When lifelong friends Olivia and Alexandra find themselves in opposing camps, the bonds of their friendship are tested like never before.
Olivia seeks solace in a socialist utopia that promises protection and belonging, but at what cost?
Meanwhile, Alexandra chases freedom. But can she survive in a community with few, if any, rules?
As their worlds collide and tensions escalate, secrets and lies threaten to destroy the foundation of their relationship.
Can they bridge the gap between them, or will their differences tear them apart forever?
In this gripping tale of loyalty, adventure, and human connection, the stakes are higher than ever. Protopia is a thought-provoking thrill ride that explores the power of friendship in a world on the brink.
If you devour the complex characters of Emily St. John Mandel or the visionary world-building of Octavia Butler, you’ll be captivated by this latest masterpiece by the author of the Amazon best-seller The Awakening of Artemis.
A Brooklyn-born, second-generation American, and the eldest of three boys, writing is his third career and the one about which he is most passionate. Following graduation from the US Naval Academy and active duty in the Navy, he embarked on a career in business.
He began writing his blog “Who Will Lead?” in 2010 attracting over 120,000 readers. It inspired him to write his first book, an Amazon five-star rated business fable titled “The Reluctant CEO.”
His fascination with artificial intelligence and its impact on society was the inspiration to write a science fiction thriller, The Awakening of Artemis. Currently, he makes his home in Fairport, NY, a village on the Erie Canal.
“I am known to some as the Grim Reaper, or the Angel of Death. Death is my preferred name. It’s stylish and modern, and it goes well with my Armani suits. I don’t have a fascination with robes, scythes, or skeletons, especially when I’m releasing souls.”
My Name Is Death
by Laura Daleo
Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My Name Is Death takes the Grim Reaper concept in a creative direction. Put aside the image of a scary, sickle-carrying, robe-clad entity. There are no shortages of Italian suits, velvet neckties, and oxford shoes in Death’s wardrobe.
Death encounters a terminally ill young lady, Annalise, during a holiday in New Orleans. As she approaches the afterlife, Death wants to ensure she makes the best of her final moments. It is not long before they become friends.
A peaceful coexistence between angels and humans is what God desires. This plan is contrary to one of God’s other sons’ belief that angels are far superior to humans.
Devastation begins, and only God knows how it will end.
“Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. I hold this statement in high regard. Why? There are two possibilities. I could be a tax accountant-borrrinng-or I could be Death. If you guessed the latter, advance to go and collect $200. My name can influence anyone in a room; some say Grim Reaper, others say Angel of Death. I like to call myself Death. It has a pleasant ring and a powerful effect on people. The way “Death” embodies the style and pizazz of my attire, which includes Armani suits, ties, and shoes, influenced my decision to select it as my name. It had never occurred to me to dress in a dark robe, to carry a scythe or an hourglass, or to assume a skeleton physique.”
I was born and raised in sunny San Diego, California. A creative writing class in junior high ignited my passion for storytelling; however, it was Anne Rice who truly inspired me. Her novel, Interview With The Vampire, has become one of the best-selling books of all time and fueled my desire to craft my own vampire legend. In 1996, I created Immortal Kiss, which patiently waited until 2014 for its publication.
At present, my published works include Immortal Kiss, Bound by Blood, The Vow, The Vampire Within, The Soul Collector, The Doll, Once We Were Witches, and My Name Is Death. My current project is an urban fantasy titled The Wolf Experiment.
Here are some fun facts about me: I love enjoying Starbucks coffee while I write. I’m also obsessed with shoes. I have two furry kids named Rose and Cooper. And, of course, I’m a huge fan of all things vampire.
This book has everything you need to know to plan your perfect unique wedding.
This is not your typical wedding planning book. Chapter titles alone will tell you what needs to be done, and the subtitles break it down further. The book includes tips, advice, stories, templates, and notebook to keep track of everything.
All the other books, magazine articles, Instagram and Pinterest timeline posts state on the “day of” to have a good breakfast. They don’t mention the people that take care of all the duties and tasks throughout the day so you can be VIP guests at your own wedding.
The five easy steps and how they relate to each other is the foundation of this book, which will make sure you have an educational, memorable, stressless, wonderful experience throughout the whole process:
1) Timeline
2) Budget
3) “Day of” schedule
4) Duties and tasks
5) Lists and assignments
The secret is having a planned schedule that catches everything, and a specific person in charge on the “day of” that pulls it off while you enjoy with the guests. Let me show you how to perfect your wedding planning experience.
Waiting to your wedding day is just too late to realize the importance of this thought process and having a specific/special go-to-person working the “day of” on your behalf.
You will enjoy the days up to the wedding as much as the day itself, as this book helps make it all come true.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Where to start:
Wedding planning 101 – When, Where, What, How, Who (5 Easy steps and the secret to pull it together)
What kind of couple personalities mix are we?
Questionnaire – most important talk before telling people you are engaged.
• Seven clarifications of what you want questions.
• Examples of Clients’ clarification answers to the questions.
• What you learn from the questions.
There are more elements than the questionnaire portion before telling everyone!
• Priorities for you as a couple.
• “Day of” schedule first draft
• Duties, Task and Specific attendants
• Lists and Assignments
• Thought Process (so you don’t miss anything)
Example: Complimentary Chat Notes plus Ideas.
Example: Clients’ “Day of” schedule draft plus ideas from Complimentary chat.
About The Author:
I knew that our youngest daughter was going to be engaged soon, so I enrolled at BCIT and got my wedding and event planning credentials in 2005. I changed careers from corporate sales analyst to something that puts meaning and joy into my life every day.
In no time I put it to good use: one daughter married in 2006 and the other in 2007. I retired in 2020 but continued to expand my world. I paint and am a miniature hobbyist—both produce a connection with a memory that I want to preserve and share.
I wrote this book as a memory for me, and as an educational reference book to educate you all. My goal is to make planning a wedding a wonderful experience.
My life’s motto is: be interested and interesting.
He swore to protect his town—but guarding his heart is the real challenge.
Rekindled Flame
Burning Hearts Book 1
by Ella Braeme
Genre: Small Town, Second-Chance Firefighter Romance
He swore to protect his town—but guarding his heart is the real challenge.
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!
★★★★★ “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
“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.”
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.
Two people are brought together by a force they never saw coming . . .
Shaman
A Talisman Series Standalone
by Tam DeRudder Jackson
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantasy
A druid straddles the line between light and darkness . . .
Renleigh Rogan keeps to herself in her remote Montana cabin, tending her plants and honing her protection spells. Only occasionally does she indulge her shape-shifting abilities… Called to Scotland in the middle of the night to help heal a rogue warrior, her first instinct is to ignore the summons, but danger lies in disobeying a powerful goddess.
A rogue is caught in a celestial tug-o-war . . .
Jamie Lennox gave up the warrior community long ago, voluntarily fighting in the Morrigan’s rogue army. Cocky, and one of the most accomplished swordsman in the community, he’s the perfect weapon for taking the warriors the Morrigan covets most. Yet when he loses a pivotal battle, she turns on him, leaving him injured and lost in a no-man’s land between good and evil, a place no warrior or rogue can exist for long. Luckily for him, a beautiful druid has come to his rescue, even if she’s saving him against her will.
Two people are brought together by a force they never saw coming . . .
The fact Jaime Lennox looks like a fallen angel has nothing to do with Renleigh’s decision to come to his aid. His sexy come-ons do not intrigue her either—not even a little bit. Nor does the mysterious past he hides. While the two of them spar inside an enchanted cottage in the Highlands, overhead, a celestial storm is brewing, one that will require each of them to decide what truly matters—their beliefs about themselves and each other or the truth that will set their love free.
⚔️enemies to lovers 💕fated mates 🐉shape-shifting FMC 🏴set in the Scottish Highlands ♥️stand alone HEA
“Jackson works this admittedly familiar supernatural romance/urban fantasy terrain (readers of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, for instance, will feel right at home) with winning energy, a good ear for dialogue, and a sharp sense of pacing.” Kirkus Reviews for Rogue
Renleigh blinked awake, angled her head to check on the patient from her uncomfortable spot on the chair next to the bed, and stopped breathing.
The man was staring at her through a pair of eyes an almost surreal shade of sea green. Nothing she’d ever seen was as beautiful as those eyes.
“Hel-lo, not Party’s girlfriend.” It sounded like it had been years, not days, since he’d last used his voice. But the expression in those arresting eyes was pure flirtation.
“Excuse me. What did you say?”
“Water,” he croaked.
About the Author
Tam DeRudder Jackson’s love of all things Celtic led her to write the Talisman Series. Steeped in Celtic mythology, these steamy, fated mates, paranormal romance adventures are set in the mountains of Tam’s native Montana and the Highlands of Scotland. Rogue, the most recent book in the series, was named a best romance of 2022 by the Independent Book Review.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
Sound Catchers is about Maddy, a twin girl who experiences hearing loss early in her childhood. Initially, she is fitted with bilateral hearing aids. As her loss progresses, she makes the transition to cochlear implants.
The book captures the world in which Maddy lives in a lyrical and loving way. It creates an awareness of children with hearing loss as part of the world around them, enabling the reader a glimpse into that experience through Maddy’s journey.
This book contributes to a greater understanding of those who live with hearing loss. It helps the reader to build empathy, and it creates an awareness of differences. As such, it holds a valuable place in the social/emotional curriculum, which is taught in schools nationwide.
Jessica Coriat completed her bachelor of science in Special Education/Elementary Education and went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in Deaf Education and the other in Creative Writing for Children. With over twenty years of experience as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, Jessica continues to teach her students alongside their typical hearing peers.
As a full-time working mother of three teenagers, Jessica has plenty of free time on her hands. She enjoys spending it in her home in New Jersey, with her son, her twin girls and their cavapoo, Bailey. Jessica is also passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She is thrilled to have written this book and continues to make time to write each day.
Joe Mack is back, solving cold cases that eluded Eliot Ness and kicking demon butt.
Times Change
Joe Mack Shadow Council Files Book 5
by Gail Z. & Larry N. Martin
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Roaring 20’s Monster Hunter
Joe Mack is back, solving cold cases that eluded Eliot Ness and kicking demon butt.
Josef Magarac was a brave man, a strong man, a hard-working immigrant who only wanted a better life for his family. Then he was murdered, and an ancient Slavic god brought him back to life, gave him new abilities, and a mission to protect those who can’t protect themselves. Now he’s Joe Mack, immortal thanks to the Slavic god, and a champion against dark magic, demons, and things that go bump in the night.
Joe’s previous collection of adventures spanned the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition. Now he’s in the modern era, working with new partners and adjusting to a whole new century. But old cases have resurfaced, and demons never die.
A supernatural serial killer has returned, and some of the evil Joe thought was done and dusted has returned to wreak havoc. It will take all of the supernatural abilities, wit, and will of Joe and his partners—past and present—to stop the dark forces once and for all. If they fail, it will unleash a wave of demonic vengeance, blood, and death unlike anything Cleveland has ever seen.
Times Change is a non-stop thrill ride full of paranormal action, found family, dark magic, and loyal friends.
When you ask a god for favors, be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.
From the bloody steel mill strikes of Pennsylvania rose a true man of steel, a steelworker transformed into something more by the power of the old gods. Josef Magarac was a brave man, a strong man, a hard-working immigrant who only wanted a better life for his family. Then he was murdered, and an ancient Slavic god brought him back to life, gave him new abilities, and a mission to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
Now he’s Joe Mack, and together with his allies, Secret Service agent Jack West and heiress Sarah Grace McAllen Harringworth, he handles the hard cases the regular feds won’t touch like magic-wielding mobsters, Lovecraftian monsters, and secret supernatural societies.
The Joe Mack Adventures: Volume One is a non-stop thrill ride full of paranormal action, found family, dark magic, and loyal friends.
This is a collection of four books in the Joe Mack Shadow Council Files by award-winning author team Gail Z. & Larry N. Martin, authors of the Spells, Salt, & Steel and the Wasteland Marshals series. The Shadow Council Case Files are historical fantasy novellas set in the world of Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter, that tell the true stories behind the tall tales surrounding some of the world’s most famous (and infamous) folk heroes.
This collection includes Cauldron, Black Sun, Chicagoland, and Spellbound.
Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing and Darkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and the Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst, the Chronicles Of The Necromancer, the Fallen Kings Cycle, the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and the Assassins of Landria.
Together with Larry N. Martin, she is the co-author of Iron & Blood, Storm & Fury (both Steampunk/alternate history), the Spells Salt and Steel comedic horror series, the Roaring Twenties monster hunter Joe Mack Shadow Council series, and the Wasteland Marshals near-future post-apocalyptic series. As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with the Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow series. Gail is also a con-runner for ConTinual, the online, ongoing multi-genre convention that never ends.
Larry N. Martin is the author of the new sci-fi adventure novel Salvage Rat, and the new portal fantasy series, The Splintered Crown, A Tankards and Heroes novel. He is the co-author (with Gail Z. Martin) of the Spells, Salt, and Steel: New Templar Knights series; the Steampunk series Iron & Blood; and a collection of short stories and novellas: The Storm & Fury Adventures set in the Iron & Blood universe. He is also the co-author (with Gail) of the Wasteland Marshalsseries and the Joe Mack – Shadow Council series from Falstaff Books.
The Martins have three children, a Maltese, and a Golden Retriever.
