The Highland Heir by Allison B. Hanson – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Allison B. Hanson will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Kieran has spent his life living in the shadow of his late older brother. Brody had been the heir his father had loved and wanted, while Kieran was born to a woman his father despised for her betrayal. Kieran has only ever felt the bond of family with his best friend, Ella.

Ella knew one day Kieran would be called on to do his duty to his clan and marry for an alliance. But she never expected his engagement would suddenly force her to see him in such a different way. They’d known each other all their lives, but aside from one exploratory kiss, she had never been attracted to him as a woman is to a man. Until now.

As the time comes for Kieran to marry, he realizes he has feelings he shouldn’t have for the lass who’s been by his side all his life.

When the marriage contract is breached, Kieran hopes it means freedom for them to be together, but instead, it leads to war and a secret that will change their lives forever.

Enjoy an Excerpt

If given a choice between sitting in the hall hearing auld Innes accuse his neighbor of switching out his cow with one that gave less milk or jumping from the seawall to drown in the ocean, Kieran Sinclair might have chosen the latter. But Kieran had not been given many choices in his twenty years.

The son of a laird was first and foremost the heir. Upon his birth, he was destined to one day take over the clan, and as such, he spent every day until that happened in constant preparation for the event.

Even if it was never supposed to be his birthright.

In truth, Kieran was to be the second son. Heir to the heir only. Had things transpired as they should have, Kieran would be free to do what he wanted—or to do nothing at all.

Without the mantle of responsibility weighing heavy on his shoulders, he could have lived a life of his choosing, marrying his heart’s desire. Not that he was interested in marrying and had no heartfelt desires of yet.

Still, he knew one day he would marry a woman that was chosen for him. He would enter into a marriage for the sole purpose of an alliance or in a trade with some other clan.

If only his older brother had lived, it would have been Brody whose destiny was written without his control.

About the Author:

One very early morning, Allison B. Hanson woke up with a conversation going on in her head. It wasn’t so much a dream as being forced awake by her imagination. Unable to go back to sleep, she gave in, went to the computer, and began writing. Years later it still hasn’t stopped.

Allison’s historical romances are filled with kilted heroes. She lives near Hershey, Pennsylvania, and enjoys candy immensely, as well as long motorcycle rides, running and reading.

Website | Twitter

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When a Taker Dreams by J.A. Jackson – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. J.A. Jackson will be awarding a digital copy of the book to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

In the captivating world of When A Taker Dreams, secrets unravel, and destinies collide. Meet Steele Coltrane, the enigmatic older brother of Ryker, and the illegitimate oldest son of their powerful father, Colbert Granger.

In Book I, Steele’s life takes an unexpected turn when he devises a risky plan to seduce his brother’s wife, Cierra, convinced that their child is his own flesh and blood.

However, the truth proves to be a harsh awakening for Steele. Cierra’s mother, Ada, delivers a devastating blow, revealing that the child is not his. Gripped by denial, Steele reluctantly confronts the undeniable evidence of a paternity test that shatters his world. Stranded in a desolate state of isolation and rejection, fate intervenes as Steele stumbles upon the woman of his dreams, a woman known only by her first name.

But there’s a catch. The mysterious woman, with her walls firmly in place, informs Steele that she never wishes to see him again. Determined to find her, win her back and unlock the key to his wounded heart, Steele seeks assistance from his younger sister, Isabella, a skilled and well-connected matchmaker. Entrusting Isabella with his quest, Steele embarks on a journey to find the elusive woman who holds the answers to his deepest desires.

Will Isabella’s matchmaking prowess be enough to reunite Steele with his soulmate, or will fate have a different course in mind? Discover the intricate web of love, secrets, and second chances in this tantalizing tale. When the past collides with the present, and hearts are laid bare, will Steele find redemption and the love he so desperately craves? Prepare to be captivated by the twists and turns of Steele’s tumultuous journey as he searches for the woman destined to mend his shattered soul.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Days later Steele and Ruby arrange to meet James at the Five Points Cocktail Bar on San Pedro Square and hurried over.

Ruby loved the old glamorous gangster vibe the bar gave off. She was glad Steele picked a table located near the window facing San Pedro Square.

Steele and Ruby sat together on one side across from James.

The Bartender walked over. “Any drink orders?”

“I’ll take a White Devil,” James chuckled.

“In that case, I’ll have a Vatican City,” Steele said.

“Give me a Ready Aim Fire,” Ruby said. “In case I need to put a bullet in the White Devil.”

“That’s my girl,” Steele laughed.

“So, what is our topic of conversation?” James asked. “Or should I guess?”

About the Author:J.A. Jackson is the pseudonym for an author who loves to write deliciously sultry adult romantic, suspenseful, entertaining novels with a unique twist. She lives in an enchanted little house she calls home in the Northern California foothills. Her love for cooking and writing comes from her Southern roots of Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as her Southside of Chicago upbringing.

She spent over ten years working in the non-profit sector where she wrote grants, press releases and contributed many stories to their newsletter. She was their Newsletter editor for over ten years. She loves growing roses, a good pot of hot tea, chocolate, magical stories, suspense stories, ghost stories, and reading Jane Austen again and again in her past time.

Buy When A Taker Dreams Book I and When A Taker Dreams Book II”> at Amazon.

Contact: A Geek An Angel Publishing – J. A. Jackson P. O. Box 1494, Clovis CA 93613Email: jerreecejackson@yahoo.com

List of By J. A. Jackson

When A Taker Dreams Book I
When A Taker Dreams Book II
The Deceiver’s Secret!
The Proposition
The Grand Hotel
Lovers, Players, & The Seducer Book I
Lovers, Players, & The Seducer – the Revenge Book II
Lovers, Players, Seducer – Book III The Betrayal of Nicholas La Cour
The Mistress of Desire
& The Orchid Lover Book I
The Mistress of Desire
& The Orchid Lover Book II
Diamond at Midnight
The Sweet Pepper Cajun! Slap His Mamma Cookbook -Tasty Soulful Recipes!
Book II The Sweet Pepper Cajun! Tasty Soulful Cookbook! Southern Family Recipes!
The Sweet Pepper Cajun! Appetizer Cookbook


Gettin’ Figgy by Gail Haris – Spotlight

Rose is convinced Thanasis is a complete jerk, and he sees her as the ultimate thorn in his side. However, after a few signature drinks, ‘Gettin’ Figgy,’ they just might discover each other’s sweet side. Readers who enjoy romance with flirty bartenders and holiday towns will love Gettin’ Figgy by Gail Haris, a steamy, small town, neighbors to lovers, opposites attract romance.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

Are you ready to meet your next Man of the Month? What happens when you drop a Halloween fanatic on a Christmas themed island in the Florida Keys? Rose didn’t expect to find herself toe to toe with her handsome neighbor on a holiday called Sweetest Day… and all because of a fig. Gettin’ Figgy from Gail Haris is a small-town, opposites attract romance about Candy Cane Key’s charming Greek restaurant and bar owner, Thanasis Diakos, and his wickedly attractive neighbor, Rose Verbeck. While Rose is convinced Than-ass-is a complete Jack, but not Frost, he sees her as the ultimate thorn in his side. However after a few signature drinks, ‘Gettin’ Figgy,’ they just might discover each other’s sweet side. The Man of the Month Club is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Cane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious paradise men. Can’t wait to see you there!

Add to Goodreads Here!

Excerpt Copyright 2023 Gail Haris

Thanasis doesn’t look amused. “You know kids live on this street. Stringing the lights to look like Santa is peeing off the side of the house isn’t appropriate. And having my elves holding a body bag with the rest of my Christmas decorations in it is borderline disturbing.” I can’t help it. I snort with laughter. Thanasis’ eyes soften and I notice a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. “I wanted us to become friends. To make peace.” Doubtful. But I’ll play along. “Fine. Let’s be friends.” “Too late. You don’t mess with a man’s yard.” I scoff,  Thanasis continues. “I want you to remember you started this.” Started what? “Nothing has started. It’s finished. Consider that as me getting even for last night.” “What happened last night?” “You were being obscene.” I hate the way my eyes drift to his lips. His perfect teeth are on display with his sexy knowing smile. His tongue snakes out only a bit to wet his lips, but it’s enough to have me squeezing my thighs together. “And you’re being childish by vandalizing my property.” “Is it vandalizing if it’s an improvement? When you think about it, I did you a favor. Consider it my gift to you for Sweetest Day.” “You definitely spiced up the neighborhood. I’ll see you for our playdate.” I loathe the fact that he looks so sexy when he winks. I wonder if I can teach the dogs to pee on him.

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

About Gail Haris

Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists.

Fueled by coffee and with a wild imagination, she writes in a variety of genres, including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Always laughing too loud and thriving on awkward situations, Gail enjoys traveling, binging series, and trying out new recipes (that sounds better than just eating).

Gail believes whole heartedly to never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…especially the coffee. Don’t give up on coffee and books.

Follow: Website | Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon | Newsletter

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

What My Characters Have Taught Me by Janae – Guest Blog and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Janae will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC or a signed paperback copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What My Characters Have Taught Me

The characters I create feel like real people to me. Over the years of crafting stories and developing personas, my fictional friends have taught me invaluable lessons that I’ve been able to apply to my life. The most important things I’ve learned from my characters are to have courage in the face of adversity, to stay true to yourself, and to keep an open mind. In this blog post, I’ll elaborate on these key takeaways and how various characters have shaped my perspective. The lessons we learn from fiction can be just as profound as those we gain from real relationships if we keep an open heart. Though my characters only live on the page, their effects reverberate far beyond.

I have been working on The Witches Prophecy for a decade so I know them intimately to where I can pinpoint what they’d say and how they’d react to certain topics and experiences. Perrish is a character. It houses many secrets and has a rich vibrant history just as an aged human would have. Yes, there are cold, austere buildings and even colder streets but the things that have occurred there left imprints on it.

Speaking of characters, there is a bevy of them in The Witches Prophecy. Of course, there is Lydia Ferell, the protagonist. Xaivier Christopher Stalphe the best friend and love interest of the protagonist. The spunky, fun-loving free spirit Digits or Sasha and the sweet geek that you can bring home to mom, Zander Tsui. My fictional friends have taught me important lessons that I’ve been able to apply to my life. The most valuable insights I’ve gained from my characters are to appreciate the journeys of others, to embrace my creativity without fear, and to handle adversity with grace. They maneuver through the pages in the driver’s seat, kicking butt and taking names.

Now, let us talk about Lydia or Trouble, as I prefer to call her, the spirited protagonist of my dark fantasy romance series. Trouble’s young life was rife with tragedy and sadness, but what is being blocked is all the fun she had which will be discovered in later books. She was born a witch. How is that? Well, the way it is explained in the book is that you come back in the form that is the strongest and the prevailing form for Trouble was an all-powerful witch. She must reckon her duality; light and dark. Trouble and Lydia. She considers one weak and one strong. Through Trouble’s experiences as the “chosen one”, I learned to empathize with those who feel marginalized for their talents, race, and gender. Trouble also taught me to unleash my creativity without self-doubt, holding me back.

Another impactful character of mine is Xaivier. He started out completely different from the iteration he is now. At first, he was a womanizer. Ew. Yeah. I changed him into my ideal mate, with the looks of Superman (I have a thing for superheroes real and imagined) with a good sweet heart. Xaivier spent years trapped in northern Perrish. Perrish is a modern place where racism is rife even in present day. Xaivier or X, as Trouble calls him, is a superhero without a cape. He learned from his youth as the cruelty of adults that should have known better taught their offspring. But X had his father, Xaivier Stalphe the first and his maid Loula. Loula was black, and she taught him that love has no color and no man was above any other. His father taught his to be a man and how to judge a man by character before jumping to incorrect assumptions.

Of course, when X meets Trouble, he immediately wants to save her. From what? Everything. Including herself. Xaivier inspired me to handle adversity with resilience, drawing on inner strength I didn’t know I had.

As an author, I’m grateful for the diverse perspectives my characters have revealed to me. Through giving each of them a story, I’ve grown. Their hard-won lessons now shape my worldview and approach to overcoming challenges. I learned to follow your own path and to be brave. The connections I’ve forged with my own characters reinforce that stories have profound power to change us. Which of your own characters has resonated most deeply for you as their creator? Please share in the comments!


Within the shadows, a prophecy-bound assassin emerges, holding the fate of our world in their lethal grip – the key to salvation or the catalyst of our downfall.

Trouble Ferell is your average gun toting assassin, never once caught she revels in anonymity. But she can’t face the demonic force that has come for her. She can no longer trust herself but burgeoning from her is that what you’d call magic. Now, as a sorceress with divine lineage she must face creatures from other realms in a race against time.

Confronting the truth, she must rise to the occasion of becoming the most formidable witch throughout history. She is tasked with banishing abominable entities back to the depths of the Underworld, all while ensuring her own survival.

Pity. It’s on Tuesday.

Read an Excerpt

When Darkness looms, the world finds its hero…

In “The Witches Prophecy,” Trouble Ferell, a renowned assassin, yearns for normalcy and acceptance. However, her world turns upside down when she discovers her involvement in an ancient prophecy and unlocks her long-dormant magical abilities. Doubt and uncertainty fill her mind as she grapples with her newfound identity and the visitations of a powerful deity.

With her best friend turned lover by her side, Trouble must confront monstrous beings in human bodies and an impending apocalypse orchestrated by Chaos, an entity seeking her as his bride. As interdimensional gates creak open, Earth dangles on the edge of peril. Trouble must embrace her role as both a Demi-goddess and witch, rallying against her half-sister’s ascent and thwarting Chaos’s pursuit of the formidable Darkveil Talisman.

In a race against time, Trouble and Xaivier unravel the tapestry of their shared history, hurtling towards an epic clash that pits good against evil. ‘The Witches Prophecy’ weaves a spellbinding tale, where ultimate victory tips the scales for but one contender. Pity. It’s only Tuesday.

About the Author:Janae’s family is from Louisiana and Georgia. She is the middle child of three. She began her writing career as a teenager in high school writing steamy love scenes for her classmates. She wasn’t convinced as a writer until her English teacher found her stories and told her she should be a writer. She treasured those words for all of her adult life. She has a bachelor’s degree in information Technology. She is a dedicated mother, friend and writer. She is usually found hunched over her laptop dreaming of different ways to entertain. She lives in Savannah, Ga with her cat Persephone and son. She loves dogs and wants to own a Husky and loves making people laugh and feel comfortable. She has a podcast called How Not To Write with Janae and her favorite color is blue. She is a Cancer.

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Balancing Entropy by M.H. Cali – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M.H. Cali will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC plus a special edition paperback copy of the book (which includes a physical copy of the novel, an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, an original sketch inside the book by Laurie Ya, the artist who made the cover, and drew the interior illustrations, and assorted merchandise including coasters, stickers, a tote bag, and more) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY). Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

When life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.

Or is it really?

He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.

To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can’t get out of his head completely even years after having met her.

As the race to keep him out of harm’s ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.

When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?

Can one’s principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Some people do tend to become other versions of themselves when they are away from home.” He presses their foreheads together while dropping his tone to a murmur. “I don’t do that. What you saw is all me.”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Likewise.”

“We could’ve been a phenomenal match, Rae.”

A breath catches in her throat. His voice is laced with sincerity. It sends her mind spinning.

He dangerously feels as if he could fit in her routine. His personality is magnificently complex, and strangely both fits with and complements her own. She hasn’t had that sentiment toward anyone in her life up to this point.

But she’s only in her early twenties. She has her whole life in front of her. Her future is actively being written. Whatever happened between them here was definitely a fling.

A beautifully intense, and delightfully intoxicating fling.

She has to remember their pledge. This is insignificant.

She relishes in the cool seaside breeze and Lucas’ applying entrancing pressure on her lower back vertebrae for a moment.

Existence is full of fleeting instants and inconsequential events while some others open doors to infinite possibilities. She willingly classified this hook up in the former category as soon as they first kissed.

They’ll go back to their occupations, to their social circles, and to constructing their destinies. This ephemeral liaison will become a distant memory. It was solely a bridge between phases of their respective purposes.

This is what counts.

This is what she has to keep in mind.

However, she still can’t shake the thought that they could’ve been legendary together totally out of her brain, so she offers him the closest truth she can think of.

“Maybe in another life, Luke,” she whispers against his lips.

About the Author:

M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It’s my motto.

If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.

If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!

http://mhcaliwrites.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40661999.M_H_Cali
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C9LB1FC7/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhcaliwrites/

Twitter (mostly inactive nowadays): https://www.twitter.com/mhcaliwrites

Bluesky handle (for those over there): mhcaliwrites.bsky.social

Link to buy the book on all platforms (ebook or paperback available): https://books2read.com/BalancingEntropy


Sweet Silken Bondage by Bobbi Smith – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbi Smith will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

NUN ON THE RUN

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Reina Alvarez needed a way out of California fast, a way that would elude the ruggedly handsome and very determined bounty hunter her father had sent after her. What better way to hide her voluptuous curves than with a chaste nun’s habit? But as the ties of love pulled her and Clay Cordell closer together, chastity became the furthest thing from Reina’s mind and she wanted only to be bound to the sexy bounty hunter forever.

When Clay got to New Orleans, he was almost fooled by Reina’s virtuous act. However, it was soon evident that the vixen who disguised herself as a nun, was no nun. No nun could ever kiss so sweetly. The last thing Clay wanted to do was bring Reina home to another man. Her raven tresses and fiery manner made him only want to surrender himself to her…SWEET SILKEN BONDAGE.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Bounty-hunter Clay Cordell was worried as he returned to his hotel room. Dev, his partner, had been arrested for a murder he hadn’t committed, and he had to find a way to free him. Clay did not expect to find anyone in his room, and he stopped just inside the doorway at the sight of Luis Alvarez, standing so casually across the room from him.

“Alvarez… What the hell are you doing here?”

“Mr. Cordell,” Luis responded with a cool smile. “I’ve been waiting to speak with you, and I was beginning to wonder if you were going to return.”

“Really?” Clay couldn’t believe the gall of the man.

“I understand you and your partner ran into trouble with the law last night.”

“What do you know about it?”

“Nothing, nothing at all,” he lied.

“Why are you here? What do you want?” Clay demanded, resenting his intrusion and wanting to get rid of him.

“I’m here because I want to repeat my offer to you. I want to hire you to find my daughter.”

“I told you before, I’m not interested.” Clay’s only concern was saving Dev.

Luis smiled even wider. “But Mr. Cordell, I’ve raised my offer again.”

“I’m not interested-not at any price.”

“Not even to save the life of your friend?”

Clay went completely still at the question. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about O’Keefe. I understand he’s been arrested for murder. So, perhaps there’s something I can do to help you. I’m not without influence here, you know.”

“Sorry, Alvarez, I’m not interested in bribing anyone. Dev’s innocent, and all I have to do it prove it.”

“Who knows if your friend will stay alive long enough for you to prove his innocence? I think it’s a fair exchange, don’t you? My daughter returned for the life of your friend?”

Clay was trapped and he knew it. “What do you want me to do?”

Luis smiled triumphantly. “I have a small portrait of my Reina….”

About the Author:After working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982.

Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and 6 novellas. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists.

When she’s not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer’s groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.

Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year

NY Times Bestseller

USA Today Bestseller

Inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta Literary Fraternity

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Sea Glass and Fireflies by Kate Ellington – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kate Ellington will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Elsie Hayward moves into her uncle’s seaside estate on what should have been her wedding day. All she wants is peace and quiet, and to escape the guilt that’s haunted her since her betrothed was lost at sea. Any hope of tranquility is dashed, however, when Charles Rockingham arrives in town. A lifetime ago they’d been best friends and almost more. If there’s one person she can’t hide her feelings from, it’s him. Charles hasn’t received a letter from Elsie in over a year. He returns home hoping to recapture the deep bond they once shared, but shadows of the past stand between them. One last secret must be revealed before they can find their way back to each other.

Enjoy an Excerpt

As they got up to leave, Charles took her hand to help steady her over the slippery rocks, and a warm glow rippled through her. Instead of letting go when they reached the grassy bank, she laced her fingers through his, her heart racing as fast as the stream. He looked at her and his eyes held something like tenderness. She almost tripped over her dress.

The sky was softening to the faintest hint of dusk. She wished it was morning so they could begin their day together all over again. They continued down the trail and turned onto a narrow path that came out behind Max’s stables, then walked up the lawn to the front of the house. An unfamiliar motorcar was parked in the drive.

“Who’s here, Mr. Anderson?” Elsie asked when he opened the front door.

“An associate of Mr. Lambert’s.”

Charles’s fingers slipped out of hers as they stepped inside. Elsie removed her hat and dropped it on the table.

“Let’s go see who it is,” she said to Charles, tugging on his jacket sleeve.

From the dining room came the sound of laughter: two gravelly chortles and one tinkling, delicate giggle.

Charles stopped in his tracks. Elsie looked up at him. The color had drained from his face. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but Max called out: “Don’t hang about in the doorway, you two. Come see what the cat dragged in.”

About the Author:Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.

After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.

Goodreads | Website | Facebook

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Once Upon a Halloween Night by Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – Spotlight

Join us this Halloween for the exclusive Once Upon a Halloween Night bash in the New Orleans Warehouse District for an evening of fun, costumes, and romance. The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing are excited to kick off spooky season with eight brand-new, fun and sexy novellas from Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox.

Buy Now: https://books2read.com/u/3k2QKG

Congratulations!

You’ve been invited to attend the exclusive Once Upon A Halloween Night bash.

This year, join us in New Orleans Warehouse District on Halloween Night for an evening of fun, costumes and… romance?

Wait. What?

That’s right.

The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing is proud to host Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – in this fun Halloween romance anthology.

So, throw on your best costume and get ready to sit back and enjoy seven brand new novellas to celebrate spooky season with a romantic twist.

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Dating in Disguise by Lauren Helms

She sets the drink down and turns to me. “You must love Robin Hood if you’re willing to invest.”

“Robin Hood and I have a lot in common, actually.” I inform her.

Her nose scrunches. “Oh really? How so?”

“Well, for starters, I’m a master archer”

“Nope. I don’t believe it.” She giggles.

“I am. Really. I learned at summer camp when I was twelve. Hooked ever since.” I tell her almost defensively.

“Ah, okay then. What else do you have in common?”

“I’m glad you asked. See, I’m also a master of disguise.”

Her eyes widen playfully, “Oh my. I can see that. Is this even your real face?”

I lean my head back and smirk at her. “Everything about me is real, baby. Truth is, I’m not worried about disguising myself tonight, so what you see is what you get.”

“I’ve heard that he’s also a charmer. A ladies’ man. Obviously, that checks out.” She grins.

I nod. “I was born a charmer. It’s in my blood.”

“Right.” She nods in understanding, laughter dancing all over her face. “So what you’re saying is that you are the embodiment of Robin Hood.”

“Oh, I like that. The embodiment of Robin Hood.” I snap my fingers. She’s brilliant and beautiful.

Her brows furrow, “Does that make you an outlaw then?”

“Nah, I mean, if stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is considered breaking the law…”

She huffs out a laugh. “Stealing is totally considered breaking the law.”

I shrug, “Meh, maybe, but I’ve got a heart of gold, so that’s all that matters.”

“I suppose that’s true.” She reaches for her drink and sips it, keeping eye contact with me over the glass. She’s flirty and I’m digging it, but she’s not getting all touchy-feely with me, so I’m a little unsure of where this is going.

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Haunted Melodies, Kate Stacy

“Come with me,” I say, grabbing hold of her hand.

Remi’s laughter rings through the night air as I lead her between the cathedral and museum, slipping into one of the alcoves there. The joy in her voice mirrors the twinkling stars in the sky, and her eyes sparkle with a mix of amusement and excitement. Fuck, she’s beautiful.

Carefree looks incredible on her.

Shrouded in shadows, I watch Remi as her laughter subsides into a contented sigh. She looks at me and smiles, so I kiss her again, pressing her body against the hard stone behind her.

I can’t get enough.

The way she tastes.

The feel of her body against mine.

“Luke,” she murmurs breathlessly against my lips.

I trail kisses along her jaw, groaning when she tips her head back, giving me access to more of her soft, silky skin.

“Luke,” she says again, and I want to hear her say it a thousand times more. “We can’t do this here.”

“Afraid of things that go bump in the night?” I murmur, smiling as I kiss down the column of her throat.

She sucks in a breath.

“No. Just charges for indecent exposure, public lewdness, or—”

Chuckling, I take her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply.

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Love on the Halloween Dance Floor by Mel Walker

“You promise to wait for me?” She asks the question, already knowing the answer. At a concert in Detroit that had technical issues with the lighting and sound equipment, Aaliyah spent nearly an hour reaming out the organizer. She came out an hour later and was shocked to see me waiting for her. I committed to her that day that I would never leave a venue without her.

“The rest of my life if I have to.” The words slip from my heart to my lips without thinking. My chest thumps heavily with my misstep. She twists to read in my eyes the meaning of my words.

Lights bounce off her glasses, and I fail in my attempt to read hers. An explosion of cheers erupts in front of me, and I look up to investigate. Ali is bowing at the front of the stage. The performance has ended.

The house lights rise in the theatre, and Poppy leads the girls back to their families. Whistles and cheers continue to float in the air.

A warm set of lips land on my cheek. I hold my breath and record this moment, stored alongside a treasure trove of protected memories.

Aaliyah’s lips linger for a heartbeat longer than normal, a hesitation I pick up on because when it comes to her, I notice everything. “Really good work today. Congrats. See you in ten.”

“Here, let me …” I take her hand to help her out of the pit. I chew on my tongue to distract myself from the spark that shoots through my body.

“Such a gentleman. Someday, some lucky woman will …” She doesn’t complete the sentence. The words hang like a challenge.

A challenge I’ve yet to answer.

My eyes linger on Aaliyah as she navigates the narrow aisle. She moves with a purposeful stride, a woman on a mission. My eye refuses to look away until she disappears out the exit. Only then do I take a breath. Only then do I realize I hadn’t.

Like I said, I got it bad.

She has work to do. But I’ll wait. I’ll always wait for her. I whisper the words I don’t have the courage to say to her face. The words I pray may come true someday. “Someday. Someday that lucky woman will be you.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Ghosted by Susan Renee

“How do you make it so easy to breathe, Scarlett?” Oliver asks me, his forehead pressed to mine.

“Because I don’t expect you to be someone you’re not, Oliver. You’re free with me. Zero expectations. Consider me your safe space.”

“I’m finding myself overwhelmingly attracted to you,” he says. “And I’m sorry if that’s too much. Maybe Rowena was right. I’m not good at hiding my feelings.”

“It’s perfectly fine to have feelings. I have them too.” I bring my hands to his cheeks. “I wasn’t sure how this day was going to go, but somehow, you’ve managed to make every moment perfect. You let me take the lead instead of treating me like your personal arm candy. You’ve asked about my feelings. My desires. What I want for myself and for my future. Do you know how long it’s been since a man has asked how I feel? Hell, I could marry you right now and have no remorse given what I was about to walk into.”

“I’m really fucking glad you didn’t marry him.”

“Me too.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hurricanes & Halloween by Katrina Marie

“My bad.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. The wide grin he’s sporting as he watches the people still staring at us says he’s pretty proud of himself. I don’t blame him, though. He never would have had the confidence to do that at eighteen. Now, in our mid-thirties, he’s sure of what he wants. Even if that person lives hours away from him, and has no idea how we are going to make this work.

“It’s all good.” I lean my head on his shoulder. “I’d say it was more than worth it.”

We sit in silence as the DJ continues to play music downstairs. There are still a couple of hours until this thing ends. And as much as I want to ditch the rest of the party and head straight to our hotel room, I know we should stay a little longer. Especially since our tickets were essentially free. I know the payoff will be fine with Kelly, though. This was her moment to play fairy godmother. Her way of making my wildest dreams come true.

“Want to see what else this party has to offer?” Patrick squeezes my knee. It might be my imagination, but I think his hand moved further up my leg. There’s a good chance he’s having the same thoughts I am. Both of us are too polite to voice them aloud.

“Sure.” I stand and he does the same. Grabbing my drink, I hook a finger into his belt loop. Not so accidentally grabbing his butt in the process.

“You keep doing that and I’ll carry you out of here.”

The drinks are working their way through my system because what falls from my lips next is something I’d never say. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Masked Love by Courtney W. Dixon

Greyson sat back in the seat and stared out the window. We were almost there despite the heavy traffic. “How did we meet?” he asked.

“Hmm, how about at my favorite coffee shop? You spilled coffee on me.”

He waved a hand at me. “Ugh. Please. That trope has been done to death.”

I huffed a laugh. Seriously, I was going to give him wine more often. “And what would you suggest?”

“Let’s keep it relatively realistic and almost the truth since it will be easier to remember the lie.”

“Good at lying, are we?”

He smirked and leaned closer to me. “Did you just make a joke?”

“I never joke.” Which was also a lie.

“Anyway! Let’s say I applied to Nomadology, and you found me so hot and irresistible that I swept you off your feet, and you refused to hire me so you could date me.”

For the first time since I could remember, I barked out a laugh and enjoyed watching him blush.

“What? It could happen.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hot Hex on a Platter by Louise Lennox

At this point, I have tunnel vision. I’m focused on taking out the piece of shit who had the nerve to violate my woman. No one touches or hurts what’s mine and gets away with it.

I maneuver around him while he continues cursing and swinging, matching his speed and intensity as he advances closer to me with every step. As he reaches out with both arms to grab me, I take a chance, knowing I need to knock his big ass out and get this over with.

I hit him with a powerful uppercut that sends him sprawling onto the ground below.

He lies there motionless as I stare down at him with disgust; the power of my punch had been enough to knock him out cold, and between that and his intoxication, he’ll be down for a while.

Tessa rushes over to me, her face filled with worry as she glances at the man’s condition and grimaces.

“Thank You. But I had him under control. The violence wasn’t necessary.”

Her voice has a bite of annoyance, but the relief on her face is evident. She didn’t want to admit it, but she liked being rescued, but I’ll gladly admit that saving her has made my dick impossibly hard. I want to love. Protect, and f**k her until she passes out in equal measure.

Maybe there was a chance of staying out of her life if I hadn’t seen her in the flesh. However, now that she’s within arm’s reach, I know I’ll never let her go.

Her sister steps over the unconscious man, who is now snoring loudly and shakes her head. The man she was with was long gone. “Tessa, are you kidding me? You couldn’t control him, and I swear if I had known he was that disrespectful, I would have never dragged you up here.”

Tears well up in her sister’s eyes. “I’m sorry; I should have listened to you.”

Yeah, she should have.

Tessa gives her a sweet smile and pulls her into a hug. “It’s OK; you didn’t know how bad he could be because I never told you how he harassed me in high school. I was too ashamed and thought I was leading him on or something.”

“This fool harassed you in high school?” I roar. “He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

Both women look at me like I’m crazy, but I don’t care. The idea of him hurting my sweet girl in any way makes me want to wake him up to knock him out again.

Tessa looks at me warily. “Umm, thank you, I guess.”

She looks back at Foolio lying on the ground and ponders something before returning to me. I hate the look of worry on her face, and all I want to do is kiss every stress line away.

“Look, Marcus, it’s been a long night. We’re heading home, and you should probably get home before he wakes up. He will be furious, and I’d hate seeing you get into trouble on my account.”

I frown. “I’m not scared of him. Didn’t you see me lay his ass out?”

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, Action Jackson, we all saw you, but do you even know who you knocked out?”

Exasperated, I step closer and breathe her in. She smells like cherries and doesn’t flinch away like she did with the man lying on the ground. Instead, she subconsciously steps closer to me.

That’s because she’s mine.

I brush the back of my knuckles over her arm. “No, sweetheart, I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Her sister Selene snorts and speaks up. “Well, you should care Romeo because he’s Richard Harris, the Chief of Police. What do you have to say now?”

I give her an incredulous look but say nothing.

This can’t be life.

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

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About Kate Stacy

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

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About Mel Walker

Mel Walker has been writing fiction most of his adult life. Specializing in Short Stories and Contemporary fiction and Romance Novels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan. He loves to write about ordinary people placed in difficult situations, especially as it relates to their closest relationships.

Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorkers and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides and taking in the energy of the city.

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About Susan Renee

Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she’s not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

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About Katrina Marie

Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, bonus child, grandchild, and fur babies. She is a lover of all things geeky and nerdy. When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.

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About Courtney W. Dixon

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy romance, but in each story, she gives her character’s challenges and struggles. She writes m/f and m/m stories within one series to add a variety to her characters. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don’t always do the right thing. Humans are never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. In the end, she tries to help them grow to be better as they achieve their HEAs.

You can find Courtney working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys, and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she’s working.

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About Louise Lennox

Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.

A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website www.lovelouiselennox.com.

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What would I tell a new author? by Aiden Ainslie

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

What would I tell a new author?

The first thing I would tell them is, if you are writing because you want to be on the New York Times bestseller list and see your books made into movies so that you can be rich and famous, I suggest you rather buy lottery tickets. The chances of making it big time in writing are pretty slim. But if you have other motivations for writing then “Go for it!”

Of course, I’d love to be a bestselling author, but the writing process in itself can be immensely rewarding. Creating characters in a story is probably the closest a man can get to understanding how a woman feels about giving birth to a child. I nurture my characters for months through the whole writing process to shape them into decent human beings. And I am super protective of them. I want readers to understand my characters, root for them, and like them despite their frailties.

So, aspiring author, be prepared to give up a lot of your headspace to your story. The characters are going to be bouncing around in your head whether you like it or not.

The next thing to address with the new author is the tricky question of marketing. There’s no way around it. It’s time-consuming and takes you away from the creative process. All I can say is, find help if you can afford it, or else embrace it. But don’t let it suck the life out of you. Be selective with your precious time and advertising dollars.

One of the things I learned about marketing the hard way is that you must be really, really clear about what your genre is and who your audience is. It’s one thing to write your memoirs, which will (maybe) be read by your family and five good friends. But if you want to be commercially successful, you should know exactly whom you are writing for and what they expect. That is why people like Colleen Hoover, Louise Penny and Geoffrey Archer are as successful as they are. They stick very tightly to a genre, and readers get exactly what they expect from these authors.

So, think big! Don’t just think about the one book you are going to write. Think about the ten books you are going to write. By book five you’ve got your readers so hooked that they are panting for the next release. And that, my friend, is when you get onto the New York Times bestseller list and Netflix sends a limo for the premiere of the movie based on your latest book.

CLIFFORD

After years of hard work and training, I finally have the chance of fulfilling my lifelong dream of winning the Tour de France. Nothing can be allowed to distract me from this mission, especially not Gabe O’Reilly, the adorable art student from San Francisco.

But he looks so vulnerable – all alone in France.

I would be failing in my patriotic duty to a fellow American if I didn’t take care of him, wouldn’t I? And what possible harm could come from spending twenty-four hours with him on the shores of the Mediterranean? I deserve that little break, don’t I?

GABE

I have never seen a human specimen as perfect as Clifford Du Frey. During our fleeting encounter in Paris, I saw a man who was funny, caring, and tender – so very different from the way the media portray him. He is everything I could ever dream of in a boyfriend.

But in what universe will an international sports superstar pay any serious attention to me?

Do not get involved, my brain yells; you can only get hurt again. But my heart is thrumming to a different tune.

Enjoy an Excerpt

CLIFFORD

In my line of work as a professional cyclist, me-time was rationed like the tiny, individually wrapped squares of chocolate my mother would give me as a reward for good school results. Of course, once I had found her secret stash, I used to help myself and haughtily decline her miserly tokens of approval.

But there was no secret stash of time. I had to live with the given rations to deal with my anxieties. I knew what none of the team even suspected – this was do-or-die, my last attempt at finally pulling off the big win that had eluded me throughout my ten-year professional career. I knew that I would not be able to muster the hunger for another Tour – to withstand the hundreds of hours of training rides in extreme heat and the Alps’ arctic altitude. This was it. But if my cycling career was at an end – then what? It was all I had ever done. My grueling schedule had not allowed me to attend college. At twenty-eight, I stared into the chasm of obscurity, a has-been, yesterday’s hero discarded with yesterday’s trash.

I nursed a coffee and was about to spiral into a pit of self-doubt and anxiety when I noticed a young man at the restaurant entrance. His indecision was palpable. He had a camera on a strap around his neck. Who still used cameras? Didn’t everyone have a smartphone? And he held a copy of the Lonely Planet in one hand. He wore cargo shorts, a UC San Francisco T-shirt, and leather sandals. There was something so open, innocent, and vulnerable about him that it tugged at my jaded heart. He might as well have had “American student – rip me off” tattooed on his forehead. Physically he was gorgeous – average height with sun-tanned skin and the perfect proportions that come from working on a farm or construction site. The soft curls of his dark hair shone in the midday sun and fell in unruly waves over his forehead. I had the fleeting, insane urge to push my fingers through that hair so that I could get a good look at his eyes. A few well-heeled ladies in the bistro were giving him the once-over, but he was utterly oblivious.

The man bit his lower lip as he studied the menu, and it was as though I could read his mind. The hand in his pocket was no doubt assessing how many euros he had and whether he could afford the expensive bistro which the Lonely Planet recommended as a “must-do.” Again, his eyes scanned the packed restaurant, and the waiters were too busy to notice his dilemma.

To this day, I do not know what made me do it. I, who had wanted anonymity, to get away from the oppressive togetherness of a competitive sports team in a foreign country. I, who desperately needed time to straighten out my head. I, who definitely did not need any distractions in my life. I rose from my seat and beckoned for the stranger to join me at the intimate table with its white tablecloth, the vase with lavender, and the table-setting for two.

About the Author:Aiden Ainslie lives in the Diablo foothills, east of San Francisco. He grew up in various small towns and loves to draw on that small-town feel for his romances: the sense of community but also the petty grievances, intrigue and rivalries. “An author has to draw on personal experience to create authentic stories.”

According to Aiden, setting and mood are critical parts of a romantic story, hence he is always taking pictures of romantic settings to be used in future novels. Check them out on his website.

When Aiden is not writing or listening to audiobooks, he likes to cycle and hike. During those solitary pursuits, he dreams up the characters and plots for his MM Romance novels. He also enjoys zipping around town on his motor scooter, drinking coffee at the local coffee shops, and watching people to get inspiration for his writing.

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Welcome to Wonderland by Bobbie Candas – Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A recently fired biologist with mommy issues, a successful entrepreneur with a dead wife, and an immigrant hiding from gang violence…These three have only one thing in common.

They’re all screwed up

Biology researcher, Violet Hill, was just let go and is devastated. She found the solitary lab and long hours the ideal respite for her anxiety issues–doing meaningful work while avoiding people and conversation. Now unemployed, with diminishing finances, Violet is forced to face the enemy, her mother.

For years, Turner Cooper was consumed with building his company’s client roster, until the sudden death of his wife throws him totally off kilter. Now, instead of work, Turner’s guilt and alcohol issues consume him.

Living a reclusive life in Dallas, Rosario Guzman is hiding from a Mexican cartel while working in the shadows at three part-time jobs. Finally, the item she covets the most, a Green Card, arrives in her mailbox. But Rosario quickly realizes the paper card doesn’t solve all her problems.

While navigating social issues, private demons, and nightmare memories, these three lives collide as they find each other at a place none of them ever imagined they’d be working at. As their mutual relationship evolves, Violet, Turner and Rosario lean into each other and unexpectedly find their lives unfurling in remarkable and magical ways.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Violet is Blue
Violet Hill

Mother considers me awkward, graceless, and socially challenged, but always has hope for improvement. I disagree and think of myself as critically shy. Is there such a diagnosis? I’ve learned I do best when I can control limited social encounters. That’s why I’m better working alone, in a world I’m comfortable and familiar with, the study of soil, seeds, and grasses.

I’ve been working as a research assistant with Dr. William Hirshfield. After finishing my masters at UT in Austin, I gratefully found my hidey-hole at the UT School of Environmental Sciences. After being hired, I realized it was the perfect job for me. For a year, we’ve been running experiments and collecting data on soil absorption, attempting to come up with a microbial substance that will turn arid lands into potential blooming fields of agriculture. All well and good for keeping me in my cozy, solitary research lab, but with the added bonus of working toward saving a warm and crowded planet.

Then yesterday happened.

Dr. Hirshfield called me unexpectedly to meet in his office. We normally only met every two weeks for consultations on experiments. I sat down across from his desk, with my sweating palms gripping the arm rests of the chair. The meeting opened with congenial small-talk. I said, “Hello.”

As with most people I conversed with, I found it difficult looking at Hirshfield when he spoke. Today I found his floorboards especially interesting. Wide wood panels which had me wondering, were they deliberately distressed or actually marred from age? As he shuffled papers on his desk I reached down and touched the floor. Definitely faux distressed.

He nervously coughed and then continued, “Violet, I must say, your work has been exemplary, but…”

Oh shit… The proverbial but. I shuddered slightly.

As I pretended to be intrigued with the floor, Hirshfield said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news to share.” He coughed again. “I’ll just get right to it. I hate to tell you this, but our next year of NIH funding has been cut. They haven’t renewed the terms of our project at the previous level and claim our results are not going as quickly as we initially projected.”

He seemed to be talking to himself now, explaining his problems to the ceiling as my eyes nervously flitted up occasionally to watch. “Seems our study is on the low end of their priority scale regarding research grant money. But our idea has so much merit! It dovetails perfectly with climate change issues and food production for overpopulated areas. Anyway…it’s probably all politics. Therefore—” He coughed a third time. Nervous tick or avoidance? Either way, not a good sign. “I’m having to cut most of my research staff, including your position.”

Please no. Had I heard correctly? I was praying he’d single me out as too good to let go. But of course not. My eyes became moist and my body went cold. I had finally found my place in this chaotic world, my comfy, musty den. Where I could reach my fingers deep into sandy soil and disappear into another world within my microscope. I’d clock in for hours of uninterrupted work, eat a sandwich over my work station by myself, needing to only interact with others regarding information I was knowledgeable about.

Now apparently all that was gone.

And what remained? Going home to Mother? I was devastated. I felt like laying down on those faux floorboards and curling up in a ball.

“Dr. Hirshfield, p-perhaps p-part-time. Tw-Twenty-five hours a week?”

In case you missed that, I have a noticeable stutter, which seems to come into full bloom during times of stress.

“I only wish that were possible, Violet. The grant has been downgraded to include lab equipment, supplies, and compensation for only a few key personnel. I’m so sorry. This has all come as quite a surprise. So, we’re making adjustments immediately; I can keep you for another two weeks. I wanted you to hear it from me, personally.”

I mumbled, “Th-Thank you,” then stood up, wrapped my arms across my chest, and meekly asked about a possible reference letter. He went back to shuffling papers and nodded, agreeing to my simple request. I quickly walked out with my head down, making my exit before he had the chance to shake my perspiring palm.

I spent the next few weeks desperately attempting to find a position with another research team within the department. There were several available for volunteer and credit work, but all paid positions were fully staffed. Although my educational credentials were excellent, my interviewing skills were a little shaky. I considered customer service positions, but they never seemed a good match, and I truly wanted to continue within my field of study.

At the end of the two-week period, I decided to call in for financial reinforcement. Via email, I sent my mother news of the change in job status, then requested funds to keep me in Austin while I continued to look for work, but instead of an electronic deposit, she offered this:

Dear Violet,
So sorry to hear about your job loss. I know you’ve been happy with your little research position. Sometimes these minor hiccups work out for the best. I think you need more stimulation and interaction in your work. When I visited, your lab job seemed so sterile and lonely. I’m sure I can line something up for you through my contacts in Dallas. Come home, darling. The guest house was recently redone and you’re welcome to use it. It’ll be fun hanging out together again. I believe I’ll call Lexy and see if she can revise her schedule and set aside sessions for you. What day should I expect you? Can’t wait to catch up! –Mother

She was not going to be sympathetic to my cause. I made a second stab at job hunting, knowing it was only a delay tactic. Was I being an ungrateful little bitch? Sort of. But I knew I’d have to deal with my mother’s incessant smiling face, popping in without warning, spewing false cheer, urging me to conform to her standards, and always sending out subliminal messages regarding her underlying sense of disappointment in me.

It had been five years since I’d lived at home. My first year in the dorms had been a disaster. I was happier on my own, renting an apartment for three years while earning my bachelor’s and another two for my masters, comfortably surviving in my small, quiet efficiency.

In contrast, Mother’s home was palatial, but for me it was a luxurious prison sitting on a green oak-studded hill overlooking White Rock Lake in Dallas.

I dragged out my move. I felt no incentive to rush home knowing what lay ahead; struggling through painful interviews, going through clothing issues and social events with Mother. Yes, still a tender issue at age twenty-four. Then, once again, I’d start sessions with my speech therapist, Lexy.

Unfortunately, research assistant’s pay was low, Austin rents were high, and the guest house at Mother’s was free. Economically, it made sense. Emotionally, I was an unhappy wreck.

And who could I complain to? Call 911 — My mother is inviting me to move into her newly renovated guest quarters. Put her on trial? — She insists on buying me new clothing suggested by her personal shopper at Neiman’s. Lock her up? — She’s offering me therapy for an affliction which admittedly has recently become worse.

I was a pathetic whiner. Time to get up, pack it in, and get moving.

About the Author:

Bobbie Candas lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Mehmet Candas, a stray gray cat, and a jealous tabby who does not enjoy sharing affection with the interloper. Bobbie attended The University of Texas in Austin, earning her degree in journalism. She took a detour with a career in retail management, and found her happy place when she returned to writing fiction about nine years ago.

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