✱✱Book Review✱✱ Broken Crown by MJ Crouch

 

Mari Marcosa was raised to be a mafia wife. All that was expected of her was to look beautiful and stay quiet.

Until she was forced to become queen of her family’s mafia empire.

In order to survive, she’s had to put away the most feminine parts of herself and turn ruthless, strategic, and deadly.

Even if it has left her completely alone.

Now a new enemy hides in the shadows, determined to destroy her empire—destroy her—piece by piece. And she has no idea who she can trust.

Until three men become the very foundation of her survival:

Greyson: Her best friend, her second-in-command, her savior. The one she always needed but couldn’t have.

Dominic: Her new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He brings out a gentle side in Mari she doesn’t know if she can afford.

Nate: Her good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—she can’t let herself forget that. But resisting him isn’t an option.

These men will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.

But that may not be enough.

Momma Says: 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What do you do when one of your favorite authors writes under a new pen name and in different tropes than her norm? Well, if you're me, you dive right in. I already liked dark romance and #whychoose romance, so it was no stretch to read this one based on those tropes. That said, I'm not usually much into mafia romance, but I really enjoyed this one. The story is dark, and there is a fair amount of violence, which is to be expected given the storyline. The characters are so well done, and MJ Crouch manages to make them lovable even as they're doing things I wouldn't condone under any circumstances. Ah, but that's the beauty of fiction, right?

Yes, I know I've been vague and haven't really talked about this one in detail, but this book's secrets should be discovered by each reader without spoilers. What I will say is Broken Crown is deliciously dark and I can't wait for the next Gilded Empire book. Oh, and I have to mention that cover! It's absolutely terrific, and it's perfect for this story. 

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The Darkest Light by Vicki-Ann Bush Virtual Book Tour

 

Did you have a minor character who insisted on playing a larger role in the story. If so, please tell us about it.

This is a funny question because until now I hadn’t thought about it, but yes, there is. Samael was supposed to be mentioned, maybe make an appearance once but afterward he would go off and fight the war far from our view. However, as I was writing the scene that took place in the hills of California, they wound up at his house. Samael took over and shoved his way into the story. He became an important character that not only had more page time, but was extremely instrumental in the end of the book. 

Fun fact: As I’m writing this I get a text from an author friend. She has no idea I’m answering this question and she sends me this meme.

As the star quarterback for his high school football team and local celebrity in the quaint town of Boulder City, Luke Jacob enjoys a charmed life. Everything's going according to plan, that is until the night he spots a mysterious and alluring girl in the crowd. Despite his father's cryptic warning to keep away from her, he's instantly drawn to Mary.

The team plans a gathering to celebrate their homecoming win, and Luke decides to invite her. The evening turns dark when the demon Abezethibou appears and threatens them. When Mary steps in to save her peers, Luke sees her for what she truly is, forever changing their future and creating a bond between them.

The revelation shatters what Luke believes about himself and forces him to face his destiny.

Will Mary stand by Luke in the face of the coming storm, or will she be swayed by the allure of darkness?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Darkest-Light-Vicki-Ann-Bush/dp/1956183442

The ground beneath them succumbed to the warmth of the midday heat drinking up the moisture and, with it, their relief from the rising humidity. Luke didn’t mind, he’d withstand any

inferno just to be close to Mary.

The teens shared earbuds and listened to some songs from Imagine Dragons. He turned his head from Mary to gaze up. He had never felt the kind of connection he did with her.

His eyes traveled back to the curves of her lean body. She was unaware of the beauty that she possessed. Living with the type of father Araqiel was, Luke was in awe of her ability to see things with such clarity. The angels gave her an impossible scenario and

she accepted it. She had doubt, but also courage. Her eyes were closed, and he could faintly hear the words of the song she muttered under her breath. He grinned.

Born Vicki-Ann Guidice, on January 14th, 1962, her journey into the realm of the spiritual and supernatural was initiated at birth. Her early years were spent in Queens, New York known for having more people passed on than alive, as well as having several Gothic cemeteries within walking distance of its communities. At the age of 15, she moved to Los Angeles California taking her fertile imagination with her. After meeting her future husband, Ronald Bush, her new homeland became Las Vegas, Nevada.

As a mother of two, her first published book in 2008, Winslow Willow the Woodland Fairy, took her love of fantasy and spun it into a heartwarming children’s book. The progression to the young adult literary market took root in her novels that captured the haunting qualities of the Las Vegas desert surrounding her, but it was New York that called her home. Alex McKenna, the main character in the book series first published in 2019, is the embodiment of her Italian-American roots, memories of adolescent outsider status, and the strength it takes to live an authentic life.

     

Ms. Bush is a co-founder of Coffee House Tours, an events-based collaboration between local bookstores and coffee shops allowing authors to represent themselves and their works. Additionally, she is a frequent podcast literary guest and has a special relationship with The Center LGBTQIA+ Las Vegas where Alex McKenna has been an inspirational focus as a transgender Paranormal teen. Now starring in the short film Alex and Margret’s Beginning, inspired by the book series, Ms. Bush is an award winning short screenplay writer and Producer. Bringing her moving and unique storyline and character to a broader audience.

Website: https://www.vickiannbush.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vickiannbush

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorvickiannbush

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickiAnn.Bush.Author/

. Vicki-Ann Bush will award a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

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✱✱Book Review✱✱ DEADLY. SET. VEGAS. Review Tour

 

DEADLY. SET. VEGAS.

Vanessa M. Knight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romantic Mystery

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kennedy Romero is not a murderer. Why is she the only one who believes that? Well, her and her best friend believe it. And, yes, she knows it’s a little coincidental that she arrived in Vegas the same day her best friend’s husband was killed. But she swears she had nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately, Vegas Metro has other ideas—and they all lead to Kennedy.  So instead of enjoying her vacation in Las Vegas, she’s stuck smack-dab in the middle of a murder investigation.

What she would give for an all-you-can-eat buffet and watching her best friend's soccer team play a match. But no. Instead of hitting the casinos, she’s trying to interview the players of the Vegas Victory FC and wishing she wasn’t the main suspect.

The body is growing as cold as the trail of the murderer. But if she doesn’t find the killer soon, Metro will be giving her a red card and she’ll be sitting in jail. Permanently.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSCN55QH

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/deadly-set-vegas/id6476166396

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-set-vegas-vanessa-m-knight/1144654832?ean=2940167670112

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/deadly-set-vegas

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1505906

Silence buzzed as Kennedy Romero walked a long desolate hallway in the Vegas Victory soccer building. Normally the place would be filled with spectators and the scents of beer and popcorn. But today they were silent. Yeah, murder tended to silence a lot of things. Too bad it didn’t silence the questions in her head.

Her dirty military boots scuffed along the concrete as she followed the security guard up the stairs to the owner’s box. She’d always wanted to see how the other half lived, but not like this. The security guard opened the metal door to the box and cool air caressed her face before her boots hit the soft gold carpet.

A thirty-foot picture of Chuck and Craig Perrault, owners of the Vegas Victory Soccer Club, hung in the foyer. No matter his faults, Chuck was handsome. Had been handsome? Kennedy had no idea what to do with that. Salt and pepper hair, more salt than pepper these days, and bright blue eyes.

“I can’t believe he’s gone.” Kennedy stared at the picture, her voice catching. “I watched him play in college, and then for the LA Galaxy. He was an incredible striker… unstoppable on the pitch.”

“Pitch?” The security guard crossed his arms at the wrist and tapped his watch from his post in front of a hallway on the other side of the room. He seemed to be in a hurry. Kennedy was not.

As it was, the whole situation felt crazy. “Pitch is another word for field.” Kennedy was explaining soccer to a security guard in a soccer venue while avoiding a crime scene. Not exactly how she pictured her day going. Had anyone told her when she’d gotten on the plane yesterday that she’d be checking on her friend after her best friend’s husband was murdered, she would’ve told them they were crazy.

Momma Says: 4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

Deadly. Set. Vegas. is the first in a new series, and we meet MC Kennedy Romero. Kennedy is one of my favorite types of character. She's not just one thing or the other. She's flawed, and she makes mistakes, but she owns those mistakes, and she is working on herself. I liked Kennedy almost immediately, and I'll be interested to see what happens with her as the series progresses.

This first book is a murder mystery, and it does have a fair amount of red herrings. Here also are characters who aren't all good or all bad. Instead, they've made mistakes and life has gotten complicated, to say the least.

Vanessa M. Knight has an engaging writing style that pulls a reader in. The characters and their stories interested me and I wanted to know more about them. The story is suspenseful with just a touch of romance - well, I'd say it's more the hint of a possible romance. It's also quite witty, which I enjoyed. All things considered, I'd say Deadly. Set. Vegas. is a fast-paced, entertaining read, and I'll be watching for whatever's next in the series.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Who is Vanessa M. Knight?  Well, I’m an author.  Wow.  After years and years of wanting to use those words, that is fun to say.  It’s almost as fun as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  Did I spell that right?  

I write contemporary romantic suspense. 

 

I live in Chicagoland with my family and menagerie of four-legged friends.  In my mind, these lovely animals do everything as they should.  I’m the alpha, keeping peace and harmony amongst my humble servants.  In real life, they own me.  I’m the maid, here for their feeding pleasure.  Well, that and to clean up their messes.

When not catering to the needs of adorably-furry faces, I slug through the nine to five grind and head home so I can write.  Of course, that’s after I make dinner and clean the house and all the other tasks that go into family life.  So really, I work, cater to animals and my family… and then, if I don’t fall face first into bed, I write.  I love putting my characters into crazy situations and watching how they react. I hope you love reading about them.  

I love to hear from fans.  I can be found on Facebook at VanessaMKnight and at www.vanessamknight.com.

Links:

FB LINK:  https://www.facebook.com/vanessamknightauthor

Amazon Author page LINK:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vanessa-M.-Knight/author/B00JZBJ3EO

Website: www.VanessaMKnight.com

Vanessa M. Knight will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. 

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A Cure for Spring Fever by Barbara Robinson Book Blast

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

For centuries, Gamekeepers have used their magical abilities to create a buffer between the creatures who dwell in the enchanted forest and the sleepy coastal town that sits in its shadow. When Gamekeeper Stan Ross’s magic begins to fail, he must find out what went wrong, then fix it before the two worlds collide. His hit or miss magic has already led to a few close calls so he journeys to the Sacred Isle searching for answers and advice. Finding a cure proves elusive—until Stan encounters a kitchen witch who captivates him body and soul. Lynnette Peters is healing from her own wounds, however, and it isn’t clear whether she’s ready to open herself to the possibility—or the peril—of love.

Read an Excerpt

An as-you-live-and-breathe troll was her MysticMingle match for the evening.

Troll-kin or not, she did her best to engage her date in conversation, but her ‘date’ seemed incapable of responding with anything more than one-word answers and occasional grunts. When the server returned to take their order, it was almost a relief.

“I’ve heard the gumbo is good here,” Lynnette said. “But the roasted vegetable ragout sounds delicious—root vegetables, garlic, lemongrass and spring chives, all served with lashings of butter. I’ll go with that, I think.”

The waitress jotted down her order and turned expectantly to her companion.

“Svith,” he grunted.

The waitress wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure if that is something Chef can prepare.”

“Svith,” her companion insisted, slapping a crooked-knuckled hand on the table.

“Okay,” she replied, holding up a hand. “I’ll ask him to make it just for you.”

Unfamiliar with the dish, Lynnette asked her date—who had introduced himself by slapping his chest and saying Stink Foot with a discernable note of pride—about it while they waited for their food to arrive.

“Svith good,” he said, but didn’t elaborate.

She had to wait until a large platter was set in front of him to understand what the fuss was about. The dish consisted of half a boiled sheep’s head, the hair singed off, floating in a greasy broth. Watching her date tuck into his svith was enough to turn Lynnette off her ragout, but she struggled through a few tentative bites.

Then he scooped the eye out of its socket with a spoon and presented it to her. “Try svith?”

About the Author: Barbara Robinson is an author of contemporary and historical romance set against a backdrop of magical realism. She is a deep thinker and tea drinker who finds inspiration in myths and folktales, poems and ballads, and academic writing on a variety of subjects. Diagnosed with autism and giftedness as an adult, she enjoys exploring themes of neurodiversity and opposing character perspectives in her writing.

She is an avid gardener and lover of nature who works out plot lines and character sketches while nurturing her garden, walking in the woods, or sitting by the shoreline watching waves. She is known for world building that features rich and immersive detail, supported by meticulous research and careful observation.

Barbara lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, in the shadow of ancient mountains that lie along the Bay of Fundy coast. These rugged vistas shape her story settings, while providing the perfect backdrop for life with her husband, her hounds and her dragon (Pogona Vitticeps). She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Master of Arts at Dalhousie University, and she recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers (Humber College, Toronto).

Website: https://www.barbararobinsonauthor.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraRobinsonWrites/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Fever-Jelly-Beans-Things-ebook/dp/B0CVHHR5ND/ref=sr_1_1

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✱✱Book Review✱✱ I Said Run by Britney King

 

In the heart-chilling seclusion of a distant cabin, immerse yourself in a psychological journey so intense it'll have you burning the midnight oil.

Meet Eve, a wealthy heiress seeking the simplicity of a tranquil life in a country town, savoring the bliss of newlywed joy. But the idyllic beginning takes a dark twist when she is caught in the sinister web of a stranger named Jenkins.

Trapped in his home, surrounded by eerie reminders of Jenkins's late wife, taxidermied deer heads bear silent witness as Eve and others become pawns in a chilling game of control and twisted desire.

As Jenkins's tangled mind unravels, Eve's ray of hope emerges in Mira, a fellow captive. Together, they forge a bond in the face of relentless terror—an alliance that might be their ticket to survival.

Yet, as they plot their daring escape, Eve's mind becomes a battleground of manipulation, deception, and shocking revelations. Jenkins's motives are more complex than she imagined, and she must navigate carefully to outsmart the mind of a psychopath.

I Said Run is a spine-tingling psychological thriller delving into the darkest corners of the human mind. With relentless suspense, twisted characters, and thought-provoking themes, this gripping novel will keep you guessing until the final, shocking revelation. Brace yourself for a psychological rollercoaster that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned.

Momma Says: 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I pick up a Britney King novel, I know two things: it's most likely gonna get twisted, and I'm gonna love every minute of it. I Said Run doesn't disappoint. The story is fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat gripping, and it's told with Britney King's flair for messing with our minds. Our psychopath is Jenkins, and he's as dark as he is crazy, which leads to some chilling scenes. Of course, it's not as cut and dried as that. This one is so much more than it seems. When you think you know what's what, you probably don't, so expect to feel like you've been gobsmacked when that final twist rolls around. My best advice would be to settle in because you're not gonna want to put this one down. It's the kind of story that keeps you guessing and second-guessing. 

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Seven Days at Mannerley by Audrey Schuyler Lancho Blurb Blitz

 

SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY

Audrey Schuyler Lancho

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Historical Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl's name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.

It's 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary's one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death--and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.

The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

She swung the door open, pocketing her key, and grabbed the corner of her dress and held it to walk. Arthur was standing a short way off by the stairs where he had been waiting for her, every golden hair perfectly combed. His pocket watch’s chain glistened on his vest in the lamplight. He heard her and turned to face her.

“Your hair. It’s wild.”

“I’m sorry, I slept too long.”

“I like it,” he said almost too quietly, a bit raspy, and she took his arm. Once again, she was his object, and she didn’t know quite what to make of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Audrey has always written stories. Her very first picture book which she wrote in early elementary school was about a mean, grumpy tooth fairy. Her first “novel”, bound using a cardboard cereal box, was written in the fourth grade. By high school, she was writing secret novels of her own, usually naming her characters by her own initials. By her twenties, she knew that writing was her calling––and she’s so glad you’re reading her debut romance! 

Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is completely bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, time with friends, yoga, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor on Upwork, an editor at a literary agency. She also writes contemporary romance under the name Audrey Lancho. Her debut contemporary is due out in May 2025 from Harpeth Road. You can learn more about Audrey by visiting www.audreylancho.com and signing up for her newsletter––she promises not to spam you; she’ll just inform you of big happenings and new releases. Audrey also enjoys connecting with readers and other authors on X/Twitter and Instagram (@audreylancho). 

Website/Newsletter: www.audreylancho.com/connect

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Audrey-Schuyler-Lancho/author/B0CSGN9RVG

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47903487.Audrey_Schuyler_Lancho 

Upwork (editorial services): https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016edfde2663d23587

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550654740294

Twitter: https://twitter.com/audreylancho 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/audreylancho 

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GIVEAWAY

The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

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KidVenture: Through the Maize Virtual Book Tour

KidVenture Vol. 3

Middle Grade Fiction

Date Published: 03-30-2023

 

 

Chance, Addie and Sophie launch a new venture when they get lost in the country and stumble on the idea of starting a corn maze business. They quickly discover that while it’s easy to rush into a maze, finding your way out is hard. They will need to convince an investor to fund the venture, persuade a reluctant farmer to let them build their maze on his corn field, and figure out a way to work with his headstrong nephew. Along the way they will realize just how little they know about planting corn, designing mazes and writing business plans. Through many twists and turns —and dead ends— they will learn how to keep a partnership together and what the true job of a leader is. There’s only one thing harder than finding your way out of a maze: creating a maze people want to get lost in.

About the Author

KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.

 

 

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