What is the title of your latest release?THE WATER LIES What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?When a body surfaces in the canals of Venice Beach, California, two mothers, the mother of the drowned woman and another of a very young boy who might know what happened to her, are certain it’s no accident. They team up to uncover truth, relying only on each other, their intuition, and the creeping sense of danger that grows with every shocking revelation. How did you decide where your book was going to take place?Because the novel centers on a drowning, I knew it needed to be set along the water. That can mean a lot of things – the ocean, a pond, a fountain, etc. – and I explored many options before settling on the canals. The other locales didn’t seem specific enough for Tessa, the mother of the boy who recognized the drowned woman, to think the death had something to do with her son. It needed to be literally outside their doorstep. I also knew that I wanted the location to feel unique and cinematic. Once I thought of the canals, there was no turning back. While there have been…

Book Title: TRACK OF COURAGECharacter Name: Dawson Mulligan How would you describe your family or your childhood?We were solid until my fifteen-year-old sister Aven was murdered by a serial killer while I was away at Boy Scout camp. That pretty much destroyed everything – my parents divorced, Mom moved to Montana, and we all just scattered to the winds. Before that though, we were close. My grandfather was a huge influence, taught me to work with my hands and have faith. What was your greatest talent?Reading people and situations. I had good instincts as a cop – could sense when something was off, get people to trust me, connect dots others missed. My fellow officers came to me with their tough cases. At least, that’s how it used to be before I stopped trusting my gut. Significant other?Caroline died five years ago in a plane crash. We were flying to Copper Mountain so she could meet my dad, hit ice, had to hike out. She got hypothermia during the trek and didn’t make it. I promised I’d keep her safe and get her home. That didn’t work out so well. Biggest challenge in relationships?I compartmentalize everything. Build walls so high…

Excerpt from FIRST DO NO HARM by S. J. Rozan: Chapter One I’ve had the dream for as long as I can remember. I’m perched on a dizzying edge, staring at the ground far below. It’s twilight: not quite dark, but nothing is distinct. I have to jump because it’s the only way to get where I’m going and I absolutely have to get there. But when I step off, into the empty air, will I be able to control the fall? My heart pounds. A flash of ice races up my spine. I step. And that weightless second after I do, that moment when the question’s still unanswered—that’s why I do it, every time. Yes, I need to get there, wherever there is. But I know as I’m doing it that need is not the reason. That dream’s not, and never has been, a nightmare. It was the same now. That moment on the edge. But not quite the same: I was awake and could’ve backed out of this one. There was another way to get down. Like in the dreams, I couldn’t make out what was below, but not because it was dark. The July morning was bright,…

In summing up 1992, Queen Elizabeth II said it was a year she would not look back on with undiluted pleasure.  Her own Annus Horriblis. I have to say 2025 hit me the same way. Too much loss and grief spread over my family. Some expected deaths, others slammed like a sledgehammer. It was difficult to be festive; family parties turned into crying fests. It was a year of goodbyes, so many memories piled up. I wanted to put them in a jar to open later so I’ll never forget. I also celebrated my birthday, putting my age in a new perspective. A stark reminder that there is a ticking clock attached to my future. We all pushed through the tears. Life doesn’t stop and wait for all to adjust to the new normal. Work, school, sleeping, eating, even shoveling must be done. Loss is a shared experience.  When I have told others, they respond with sympathy. Also, they share a story about someone they know who has passed: funny, poignant, full of regret and a few who have anger mixed in. No one truly leaves us; there’s always a mark.  Next year promises to bring new beginnings for some…

Brooklyn Ann writes horror and a few different subgenres of romance. She recently experienced a tragedy when strong winds knocked down a tree and it fell onto the home she shared with her longtime partner. He was killed while in bed. It’s what everybody fears – a sudden loss that you’re powerless to prevent. Over the years, through social media (much of the time spent watching horror films in a Facebook film group – think Sci Mystery Science Theater 3000), I’ve gotten to know Brooklyn and by extension – through pictures and stories – her partner Kent. As a romance fan, I think there’s a certain level of curiosity about the type of man a writer of romance books is with. Is he anything like the heroes in their books? Is he anything like the often-idealized fictional heroes? In this instance, the answer would be “yes”. In fact, Kent and their love story inspired Brooklyn to put a version of him in one of her books – WITH VENGEANCE. Kent was a super sweet guy who helped at author conventions and other author events. He was a strong and steady support and a benevolent presence wherever he was. Devoted cat…

Hi Cozy Mystery Friends, I’m Jamie Adams, and as the holiday season settles in, with twinkling lights, warm mugs, and extra moments for reading, I find myself reaching for one thing more than ever: A good clean holiday mystery. It might sound odd to say out loud, but cozy mystery readers understand. There’s something especially comforting about a holiday mystery, one where the snow is falling, the town is decorated, and even a murder can’t dampen the spirit for long. So why do Christmas cozies work so well? For me, it’s because they offer everything we crave this time of year:• A puzzle that keeps our minds engaged• Familiar, festive settings that feel like home• Sleuths who rely on heart and common sense• And the promise that justice will be served before the final carol Holiday cozies remind us that even when something dark intrudes, light always wins. This month, I wanted to spotlight two mysteries that capture that comforting, clean-murder spirit and are perfect for curling up with on a cold winter evening. GIVING UP THE GHOST by Marilyn LevinsonWhile not strictly a Christmas story, this cozy mystery is ideal for winter reading. Retired teacher Gabbie Meyerson moves into…

I can’t believe that 2026 is almost at an end. Where did the time go? How did the months pass so quickly? Over the last year, I’ve had so much fun sharing my book recs with you all.  We’ve gone through lots of great romance tropes, we’ve hit multiple sub-genres, and we’ve always valued our happily-ever-afters! For my final post, I thought I’d revisit some of my absolute favorite books from this year.  If you haven’t read these books yet, you could totally curl up with one of them as the year winds to a close! First up, if you’re looking for fun, don’t miss THE WORST WEDDING DATE by Pippa Grant. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you read a Pippa book. She is hilarious, and her stories are delightful. Another book that I adored? THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN by Kresley Cole.  The bonus with reading a Kresley Cole book is that she has a whole series of amazing paranormals you can explore! You start with one book, and then you find yourself completely addicted to ALL her books. And, book number three from my “favorites” of the year…SHATTERING DAWN by Jayne Ann Krentz. I…

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.

Book Title: LOST WITHOUT YOUCharacter Name: Shane AdamsSeries: Adams Cosmetics How would you describe your family or your childhood?My childhood was amazing. My mom was always home and there to lend to an ear. My dad was always working and trying to build his business. I didn’t see him as much as I would have liked but I could see he was trying to build a legacy for me and my sisters Kayla and Courtney. What was your greatest talent?I have a great nose and I can smell different natural smells, essential oils, synthetics and more. Significant other?I’ve always been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, but ending my relationships with aplomb and a fancy trinket to remember me by. Biggest challenge in relationships?My biggest challenge is finding anyone who can live up to my mom. She stood next to my father, but not behind him. She was his partner in every sense of the word and I never thought I’d be able to find that. Where do you live?I know this might surprise most since I’m a ladies man, but my primary residence is my family mansion, but I do own a condo in the city. Do you…

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.