Brenda Whiteside's Blog

 MUSE MONDAY

Enjoy Ella's latest release now!

Rekindled FlameA Second Chance Firefighter Romance by Ella BraemeBook Links

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236532005-rekindled-flame
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance-burning-hearts-book-1-by-ella-braeme
Website: https://ellabraeme.com/2025/08/17/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance/

 

Book Details

Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV
Publication Date: September 3, 2025
37,000 words / 137 pages
Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback
Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York.

BlurbWhen old flames reignite, sparks fly.

Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves.Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca "Becks" Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she's his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse.As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren't meant to be extinguished—they're meant to be stoked.Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!

♥ firefighter romance ♥ second chance ♥ small town ♥ protective hero ♥ workplace romance ♥ she’s his boss ♥ contemporary ♥ first responder ♥

Read now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

Early Review Quotes

★★★★★ "This is a wonderful page turner." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "Shawn and Becks second chance story is not without some major events which keeps the reader entranced by the story." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "I loved this story with its second chance at love for these two." - Goodreads review

★★★★ "The characters Shawn and Rebecca are going to deliver a very entertaining book for you to enjoy reading." - Goodreads reviewExcerpts

Excerpt

“There’s something else you should know before you leave.”

Something in the chief’s tone made Shawn sink back into his chair. “Sir?”

“The new captain is a woman,” Washington said carefully, clearly bracing for resistance. “Rebecca Schwartz from the Charlotte Fire Department. Goes by Becks,according to her application. She’ll be arriving Thursday next week for an informal meet-and-greet at Mr. Jones & Husband, then coming by on Saturday to meet the volunteers during training before officially starting on Monday.”

Shawn nodded, unfazed by the gender revelation. “A female captain? That’s fine by—“But the words died in his throat as the full name registered. The folder slipped from his suddenly numb fingers, papers spilling across the floor. Rebecca Schwartz. The name echoed in his head like the aftershock of an explosion.“Rebecca Schwartz?” he repeated, his voice sounding distant to his own ears.

Washington’s eyebrows rose slightly at Shawn’s reaction. “You know her?”

Know her? Shawn almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. He’d known her as Becca back then—sweet-faced but determined Becca with her infectious laugh and fierce ambition. He’d known the curve of her smile and the scent of her skin. Known her dreams and fears. Known the sound of her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.Until he hadn’t.

“We trained together,” he said finally, the understatement of the decade. “At the North Carolina Fire Academy. When I knew her, she went by Becca, not Becks.”

Washington frowned, clearly surprised by this information. “I didn’t connect the dots when reviewing your files.” He leaned forward, suddenly concerned. “Is this going to be a problem?”

Shawn bent to gather the scattered papers, grateful for the chance to hide his expression. Memories he’d buried years ago resurfaced in vivid detail—Becca’s fierce determination during training exercises, her infectious laugh during rare moments of downtime, the devastating fury in her eyes the last time they’d spoken.

“I never want to see your face again, Miller. Keep six feet away from me for the rest of our lives.”

He straightened, clutching the reassembled folder, his knuckles white against the manila paper. “No, sir. No problem at all.”

To read on, get you copy now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

About the Author Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance where protective heroes and the women who capture their hearts find love in the mountains and marshlands ofGeorgia. Whether her characters are running toward danger or running from their past, they always find their way to happily-ever-after. When she's not dreaming up new ways for couples to fall headlong into danger (and love), she's in her garden, supervised by a dog who firmly believes digging holes helps the flowers grow. Her quick, satisfying reads deliver the perfect escape, whether you're sneaking in a chapter during lunch or staying up way too late to reach that happily-ever-after.Connect with Ella

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/ellawritesromance
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22846173.Ella_Braeme
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-braeme
Sign-up to her emails and get a free novella https://ellabraeme.com/newsletter-signup.htm
Author Website: https://ellabraeme.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Braeme/author/B0BKL79CSM

Also by Ella Braeme

Elken Grove Mountain Men series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL86ZSM/

Married in Windfall series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBS76NN4 ARC

WICKED WEDNESDAY

A special treat today on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday. Amber Daulton has brought along a guest who has stepped off the pages of her book to speak to us.

I’m Rubén Lozano, the hero fromAmber Daulton’s dark romance novel, Lost in His Spiderwebs. I don’t feelcomfortable calling myself “hero.” That doesn’t fit me. Not at all. I’m ananti-hero, a villain with a decent side. If you’re someone I like, I can be agood guy toward you. Nice, funny, generous. If we’re enemies, then watch yourback. That’s the only warning you’ll get.

Today, I’m going to talk about mycareer. I’m the leader of the Lozano Cartel, one of the oldest cartels inMexico. It’s dark, deadly, dangerous—just like me. Being the boss is messy, andonly the most wicked can survive it.

As a child, I was the forgottensecond son. Papáfocused all of his attention on my older brother, corrupting him and turninghim into a monster. Even though I was raised in luxury, it came at aprice—blood. Anyone who crossed the path of a Lozano had to pay. Everything Ihave, I earned with my fists. Or a knife, gun, machete—I’m not picky when itcomes to weapons. Unlike my best friend, Enrique. He loves his damn blades.Anyway, I’m the third generation of Lozanos to rule the cartel, so I have somebig shoes to fill. I took command last year after Papá died. My father and grandfather who ruled before mewould turn over in their graves if they knew about the changes I was making.

No more unnecessary killing.

No more targeting civilians.

Do business as peacefully aspossible.

Shed blood only when you run out ofother options.

These changes aren’t popular withsome of my underlings, but as the boss, they have no choice but to obey me. Atleast, that’s how it should be. One of my councilmen, Alroy Tenorio, and hisflunkies are causing problems. A civil war brewing. With Enrique and my coregroup of trusted friends and confidants at my side, I’m more than capable ofhandling betrayers, but I’m distracted. Before you ask, yes, I’m distractedbecause of a damn woman.

Drina Cabrera.

Dios mío. My God. Thatgorgeous, infuriating woman will be the death of me. I keep thinking about herwhen I should be worrying about Tenorio stabbing me in the back. She’s wicked,fearless, and all mine. When I’m with her, I feel like I can do anything,accomplish any goal, become the man I was destined to be. The thought of losingher guts me. She shouldn’t have so much power over me, but here I am, tellingyou this when I need to staple my mouth shut. I need a son to carry on mylegacy. But I want a queen, a woman to rule at my side, to advise me in toughsituations. That woman is Drina. She just needs to let her down guard andaccept my darker side into her life.

I’m nothing if not determined.Drina will be mine forever. The cartel will thrive under my leadership. Forthose who think to take either from me, think again. I’m not a man to triflewith.

Readers, if you want to know moreabout my business and my relationship with Drina, pick up a copy of Lost in HisSpiderwebs. It’s a dark, angsty ride, so be prepared.

 

Lost in His Spiderwebs 

Series: LozanoCartel (book 2)

ReleaseDate: October 14, 2025

Publisher:Daulton Publishing

CoverDesigner: Satin Rose Designs

Genre:Dark Romance

Length: 90k

Heat Rating: 5Flames 

Kidnapped by the enemy. Boughtby the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?

Rubén Lozano, the new leader ofthe Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. Henever expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of hisvicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her isanother matter.

After five months of captivity,Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubén’s masterfultouch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen fromis a constant wedge between them.

When Rubén’s darkest secretcomes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her kingface the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen? 

– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All thebooks can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.

– Scenesfeaturing forced seduction, drug distribution, torture/violence,kidnapping/captivity, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable forsome readers.

– No cheatingand HEA guaranteed!

–Written in 3rdPOV. 

The cartel king has finally found his queen. 

Excerpt 

“Smile,” Rubén told her.“It’s showtime.”

She nodded and lifted herchin, wincing a little in the flashing camera lights.

As threehand-picked paparazzi snapped pictures of him and Drina from all angles, Rubén counted to thirty before he steered Drinapast them to the music room.

“Wow,” Drina murmured asthey passed the piano for the ballroom.

A massive chandeliergleamed from the lofty ceiling, its decorative crystals reflecting the softwhite light and dancing spots across the ivory walls and the chattering,laughing guests. The live band played instrumental music at the far end of therectangular room, where Esme’s team had set up fancy tables and chairs for thespeech and dinner portion of the evening.

“Why do you keep this roomlocked up? It’s magnificent.”

He shrugged. “It’s a bitchto clean.”

His blunt answer steepledDrina’s eyebrows. “My, what consideration. I’m sure the housekeeping staffappreciates it,” she teased and pulled him onto the dance floor alongsideseveral other couples. “Let’s dance.”

As her arms slid around hisshoulders, he rested his hands on her waist. Her body heat and strawberry aroma enveloped him.Groaning, he gripped the thick fabric of her dress so hard that it bunched and theband of his rings bit into his skin. She rested her head against his chest, andher hair teased his nose. Theyswayed, lost in each other as though they were the only people around. A foolish notion, one he shouldn’t revel in. If hedid, he would ravage her on the floor.

“Youhave a good turnout,” she murmured while he twirled her about. She spun backinto his embrace. “Are any of these people your friends?”

“Hardly.”This was his world. Glamour, power, prestige. The public mask he wore to hidehis sinister nature. “You’re swimming in dangerous waters. The sooner yourealize I can buy and discard all these sharks and guppies with a flick of mywrist, the better off you’ll be.”

“I’mwell aware you’re king of the sharks.”

Hesnorted, holding her closer. “You’re a barracuda. Lithe grace and sharp teeth.”

“Ooh,I like that.” She nipped at his chin. “I’ll never be a guppy.”

Damnright. As the song ended, he guided her off the dance floor. Duty called.

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231721773-lost-in-his-spiderwebs

Check it outon BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-lozano-cartel-book-2-a-dark-captivity-second-chance-romance-by-amber-daulton 

PreOrder Now 

Universal:https://books2read.com/LostInHisSpiderwebs

Amazon:https://amzn.to/4joCJUV

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-amber-daulton/1147318586?ean=2940184374895

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lost-in-his-spiderwebs

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7lNYEQAAQBAJ

Apple/iBooks:https://apple.co/4jpLyht

Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1648364 

About the Author

 

Amber Daulton is theauthor of the Lozano Cartel, the Arresting Onyx, the Embracing You, and the Ramseysin Time series, as well as several standalone novellas. Her books areavailable in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives inNorth Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

Social Media Links

 

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Check out my website, Daulton Publishing: https://amberdaulton.com

Sign up for my Exclusive Newsletter(free ebook to new subscribers): https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'llshare my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read islimited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook atnight for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'lldiscover a new book or author.

 

Grounds for Hope: Smiling Dog Cafe(The Smiling Dog Cafe Book 3) by Neil S. Plakcy 

At a quiet Brooklyn café watchedover by painted dogs and warmed by just the right cup of coffee, two teenagersarrive—lost, hurting, and unsure where to turn next.

In this deeply compassionate third entry in the Smiling Dog Café series—fullyenjoyable as a standalone—author Neil S. Plakcy shares two powerful novellasabout grief, resilience, and the unexpected ways we find our way home.

In Grounds for Hope, Miguel is alone on the streetsafter his father is deported back to their violence-plagued homeland. Cold,hungry, and nearly out of hope, he’s led to the café by a mysterious pit bullnamed Baxter—and taken in by Betty, the wise café owner whose coffee andcompassion help restore his sense of safety and purpose.

In Finding Grace, Tanya is reeling after her mother’sdecision to walk away from their life to “find herself.” Angry and unmoored,Tanya is gently nudged toward the café by Kiyomi, a calm, three-leggedSamoyed—and slowly begins to rediscover her strength, her voice, and her pathforward.

This tender volume celebrates how healing begins—in community, throughritual and memory, and with the quiet guidance of a dog who always knowsexactly who needs help next.

Come in from the cold. The coffee’s brewing, and the dogs are waiting. 

My Review

I’m a dog lover, and I wasimmediately drawn to this book by the premise: dogs possess an innate sense tohelp and heal. The book relies on well-defined characters who are caring and haveissues that immerse the reader in the story. A boy who is illegal in thecountry and how he finds a path to find his way is ripe for our times. Mr. Plakcytells his story as if he’s lived it. Tanya might be a girl of privilege, but thepain of her mother’s action is deep. The café offers both of these young peoplehope.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Grounds-Hope-Smiling-Cafe-Book-ebook/dp/B0FGWRNK2Y 

 

 

The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry 

A family’s secret, a ruthlessfanatic, and a covert arm of the American government—all are linked by a singlepuzzling possibility:

What if everything we know about the discovery of America was a lie? Whatif that lie was designed to hide the secret of why Columbus sailed in 1492? Andwhat if that 500-year-old secret could violently reshape the modern politicalworld?
 
Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist Tom Sagan has writtenhard-hitting articles from hot spots around the world. But when one of hisstories from the Middle East is exposed as a fraud, his professional reputationcrashes and burns. Now he lives in virtual exile—haunted by bad decisions and ashocking truth he can never prove: that his downfall was a deliberate act ofsabotage by an unknown enemy. But before Sagan can end his torment with thesqueeze of a trigger, fate intervenes in the form of an enigmatic stranger.This stranger forces Sagan to act—and his actions attract the attention of theMagellan Billet, a top-secret corps of the United States Justice Departmentthat deals with America’s most sensitive investigations. Sagan suddenly findshimself caught in an international incident, the repercussions of which willshudder not only Washington, D.C., but also Jerusalem. Coaxed into a deadlycat-and-mouse game, unsure who’s friend and who’s foe, Sagan is forced toVienna, Prague, then finally into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica—where hissurvival hinges on his rewriting everything we know about Christopher Columbus. 

My Review

This story held my interest and keptme turning pages because of the “what if” factor. Plus, in the recent years offactoids and fabrications you can find on the Internet, so much has been speculatedabout Columbus. It was a fun read of fiction and fact.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OCYQJU/

The Review Tour has kicked off with two stellar reviews. Check out the reviews everyday and enter for a chance at a gift card. It's a win-win! This tour is thanks to Goddess Fish.

October 1: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 1: TheAvid Reader
October 8: Iron CanuckReviews & More
October 15: Sandra's Book Club
October 15: Country Mamas With Kids
October 22: travel the ages
October 22: nanasbookreviews

Lost puppies, endangered birds… The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl. 

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizonaautumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s firstmystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive buildingproject in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in anuproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caughtin the cross-fire.

 

When one ofNic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuthsare back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—themorally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealousbrother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where hasSkittles, the dog, gone? 

While theChocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leavingno mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters ondivergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As theyunsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killerfinds a way to silence them?

AMAZON BUY LINK

 MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Susan Howelll to Discover... for Muse Monday. It's a fun library story.

I have been borrowing library books for as long as I canremember. And while I do buy books occasionally - to support a new author or ifthe book has information I’ll want to reference later - most of my readingtoday comes to me in digital form from my library.

I used to wonder how authors felt about people borrowing rather than buyingtheir books. But considering the number of books purchased by libraries and thenumber of people who wouldn't read their books otherwise, I assume thatauthors, as a group, are pro-library.

I know that this author is. When peoplecheck out my books, I’m happy. For one thing, goodness, I get it. If you read alot you can go broke buying each book you find interesting. Plus, the morelibraries that carry my books, the more people will benefit from what they offer.And I won't pretend otherwise - I hope those who check out my books today willbecome fans who look forward to buying my next release.

The first time I saw my first book, Buried Talents,in our local library I was more than a little thrilled; the same, when Ihappened to run across my second, The Spirit of Vanderlaan.

Okay - In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't happento run across it - I entered the Taylor County Public Library ofCampbellsville, Kentucky like a woman on a mission. I zipped past all authorswith names beginning A-G like I’d found a rainbow leading to my pot of gold. Islowed just a bit at Kristin Hannah and Ernest Hemingway, but I stayed thecourse. At Bell Hooks I knew I was almost there. My hands danced along thespines of those books like I was practicing scales on the piano.

And then— then I saw it. Sitting there on that shelf like itbelonged.

My book.

I giggled and did a little happy dance. I’d never thoughtabout authors getting a kick out of this sort of thing. And who knows, at somepoint it might get old. But I doubt it.

So, if you've purchased my books, borrowed them from alibrary, or even stolen one from a friend - you have my sincerest gratitude.And if your library doesn’t already carry them, I would appreciate if you’drequest the physical and digital copies so others can discover them too.

And if you don’t have a library card, September is the monthto get one. Your future favorite author is waiting to be discovered. And whenthey find out they have a new fan, I bet they’ll do their own happy dance.

Blurb:

When Samantha and herstudents uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science toseances, to learn whathappened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Excerpt:

As she walked toher first class of the day, Samantha congratulated herself that for the firsttime this semester she would arriveat her own class on time. A glance at her watch revealed she even had fiveminutes to spare. With Douglas Hall in sight and her classroom on its mainfloor, she was sure to make it on time—“Samantha!”

Grrr! So close. Although showing up late for classfrustrated her, she was mostly annoyed by the person who was about to detainher. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll goaway.

“Samantha!” This time he was more insistent.

Samantha releaseda breath of resignation. She should have known better. He wasn’t the kind to beignored. Samantha turned to face him as she reached the door of the building. She hadn’t been at Vanderlaan longenough to flout someone who carried the weight around here that he did. “Whatcan I do for you, Len?”

Dr. Len Titusstood before her, dressed as always, in a suit with a starched white shirt andtie which he would loosen by afternoon. His graying hair with a precise part onthe side had become his hallmark, along with his hands-on-hips pose andgravelly voice. Levi’s imitation of each was spot on, althoughprofessional decorum requiredthat Samantha refrain from the encouragement her laughter would ensure. SinceLen Titus was of slight frame, someone unfamiliar with this man might assumepassivity or weakness. Not Samantha.

“I see we’re bothteaching in Douglas Hall this semester,” he said. “Hope I won’t be in yourway.” He peered over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Or you in mine.”

Samantha took abreath, gritted her teeth, and walked through the door. She would use the backentrance next time. 

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Vanderlaan-Samantha-Hayes-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHV65RM4?ref_=ast_author_dp

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spirit-of-vanderlaan-susan-howell/1146282868?ean=9781509258888

AuthorBio:

Dr. Susan HarrisHowell is a psychologist and retired university professor who taught andmentored students for over thirty years. Her novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan,draws on that careerto capture the warmth between a psychology professor and the assortment ofpersonalities which inhabit her office.

Her firstbook, Buried Talents, focuses on the subtle ways women are discouragedfrom entering male-dominated occupations. Through her writingand speaking, her passion is to free others from unnecessary restrictions sothey can step into their best life.

Susan and her husband have two grown children, adaughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc.

ContactInformation and Social Media Links:

            Email: susan.howell.writer@gmail.com

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

 

Joyce and I are excited to start the blog tour for Birds, Puppies, and Murder , the 4th book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books.  We have some great tour stops with fun interviews, articles, and reviews. Stop in on each one and be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. See you there! 

September 22 – Jody's Bookish Haven 

September 22 – Books1987 

September 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy 

September 23 – Salty Inspirations 

Books, Ramblings, and Tea 

September 25 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog   

September 25 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews 

September 26 – MJB Reviewers 

September 27 – Socrates Book Reviews 

September 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A GoodBook   

September 28 – FUONLYKNEW 

September 29 – Sarandipity's 

September 29 – Maureen's Musings 

September 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! 

October 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners 

October 2 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews 

October 3 – Infinite House of Books 

October 4 – StoreyBook Reviews 

October 4 – Bigreadersite 

October 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read 

AND in celebration of our new release, you can snag a $.99 deal on the first book in the series, Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder ! One week only so don't delary. This sale is good for Amazon US and Amazon UK.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G

FEARLESS FRIDAY

I have an absolutely delightful guest post today by Birdie Song. We're happy to have her for Fearless Friday on Discover... And even more special, her latest book released just two days ago. Congratulations, Birdie!

I’ve been lucky, in that most rash or life-changingthings I’ve done have come with a measure of safety and protection. I moved toPerth and started high school, but I had my whole family with me. I split upwith a serious partner and started my life over, but I was young and energeticand had relatively few responsibilities.

What might be more interesting would be to tell you about thetimes I did things without fear, only to later learn that I should have beenmore afraid. Like when I snuck into a crowded roped-off area at a festival thathad stopped letting people in (hello, fire hazard), or the time I patted afull-grown Berkshire pig and he bit my hand (could’ve done some real damage),or the time I walked through an alley in a foreign country only to come out theother side and see a guy behind me carrying a machete (yes, he was actuallylooking for me!).

Often when we think about being brave or fearless, we picturehectic stunts and thrilling once-in-a-lifetime moments, but there’s also a lotto be said for the everyday fearlessness we must summon just to get on withlife. One of my favourite examples of this “chronic fearlessness” is howvulnerable we need to let ourselves be in order to truly connect with people.

It’s hard being this vulnerable. When you’re the onespeaking, you reveal something about yourself without knowing how anotherperson might take it. Will they react violently, threateningly; will they useyour secrets against you later; or will they be careless with your heart,enabling someone else to hurt you? It taps into something primal within us,something that evolved in our social Homo sapien brains to help ussurvive. We’re wired to fear judgement and ostracisation.

When you’re the one listening, your sense of self is calledinto question. Are you a traitor to your loved ones if you hear somethingdisagreeable? Do you get to still identify as a certain type of person if yougive attention to the unfamiliar, unusual, or unexpected? Will you be exposedas ignorant or incompetent or irrelevant? The way we respond to people, tobooks, to life, can often reveal our deepest fears and secret shames.

To be a caring person, a thoughtful person, the kind ofperson who helps where help is needed, knows when to back off, and intuits andrespects boundaries is no easy thing. It takes a certain measure of courage,wisdom, and the willingness to trust. Some days my socially anxious side takesover, and I hide from the world because I just can’t be that person – it’s toohard, and I’m too luteal.

But the point, I think, is to try as best we can, whenever wecan, to face our everyday fears for the sake of something better. I might notwalk that alleyway again, but perhaps I’ll let my guard down next time a newfriend invites me round for tea.

The Guy from the BeachResort by Birdie Song

A guy who keeps his promise could be worth breakinghers.

Reformed party-girl Penny is going to fix her life. No,really, she’s gonna do it this time! Starting with a vow of abstinence, fivedays in a Bali beach resort, and literally running into a well-timed fakeboyfriend she definitely won’t fool around with.

Unfortunately for her, Adam is smart, funny, charming, andstarting to look like an all-round decent human being. All green flags and zerorisk, he’s the kind of guy who respects her and keeps his promises, leavingPenny desperate to break hers.

The Guy from the Beach Resort is a sweet, fake dating,slow-burn romance, set in the world of Somerville Downs.

AMAZON BUY LINK

Birdie Song was born in Southeast Asia and now writesfrom Perth, Western Australia on Whadjuk-Noongar country. She believes love ismore important than labels, integrity is a person’s most attractive quality,and that no one should be judged for putting pineapple on a pizza. When notwriting, she tends to a veggie garden and reads a variety of books, hoping toone day understand the meaning of life.

Website: https://birdiesongauthor.com
Newsletter: https://birdiesongauthor.com/newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20263281.Birdie_Song
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/birdie-song

MUSE MONDAY

 Tina Donahue has a brand new release!

AMAZON
Unearthly Desire
Book Five Outlawed RealmErotic Urban FantasyEnemies to Lovers - Non-Stop DangerTerrifying MonstersA Shocking Secret

They’re fighting for their lives, freedom, and love…in the realm of the dead.

Eeete, a pleasure slave, thought she’d found freedom in an underwater colony until a hated Palace guard abducted her for his carnal pleasure. Swept with him through a portal into E3, she faces danger from the deceased, grotesque monsters, and a dimension where few things are as they seem and nothing can be trusted…including her own desire.

Running from sure death, she comes upon Makam, another guard, sentenced to E3 for treason against their dimension’s depraved ruler. She’s determined to hate him—as she does all men who imprisoned her in the Palace—but survival depends on them fighting together.

Curious about Makam’s seeming honor and tempted by his untamed allure, she soon falls under his sensual spell, their nights filled with unrestrained passion, their days spent trying to stay alive…an increasingly impossible struggle.

When all appears lost, an unexpected chance allows hope for them to flee together toward a promising future.

Until a shocking secret threatens to tear them apart forever.

TEASERS

Excerpt:

Her breath spilled out.She trembled, her teeth chattering.

The pods halted thenturned to the sound.

With her hand pressedagainst her mouth, she warned herself not to panic or give up. She never had inthe Palace no matter what she’d faced. She’d survived.

If she expected to do sohere and return to Zekin and Paige, she’d have to figure this realm out on herown.

First, though, she neededto eat. Dizzy from hunger, her mouth cottony and needing water, she struggledto her knees in the narrow hiding place but didn’t leave.

The pods drifted into andout of her sight, their numbers reduced over time. Whether minutes or hours hadpassed she didn’t know.

Once alone and unable towait any longer, she crept from the crevice then searched the surroundings,hoping to find a drop of water, a plant, or whatever would make her throat andstomach stop hurting.

Red globes speckled agrayish mound. They reminded her of berries she’d eaten in the Palace.

Her mouth watered,wanting their succulent sweetness.

She plucked several freeand crammed them between her lips.

A grainy texture greetedher, the globes hard.

Rocks, not berries.

She spit them out andswiped tears off her cheeks. Crying wouldn’t help her find a portal to get outof here. Caution and a thorough search would.

After edging around therocks, she stopped at a tiny pool resembling water. How to tell for certainthough without tasting it.

Hunkered next to thepuddle, she sniffed. There wasn’t an odor, the same as water. Still…

Not yet convinced shecould drink it, she used a longish rock to stir the liquid, hoping insectswouldn’t rise to the surface.

They didn’t.

Hissing and spitting, theliquid ate away the end of the rock.

She dropped the stone andscooted back on her ass.

“Hungry?”

The thin voice resembledwhistling wind.

On her feet, she gaped atthe pods that followed her here.

The male, who led therest, released his arm and hand from the pod. “Hungry?”

Her stomach rumbled inanswer.

“Try this.” Blinkingslowly, like the rest, he peeled off his bottom lip.

She shuddered, bilerising to her throat.

The male smiled, the areawhere his lower lip had been leaving a gaping, bloodless hole. “It’s good. Thebest bread there is.”

“That’s your lip, notbread!”

Shocked at her outburst,she covered her mouth, wanting to run.

The swaying podsmesmerized her, keeping her in place.

“No, this is bread.” Heoffered the pale flesh to her. “Soft, warm, and sweet. Try it, please. No needto go hungry.”

Her stomach cramped worsethan earlier. She licked her parched lips.

“Eat this and I’ll giveyou more…however much you want.” He peeled off his top lip.

No, not his lip, a pieceof bread. She recognized it now. The same as the rich, chewy kind rulers andelites ate in the Palace.

Starving, she acceptedboth pieces and lifted them to her mouth.

“No!”

The tall guard fromearlier slapped the food from her hand. “Don’t ever touch that.”

The bread landed in adank puddle.

Eeete growled. “What haveyou done!?” Her throaty voice—unused to speaking that hadn’t been allowed inthe Palace—was clear and hard now. “Stay away. That’s mine.”

She scrambled after thefood.

He tugged her back.“Don’t you understand? The dead will lie to you.”

“But you won’t? Bastard.”A word Paige used for men she loathed. “You’re lying to take my food. Find yourown.”

Eeete rammed her shoulderagainst his chest.

He lost his balance andwindmilled his arms to right himself.

She dove for the bread.

He was on her in asecond, shouting, “Eating any of the dead will doom you to an eternity here. Aplace a thousand times worse than what you knew in the Pleasure Palace.”

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TRAILER

 

Lost puppies, endangered birds…  The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.

Only ten days until the release of the fourth book in The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books. Birds, Puppies, and Murder is our most complicated plot yet in the series. We're so excited to get it out worldwide September 23. The sisters are up to their usual antics and all while getting their new businesses off the ground. 

The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizonaautumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s firstmystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive buildingproject in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in anuproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caughtin the cross-fire. 

When one ofNic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuthsare back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—themorally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealousbrother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where hasSkittles, the dog, gone? 

While theChocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leavingno mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters ondivergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As theyunsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killerfinds a way to silence them?

If you preorder now, the eBook is only $2.99! 

Click Here: AMAZON

EXCERPT:

“We don’t even know ifthey’ve ruled it a homicide yet.”

“Do you hold sway withDetective Hakata like you do Rodney?” Lydia’s mischievous smile matched herteasing tone. “Friend to friend?”

Nic gazed on the colorfulpaintings of peacocks and Indian dancers on the far wall while seeming toconsider how much influence she had over either man. “Yes and no. Ken was awealth of information on our first venture into sleuthing. He became more tight-lippedon the following two cases. Because of Dawg.”

Her aunt blinked severaltimes, not understanding. “A dog was involved?”

Nic joined Emma inlaughter. “Guthrie’s nickname around the station is Bulldog. He’s a ferociousdetective, although I’m doubtful he knows he has a nickname. Not the sort ofthing he’d appreciate. Em and I shortened it to D-A-W-G. Dawg.”

Lydia clapped her hands.“Love it!” She chuckled. “So, he’s the dog, but he’s got his sidekick on ashort leash.”

“Ha. Good one, Auntie.” Emma dabbed herlips with a napkin. “Guthrie didn’t like our interference on the first case. Wewere instrumental in leading him to the killer and, most likely, poked hisego.”

You can find all of the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

I couldn't sleep. I found myself browsing old posts from Discover... When I ran across one that mentioned sweaty butt cheeks, I stopped. We're still battling summer in the Basin. I'm grumpier than ever because of the heat. But eight years ago, I still found the life on the RV Ranch highly amusing. Recycling this August post from 2017...

We're living life on the RV Ranch these days. If you're fromthe western United States, you might have a feel for a little town, that's nota town, like Tonto Basin. There are two gas stations, (update...we're down to one) an IGA Market, aDollar Store, and numerous RV parks. 

And don't forget the local hardware storewith local color. One day, I complained to the counter guy that it was reallyhot. He said, "my granny used to say if you wake up and there ain't sweattricklin' between your butt cheeks, then you're dead."

Up the road is Punkin' Center with a post office, school,and library. Down the road is Roosevelt Lake.

I dislike the desert...well, most deserts. This part ofArizona is what I call pretty desert because we have mountains and trees. It'salso only a thirty minute drive to pine country. There's an owl who lives in the tree outside our door. Javelinas (nasty wild pig like animals that aren't pigs at all) stroll through the park early mornings, and bunny rabbits are everywhere. At night, the coyotes howl.

There's an owl who lives in the tree outside our door. Javelinas (nasty wild pigs) stroll through the park early mornings, and bunny rabbits are everywhere. At night, the coyotes howl.

Most everyone owns a dog. We don't. (update we do now...Amigo) Can't seem to replaceRusty. AND a dog does limit mobility. One man has a nice tribute to his deceased doggie.

The people here are from everywhere. Someare year round, others are weekenders, and still others come for the wintermonths.

These in-between years mean our household goods are instorage. I want to sell it all and if or when we get another real house, buymore. FDW isn't entirely on the same page. This month we compromised and we'reselling some. The antique German clock sold last week. Thereis some interest in two of FDW's cameras. I really want to sell our handcarved, teak tables from Taiwan. No bites yet.

How will it all shake out? Not sure, but I'll let you know.For now...I'll go with the flow.

(Update...we're going to become winter Ranch dwellers soon!)