The Magic of Painted Creek by Robyn Kilgore blitz with giveaway
**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**
The Magic of Painted Creek
Robyn Kilgore
Publication date: June 24th 2025
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism
She only came back to settle a will, but her roots ran deeper than she bargained for…
Mabel Morrison considers herself fortunate to have a thriving art business at only twenty-five years old. After the sudden passing of her grandmother, Mabel leaves her mother, her only living relative, in Columbus, Ohio and finds herself back in Painted Creek, North Carolina to settle her grandmother’s affairs.
The longer she is stuck in town, the more she learns about her grandmother’s legacy and the family that came before her. As she starts to piece together a found family of her own, Mabel begins to embrace her other natural gifts within her paintings that she’s been denying for years. Suddenly, she imagines what life could be like in Painted Creek surrounded by friends, magic, and love. The future seems brighter than ever as she slowly begins to stray further from the path that was laid out for her when she was young.
But her newfound confidence is shaken when her new friendships are tested, setting off a chain of events that could change the course of Mabel’s life forever. Has Mabel inherited more than she bargained for? Or will she find the inner strength to embrace all of her gifts and hold on to everything she has never let herself want?
—
EXCERPT:
The alarm clock crashed to the floor as I smacked at it for the last time. “I’m leaving that damn thing here,” I grumbled to myself. I felt crazy for having such strong feelings about an inanimate object, but I hated that alarm clock. Sitting upright and running my hands down my face, I felt more like a zombie than a human girl. Woman.
Whatever.
Unfortunately, I’d missed the off button for the alarm and the clock’s fall from the table hadn’t broken it or ripped the plug from the wall, so it was still happily wailing away from under the bed. And it didn’t sound muted. Oh no, now it somehow seemed to reverberate through the entire room as if the under bed acoustics were the perfect amplifier for my morning agony. Flipping myself over the edge of the bed and hanging upside down, I yanked the cord from the wall and huffed in relief at the sudden silence. Calling on core strength I absolutely did not have, I wriggled upright and collapsed back into the pillows.
In the sudden stillness, I took a moment to really look around my bedroom in the apartment I’d had for the last five years, the first place I could call my own when I moved out of my mother’s house. Looking at it now though, I wondered if I really could call it mine. I paid the rent and other bills, sure, and maintained my responsibilities, and theoretically made all the decisions. But I felt no sense of “me” in this space. The walls were a dull builder grade beige, as was the carpet. Hell, even my comforter was a slightly darker shade of beige. The only pop of personality in the room was my dark purple sheets, and even they were hidden away when the bed was made.
My mother had helped me choose the apartment, and all the things in it, when she finally conceded to my desire to move out at twenty years old. I had been financially self sufficient for a couple years, I was lucky in that way. My painting business had really taken off right after high school, and in a mere year I had acquired a nice little nest egg that continued to grow while I still lived at home.
I shook my head, not wanting to mentally relive the fights we’d had when I told her I wanted a place of my own. But I couldn’t help but wonder as I looked around my bedroom if this is what I would have chosen for myself. Even the artwork, now carefully wrapped up and ready to move, was bland and muted in color. Neutral. Safe.
I glanced back over at the offending alarm clock. My mother had even gifted me that alarm clock, saying that productive people got their day started early. “You started this.” I narrowed my eyes, pointed at it, and huffed. I realized the clock probably sounded louder because the room was now almost completely empty, and therefore echoey, not because the electronic device was actually yelling at me.
After one more second of reflection, and one more glare at the clock, I squared my shoulders and got out of bed. “No time like a new beginning to change your interior design choices. And I’m more productive at night anyway.” With that, I headed to the shower, vowing to leave the alarm clock and all things beige behind in the move.
Author Bio:
Robyn Kilgore lives in Tennessee with her husband, kids, dog and business manager (the cat). When she’s not working on a writing project or reading, you can find her chauffeuring her kids to activities… usually by way of a coffee shop drive through. Her love of vintage treasures, whimsical findings, and seeking magic in every day life led her easily to write magical realism novels. Robyn also has a small handmade jewelry and craft business, her first (and forever) passion turned business venture. She gives a nod to the experience of making jewelry in her first novel, The Magic of Painted Creek.
GIVEAWAY!
The Magic of Painted Creek Blitz
—
Cover Reveal: Open to Death by Sophie Mattis
**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**
Open to Death
Sophie Mattis
(A DI Rena Hunt Mystery, #1)
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance
In the picturesque town of Rucklesby, peace is shattered when a young woman is found brutally murdered in her home. Detective Inspector Serena “Rena” Hunt is called to the scene, still haunted by her last case and questioning her instincts.
The victim, Sicily Avery—a wife and mother—has been stabbed through the heart with chilling precision. When another woman is killed in the same way, Rena realises a calculated murderer is on the loose, leaving cryptic notes on the victims as part of a twisted agenda.
With the body count rising, Rena and her team race to stop the killer before they strike again. Tensions mount with the arrival of new forensic pathologist Dr. Lucas Mann—bringing both friction and unexpected chemistry—as they work together to outwit a murderer who always seems one step ahead.
Open to Death intricately combines themes of murder, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for justice, all while subtly developing a slow-burn romance.
Author Bio:
Sophie Mattis is a British mystery author known for her suspenseful, character-driven stories that keep readers turning pages. Born and raised in the UK, she writes contemporary mysteries featuring complex investigators, layered intrigue, touches of romance, and flashes of humour. When she’s not plotting her next twist, Sophie enjoys travelling, cycling, and curling up with a good crime drama.
Follow her on her socials at: @sophiemattisbooks
—
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods blitz with giveaway
**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**
Goalie and the Girl Next Door
Elsie Woods
(Love in Maple Falls)
Publication date: September 10th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
My life was perfect except for the occasional goat emergency. Then a charming French goalie with dimples turned my life upside down. Rude.
Marcy
I came to Maple Falls to rebuild my life with nothing but four pencil skirts and a broken heart, courtesy of my hockey-playing ex. I like numbers because they don’t lie, and I like my quiet ranch life because it’s predictable.
Enter Clément Rivière—the devastatingly charming French goalie who shows up shirtless to help with barn work, whispers sweet French nothings to our goat, and looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world. But I’m not the only one falling for his act—half the town’s women are already under his spell, and I refuse to be just another conquest.
Clément
I traded Paris for small-town Washington to chase my big league dreams and restore a historic house that’s trying to kill me daily. What I didn’t expect was the town’s brilliant, beautiful accountant who treats me like I’m a tax audit waiting to happen.
Marcy Fontaine sees right through my act and makes me want things I never knew were missing. But she’s been burned by a hockey player before, and I’m running out of time to prove I’m different. There’s a ticking time bomb inside me, and my career is on the line.
If I can’t stay, we’ll both have to decide if love is worth the risk—or if some dreams are too good to be true.
***
Goalie and the Girl Next Door is a grumpy-sunshine, wounded hero, fish-out-of-water hockey romcom in the Love in Maple Falls series. Add some goat whispering, sunrise kisses, and a guaranteed happily ever after sweeter than maple cupcakes and you have this sweet romance with all the heart and no spice.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen
Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keeffe
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Skating and Fake Dating by Ellie Hall
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington
—
EXCERPT:
I’m about to lay into my workplace nemesis who has insulted my attention to detail when a voice fills the meeting room. The voice is loud, joyful, and deeply French.
“Bonjour, bureaucratic friends!”
Phillip nearly jumps out of his loafers and my hand jerks reflexively, and the documents I’m holding scatter like leaves in a windstorm.
A tall man with sun-kissed skin, messy curls, and a hockey duffel slung over one shoulder strides in. He’s grinning like the world’s been personally generous to him this morning, and I’m too stunned to do anything but stare.
“I’m looking for Mayor Thompkins,” he says. “It’s about a building permit.”
He moves smooth, confident, annoyingly magnetic. His jeans cling in a way that is definitely not accidental, and the forest green Henley shirt he’s wearing looks like it was made for slow, appreciative glances. Not that I’m giving him one.
There’s an ease to him, that particular breed of European polish that turns heads even when it shouldn’t.
My better judgment crosses its arms, but my pulse, traitorous thing, doesn’t listen.
When I get over my momentary freeze-up, I drop to my knees, scrambling to recover the paperwork. The Frenchman crouches to help me, entirely unbothered.
“Wow,” he says, flashing a smile as he picks up a page. “Do all town meetings start with this much paper throwing? Because I’m in.”
I don’t know who this guy thinks he is, but he’s holding the town’s most sensitive finances in one very large, very tanned hand.
I snatch the paper from him and say the first thing that comes to mind.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
He winks, and I’d like to smack that smug grin right off his perfectly chiseled face. “I get that a lot.”
Author Bio:
Elsie Woods is an author of giggly romantic comedy with a big dose of furry friends. While born in Canada, she abandoned cold winters for southern France with her golden retriever and unicycling French hubby. When not writing, she can be found sipping tiny coffees by the Mediterranean, hiking with her hubby and dog, or munching on the most delicious cheese in the world.
Don’t forget to try her free novella available on Amazon: Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa!
GIVEAWAY!
Goalie and the Girl Next Door Blitz
—
Never Marry the Best Man by Julia Kent blitz with giveaway
**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**
Never Marry the Best Man
Julia Kent
(Whatever It Takes, #4)
Publication date: September 9th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
There’s no way the hot relative of a minor British royal is hitting on her. She’s misreading everything, right?
Except there’s no mistaking that proposal.
When 50something Ranney Martini (yes, Nessa’s mom!) finds herself being courted by the very English best man in a minor royal’s wedding she’s managing, she can’t help but laugh. He’s 17 years her junior, smoking hot, and an award-winning architect. The flirting is all in her imagination.
Of course it is.
But when a strange twist of fate leaves them trapped in Las Vegas, and Tom has a sudden need for American citizenship – faster than fast – Ranney proves she’s the consummate professional.
Because when you’re a wedding protector, you do whatever it takes to make the perfect wedding.
Even marrying the very handsome best man.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
—
EXCERPT:
Tom cleared his throat.
“I know you’re on the clock, and this is a mess, but Jack’s with Chunk and we have no idea what’s happening next. Emergency rooms take hours, so we have some time. What would you like to do? Are you hungry? Shall we get some dinner? I’ve never seen Las Vegas before. Shall we take a look around?”
“From what I’ve seen of your work, I don’t think you’re going to like the aesthetic here very much.” Ranney had only been there once before, with Carmine, for some sort of packaging expo. She’d spent most of her time by the hotel pool and therefore avoided the stereotypical Vegas experience. The desert weather had been lovely, the hotel food was exceptional, and she never set foot in a casino or even pulled a slot machine handle.
“But it’s iconic! Come on, I can’t be here on the ground and not see it, I may never be back!”
“Tom, what about the wedding party? You’re supposed to be hanging out with them!”
“I already explained that. They’re my relatives and a bunch of future in laws of Charlie’s. I can be with them anytime. I can’t be with you anytime. And certainly not in Las Vegas, Nevada.”
And that was the moment when she realized just how much she wanted to go with him. She wanted to see Las Vegas–with him. She wanted to sit next to him in the back of an Uber and listen to him talk. Lean against him, close enough to breathe the scent of his skin. Hear everything that had ever happened to him before they met, even if he told her in that annoying British accent–which was becoming less annoying and more charming by the minute.
Dear God, was this some unanticipated perimenopausal side effect? In all the articles that she’d read on the subject, had this ever been mentioned? Intense and inappropriate lust for a virtual stranger?
Speaking of inappropriate, what exactly was his age, anyway? She needed another look at his profile and she needed it now. Because if he was anywhere near her daughter’s age–if he was young enough, say, to have attended one of Nessa’s childhood birthday parties–she was going to fake stomach flu and get on the next plane home. Claire could have this entire field all to herself, whether she was capable or not.
“Are you all right?” Tom asked. “You’re looking a bit… shaken up. I thought emergencies were your specialty?”
Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).
She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon / Newsletter
GIVEAWAY!
Never Marry the Best Man Blitz
—
Firelight Days by Savannah Pryce blitz with giveaway
**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**
Firelight Days
Savannah Pryce
Publication date: August 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
When wildfires force an evacuation in her small town, baker and loner Penny Ridgeman seeks refuge at the only place she feels safe – Jack Olsen’s family ranch in Eastern Oregon. For years, Penny has seen Jack as just a friend – even if he is, inconveniently, the most attractive man she knows. But just like you shouldn’t mix-up salt and sugar in a cake, she believes that mixing love and friendship is a recipe for disaster.
Jack has always admired and respected Penny’s need for solitude. And, as the town handyman, builder, and cat-in-a-tree-rescuer, he prides himself on being able to fix and figure out anything. But he can’t understand why Penny holds herself back in her work. He can’t see what’s behind those stubborn, thick walls she keeps up. And he can’t work out, for the life of him, why suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her.
As the days stretch into quiet nights on the ranch, Penny and Jack start to see each other in a new light – one Penny is certain can only lead to getting seriously burned. With the world around them on fire and only each other for company, they find themselves in a whirlwind of emotions neither expected.
As the fire threatens to consume everything, Penny and Jack must decide whether to risk their friendship for something deeper… or will that go up in flames, too?
—
EXCERPT:
Penny had never been in the car with Jack alone for this long. He’d given her rides here and there, of course, a ride home on a rainy day sometimes. But today, the energy felt totally different—of course, they were evacuating. She hadn’t seen him so pensive and on edge since right before he had broken up with Valerie a few years ago. She didn’t like it. She was used to seeing Jack as easily confident, relaxed, and always sure he could take care of anything. And she hadn’t realized until this second how much she’d come to just rely on that, even if they were just friends and saw each other for twenty minutes a day, usually.
He took a long drink from his bottle, relishing the cold washing down his suddenly dry throat. Was it possible that, deep down, maybe she had feelings for him? Was it possible that underneath it all, he actually had feelings for her?
Or was this just what happened to two people who happened to be stuck riding out a natural disaster together?
Penny decided there wasn’t just an elephant in the room between her and Jack. That was too small. It was more like a brontosaurus in the room. No matter how busy she kept herself,
nothing distracted her enough from the big, fat, unavoidable presence growing larger and larger in her mind.
Jack.
Author Bio:
Savannah Pryce is a writer hailing from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. FIRELIGHT DAYS is her debut novel.
GIVEAWAY!
—
Carries Book Reviews 
Recent Comments