Tag: #BookSeries

Posted in #History

History of Virginia

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to the History of the Mother of States, Starting from Jamestown through the American Revolution and the Battle … Court House to the Present (U.S. States)

If you want to discover the captivating history of Virginia, then keep reading…

Virginia was home to some of the first people in America. It became the birthplace of the United States. Virginia has had an incredibly rich and interesting history. This was even before its inauguration as a state. Virginia was once the most populous state in the country. It was also the most affluent. It was the birthplace of many important figures in early United States’ history. Yet, despite Virginia’s successes and great heritage, it has often been a divided state. Throughout much of history, it has debated even the most basic rights and issues. This is clearly illustrated by the splitting of Virginia into Virginia and West Virginia. This occurred in the years following the American Civil War.

Generational Virginians take pride in every aspect of their state’s legacy. In contrast, newcomers arrive to work for the Pentagon, the CIA, and other important government and military hubs in Virginia. These newcomers do not look so fondly on Virginia’s history. Yet, Virginia’s history is incredibly interesting. It captivates all those wondering how this southern US state became the way it is today. It remains intriguing regardless of how right or politically correct it may appear.

In this book, you will discover:

  • Virginia’s first people and their complex cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political systems and traditions
  • The colonization of America and the United States’ first settlement in Jamestown, Virginia
  • Interactions between the state’s first settlement and first people
  • Virginia’s culture under colonial rule
  • Virginia’s journey towards developing its own culture, economy and political system, separate from that of England, mostly surrounding the culture of tobacco farming
  • The state’s involvement in the American Revolution and the years post war
  • Virginia’s involvement in the American Civil War and the effects of the war on the state
  • The state’s many social movements
  • Virginia’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars and the effects of the war on the state and country
  • Virginia’s development in the 20th century into the military hub of America
Posted in #BookTours

The Rescuer

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

She’s moving on. 

He’s running out of time. 

One reckless night changes everything.

The Rescuer

Fall River Series Book 3

by G.K. Brady

Genre: Small-Town Second Chance Romantic Suspense



She’s moving on. He’s running out of time. One reckless night changes everything.

Reece Hunnicutt has spent his life coming to the rescue—whether it’s pulling climbers off treacherous mountain faces or volunteering to string the town’s Christmas lights. But after walking away from the elite search and rescue squad that gave him purpose, Reece is a man untethered, without a landing pad and dodging questions about his future. The one constant in his life? His quiet dedication to his small mountain town and his brothers who have no idea he’s about to embark on a new future that will take him to the other side of the continent.

Town veterinarian Neve Embry has been nursing a one-sided love for Reece since childhood. But she’s done waiting for him to see her as more than a kid sister who needs his protection. Between juggling a struggling clinic and starting up an exciting new relationship with a charming billionaire resort owner, Neve is determined to move on. Sparks might not fly with her new beau, but at least her heart isn’t on the line.

Until one impulsive night in Vegas changes everything.

Waking up married to Reece is the last thing Neve expects—or wants. But when her clinic is vandalized and her life upended, Reece insists on sticking around until the culprit is caught. Forced to live under the same roof, their shaky alliance begins to crack under the weight of their undeniable chemistry.

As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Reece and Neve must confront the truth about their desires—and decide whether this love can be rescued.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads





The urge to giggle had everything to do with nerves and nothing to do with how he looked. No, nothing about his physique was giggle-worthy. If Neve could have crafted the perfect male specimen, he would have looked exactly like Reece. A sculpted torso that started at wide shoulders and tapered to a trim waist, like a V, above a perfectly square butt. Smooth, tan skin.

His back was to her, so she couldn’t assess the man package, but judging by the way it had felt against her in bed, he wasn’t lacking in that department either.

He came to a stop and glanced over his shoulder. “You’re staring.”

She swallowed a yelp.

A slow grin spread over his face—at least the side she could see in profile. “You know what they say. You see mine, I see yours.”

“That’s so childish!” she spluttered. “Besides, you’ve already seen it, and so have I.”

“We were five years old, Neve. I think things have changed since then.”

Details.

She brushed at something tickling her shoulder and looked up. “They have robes in here. His and hers, judging by the sizes.”

“Good because I can’t find a single stitch. Throw one out, would you?”

Hoisting herself to her feet, she slid the smaller robe from its hanger and quickly pulled it on before handing him the other one through the closet door.

“Thanks.” Fabric rustled. “As much fun as it is talking to you through a closet door, I think it’d be much easier if you came out.”

“Are you decent?”

“Always.”

She opened the door and stepped out—and tried not to laugh, especially given the seriousness of their dilemma. The robe hit him at the knees, and the sleeves were halfway up his forearms.

“We need to figure this out,” they both said at the same time.

“Maybe there are some clues in here.” Reece loped toward their adjoining doors, which stood wide open, but before she could follow, he let out a strangled sort of noise from his bedroom.

“What is it?” She hurried through the doorway.

“Found our clothes.”

His bed looked as though a herd of elephants had tap-danced on it. Scattered around said bed were various bits of his and her wedding outfits. Her panties lay in a crumpled heap beside his boxers, and her matching strapless bra hung over a chair that sat cockeyed to the desk. On the nightstand stood two empty champagne bottles, along with a half-dozen martini glasses, also empty.

She gasped and tried not to hurl.

He held up his hands. “Don’t panic.” Traipsing over to the desk, he switched on the lamp and picked up a piece of paper. A groan punched from his lungs.

“What? What is it?”

He locked gazes with her. “You can panic now.”

A mere beat passed, and she was by his side, gawking at what he held in his hands. Her already-unsettled stomach plummeted to her toes. “That’s … that’s …”

“A marriage license. Yeah.”

“It’s got to be a joke. Are those our real names?”

“Looks like.”

He plucked up what looked like a receipt and whipped his head toward her. His eyes dipped to her hand. “Holy Mother of …”

She followed his gaze, and her mouth swung open.

He pointed at her hand. “That is not fake.”

On her left ring finger was a big-ass diamond and a matching band.

Now she darted her eyes to his left hand. “Uh, you seem to be wearing what looks like the man version of mine. These must be fake! Right?”

“Don’t think so.” He held up the receipt.

She covered her mouth to hold back a choked cry. “Is that a six? With four zeros after it?”

“No, that’s an eight.” He rubbed his forehead with his free hand. “Damn! I bought these!”

She inspected the ring, which was almost too big for her small finger. “It is beautiful.”

“I have great taste. Did you have a say in it, or did I just … buy it?”

She blinked. “You’re asking me?”

“You were there, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, I was there, but I was as drunk as you, and everything’s a black hole.”

Dear God, what had they done?

 



 **Don’t miss the rest of the series! **

Find them on Amazon



Since childhood, all sorts of stories and characters have lived in G.K. Brady’s imagination, elbowing one another for attention, so she’s finally giving them their voice on the written page.

 

An award-winning writer of contemporary romance, she loves telling tales of the less-than-perfect hero or heroine who transforms with each turn of a page. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Griffin Brady.

 

G.K. is a wife and the proud mom of three grown sons. When she’s not writing, she might be reading, traveling, drinking wine, listening to music, or gardening—sometimes all at once! She currently resides in Colorado with her very patient husband.

  

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



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Posted in Cozy Mysteries

The Day the Rabbi Resigned (The Rabbi Small Mysteries Book 11)

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Rabbi Small has left the synagogue, but he’s not done with sleuthing, in this “engaging” mystery from the New York Times–bestselling author (New York Newsday).

Edgar Award–Winning Author

Rabbi David Small has dealt with temple politics for three decades. He has also been involved in more than a handful of murder investigations. Now, he is ready to retire from his synagogue in the cozy Boston suburb of Barnard’s Crossing. For years, his secret desire has been to permanently take up teaching. When he finally leaves the synagogue to pursue that dream, life at a university proves more dangerous than he thought.

Late at night, a notoriously ambitious college professor dies in a car wreck. The academic had been drinking heavily, but evidence suggests that the crash might not have been an accident. The local police are stumped. They enlist the only detective they know. His astute eye and quick mind come from a higher power: Rabbi Small.

Posted in #BookTours

The Relationship Contract

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

The Relationship Contract: A Second Chance Romantic Comedy
Marcella Steele
(To Barcelona with Love Trilogy, #2)
Publication date: February 10th 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

One crazy love experiment. A daring adventure. 60 days to pass the test.

Once upon a time… Sofia Drake doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after anymore—especially with a man fourteen years younger. But the gorgeous and charismatic Ryan Hunter refuses to give her up. He makes an unconventional proposal: sixty days to prove their love could overcome any obstacle. It’s an offer she can’t refuse.

The catch? His job takes him to London. No problem. Sofia throws the rule book in the trash, upends her life, and sets off for the adventure of a lifetime with Ryan—prepared to risk everything for a second chance at happiness.

Touring London, Sofia feels like she’s stepping into the life her twenty-something self dreamed of, but while her world opens up to new possibilities, freedom brings more questions than answers. Ryan hopes that dazzling her with trips to Dubai and the Maldives will convince her to stay. His mother tries to make sure she doesn’t.

Just as Sofia’s confidence in herself and the relationship blossoms, Ryan’s old girlfriend surfaces with a plot twist that threatens to rewrite their entire future.

The question isn’t whether their love is strong enough. It’s whether they’re brave enough to renegotiate the contract and face what neither of them saw coming.

Love is like free-falling off a cliff. You never know where you might land.

Perfect for fans of Nora Goes Off Script, by Annabel Monaghan, and Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. A witty, second chance romance with the London charm of Jojo Moyes.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“How long will you be in London?” Elaine asked.

“A few weeks, I’m not sure yet.” Me—the ultimate planner—winging it? “It’s sort of open-ended. I think I’ll be in Europe for two months, traveling to various places.” I hesitated, because how could I explain I was choosing to spend my severance package on this trip to Europe instead of job hunting—that I was hurling myself into a new life, a new relationship, without a clue about the direction this would lead?

She tilted her head with curiosity. “Business or pleasure?”

I barked out a laugh. “Definitely pleasure. I’m joining my boyfriend.” The word still felt foreign on my tongue. After years spent in romantic exile, being part of a couple seemed surreal. “Ryan works in London part-time—his main office is in San Francisco, where we met. So, I’m basically following him across an ocean.” I shook my head. This was coming out all wrong. “Not that I’m desperate or anything. I mean, I lost my job, but the timing worked out perfectly because Ryan suggested I come live with him. Well, travel together, since he moves around constantly. We’re returning to Barcelona at some point because that city holds special meaning for us—” I cut myself off, cheeks burning. Apparently, my anxiety had me spiraling out of control, transforming me from an articulate professional into a babbling teenager who just discovered her first crush.

Her eyebrows shot up while her forehead remained suspiciously smooth. “Ryan? That wouldn’t be Ryan Hunter, would it?” Her voice climbed several octaves.

“Yes… do you know him?” Something cold twisted in my stomach.

“Know him? Um. Not personally, but he’s one of our frequent flyers.” The way she scrutinized me made every hair on my neck stand at attention. “He’s your boyfriend?”

I nodded, shrinking into my luxurious seat like a deflating balloon.

This time her smile looked painted on, her tone as artificially sweet as high-fructose corn syrup. “If you need anything else, just let me know.” Watching her slim figure trail through the aisle of the cabin, I wondered if I was projecting or if the twist in my gut was justified. Anyone who knew Ryan might take one look at me and wonder, Really? Him… and her? I had questioned that myself when we first met. Despite his unwavering attention, I wasn’t sure if I would ever get past the age difference when someone like Elaine was sizing me up.

When Ryan and I were alone, it was just too good to waste time worrying about how the world viewed me. In his eyes, I was perfect. He didn’t notice the saggy bits or dimpled skin. According to my best friend, Madison, I had a figure most women would kill for and could pass for a forty-year-old on a good day. Most days were not that good, but I’d made peace with the crows feet and that little belly pooch that refused to disappear. After all, at one time it was a baby bump, then a beach ball. I’d earned that lump.

Still, a thought niggled its way into my brain. There was something suspicious about Elaine’s reaction to me. Call it women’s intuition, but somehow, I just knew. Had she hoped to snag him for herself? I couldn’t blame her; Ryan was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome. His image should appear on a Pinterest board titled: Hot Guys with Dark Curly Hair and Piercing Blue Eyes. How many flight attendants and restaurant hostesses had set their sights on him?

Author Bio:

Marcella Steele is an American author/screenwriter who now writes with her laptop precariously balanced on a café table in Barcelona, but can sometimes be found dreaming up stories on a terrace in Bali or on a balcony in Paris. Marcella champions the radical idea that women over forty are just getting started and her contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels celebrate love, passion, and self-discovery at any age. With her passion for travel, she delights in bringing the reader along to discover the magic of faraway places. When she’s not writing, she’s planning her next adventure or practicing her spins on a salsa dance floor.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok


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Posted in #History

History of California

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to the History of the Golden State, Starting from when Native Americans Dominated through European Exploration to the Present (U.S. States)

If you want to discover the influential and captivating history of California, then read on…

Free History BONUS Inside!

California’s transformation into the most populous state in America was certainly no accident. It became the home of some of the country’s richest citizens, spread amongst Silicon Valley and Hollywood. California has always been one of the most diverse and multicultural states in the United States. This diversity existed way before it was a state at all and even before the arrival of the Europeans.

California’s rugged yet diverse terrain influenced the first settlers. They spread into hundreds of different tribes. Each tribe had its own lifestyle, religion, diet, and culture. Much of this was based on the landscape they ended up in. Thousands of years passed. Then, the Spaniards arrived slowly. They colonized the land and converted thousands of Native Americans. They established missions and villages in many of the cities we know today. These cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and more.

Over the course of the 18th century, California truly developed into the state we know it as today. Within the century, the region passed through the hands of the Spaniards and the Republic of Mexico. Finally, the United States of America acquired it by warring over California’s fertile and diverse lands. From the first true economy surrounding the California Gold Rush, the region began its evolution. It would become America’s richest and most populous state. This status is still maintained today. Yet, the state’s evolution into what it is today was not easy. The gorgeous and idyllic region of California attracted immigrants from all over. As a result, prejudice was commonplace. It took many years of rallies, protests, and social movements. These efforts were essential to create the diverse and accepting state we know today.

In this book, you will learn about:

  • California’s Native American population
  • The Spanish exploration of Mexico, which led to the discovery of California
  • The colonization of the region of California led by the Spanish church missions
  • Mexican California
  • California’s independence from Mexico
  • The Gold Rush
  • The San Francisco earthquake
  • The effects of World War I and II on California
  • The socio-political reforms that occurred over the course of the 20th century
  • California’s technology boom
  • How California transitioned into one of the most populous and affluent states in America as well as one of the more diverse and liberal states in the country
  • And much more!