Tag: #Romance

Posted in Book Tours

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A beautiful heiress seeking solace.

A brooding mysterious caretaker burdened by shadows.

And a forbidden love haunted by the echoes of the past.


Once Upon a Midnight Dreary

A Poe’s “The Raven” Retelling

Enchanted Realms Book 5

by Michelle Miles

Genre: Gothic Paranormal Romance



A beautiful heiress seeking solace. A mysterious caretaker burdened by shadows. And a forbidden love haunted by the echoes of the past.

When tragedy shatters her family, Victoria Ravenwood inherits the crumbling estate of Ravenfell Manor, a place she once called home but no longer recognizes. Hoping to escape her grief, she returns to its ivy-choked walls and forgotten rooms, determined to start anew. But Ravenfell is no sanctuary–it is a house of sorrow, steeped in secrets, and alive with something that should be dead.

Gabriel Allward, the manor’s reclusive caretaker, has remained at Ravenfell for years, his presence as rooted as the ancient stones. Cold and mysterious, he keeps to the shadows, guarding a truth he dares not reveal. Yet Victoria is drawn to him and to the darkness that clings to him like a second skin.

As their fragile bond deepens, something awakens in the manor. A raven watches from the garden. Whispers echo through the halls. And a long-buried secret claws its way to the surface. One that binds Gabriel’s soul to the estate…and could drag Victoria into the same eternal night.

Can they uncover the truth behind Ravenfell’s curse before it claims them both? Or will their love become just another tragic tale whispered within its walls?

If you love heiresses reclaiming their haunted legacies, brooding caretakers bound by dark secrets, and crumbling manors where love must outlast restless ghosts—you’ll love this gothic reimagining inspired by Poe’s The Raven.

 

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MICHELLE MILES believes in fairy tales, true love, and a little bit of magic in every story. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult books packed with adventure, action, and swoon-worthy romance—because what’s a story without a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart? From angels and demons to dragons, elves, and time travelers, her books are filled with epic quests, fierce heroines, and the kind of heroes worth falling for.

When she’s not crafting new adventures, she brings stories to life as a narrator and hosts Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast where she chats with authors about their writing journeys. A Texas girl through and through, she loves getting lost in a good book, binge-watching movies, hiking the trails, and sipping a glass of wine. Come hang out with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more!

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


Enter the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary Giveaway


Posted in Cozy Mysteries

The Inn at Holiday Bay: Blizzard in the Bay

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A heartwarming cozy mystery series about losing everything, taking a chance, and starting again.

After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn’t seem to convince to leave, and a new family she’d never be able to live without.

In book 8 in the series, Abby’s agent asks for help when the house she was going to rent to host a writers retreat becomes unavailable. After a bit of discussion, Abby agrees to have the retreat at the inn. The seven writers who will be staying at the inn for the week long event are new to publishing and Kate hopes the mentor she has hired to run things will be able to provide the valuable tips these new authors need. Of course what she doesn’t know is that Abby has a past with this particular mentor, and when all is said and done, fireworks of one sort or another are likely.

Meanwhile, Georgia has started taping her new cooking show, Abby is worried about the approaching blizzard, and Colt has a murder to solve, after six men get together for a friendly poker game but only five of the six men make it to the end of the night alive.

Posted in Book Tours

Can’t Hurry Christmas

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Can’t Hurry Christmas
Melissa Baldwin
Publication date: November 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

The holiday spirit is the last thing on my mind, and he’s focused on his new beginning. But one mistletoe moment might change everything.

Callie
Spending the holidays alone for the first time in four years wasn’t exactly on my wish list. But with a major shake-up at work and more changes than I ever saw coming, embracing my new reality seems like the only option.

And then there’s Travis—charming, handsome, and a Texas drawl that could make any woman weak in the knees. But is it too soon to start something new? I’ve been out of the dating game for a while, and maybe this season is meant for family, friends, and finding joy in my new season.

One thing’s for sure—I’m in no hurry for Christmas to arrive.

Travis
Christmas in the Northeast? In the freezing cold? Yeah, not exactly my idea of home. But turning down this job offer wasn’t an option—it’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around every day.

Still, spending the holidays away from everything and everyone I love is tougher than I expected. And then there’s Callie. I never planned to meet someone like her, let alone work so closely with her.

Now I’m left wondering… is taking this risk worth everything I’ve worked for?

Have you read the award-winning UnLucky Christmas? Don’t miss the chance to catch up with your favorite characters in Can’t Hurry Christmas from USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Baldwin.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Callie, I know this isn’t a typical holiday season for you. I can’t imagine how you are feeling now that…things are different without …”

“You can say his name, Hannah.”

“Joey,” she says softly. “I’m sorry. I know this is a difficult time.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be sorry. I asked him to set a wedding date, and he said he wasn’t ready and didn’t know when he would be. That pretty much told me everything I needed to know. Our goals were not exactly as aligned as I thought they were.”

She places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Proud? For getting dumped?”

“No. For not settling,” she explains. “And for letting me drag you into crazy holiday chaos instead of spending the night alone, binge-watching TV shows you’ve seen a hundred times.”

I laugh under my breath. “You’re not wrong. This is good for me—I always do better when I’m busy.”

“You might even enjoy yourself at the festive family night,” she says, tying another bow in less than two seconds.

“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be a blast,” I say flatly. “Hundreds of children, awkward small talk, and tacky decor. I’m all in.”

She giggles. “By the way, Anna’s new friend is coming with us. Her name’s Mia. She’s such a sweetheart.”

“Cool,” I say, biting my lip as I attempt another bow.

“And her dad’s meeting us there.”

I glance up. “Okay?”

“He’s a very nice guy…”

I narrow my eyes at her. “That’s great. Is there a reason you’re telling me this?”

She conveniently avoids making eye contact with me.

“Hannah…”

“Yes?”

“What are you up to?”

“I’m not up to anything,” she says, innocently. “I just thought it might be nice for you to meet a new friend.”

I stare at her. I should’ve known she was up to something. She was very insistent that I go to the festive family night.

She shrugs. “Anyway, he’s single. And nice. He has a good job. And he’s very—”

“Stop right there,” I interrupt. “No setups. You promised.”

“I didn’t set you up,” she says. “I merely mentioned that a single, employed man who also happens to be a devoted father will be in the same vicinity as you.”

“Oh, well in that case,” I say, rolling my eyes again.

She smirks and reaches over to take the mangled ribbon from my hands. “Here, let me help. You’re not exactly grasping the bow tying process here.”

“I didn’t get Mom’s crafty gene like you,” I mutter.

She laughs. “No. But you certainly inherited the moody gene from her.”

“I’m not the only one,” I tell her.

She holds up a perfectly wrapped box, complete with an elaborate gold bow. “See? We make a good team.”

“Always,” I say. “You do the work, and I’m here for moral support.”


Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.

Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she’s not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

Visit authormelissabaldwin .com to sign up for her newsletter.

Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe on Facebook

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GIVEAWAY!

Can’t Hurry Christmas Blitz

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Posted in Book Tours

Weres and Witchery

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Magic happens and sparks fly when a sassy witch with curves for days crosses paths with an irresistible alpha shifter.


Weres and Witchery

by AK Nevermore

Genre: Spicy Small Town Paranormal Romance



Karma’s a witch.

When witch Jena Seymore returns home to Havers-by-the-Sea to care for her dying aunt, old town politics and prejudices are rekindled. Between the local Westside Pack’s vendetta against her family and the coven pressuring Jena to become guardian of the magical node outside of town, she has enough problems without adding Chase Montgomery to the mix. Especially after he broke her heart by starting the devastating rumor that sent Jena running from town in the first place.

But Chase has plenty of problems of his own, and how to make amends with Jena and win her heart is at the top of the list. Unbeknownst to his pack, Jena is his fated mate, and after her leaving town the first time almost killed him, he’s not letting her get away again—no matter what the backlash might be.

And meanwhile, the node is turning wild, jeopardizing Havers-by-the Sea’s existence as tensions threaten to tear it apart from within. Deep-seated small town secrets could hold the key to its future—but only if they’re discovered before Samhain, when the blue moon rises.

Magic happens and sparks fly when a sassy witch with curves for days crosses paths with an irresistible alpha shifter. WERES AND WITCHERY, a standalone spicy small town romance by AK Nevermore.

  

What readers are saying:

“I loved this story! It has everything I like in a good book, angst, anger, laughter, tears, fun, heat, love, loyal best friend, quirky side characters and an HEA. It doesn’t get any better than that. The storyline is solid, engaging, the world building is multi-dimensional and once you start you won’t want to put it down.” – @sunshinewhispers

 

“Wow, what a cracking book this is. Twists, turns and lots of magic so what’s not to like. I couldn’t put it down till I’d finished it, I was completely engrossed. I loved it.” – @sbanacek

 

“I started reading this book at 9pm and read straight through to 4am. … FOUR. A. M. Crazy, right?! Let me tell you, this book had me hooked from the start with its humor, drama, character chemistry, character personalities, drama, romance, banter, action, and spice. ‘Weres and Witchery’ is among one of the best escapes I’ve had in a while.” – @Morally_Gray_Nola

  

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads









AK Nevermore enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year. A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.

Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy full time.

She pays the bills editing, wielding a wicked hot pink pen and writing a column on SFF. She also belongs to the Authors Guild, is a chapter treasurer for the RWA, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.

 

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


Enter the Weres and Witchery Giveaway


Posted in Cozy Mysteries

The Inn at Holiday Bay: Note in the Nutcracker

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A heartwarming cozy mystery series about starting over, finding family, and embracing the magic of the holidays.

After a personal tragedy, Abby Sullivan leaves San Francisco behind and buys a sprawling seaside mansion in Holiday Bay, Maine—a place she’s never even seen. What she thought she needed was solitude to heal. What she found instead was an inn she never knew she wanted, a Maine Coon cat named Rufus who refuses to leave her side, a gentle giant of a dog with an inferiority complex, and a drifter named Georgia, whose own tragic past soon intertwines with hers.

In Book 7 of the series, new guests arrive at the inn, each with their own story to tell. Among them, Mylie discovers a long-forgotten letter to Santa tucked inside a life-sized nutcracker. The child’s Christmas wish isn’t for toys or games—it’s for time with her parents and simple holiday experiences like building a snowman or taking a sleigh ride. Determined to fulfill the list while waiting for her own Mr. Right, Mylie sets out to create holiday magic for someone else.

Meanwhile, Abby becomes intrigued by the mystery of the letter—who wrote it, and why has it been hidden all these years? Her search pulls her into an unsolved mystery that she is determined to solve before Christmas arrives. And as Georgia experiments in the kitchen, hunting for the perfect cookie to enter in a local contest, the inn is alive with warmth, laughter, and a little holiday magic.

The Inn at Holiday Bay Innis a story of healing, friendship, love, and the unexpected joys that come when we open our hearts to new beginnings.