A Hopeful Escape: Simplicity by the Sea by Jennifer Vido

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Jennifer Vido to Muse Monday on Discover... She's got me hooked on wine and romance, city girl and small-town guy. See what you think!

I love that this book takes the familiar idea of a city girl meeting a small-town guy and gives it a new twist. By bringing together the Virginia wine scene with the coastal charm of Gull Island, I’ve created a backdrop that feels both romantic and fresh. For me, Delaney’s story is about those big life questions we all ask at some point—what does success really look like, and is the life I’ve built truly the one I want? I think that makes her journey very relatable, especially for women who’ve worked so hard but still feel like something’s missing. I had so much fun weaving in wine and seaside details. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s also about experiencing a sense of place, which I think makes it appealing to readers who love travel, food, and lifestyle angles.

Luke’s story brings another layer of heart to the book. He’s a single dad who’s built a steady life for himself and his daughter, and I think readers will connect with his devotion to family while also rooting for him to take a chance on love. Since this book is part of my Gull Island series, it carries forward the world I’ve already created while also welcoming new readers. It shows that Gull Island is a place worth returning to, filled with stories about love, second chances, and community. At the end of the day, I want this book to feel like a hopeful escape. With everything going on in the world, I think readers are craving uplifting stories that remind us love and new beginnings are always possible.

Book Blurb:

What if the perfect pairing isn't found in a bottle, but in each other?

High-powered marketing executive Delaney Huger thrives in Virginia's wine scene until a quick trip home to Gull Island for a wedding forces her to slow down. Suddenly, she's questioning the life she's built and what comes next. Can she uncork a new beginning or keep pouring into a dream that no longer fits?

Charter captain Luke Sullivan has built a quiet, predictable life on Gull Island, perfect for raising his daughter and growing his business. But when a captivating wedding guest stirs something he thought he'd buried, he wonders if it's time to change. Will he chart a new course toward love or stay safely ashore?

Excerpt:

A distant murmur of cheerful voices and melodic peals of laughter pierced the night air, drawing Delaney Huger closer to the illuminated lighthouse nestled on the South Carolina coastline. She sank onto a rock, twisting her dress in frustration. She’d let them down. Her partners-in-crime, notably her sister and best friend, were tucked inside the adjoining wedding tent, glasses clinking in joyful toasts celebrating the nuptials of childhood friends. The imaginary scene played out in her mind—her friends in summer cocktail dresses, heels clicking on the parquet dance floor, while she stumbled through apologies. “The traffic was terrible, and you’ll never believe what happened.” She could almost hear her voice faltering as she grasped for excuses for failing to arrive on Gull Island as scheduled.

The charming, small-town affair wasn’t just an ordinary island celebration with some random tourist couple exchanging vows in the lush Lowcountry amid crickets chirping and frogs trilling in the late May heat. The social event of the season—the wedding of the beloved Cate Ainsworth and Knox Price—witnessed by her childhood friends, extended family, and island neighbors, had unfolded nearly an hour ago at a picturesque sunset ceremony on the beach, painted in a vibrant palette of pastel hues. The town buzzed with excitement over their second-chance romance. 

Preorder Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

ITunes

 

Jennifer Vido is the author of The Gull Island Series, sweet Lowcountry romances inspired by her love of coastal living and small-town charm. Serendipity by the Sea won Best First Book from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest, and Baltimore Magazine readers named her Best Local Author in 2024 and 2025. A Vanderbilt graduate, Jennifer traded in teaching French to follow her dream of becoming an author. She loves discovering and sharing literary gems through her Jen's Jewels column, celebrating the books that make her heart happy. Jennifer lives in Maryland with her husband and is mom to two grown sons. Her rescue dog, Fripp, is her constant companion, though he's better at napping than editing. When she's not writing, you'll find her at the beach with her toes in the sand, dreaming about her next romance.

Author Links

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Goodreads

BookBub 

Wicked X 2 by Joanne Guidoccio

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Please welcome back Joanne Guidoccio to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... This mermaid tale sounds intriguing and a fun read!

Two wicked mermaids, a mother-and-daughter duo, are determined to make a lesser mermaid’s life even more difficult. And they’re well positioned to do so: La Bella is the tribe’s elder, and Annabella is the elder-in-waiting.

Here is a “wicked” excerpt from my novelette, Hippie Mermaid:

Terrified. It was the only word I could use to describe the expression on Mama’s face. I couldn’t read Annabella’s face, and I permitted myself only a quick glance at La Bella. Almost a carbon copy of Annabella, her features appeared sterner and more unapproachable. I was in some kind of trouble; that I knew for sure.

La Bella approached and poked me on the shoulder. Hard. I winced but said nothing. Whenever I had displeased Mama or Aunt Lina, I had received a gentle reprimand. Physical violence was taboo in the kingdom, though I heard of altercations among the Onas and mermen.

“You are a disgrace to your tribe and the Kingdom. How dare you pressure my daughter into accompanying you on your trysts? By all means, tag along with the Ettas, but do not presume to go any higher.” La Bella turned to Mama. “Did you and your sister not learn your lessons?”

“I didn’t pressure Annabella,” I said. “She asked me to accompany her.”

Mama gasped and put her hand to her mouth. I had been taught to tell the truth and hold nothing back. Why was Mama so upset?

Annabella laughed. A cruel laugh. One I had not heard before. She spoke directly to La Bella, “I felt sorry for her situation and decided to befriend her. I went along with her foolish desire to find a man and escape from the clutches of her mother and aunt.”

Mama’s eyes clouded. For a split second, there was uncertainty. Annabella’s lies had found an easy target. I longed to comfort Mama, but I needed to confront Annabella right now. Or at least, that’s what I thought I had to do. “Why are you lying?”

“How dare you accuse my daughter?” La Bella grabbed my arm and squeezed even harder. “Mermaids have been banished to Crete for less.” She withdrew her hand and closed her eyes.

Mama whispered. “Say nothing.” She turned to La Bella. “Please let me deal with this.”

La Bella shook a finger at Mama. “Right now, I have too much on my plate. But we will not let this go.”

Annabella’s eyes glittered with excitement. She would be chief elder in one week’s time and have a say in my punishment. A shocking realization washed over me. Had she planned this all along? Trifle with a lesser mermaid and then test her new powers?

From sea to shore, betrayal follows her wherever she goes. 

On Christmas Eve, psychic Kendra Adams reveals the secret she’s hidden for decades—she was once Rosina, a mermaid torn between sea and shore. Betrayed in her ocean kingdom and desperate to escape banishment, she persuades a politician to smuggle her into the human world. But freedom on land comes at a cost, as she soon finds herself ensnared in another web, this one spun by the politician’s power-hungry sister. 

Buy Links

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon CA  https://www.amazon.ca/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Author Bio

Joanne Guidoccio enjoyed a rewarding career teaching mathematics, business, and co-operative education courses before retiring to pursue writing. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she writes paranormal romances, cozy mysteries, and inspirational stories from her home base of Guelph, Ontario. Find her at https://www.joanneguidoccio.com. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter:                       https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio

Bluesky:                      https://bsky.app/profile/joanneguidoccio.bsky.social

Pinterest:                     https://www.pinterest.ca/jguidoccio

Facebook:                   https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio

Goodreads:                  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

LinkedIn:                    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG 

Reading and Reviews (Sandford and Parrish)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author. 

Holy Ghost (A Virgil Flowers Novel) by John Sandford 

Wheatfield, Minnesota: a metropolis of six hundred souls and change, for which the word "moribund" might have been invented. Nothing ever happened there and nothing ever would—until the mayor of sorts (campaign slogan: "I'll Do What I Can") and his precocious teenage buddy come up with a scheme to put Wheatfield on the map. Should something dramatic occur—say, that the apparition of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared at the local Catholic Church—the whole town would be turned into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. And all those pilgrims needed food, shelter, all kinds of crazy things. The town would get rich! What could go wrong?

Then the shootings begin. And as they—and Virgil Flowers—are about to discover, that's only the beginning of their troubles… 

My Review

As usual, John Sandford is skilled in creating an entertaining read. I’ve loved his character, Virgil Flowers, from the first book in which he appeared. He’s cool, calm, and layback, approaching law and order with his own methods. The characters populating Wheatfield are delightful. The story is unique. All around a good read. 

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Ghost-Virgil-Flowers-Novel/dp/0735217343/

 

 

 

Southern Woman by Kathleen Parrish 

Kathy Whitaker works tirelessly to build a future for herself and her family in 1953 Cottondale, Mississippi. She’s turned Weaver Variety Store, inherited from Minnie Weaver, into a successful business, and despite her long hours, their family is thriving. Now, she eagerly waits for her husband, Towanna, to complete his last semester of medical school in New Orleans and return home to intern with a local doctor. However, two strangers arrive in town who threaten to upend her life: Richard Coswell, who claims to represent a large variety chain wanting to buy her store, and Ellen Matheson, a single mother seeking a fresh start for herself and her daughter.

Kathy rejects Coswell’s offer but soon finds herself entangled in a legal battle when Coswell discovers the probate on her inheritance was never properly closed and fabricates a claim that could force her to sell. Worse, her new salesclerk, Ellen Matheson, claims to be Minnie Weaver’s long-lost, illegitimate daughter and only surviving blood relative, entitling her to a share of the Weaver estate. 

My Review

Ms. Parrish weaves a complicated tale with enthralling characters. I love a book whose characters are vivid and well defined. She is also very adept at putting us in the time period and in the setting of the southern United States. Racism was accepted and part of life in the 1950s and even more so in the South. But not by everyone. Behind the fight for Kathy to keep her inheritance is a racial tale of love and deception. Early on, I was slightly confused at times with so many characters, but it was worth sorting it out to enjoy the read.  

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Woman-Kathleen-Parrish-ebook/dp/B0FGBN92JM

Saving the Earth: Let's Hope for Time Travel by JL Peridot

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome JL to Muse Monday on Discover... What a premise for a book! You'll love how her Muse led her down the path for this sure to be good read.

What happens in the past stays in the future

My latest book, Until We Met Again, is a time travel story set against the backdrop of a post-collapse society. I wrote it in the midst of learning about climate change and how the prevailing “growth at all costs” mentality is costing us the earth.

This wasn’t the most uplifting topic of study, but while exploring what such a futuristic society might use time travel technology for, I also wondered how they might try to survive and thrive until the people tasked with changing the past succeed.

After traversing through time, my heroine returns to the camp she calls home: a controlled village-population settlement at the edge of an arid landscape, with radioactive regions to the north, a desert to the east, and a toxic wasteland in the south. It’s is just one of many human camps dotting what remains of a once-lush world.

Without trees to spare, they lash together dried mushroom bark for doors. They weave rugs from strands of grass species that still grow in harsh climates. Some folks travel between camps to share resources, contribute manpower, and deliver messages to loved ones because communication networks aren’t what they used to be.

All the while, brave volunteers travel back in time to change the past, believing if they alter just enough of it, they’ll secure the beautiful future their ancestors dreamed of.

In real life, however, the only way you and I can affect the future is with what we do today. At some point, our descendants will look at the world we gave them and wonder what we were thinking. I wonder what we’ll tell them if they manage to come back and ask?

Until We Met Again: A Time Travel Novelette by JL Peridot

A time traveller absconds to the past in search of her lost love.

One word: my name. A call from Origin through the neural lace grafted to my brain and nerves, connecting me to another place in another time. A reminder of what I’m here to do.

I clutch a bottle cap; its sharp metal edges ground me in the present. It’s funny, don’t you think, to consider this moment the present, as if the past and future I came from aren’t supposed to exist? If you were here, I’d ask. You’d smile and kiss my forehead and say you love my nonsense questions.

But you’re not here. They want me to forget you ever were.

Available now at most e-book retailers.

About JL Peridot

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She's a qualified computer scientist, former website maker, amateur horticulturist, and sometimes illustrator. But most of the time, she's an author of romantic science fiction. She lives with her partner and fur-family in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country.

Visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.

Vampire Wicked by Frankie Sutton

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Today's guest on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday is Frankie Sutton. Frankie is going to share a wicked scene from her book, Vampiric Crush. Vampires qualify as wicked, I'd say. Tell us about yourself, Frankie.

Howdy, I’m Frankie. Being born and raised within Motown, aka Detroit, it’s no surprise that creativity is in my blood. I’ve experimented with scripts, role playing, songwriting, novels, poems. After dabbling with Hollywood (appearing in two movies and a music video) and doing local singing contests, I found my home in writing novels (and poetry). 

Tell us a little about the book, Frankie.

Shae Taizer hides in the protective Royale Realm, away from the reach of Gerard, the infamous manipulative Vampire King. Yet she seeks a way to rid herself of the vampire's crush on her, denying him an ally in his quest for pleasure. She would rather
die than become his Vampire Queen. 

But after recalling a childhood of being raised among Civilians, she is gifted her own Pandora's Box. She discovers a prophecy bonding her to two Civilians, Nickolas and Kiran. One is the key to defeating Gerard. However, reuniting with them ignites something more sinister--her own Vampiric Crush.

Where can we purchase Vampiric Crush?

Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag4SKt (Kindle) & https://a.co/d/4LeOR06 (Paperpack)

Now, let's have a wicked excerpt from the book.

While observing the arrival of the others entering the room, Shae’s eyes narrowed wickedly. She bared fangs at Dorian while briefly levitating. “How nice of you to join us.” She smirked at Diane. “It’s a pity that I must take leave now…just as things were getting so juicy with your husband.” Darkness wrapped around Shae’s figure. 

“Shae, please…” Nick’s voice was a shocked whisper coming from his crumbled cowering position as she settled back down on the rug. She took a step toward the door and the lackeys rose off their knees. 

Dorian stepped forward, standing next to Nick. “That’s not Shae.” 

As Shae stopped at the doorway, the lackeys moved to file out of the room via the hole in the wall. “You are of no use to me in this sorry state,” she scoffed. A distracting glow of blue formed within her peripheral. She whirled around and there was Dorian, standing tall and determined despite his slight frame. The rippling muscles in his arms only begot her amusement, evil laughter rippling from within. “Oh, my foolish husband. Or should I say ex-husband. You want to play?” 

Before Dorian could even react, she swept one of his legs with remarkable agility and he fell backward. Jumping atop him, she whispered a spell and sucker punched Dorian with a heavy fist—knocking him out cold. 

“MOM. DAD!” 

Diane turned to see Riley standing in the doorway. “Riley!” 

Shae slowly stood up over a now unconscious Dorian. She turned her attention to the girl, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. “Foolish little Riley…” 

“Riley, go back to your room.” Nick’s voice trembled, as he tried to warn his daughter away. 

“Shae, stop hurting my family!” Riley, yet again, dared to face the danger. 

“You are trying my patience!” Her rage was building. Shae took a swipe at Riley. 

Diane snatched Riley out of harm’s way. “Nick…do something!” She sent him a disappointed glance before rushing Riley out of the bedroom. 

“Shae, stop this now.” Again, Nick grabbed her upper arm. “Don’t let Jacquain’s path be yours.” 

For a moment, she hung her head, “Nick, please…” Save me! 

But Nick’s hesitation was much too long. Their bond wasn’t strong enough yet. 

She shoved him away with a snarl. “You try that again…and you’ll lose a daughter.” Then Shae vanished from their home.

You can connect with Frankie Sutton here:

Website: CreatorFrankie.com

Twitter: https://x.com/MotownCountry

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/frankiesutton.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motowncountry/

How Research Enriches My Life by Mary Georgina de Grey

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Mary Georgina de Grey to Muse Monday on Discover. She knows her business on research and inspiration. What fun she's had. 

Someone once said to me, ‘It’s easy for a romance writer. You don’t have to do any research. Everyone knows what happens in a romance.’

I confess to feeling annoyed by such an ignorant attitude because all of my books require a lot of research. The fact that a writer doesn’t make that too obvious is due to the skill he or she has.

As I often set my books in foreign countries, I do have to research those places, even if I know the country well, because things change every day. I even check carefully that I have the weather right for the season.

But why do I say it enriches my life? Because it forces me to learn new things. For Then the Earth Moved, I spent time in a design studio and got to know people involved in architecture and interior design; for Then Time Stands Still, I visited a winery in Northern Spain and refreshed my knowledge of Roman archaeology. But perhaps the strangest was learning about sheep farming in South Wales in the 1960s for Let Love Find a Way. I have just completed a lovely deep dive into mysticism, tarot readings, pills and potions for my next novel.

All this makes life interesting. But it is work.

Blurb for Then Time Stands Still

English archaeologist Dr Amancia Harding has looked after her family for five years. Now it’s time to take care of herself and leading a team on a dig in Spain is the perfect way to propel her career forward. Her good intentions are threatened when she meets vineyard owner Max Serrano.

Damaged by war in Ukraine and a tragic event in his past, Max has given up on relationships and taken refuge in making wine, but the attraction he feels to Amancia forces him to confront painful issues. There’s also the gulf between their two cultures to consider if a relationship is to have any chance of success.

Ambitious and fiery in character, can either accept that compromise is sometimes necessary to find happiness? 

Then Time Stands Still takes place in Bristol UK, then an archaeological dig on a vineyard in northern Spain.

Buy Links:     

USA

https://a.co/d/iVTKd3U

https://a.co/d/dXgTYNK

UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Then+Time+Stands+Still+by+mary+georgina+de+grey

I really enjoyed writing this book, especially doing the research into archaeology and wine-making. And, of course, the food and customs of the country. Even if I know the place really well, I still have to ensure everything is up to date. The internet is fantastic, but person to person is still the best.

I love writing contemporary novels, as the research is also into jobs and professions, how they are carried out, and by whom, what it feels like day-to-day. People sometimes suggest it might be boring, but I have often found research unearths plotlines and forces me to consider a completely new (and usually better) way forward.

But my readers don’t want a travelogue, and, at some stage, I have to get down to writing the story. I write in my study at home, sometimes four or five hours a day, once I’m in the story. It’s scruffy but I’m not in there to admire its décor. Generally, I’m seated by a lovely Art Nouveau window which glows gradually brighter, as the sun moves around the house in the afternoon.

Inspiration comes from newspaper and news website articles, stories people tell me, history, but mainly from observing how people react in different situations.

I live in South Devon with my husband, an artist. When not writing a novel, I’m putting together talks about romance and why it should be given serious consideration as a genre. As you can imagine, I get booked up around Valentine’s Day, but I also speak at festivals when I get the opportunity.

Then The Earth Moved takes place in London and the mountainous Abruzzo region of Italy.

Buy Links:

USA

https://a.co/d/cOgoT9P

https://a.co/d/hkX3ddA

UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=then+the+earth+moved+by+mary+georgina+de+grey

 

Let Love Find a Way takes place on a Colombian cattle farm, then a sheep farm in South Wales.

Buy Links:

USA

https://a.co/d/b5BwElW

https://a.co/d/4ge3x1m

UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=let+love+find+a+way+by+mary+georgina+de+grey 

Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

 MUSE MONDAY

Enjoy Ella's latest release now!

Rekindled Flame

A Second Chance Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

Book Links

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236532005-rekindled-flame
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance-burning-hearts-book-1-by-ella-braeme
Website: https://ellabraeme.com/2025/08/17/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance/

 

Book Details

Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV
Publication Date: September 3, 2025
37,000 words / 137 pages
Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback
Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York.

Blurb

When old flames reignite, sparks fly.

Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves. Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca "Becks" Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she's his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse. As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren't meant to be extinguished—they're meant to be stoked. Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!

♥ firefighter romance ♥ second chance ♥ small town ♥ protective hero ♥ workplace romance ♥ she’s his boss ♥ contemporary ♥ first responder ♥

Read now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

Early Review Quotes

★★★★★ "This is a wonderful page turner." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "Shawn and Becks second chance story is not without some major events which keeps the reader entranced by the story." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "I loved this story with its second chance at love for these two." - Goodreads review

★★★★ "The characters Shawn and Rebecca are going to deliver a very entertaining book for you to enjoy reading." - Goodreads review Excerpts

Excerpt

“There’s something else you should know before you leave.”

Something in the chief’s tone made Shawn sink back into his chair. “Sir?”

“The new captain is a woman,” Washington said carefully, clearly bracing for resistance. “Rebecca Schwartz from the Charlotte Fire Department. Goes by Becks, according to her application. She’ll be arriving Thursday next week for an informal meet-and-greet at Mr. Jones & Husband, then coming by on Saturday to meet the volunteers during training before officially starting on Monday.”

Shawn nodded, unfazed by the gender revelation. “A female captain? That’s fine by—“ But the words died in his throat as the full name registered. The folder slipped from his suddenly numb fingers, papers spilling across the floor. Rebecca Schwartz. The name echoed in his head like the aftershock of an explosion. “Rebecca Schwartz?” he repeated, his voice sounding distant to his own ears.

Washington’s eyebrows rose slightly at Shawn’s reaction. “You know her?”

Know her? Shawn almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. He’d known her as Becca back then—sweet-faced but determined Becca with her infectious laugh and fierce ambition. He’d known the curve of her smile and the scent of her skin. Known her dreams and fears. Known the sound of her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Until he hadn’t.

“We trained together,” he said finally, the understatement of the decade. “At the North Carolina Fire Academy. When I knew her, she went by Becca, not Becks.”

Washington frowned, clearly surprised by this information. “I didn’t connect the dots when reviewing your files.” He leaned forward, suddenly concerned. “Is this going to be a problem?”

Shawn bent to gather the scattered papers, grateful for the chance to hide his expression. Memories he’d buried years ago resurfaced in vivid detail—Becca’s fierce determination during training exercises, her infectious laugh during rare moments of downtime, the devastating fury in her eyes the last time they’d spoken.

“I never want to see your face again, Miller. Keep six feet away from me for the rest of our lives.”

He straightened, clutching the reassembled folder, his knuckles white against the manila paper. “No, sir. No problem at all.”

To read on, get you copy now: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

About the Author

Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance where protective heroes and the women who capture their hearts find love in the mountains and marshlands of Georgia. Whether her characters are running toward danger or running from their past, they always find their way to happily-ever-after. When she's not dreaming up new ways for couples to fall headlong into danger (and love), she's in her garden, supervised by a dog who firmly believes digging holes helps the flowers grow. Her quick, satisfying reads deliver the perfect escape, whether you're sneaking in a chapter during lunch or staying up way too late to reach that happily-ever-after.

Connect with Ella

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/ellawritesromance
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22846173.Ella_Braeme
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-braeme
Sign-up to her emails and get a free novella https://ellabraeme.com/newsletter-signup.htm
Author Website: https://ellabraeme.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Braeme/author/B0BKL79CSM

Also by Ella Braeme

Elken Grove Mountain Men series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL86ZSM/

Married in Windfall series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBS76NN4 ARC

Character Guest Post: Forgotten Second Son to King by Amber Daulton

WICKED WEDNESDAY

A special treat today on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday. Amber Daulton has brought along a guest who has stepped off the pages of her book to speak to us.

I’m Rubén Lozano, the hero from Amber Daulton’s dark romance novel, Lost in His Spiderwebs. I don’t feel comfortable calling myself “hero.” That doesn’t fit me. Not at all. I’m an anti-hero, a villain with a decent side. If you’re someone I like, I can be a good guy toward you. Nice, funny, generous. If we’re enemies, then watch your back. That’s the only warning you’ll get.

Today, I’m going to talk about my career. I’m the leader of the Lozano Cartel, one of the oldest cartels in Mexico. It’s dark, deadly, dangerous—just like me. Being the boss is messy, and only the most wicked can survive it.

As a child, I was the forgotten second son. Papá focused all of his attention on my older brother, corrupting him and turning him into a monster. Even though I was raised in luxury, it came at a price—blood. Anyone who crossed the path of a Lozano had to pay. Everything I have, I earned with my fists. Or a knife, gun, machete—I’m not picky when it comes to weapons. Unlike my best friend, Enrique. He loves his damn blades. Anyway, I’m the third generation of Lozanos to rule the cartel, so I have some big shoes to fill. I took command last year after Papá died. My father and grandfather who ruled before me would turn over in their graves if they knew about the changes I was making.

No more unnecessary killing.

No more targeting civilians.

Do business as peacefully as possible.

Shed blood only when you run out of other options.

These changes aren’t popular with some of my underlings, but as the boss, they have no choice but to obey me. At least, that’s how it should be. One of my councilmen, Alroy Tenorio, and his flunkies are causing problems. A civil war brewing. With Enrique and my core group of trusted friends and confidants at my side, I’m more than capable of handling betrayers, but I’m distracted. Before you ask, yes, I’m distracted because of a damn woman.

Drina Cabrera.

Dios mío. My God. That gorgeous, infuriating woman will be the death of me. I keep thinking about her when I should be worrying about Tenorio stabbing me in the back. She’s wicked, fearless, and all mine. When I’m with her, I feel like I can do anything, accomplish any goal, become the man I was destined to be. The thought of losing her guts me. She shouldn’t have so much power over me, but here I am, telling you this when I need to staple my mouth shut. I need a son to carry on my legacy. But I want a queen, a woman to rule at my side, to advise me in tough situations. That woman is Drina. She just needs to let her down guard and accept my darker side into her life.

I’m nothing if not determined. Drina will be mine forever. The cartel will thrive under my leadership. For those who think to take either from me, think again. I’m not a man to trifle with.

Readers, if you want to know more about my business and my relationship with Drina, pick up a copy of Lost in His Spiderwebs. It’s a dark, angsty ride, so be prepared. 

Lost in His Spiderwebs 

Series: Lozano Cartel (book 2)

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: Daulton Publishing

Cover Designer: Satin Rose Designs

Genre: Dark Romance

Length: 90k

Heat Rating: 5 Flames 

Kidnapped by the enemy. Bought by the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?

Rubén Lozano, the new leader of the Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. He never expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of his vicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her is another matter.

After five months of captivity, Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubén’s masterful touch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen from is a constant wedge between them.

When Rubén’s darkest secret comes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her king face the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen? 

– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.

– Scenes featuring forced seduction, drug distribution, torture/violence, kidnapping/captivity, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable for some readers.

– No cheating and HEA guaranteed!

– Written in 3^rd POV. 

The cartel king has finally found his queen. 

Excerpt 

“Smile,” Rubén told her. “It’s showtime.”

She nodded and lifted her chin, wincing a little in the flashing camera lights.

As three hand-picked paparazzi snapped pictures of him and Drina from all angles, Rubén counted to thirty before he steered Drina past them to the music room.

“Wow,” Drina murmured as they passed the piano for the ballroom.

A massive chandelier gleamed from the lofty ceiling, its decorative crystals reflecting the soft white light and dancing spots across the ivory walls and the chattering, laughing guests. The live band played instrumental music at the far end of the rectangular room, where Esme’s team had set up fancy tables and chairs for the speech and dinner portion of the evening.

“Why do you keep this room locked up? It’s magnificent.”

He shrugged. “It’s a bitch to clean.”

His blunt answer steepled Drina’s eyebrows. “My, what consideration. I’m sure the housekeeping staff appreciates it,” she teased and pulled him onto the dance floor alongside several other couples. “Let’s dance.”

As her arms slid around his shoulders, he rested his hands on her waist. Her body heat and strawberry aroma enveloped him. Groaning, he gripped the thick fabric of her dress so hard that it bunched and the band of his rings bit into his skin. She rested her head against his chest, and her hair teased his nose. They swayed, lost in each other as though they were the only people around. A foolish notion, one he shouldn’t revel in. If he did, he would ravage her on the floor.

“You have a good turnout,” she murmured while he twirled her about. She spun back into his embrace. “Are any of these people your friends?”

“Hardly.” This was his world. Glamour, power, prestige. The public mask he wore to hide his sinister nature. “You’re swimming in dangerous waters. The sooner you realize I can buy and discard all these sharks and guppies with a flick of my wrist, the better off you’ll be.”

“I’m well aware you’re king of the sharks.”

He snorted, holding her closer. “You’re a barracuda. Lithe grace and sharp teeth.”

“Ooh, I like that.” She nipped at his chin. “I’ll never be a guppy.”

Damn right. As the song ended, he guided her off the dance floor. Duty called.

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231721773-lost-in-his-spiderwebs

Check it out on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-lozano-cartel-book-2-a-dark-captivity-second-chance-romance-by-amber-daulton 

PreOrder Now 

Universal: https://books2read.com/LostInHisSpiderwebs

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4joCJUV

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-amber-daulton/1147318586?ean=2940184374895

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lost-in-his-spiderwebs

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7lNYEQAAQBAJ

Apple/iBooks: https://apple.co/4jpLyht

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1648364 

About the Author 

Amber Daulton is the author of the Lozano Cartel, the Arresting Onyx, the Embracing You, and the Ramseys in Time series, as well as several standalone novellas. Her books are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

Social Media Links 

Follow Me: https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Check out my website, Daulton Publishing: https://amberdaulton.com

Sign up for my Exclusive Newsletter (free ebook to new subscribers): https://amberdaulton.com/newsletter-signup/