LEFT ON RANCHO, Chapter 7 Excerpt After the prep sessions, Andrew headed out to the taco truck. As he waited in line, he shielded his face from an unpleasant, swirling, warm wind. It felt different . . . suffocating. The skunk odor was gone, the easterly wind dissipating the rancid smell. The same easterly wind that transformed into Santa Anas as it funneled over the mountains and accelerated through the passes, and dried out as it rolled down the hills and slopes, fueling fires before reaching the ocean. He remembered the scars of the Oakland and Berkeley Hills fires, which were still present when he’d arrived as a freshman at Cal in ’93. The fires and destruction touched everyone at the university. “You again,” Renée said. “The name’s Andrew.” “My tacos must have made an impression. Was it the tongue or the tripe?” She grinned. “What are you smiling at?” “Are you going to order?” “Right. Barbacoa. You pick the other two.” He stepped to the side, flustered. As he waited, he noticed Ashlee’s battered Chevy Cruze pulling into the parking lot. She seemed haggard, her hair scrunched into a tight bun and wearing sweats as if she had just…

In GET LOST WITH YOU, Jillian Keller has settled into her life as a divorced mom who is happy to be back in her hometown, surrounded by her family and the people she loves. When Levi Bright, the boy that all of her teenage diary entries were about, comes back to Smile for good, they reconnect and realize that all those long-ago feelings never went away. This is a second chance, brother’s best friend, childhood crush story that needs a soundtrack to encapsulate the multitude of feelings and emotions both Jilly and Levi have. If this book had a theme song: Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift And all my wallsStood tall painted blueBut I’ll take ’em down, take ’em downAnd open up the door for youAnd all I feelIn my stomach is butterfliesThe beautiful kind, makin’ up for lost timeTakin’ flight, makin’ me feel like Jillian and Levi have both been through a lot in the last ten years. When they reconnect, it’s first as friends even though they both feel the spark of what once existed between them. Jillian is more cautious now but it doesn’t take long for Levi to realize everything he’s ever wanted or searched…

by Misty Simon Since February is the month of looooovvvveeeee, let’s fill up your TBR with some of the best! I’m particularly fond of the whole romance in a cozy thing, if we’re being honest. I write what are called RomCozies and I adore them. Yes, I love the justice and the community and the puzzle and the game, but I love that all spiced up with a little romance, too. Plus, while I like regular romance, being able to watch the main character grow into her relationship with her special person over the course of several books keeps it fresh. I have romance in all my cozy mysteries and love it. But let’s dive into some other people’s books that might make you sigh, not only because justice is served but also because we might just have a new book boyfriend! First let’s look at Rosalie Speilman’s THE CORAL CONSPIRACY! I love a good hottie to keep you on your toes, and Nelly is in quite the quandary in this delightful mystery filled with sea, sand, murder and a little spot of ooh-la-la! This is a fun read to tide you over in these colder months. Hawaii here we…

Book Title: CATRIONA Character Name: Coll Barr How would you describe your family or your childhood? An outsider might view my childhood as idyllic, parents who had been childhood sweethearts, living on a cattle farm, a comfortable, tidy home, and a mother who cooked every meal. To my sister, Aileen, and me, it bent more toward disappointing—but only the parts our parents touched. They handed out disapproval like other parents doled out hugs and kisses. We learned from a young age to only count on ourselves for love and support . . . and Thomas MacGregor, our neighbor and best friend. What was your greatest talent? Tracking people who think it’s a good idea to break the law. Even though I’ve been all over the world for jobs, my favorite way to trace someone is through the digital imprints they leave behind. I’m a beast on a computer. Significant other? I fell in love with my best friend’s little sister when she was only nineteen. If I admitted that, the consequences would be severe. Biggest challenge in relationships? The biggest challenge is trusting myself. Where do you live? Bunchrew, Scotland. It’s a small village outside Inverness. Do you have any…

1–What is the title of your latest release? NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Against the backdrop of a small, snowy Minnesota town, the lives of three women are upended as a murder and a missing person case shock the locals. Café owner, Mack, is searching for her missing husband, Shelby, who has survived a brutal attack, finds herself fighting for her life, and Florence, a resident at the retirement home, along with her small gang of fellow retirees, get overly involved in trying to solve these mysteries until it all comes to a head in a twisty ending that intertwines all three stories. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I really love an atmospheric novel, so I thought a lot about how to introduce setting almost as another character and have it enrich the story and feel very ominous and icy and unwelcoming as a backdrop to the action. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? I would love to get coffee with Florence and see what trouble she’s getting into. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? There are three protagonists, but…

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.

Love historical fiction with a dash of mystery and friendship? You won’t want to miss my chat with Suzanne Nelson about her compelling new novel, THE LIBRARIANS OF LISBON. Set in World War II Portugal, this story follows two female spies navigating a glittering world of exiled royalty while carrying out dangerous missions. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us as Suzanne shares the fascinating real-life inspirations behind her characters and takes us on a journey through the glamorous yet perilous streets of wartime Lisbon. Jennifer Vido: What drew you to set your novel in Lisbon during World War II? Suzanne Nelson: Before I wrote this novel, I knew very little about Lisbon and Portugal’s role during World War II. Once I learned that Portugal was neutral during the war, and that it was a “playground” for Allied and Axis spies, pieces of the story began to fall naturally into place. Lisbon, Estoril, and Sintra also became these surreal social meccas for Europe’s exiled royalty, celebrities, artists, and writers. People like the Prince of Romania, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Peggy Guggenheim, and Marc Chagall stayed in this area, hobnobbing in some of Lisbon’s and Estoril’s most…

Each Friday the Smashwords store reports the bestselling indie fiction titles based on the previous week’s sales. If an author has more than one title eligible for the list, only the highest performing title will be included. This ensures high-performing titles receive the accolades they deserve, while providing up-and-coming authors the visibility they have earned. Don’t miss Monday’s Top 10 Hot Preorders List, where Smashwords will provide a list of the most highly anticipated ebook preorders.

Chapter 3 “I need your help.” “What is it, Mac?” I asked him, concerned by the visible tension on his face. “It’s the president,” he said, hanging on to the door facing. “I need help getting him out of bed.” Though I was always willing to help my husband with anything, this just seemed beyond the scope of my job description. “Mac, are you sure?” “You know I can usually handle him on my own, but this morning I’m . . . struggling. I’m afraid if I keep trying, I’m gonna drop him.” He appeared distraught by this, and I immediately dropped the pillow I was fluffing and went to him. I hated to see my husband in such distress, but I was also mindful that helping the president in such a private setting as his bedroom may not be welcomed by the man. “But Mac, won’t he be upset or embarrassed if I showed up to help? Can’t you ask one of the butlers or hallmen?” “No, he doesn’t want anyone in his bedroom but me. I told him about my trouble this morning and he agreed to let you in the room with me.” “All right,” I said,…

1–What is the title of your latest release? BECOMING MARIELLA 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A young Sicilian woman defies centuries of tradition, leaving home to make her way in the United States 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? As a second generation American, with deep ties to Sicily, and to the Bay Area, I chose the locations closest to my heart. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? In a heartbeat.  5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Feisty, smart, determined 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? A deepening of compassion for people, like Mariella’s mother, who lash out when they’re hurt. 7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done? Both, but the best editing happens after it’s done.  Otherwise, for me, it’s hard to move forward, although the temptation to “get it perfect” first is strong. 8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence? Oh, well, pasta and chocolate! 9–Describe your writing space/office! The walls are faux painted to look Italian, with artwork on them that has meaning for me. The desk is a long wooden door, spacious. There are four…