Author: Reluctant Retiree

Living in FL and enjoying life.
Posted in #BookTours

Afghani

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Two souls, 

one hundred years apart, 

bound by lands that both embrace and betray.


Afghani

by Brendon Patrick

Genre: Historical Fiction




War is a Racket, and Culture is Blind: The True Cost of Conflict

Journey through a century of strife in this gripping dual-timeline novel with:

George Sher Gul: A Muslim cameleer fleeing early 20th Century Afghanistan, seeking hope in Australia’s unforgiving outback. He navigates harsh landscapes and the prejudices of White Australia, with his dream of belonging hanging by a thread.

Patterson: An Australian soldier in post-9/11 Afghanistan, questioning the war’s true motives amidst corruption and personal demons.

Their intertwined stories challenge our beliefs on war, peace, and humanity.

Experience heart-wrenching choices, cultural clashes across generations, and a quest for belonging spanning continents.

This thought-provoking historical fiction exposes deep-rooted xenophobia, drawing parallels between early 20th century Australia and today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

Together, it offers a witty yet unflinching critique of global politics—questioning the cyclical nature of conflict.

From sun-baked Australian deserts to war-torn Afghan streets, immerse yourself in a powerful journey through time and culture.

Will George Sher Gul find his future in a land that views him as an outsider?

Can Patterson discover peace amidst chaos and national expectations?

Uncover these answers in a compelling tale of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit.

Click Buy Now to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will challenge your perspectives and touch your heart!

 

What readers are saying:

Between breathtaking descriptions of Afghanistan’s demonic and razor-sharp craggy edges and the sun-scorched Australian outback, Brendon Patrick weaves a tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about both nations’ shared history.

~ Fionna

 

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Brendon Patrick is an emerging voice in historical fiction, drawing upon his experiences as a veteran of the Australian Army and his heritage as a descendant of Afghan Cameleers. His debut novel: Afghani explores the untold stories of Australia’s multicultural past.

Based in Brisbane, Brendon is a self-taught writer who founded Bulldog Self Publishing to bring authentic Australian stories to readers. When not writing, he can be found spending time with his beloved bulldogs and advocating for diverse voices in literature.

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $40 giveaway!




Posted in #BookTours

Shadows of Memory

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Forbidden passion ignites between a duty-bound gargoyle and an amnesiac wielding fire—

their love could save the realms, or burn them to ash.


Shadows of Memory

Shadows & Smoke Book 4

by Nicole LaBrocca

Genre: Romantasy, Epic Paranormal Romance  



Sebastian was a gargoyle warrior bound by duty to rescue his kin. Aurora was a red-haired enigma found unconscious by a river’s edge, her past a blank slate. From the moment their eyes met, a primal connection ignited, a forbidden flame that defied his stoic nature. Amnesia stole Aurora’s memories, but not the searing heat that pulsed between them, nor the strange, untamed fire that flickered at her fingertips. As their perilous journey deepened, so did their passion, a dangerous dance between duty and desire.

Aurora’s forgotten past hides a dangerous truth: she’s an immortal, a vessel of immense power, tied to a crystal born from dying stars. Her abilities could save or destroy the realms, a fate she doesn’t understand. Their love is forbidden by duty, yet their bond becomes a battleground. Monsters, collapsing worlds, and ancient prophecies converge. He must choose: love the woman who might save creation, or accept she’s destined to destroy it.Can their forbidden love withstand the weight of destiny, or will their fated bond shatter amidst the chaos?

 

*NEW RELEASE!**

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Shadows of Fire

Shadows and Smoke Book 3


In the shadows of captivity, love ignites in the battle for freedom.

Lyssa, a captive of a fearsome dragon, finds herself trapped in a labyrinth of stone, shadows, and secrets. Her only solace comes from the mysterious Zodiark, a rogue who whispers of freedom and sparks a forbidden passion.

As she delves deeper into the dragon’s lair, Lyssa must navigate a dangerous path filled with ancient magic, desire, and a struggle for power. Can she break free from the chains of captivity and embrace her destiny? Immerse yourself in a seductive tale of passion and obsession, where the line between predator and prey is perilously thin.

 

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Shadows of Stone

Shadows and Smoke Book 2



A heroine’s daring escape ignites a dangerous journey as trust and destiny clash.

Imprisoned by ruthless monsters, Sage’s world shatters when her mother is brutally slain before her eyes. Feeling abandoned by the Moon goddess and the male gargoyles who failed to rescue them, Sage takes matters into her own hands and stages a daring escape.

Daxos, driven by an unrelenting need to find his destined partner, embarks on a perilous quest. When he finally scents her presence, his deepest dreams become reality—but their encounter is far from joyous.

Scarred and disillusioned, Sage rebuffs him, though reluctantly accepts his help to navigate treacherous terrain back to safety. As their grueling journey unfolds, they face numerous dangers: hostile creatures, treacherous landscapes, and the threat of capture. Daxos must find a way to mend Sage’s broken trust while she grapples with her conflicted heart.

The scars of betrayal and trauma test their fated bond. In a world where hope flickers like a dying ember, will love be enough to light their way home?

 

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Shadows of the Moon

Shadows and Smoke Book 1



Her choices will determine the fate of a kingdom.

Ana is enjoying the tranquility of her porch one evening when a portal drags her away. Unwittingly thrust into Xylos, a dimension teetering on the edge of chaos, She’s taken to Leonad, a kingdom on the edge of war, where she is both a stranger and the key to the realm’s survival.

Magic warps her body, making her an impossibly rare and coveted female gargoyle. She stands at a crossroads, torn between the pull of returning home and the allure of this unknown land. Among the new beings she meets is Quinn, a captivating gargoyle prince with eyes that beckon while hiding secrets. Quinn declares that she is his destined mate and urges her to accept his mark.

As Ana navigates the complex politics of her new home, she discovers her arrival was no accident. While Ana battles fearsome monsters and fends off a legion of suitors, her connection with Quinn deepens, stirring a passion that defies explanation.

Yet, beneath the looming shadow of a usurper, Leonard teeters on the brink of ruin. She must choose to save the kingdom and her budding romance with Quinn.

Join Ana on her quest as she confronts her destiny, battles for her freedom, and decides the fate of two worlds. Will she return to her past home, or will love and duty forge a new path she never dared to dream?

 

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Shadows of Betrayal

A Shadows and Smoke Prequel


In a celestial struggle, love becomes the ultimate wild card.

When Fionnlaith, the radiant moon goddess, and Alawn, the god of balance, first met, their love ignited fiercely. Yet destiny had other plans.

As the Celestial Council rises, demanding all deities bow to its authority, an epic tale of love, defiance, and sacrifice unfolds. Fionnlaith’s serene realm, guarded by devoted gargoyles, faces encroaching shadows. When monstrous entities ignite a war, she defies the Council to protect her creations, paying a devastating price.

Stripped of her guardians, Fionnlaith uncovers the Council’s betrayal. Now, she must navigate celestial politics, her conflicted heart, and the brutal reality of war.

Can her love for Alawn reignite their flame and save their kingdom?

  

**Only. 99 cents!**

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Nicole LaBrocca ventures into enchanting new territories with her spellbinding tales of romantic fantasy. She invites readers on an exhilarating odyssey through a realm where steamy passion intertwines with suspenseful supernatural intrigue, all seasoned with a sprinkle of humor. Be prepared for an immersive journey where love ignites amidst swirling mysteries and hidden truths. Step into a world where every page holds the promise of an unforgettable escape.

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!


Shadows of Memory


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Posted in Daily Thought

Verse of the Day October 28, 2025

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Posted in #BookTours

Narda’s Truth

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Angel numbers & scents unearth a truth that has been hidden for years.


Narda’s Truth

The Witch DNA #2

by Sonja Gunter

Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Urban Fantasy 

Angel numbers & scents unearth a truth that has been hidden for years.

 

Reach for the Soap, owner, Narda Hunt, has been receiving signs in the form of numbers telling her she needs to find her half-sisters, Opaline and Ebba. An imminent threat is about to force them to combine their witch powers to survive.

 One set of angel numbers brings Narda closer to Owin Waters, whom fate has determined is her soulmate. Their special connection sends them to another realm where Narda meets her deceased mother. She reveals the truth behind the special powers that Narda and her sisters possess.

 With this knowledge, Narda brings to light the evil that is waiting for her and her sisters on their twenty-fifth birthday.

   

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Opaline’s Discovery

The Witch DNA Trilogy Book 1

Love. Magic. Danger.

Could these three words articulate distinct spiritual essences to fuse together?

Bookstore owner, Opaline Lunn, facilitates a Speed Dating Event, in hopes of finding her soulmate. She meets attendee Detective Eamon Dayan, who wasn’t looking for love, but sparks fly at their first kiss.

Together they unearth Opaline’s powers which lead to the discovery that she has two sisters, and someone called The Ancient One who wants to kill them.

Unraveling a myriad of mysteries, with Opaline’s newfound ability to do spells, the soulmates must find her sisters by her twenty-fifth birthday to be able to confront the evil force and save all of them.

 

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I was born and raised in the cold and beautiful Minnesota, but I escaped to Illinois for seventeen years to raise my two boys, and now I call Florida home. My husband Andy, who’s always been my hero, has put up with my late night computer typing and endless stacks of papers with my stories on them. We have one furry friend as family: Chip, a sixteen year old ragdoll cat.

Life has been full of ups and downs, but I’ve made it through the hard times. I love to travel and go to Disney World to trade pins.  I’ve been a bowler for many years, and you can catch me writing my next novel at the lanes.

I encourage you to check out my web site, www.sonjagunter.com for more info and don’t be surprised if I let my Norwegian heritage come through in my stories.

Go Vikings! You betcha!

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!

Narda’s Truth


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Posted in #Classics

The Moving Finger: A Miss Marple Mystery

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

The indomitable sleuth Miss Marple is led to a small town with shameful secrets in Agatha Christie’s classic detective story, The Moving Finger.

Lymstock is a town with more than its share of scandalous secrets—a town where even a sudden outbreak of anonymous hate mail causes only a minor stir.

But all that changes when one of the recipients, Mrs. Symmington, commits suicide. Her final note says “I can’t go on,” but Miss Marple questions the coroner’s verdict of suicide. Soon nobody is sure of anyone—as secrets stop being shameful and start becoming deadly.


Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Lymstock is a town with more than its share of shameful secrets—a town where even a sudden outbreak of anonymous hate mail causes only a minor stir.

But all that changes when one of the recipients, Mrs. Symmington, commits suicide. Her final note says “I can’t go on,” but Miss Marple questions the coroner’s verdict of suicide. Soon nobody is sure of anyone—as secrets stop being shameful and start becoming deadly.

From AudioFile

James Saxon’s narration is like that of an old friend divulging a fascinating personal ordeal. Each personality reveals eccentricity with charming contrast and gusto. B.J.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine