturally rich . . . JuJu Justice enthralls viewers with a combination of magical intrigue and Southern Gothic drama."   - NYISA 

"JuJu Justice creates a supernatural stage filled with spirits, ghosts,murder, and deception . . . with a skillful blend of supernatural elements with deeper themes of family and responsibility."  -Austin Film Festival

 

**New Release on February 17!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookshop.org * IngramElliot * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Every T.E. Lane story begins with family at its core and spirals into mystery, action, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a place where magic always feels possible, the coincidences may not be so coincidental, and the line between reality and something more is always worth crossing.

T.E. Lane writes screenplays and fiction. A fan of action, thriller, mystery, and literary fiction, the author enjoys blending aspects of many genres into a single work, creating a unique reading experience that will keep you turning the pages. Connect with the author on social media @telane_author.

 

Facebook * Facebook * X * Instagram * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

Enter the JuJu Justice Giveaway Here

Tour Stop/Giveaway: The Regressor King

The Regressor King
AJ Sherwood
Publication date: February 10th 2026
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Romance

Death, Paradise, and the gods themselves–all rejected for the sake of love.

When King James Kronenscheld dies at the hands of the Demon King, he thinks his suffering is finally over and he can join his Edwin in Paradise. And, hey, at least he’d taken the Demon King with him, right?

But then the gods try to send James to Paradise WITHOUT his Edwin, and that is simply unfathomable. So he does the unthinkable–he turns it down and negotiates for one more chance to fix his mistakes.

Armed with memories and regrets, James regresses to before he was crowned. He is determined to woo the man he lost, even if it means facing down all his previous failures. For Edwin alone will James face Wraths and plagues, court politics, and demon kings. He will avoid the horrors of the crown and attain Paradise for them both.

Failing this time means losing Edwin forever. And that is not an option.

Tags:

Romantasy, High fantasy, M/M romance, inspired heavily by webtoons, calling all passengers: hop on board, this ship is about to sail!, remember to take water and bathroom breaks, don’t start this book at 8pm, time regression, fated love, reluctant ruler, PTSD, hurt/comfort, both characters are near 30, Paradise without Edwin isn’t paradise to James, competence is sexy, so says James, power couple, Edwin finds Prince James very strange, and rightfully so, Victor has climbed to the very top of the shitty life decisions tree and was hitting every branch on the way down, Helena is a BAMF princess, Royce is a pharmacologist but make it medieval, James doesn’t want the throne, no seriously, stop asking him to take it, the gods play favorites, heavy is the crown, James wishes he’d paid better attention to details the first go around, that’s currently biting him, demon portals are a pain, horse lovers unite, Titan is best horse ever, Edwin realizes his Task in this life, Edwin has no problem unaliving James’s ex, buying books is a love language

Tropes: MM Romance, Regression, High Fantasy, Fated Love, Demon King, Reluctant Ruler, Hurt/Comfort

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Interview with AJ Sherwood

What is your latest book about? Hook, Line, and Murder features retired grade school teachers as amateur sleuths solving the murder of a former student. It is set in a fictional coastal community inspired by Long Island’s North Shore and blends small-town charm, close-knit friendships, and a puzzling mystery - with clean content and a strong sense of family and community.

Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you? For me, the story starts with the “Who?” I like character driven stories so it’s important for me to fully flesh out my amateur sleuths. Next is “Who died?” Because that’s where the mystery unfolds. And the plot twists and the red herrings. It’s the relationships between the sleuths and the community, and between the victim and the community, and finally between the sleuths and the victim that make the story wheel turn. Once I have the backbone of the story, then I go ahead with revisions, then polishing and edits. Only then is the story ready to head out into the wild — hopefully with a bit of charm and a few surprises in tow.

Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to you and your books? Hook, Line and Murder is my debut cozy mystery, Book 1 of The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series. Book 2 should be out by end of 2026. I also write cozy mystery short stories featuring a retired detective. Readers can get their free copy by visiting my website at https://www.ggcalpo.com

Do you have a favorite personal development or writing book you would recommend? Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. Highly recommend. I use it to check that my beat sheets are on target.

Tell us something fun or interesting about you.  I love to travel, especially on a cruise ship. There’s something magical about waking up somewhere new without the fuss of planes, trains, or long car rides. You open the curtains to the window or balcony door of your cabin to take in this new delightful destination – or you gaze into that endless ocean and let the waves soothe you.

What have you learned throughout your writing process? I’ve learned patience. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a very patient person. But writing has taught me not to force a story before it’s ready. To not be afraid of the blank page. To let ideas fully form. Playing with storylines makes all the difference, for me, in whether my characters come alive to readers or if they lie flat on the pages. 

What has inspired you to become a writer? I used to make up stories in my head when I was younger, usually when I was doing nothing except look at the sky, waiting to get called in for dinner. When I retired, with nothing to do again, I remembered my stories and thought, why not?

How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over well-worn territory?

Cozy mysteries lean heavily on small-town vibes and community, but readers still love a good plot twist. I like to take an ordinary relationship — friend or family — and ask “what if?” then follow that question from the familiar to the unexpected. Letting those ideas simmer often leads me to storylines that feel both comforting and fresh.

What trope have you not written yet but want to? I write urban fantasy and have been working on a trilogy for some time. The first book is currently under revision, and the second has a completed first draft. The third and final installment is still at the concept stage.

Do you have a specific writing process? I work intuitively. I let story ideas simmer in my mind. Stew in their juices, so to speak. I let the characters talk, fight, and get into trouble. It’s like waiting for an avocado to ripen. You buy an avocado when it’s rock hard from the store, and it gradually ripens as it sits in a bowl on top of your breakfast table while you wait for that right moment to cut the avocado into slices. Too soon, and it’s inedible. Too late, and it’s brown and mushy. Same thing with a story. I write when the story feels ready, not a moment before.

Do you have a favorite author and/or favorite book? I adore Terry Pratchett who wrote Good Omens with Neil Gaiman, a comedic fantasy about the end of the world, since serialized by Amazon. Pratchett is also famously known for his Discworld series, about a flat world set on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle swimming through the void of the universe. I love his dry wit and humor.

What do you do when you’re not writing? When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading or watching cozy crime shows on TV while crocheting. It’s good to get away into someone else’s world — and I love following the trail of a good whodunit.

Author Bio:

AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.

She currently resides in Michigan with aforementioned dogs and cats. Being in snow country gives her the excuse to stay inside and watch bl dramas, which suit her perfectly.

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GIVEAWAY!

The Regressor King Blitz

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Book Spotlight Tour Stop/Giveaway: Letters From Lucca by Kim Baccellia

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kim Baccellia will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

On the heels of Sammi's grandmother’s whispered deathbed wish, a package of letters from Italy arrives at her post box. Reading them makes Sammi recall whispers she heard in childhood of her grandmother’s wartime involvement, a past that Sammi's father and aunt would rather see remain closed. As if things couldn't get any worse, her long-time boyfriend, Hunter, dumps her. However, an opportunity arises that sends her to Italy to defend her grandmother, even if the truth might shatter all she believes. In a helpful twist, Joseph, her best friend’s Italian cousin, offers to help her. Despite the obvious growing attraction between Joseph and her, she tries to suppress it as she embarks on her mission to vindicate the grandmother she loves.

Read an Excerpt

Droplets of rain dripped down the coat sleeve, which protected my simple black skirt and white blouse. The oversized London Fog trench coat gave me strength. Too bad the weather didn’t get the memo. I should have worn a bigger hat, not the small black bowler.

As I stood by my grandmother’s gravesite with family and friends, I sniffed back tears that mingled with rain drops. I just wanted to get through the burial and grave site service without drowning in tears.

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” I whispered, glancing over at Hunter. A skinny red tie broke the black monotone of his suit. Even in the rain, he looked good. I still couldn’t believe my luck; he wanted to be with me.

He held a large black umbrella over our heads. Oddly, he’d been quiet.

Clearing my throat, I waited for the usual trite words of condolence.

“Sorry for your loss,” Hunter finally said. Then he looked off into the distance.

I sighed.

Though we were standing close together, an invisible barrier divided us. His usual woodsy scent competed with the musty, damp smell of the burial site. I longed to nestle closer to him, but something felt off. He hadn’t brought up the reason behind the urgency of meeting at Crystal Cove. When I texted him the reason I couldn’t meet up? He’d expressed his sympathies, but nothing more. No reschedule. Nothing.

Color me confused.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Kim Baccellia is the author of five fantasy/paranormal young adult novels, Crossed Out, Crossed Fire, No More Goddesses, Goddesses Can Wait, and Earrings of Ixtumea.

Kim has had many jobs. She was a bilingual teacher; homeschooled her son; served on her local RWA charter board; a Cybil’s panelist; and even read the slush pile for an agency.

In her free time, Kim loves long walks, yoga, watching psychological horror movies, and reading lots of books that she loves to review for YA Books Central.

A member of Women’s Fiction Writer’s organization, Kim is currently putting the finishing touches on a historical set in 1943 Italy. She also is working on a historical with a Utah suffragette loosely based on her own ancestor Lucy Clark. Kim lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and cockatiel Damon.

Website: http://kim-baccellia.com/
Blog: http://www.kimbacceliasweblogfantasy.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kbaccellia
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ixtumea.bsky.social
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/baccellia
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ixtumea

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Hushed Harmony by Kaylene Winter

Hushed Harmony
Kaylene Winter
(Charming Irish, #5)
Publication date: February 9th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Three chords can ruin a man if you hit them right.

I spend my life chasing sound. Grit, feedback, the moment a crowd holds its breath.

Fireball is the only thing I’ve built without it turning on me. Everything else stays locked tight.

Then Linus O’Donnell comes back.

My first real love.
The one man who knows exactly how I break.
The one I never stopped wanting.

Avonna doesn’t need an entrance.
She coaxes me past my defenses into truth.
Raw. Unfiltered. Impossible to ignore.

What starts as music turns carnal fast.
Late nights. Sweat-soaked rehearsals. Heat carrying into every chord.
Desire doesn’t divide. It multiplies.

I want them both.
Bodies. Loyalty. A future. The way we fit once the world goes quiet.

The problem?
It never does.

I lie. I stall. I pretend control is possible.

Some harmonies refuse to stay hushed.

Hushed Harmony is a white-hot, polyamorous rockstar romance about identity, obsession, and choosing a love powerful enough to risk everything.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

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Hushed Harmony Blitz

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