1–What is the title of your latest release? THE GEOGRAPHER’S MAP TO ROMANCE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission that involves such perils as exploding rocks, wild weather, only one bed … and most daunting of all, their own relationship. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I was looking for a place in Britain’s countryside to the set the action when I noticed that certain cities and towns were lined up exactly, and this not only gave me my story location but also a major element to the magic system in the book: the fey lines of magic that run beneath the land. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? I would love to spend time with Elodie, I adore and admire her as a person—although having said that, it would have to be only an hour or two, because she has far more energy than I do! She’d also probably encourage some bold or free-spirited venture, and would no doubt consider my suggestion of “trying a new cafe” less daring than I think it…

Book Title: THE CUT Character Name: Gertie Harper How would you describe your family or your childhood? My, well, you’re a brave one to ask an old lady about her childhood! The stories I could tell, once I get started I have to stop myself from going on and on. People’s eyes just glaze over after a point, don’t they? No, it’s probably best I don’t get to reminiscing. My family, they’re not with me. But I know they’re out there somewhere, waiting for me, and I know I’ll see them again one day. What was your greatest talent? Hmm, I do fancy myself handy with the knitting needles! And if we can call it a talent, I have quite a knack for keeping up with the news. I would bet I know just about everything that goes on in this hotel. Significant other? Goodness, no! I guess I’m a spinster. I wouldn’t know what to do with a husband if I had one. Biggest challenge in relationships? Outliving them! I’m sorry, I’m sorry, at my age a touch of gallows humor does help keep the loneliness at bay, though. Where do you live? I’m one of only two permanent…

by C.J. Holmes With Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things new—whether that’s new beginnings, hidden surprises, or exciting discoveries. Much like Easter eggs scattered in a springtime hunt, paranormal romance and fantasy series are filled with unexpected gems that reward those willing to look a little deeper. These little treasures, often hidden in plain sight, are the perfect way to revisit your favorite books and uncover new layers of intrigue, romance, and adventure. Whether it’s a familiar side character stepping into the spotlight, a secret mythology slowly revealed, or a subtle reference to something hinted at earlier in the story, these Easter eggs make rereading a series just as exciting as discovering it for the first time. They’re the little breadcrumbs authors leave to enrich the world, creating moments of sheer delight for the readers who pick up on them. The best part about these Easter eggs is how they elevate a story from the expected to the extraordinary. These sneaky details can alter the way we see the entire series, offering new insights or deepening our connection to the world the author has crafted. For those who thrive on character growth, shifting…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? The novel follows a loveable man with diminished mental capacity who is arrested for murder after he sets out to make the world a better place and discovers unexpected truths about himself, his family, and the world along the way. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I’m Canadian, but I decided to set the novel in Minnesota because of the gun violence that plagues the US, which is the underlying issue that drives Denny’s story forward. Beyond that, I’ve been to Minnesota many times, have distant relatives there, and am quite comfortable with the people who live there as they’re a lot like Canadians! 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Absolutely! Denny Voss is a kind, sweet and enigmatic guy. I’d hang out with him in a heartbeat. So far, when getting feedback from readers, before giving me any other comments, they often say, “First of all, I love Denny Voss!” 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Stubborn, Funny, Loyal. 6–What’s something you learned while writing…

Book Title: THE CALIFORNIA DREAMERS Character Name: Until 17 it is Ronan Avery Merrick…but she’ll become Ava LeClair when she grows up, runs away from her beach-van home, and leaves her family for good – she thinks. How would you describe your family or your childhood? My family of six is my entire world. We don’t go to school or mix with anyone else unless we have to. We follow waves and our father’s whims and odd jobs, and sometimes Mama throws an arrow-shaped seed pod in the air, and when it lands, we go north or south, following wherever it’s pointing. I wouldn’t trade my life for a soul-dead citizen’s. Never. My father, who’s nicknamed Cap because he wears a fishing hat when he’s not surfing, has rules that keep us safe, because outsiders can’t understand our life. Mama’s beautiful and dreamy and answers questions with questions. She leaves a lot. She goes on rambles, and we never know when she’ll return. Sometimes I wish…It doesn’t matter what I wish. She loves us. She has to go off alone. She makes orange-and-clove tinctures and sells them for money. My big brothers, Griffin and Magnus, are twins. But they’re so…

1–What is the title of your latest release? A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? White Lotus meets Bridesmaids in the story of a proposal planner trapped at a luxury mountain spa with the clients from hell. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I needed an isolated place with the more fun elements of Appalachia, where the wealthy would spend their time. Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding area sort of embodies that. You’ve got the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum and multimillion dollar homes all in the same place. And that’s how I envisioned the entirely fictional Chickenhawk Valley, a little kitschy, a little luxury.  4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Jess is basically me when I’m planning a vacation, but all the time. So, I think we would have a wonderful, if heavily scheduled, relationship. Jess is considerate and funny, and tries to make sure the people around her are having a good time. It stems from her years as a wedding coordinator, and it’s served her well in life. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Organized, snarky, smart. 6–What’s…

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 Allison Raskin! Writes: Allison writes rom coms that feature painfully relatable protagonists with mental illness. Dive into stories that explore the realistic side of love while still celebrating the magic of finally finding your person. If you are looking for a lot of laughs, good banter and some heartwarming observations about the human mind, her latest novel, SAVE THE DATE, is for you! About: Allison is multi-hyphenate who has written both fiction and non-fiction. You might recognize her from Buzzfeed video or her YouTube channel turned podcast, Just Between Us. Allison has written in pretty much every medium that exists (books, TV, features, scripted podcasts) and she is beyond excited to (finally!) join the romance genre. In addition to her career as a writer, Allison is also a vocal mental health advocate and relationship coach with a master’s degree in psychology. She has an unhealthy fixation with dogs and doesn’t enjoy long walks on the beach due to all the sand. My ideal reader…

1–What is the title of your latest release? PASSION PROJECT 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When prickly Bennet moves to NYC to escape personal tragedy, she collides head-first into a human golden retriever set on dragging her out of her funk with a series of adventures around NYC to find her passion—but when Bennet discovers the passion she’s trying to find might be him, she must overcome her grief or lose him forever. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I knew from the start that this book would be a New York book. I have always been drawn New York City—in fact, the first time my family took a trip to New York, my mom claims that I stepped out of the car and said, “I’m home.” So, naturally, I’m very inspired by New York. It’s a character in and of itself and provides such a rich tapestry for characters to interact with. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? I think Bennet and I would have a killer wine and pizza night. Truthfully, we both tend to be a bit anxious, so I think our hangout would…

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.

The teams have gathered to be called Cinderella, Sweet, and Elite. After years of coaches, running drills, endless practice and being challenged mentally and physically, time is up. It all comes down to a few hours on the court to perform on a national stage. Every move analyzed, praised and criticized, especially on social media. Of course, I’m talking about men’s and women’s college basketball. These young people bring their hopes, dreams, and disappointments to bear. So much depends on their collective and individual performances. To me, their personal stories are much more compelling than their basketball skills. Some have endured loss, trauma, and disappointment. The pressure on them would break anyone. And yet, they persevere. All are devoted to their teammates and schools. They want to succeed for the collective glory. Some will forgo their college careers and turn pro. Others may be future Olympians. The balance will go on in their chosen career fields. Even if they lose, they give it their all, no one can ask for more. Looking at them, it’s easy to see heroes and heroines for writing ideas: passionate, loyal, proven, trustworthy, and very tall. About Mary Jo Burke Mary Jo is a USA Today…