Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Blitz: The Booker (Sam Quinton Mystery Series #6) by Kevin R. Doyle with an excerpt and a giveaway

THE BOOKER

by Kevin R. Doyle

GENRE:  Mystery

BLURB:

Sam Quinton hadn't thought much about the entertainment business for several years. His days as a minor celebrity were part of his past, which was fine with him. But when a Hollywood producer walks through the doors of his gym and offers to create a TV show around his life, Sam doesn't say no right away.

Then the producer's partner ends up dead in her hotel room, and Sam has to put on his private detective hat to straighten things out. It doesn't take long to realize the TV offer may not have been exactly what it was cracked up to be. Suddenly, a whole lot of seemingly bad folks are gunning for Sam. Forget his budding Hollywood career. He has to do everything possible to keep himself and his client alive.



EXCERPT:

I’d only made it three steps inside before they both looked over at the same time. Nichols waved me over.

I’d barely known Wendy Truell, but the faintness of our acquaintance didn’t matter. It’s still a shock to see someone seemingly in the prime of life with a bullet hole in their face. 

She had on a silk crimson robe with black piping and, as far as could be told, nothing else. She was slumped so her head rested on the pillow at the end of the couch. Except for the blood and gore around her, she could have stretched out to take a nap. 

Far as I could tell, it was a single shot. The front of her face wasn’t too messed up, except for the entry wound, with most of the damage apparent from where the slug or slugs exited the back of her head. 

A highball glass containing some sort of mixed drink sat on the coffee table next to an open laptop with a blank screen. 

The originally green couch pillow was drenched in red.

“Jesus,” I said.

“Nichols tells me you knew the woman,” Santiago said by way of greeting. 

“More like met. I probably spent a grand total of forty-five minutes with her, if that.”

Santiago jerked his head, and the three of us walked back out into the hallway and down a ways to talk in private.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A retired high-school teacher and former college instructor, Kevin R. Doyle is the author of five novels in the Sam Quinton mystery series, all published by Camel Press. He’s also written four crime thrillers, including And the Devil Walks Away and The Anchor, and one horror novel, The Litter, along with numerous short horror stories published in small magazines over the years. The first Quinton book, Squatter’s Rights, was nominated for the 2021 Shamus award for Best First PI Novel. A lifelong Midwesterner, Doyle currently resides in Missouri and has loosely based the city of Providence in the Quinton books on Columbia. 


Website: http://kevindoylefiction.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kevindoylefiction


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Booker-Sam-Quinton-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0FDCZ1NJC/ref=sr_1_1

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

GIVEAWAY 

Kevin R. Doyle will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5199/


Check out these other blogs on this tour:

July 28: Books1987
July 29: 
Iron Canuck Reviews & More

July 29 Karen J. Mossman - World of Stories
July 30: 
Beyond Romance
July 31: 
Sarcastically Yours, Jen

July 31; A Wonderful World of Words
August 1: 
Sandra's Book Club
August 4: 
Locks, Hooks and Books
August 5: 
The Faerie Review

August 5; Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
August 6: 
Country Mamas With Kids
August 7: 
nanasbookreviews

August 7; Always Reading
August 8: 
Guatemala Paula Loves to Read

Monday, July 28, 2025

Release: Whip (A MorningStar MC: NOLA Chapter #6) by D. Williams

Whip


Series: A MorningStar MC Novel, NOLA Chapter Book 6


by D. Williams


Release: July 28, 2025


Genre: MC Romance; Romantic Suspense


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233717081-whip





Blurb:

Four years ago, I found the missing piece of my soul.


I returned to Roanoke, VA, with a hole in my chest that only my missing sister could fill. She was the reason I joined the club, and after years of looking, my brothers delivered on their promise to help me rescue her.


What I found when I arrived there was so much more.


Leaving and going home to help my sister regain a life stolen from her was the only mission I had left, and now that it was complete, I realized I had forgotten about my own life in the process.


Convincing myself that I didn’t deserve my own happiness is a penance I will happily deal with in silence as long as the people I love are safe.


But when my past comes knocking, looking for help, I realize just how much I left behind all those years ago.





Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

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

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F88VN6J6

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0F88VN6J6

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F88VN6J6

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0F88VN6J6


In the Series (Kindle Unlimited):

Seer - available now

Nova - available now

Mayhem - available now

Skull - available now

Jester - available now

Whip - coming soon 

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





Author Bio:

I'm a retired 43-year-old Puerto Rican wife and mother of 3 plus 1 bonus daughter. Originally from NYC, now living a quiet life in the south suburbs of Chicago. I enjoy reading and writing romance and erotic fiction. I'm addicted to coffee, sci-fi, and all things Marvel and Harry Potter.


I was a teen mom with a whole world of statistics against me. Every time I was told I couldn't do something, I did it, took pictures, and smiled with my son on my hip for everyone who ever doubted me.


Now, after finding the love of my life in my thirties, we married in the great 2020 pandemic, which shall not be named. We have a house full of teenagers who don't need mommy anymore, and the hubs is a traveling ER nurse, SO I have found myself with a lot of downtime.


After years of having this story taking space in my head, I decided to share it with the world. Gotta say, this writing gig is HARD. But with some time and grace, I'll get it right.


Social Media Links:

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/a8u2z0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.WilliamsAuthor.2021

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.williamsauthor2021/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21620774.D_Williams

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-Williams/e/B09B5N13LT

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDWilliams


 

Blitz: The Grateful Green Dinosaur by Larissa Pemberton with an excerpt, a giveaway, and my review


The Grateful Green Dinosaur

by Larissa Pemberton

GENRE:  Childrens

BLURB:

Percy the green dinosaur explores practicing gratitude with the help of his friend Custard the unicorn, to turn his bad day around by turning his negative thoughts into positive ones.

As a society, we often tend to focus on the negative. Teaching children to practice gratitude and shift their mindset toward the positive can lay the foundation for a happier, more fulfilling life.



EXCERPT:

“Yes, our minds are so much more powerful than you could ever imagine! How about we try and shift your mindset from focusing on the negative things to being grateful for the good things?” suggests Custard.

“We can try that. I don’t like feeling sad,” says Percy.

“What are some things that you love and are grateful for?” asks Custard. “Think of as many things as you can!” they encourage. “When I’m feeling sad, I try and think of all the things that I’m grateful for and what makes me happy, and soon I don’t feel sad anymore! I’m grateful for my pet dog Buddy and that it is summertime. I love summer!”

“Oh, I’m grateful for my mummy and daddy. I’m grateful for the cosy cave that we live in. I’m grateful for my toys, I’m grateful that I’m healthy, and I’m grateful for you!” exclaims Percy excitedly.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Larissa is a devoted mother to three young boys. Her path of self-discovery, shaped by the challenges and joys of motherhood—led her to discovering and embracing the life changing practice of gratitude. By incorporating it into her daily routine, she experienced a profound shift in her mental health and overall happiness. Now, Larissa is passionate in sharing this practice with her sons and other children, believing that learning gratitude at a young age can set the foundation for a life guided by joy and emotional resilience.


Website: https://thegratefulgreendinosaur.com/ 

Instagram: @thegratefulgreendinosaur

Amazon listing: https://amazon.com/dp/0228829798

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

GIVEAWAY

Larissa Pemberton will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5201/





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a sweet way to teach about positivity and gratitude. Percy started off with one bad thing happening which led to another and another. His friend Custard taught him a way to move beyond the negative. Adults should take note as well as teach their children how to think positively. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful. Well worth reading to your children.


Check out these other blogs on this tour: 

July 28:

1: 
Bookd1987
2: 
Sandra's Book Club review
3: 
Iron Canuck Reviews & More review
4: 
A Wonderful World of Words review
5: 
Welcome to My World of Dreams
6: 
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
7: 
What Is That Book About


July 29:

1: 
Because I said so review
2: 
Ellwyn's Blog review
3: 
Long and Short Reviews
4: 
Our Town Book Reviews
5: 
Sybrina's Book Blog
6: 
Tina Donahue Books - Heat with Heart
7: 
Author C.A.Milson


July 30:

1: 
Gina Rae Mitchell review
2: 
nanasbookreviews
3: 
FUONLYKNEW
4: 
Always Reading
5: 
It's Raining Books
6: 
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
7: 
Sapphyria's Books


July 31:

1: 
Boys' Mom Reads!
2: 
Straight from the Library
3: 
Fabulous and Brunette
4: 
Of Books and Bookish Things
5: 
The Avid Reader
6: 
Sarandipity's

7: Deal Sharing Aunt
:

August 1:

1: 
Country Mamas With Kids review
2: 
The Faerie Review
3: 
Locks, Hooks and Books
4: 
Books in the Hall
5: 
Books all things paranormal and romance
6: 
Girl with Pen

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Book Review: Safe in the Sun (My Amazing Skin) by Adam Schmitt, MD, MS, narrated by Michelle Simpson

 

Blurb: 

Four friends are heading outside for a full day of fun! While Alex and Charlie make sure to put on sunscreen and protective clothing, Sam and Nate decide they don’t need to worry about it because it’s a cloudy day. But the next morning, Sam and Nate wake up to red, painful sunburns. “How did this happen? The sun wasn’t even out!” Alex and Charlie help the boys understand how ultraviolet light can cause sunburns, and how to be smart about sun protection so they can continue to spend lots of time outside as healthy and active kids. Written by Adam Schmitt, MD, MS, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in the Twin Cities and the father of two young children, Safe in the Sun teaches children everything they need to know about how to have fun while staying safe in the sun.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Safe in the Sun (My Amazing Skin): 9798988727743: Adam Schmitt, MD, MS, Michelle Simpson: Books

B&N: Safe in the Sun by Adam Schmitt MD, MS, Michelle Simpson | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Safe in the Sun eBook by Adam Schmitt, MD, MS - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Safe in the Sun by Adam Schmitt - Books on Google Play

Goodreads: Safe in the Sun by Adam Schmitt | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A very educational story, for both children and adults. Four children learned what would happen if they got sunburned. Two did protect themselves while the other two did not. I appreciated the story as well as the accompanying facts and suggestions. Again, this story should be read by adults as well as children. The illustrations were a wonderful addition and very well done.

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





Saturday, July 26, 2025

Audiobook Review: Midnight Between Us (The Timberbridge Brothers #4) by Claudia Burgoa

 

Blurb: 

USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa brings you a hauntingly-tender, slow-burn romance full of broken promises, buried secrets, and a love that always endures.

I thought I buried him with the rest of my past. The secrets. The ache. The night everything fell apart.

But now Keir Timberbridge—the traitor, the boy I once loved more than life—is back. Barely alive. In my care. With no memory of who I am or what he did to me.

I should walk away. Hell, I 
tried. But I’m the only one who can keep him hidden, keep him alive.
This town still thinks I’m the girl who let him go. No one knows the truth—about the letters or what it cost me to survive.

Now we’re playing house in the ruins of what we once were: me, a doctor with too many scars, and him, the man who vanished without a goodbye. We sleep in separate rooms. Share meals like strangers. And every time I look at him, I remember the boy who made promises at midnight... and the man who shattered them by morning.

Because loving Keir Timberbridge was always going to destroy me.

And I might let it again.

Amazon: Midnight Between Us (The Timberbridge Brothers Book 4) - Kindle edition by Burgoa, Claudia. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Midnight Between Us by Claudia Burgoa | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Midnight Between Us eBook by Claudia Burgoa - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Midnight Between Us by Claudia Burgoa - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Midnight Between Us (The Timberbridge Brothers Book 4) by Claudia Burgoa - BookBub

Goodreads: Midnight Between Us by Claudia Y. Burgoa | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

Another wonderful story in the Timberbridge series. I have been waiting for Keir's story, and I was not disappointed. Their past could not remain hidden as their worlds collided. With danger following the Timberbridge family, Keir almost lost his life. With reluctant help from Simone, he recovers in more than one way. He earned my respect for all his hard work. Simone had made some tough decisions in the past and in the present. I loved her strength in living with her choices.
Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom did a wonderful job giving these characters emotions and life that kept me listening. Such a wonderful duet.

This is my unsolicited review.



Audiobook Review: Strangers in Love (Somehow Everlasting Duet Book 2) by Claudia Burgoa

 

Blurb: 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Claudia Burgoa finishes an emotional rockstar romance duet where second chances between soulmates could make the difference between love and loss.


Karma is a… she’s not nice.

It’s been ten long years since Jacob and I parted ways.

I moved on… well, at least I thought I did.

That was until I’m asked to clean the image of Jacob Decker.

Rockstar, playboy, womanizer JC Decker.

He’s spoiled, rude, and inappropriate.

I shouldn’t take the job, but I need the money.

I swallow my pride and work for him.

Closely.

Too close.

That’s when I uncover the wounds he hides.

The scars underneath his dismissive attitude.

And his shattered heart.

Can I just walk away when I’m about to find the man I once loved?

Strangers In Love is the conclusion of the highly angsty Somehow Everlasting novel.

Amazon: Strangers in Love: A Decker Family Novel (Somehow Everlasting Book 2) - Kindle edition by Burgoa, Claudia. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Strangers in Love: A Decker Family Novel by Claudia Burgoa | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Strangers in Love eBook by Claudia Burgoa - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Strangers in Love: A Decker Family Novel by Claudia Burgoa - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Strangers in Love: A Decker Family Novel (Somehow Everlasting Book 2) by Claudia Burgoa - BookBub

Goodreads: Strangers in Love (Somehow Everlasting Duet, #2) by Claudia Y. Burgoa | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story touched me before, and I was very satisfied with this ending. Almost Strangers began Pria and Jacob's story. This one concluded their tale. Fate brought them back together with the help of Jacob's family. Taking the job allowed Pria to care better for her family as they needed the finances. My heart remained entangled with the ups and downs as these two faced their pasts and looked toward a future together.
The narration of Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Robert Hatchet added a lot to this story. They did a wonderful job bringing out the emotions in these characters. Loved them.

I received a copy of this audiobook, and this is my unsolicited review.



Audiobook Review: Almost Strangers (Somehow Everlasting Duet #1) by Claudia Burgoa

 

Blurb: 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Claudia Burgoa pens an emotional, heartbreaking romance duet where soulmates can’t be together and everything around them tears them apart.


I found it (him) at the bookstore.

Love.

He was six foot four, lanky, blue-eyed.

Jacob Decker was goofy, handsome, and cheesy.

There’s no better way to describe him.

But what can I expect of an eighteen-year-old boy who’s lived under a rock all his life?

I’ll let you into a little secret.

I had no idea what to expect.

We were each other’s first everything.

But the fantasy lasted only a semester.

Soon I had to move away.

A few years later, he was a rockstar, and I was…

Grasping for a lifeline.

The problem with first loves is that they never leave you.

But they never come back, do they?

Almost Strangers is the first novel in the Somehow Everlasting duet, a Decker Family Novel. This book ends on a cliffhanger that'll change everything...

The Somehow Everlasting Duet is based on Jacob Decker and Pria Walker's story. Part of this duet was released as Uncharted.

Amazon: Almost Strangers: A Decker Family Novel (Somehow Everlasting Book 1) - Kindle edition by Burgoa, Claudia. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Almost Strangers by Claudia Burgoa | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Almost Strangers eBook by Claudia Burgoa - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Almost Strangers by Claudia Burgoa - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Almost Strangers: A Decker Family Novel (Somehow Everlasting Book 1) by Claudia Burgoa - BookBub

Goodreads: Almost Strangers (Somehow Everlasting Duet, #1) by Claudia Y. Burgoa | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was the first part of Pria and Jacob's story. They were young and in love. Pria had her family issues, and she lost some of her identity as she took care of everything. She was stronger than she thought and survived all that came her way. Jacob encountered his own difficulties as he wrote songs about what was in his heart, love, anger, and then nothing. He became self-destructive even with the support of his siblings. My heart hurt for both as their futures seemed to have gone apart from each other. I can't wait for book 2 so that I can see how they find their way back together.
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and Robert Hatchet did a great job with these characters, bringing them to life so my emotions matched theirs. I enjoyed listening to them.

This is my unsolicited review.



Blitz: Too Good to Be True by A.S. Kelly with an excerpt and a giveaway



Too Good to Be True

by A.S. Kelly

Release date: July 23rd, 2025

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance





Blurb:

Seth Graham needs help. His eccentric job and troubled past will not help him get custody of his nephews. With their grandmother now stepping in to claim them, Seth needs a solution.
Seth can’t bear another loss. He has already said goodbye to too many people; he can’t give up the only family he has left.

Rowan Kennedy doesn’t need anything, especially not another lost cause. His career is finally taking off, and the last thing he has time for is helping a young single father desperate to keep his kids. He has no interest in getting caught up in a custody battle, especially when he’s never even had a real family of his own. He doesn’t know what it’s like to have someone willing to fight for you with everything they have.

But Seth is desperate, and Rowan seems to be his only chance, and these children need a home, love and something Rowan never had: a father who would give anything to see them happy. Plus, Seth is bloody adorable, with his dimples and his blue eyes and the way he creates chaos even when he sleeps, and his sweetness and his desire to be the father the children deserve. And then there’s the way he practically begs Rowan not to walk away now that falling in love might actually be on the table…

Purchase:




Excerpt:

“I don’t know what… I’m not usually emotional.”
It’s bullshit. I’m usually so emotional. 
Why do I lie? Why do I care what he may think of me?
“Try taking deep breaths and drinking some more water.”
I do as he says while he takes off his glasses and lays them on the desk, revealing his beautiful green eyes to me. 
I had not noticed them before.
I have a weakness for green eyes.
And I have a soft spot for strong men, with strong arms and tough looks, the kind you hope will be tender inside and in private and only with you.
Am I fantasising about my lawyer? 
“First, starting tomorrow, please switch to decaffeinated.”
“What? Oh, the coffee. Sure. Decaf. Duly noted. Sorry. I was distracted for a moment.”
“Second, stop apologising. You won’t go anywhere with that attitude.”
“Oh… O-okay, I’ll try.”
“Will you try?”
“I will do my best.”
He sighs, his face tense.
“They will tear you apart in court.”
How does he think this revelation will help my agitation?
“Work on it. A lot.”
“I will work on it,” I assure him.
“And third…”
Oh God! Is there also a third point? I don’t think I can even do the first two!
“I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“Oh.”
I didn’t expect this, and I don’t react well to unexpected things.
“Please don’t cry again.”
“I’m sorry.”
The lawyer gives me a dirty look.
“Oh god! I’m so, so sorry!”
He shakes his head several times, but I could swear I see him lifting one corner of his mouth.“I’ll calm down, I swear.” I take another tissue and blow my nose again. “I can’t control my tongue and tears when I’m agitated. I will do my best to be careful. I solemnly promise.”
“I’m not comfortable with tears.”
“Oh, sure, I understand. I’m not comfortable with tears, either. Especially if they are my own.”
This time, he laughs. He can’t hide it!
Although it was not my intention to make him laugh, I must say that I don’t mind him in this role at all.
There. Another point against me.
Mr Kennedy can laugh, and he does it well. I don’t know if it’s possible to do it badly. I mean, that’s something positive in itself, isn’t it? Unless he laughs at me, then it becomes something else entirely.

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends July 31
  • $25 Amazon gift card




AUTHOR BIO:
A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

Author links:
Newsletter: authoraskelly.com 



Books I Plan to Read September 27 - October 3 and last week's results

  Shikamoo (Hello in Swahili) I hope everyone is doing fine. This weekend, we are being hit by a Nor'easter on and off. Some areas have ...