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…

As I write this blog post, it a sweltering 110 degrees along the coast of Alabama.  Granted, that temperature includes our heat index (the humidity is killer here!), and if you walk outside, your body will immediately be soaked with sweat. And you know what this horribly hot weather needs? A cool read. Dare I say…a snowy read?  A Christmas in July read. Each month, I’ve been focusing on a different trope here at Fresh Fiction, and today, I’m getting merry and bright.  I thought I’d do a round-up that includes a few holiday romances that are designed to make you dream of cold, snowy days…and hot romance. First up, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE by Jill Shalvis. Jill Shalvis always delivers a heart-felt romance, and this book is no exception.  Plus, it was made into a movie by PassionFlix—so you can read the book and then watch the movie! Double win.  If you’re in the mood for a holiday rom-com, then Tessa Bailey has you covered.  With a title like WRECK THE HALLS, you know you’re in for a fun treat with her romance.  Add in a dash of music royalty and some second chance adventure, and you are set…

What is the title of your latest release?SHE DIDN’T SEE IT COMING What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?A woman goes missing from her condo while working from home. Did she ever leave the building at all? How did you decide where your book was going to take place?I’ve always been fascinated by stories where someone with a seemingly normal life just vanishes with no sign of anything having gone wrong—and I loved the idea of setting it inside a condominium building, where the building becomes part of the story. Where is she? There’s no evidence of her actually leaving the building, but she might have. She might have just walked away. Or she could still be somewhere in the building, maybe inside one of the other units… Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Sure! I’d like to hang out with all my characters. What are three words that describe your protagonist?Bryden is smart, kind, and trusting. Too trusting. What’s something you learned while writing this book?I learned a lot about online true crime enthusiasts who try to solve crimes. Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?I do a bit…

As a licensed psychologist, how could I resist a cat named Prozac? (Hint. I wasn’t able to resist and neither will you.) Prozac is the feline star of Laura Levine’s best-selling and riotously funny series, The Jaine Austen Mysteries. Yes, Jaine Austen is the main character, and she has a tribe of hilarious human friends, but Prozac steals the scene every time. Prozac is not ball of fluff, a Hallmark card feline who stays on the sidelines mindlessly playing with a ball of yarn. Prozac is a strong-willed cat who has opinions on everything, and her acerbic comments add spice to every scene. She criticizes Jaine’s elastic waist pants, her taste in prospective dates, her inability to keep her bowl overflowing with fish bits, and Jaine’s annoying habit of not recognizing her star quality. Prozac stars in all twenty books in the series. I started with book one, THIS PEN FOR HIRE and worked my way through the series, gobbling up the books like Godiva chocolates. Prozac doesn’t solve crimes per se, at least not in the traditional way, (she doesn’t have an opposable thumb) but she has Jaine Austin’s ear and her insights are priceless. Nick is an extremely…