Books We Can’t Wait to Share!

"What’s better than a sexy single demon who is just about the hottest guy you’ve ever seen? A sexy single demon who is also an incredible musician with a protective streak…

In Aurora Ascher’s My Funny Demon Valentine, we meet a group of chosen demon brothers who have fled hell for the temptations of Earth…and they’re all unknowingly searching for redemption in one way or another—and they all have aspirations that don’t involve traditional demonic activities. Ash is a pianist who doesn’t believe he has the soul to be great—because he…doesn’t have a soul. After fleeing the fires of hell and a thousand year curse, he spends his time with his demon brothers in bars being anti-social. But when he meets Eva and she truly sees him—the first woman to do that in millenia—his world is again turned upside down. She is a musician in her own right and he can’t stay away from her—even though he knows it isn’t safe for either of them. Hell is on the hunt for him and his brothers, and he unintentionally puts her in the crosshairs. When they flee, the biggest twist of all comes to light—and it changes everything. This is such a fun, page-turning romance that is different from so many other books out there right now. It has spice…but also humor, suspense, action, and of course the HEA we all need. This series will be your new bookish addiction."

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

Review by Cassidy Smith: Editorial and Publicity Assistant

Lynn Cahoon is a queen of cozy mysteries! The latest of her bestselling Tourist Trap Mysteries, Vows of Murder is sure to delight with a fresh case in the charming tourist town of South Cove, California. Bookstore and coffeeshop owner Jill Gardner—engaged and soon-to-be Jill King!—investigates the murder of the town’s resident cult leader, Kane Matthews. Something is odd about the cult, New Hope, and Jill is determined to figure out what. Jill must balance her sleuthing efforts with the management of her store and—oh, yeah, her upcoming wedding. No biggie. She uncovers the killer with a delightful twist and heartwarming support from her close community. With good friends, good food, and good sleuthing, Vows of Murder concocts the perfect mix for a fun, touristy getaway. If you love to curl up by the fireplace with a sweet treat and cozy mystery, you’ll love this latest adventure from Lynn Cahoon!

 

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"Emily Rath is the New York Times bestselling author of the Jacksonville Rays series, but North is the Night marks her first book in the fantasy genre…and she has absolutely knocked it out of the park. To be totally transparent, I’m not a huge fantasy reader, but this was on my TBR from the moment I heard about it. Add to that the incredibly gorgeous package and I could hardly wait to get my copy. This is the first in a folklore-inspired duology that takes place in Finland. It is action packed and the pages fly by…but it is also a love story, a story of friendship, and a story about coming of age and finding that things may not always be what they seem—even things you thought about yourself and your own future. It is a story of smart, fierce, and loyal women who will do anything to protect the ones they love. It is the absolute perfect book to curl up under a blanket with when it’s cold outside. Even better if you can do that in front of a fireplace…but even if you can’t, you’ll be transported to the wilderness and feel the heat of the hearth and hear the crackle of the firewood. It is a truly fantastic story with an exquisite package you won’t be able to take your eyes off. It’s the perfect gift for the reader in your life…or for yourself…this holiday season. You do not want to miss this book and if you haven’t read Emily before, now is the time to pick up one of her stories. And if you have read Emily before, I’m sure you’ve already opened your copy and set off on this adventure with two powerful and passionate women that you will be rooting for from the beginning until you turn the last page…and begin waiting anxiously for the next part of the story."

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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Review by Stephanie Hinamon: Digital Sales & Marketing Assistant

I highly recommend judging a book by its cover. Part historical fiction, part true crime, part love story, part murder mystery—THE RESURRECTIONIST expertly intertwines multiple genres. Despite its macabre subject matter, James’s cheeky narration provides a fresh and fascinating take on the work of early medical schools and the practice of body snatching. Yes, body snatching.

As a medical student in dire financial straits, James accepts a position as a look-out for a crew of Resurrectionists. As he becomes more involved, he increasingly establishes his independence from his family and his past life. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story of James, Nye, and their crew. Then, when the real-life serial killers Burke and Hare enter the plot, it transforms into a gripping murder mystery. So much was well done in this story... Highly recommend!!

 

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Larissa Ackerman: Sr. Communications Manager

I was itching to read Kemper Donovan's second Ghostwriter Mystery as soon as I finished reading The Busy Body, and I personally loved LOOSE LIPS even more! While The Busy Body really focused on failed presidential candidate Dorothy Gibson, I really felt that LOOSE LIPS gives readers even more insight into The Ghostwriter's personality and history. While we are still not given her real name, we are given her pseudonym, Belle Currer, which is a start! Belle is just as witty and snarky as she is in the first book, and I love reading about her frenemy relationship with Payton Garrett, a bestselling writer who is taking several hundred of her newsletter fans on a "Get Lit" cruise to learn about writing/publishing with authors of various genres--including Belle, who wrote a book based on her adventure solving a murder with Dorothy  (the book is called The Busy Body, of course). The cruise ends up becoming a locked room mystery as mysterious deaths occur, and Belle is sidekick once again to solving a crime. It's deliciously sarcastic, entertaining, and puzzling, and the reveal will very much satisfy Agatha Christie fans — and fans of Kemper's own "All About Agatha" podcast!

 

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"Harley Laroux’s Souls Trilogy has taken the romance world by storm, so when we had the opportunity to take this book and create an absolutely gorgeous special edition hardcover, I was so incredibly excited. The new edition has a reversible jacket, foil stamping, additional artwork…and omg…check out the flowered sprayed edges! I also knew this was the time I had to read the book everyone has been talking about. It follows a mortal woman and the alpha demon she falls for as they battle enemies both immortal and human to stay alive…and to find a way to be together. Don’t get me wrong…a demon isn’t going to jump right in and announce he’s fallen in love with a human woman. He’s going to want something from her first—her soul. And she is not willing to part with it. But in this action-packed page-turner, not everything is what it seems. And when you reach the darkest moment…and all hope is lost…and you see what happens. Just wow. Oh—and did I mention it’s spicy? Like really spicy? Yup. So, grab your gorgeous hardcover copy, lock yourself away with a do not disturb sign on the door, and dive into the read you can’t miss. You will not regret it. And maybe you’ll be willing to part with your soul for a demon by the end…"

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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"Jane Austen’s Emma Knightly is a well-known busybody…a matchmaker and a meddler. And of course, beloved for it. But if there are traits that make a fantastic sleuth, they are most certainly being a busybody and a meddler. So, it’s only natural that Emma should now star as the sleuth in a brand new mystery series by acclaimed author Vanessa Kelly.

Vanessa has a long history with the Regency period, writing fantastic romances that spanned London to Scotland and beyond…and she brought all of that—and her lifelong love of Jane Austen—to this book. She captured the essence of these timeless characters, and then spun brand new stories for them, giving all of us Austen fans more in the world that we love and doing justice to her legendary storytelling. The heroes and heroines are still wonderful…and Mr. Elton is still exasperating.

Emma is a cunning investigator, and with George and Harriet by her side, even this twisty mystery filled with red herrings does not outmatch her. It is well-crafted, page-turning, and absolutely delightful. I adored this book and I’m sure Austen and mystery fans alike will as well!"

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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Review by Michaela Hamilton: Executive Editor

If you’re a fan of Leo J. Maloney’s pulse-racing thrillers, based on his own experiences as an agent of the US government, his newest will deliver the fast-paced action you’ve come to expect.  If you’re new to his books, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for an exhilarating ride. ENEMY ACTION features agents Dan Morgan, his partner Peter Conley, and his daughter, Alex Morgan, as they take on the forces of chaos in three vital arenas – Antarctica, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean.  Fans of the “Fast and Furious” films will be caught up in the danger and excitement.  I especially enjoy the dialogue and camaraderie that Leo Maloney writes for his characters.

 

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"When I was considering what book would be best to share for October, there was no question that it had to be something creepy…with enough suspense to keep the pages turning. The House by the Cemetery covers all the spooky season vibes from a twisty mystery to a mansion that also doubles as a mortuary. River Gold is the daughter of the founder of a funeral home empire, and when he dies under suspicious circumstances, she comes back home from California for the first time in years with her teenaged daughter and grandmother in tow. Back home, old resentments, fights, and dark secrets are unearthed as the fight over control of the family business and money take center stage. And then more bodies begin to pile up. All this against the backdrop of many unsolved missing persons cases stemming from the cemetery that borders the family home. Are the murders all related? Are all the missing teenagers runaways…or is there something much darker at play? This is the first in a series that will follow this family and their funeral empire and it’s perfect for readers of Lisa Jackson. If you are ready for twists and turns this spooky season, this is the read for you!"

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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Review by Andi Paris: Digital Sales and Marketing Assistant

Where I End by Sophie White is a deeply unsettling and haunting novel that explores the complexities of motherhood and daughterhood. Nineteen-year-old Aoileann lives on a remote island with her cold and distant grandmother and her bedridden mother, referred to as “the bed-thing.” Shunned by the islanders who believe she is cursed, Aoileann harbors a twisted understanding of love. When Rachel, an artist with a newborn, arrives on the island, Aoileann falls into a dark obsession.

The novel is filled with visceral, gruesome, and chilling imagery, blending body horror with psychological terror resulting in an atmosphere of dread that permeates every page. It's unsettling and disturbing, yet utterly engrossing—so much so that I nearly missed an appointment because I couldn't put it down. Sophie White’s writing is sharp and immersive, drawing readers into a twisted world that lingers long after the final page. Where I End is not for the faint of heart, but it's a story that gets under your skin and stays there, making you both horrified and unable to look away.

 

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Review by Andi Paris: Digital Sales and Marketing Assistant

Isaac Dahl has indeed lived a long and strange life worthy of the title. At 96, with a life lived full of extraordinary moments, both personal and historical, he decides to capture it all in a memoir. Told through twelve pivotal days spanning nearly a century, the book takes readers through natural disasters like avalanches and earthquakes, as well as major historical events like WWII, the Dust Bowl, nuclear tests, Civil Rights violence, and the AIDS crisis. These events are interwoven with deeply personal moments, including Isaac’s bond with his twin sister and his journey as a gay man navigating the challenges of the 20th century.

Yate’s choice to show Isaac’s life in a dozen significant days is brilliant, with each chapter introducing new characters that enrich the story. Readers will find themselves immersed in both Isaac’s personal struggles and the vivid historical settings. With universal themes of love, loss, and resilience, Isaac Dahl is perfect for book clubs. This poignant book will resonate with anyone who reads it and keep you thinking about it long after the story ends.

 

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"I am a lover of summer through and through…but there is something about the approach of autumn that has me wishing for pumpkins, hoodies, apples…and cozy reads with a touch of magic. Nothing Less Than Magic is all that rolled up together and so much more. Our heroine is a motivational speaker specializing in marriage whose own relationship has crumbled. Just when she thinks her ex-husband is going to ask to come back, he instead tells her that he’s getting remarried. In a cloud of anger and grief, she storms out of the restaurant where they’re having dinner in San Francisco…only to be unceremoniously hit by a cable car. Now at her lowest point, she retreats to their Sierra Mountain cabin to heal physically and mentally as she decides where life goes from here. The small town of Ghost, California is nearby…and absolutely brimming with Halloween festivities. The locals welcome her with open arms…and one holds the promise of something more. When her ex comes back into the picture, she will need to decide whether to look forward, turn back…or forge a whole new path. Stacy Finz is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels and her writing never fails to deliver. She hits all the emotions with her stories of family, love, and the stunning backdrops of California from the Bay Area to the Sierra. So, grab your pumpkin spice, curl up under a soft blanket, light a candle…and make sure to keep the tissues close by as you take this journey of self-discovery, sisters, and love…with a twist ending you won’t see coming!"

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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Review by Michaela Hamilton: Executive Editor

Imagine a bleak and isolated mountain region with a history of criminal activity and an almost impassable landscape.  Now imagine a couple and their young daughter, missing for four years before their remains were found there by hunters in November, 2013. Are you hooked yet?  This chilling true-crime tale may give you goosebumps, but you’ll be turning pages eagerly to find out what happened to Bobby, Sherilynn, and Madyson Jamison in the remote hills near Eufala, Oklahoma.  Did the vulnerable family fall prey to drug smugglers? Were they seeking a secluded place to live off the grid? Why did they leave behind their phones, wallets, beloved dog, and $30,000 in cash? Investigative journalist Jake Anderson, author of the acclaimed Gone at Midnight:  The Mysterious Death of Elissa Lam, probes these questions and more in his gripping attempt to solve a cold-case mystery that continues to perplex and fascinate the public.

 

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"A Daughter of Fair Verona answers the question of what would have happened if Romeo and Juliet had not, in fact, died…but instead had a family and thrived. Their eldest daughter, Rosaline—considered a spinster by the standards of the time, even though she’s still in her teens—is a non-conformist from the start. And it turns out her headstrong ways end up attracting more attention than she intended—both from potential suitors and from those with much darker intentions. When she ends up engaged to a notoriously brutal man known for murdering his wives, she is horrified…but when he ends up dead, it turns out her problems are just beginning. She is a suspect and is quickly embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal…all while being coaxed into new marriage proposals. The twists keep coming even up to the very last page, which will leave you wondering just when the author will deliver that next book so we can find out how it all turns out…and whether more murder is afoot. Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author with millions of copies in print…but this is unlike anything she’s done before, and it’s not to be missed!"

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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"Shanora Williams is one of my favorite authors of psychological suspense. She is a master of creating compulsive page turners, so it will come as no surprise that I read her new book The Bitter Truth in one day. Shanora constructs intricately twisted plots or writes a propulsive narrative, creating a book you simply cannot put down. In her latest thriller, a rising political star is running for governor, but strange events keep hinting that his past is coming back to haunt him—and it is definitely filled with some dark secrets. Meanwhile, his wife—who is successful in her own right—is beginning to see that both her husband and her marriage might not be as picture perfect as she thought it was. When she learns the shocking truth, she will have to make a choice that will have the potential to destroy everything she has spent a lifetime building. Shanora Williams is a master of modern suspense with tightly plotted stories full of expertly teased reveals and twists that will make your jaw drop. If you haven’t already picked up one of her books, The Bitter Truth is the perfect time to find out what the buzz is all about."

—Alexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing

 

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Review by Michaela Hamilton: Executive Editor

Hello, thriller fans! You’ll be happy to know that John Gilstrap has just launched his 16th entry in the Jonathan Grave series.  Fast pace, powerful action, and compelling characters are the signature elements of all Gilstrap thrillers, and this one’s no exception.  After an accidental fentanyl overdose claims a young person under Jonathan’s care, he decides it’s time for a war on drugs that really looks like a war on drugs.  Assembling his team of special operators, he vows that no target is too big – not even the President of the United States.  The fallout from his all-out initiative paves the way for a new series! Don’t miss the sample excerpt at the end – it’s sure to leave you wanting more.

 

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Review by Stephanie Hinamon: Digital Sales & Marketing Assistant

Bonnie Jenkins carries her deceased husband’s ashes in a cherry wood box. Yes, you read that right. She carries them around with her so she can talk his ear off. Well, his metaphorical ear now. She told him she would if he up and died on her … so here we are. And we are only on the first page which means this book was calling my name. Struck with inspiration, Bonnie tells her daughter and granddaughter that they will be traveling to Peru to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – I am out of breath just thinking about it. But as we know it is the journey not the destination. All three women need to repair their mutual relationships before they can move on in their lives, and Bonnie is convinced this trip can do that. They encounter handsome men, beautiful scenery, ex-boyfriends, and lots of wine. Along the way, Bonnie tells the history of each of her marriages in a dual storyline which is where our book title comes into play. I truly laughed and cried with each of the characters. And my husband has been warned that I will channel my inner Bonnie, so he better buckle up in the afterlife.

 

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Review by Stephanie Hinamon: Digital Sales & Marketing Assistant

A true cozy connoisseur will tell you the three requirements for a good cozy are: good food, an adorable animal sidekick, and the death of the town bully/bad guy. And this Midwest girl will tell you the quintessential small town seals the deal. Valerie Burns has added a POC main character and social media drama to create a strong new series in the cozy mystery genre. Maddy is baking her way into the hearts of the New Bison community and has already solved the murders of the town’s past two mayors. In this third installment, her past blows into town in the form of her former fiancé and his girlfriend, Maddy’s former best friend. After several run-ins, all of which end up on social media, the former BFF/fiancé stealer is found dead in Maddy’s bakery. The Baker Street Irregulars are back on the case to keep Maddy out of the slammer. Valerie continues to grow her characters, giving them depth, and adding the underlying mystery surrounding Maddy’s aunt’s death provides continuity to the series. Utilizing hashtags throughout the story keeps it true to Maddy’s personality. Be sure to add the Baker Street Mystery series to your cozy mystery rotation. #staffpick #kensingtoncozy

 

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Review by Stephanie Hinamon: Digital Sales & Marketing Assistant

Memory loss is the classic mystery trope with a main character that may or may not be remembering things as they happened. In Echoes of Memory, Quinn is the victim of a terrible attack that has left her without the ability to retain memories. With a short window of retention, Quinn jots everything that happens to her in a notebook she always keeps with her. So, when she witnesses a murder in the alley behind where she works, she rushes to jot down everything she can before she loses the memories. When no one believes her because there is no body or crime scene, Detective Nura Reyes catches the case and works with Quinn to solve the mystery. I appreciate the diligence and mindfulness that author Sara Driscoll gave to traumatic brain injury and the recovery process. When the storyline could have been on repeat, she was able to move the plot forward and build on the progress of the case. I also really liked Detective Reyes … she is a strong lead, smart, and observant. Although this is a standalone novel, I would love to see her again.

 

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Review by Michaela Hamilton: Executive Editor

If you’re a cozy mystery fan, you’re probably familiar with Lynn Cahoon, who has delighted her fans with irresistible series including the Tourist Trap Mysteries, the Kitchen Witch Mysteries, and others.  Now comes a new entry in her Survivors’ Book Club series, set in the artistic town of Sedona, Arizona, and featuring Rarity Cole, owner of the bookstore/coffee shop, The Next Chapter.  In Reading Between the Lies, an egotistical gallery owner is found dead with an arrow in his back.  Rarity and her friends must uncover a killer who seems to have taken the idea of pointed criticism much too literally! If you like mysteries set in small towns featuring amateur sleuths and quirky characters, this one’s for you.

 

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