Showing posts with label psychological thriller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychological thriller. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Blitz: The Last Summerville by Annabelle Lewis with an excerpt and a giveaway

The Last Summerville

by Annabelle Lewis

Release date: September 1st 2026

Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Suspense, Thriller





Blurb:

Twenty-two-year-old Georgia Parker already carries more regret than most people twice her age. Practically an orphan, she’s reeling from the death of her grandmother, Mimi—the one person who made her feel safe from the chaos of her mother’s world. Alone in Carson City, Nevada, Georgia is determined to start over, to stand on her own. Yet Mimi’s final words echo in her mind: Take risks. Trust people again. Be brave.

Then Heath Summerville steps into her life—charming, magnetic, protective, and so perfectly attuned to her needs it feels like fate. But the closer Georgia gets, the more she feels the pull of something she can’t name—something just beneath the surface of his charm.

Strange silences. Half-truths. High-society circles and an ancestral house that feels more like a trap than a refuge.

Lies are waiting to unravel. And by the time Georgia sees the truth, it might already be too late.

Purchase:




Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

“Get me out of this godforsaken town and back to civilization,” Vicky grumbled.
Georgia, behind the wheel, glanced at her mom, Vicky, who was shakily applying lipstick while looking in a handheld compact mirror. Vicky clicked it shut, then pulled down the passenger visor, only to find the old car devoid of a larger mirror. She swatted it back up, then garbled a sound of exasperation before diving back into her purse in search of something else. 
Georgia didn’t see the lure of Las Vegas like her mother did. It was one of many differences between them. “No!” she suddenly exclaimed when Vicky put a cigarette to her lips, intending to light it. “Not in the car.”
“Why are you such an old damn scold, Georgia?” Vicky scowled. “You’re twenty-two years old, for fuck's sake. Your holier-than-thou bullshit has gotten worse. Every time I see you.”
Vicky shook her head, then turned to stare out the window. Georgia swallowed back the words she wanted to throw in her mom’s face. 
Not today. Not after all they’d been through.
They spent the rest of the drive to the Carson City airport in awkward silence. Georgia pulled to the curb at the departures area and then walked to the back of the Ford Bronco to help retrieve the bags. Vicky took them, mumbled goodbye, and walked away without a hug.
“Goodbye, Mom,” Georgia called loudly as she shivered in the cold, standing next to the back of her Mimi’s Bronco. She watched Vicky drag her bag, her head bowed, her eyes already on her phone. She didn’t turn to give Georgia one last look of goodbye, nor acknowledge Georgia’s use of the tender moniker of “mom,” rather than the usual “Vicky.” It hurt. But why Georgia expected Vicky to suddenly become maternal was the bigger question. And neither of them had made falsely loving or empty promises to keep in touch. 

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends September 10
  • $25 Amazon gift card




AUTHOR BIO:
Annabelle Lewis—a pseudonym for the author—lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Regrettably? Perhaps. She still believes she’s a Texan even though the math no longer supports that. Nor her birthplace. Nor her residence. No offense, Minnesota. You’ve got your good points too, but only about six months of the year.

In her youth, Annabelle was a complete failure. Ask anyone who knew her. Any of her teachers and family would tell you this. High school graduation was a sad day for all when Annabelle walked proudly off the high school stage, her thoughts consumed with boys, beer, and after-parties, and later into the arms of her parents. Her father’s laughter and singular remark? “I didn’t think you’d make it. Get a job at the post office, they have a good retirement plan.”

A high bar and words to live by, but Annabelle wanted more. She needed to flunk out of college too. But damn, she sure did have a good time. Trivial arrest records not-withstanding, it was a growth period for our girl. And if you look closely, you’ll see a bit of what was to come when she majored in criminal justice. Her lifelong aspiration was to become a judge. Hmm.

For better or worse, Annabelle didn’t graduate from college but did find gainful employment and a fulfilling career. This path ended when she became a mom. Married to her wonderful George, who to this day can hardly remember an actual proposal, Annabelle finally became a mother. She didn’t have a clue how hard she would need to work to keep those self-imposed requirements of Downey-fresh, iron-pressed sheets, home-baked meals, and mom-of-the-year awards arriving. She composed a small self-affirmation song and made her children sing it to her for money. She was a very good mom.

After clearing the largest hurdles of motherhood and regrettably, begrudgingly, and not-without-tears, launching her children onto the world, she looked around and realized she had a lot to say. Picking up a laptop, she got to work.

Annabelle spends her days continuing to tackle the challenges of motherhood, for both her humans and canines. She also writes. And reads. And cleans. And cooks. And bakes. And cleans again. She also supports her husband, George, in an administrative capacity for their small business. She’s in charge of payroll and cuts George’s checks. This leads to no marital acrimony.

In the beginning, with the blank page staring at her and possibly in a hostile mood after being literally mauled by a dog and by the world in general, she had an idea. What if she could wield a force of good upon unsuspecting evil-doers? What if she had the resources to get the job done without dealing with committee and anyone else’s whiney-ass opinions? 

It was gold. It took off. Annabelle sat down and began to write and couldn’t stop. To date, having written over a million words in the Carrows Family Chronicles and her second series on the Boston Clairvoyants, several items have become quite clear. Annabelle had a lot to say. Annabelle really enjoys writing. And although she hates all things technology, she begrudgingly pounds her head on her desk daily as obstacles are thrown in her path. Almost a hero. 

Since entering her world of make-believe, she has rebelled against all intrusion of real-world responsibilities. Her house is a mess, but she tries. Her family is fed, but more often than not, on takeout. She vows to shower every day, but no, it’s a vow she’ll never keep. Her friends are neglected, but not in her heart. 

Read her mordacious blog! Read her books! Follow her on social platforms! Sign up for her newsletter! These are all good things. What are you waiting for? Jump into bed with Annabelle. She’s having a swell time. You should join her. theannabellelewis.com annabellelewisauthor@gmail.com IG and Twitter: alewisauthor 

Friday, August 28, 2026

Book Tour: Storms of Crick Road Bridge by David G. Kerr with my review


 


Crime Thriller

Date Published: April 8, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media



Eden Valley is a quiet town in northwestern Pennsylvania still healing from a dark chapter in its history. Two years ago, the community was shaken by a kidnapping and a series of murders. Tom Stallings, the celebrated town hero, solved the crimes and identified the evil demon responsible. In an effort to revitalize the town, Tom's son, Josh, has purchased the town's orchard, naming it The Stallings Orchard at Crick Road Bridge.

However, Tom is soon informed by the local sheriff that he and his family are the targets of a threatening letter, mysteriously signed "The Avenger." The unknown author accuses Tom and Josh of being land-grabbers with blood on their hands and vows to seek revenge.

Against this tense backdrop, three individuals-each driven by their own pain and misguided sense of justice-embark on separate journeys of revenge. While the first merely seeks to resolve personal grievances and jealousy through minor acts of vandalism, the other two harbor far more sinister intentions, representing both physical and metaphorical storms on a path of chaos and destruction.

 





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 
I enjoyed this book, though it took a bit to get the flow of the narrative. It was interesting to see how everything actually did loop around and culminate in the end. Being in the head of such a horrific person, watching how his messed up thoughts pushed him through his crimes, definitely kept me reading. This story was worth reading.

About the Author

 

 David Kerr grew up in the small, rural community of Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, in the '50s and '60s where the main source of employment was farming or working in the steel mill industry. Surrounded by families who struggled to maintain their middle- class lifestyle and hold tightly to the American values of God, family, and country, little did he realize that these people and places would become the inspiration for his novels.

A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Kerr served as an English teacher and school administrator for forty-four years. Following his retirement, he wrote and published two mystery novels, Secrets of Crick Road Bridge and Storms of Crick Road Bridge.

Today, he and his wife, Lois, live in Woodstock, Georgia, where they enjoy being close to their daughter Paige, son-in-law, Chris, and grandsons, Banks and Ford


Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N


RABT Book Tours & PR

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Ebook Review: Death's Prescription by Jeffrey Martin

 

Blurb

A paralyzing prescription is the recipe for creating one killer's macabre art.

Lucifer is his name, creating masterpieces and autographing the dead is his twisted protocol. Homicide Detective Brian Jeffers is sent to the scene of a triple murder where Lucifer has left a cryptic message for all to see. What Jeffers uncovers tells him Lucifer is not only killing, but he's using a drug to render his victims defenseless.

Jeffers enlists the help of medical examiner, Dr. Alan Sanderson, and his good friend and fellow investigator, Toby Wall. They provide insight into Lucifer's methodology and give Jeffers the knowledge he needs to end the madman's reign of terror.

But Jeffers’s familiarity of the criminal mind is being tested as Lucifer decides to pinpoint someone close to him to add to his collection.

Will the intelligent and devious killer be caught, or will he slip back into the darkness undetected?

Fans of “Along Came A Spider” by James Patterson and “The Bone Collector” by Jeffery Deaver will enjoy “Death’s Prescription” by Jeffrey Martin.

Amazon: Death's Prescription - Kindle edition by Martin, Jeffrey. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Death's Prescription | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Death's Prescription eBook by Jeffrey Martin - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Death's Prescription by Jeffrey Martin - Books on Google Play

Goodreads: Death's Prescription by Jeffrey Martin | Goodreads





My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. I did enjoy this story. A serial killer haunted a small town. It was definitely a grisly tale. This book was told in several point of views, giving a little look inside each one's head. The ending was not what I hoped for and wondered if there was more coming. I look forward to another book to see.

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


Monday, July 20, 2026

Ebook Review: Voices Carry Here by Gail Galotta

 

Blurb

Ghosts, secrets, and unfinished business in Michigan’s shadowed north.

If you dare, delve into this collection of supernatural suspense stories blending ghost stories, paranormal mystery, psychological suspense, and small-town drama from award-winning Michigan author Gail Galotta. These tales unfold amid tranquil lakes, shadowed campgrounds, and isolated back roads where the past never truly dies. Restless spirits seek justice, buried crimes surface, and unseen forces test the boundaries between love, guilt, and revenge.

Perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric supernatural fiction, clean horror, mystery anthologies, and chilling stories without gore, this collection delivers tension, emotion, and unforgettable twists.

Because in places this quiet, secrets don’t stay hidden.

They wait.

And sometimes… they call your name.

Includes these ten short stories:

Voices Carry Here
A Manual for Purgatory
The Missing Boy
Vintage Spin
Any Combination Wins
Strike Three
Where Hope Lies
The Marriage Clause
Double Vision
The Pestilence House

Amazon: Amazon.com: Voices Carry Here: Supernatural Stories of Ghosts, Mystery, and Suspense eBook : Galotta, Gail: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Voices Carry Here by Gail Galotta - BookBub

Goodreads: Voices Carry Here by Gail Galotta | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars -

An interesting collection of stories.
Voices Carry Here - 4 1/2 stars - loved the twist at the end.
A Manual for Purgatory - 5 stars - enjoyed the humorous revenge.
The Missing Boy - 4 1/2 stars - found this to be tragic and touching.
Vintage Spin - 4 stars - a more psychic touch to this one with all the old items, movies, etc.
Any Combination Wins - 4 stars - taking chances at a carnival game leads to unexpected results.
Strike Three - 5 stars - sort of knew what was happening but enjoyed this creepy doll story.
Where Hope Lies - 4 stars - question of how life goes on and who we miss or don't miss.
The Marriage Clause - 5 stars - ghostly wife returns to her husband with a fun twist at the end.
Double Vision - 4 1/2 stars - aged men seeing more friends pass on with a psychic twist.
The Pestilence House - 5 stars - this was another one I found touching with the ghostly visits and honoring them.

Well worth the read.

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



Saturday, May 16, 2026

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.




Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Ebook Review: In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan

Blurb

Every street holds a secret.

New to the neighborhood and reeling from the traumatic birth of her second child, Marlowe Moore is barely holding it together. Battling postpartum depression and anxiety, she's desperate for stability.

But when she learns that a woman who once lived in her family's new home vanished without a trace, Marlowe becomes obsessed. As strange things happen and neighborly smiles feel like veiled threats, Marlowe can't shake the feeling that someone is hiding something.

She spirals further into paranoia, fixated on the abandoned case and determined to seek justice. But how can a woman who feels lost find a missing person?

Juggling the demands of her beloved family and her harrowing mental illness, Marlowe doesn't realize she is caught in a cat-and-mouse game that could cost her everything . . . including her life.

Amazon: Amazon.com: In Her Own Backyard eBook : Hanna-Morgan, Ashley: Kindle Store

B&N: In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: In Her Own Backyard eBook by Ashley Hanna-Morgan - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Goodreads: In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Quite an interesting story. Marlowe suffered from postpartum depression with her newborn. This is largely her journey through this condition, but to help, she became engrossed in the disappearance of the previous owner's rental tenant. While dealing with her varied emotions, she began snooping and brought danger to her door. With all the clues that she and her mama's group, along with old friends of the missing Aria, the murderer was exposed and captured. I had an inkling as to who it was earlier on but enjoyed the story as it unraveled.

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



Sunday, January 11, 2026

Book Tour: The Lonely Prisoner (The Michael Fletcher Series #1) by Michael J. Kundu with my review




The Lonely Prisoner

The Michael Fletcher Series, Book 1

by Michael J. Kundu

An Award-Winning Psychological Thriller


Mystery / Thriller

Date Published: February 26, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

 


At just 25 years old, Michael Fletcher is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to 26 years in prison. Despite his desperate pleas of innocence, the system turns a blind eye, leaving him trapped behind bars. But Michael refuses to surrender to fate. Within the sterile confines of his cell, he educates himself, mentors others, and clings to the hope that justice will one day prevail.


Upon his long-awaited release, Michael embarks on a daunting mission to uncover the truth behind his wrongful conviction. Yet, freedom is not what he expected. The world has changed, and shocking revelations force him into a battle against corruption, deception, and the scars of his past. Can he reclaim the life that was stolen from him?


Award Winner in the Psychological Genre of the International Firebird Book Awards


Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly.

          • High-stakes legal drama
          • Powerful themes of injustice, resilience, and redemption
          • A thought-provoking journey through the flaws of the justice system

Keep reading The Michael Fletcher Series with Accused Again – Freedom Was Just the Beginning

 


My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was interesting. I enjoyed the journey from falsely convicted to the truth. How everything slowly fit together, some of which I saw coming, but I was not ready for the final truth. The ending was definitely a surprise for me. A little dragged out at the beginning but plenty of activity and thinking from there. Overall, a good story.
About the Author

 

 Michael J. Kundu was born in London, Great Britain, in 1969 to an Indian father and a German mother. He has lived in various places in Europe. His love for reading has prompted him to write this book giving this crime novel more than an edge of mystery and suspense, but also a contemporary perspective on life.

He has a great passion for learning languages and travelling across the globe. He enjoys spending time with his family and lives in Luxembourg with his Italian wife and two teenage children.

My multinational background, coupled with my marriage to someone of a different nationality, has endowed me with a wealth of diverse experiences. Having traversed the globe, speaking multiple languages and immersing myself in various cultures, the profound value of each individual has become a cornerstone of my worldview. These multicultural encounters have not only fostered a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of every person but have also instilled in me a commitment to promoting mutual respect, free from the shackles of prejudice related to color or religion. In composing my book, these experiences have permeated not only this narrative …but also the forthcoming sequel.


Contact Links

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

LinkedIn


Purchase Link

Amazon


RABT Book Tours & PR

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Blitz: Accused Again (The Michael Fletcher Series #2) by Michael J. Kundu




Accused Again

The Michael Fletcher Series, Book 2

by Michael J. Kundu

Mystery / Thriller

Date Published: December 11, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media



The Michael Fletcher Series: A Riveting Legal Thriller Saga

Book 2: Accused Again - Freedom Was Just the Beginning

Michael Fletcher thought his nightmare was over. After spending decades behind bars for a crime he didn't commit, he was finally free. But just as he begins to rebuild his life, the unthinkable happens-he's accused of murder again.

With the justice system poised to condemn him once more, Michael finds himself at the center of a gripping courtroom battle. As he fights to clear his name, an unexpected ally from his past emerges, offering to help him untangle a sinister web of lies and corruption. This time, the stakes are higher than ever-will Michael prove his innocence, or will he be lost to the system once again?

From award-winning author Michael J. Kundu, The Michael Fletcher Series is a gripping psychological and legal thriller saga exploring the unyielding quest for truth, justice, and redemption.

Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly.

      • High-stakes legal drama
      • Powerful themes of injustice, resilience, and redemption
      • A thought-provoking journey through the flaws of the justice system

Start the series today and join Michael Fletcher in his fight for truth!

 

About the Author


Michael J. Kundu was born in London, Great Britain, in 1969 to an Indian father and a German mother. He has lived in various places in Europe. His love for reading has prompted him to write this book giving this crime novel more than an edge of mystery and suspense, but also a contemporary perspective on life.

He has a great passion for learning languages and travelling across the globe. He enjoys spending time with his family and lives in Luxembourg with his Italian wife and two teenage children.

My multinational background, coupled with my marriage to someone of a different nationality, has endowed me with a wealth of diverse experiences. Having traversed the globe, speaking multiple languages and immersing myself in various cultures, the profound value of each individual has become a cornerstone of my worldview. These multicultural encounters have not only fostered a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of every person but have also instilled in me a commitment to promoting mutual respect, free from the shackles of prejudice related to color or religion. In composing my book, these experiences have permeated not only this narrative …but also the forthcoming sequel.


Contact Links

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

LinkedIn


Purchase Link

Amazon


RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Blitz: The Lonely Prisoner (The Michael Fletcher Series #1) by Michael J. Kundu




The Lonely Prisoner

The Michael Fletcher Series, Book 1

by Michael J. Kundu

An Award-Winning Psychological Thriller


Mystery / Thriller

Date Published: February 26, 2024

Publisher: MindStir Media

 


At just 25 years old, Michael Fletcher is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to 26 years in prison. Despite his desperate pleas of innocence, the system turns a blind eye, leaving him trapped behind bars. But Michael refuses to surrender to fate. Within the sterile confines of his cell, he educates himself, mentors others, and clings to the hope that justice will one day prevail.


Upon his long-awaited release, Michael embarks on a daunting mission to uncover the truth behind his wrongful conviction. Yet, freedom is not what he expected. The world has changed, and shocking revelations force him into a battle against corruption, deception, and the scars of his past. Can he reclaim the life that was stolen from him?


Award Winner in the Psychological Genre of the International Firebird Book Awards


Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly.

          • High-stakes legal drama
          • Powerful themes of injustice, resilience, and redemption
          • A thought-provoking journey through the flaws of the justice system

Keep reading The Michael Fletcher Series with Accused Again – Freedom Was Just the Beginning

 

About the Author

 

 Michael J. Kundu was born in London, Great Britain, in 1969 to an Indian father and a German mother. He has lived in various places in Europe. His love for reading has prompted him to write this book giving this crime novel more than an edge of mystery and suspense, but also a contemporary perspective on life.

He has a great passion for learning languages and travelling across the globe. He enjoys spending time with his family and lives in Luxembourg with his Italian wife and two teenage children.

My multinational background, coupled with my marriage to someone of a different nationality, has endowed me with a wealth of diverse experiences. Having traversed the globe, speaking multiple languages and immersing myself in various cultures, the profound value of each individual has become a cornerstone of my worldview. These multicultural encounters have not only fostered a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of every person but have also instilled in me a commitment to promoting mutual respect, free from the shackles of prejudice related to color or religion. In composing my book, these experiences have permeated not only this narrative …but also the forthcoming sequel.


Contact Links

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

LinkedIn


Purchase Link

Amazon


RABT Book Tours & PR

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Blitz: The Black Rose by Frances Paul with an excerpt and a giveaway

The Black Rose

by Frances Paul

Publication date: October 14th 2025

Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller





Blurb:

“Intense, a little bruising, and it doesn’t let you walk away untouched.”

— ★★★★★ Reader Review

Some weapons are born. Others are made.
She is the perfect operative.
A discarded orphan, remade by the very hands that broke her.
Trained to seduce. Conditioned to kill. Reborn as Elara Everhart.

They gave her new names. New faces. New identities, whichever the mission required.
Now, they call her Raina.
And they’ve sent her into the lion’s den.

Her target: Axel Voss. Billionaire. Powerbroker. Threat.
He’s everything she was trained to dismantle.
But he sees too much. Speaks too little.
And when he touches her, he wakes something she was never meant to feel.

She is the weapon they created.
But he’s the variable they never planned for.

What begins as a mission spirals into obsession.
And survival will cost more than her cover.
Because the most dangerous thing isn’t failing the mission,
It’s forgetting who the real enemy is.

If you love psychological thrillers with espionage, romantic suspense, and heart‑stopping twistsThe Black Rose will keep you breathless until the very last page.

“To master the art of the strike, first let the target marinate in your charm and wit, until they are ripe for the taking.” – Elara Everhart

Purchase:




Excerpt

I stepped out of the cab and into the gallery, the air instantly changing around me. Heads turned. Eyes followed. The black Dolce & Gabbana dress I wore fit like it had been sewn onto my skin, elegant without trying, powerful without needing to speak. My hair, sleek and black, fell in glossy waves down my back, every strand precisely where it belonged. I walked with purpose, each step measured, as I took in the room. 

It didn’t take long to find him. 

Axel Voss stood in a more secluded wing of the gallery where the crowd had thinned. I spotted him across the space. His back was to me, dressed in a tailored dark gray suit that fit too perfectly to be anything but custom. His frame was lean and strong, his posture relaxed, hands tucked in his pockets as he studied a painting. He wasn’t just looking. He was dissecting it. 

My attention moved to the guards. Two of them. Strategically placed in opposite corners of the room, trying not to look like security. They blended in well enough with the other patrons, but their eyes told the truth. Constantly scanning. 

I inhaled and adjusted the strap of my dress. I ran my hands over my curves, making sure everything looked in place. My cue had come. 

Each step felt burdened, as if what I was about to do had sunk deep into my limbs. 

The rhythm of my heels against the marble echoed faintly. I moved closer, slipping into his orbit. I was near enough now for him to catch the light scent of my perfume, floral, soft, meant to linger without announcing itself. 

I stopped beside him, eyes landing on the painting he was analyzing. It was abstract, wild with motion. Crimson slashed across the canvas, tangled with violent blues and fractured gold. The brushwork oscillated between jagged bursts and smooth sweeps, an unsettling mix of control and chaos. 

I spoke, keeping my voice soft and level. Close enough to feel intimate, just loud enough to be heard.

“The intensity of the strokes is remarkable,” I said. “The way the colors collide feels almost violent, yet there’s a strange harmony in the chaos.” 

He didn’t respond. Not verbally. But I felt it. His attention was on me now as much as the art. 

I let the silence stretch a second longer, then continued, my tone calm, analytical. “It’s as if the artist was fighting an inner battle. Conflict and catharsis, all bleeding onto the canvas. The jagged strokes speak of anger or defiance, but the way the hues blend reveals a deep vulnerability… like they couldn’t commit to full destruction.” 

I leaned in just slightly, examining the layers of the painting, voice dropping. 

“It’s the tension that makes it work. The pull between restraint and abandon. It feels... raw.” 

The silence settled again, delicate but dense. 

Then I allowed a smirk to touch my lips.

 “Or maybe they just threw paint at the canvas after a bad day and decided to call it art.” 

That broke it. He turned toward me, finally. 

His eyes met mine. 

Heat flashed between us. The force of his gaze hit harder than I expected. 

My breath caught, not out of fear but from the pressure of it. He was already trying to read me. 

I knew that look. He was hunting for the truth inside my performance. 

I didn’t flinch. 

Even when my pulse started to climb beneath my skin, I held my ground. 

For a moment, neither of us said anything. The gallery around us faded. It was just him. Just me. 

Then I stepped back, breaking the moment on my terms. 

I turned without hesitation and walked away, slipping into the flow of bodies beyond the archway. My retreat was smooth. 

Behind me, I felt his gaze linger, and so did the eyes of his guards. 

I didn’t need to look back to know he was still watching the space I had just walked away from. 

Back in the main gallery, I finally exhaled. The encounter had gone as planned. I had said what I needed to. Played the part. 

But the crackle between us wasn’t part of the plan. 

And I felt it. Still pulsing through me. 

This was only the beginning. One step into a game layered with risk, manipulation, and consequences I wasn’t sure I fully understood. 

But I had just stepped onto the board. 

And Axel Voss had noticed.

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends October 23

Prize: $25 Amazon gift card





AUTHOR BIO:
Frances Paul is an author of emotionally charged, high-stakes fiction that captivates readers with its mix of psychological suspense, romance, and intricate plotting. Her work explores the fine line between love and survival, delving into themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the secrets we keep.

She is the author of Sea of Scars, a moving story of loss and redemption, and The Black Rose, a gripping psychological thriller that draws readers into a world where trust is dangerous and every choice carries lasting consequences.

With a distinctive voice and a cinematic style, Frances creates unforgettable characters and layered narratives that linger long after the final page. Her passion for storytelling comes from a lifelong fascination with the human heart and its capacity to endure even in the darkest of circumstances.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Blitz: Campus of Shadows by Jo Loveday




Campus of Shadows

A Psychic Battle for the Soul

by Jo Loveday 

Psychological Horror Thriller

Date Published: September 23, 2025

 


College is rough, but being possessed by a vengeful spirit who wants you to murder your old boss? That’s next-level.

Freshman year was supposed to be a fresh start. But between his party-animal roommate, mounting anxiety, and a creepy black vulture that keeps showing up at the worst possible times, he’s barely keeping it together.

Then the nightmares begin. The voices. The blackouts. And soon, he’s not sure if the darkness closing in is stress… or something else entirely. Something old. Something angry. Something that wants revenge and has chosen him to deliver it.

With his mind slipping, his only hope is a friend who refuses to give up on him… even when the person she’s fighting to save might already be gone.

 

About the Author 


Jo Loveday is the award-winning author of gripping psychological thrillers and chilling horror novels that will keep you up way past your bedtime with just enough romance to make your heart race for more than one reason. Her stories delve into the shadowy edges of the human psyche, exploring morality, madness, and the eerie unknown that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.

With a background as a registered nurse, Jo brings both compassion and clinical insight to her work, offering an authentic and unsettling look into the human condition. Whether it's a slow descent into madness, a supernatural presence worming its way in, or a moral dilemma that haunts the characters long after the story ends, Jo’s writing grips you by the soul and stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Born in the frosty tundra of Winnipeg, Canada, Jo eventually escaped the cold when a job offer in Florida lured her south. Now a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., she divides her time between Florida, Georgia, and frequent pilgrimages to Winnipeg. You can find her lurking online at JoLoveday.com.


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