Growing up as a sheltered Irish mob princess, my trip to Italy is supposed to be
my first taste of freedom.
But my dreamy vacation turns into a nightmare when I end up getting
kidnapped, tortured, and locked inside a cage.
The only person who might save me is the blue-eyed devil.
He's feared and revered—even by my kidnappers.
But when his dark gaze lands on me, I can tell he's got other plans.
Now my prison is his bedroom and his bed.
He's dark and dangerous, and I'm his newest obsession.
Until the day he finds out who I am.
When he decides to send me back to Daddy dearest, I should be relieved.
But Gabriele Falcone has no idea it's not just me he's sending away.
And once he realizes I'm carrying
the Falcone family heir?
Nothing and no one will stop him from taking me back.
Review:
The story revolves around Emilia who got kidnapped and captivated by a powerful mafia family, Gabriele Falcone. He is a ruthless & dangerous man. But as the story moves forward, they tend to spend more time together. It works as a bridge for them to connect and they develop a forbidden attraction between them. This makes Emilia torn as her growing feelings for Gabriele heighten every day, while he struggles with his demons and also the demands of his family.
The author's writing style is engaging and makes the readers hook till the last page. It definitely draws you in and lets you enjoy the whole different Mafia world. The characters are very well developed. There's an undeniable chemistry between Emilia and Gabrielle, as both their characters are a bit complex with some compelling story lines.
Welcome to Mistletoe Mountain, where the holiday cheer never ends. Even when you really, really wish it would.
Nick Jolly runs the Inn at Mistletoe Mountain, a quaint Vermont town that celebrates Christmas all year round. The town even holds a Christmas in July festival every summer to keep the holiday spirit flowing. Usually, Nick lives up to his name, but this year, he’s recently widowed and embracing his inner Scrooge. It’s his first Christmas in July without Carol, and he wants nothing to do with any of it. Nick leaves his adult daughters in charge of festivities at the inn and retreats to his fishing cabin. To grieve. Alone.
Noelle Winters is grieving, too. The town librarian and diehard mystery lover has always found the holidays a bit lonely. She’s especially melancholy this year because she’s mourning the loss of her holiday-loving best friend, Carol. So when she stumbles across an envelope that contains a Mistletoe Mountain map and head-scratching clues, she jumps at the chance to distract herself with a scavenger hunt.
At first, the hunt seems like harmless fun, but Noelle quickly suspects she’s not the only one searching. When she turns up at the fishing cabin, frightened she’s being followed, Nick reels in his line and joins her in her quest.
As Nick and Noelle work together to decode the cryptic, holiday-themed puzzle, threatening messages and sabotaged clues pile up. What began as an innocent game takes a sinister turn. And as the danger mounts, the pair’s long-buried feelings for each other spark to life.
Will Nick and Noelle survive to solve the puzzle and save Christmas (in July)? And is Mistletoe Mountain’s festive magic strong enough to return the sparkle to Nick’s eye and give Noelle the gift of love?
Review:
The story revolves around Nick, who owns the Inn at Mistletoe Mountain, and Noelle, a librarian. Nick lost his wife, Carol who’s also a best friend of Noelle. Both are grieving and in the meantime Noelle found herself involved in a scavenger hunt planned by Carol and she got help from Nick while solving the clues. Noelle and Nick both now are drawn together by their shared grief and growing attraction. Both didn’t expect the twist and turn when the scavenger hunt became a dangerous game, with threatening messages.
Both Nick and Noelle tried to decode the messages and to protect the town they love, their investigation goes deeper than they expected in turn, they discover some secrets and confront their own fears. Throughout this journey, they learn to heal, and grieve the person they love, hope, and believe in love once again by giving themselves a chance.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Small Town setting Holiday mystery Forced Proximity Opposite attracts Second Chance romance
The book is a mixture of thrilling elements with romance, exploring heavily on the themes of grief, forgiving themselves, and the power of human connection.
The writing is top notch and the characters bring out a variety of emotions. All of the character and their internal thoughts, as well as their actions, were believable. Intriguing secrets are slowly revealed and as everything comes together.
Ah, small town living, I really like the fact that setting gives us lots of space for other characters inside the town. The mystery pulled me in and kept me firmly in the reading seat while the characters experience a wide range of emotions.
All-in-all a gripping tale from the intriguing start to the surprising twist and secrets at the end. This book is a cozy mystery and a compelling read.
Rating : 5/5
About Author:
USA Today bestselling author Melissa F. Miller is a former attorney who traded the practice of law for the art of telling stories. She is the author of more than two dozen bestselling legal thrillers, suspense thrillers, romantic comedic mysteries, and forensic thrillers.
All her work shares two common threads: pulse-pounding, tightly plotted action and smart, unlikely heroines and heroes.Her books feature such diverse protagonists as a pint-sized attorney and mother of twins who’s trained in Krav Maga; a Native American government investigator who relies on her heritage to guide her when the chips are down; a Buddhist forensic pathologist who refuses to harm any living creature; and a trio of twenty-something sisters just starting out in their careers who find murder and mayhem wherever they go.
She’s edited medical, scientific, and technical journals, as well as educational books; clerked for a federal judge; worked for major international law firms; and run a two-person law firm with her lawyer husband. Now, powered by coffee, she writes crime fiction and homeschools her children.
When she’s not writing, and sometimes when she is, Melissa travels around the country in an RV with her husband, three kids, and their cat.
To find out when Melissa releases a new book, visit http://www.melissafmiller.com and sign up for her email newsletter.
Before there were bikers, or fighters, or even good old-fashioned jerks, there were Navy SEALs. They put the bad in badass because, well… it’s their job.
Navy SEAL Maverick Hart has everything. Women want him. Grown men idolize him. Little boys want to grow up and be like him. The job, the glory — it’s all his. Not because it’s handed to him… because he works hard for it. The second his sights lock on something, he owns it — or destroys it. Unfortunately he does both at the same time.
Windsor Forbes only takes calculated risks in her profession and in her personal life. After being left at the altar by the only person she’s ever loved, the very last thing she’s looking for is a relationship — especially the insane brand an arrogant Navy SEAL is offering. Hesitant, yet trusting to a fault, she gives in.
She knew she shouldn’t take the chance, especially a second time, but love is irrational and their love is perfect, infallible. Or so she thought…
The downfall to having everything is you have that much more to lose. A man like Maverick can’t have it all without something slipping out of grasp.
Crazy people perish for love.
Good people live for it.
Love doesn’t die. No matter how many bullets you put in it.
Review:
The book is filled with raw emotions and intense chemistry between Maverick and Windsor. Maverick’s relationship with her is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, as Windsor initially hesitant to trust him, but she eventually comes to realize that he is the only man who can truly see her for who she is.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
Alpha Male/ Strong Female
Second Chance Romance
Enemies to lovers
Slow- Burn
Tragic past
Grumpy Sunshine
The female character is strong, independent and she’s the one who is not afraid to take any risks, even when it means risking her heart. She is a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and she is always willing to help those in need. However, she always bottle up her emotions to avoid conflict.
Both Windsor and Maverick are well-developed and relatable characters who will stay, long after we finish the book.
Rating : 4/5
About Author :
Rachel grew up in a small, quiet town full of loud talkers. Her words were always only loud on paper. She has been writing stories and creating characters for as long as she can remember. After living on the west coast for many years she now resides in Colorado with her husband, two children, her hairless cat, and her dog, Polly.
Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of my favourite Sci-fi Book, S.J. Lee
Hello and Welcome everyone!
Today, Get to know the mind behind my recent favorite sci-fi, S.J.Lee in my latest Author Spotlight. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the brilliant mind behind "Of Friction".
1. Tell us about yourself.
Hello! I’m an Asian-American indie author writing speculative fiction. When I’m not working on my Altered Earth series, I’m usually at my full-time job as a security specialist, gaming, or hanging out with my spouse and dog. My current career has brought me all over the world and I am fortunate to have worked and lived in Iraq, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Guyana, India, and several cities in the United States.
2. What drew you to become a writer, and how did your journey begin?
I’ve always had stories in my head since I was a kid, but these particular characters have kept me company for the past 15+ years. I never intended to share them, and I never made serious attempts to record them, but after a few external circumstances, I wrote my first ever screenplay draft in March 2023. By April 2023, I decided a screenplay wasn’t satisfying enough for me and I finished the first novel draft of Book 1, Of Friction.
3. How do you balance writing with your personal life or other commitments?
Balance? What’s that? Kidding.
I’m grateful to have a loving and supportive partner who keeps me as balanced as I can be. I’m a hyper-fixator so when I get home from work, I go into tunnel-vision mode and force myself to work on the series. Some people may call it discipline, I call it pure stubbornness. I know myself and I tend to lose interest in hobbies and projects after three years. I’m determined to finish, and will finish, this trilogy.
If you’re looking for examples in maintaining balance, look elsewhere. The only reason I’m currently alive is because I have an amazing support person who keeps me accountable and grounds me in what matters.
And therapy.
4. Do you prefer traditional publishing or self-publishing, and why?
When I read, I lean toward traditionally-published books, but that’s also because I only joined the writing and book community at the beginning of 2024 when I self-published my debut novel. I have read a lot more indie and self-published books since then.
As an author, I never considered querying or the traditional publishing route, because I love having control of the entire process and timeline. Plus, I’m impatient.
5. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the publishing process?
As an indie and self-published author, the biggest challenge is marketing. Marketing is completely different than writing and requires just as much time and effort (if not more). As an introvert and very private person, trying to sell myself and my story? Very difficult.
Another challenge is being vulnerable to criticism. Everyone has their own tastes and opinions, and though many are nice about it, some are more pointed and louder.
6. Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
I think I relate the most to Book 1’s main character, Sam. (Shocking.) We both have extremely stunted emotions and inabilities to show them, but I think that’s where the similarities end. There’s a piece of me in each of the core group of characters.
7. Did you experience any writer’s block while working on this book, and how did you overcome it?
The 15+ years of story in my head was actually more angsty scenes than actual plot, and I had to come up with this entire world to bring it all together. Frankly, Of Friction was written just to get to the last scenes and prepare for Of Abrasion and Book 3. So there was a LOT of writer’s block (especially in the soggy middles).
How did I overcome it? Pure. Stubbornness. And long walks and exercise. It would literally jog my thoughts.
8. Are you working on any new projects? Can you share anything about what’s next?
I consider the Altered Earth series one large project. Book 1, Of Friction, was published in February 2024, and Book 2, Of Abrasion, is currently with my first round of editors and is projected for release in Spring 2025. Book 3 will be released in 2026. I am only working on this trilogy until it is completed.
The entire trilogy series will explore humanity and its dynamics in relationships, war, friendship, and more. It is also the kind of representation (strong women, normalized LGBTQ+, diversity, etc.) and character focus I’ve always wanted to see in the traditionally conservative subgenre of military science fiction.
9. If you could adapt Of Friction into another medium (film, TV, etc.), what would you choose?
Television. I would love to see the characters, world, and politics develop in a series format.
10. What genres or topics are you interested in exploring beyond Of Friction?
Of Friction explored identity, trauma, and perspective. Its world was influenced by history (manifest destiny), current events (illegal settling), and various topics of terrorism and geopolitics from my graduate studies. In the next two books, the following topics will also be explored: coping mechanisms, resilience (and its limits), political division, corruption, indoctrination, morality, and so much more emphasis on perspective. Basically, humanity in the worst situations, its good, bad, and ugly.
Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of Unseverable Ties, Farhaana
Hello and Welcome everyone!
Delighted to welcome Farhaana, the author who has captured my heart with her recent work - Unseverable Ties, to my blog! Let's get to know her a little better.
1. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I have written 4 books so far. Picking a favourite one is tough. Because for me every book has its own essence and each book is my favourite. If I have to choose then I will say all 4 books.
2. Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
Hm… more than enjoying I tend to doubt myself a lot. But a book that really made me happy while writing is Captivating Her Heart. My second book. It is a light soft-hearted novel which I enjoyed a lot since in that particular book, I decided to take it lightly with the plot with less mystery. So, I would say that the book was light to write. But, I do enjoy writing all my books with a mountain of tension pressed on my shoulders.
3. Tell us about your first published book. What was the journey like?
My first book is LOVE CHALLENGE. That was my first book on Kindle. It was a surreal experience, Yes, I did have some experience but not that much. I was scared to release it. But somehow I released it. And Love Challenge is a book that received a lot of appreciation from a lot of members. The journey was filled with many ups and downs. From the writing and editing, it was all new. But I made it! And that's what it matters at the end of the day.
4. Do you have a favourite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?
Hmm.. My favourite character. This one is tough. I equally love them a lot. Since I am the mastermind behind it. But if I could say, I would choose Atharva or Yashveer. Both of them have the qualities that every girl expects from her better half. In female, I would say Inaya for sure. For her bravery and how she manages everything. Inaya is one of the strongest characters I have written so far.
5. Where can readers purchase your books?
All of my books are available on Kindle Unlimited at the best price, but if you want to read one particular book then it is available in Kindle where you can get one book or two of your choice.
6. Can you share with us something about your book – Unseverable Ties, that isn’t already in the blurb?
Well, A secret. Not many know is I initially planned the villain as the lead’s brother, but it got changed so yeah.
7. If you had to describe the character Adrika from your recent release, Unseverable Ties in three words, what would those three words be?
Strong, Understanding, Unyielding
8. If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Hmm, For Unseverable ties I would say. KGF Actor Yash or Prabhas as Yashveer will fit perfectly to the role. And for Adrika, I would say Anushka for sure. And for Isha, I would say Zaara one of the South Indian cute kids.
One of the most talked about characters in the Unseverable Ties book is, Nanda and Guna many loved their characters so I am leaving that to the readers.
9. What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
Writing this book was a challenge to me this time. Mainly the plot and the pace are what challenged me. Showing the dynamics of relationships and their lives changing day by day seemed challenging to me apart from that, the Bond between Yashveer and Isha. I wanted to make sure, I gave enough space for their bond along with other bonds. This book has lots of characters, I wanted to make sure everyone and every relationship gets their perfect space without overtaking others.
10. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
Yes, I have started my next book which is going to be something interesting. People have enjoyed Yashveer character a lot and many said they could see the emotional depth of this story. But the next story is going to revolve around the emotions even more. A small snippet I could share at the moment is he never experienced the joy of life. I could say that. That is all I can say for now. Thank you!
Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of the book,Running Mates - Emily Locker
Hello and Welcome everyone!
Today, we have the honour of hosting an author interview with Emily Locker. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!
1. Please tell us about yourself.
I recently returned to Washington D.C. where I live with my husband and two young sons. When I am not writing or chasing after my "lively" boys, I work as a psychotherapist in private practice. Running Mates is my first published novel, after many past (failed) attempts at getting a novel published in the past. I wrote Running Mates mostly late at night, fueled by chocolate and espresso.
2. Your recent book Running Mates likely touches on both political and personal dynamics. How did you balance these two aspects in your narrative?
I have seen so many cases in my psychotherapy practice of friends and families facing real strife, and at times estrangement, due to differing views on politics and current events. I think that in today’s society, especially with social media, politics can feel personal in a profound way. People’s very identities are entwined with their political beliefs and ethos. It can feel like an attack on self when a loved one disagrees with how you see the world.
3. Were any of your characters inspired by real people or experiences?
In my son’s DC nursery school we had president Obama’s old speech writer and Mike Pence’s old speech writer in the same class! It was inspiring watching, despite their obvious political differences, these two parents getting along so well by the end of the year through shared community and experiences (e.g,. kid birthday parties and parent outings).
4. What challenges did you face in balancing the political backdrop with the more personal, romantic elements?
My biggest challenge was trying to make sure Anna and Gabe remained likable and relatable while holding views that 50 percent of the country vehemently disagree with. Also, it was tricky to have such a passionate character like Anna, with her particular family background, reconcile her feelings for Gabe. That Gabe was so dreamy made this easier. It was hard to be mad at him for long!
5. Without giving away spoilers, what was the most challenging scene to write?
The ending! Writing an ending of a book is so complicated, tying up loose ends in a way that feels cinematic and satisfying can be a challenge.
6. Did you experience any writer’s block during the process? If so, how did you overcome it?
I overcame it by skipping to a scene I was really excited to write—like romantic scenes between Gabe and Anna—even if it was out of order with the story.
7. What are you most proud of about Running Mates?
I am most proud of the Anna and Gabe relationship. I really wanted a fun, flirty, passionate relationship and I think (at least I hope!) I managed that.
8. Are you working on any new projects? Can you share anything about what’s next?
Yes! I am halfway through the first draft of my next novel which takes place on a vacation island (kind of like Martha’s Vineyard) and deals with life-ling friendships changing. And of course there is plenty of romance!
9. If Running Mates were to be adapted into a film or TV series, who would you cast as the main characters?
Oh, this would be a dream come true! I’d love some young, yet-to-be discovered actors who are charming, dynamic and full of chemistry. Running Mates would launch their careers.
10. What challenges did you face while getting Running Mates published?
A lot of people were wary that a romantic comedy with politics could be palatable to an audience looking for a beach read. So convincing people that Anna and Gabe could charm anyone was the hardest part.
In this epic conclusion to The Black Ops Series, can Oliver and Mila’s intense newfound connection withstand the clash that is inexorably coming their way?
As what they share looks to be both fragile and unbreakable at once, their worlds get turned upside down in multiple facets, and the universe seems set on testing them.
Their lives as they knew them might very well be put in jeopardy by their common enemies, but also by decisions of their own making.
In the midst of this showdown of epic proportions, they have no choice but to pick a side and take a stand.
But when old habits run deep, is playing it safe the right thing to do?
Is it even possible to reinvent oneself?
More importantly, is it worth it to do so?
Answering those questions will seal their fates… as well as the country’s.
This book is full of love, friendships, intense romance, bad guys, polt twists, mysteries, explosions, strong characters, sadness, pain, loss, growth, revelations and passionate relationships. The author's writing style is so effortless, that makes you feel like you are right in the head of the main character.
Oliver and Mila are two brilliant characters, and are beautiful together. Each of their pasts is shocking and it hits readers to the core, but it just adds to the beauty of it all. Oliver and Mila find each other and the love they share and the bond they form is tight, there are several romantic lines with some very intimate scenes and great chemistry between Mila and Oliver. There is no stupidity from the characters, and the drama in the background compliments the character development of the story rather than complicates it.
𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆?
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒍𝒚 "𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔"
As Oliver gets to know the truth, he's truly devastated. Oliver, a hot, determined, strong, faithful friend, remarkable lover faces a revelation that's supposed to make him hate Mila and this kept me on my toes and wondering what would happen next. There is mayhem, mishaps, and stubbornness in Rogue Wanderers.
A guy like Oliver is always a fantasy, he once states that he's having a very dark past and it's not easy for Mila to love him with all his dark parts but for me, I could look past all his imperfections and fall in love with him.
The final chapter ends happily, I am so glad I picked this series.
Rating: 5/5
About Author:
M.H. Cali writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.
The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.
Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.
If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.
Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!
Oliver Anderson is a former black-ops operative turned Private Investigator who mostly helps people on the wrong side of the law get away with shady deals.
He doesn’t seem to care much about following rules anymore. His soul has been tainted by an imperfect system he now hates.
That is until Agent Mila Jenkins gets sent undercover to look into his practice and singular way of dealing with things, just as one of the biggest criminal master plans the country has ever seen is slowly unfolding.
In a world ruled by chaos and deception, enemies lurk in the shadows, the line between right and wrong gets blurrier at each passing second, and trust doesn’t come easy.
In the midst of such adversity, Oliver and Mila’s beliefs will soon be tested.
For better or worse, he is mayhem, she is turbulence.
Will it be their demise? Or will it make them stand stronger?
One thing is for they’ll have to face their truths and all it entails whether they’re ready for it or not.
Review:
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆"
Furtive Rebels is wild, fast, and absolute page-turner. Oliver and Mila were a great couple, and the secondary characters were the book's best part. This was quite a ride where Mila, having lost her mother, learns to let her walls down enough to let Oliver into her life and with someone who reads her mind in and out, makes her believe in almost everything. She's tough and insightful and courageous and able to strike that balance in everything.
There is lots of action, romance and banter in the beginning between the two of them, intense banter (Iykyk) and it was great to follow their relationship blooming with each other. Oliver and Mila got attracted to each other right from their first meet but they took their time to explore each other's mind that makes it a slow-burning romance, but with that heightened intensity between them makes it worth it. The chemistry between Mila and Oliver causes sparks to fly and the result is a highly entertaining romance with suspense and thrills going behind.
I mean, how can you not love a book that explores a smart, independent, sassy heroine and her extraordinary hero with a dark past having playboy history but for her he'll do anything to get into a relationship with name tags, getting together? I cannot possibly gush enough. This book was too good to describe, and had me flipping pages like mad, grinning endlessly and laughing and squeezing out-loud more times than I could count!
Liana Kanga added extra depth to the book by curating a freaking good character sketches.
Having said all of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
About Author:
M.H. Cali writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.
The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.
Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.
If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.
Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!
