Reviews!

I am still having a difficult time concentrating on reading a book, I hope to get back into it at some point. Still doing book promotions just not reviews Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. I appreciate all of you. Kathleen Kelly July 2024

05 October 2024

The Hungry Butterfly by Eule Grey New release Blitz @ninestarpress


Title

  The Hungry Butterfly

Author

 Eule Grey

Publisher

  NineStar Press

Release Date

 10/01/2024

Heat Level

 2 - Fade to Black Sex

Pairing

 Female/Female

Length

 18500

Genre

 Horror, contemporary, thriller, body horror, bisexual, British, suspense

Add to Goodreads

Description

Downtrodden charity worker Brenda can’t believe her luck when she gets a new job on a medical trial. It’s a dream position with a generous wage—almost too good to be believable. Life has never been better…

Until Brenda discovers some concerning facts about the company facilitating the trial. Why is FixMe so impatient for results? She keeps telling her manager you can’t change lives overnight, but Thomas doesn’t listen.

She should have noted the red flags.

Fortunately, Brenda isn’t ultimately responsible for the trial’s ethics. Who’s going to care if she forges signatures? One or three teeny-weeny fibs don’t matter.

She should have called the police.

Bells ring when Brenda starts ‘forgetting’ things. Where did she leave her case notes, and why can’t she remember writing them? Then Brenda’s customers disappear, but it’s too late for regrets.

She should have run.

It’s a constant struggle to remember what truly matters. Brenda doesn’t mean to lie or cheat, not at the start. What begins as a second chance at adulting ends with a trail of body bags and a broken butterfly.

She shouldn’t have done it.

Excerpt

The Hungry Butterfly
Eule Grey © 2024
All Rights Reserved

Brenda

Thomas almost smiled. “We need evidence, Bren. It’s not enough to say you’ve made a difference. We know you have, of course. We are behind you, supporting you all the way. Certainly. But the funders—You understand. What FixMe need, FixMe get! Ha, ha, ha.”

Brenda’s stomach created a series of sounds and sensations similar to an operative building site. She became breathy and lightheaded and felt under attack. When she tried to speak, all that came out was air. “Off. Oof.”

A spray of spit landed on Thomas. He removed his glasses with a Dickensian grimace. “How many cases have you got? I trust you’ve brought the notes?”

Notes? Cases? Brenda turned a snort into a cough. She’d known on the first day the job would be a pile of crap.

FixMe, a newly established charity, worked with people stuck in a cycle of crime. The job description boasted a worthy ethos and decent pay. The cold realities of the work had proved less attractive—no training or support, no induction, no structures or pathways, no risk assessments or colleagues.

All Brenda had been offered as support was a tiny office in a storage facility. Thomas was based far away at an undisclosed location. Once a week, Brenda received an email with a list of names to contact and a reminder that she was doing an extraordinary job.

Since starting the job, she’d trailed the streets, visiting crack dens and prisons. Got nowhere. She’d made hundreds of desperate phone calls to the police and cried in the storage facility toilets. Increasingly, she’d return home by one o’clock and chain-smoke in bed.

“Fourteen cases,” she lied. “Two more sign-ups this week.” She’d meant to say four, which would’ve been an exaggeration since she had no cases. No cases. Zero. A big, fat nothing.

Thomas pointed one long finger; hand poised in mid-air. “Fourteen?” His fingernails were brown as if he’d been scratching at graveyards.

Brenda nodded and then couldn’t stop. Her head went up and down like one of those car toys attached to the dashboard, trapped by motion and movement. Stuck forever.

“You’ll need to up your load to fifty by the end of March.” Thomas licked his lips. “At least. A hundred would be even better, wouldn’t it? Hmm?”

Brenda’s voice hit the unpleasant notes of a shriek. “Fifty?”

“You sound surprised, Brenda. Fifty. Yes. If we want to get paid. And we all want money, don’t we?” Thomas tapped the desk with his FixMe pen, decorated with pretty butterflies. “Payment by results. It’s the deal. Hasta la vista, baby.”

Brenda’s resolve not to argue snapped. The words tumbled out. “But it’s not possible. It’s not! We’re talking about people with numerous barriers who’re entrenched in harmful behaviours. Most of them have mental health issues. There’re no easy fixes. It’s hard enough getting hold of them in the first place. They leave custody and disappear. I have no way of finding them.” Under the table, Brenda’s hands found each other. Her bottom lip wobbled. “I’m struggling. I can’t do it.”

Thomas sighed. He tapped his pen on the desk every few seconds.

To Brenda, the noise of the pen was a frantic heartbeat and the background music of a cult horror film. Tap, tap, tappety tap.

Thomas tapped aggressively. “Have you sought referrals from statutory services? Police and Probation. Social Services. Et cetera.” His head began wobbling like Brenda’s. “I presume so because you assured me it was the case last time we spoke. Hmm?”

Had she? Brenda tried to think back, to be professional and robust, efficient and resourceful, and all she’d promised at the interview. Effective? She’d been drinking too much and not sleeping, and anyway, her memory wasn’t what it used to be. “I. Yes.” It was all she could manage.

Thomas shifted some butterfly-patterned papers. When he spoke, it reminded Brenda of a film about interrogations. “Last supervision. The fourteenth of the month. Two p.m. You reported the project as going well with no issues. We’ve had ten supervisions altogether. It’s been gratifying having such a dedicated and positive employee.” He smiled nastily.

Brenda suddenly needed the toilet.
Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

Meet the Author

Eule Grey has settled, for now, in the north UK. She’s worked in education, justice, youth work, and even tried her hand at butter-spreading in a sandwich factory. Sadly, she wasn’t much good at any of them! 

She writes novels, novellas, poetry, and a messy combination of all three. Nothing about Eule is tidy but she rocks a boogie on a Saturday night! 

For now, Eule is she/her or they/them. Eule has not yet arrived at a pronoun that feels right.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

#bookaddiction #bookshelf #mustread #instabook #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #newbook #readersofinsta #tbrpile #whattoread #newbook
 #weekendreads #contemporay #DiverseReads #horror #lesbian

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code! 


Blog Button 2

Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery by Sharon Michaels Virtual Book Tour!

A book cover with a cartoon of a personDescription automatically generated

About Barks and Clues 

A group of tablets with a book coverDescription automatically generated
Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting

Small Town USA

Publisher ‏

‎ Independently published (May 22, 2024)

Paperback ‏

‎ 105 pages

ISBN-13 ‏

‎ 979-8326299345

Digital ASIN ‏

‎ B0CVVD5Y67 (February 29, 2024)

goodreads badge

If you like a cozy mystery that has…
A fun, clean whodunit with twists and turns.
Three generations of one family sleuthing together.
Dog detectives sniffing out clues and bad guys.
A small town with hidden secrets.
A close-knit community coming together to solve crime.
… then this is the short read book for you.

Retired police detective Maya Thompson is living a quiet life in the small town of Sunridge Junction with her son, Ethan, and her granddaughter, Lily. When their peaceful neighborhood is hit by a string of break-ins, Maya suspects there might be more to these crimes than meets the eye. Together, Maya, Ethan, Lily and their three clever and adventurous dogs, Digger, Dash, and Daisy, begin investigating the burglaries.

The dogs follow their noses, and the humans follow the dogs to an old fishing shack and a mysterious inventor. The man claims his innocence and insists he is being framed for the break-ins. The reclusive inventor explains that someone is trying to sabotage him and steal his inventions. He pleads with the crime-solvers to help prove his innocence and bring the true culprits to justice. Maya reluctantly agrees, finding it difficult to let go of her desire for justice.

With its quirky characters, fun plot twists, and a sprinkling of canine charm, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who believes that heroism has no age limit.

About Sharon Michaels

A person sitting at a desk using a computer

Description automatically generated

Bestselling author Sharon Michaels writes sweet, clean, and fun cozy mystery short reads about mature, smart women and men who know how to enjoy life. Small towns, close friends, a hint of romance, and a fur-baby or two makes solving mysteries fun and exciting.

 Today I happily write in the cactus filled desert of the southwest United States. My extremely supportive husband and I love exploring the beauty of our country. As I travel, I write fun and interesting things in my notebook so I can share these memories with you in stories and books.

* Short, Sweet Cozy Mysteries
* Keeps You Guessing Stories
* Smart, Mature, Believable Characters

Author Links

Website

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharonMichaels/

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sharon-michaels

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2691207.Sharon_Michaels

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharon_michaels_author/

Links to Purchase
A Canine Cozy Mystery Series

Series Links

 Barks and Clues

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 2 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 4 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW

October 5 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POST  

October 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 8 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 9 – Socrates Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

A signed paperback copy of Barks and Clues: A Canine Cozy Mystery Series & Their pet showcased in an upcoming A Canine Cozy Mystery book - & a signed paperback copy of the book in which their pet is showcased as soon as the book is released (probably early 2025)


A book on a beach

Description automatically generated

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Want to Book a Tour?

Click Here


04 October 2024

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell Book Blitz! @marlenemysteries #XpressoTours @XpressoTours⁣⁣ ⁣⁣#MarleneMBell #AHushatMidnight

 

A Hush at Midnight 

by Marlene M. Bell

Publication date

October 1st 2024

Genres

 Adult, Mystery

Former Celebrity Chef Laura Harris used to be famous for her show-stopping pastries and mouth-watering desserts. Now, she’s attracting a different kind of attention.

Laura’s been accused of murder.

But how could this petite pastry chef brutally smother small-town matriarch Hattie Stenburg to death? And what could be her motive? Hattie was beloved in her little Texas community – a wise humanitarian who Laura considered a confidant and mentor.

Perhaps it has something to do with a last-minute change to Hattie’s will – bestowing the Stenburg fortune and its history-steeped estate to Laura, instead of Hattie’s surviving relatives. Or maybe it has something to do with the sinister secrets Laura uncovers as she desperately tries to clear her name – secrets that could rock the foundations of this close-knit community.

Only one thing seems clear: The real murderer remains one step ahead of both Laura and local law enforcement, leaving a trail of taunts warning Laura to leave Texas or face deadly consequences. She’s in the way – and that means it could already be too late.

An amateur sleuth sets out to solve a small-town murder in A Hush at Midnight, a mystery by Marlene M Bell, author of the “couldn’t put it down” Annalisse Series.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

Almost to Coldspell and full of misgivings, Laura couldn’t shake her feeling of dread for Hattie’s sake. Why did she allow Nicole to steer her away? She should’ve stayed with her mentor and not bowed to the will of a neighbor she knew nothing about.

Laura had to drive back to Stenburg no matter how late it was.

She glanced at the clock on her dash, beyond caring what anyone thought about an after-midnight visitation. Even if she had to nap in her car to make the trip back to Coldspell, she wouldn’t rest until she knew that Hattie was okay.

An inky blanket hung over the property when she arrived. Not a single porch or barn light shone from the Stenburg Estate. Living this far out from town, Laura couldn’t imagine why a dusk-to-dawn light hadn’t been installed. She’d mention it to her dad. Her headlights beamed on the front door and bay window, bright enough to wake someone sleeping on the living room couch. Laura left her Subaru in park with the engine running and jogged up the steps. She knocked quietly on the huge glass pane. If she could rouse the neighbor without waking Hattie, better yet.

A dog barked in the distance. The only sound for miles. Moon Pie should’ve been with Hattie, but Laura picked up no sound from inside the estate house. Surely, Hattie’s pet would notice visitors.

The barking continued, perhaps from a nearby shelter for stray animals.

Laura cupped her hands and peered through the window but was unable to see past the dark glass cloaked by heavy curtains. She knocked more firmly with her knuckles. Other than raising goosebumps on her arms, no one inside rose to open the front door.

Nicole had lied about staying with Hattie and sleeping on the couch.

Laura’s heartbeat quickened as she pounded on the massive door, calling for Nicole or Hattie to let her inside. No human or pet could sleep through the noise she was making. She tried the door and found it as it should’ve been. Locked.

“Hattie! Is anyone in there?” Laura kicked her boot at the door in frustration.

She checked the kitchen and bedroom windows that were too high for her to climb through even if she were lucky enough to find one unlocked. She ran along the wraparound porch, calling for Hattie—her car’s right headlight spotting the way from porch to grass.

The further she went toward the back of the house, the louder the barking became.

Hattie had mentioned that Moon Pie stayed with Jordan in the guesthouse.

Wake Jordan. He’ll find Hattie.

Laura ran to her car and drove behind the building to where the guesthouse connected to the estate via a concrete breezeway. There, she found a sharp-eared corgi with her nose pressed against the window, scratching with her claws and raising all kinds of ruckus.

Where is Jordan, and why is Moon Pie alone in the guesthouse? Laura’s tingling senses told her the scene was all wrong.

She slammed the Subaru into park and faced the dog from the other side of the narrow four-foot window near the guesthouse’s entrance. Laura tried to open the locked metal door by the knob, then gave a strong shove with her shoulder. All she received for her trouble was a sore arm. When she made eye contact with Moon Pie once more, the dog wriggled its rump, whining and whimpering. Crouching to Moon Pie’s level, she placed the flat of her hand on the outside screen, trying to soothe the irate dog with her words. A small gap below the sash showed her that Jordan had left the window slightly ajar for the dog.

Laura caught a whiff of something she couldn’t describe.

Moon Pie had her red nylon lead attached at the collar, as if she’d been dropped inside abruptly.

“Sweetie, I’m coming in.” Laura removed a driving glove, pried the screen from its runners with her nails, and threw it aside.

Moon Pie stuck her nose through the opening and sniffed.

“Don’t bite my fingers.” She replaced the glove on her hand and with all her might, lifted the sash from the gap, sliding it up and open. Enough to squeeze her small frame through sideways.

Moon Pie jumped out then came back to follow her inside, barking madly at her feet. Her boot caught the dog, throwing Laura headlong into the wall. “Honey, quiet. I can’t think.” Laura groped the painted surface with her palm until she found a light switch and flipped it on.

She stood in a bedroom.

Someone lay still on the mattress. Deathly pale.

A crawling sensation moved up her spine. Jordan. As she walked closer to the person, she realized the body was that of a female, partially obscured by a bed pillow. Laura took several labored breaths and sped around the footboard—watching for the rise and fall of the woman’s chest.

A fleeting thought of Nicole went through her mind, quickly dashed by the person’s hair color. Bitterness filled Laura’s mouth and she swallowed hard. Her worst fears had come true. Mystery at a killing pace.

An amateur sleuth sets out to solve a small-town murder in A Hush at Midnight, a mystery by @marlenemysteries, author of the “Couldn’t put it down” Annalisse Series.

Get it today https://amzn.to/3zIO1BJ⁣

Marlene M. Bell has never met a sheep she didn’t like. As a personal touch, her fans often find these wooly creatures visiting her international romantic suspense, thriller, and cozy mystery books as characters or subject matter.

Marlene’s multi-award-winning Annalisse series boasts numerous Best Mystery honors for all installments including the newest IP Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, and Global Gold Award for the fourth cozy mystery from down under.

Her children's picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! written for the younger crowd, is based on true events from the Bell’s Texas sheep ranch. 

The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of belonging and unconditional love between a little girl and her lamb. 

Mia and Nattie is suitable reading for ages 3 - 7 years and beyond, a Mom's Choice Gold Award winner, and Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List winner.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

#bookstagram #instabooks #bookish #booklover #greatreads #booknerd #nowavailable #fortheloveofreading #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #releaseblitz #bookaholic #mustread #authorsofinstagram #bookblogger #amreading

GIVEAWAY!

$50 gift card to Nikki’s web store

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rival Hearts Release Blitz October 4th!!



Grady Castillo isn’t the biggest fan of Mayor Maggie Sullivan and when he sees she’s up for reelection, he can’t help but throw a wrench into her plans. However, as the race heats up and unwanted feelings arise, Grady begins to realize there’s more to Maggie than meets the eye. Readers who love small-town romances will devour Rival Hearts by W. Million, a slow-burn, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance.


I had a ball going through this one as your writing is so free-flowing and easy to get into. I could definitely feel the angst between Grady and Maggie, and loved it when all of their secrets began to finally spill out! I found myself thinking of the story even when I was done working for the day... These two will certainly latch onto your heart! - Proof Positive Editing Services 


“Maggie is a shoo-in to be reelected as mayor of Little Falls until her ex-lover Grady comes back to town, sparking a rivalry that’s just as personal as it is political. Scandalous secrets and lies are revealed that bring to light the pair’s complicated past in this romantic story of love, loyalty, and redemption.” Brittany M., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing


                 

Coveting my brother’s girlfriend is one thing, but acting on it is a step too far. It’s too bad it’s a step I’ve already taken.

The first time I met Maggie Sullivan, she was my brother’s guest at Sunday dinner. That should have been enough to keep me away. It wasn’t.

The night I lost control and gave into my passion was also the night of my brother’s arrest for selling drugs—a business I was sure Maggie must have had a hand in.

Overwhelmed with guilt, I seized a chance to try out for Center Stage, a televised singing competition. Winning changed my life.

Now, years later, I’ve returned to Little Falls to reconnect with my family, and Maggie Sullivan has somehow managed to become mayor.

With only twenty-four hours until she’s reelected uncontested, I decide to throw a wrench into her perfect life.

When the race heats up, and old, unwanted feelings surface, I start to realize that Maggie might not fit the box I’ve shoved her into all these years.

Soon, I’m wondering if I want to steal the election, or if the real victory lies in winning Maggie’s heart.


Add to Goodreads Here! 

 

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 


Excerpt

Copyright 2024, W. Million

I checked my watch. The first performer should have started five minutes ago. Running behind for some reason? Or fashionably late? Maybe the potential performers were intimidated by the large audience? I’d been here before with Lila for an open mic night, and the bar hadn’t been this packed.

The yellow curtain on the stage stirred. Kareena, the owner, burst through the gap to the small bit of stage in front. She looked flushed and too excited for a simple open mic night. “Ladies and Gentlemen.” She waited for everyone to quiet down.

I sat straighter in my chair. The place hummed with an unusual energy.

“Tonight, as some of you know—news like this spreads like wildfire—we have the privilege of a very special guest.” Kareena glanced behind her, her brown cheeks rosy. “Oh gosh, I am so excited.” She giggled and covered her mouth.

I frowned and eyed everyone in our party who looked equally confused. Other people in the crowd whooped and hollered as though they, too, knew the secret. What could be so special about some singer at open mic in a town barely bigger than Little Falls?

“I was going to do this big, long spiel about our guest, but he asked me to keep it simple since his appearance is last-minute. So, maybe I’ll let it be a surprise to those of you who don’t know yet.” Her grin was broad enough to split her face. “Enjoy the night, everyone!” With a flourish, she threw back the curtains and disappeared.

“That was weird,” Fernando muttered. “The only person I know who has ever inspired that kind of weirdness is—”

The curtain peeled back, and the chords of a familiar song started. My breath caught in my throat.

Grady Castillo.

I never uttered his name. Hadn’t spoken it in years. He’d burst onto the music scene with his stint on Center Stage, the talent discovery program, when I was at college in Florida. Lila had told me how crazy my town went over one of our own winning the top spot. A heap of money and a recording contract. When he only produced one successful album and then largely disappeared, I was thrilled.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Fernando called over the familiar beat of the song. “I wonder what he’s doing back here.”

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About W. Million

W. Million is an award-winning author whose contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers. She is the author of the Bellerive Royals series and the Tucker Family Billionaires series. Writing as Wendy Million, she is the author of the contemporary second chance romances, When Stars Fall and Miss Matched

When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorwendymillion 


Twitter

https://twitter.com/Wendy_Million 


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/million.wendy/ 


TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@wendy.million

 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22112968.W_Million 


BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/w-million 


Newsletter

https://wendymillion.com/ 


Amazon 

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

AddToAny

View My Stats!

View My Stats

Pageviews past week

SNIPPET_HTML_V2.TXT
Tweet