The Water Tower by Amy Young October 9 - November 3, 2023 Virtual Book Tour!

Josie Ashbury was a successful Hollywood actress with a booming career—until an on-set breakdown sends her back to her small Ohio hometown to recover. Taking a job teaching at her old high school, Josie is beginning to put the pieces of her life back together when one of her students dies under suspicious circumstances. The police close the case quickly, without any real answers. Josie is determined to find the truth behind the girl's death.

At the same time, Josie is battling demons of her own. As she faces debilitating insomnia that leaves her with gaps in her memory, she dives into the tangled secrets surrounding the investigation. When she finally unravels the web, she discovers that the truth lies much closer to home than she could have ever imagined.

Praise for The Water Tower:

"Start with a suspicious death of a beloved student, add a devoted former starlet turned drama teacher, and a dash of the police closing the case far too quickly, and you have the makings of a twisting and propulsive mystery. Amy Young’s The Water Tower will keep you flipping the pages to find out who killed the politician’s young daughter, and then have you checking if your teenager is where they should be tonight."
~ Mary Keliikoa, multi-award nominated author of HIDDEN PIECES and the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series

"The Water Tower is an electrifying work of suspense that depicts a wonderful hometown setting. This slow-burn mystery with sparkling prose has a well-crafted plot that is at once engrossing and fully realized from beginning to end. I highly recommend this engaging mystery."
~ David Putnam, Bestselling author of the Bruno Johnson series and Dave Beckett series

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: June 20, 2023
Number of Pages: 290
ISBN: 9781685122775
Series: The Lakeview Mysteries, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 1

She stood on the water tower, looking at the skyline she had only observed from the ground. You really could see the whole town from up here. Funny how your whole life can fit into one 360-degree glance. Peering down at the ground, she was no longer able to see individual blades of grass, all of them blurring into a sea of perfect emerald green. To her right was the roof of Lakeview High School, looking small from this vantage point. She felt as though if she leaned over far enough, she could almost touch it. But that was ridiculous; the school had to be several hundred feet away. Her vision came in and out of focus as she swayed, thinking about her life, her past, her future.

In her three years at the school, she had never been up on the tower. No one she knew had been up here, either. Most students wouldn't dare to scale it. Too scared of getting caught, too scared of breaking the rules, too scared of living. When she looked down at the ground, she thought she could see movement, like little grass men dancing and hopping around through a crowd of their peers. Kind of like high school. More like, exactly like high school. Everyone looks the same; maybe some are a bit taller, a bit shorter, a bit wider, but everyone dressed in essentially the same uniform, hopping over one another, trying to make their mark.

How many feet above the ground was she—50, 60 feet? Was that high enough to kill you, or maybe just break a few bones? It would probably depend on how you hit the ground. Here she was, high above the town, pondering the angle at which you might hit the ground and live through the fall, the velocity at which an object might fall from here.

Her body felt warm all over, despite the crisp air of late fall, and she took off her jacket and threw it aside. She leaned against the rail and spread her arms, allowing the breeze to blow through her, inhabiting every cell for just a moment, before moving off in another direction to go dance with someone else. Her 17 years had all been spent here, in this one place, in this small, boring town where, it seemed, nothing was all that was destined to happen.

The clock tower chimed; it was 11:00. She felt she had eternity in front of her, the rest of this night, the rest of her life, stuck here in this town. Would she ever get out? Did it even matter if she did? She thought about the college catalogs arriving at home, the hundreds of pages of sales pitches clamoring for her family's money. The sprawling campuses, the smiling students, the serious, but friendly, professors—what was the point? She would just end up back here, raising the same family as her friends, living the same life that her kids would eventually live.

Reaching out her slender arm, she twirled her wrist. She could hardly wait for graduation when, everyone said, “real life” would begin. “I can't wait to get out of here,” her friends exclaimed, dreaming of big cities and even bigger lives in far off places: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, anywhere but here. But she knew they would return, just like their parents, raising 2.5 kids with a Labradoodle and a balding husband in one of the best-little-suburbs in the country. Was it really so bad? She watched all these super-educated women who had given up their careers to stay home and clean up after the kids and drive to soccer practice, instead of changing the world as they'd so hopefully planned when plotting their escape years earlier. Was that her fate? Was that what awaited her now? Dozens of similar thoughts swirled and crashed like waves in front of her, mixing in a fantastic spray of colors, lights, and sounds.

She was dead before she hit the ground.

***

Excerpt from The Water Tower by Amy Young. Copyright 2023 by Amy Young. Reproduced with permission from Amy Young. All rights reserved.

Amy Young is an author, comedian, and actor based in Cleveland. After spending a decade in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry and writing her debut novel, The Water Tower, she returned to Ohio to be closer to family. Amy is working on her second book, a thriller, and in her free time she enjoys going to the theatre, bingeing reality TV, and spending time with her husband and many, many cats. She has a B.A. in English from Kenyon College.

Catch Up With Amy Young:
AuthorAmyYoung.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @authoramyyoung1
Instagram - @amypcomedy
Twitter - @authoramyyoung
Facebook - @authoramyyoung
TikTok - @amypyoung1

My Thoughts

Josie Ashbury had been a successful actress until she had a breakup and felt that her time in Hollywood was over. She became a teacher at a local high school in Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland,  the place she decided to settle.

She has insomnia so she thought that she saw someone at the top of the local historic water tower. She chalked that up to her insomnia and didn't investigate further.

One day as she was jogging, as she usually does, she finds a young student Amber Oldman whose father is a Congressman and a prominent figure. The consensus is that Amber jumped although Josie does not believe this.

There was speculation that she was on Fentanyl and jumped, Josie finds that she can't let this go after the case was closed, probably because Amber's father was who he was.

Josie decides to investigate this case, she feels that Amber needs the truth to come out. Her friends are worried about her because of her insomnia. Josie is close to a previous significant other who is with the police. Josie also has a relationship with a fellow teacher. She thinks that he is the one.

This novel is a fast read, a book that you will want to finish quick. Some twists and turns in the story are well-written. I really enjoyed this first novel by Amy Young. I look forward for more by this author.

I give it 5 stars!

I received a copy of the book from Partners in Crime and was not monetarily compensated for said review

Tour Participants

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

There will be ONE (1) winner, US ONLY, for this tour. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card. 

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Amy Young. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Rain Falling on Embers by @liana.gardner Book Blitz! ⁣⁣#lianagardner #RainFallingonEmbers #XpressoTours @XpressoTours⁣

 

#greatreads #booknerd #nowavailable #fortheloveofreading #bookstagrammer

Rain Falling on Embers
Liana Gardner

(Katie McCabe, #1)
Publication date: October 3rd 2023
Genres: Contemporary, Middle-Grade, Young Adult

How do you survive the worst thing that can ever happen?

When thirteen-year-old Katie McCabe’ s dad gets sick and is hospitalized, she’ s sent to live with her uncle in a strange town. But within days of arriving, her dad unexpectedly dies.

Struggling with her new reality, Katie is lost. She doesn’t fit in at her new home and never will.

It only gets worse when Katie starts her freshman year of high school and begins to have run-ins with the son of the man who owns the town— a powerful man with ties to her family’ s past.

Then one day, she is attacked from behind. Blindfolded and slung across the back of a horse, Katie is taken up into the hills. Dumped in the middle of the wilderness in an oncoming storm, she is left to find her way home. But how will she survive?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

A streak of lightning shot through the sky and brightened the area like a spotlight. And I saw it. A dark break in the stone formation. Praying it was big enough, I hurried forward.

A thunderclap shook the ground, and I stumbled but managed not to fall. Before I reached the crack, the skies opened, and rain poured down. I ran toward the entrance.

The opening wasn’t big enough. With gritted teeth, I beat a fist against the rock wall, then turned to look for somewhere else. What am I gonna do now? Slumping against the formation, I slid down, holding back tears.

Wait.

From this angle, the crack appeared wider. Maybe I could get through it sideways. The wind whipped up and sent a shiver through me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Please let this work. Wishing I had a flashlight, I wriggled through the entrance.

Phew. 

Nothing inside but a small cave. No wild animals ready to attack. I sagged against the wall. It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the dim light coming through the crack. I couldn’t see how far the cave went, and without light, exploring was out.

The rain pelted the ground outside my shelter and the wind gusts grew stronger. Through the crack, I watched as drops were blown nearly sideways. Puddles quickly formed, but fortunately my hideout had enough of an uphill slope that the water flowed away from it.

The wind changed direction and blew in through the entrance. I moved away, chilled to the bone. A violent shudder wracked my body. My fingers were frozen, and my toes felt like little ice cubes stuffed inside my sneakers. My teeth chattered.

I folded my arms and tucked my balled fists into my armpits, hoping they’d thaw. Peering through the dim light, I looked for anything that might help me keep warm. Leaves and pine needles were strewn against the walls. They might be good tinder for a fire, but without matches, a flint kit, or sunlight, getting one started might be difficult. But I had to try.

I scooped dead leaves and pine needles into a big pile. Anything outside would be too wet. Besides, I wasn’t going to poke my nose outside until the storm stopped.

I shuffled a little farther inside, kicking a rock. It skittered across the stone floor and ricocheted against the wall. I picked it up, tossed it in the air, and caught it as an idea formed. If the rock was hard enough, I might get it to spark. Now to find another stone to bang it against.

While searching for something bigger than the pebbles lining the walls, I found a few sticks that might have promise if the rocks failed. Intent on finding a good-sized stone, I moved farther into the cave.

An eerie wail caused my heart to jump into my throat. Darkness shrouded me and the hairs on my arms rose. I turned back toward the entrance and my shoulders sagged. The light coming through the cave’s mouth was nothing but a dark gray ghost wavering in the distance.

Liana Gardner is a Bram Stoker Awards Nominee and the multi-award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution, The Journal of Angela Ashby, and Speak No Evil. The daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface.

Liana volunteers with high school students through EXP which prepares students for a better life by helping young people gain experience, unlock doors, and build the confidence they need to succeed by bringing industry and schools together to build tomorrow’s workforce and provide career opportunities to students from under-served communities.

Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but her imagination takes her wherever she wants to go. Most recently she was titled Lady of Lochaber and Glencoe and was honored with a star named after her in the Andromeda Constellation.

Liana is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

$20 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Fumbled Beginning by @sjonesauthor Book Blitz! ⁣⁣#AtlantaArrows #sjones #FumbledBeginning #bookish #booklover #greatreads #XpressoTours @XpressoTours⁣

 #booknerd #nowavailable #fortheloveofreading #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #releaseblitz #bookaholic #mustread #authorsofinstagram #bookblogger #amreading

Fumbled Beginning
S. Jones

(Atlanta Arrows Series, #2)
Publication date: October 12th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

My best friend.

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

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

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

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

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

Goodreads / Amazon

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

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

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

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

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

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

He snorted. “Yeah, I can tell.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Your car?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

$25 Amazon gift card (INT) Signed copy of Fumbled Beginning (US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Those We Trust Book 1 by Marie Jones Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours @MarieJonesWriter #books #readers #reading #booklovers #bookbuzz #bookboost #BookPromo

 

While seeking safe haven at a friend’s home in Scotland, a troubled young computer programmer finds herself implicated in a fraud scheme she took no part in. She soon finds herself swept up in the case and falling for the detective assigned to investigate her.

Those We Trust

Those We Trust Book 1

by Marie Jones

Genre: Romantic Thriller, Suspense, Crime

Broken and humiliated by her husband of ten years leaving her unexpectedly, Sophia Meadows muddles through her daily routine—writing computer programs and rarely leaving the house. That is, until an old friend from university shows up on her door with an offer she can’t refuse: a chance to get away and heal in the Scottish Highlands of Inverness by flat-sitting. Yet once she arrives, she soon discovers the offer is not what she bargained for: A police surveillance team is watching her every move and a mysterious man is after the contents of a safe hidden in a wall. 

After a break-in at the apartment, her path collides with DI Marcus Armstrong, the man in charge of the apartment surveillance. Sophia is swept into an investigation of fraud involving her university friend and into a sudden attraction with the handsome DI who finds himself drawn to her even though she’s a suspect in his case. With evidence piling up against her and her friend and the attraction between her and Marcus growing stronger, Sophia is forced to confront her broken heart and find a way to clear her name. In a tangled web of secrets and clues, can she and the DI work through their attraction and learn to trust each other in time to stop a criminal and possibly save a life?

***5 Star Recipient from Readers Favorite!!! ***

Those We Trust by Marie Jones is a romantic crime thriller that is both refreshing and riveting. The plot was quite unusual but realistic and unique. I loved the character development as it was perfect. Aneella was less the prey and more of a predator as far as I’m concerned. This book taught me that it’s not mandatory to hold on to some friendships. If people show us who they are, it’s in our best interests to believe them instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. There is a hidden depth to humans that we can’t fathom.

We should learn to put our foot down because that may be our saving grace. Marie is a gifted storyteller who has written a captivating book. The writing was stylish, and the book was easy to follow. I eagerly await the sequel!

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

In my defining moment, each of my senses became aware of the smallest, most infinite detail. The distant cry of a wild, eager fox. The soft, rippling sound of crystal water stirring within the loch. The sweet scent of a pine tree moving lazily in the wind. The freshly fallen leaves dancing around our feet. The acrid, metallic taste in my mouth as I forced away its dryness. His warm breath on my neck, stirring the tendrils of my hair and sending a tremor through my body. 

I had let my eyes drift closed to savour it all for one sweet second. My hand moved carefully behind me, so he could reach for it. As I felt his calloused palm cover mine, I squeezed hard, knowing without any words he would understand what I needed. We spoke a silent language, our bodies moving of their own accord. 

Then, knowing all too well what would confront them, my eyes reluctantly opened. Yet still, the shock of meeting those eyes staring hard and dangerously at me caused me to stiffen and bite down hard on the inside of my cheek. 

Eyes that had once looked at me with affection were now that of a feverish stranger, hell-bent on getting what was so desperately sought, regardless of what happened to me. Had I ever really known the person behind them? 

As we stood there, suspended, each waiting for the other to make the next crucial move, I knew it was my choice now as to how this tale would end. Would I go back to the woman I had once been, full of self-doubt, low, hollow, and giving in to the inevitable? Or would I rise up and fight back, show my new strength and courage to protect the man I loved fiercely? 

Had it really only been five weeks since I’d made a different choice to take up a seemingly kind offer to stay at a friend’s flat? Had it been so short a time from when Aneella had smoothed her way back into my life after ten years of utter silence? When she became determined to have her way over my life, once again… 

Those We Seek

Those We Trust Book 2

I thought the darkness could no longer touch me.
I was wrong.

Still carrying the physical and mental scars following the brutal stabbing from her ex-husband, Richard, Sophia is struggling to put the attack behind her. On top of that, Richard remains on the loose, with her now husband, Marcus, desperate to catch him and bring down the fraud ring, whilst her former best friend, Aneella, awaits trial. When Richard contacts her demanding to meet, and Aneella refuses to confess to anyone but her, can Sophia find the strength and courage within her to face her betrayers and protect the man she loves, no matter what the cost?

Be swept up once more in the beautiful, haunting Scottish Highlands as the story of Marcus and Sophia continues in this powerful follow on story...

***Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite***

Those We Seek is the second book of Marie Jones' thrilling romance series, Those We Trust. Months after her ex-husband's brutal knife attack, Sophia Armstrong struggles with PTSD from her harrowing experience. Meanwhile, her detective inspector husband Marcus is determined to locate Richard and the other members of his fraud ring. In prison, Sophia's former friend-turned-foe, Aneella, refuses to talk to anyone other than Sophia. After much coaxing, Sophia convinces Aneella to attend her father's funeral to draw out her criminal associates. But things don't go according to plan, and soon Sophia finds herself entangled in the clutches of Richard's schemes again. However, a dogmatic Marcus is determined to bring Richard to justice, only to find himself in a precarious situation. Will Sophia and Marcus be able to get out of Richard's trap?

With a swirling mix of romance, suspense, and nail-biting thrills, Marie Jones weaves a gripping story you don't want to end. Those We Seek is a stellar addition to the series, and it continues Sophia and Marcus' story as they try to navigate the circumstances Sophia's ruthless ex-husband, Richard, put them in. The characters are well-fleshed-out, which makes them easy to relate to. Sophia and Marcus' relationship underlines the sleuth mystery narrative throughout the book. Jones makes you feel for even the secondary characters and gives them minor plot threads, such as Tom. The plot moves at a brisk pace, with a number of unexpected twists and turns. This is a treat for romance and thriller lovers.

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

Prologue 

The cold, sharp wind whipped against my numb cheeks, stinging my eyes, and causing me to inhale rapidly. The uneven rocks beneath my feet made me stumble and curse. My legs, aching from the frantic steep climb, moaned as I forced them on. My heart beat too fast, like fluttering wings of an insect desperate to escape its trap. 

Yet I had to keep going. I must. His life, the only one I cared desperately about, rested solely on me. So, I would keep climbing, until there was nowhere further to go, and the light lost its battle against the gathering darkness. 

All I could see in my mind was him, the last look he'd given me. Long now I'd realised I only felt strong with him by my side. But he wouldn't believe that now. I'd done my job too well, too effectively. The memory of my parting words had me choking back a suffocating cry. No, this time I was truly alone. Alone, except for an enemy waiting for me — surrounding me from all sides. And this enemy wanted my blood. Nothing else would satisfy. 

As if I'd conjured up the voice from my darkest terrors, seeping coldly into my skin, the wind taunted, “You better keep climbing if you want to reach him in time.”

 I spun around, trying to peer through the descending clouds, as if to see how close on my heels they were. I could just make out the dim shadow of a moving person. Fear ripped through me. 

I had no choice but to keep climbing. We both knew that. Something more powerful than me had me scrambling up once more on my hands and knees, barely feeling the stones cutting into my skin. 

I should have known this wasn't over. What a stupid fool I was to believe our love would shelter us from danger. That it would act as a shield against the enemies lurking in the shadows, turning us from predators into prey. 

The darkness was coming for us. 

It was coming for me

Readers Favorite Gold Award Winner 2022

NYC Big Book Award Winner 2022 - Romantic Thriller

Finalist American Fiction Awards 2022

Chatelaine Romance Fiction First Place Winner 2023

Amor Book Award Finalist 2022

Author of multi award winning romantic suspense/thriller Those We Trust series

Published with GenZ Publishing

Semi finalist Australasian Screenwriting Competition

Double recommendation from Stage 32

Marie Jones’ passion for writing and creating stories began from a young age, where she loved nothing more than writing stories into her special A4 lined book. Later on in life, Marie went on to study creative writing at night college. Her favourite place to write is in her lounge when the house is quiet (though have learnt to write around noise!). Wherever she is, everyday men and women with all their amazing complexities always fascinate and inspire her

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Scottish thistle keyring with personalized initial,

$10 Amazon giftcard

-1 winner each! 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

#PetsInSpace8 @gkoger58 A Science Fiction Romance Anthology Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours

#SciFiRomance #ScienceFiction #Romance #PetLovers #AlienRomance #PetsInSpace8 @gkoger58 #ColettiWarlordBooks  #PetsInSpaceBks #books #readers #reading #booklovers #bookbuzz

Blast off into adventure through the multi-verses brimming with heart-pounding escapades, swoon-worthy romances, and the best pet sidekicks ever!

Pets in Space 8

A Science Fiction Romance Anthology

with stories by

R.J. Blain, Susan Hayes, Honey Phillips, Skye MacKinnon & Arizona Tape, Carol Van Natta, Tana Stone, S.J. Pajonas, Carysa Locke, JC Hay, Elva Birch, Gail Koger

Join the PETS IN SPACE crew!

Blast off into adventure with the eighth installment of PETS IN SPACE, a dynamic anthology of 11 never-before-seen science fiction romance stories! Rocket through the multi-verses brimming with heart-pounding escapades, swoon-worthy romances, and the best pet sidekicks ever!

Each story will pull you into the far-flung corners of the cosmos with intrepid heroes and heroines you'll want to cheer for as they fight to save their world and find their happily ever afters. You'll adore the furry, feathered, and scaly friends who have come to help their brave human companions on their quests.

This limited-edition anthology includes novellas by some of the biggest names in science fiction romance including USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Susan Hayes, Honey Phillips, Skye MacKinnon, Arizona Tape, Carol Van Natta, Tana Stone, S.J. Pajonas, Carysa Locke, JC Hay, plus award-winning authors Gail Koger and Elva Birch.

The Pets in Space 8 authors continue their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that provides trained service dogs for disabled U.S. veterans and first-responders.

So, grab your space helmet to discover adventure and love — buy Pets in Space 8 today!

Experimental Voyage by R.J. Blain

She’s a test subject and a xeno-botanist. He’s a socially-challenged starship pilot. Can they solve the mystery of an uncharted world and figure out how to get home again.

Her Cyborg Lumberjack by Susan Hayes

Psy-hawks were supposed to be weapons. They decided to be matchmakers instead.

The Cyborg Way by Honey Phillips

A lonely settler and a cynical cyborg make a discovery that could change everything they know about Mars – and each other.

The Alien's Falconer by Skye MacKinnon & Arizona Tape

In the battle of wits between space pirate Georgia and her pet bird versus Captain Ellabee and crew, the last thing either woman expected was the chance for love.

Stellar Drift by Carol Van Natta

A missing-in-action military pilot, her rescued pet, and a dedicated forest ranger race to find the source of a deadly disease that a violent gang thinks will make them rich.

Rescue by Tana Stone

Tegan’s plan to be the perfect ship’s midwife get derailed by sexy warrior Zaandr and an unscheduled stop that lands them and the ship’s unpredictable pet in a lush pleasure house. What could go wrong?

Tilli's Second Chance by S.J. Pajonas

A spaceship designer expelled from the Academy gets one shot at redemption—but reaching for the stars means confronting past heartaches that could destroy her future.

Shattered Echoes by Carysa Locke

Iona, a powerful telepath, takes on a dangerous quest to uncover shadows of her past to reclaim her destiny. Is her rival, Zephyr, the key he claims to be?

Devil in the Details by JC Hay

Revenge-driven bounty hunter Bryony must decide if sexy enforcer Lorcan is the undercover agent he claims, and can get her what she really wants: the crime lord who destroyed her family.

Small Acts of Intergalactic Rebellion by Elva Birch

Junior Technician Tanadara must trust her sexy telepathic supervisor to break all the rules and help save her illicit pets from destruction.

Cosmic Capers by Gail Koger

Psychic Casey wants to pounce on Coletti war commander Hothar. Too bad they first have to save the galaxy from brain-eating aliens and traitorous humans, and their only weapon is a cowardly witch who faints a lot.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter to win 

a Fired Glass Pendant, 

$10 Amazon giftcard 

– 1 winner each!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Forevermore A Romance Anthology!

 #secondchanceromance #agegapromance #multiculturalromance #diverseromance #laterinlifelove #asianamerican #paskonamylove #filipinoamericanhistorymonth

Forevermore: A Romance Anthology

Publication date: October 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

You are cordially invited.

The Moore family requests the pleasure of your company on a starry harvest night, rich with tales of passion, magic, and love.

Our beloved Filipino American family hosts a gathering at Hacienda Luz this autumn for another grand celebration – Vida and Rafa’s long-anticipated wedding. As promises of fidelity and infinity fill the air, ten couples live and relive intimate stories that attest to the true meaning of happily ever after.

Acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors – Aurora Paige, Elle Cruz, June Gray, Kaye Rockwell, Liz Durano, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Tif Marcelo – bring you Forevermore, a romance collection celebrating love everlasting.

~ * ~

Forevermore, A Romance Anthology is a collection of new and never-been-published stories by the authors that brought you Pasko Na, My Love, A Holiday Romance Anthology and from exciting voices in Filipino American Romantic Fiction. Lola Naty is back along with her sprawling multicultural family, friends from all over the world, and a gatecrasher or two.

• Moments In The Vineyard by Aurora Paige
• The Memory of You by Elle Cruz
• Double Exposure by June Gray
• Maybe This Time by Kaye Rockwell
• Stay With Me by Liz Durano
• Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye by Maan Gabriel
• Now That I Have You by Maida Malby
• Moonlight Serenade by Mia Hopkins
• The Stand-In by Sarah Smith
• Win Your Love by Tif Marcelo

Add to Goodreads / Purchase

Moonlight Serenade – Mia Hopkins

After surviving the war, Natividad Moore, her husband Robert and their three young children move from the Philippines to Robert’s family home in Napa, California. There, instead of a peaceful refuge, they discover isolation, a failing vineyard and Robert’s cold, disapproving mother. In the face of these obstacles, Naty yearns to reconnect with Robert. But has the war changed him, and their love, forever?

The Memory of You – Elle Cruz

Once upon a time, a terrible mistake sparked the vengeful heart of a witch. Over sixty years later, the curse strikes its mark. Not only is Eli Amaro doomed to repeat the same day over and over again, but he is also forced to re-live the same excruciating sacrifice forever. To break the evil spell, he must give up what he loves the most, and he’s not sure he has the heart to do it.

Maybe This Time – Kaye Rockwell

Gabriella Alonso and Cole Williams used to be best friends who were secretly in love with each other. Until one night changed the course of their lives forever. Now ten years later, Gabriella, who is hiding a dark secret, is surprised to find out she will be working with the guy who ghosted and abandoned her when she needed him the most. Cole is determined to make things right. He spent the last two years looking for her but he’s shocked to find a complete stranger instead of the girl he used to know. Can Cole win Gabriella over? Or will the ghosts of their past destroy any chance he ever had?

Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye – Maan Gabriel

As a bestselling romance author, Carisa “Carrie” Bloom knows the formula for happily ever after. It’s the reason she is living one of her own. But when her beautifully crafted fairy tale ends tragically, she is left both fragile and broken.

For years, Carrie stays away from the limelight, abandoning her career to live a quiet life, until she receives a proposal from a British film producer, Joshua Grant, to turn one of her books into a movie. It only takes one day and a night in London for this opportunity of a lifetime to change their lives forever.

But is Joshua ready for this? And is Carrie brave enough to take a chance again? She must choose to stop believing that in her life, Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye.

Moments In the Vineyard – Aurora Paige

Ava

The Russos are ruthless and want my vineyard. No amount of money can buy what’s mine. I’m making sure of it. Until I run into Sebastian Russo. My enemy. I’m supposed to stay away from him. What happens when the moment we have in my vineyard changes all that?

Sebastian

I have one task—take Maldonado Vineyard. It’ll be easy. I’m irresistible. Ava Maldonado will hand it right over.

I’m wrong– Ava makes me forget why I initially approached her. I’m forced to choose between my love and my family. Whatever I choose, I’m losing someone I love.

Double Exposure – June Gray

When twenty-seven-year-old Roxie flew to California to photograph the Moore-Balmaseda wedding, the last person she expected to see among the guests was AJ, the man who broke her heart almost a decade ago.

The moment AJ saw Roxie again, he knew she hadn’t forgiven him. But he was determined not to waste this second chance. This time, he would prove that he was no longer that same kid who made foolish but well-meaning mistakes.

But can AJ earn her trust again? And can Roxie find it in her heart to forgive?

Stay With Me – Liz Durano

It’s been three years since landscape painter Tallie Vicente walled off her heart after losing her husband and the scandal that followed. But when car trouble while driving from New Mexico to Napa Valley to attend her best friend’s wedding ends up having her sharing a room—and a bed—with a young gorgeous doctor, unexpected sparks fly between them, proving that it’s never too late to fall in love again.

The Stand-In – Sarah Smith

When florist Violet sees her cheating ex at the wedding she’s working, she panics and asks Toby, her ruggedly handsome and tatted up coworker, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Together they make the perfect fake couple, but when Toby accidentally lets it slip that he’s been hiding a crush on Violet, it throws their entire friendship for a loop…in the hottest way.

Win Your Love – Tif Marcelo

After being unceremoniously stood up by her fake date to her cousin’s wedding, Alexandra Moore’s day goes from bad to worse when she has to fight over the last gift of the wedding registry with former neighbor and all-around rival, Jordan Franco. But as the wedding and reception minutes click by, along with their constant bickering and mini-competitions, Alex and Jordan reignite the spark that almost brought them together years ago. Will they let their ambition reign? Or will they finally concede that love wins above all?

Now That I Have You – Maida Malby

One year after they met, Vida and Rafa are engaged. Soon, plans for a grand Filipino Cuban American wedding in the fall are underway. As the countdown winds down, things go smoothly … maybe too smoothly. Will their special day go off without a hitch, or will disaster strike before they can promise to love now and forevermore?

GIVEAWAY!

$10 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Singles and Spice by Elaine Spires Blog Tour!

 

A singles' holiday to India's Golden Triangle - Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur, tiger-spotting in Ranthambore, the noisy, crowded streets of Delhi - all go to make up a trip that is hot, humid and spicy. Eve Mitchell, Travel Together's tour manager extraordinaire has a couple of familiar faces in her little group of travellers and others that she hasn't met before; sexy man-eating pensioners, a compulsive over-eater, a constant whiner and a man with a personal problem. And there's a big surprise awaiting someone -and Eve - early one morning. By the end of the tour, which sees our group travelling by coach, rickshaw, train and elephant, she will know rather more about some of their innermost secrets than she'd like. But Eve deals with all the twists and turns the trip throws at her as we come to understand what makes people travel the world with a bunch of complete strangers and appreciate the success that is a singles' holiday

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IWZ60MW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWZ60MW

Elaine Spires is a novelist, playwright and actress. Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine's keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels. Elaine’s Singles’ Series has its roots in her background as a tour manager for a UK tour operator.

Elaine also writes plays and her short film Only the Lonely was made by Dan Films and won the Groucho Club Best Short Film Award 2019 and two Silver Awards at WOFFF 2019.

Elaine is waiting for a film-maker with vision to turn the Singles Series into films or TV dramas.

Social Media Links

https://Facebook.com/ElaineSpiresAuthor

https://Twitter.com/ElaineSWriter

https://Instagram.com/elainespiresauthor