I’m going to be so honest with you: my drafting process is so chaotic that I absolutely will not be sharing too much about it publicly. But creating a playlist is a foundational piece, and I can share some of the songs that inspired my upcoming romance debut, WE ARE THE MATCH (more info on that below). While WE ARE THE MATCH is a romance, it’s on the darker side, and features a true enemies-to-lovers romance, which is reflected in this playlist. You Mean the World to Me, by Freya RidingsThis song was such a cornerstone of Paris’s character, and sometimes I played it on repeat while drafting in her POV. She’s been alone for so long, and carried the devastating loss of the girls she grew up with—all of them, in one tragic night—that she really believes at her core that there’s nobody left on earth who can understand her. While this certainly proves a barrier to her developing, fiery relationship with Helen, it’s also an obstacle in her friendships, notably with Thea, who left the group home they grew up in before the tragic loss of the other girls. This song helped push me to understand Paris’s softer…

From Road Trip With a Rogue by Kate Bateman. Copyright © 2025 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group. Chapter Thirty-Five Daisy sank onto the bed next to Ellie and drew up her knees. “First of all, tell me exactly what rumors you’ve heard concerning myself and Vaughan.” “There were a score of them flying around Cecelia Lambert’s card party last night,” Tess said. “You’re either his mistress, his fiancée, or his wife, depending on who you ask. Everyone kept asking Ellie and me to confirm something, but of course we pleaded ignorance.” Daisy groaned. It was as bad as she’d feared. “Thank you. But I’m afraid there’s no stopping this now. You’ve already seen the happy couple, Peregrine and Violet, downstairs, so you know I failed to catch them before they tied the knot at Gretna Green.” Tess shrugged. “Who cares about them? We care about you. What’s going on? Are you having a torrid affair with Vaughan? Please say yes. That man is glorious.” Heat warmed Daisy’s cheeks. “Not exactly. I mean, I did allow him to seduce me. Just once—I mean, on just the one occasion—one night—” Ellie’s mouth opened as if…

What is the title of your latest release?GIVE ME A REASON What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?In this modern retelling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, a K-drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left to save her family, if only she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time. How did you decide where your book was going to take place?I wanted to focus on faithfully retelling PERSUASION, so I chose places that I am already familiar with, mainly in the Los Angeles area. Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Absolutely! What are three words that describe your protagonist?Quiet, strong, loyal What’s something you learned while writing this book?Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that it was okay to put myself last for those I love the most. But I learned that you can’t truly love another, without resentment, unless you love yourself too. Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?I wait until I’m totally done. But sometimes, when something is woefully wrong (and I don’t know what it is), the words won’t come until I read the manuscript…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Becky Dean! Writes: I write contemporary young adult romances about teens traveling to fun places, finding themselves, and falling in love along the way. My latest book, LOVE UNMASKED, is set in the mysterious and beautiful city of Venice, where two teens in masks fall for each other while searching for a secret fan club devoted to their favorite fantasy novels. About: I’m a Southern California girl now living in Texas who misses the beach but enjoys the BBQ. I like adventures and traveling to new places and also staying home with a large cup of iced tea and a good book. I can often be found watching science fiction shows, cheering for the Dodgers, or getting outside to hike (but not in the summer in Texas). I’m always up for rewatching the Lord of the Rings, eating gelato, and spending time with my family. My ideal reader: What to expect if we’re compatible: LOVE UNMASKED by Becky Dean From the author of Hearts Overboard comes a swoony…

What is the title of your latest release?ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE ESCAPE What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?My seventh Bourne novel takes the series back to its roots – including characters from Ludlum’s original novel, THE BOURNE IDENTITY. As he struggles with his lost memory, Bourne must rescue Treadstone’s founder and his surrogate father, David Abbott. But the search for Abbott will take a personal toll on Bourne in ways he can’t possibly imagine. How did you decide where your book was going to take place?Most of the Bourne novels involve international settings, so I’m always looking for overseas places that will enhance the drama of whatever’s happening in the novel. In this book, that means taking the reader from Paris to the Greek islands and from the beautiful Black Sea coast to the ruined countryside on the Russia-Ukraine border. Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Hang out with Jason Bourne? No way! Too many people are trying to kill him! What are three words that describe your protagonist?Determined. Cynical. Loyal. What’s something you learned while writing this book?Well, in the prior Bourne novels, I learned that life imitates art! It’s almost creepy the extent…

What is the title of your latest release?GRACIE HARRIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?Gracie Harris is an accidentally internet-famous writer balancing deep grief, motherhood, deadlines, and home renovations. She finds herself with an unexpected second chance at love and must decide if she’s ready to take yet another leap of faith. (I’d argue Gracie’s to-do list is only slightly more chaotic than the average forty-something woman.) How did you decide where your book was going to take place?As a first-time novelist, I wanted to root the story in a place that I was familiar with so that it would feel real to the reader. Familiarity helped my confidence. I also needed a setting that could serve as a clear respite for Gracie and all that she is going through. It needed to be the peaceful foil to her inner turmoil. The western part of North Carolina fit the bill perfectly. The counties out around Asheville are beautiful and dotted with charming small towns and the loveliest people. The town of Canopy that I created might be fictional, but it’s inspired by very real places. Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Absolutely!…

What is the title of your latest release?ICING ON THE MURDER What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?Maddy Montgomery is engaged! But planning a wedding involves a lot of decisions, and Maddy isn’t up to the task. When she learns that celebrity wedding planner, Serafina, will be attending a local bridal expo and offering one couple a dream wedding, Maddy’s determined to win. But winning isn’t everything. When Serafina is murdered, Maddy needs to figure out Whodunit if she wants any chance at her happily ever after. How did you decide where your book was going to take place?I used to live in Southwestern Michigan, which is where this story takes place. The town of New Bison, Michigan is fictional, but is inspired by the town of New Buffalo, Michigan Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?I would totally hang out with Maddy Montgomery in real life. I love her fashion sense and social media savvy. What are three words that describe your protagonist?Loyal, smart, indecisive. What’s something you learned while writing this book?This book takes place at a casino which is owned Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?I…

Book Title: CRIME SCENE K-9Character Name: Zoe Stockman How would you describe your family or your childhood?A little sad—my mom died when I was young. But I was raised by a wonderful, loving, supportive dad and two big brothers. (You may have met Dad—KCPD Sgt. Brian Stockman—in other stories set in the Kansas City Crime Lab.) What is your greatest talent?The way my brain works. Significant other?I wish. Biggest challenge in relationships?My anxiety disorder. Where do you live?Kansas City, Missouri Do you have any enemies?More than one, actually. Not sure what I’ve done to deserve all this unwanted attention. How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?My apartment used to be my sanctuary—but now it has become my prison. I’d love to be outdoors, but until I know where the threats are coming from, I simply can’t risk it. I’m better off staying inside and away from people. Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?Well… I’m pregnant. But I haven’t told anyone yet. And the man I love has the smartest, bravest, bestest dog ever. His name is Sky. I think…

Each Monday the Smashwords store lists the top ten most highly anticipated indie fiction ebooks based on the previous week’s preorder accumulations. Each title on the list is scheduled to release within the next week. To help the talented authors on this list accumulate even more preorders, click the title of the book. The hyperlink will bring you to a Books2Read page where you can order from your preferred ebook retailer. If the preorder is part of a series, click the hyperlinked series title to learn about the other books in the series. Be sure to check back Friday for a list of the Top 25 Bestselling Indie Ebooks.

Hi, I’m Jamie Adams, and as a lifelong mystery lover and author of cozy whodunits, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of a well-crafted murder mystery—especially when it’s wrapped in the warmth of a small town, a quirky cast of characters, and a sleuth who’s more comfortable in an apron than a badge. So, here’s the question that inspired this month’s blog post: Why are cozy mysteries so comforting… even when they revolve around murder? Let’s explore what makes this genre so irresistible—and why we keep coming back for more. The Puzzle Is the Point At the heart of every cozy mystery is a puzzle just begging to be solved. There’s something deeply satisfying about following the clues, watching the pieces fall into place, and getting that “Aha!” moment right alongside the sleuth. It’s not about blood and gore, it’s about wit, intuition, and paying attention. Whether it’s a missing teacup, a suspicious alibi, or a long-forgotten secret, cozy mysteries invite readers to become armchair detectives. We love the challenge, but we also love knowing the solution is coming. Justice Always Wins In real life, justice can feel elusive. But in a cozy mystery? The bad guy always gets…