Books I Plan to Read May 17-23 and last week's results

 

Hello to everyone,

Not quite the week I planned. I did not make it through all the reading I was hoping to. It was an unhappy week with the loss of a friend and all that goes with that. He will be missed greatly. I have had some larger books than usual in my reading which also did not help. I hope you have found some good books to read. Remember, help out the authors by writing a review, even a quick one. They will thank you.

Last week's results:

Ebooks: 

Truth or Dragon by Julia Mills - 4 1/2 stars

The House of Whispers by Tom Carter - 5 stars

(started) Off Season by Clive Fleury

Audiobooks: 

(finished) Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso - 5 stars

Cross by Lena Bourne - 5 stars

May 17-23

Ebooks:

(finish) Off Season by Clive Fleury

Audiobooks: 

I hope to be able to settle in to read every day, less interruptions from life. I retired for a reason, to relax and enjoy each day. Stay safe, all, and pick up a good book to help relax.

Till next week,

Ebook Review: The House of Whispers by Tom Carter

 

Blurb: 

Some houses keep secrets. This one whispers them.

After the death of his estranged mother, Jimmy Manning returns to his hometown of Broadoaks for the first time in twenty years. He hasn't come back to pay his respects, but to make sure she is finally gone for good. That, and the fact he’s inherited the family home he hasn’t set foot in since he was sixteen. With his older brother, Jason, missing, and his younger brother, Thomas, the permanent resident of a mental facility, the arrangements all fall on Jimmy.

He would like nothing more than for the house to be gutted and burned down, but when he experiences strange goings on, he wonders if it's his emotions getting the better of him, or if something paranormal is happening in the house that caused him so much misery.

Then he hears it. The Whisper. Dig.

Jimmy has a decision to make. Turn and leave like he did twenty years ago, or listen to the whisper and trawl through the chaos of his youth to discover the demons buried there.

Fans of “The Burning Girls” by C.J. Tudor and “The Haunting of Ashburn House” by Darcy Coates will enjoy “The House of Whispers” by Tom Carter.

Amazon: The House of Whispers - Kindle edition by Carter, Tom. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The House of Whispers by Tom Carter | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: The House of Whispers eBook by Tom Carter - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: The House of Whispers by Tom Carter - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: The House of Whispers by Tom Carter - BookBub

Goodreads: The House of Whispers by Tom Carter | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

There were plenty of twists and surprises in this story and add in a paranormal aspect. Some horrible things happened to a lot of people, especially Jimmy. Running away from home only to return to deal with his inheritance, Jimmy had to deal with his past. Carly gave him some support and went through a lot of the experiences with him. I did not expect the ending, and it left me wanting to know a little more. Overall, an intense story which kept me turning pages.

I received a copy through Rowan Publishing, and this is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Cross (Devil's Nightmare MC #1) by Lena Bourne, narrators Stephanie Rose and Aiden Snow

 

Blurb: 

Cross: I'm the guy whose name brings fear into the hearts of even the hardest men. They call me Cross because I've killed enough men to fill a cemetery, and I never saw any problem with that. Until a woman I hardly remember brought my 11-year-old daughter that I didn't know existed to my doorstep and left her for me to take care of.

At first, my daughter was a complication I didn't need, but now I'll do everything I can to raise her right. I'll even stay away from her hot-as-sin guidance counselor Roxanne, who makes me feel like I'm 20 again, and not pushing 40. Which isn't to say I wouldn't show her what a real man can do with a woman like her.

Roxie: My father was the president of an outlaw MC, and until I turned 21, a world of bikers, mayhem, and crime was all I knew. Then a rival gang destroyed it all, killed my family and everyone I held dear, and made me the property of a brutal, ruthless man. I ran away, got an education, and haven't looked back.

Now I'm the guidance counselor at a small-town junior high school, my old life so far behind me it might as well be someone else's past, and I was happy to leave it there. But then I met Cross, the bad-boy biker father of one of my wayward students. He makes me yearn for the life I lost, crave all the excitement that used to be my everyday. Makes me want to be a bad girl again, if only for one night. But I won't go down that road again. It doesn't lead anywhere good.

Contains mature themes.

Amazon: Cross: Devil’s Nightmare MC: Book 1 (Devil's Nightmare MC) - Kindle edition by Bourne, Lena. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Cross Audiobook by Lena Bourne

B&N: Cross by Lena Bourne, Aiden Snow, Stephanie Rose | 2940169613384 | Audiobook (Digital) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Cross Audiobook by Lena Bourne | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Cross by Lena Bourne - Audiobooks on Google Play

Bookbub: Cross by Lena Bourne - BookBub

Goodreads: Cross (Devil’s Nightmare MC #1) by Lena Bourne | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I found this to be an interesting story. Roxie lost her family and tried to stay hidden so that she would be safe. She trained and took a job as a school psychologist which brought her into Cross' world. I enjoyed her intelligence, willingness to go for something that provided heat and comfort, though she had her secrets tucked in close. Cross was willing to make some changes when he became a father but struggled with that duty. He cared very much for his daughter, Lily, as well as his club. Danger, surprises, and love had me waiting to see how it would all work out.
The narration by Stephanie Rose and Aiden Snow were entertaining and added to this story. I truly enjoyed their performances.

This is my unsolicited review.

Free!!! A Season for Treason (Deception and Discipline #1) by Golden Angel, free on NOOK only for a limited time

NOOK READERS: THIS ONE'S JUST FOR YOU! Right now you can get a copy of A Season for Treason by Golden Angel absolutely free!   https://geni.us/ASfTNook   Her mission was simple—blend in, keep small, go unnoticed. But a wicked rake caught her and gave her a choice – accept his discipline or have her secrets dragged into the light. Debutante Miss Mary Wilson is on a mission to uncover a treasonous plot – all while avoiding her determined aunt's machinations to find her a husband. Her only clue leads her to the debaucherous secret Society of Sin, led by the devilishly handsome rake, the Marquess of Hartford. Focused on finding the perfect bride this Season, the Marquess of Hartford is astonished when he stumbles over an intruder to the Society of Sin. How is he the only one who sees her? Why did no one else notice this delectable little miss sneaking through the rooms of debauchery? And could his hunt for a wife be over? As Mary tumbles into a new world of sin and pleasure, the Marquess is there to protect and guide her, but he doesn't know her secret mission… and with every secret you keep, a scandal is waiting around the corner.   #freebooks #freedownloads #nook #nookbooks #nooksale #booksale #discountbooks #historicalromance #histrom #regencyromance #romancenovels #romancebooks

Blurb Reveal: Tethered by the Sea (Saltbone Sinners MC #1) by India R. Adams and Nikki Landis

I'm so excited to reveal the blurb for Tethered By The Sea from USA Today Bestselling Authors India R. Adams and Nikki Landis!

Tethered By The Sea is coming to all platforms on June 26, 2026.

From USA Today Bestselling Authors India R Adams and Nikki Landis, Tethered by the Sea is a moving, coming-of-age love story that blends dark mythology with aching humanity.

While raised in the shadow of a motorcycle club, Maddox was unaware that a boundless oath protected him. But on his tenth birthday, tragedy tore his world apart when gunfire erupted and a disastrous accident took place on a bridge, sending Maddox over the edge and into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

He should have died.

Instead, something in the water saved him.

Now without his protectors, Maddox spends the rest of his childhood running from his past and into a newfound family that he never saw coming. Even though they hold the broken pieces together with the tender thread of healing, none of that stops the ancient hold that followed him from the Atlantic.

Maddox’s grief hardens him into a dangerous, scorned young man who continues to be tethered to a mystical presence waiting beneath the tide.

His past refuses to stay buried because the ocean never truly let him go.

And neither did she.

Pre-order now: https://indiaradams.com/tethered-to-the-sea

Sign up to help promote: https://bit.ly/TetheredbytheSeaSIGNUP

#indiaradams #nikkilandis #comingsoon  

Blitz: Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day by Sherry Roberts, illustrated by Linda Guerra

Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day

by Sherry Roberts

Children's Book

Date Published: 05-12-2024

Publisher: Solander Press

Are you ready for a heartwarming story? Step into the neighborhood, where Gabriel awaits the start of a special Memorial Day celebration. Despite the pouring rain, he's eager to see what Mr. Wayne has planned. As the rain finally clears, Gabriel sets off with a special gift in tow, ready to show his appreciation for Mr. Wayne's efforts.

What is the surprise Gabriel has in store? Will it be enough to bring a smile to Mr. Wayne's face?

Find out in this touching tale of community and friendship

About the Author

 

 Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville. She has written multiple award-winning fiction picture books such as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus, Hello, Can I Bug You?, Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day, What’s Wrong with Barnaby, and The Best Reading Buddy. She also has written two non-fiction award-winning picture books, Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s in Your Bonnet? and A Visit Through the Wetlands. These two were illustrated with her photography. Sherry’s newest picture book, Amica Helps Zoe, was featured in Kirkus e-newsletter June 2025 as Indie Pick and received a Get It: Recommend review.

As a former middle school teacher, Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel (ages 8-13). Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe, is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt, was released August 2024. Book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, released February 2025.

Sherry’s next venture is a chapter book series (ages 6-8). The first book, Just Call Me Pardner, was released August 1, 2025. The series is about a young boy in the 1930s on a small farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and is inspired by stories of her father’s childhood in the 1930s. Book 2, Just Look at Those Boots, launches in early 2026, with Book 3, Just Don’t Give a Girl a Frog, launching in November 2026.

Dr. Roberts has also written many articles that appear in various academic journals, along with three textbooks. Personal Financial Literacy is in its fourth edition (Pearson). She is an associate professor of Marketing in Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Release: Harbored by My Mate (Night Grove Falls: Midnight Haven #5) Luna Wilder

Harbored By My Mate 

by Luna Wilder 

Available now!

https://geni.us/HarboredByMyMate

Available on All Platforms

She’s his, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Knox
I made it through one deployment before I was injured and discharged.
Now I’m back in Night Grove Falls and trying to figure out what to do with my life.
The Midnight Haven has helped give me purpose, but there’s still something missing.
Or someone.
When Daisy runs into me when I’m out on patrol, I know that I’ve just found my missing piece.
She’s running from the law, so I take her home where I can keep her safe.
I know that I’m harboring a fugitive, but that’s not going to stop me from keeping my mate here with me.
Now that I've found her, nothing is going to take her from me.

Daisy
The charges against me are bogus.
My neighbor, Joe, is a cop and has been obsessed with me for years.
I thought that we were just friends, but when I went over to his house one night for dinner, I stumbled across something startling.
He has photos of me, hundreds, videos too.
It’s then that I realize that he’s not my friend.
He’s a stalker.
I try to create some distance between us, but he’s always there, always watching.
So, I try to file a restraining order, and that’s when things escalate.
Suddenly, I’m wanted for grand larceny, a crime I didn’t commit.
I know that I won’t get a fair trial, not here, so I run.
Straight into Knox.
I expect him to turn me in, but instead, he surprises me.
He says that I’m his.
Now I’m questioning if I’ve traded in one stalker for another, and wondering why I like having all of Knox’s attention when I hated having Joe’s.

 

Release: A Forced Bond (Dark Pack Series #1) by Ann D. Lang

A Forced Bond

Series: Dark Pack Series Book 1

by Ann D. Lang

Release: May 15, 2026

Cover Design: Ann D. Lang

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3OgIQQX

Genre/Tropes:

• Adult Paranormal Romance

• Werewolf Shifter Romance Forced Mate Bond

• Forced Mate Bond

• Fated Mates (revealed at the end)

• Wolf Shifter FMC

• Future Alpha MMC

• Pack Alliance Marriage

• Instant Attraction

• New Adult

Blurb:

Forced together. Fated forever.

She was supposed to find her fated mate under the full moon.
Instead, she is ordered to bond with a stranger.

The full moon after Rhia’s twentieth birthday was meant to be the happiest night of her life. Among wolf shifters, it is the first full moon after turning twenty when a wolf might finally recognize the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess.

Rhia has always hoped that mate would be Caleb, the boy she has loved for years.

But when an entire neighboring pack is brutally wiped out, everything changes.

Fearing they could be next, the Red Moon Pack forms a desperate alliance with the powerful Silver Lake Pack. And alliances between alpha families require one thing above all else: a mating bond.

As the only unmated alpha daughter of Red Moon, Rhia’s future is decided for her. Instead of discovering her fated mate under the coming full moon, she is ordered to form a bond with Jalen, the future alpha of Silver Lake.

Leaving her home, her family, and the life she thought she would have.

Jalen never wanted a forced bond any more than Rhia did. But protecting their packs comes before everything. What neither of them expected was the instant pull between them, a connection that feels far too real to be political.

But if the Moon Goddess had a plan for their bond all along, it may be because the Dark Pack is not finished yet—and their own may be the next target.

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/ForcedBond_ADL 

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHQR5HTG

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GHQR5HTG

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GHQR5HTG

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0GHQR5HTG

Author Bio:

When Ann D. Lang isn’t writing, she can be found with her family and her cats — who treat everyone in the house as their personal servants and are entirely unbothered by deadlines. A lifelong lover of paranormal romance in all its forms, from vampire courts and fae kingdoms to witch covens and wolf pack politics, she has spent years falling in love with other people’s worlds — and one day simply decided to open the doors to a world of her own.

Social Media Links:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anndlang/

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ann-D.-Lang/author/B0GWLP7S61

 

Cover Reveal: The Gift (Empath Investigations #1) by Maddie Taylor

Thrills meet chills when The Gift by Romantic Fiction by Maddie Taylor releases in just a few weeks! Check out the incredible cover now.    Follow Maddie Here For Release Alerts 👇 https://linktr.ee/maddietaylorauthor Promoters & Influencers Sign Up Here 👇 https://forms.gle/r8byhZ9VA9sCLhQJA   A lawman falls for a woman with a rare gift. A killer will stop at nothing to possess it.   Texas Ranger Vince Cooper trusts evidence, instincts, and the badge on his chest. Psychics? Not a chance. But when a brutal murder and a missing teenage girl lead him to Erica Stevens, Vince can't deny that the beautiful, boho artist knows things about the crime scene she shouldn't.   Erica rarely talks about her gift. The visions strike without warning—someone else's fear, memories that don't belong to her, flashes of violence she can't unsee. Helping a skeptical Ranger investigate a murder is the last thing she needs, even if the grounded, old‑school lawman watching her with equal parts suspicion and heat is impossible to ignore.   As they work the case together, preconceived notions give way to undeniable chemistry. Trust builds. Desire sizzles. Coop's protective instincts flare to life. And everything between them changes.   But the investigation points straight to a ruthless Russian crime boss who collects debts in blood. When he learns about Erica's ability, she becomes far more valuable than the money he's hunting.   Now Coop isn't just trying to solve a murder. He's racing to save the woman he loves. Because once the boss decides something belongs to him, he never lets it go.

Free!!! Riptide (Kismet Cove #1) by Susan Hayes, for a limited time

Two Selkie Shifters. One Fated Mate. A Secret That Could Destroy Them All.

Riptide by Susan Hayes is absolutely free!

 

https://geni.us/RiptideKU

Read for FREE Now!
 

✔️ Fated Mates

✔️ Why Choose Romance

✔️ Paranormal Shifter Romance

 

A letter from her dead mother sends Jessica Martin across the country to the wilds of the west coast in search of answers. Instead, she finds two gorgeous men who want her in their lives, and in their bed.

Rory Frazier's birthright is to lead a secret colony of mythical shifters known as selkies, but only if he and his blood brother, Evan Sinclair, can find their mate.

Fate brought them together, but uncovering the colony's dark past might just tear them apart.