Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 6
January 2, 2025
JURY DUTY IS MURDER by Kate Damon with excerpt and giveaway
Kate Damon
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives.
But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.
HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.
Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold, and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.
Excerpt
The ringing telephone woke me up. Without opening my eyes, I felt around until I touched the nightstand and finally, my phone. “Hello.”
“Wake up.”
I groaned. “Alex, what do you want?”
“I need you to wake up.”
I forced myself to sit up. The clock on the radio said it was after ten. “This better be important.”
“Something is terribly wrong,” Alex said. “It’s the thirtieth and nobody’s dead.”
“Hallelujah.” I hung up and dived back into my pillow. The phone rang again, and I groaned. Only Alex would think that no dead bodies meant something was wrong.
I rolled over and grabbed the phone. “Now what?”
“No one’s dead.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.
Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.
Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.
Links:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katejuryduty
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/juryduty17
Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.comKatedamon1
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565155275435
December 31, 2024
A Suitable New Year’s Revenge by Meredith Bond
A Suitable New Year’s Revenge
by Meredith Bond
Revenge of the Wallflowers
Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a scholarly young lady take a dandy seriously?
Lady Helena Grant is about to become homeless. The moment her father dies—which will be within the month according to the doctor—her home will go to his heir, the Baron Hazelton. He has refused her plea to allow her to stay in the house. Now the only hope this bookish wallflower has is to apply to his son, the handsome Mr. Teviot, and pray that he has some sway over his father.
This would be Pine Teviot’s second Christmas away from his family. His father has forbidden him entrance to the family home unless he comes with a fiancée or wife on his arm. But Pine believes in love and hasn’t found it yet. When the lovely Lady Helena comes to him with her problem, he sees in her the perfect revenge—his father hates intelligent women. They hope that a fake engagement will both allow Pine to see his family over the holidays and get Helena a home. When his father objects to their marriage, she will agree not to marry Pine in exchange for the right to stay in her home.
What they don’t count on is the spark of attraction between them. It will take the delicate hand of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to gently encourage those flames to grow.
Shop Now: https://books2read.com/u/b5KdDO
Shop the series: https://books.bookfunnel.com/revenge_of_the_wallflowers/7x4ng9tv7t
December 24, 2024
How the Duke Ruined Christmas by Lauren Royal and Devon Royal
How the Duke Ruined Christmas
by Lauren Royal and Devon Royal
Revenge of the Wallflowers
♥ A Christmas house party
♥ A jilted wallflower
♥ The duke who did her wrong
♥ Schemes, scandals, and sweet, sweet vengeance
♥ A Second Chance Regency Romance!
A sweet holiday romance featuring New York Times bestselling author Lauren Royal and her daughter Devon’s “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!
A year after Jonathan Stanhope, the Duke of Rathborne, left Lady Claire Chase at the altar, her dolt of a brother invites him to their Christmas house party. Claire is livid—until she realizes she’s found the perfect opportunity for revenge…
A year after Jonathan made the biggest mistake of his life, a baffling summons from his old friend brings him back to Greystone Castle—just in time for their annual Christmas festivities. From the moment he’s reunited with his former fiancée, it’s clear she means to turn his holiday into a nightmare. But no matter what Claire throws at him, he’s not giving up on her this time…
How the Duke Ruined Christmas is Book 43 in the 50+ author series “Revenge of the Wallflowers” and also Book 4 in our “Sweet Chase Brides: The Regency” series.
Book DetailsA complete, standalone story—no cliffhangers!
Series: Sweet Chase Brides: The Regency, Book 4
Style: Sweet historical romance
Length: 42,000 words (about 160 standard pages)
Bonus Material: Author’s Note, preview of next book, link to giveaway
Clean Read: No offensive language or explicit content
“Captivating historical romance. Romance readers of all ages will love Lauren Royal & Devon Royal’s books!”
—Glynnis Campbell, USA Today Bestselling Author
While How the Duke Ruined Christmas can be read as a stand-alone novel, many readers enjoy reading it as part of a series. All of Lauren & Devon’s books feature Chase family members. Should you wish to read them in chronological order, this is the sequence:
Sweet Chase Brides
The Earl’s Unsuitable Bride
The Marquess’s Scottish Bride
The Laird’s Fairytale Bride
The Duke’s Reluctant Bride
The Viscount’s Wallflower Bride
The Baron’s Inconvenient Bride
The Gentleman’s Scandalous Bride
The Cavalier’s Christmas Bride
A Chase Brides Christmas (A Family Reunion)
Alice Betrothed
Sweet Chase Brides: The Regency
How the Marquess Was Won
How Do Earls Fall in Love?
How I Spent My London Season
How the Duke Ruined Christmas
Specially Priced Boxed Sets
Sweet Chase Brides Boxed Set One: The Chases
Sweet Chase Brides Boxed Set Two: The Ashcrofts
Sweet Chase Brides: The Complete Regency Trilogy
LAUREN ROYAL decided to become a writer at the age of eight, after winning a “Why My Mother is the Greatest” essay contest. Now she’s a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance novels. Lauren lives in Southern California with her husband and their two constantly shedding cats. She still thinks her mother is the greatest.
DEVON ROYAL is the daughter of romance novelist Lauren Royal. After attending film school, she wrote an award-winning TV comedy pilot and spent several years working in Hollywood before turning her focus to fiction writing. Devon lives in Southern California with her husband and two children. She also thinks her mother is the greatest.
Shop the series: https://books.bookfunnel.com/revenge_of_the_wallflowers/7x4ng9tv7t
December 20, 2024
Brian and Mina’s Holiday Hits by Kitty Thomas
Brian and Mina’s Holiday Hits
Kitty Thomas
Publication date: December 18th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Dark Romance, Romance
“Be honest with me, Brian. Are we going on a cross-country killing spree?”
“I’d hardly call it a spree.”
Brian Sloane is a pure psychopathic monster… to everyone but Mina.
She was looking for a good man to scratch a particular itch but instead ended up bought by the violent enforcer of a submissive training house.
Against all odds, the villain became her hero. She was the light to his dark until the lights went out, and the darkness inside her came out to play.
Now they’re both killers, chasing the blood lust, running toward their demons, each hit job more dangerous than the last. From a twisted Easter hunt, to an explosive Fourth of July, from a deadly masquerade ball, to an even deadlier Krampus run, culminating in the Do or Die Valentine’s Day Kill that will either seal their doom or their happily ever after.
Do killers even deserve a happy ending?
—
EXCERPT:
It’s after dark when we arrive at the Windsor Estate. The heavily guarded iron gate extends around Drake Windsor’s massive property which seems to go on for miles. I grip Brian’s arm and lean in to whisper in his ear as we walk along the well-lit path up to the front door.
“What about weapons?” I whisper.
“No weapons,” he says. “They’ll pat us down and send us all through a metal detector inside.”
“Then how in the f**k are we going to do this? Are you planning to kill him with your bare hands?”
Brian shrugs. “I could. He’s too refined to get his own hands dirty. He’s old money.”
“What does he do? Besides hiring assassins to kill all his enemies.” You’d think Brian would have listed this man’s profession on the murder wall.
“Oil magnate.”
“Is that even still a thing?”
“Apparently,” he says.
“I thought you’d tell me he was in the tech industry.”
Brian laughs. “I said old money.”
“Fossil fuel. Checks out.” Dinosaurs are for sure old.
I stop talking as we get closer to the house. It’s so big, even the word mansion doesn’t quite cover it. The security detail are all big burly guys wearing suits and electronic ear pieces. They give us both a once over, their eyes staying on me a bit longer than is actually necessary.
The first one pats Brian down, and then goes for me, but Brian closes a tight grip over the man’s wrist.
His voice is low and calm when he speaks. “Elvin, I swear to every power living and dead that if you touch her, you will not survive to see your daughter’s first Christmas.”
The guard swallows hard. “I have orders…”
“You have metal detectors. You and I both know that’s the real security. This pat down business is just security theater—a display of Windsor’s power and nothing more. You think about whether it’s worth your life to participate in this charade.”
He nods. “Go on in, Mr. Sloan.” Then he nods at me, “Ma’am.”
Author Bio:
KITTY THOMAS writes dark stories that play with power and have unconventional HEAs. She began publishing in early 2010 with her bestselling COMFORT FOOD and is considered one of the original authors of the dark romance subgenre.
To find out FIRST when a new book comes out, subscribe to Kitty’s New Release List: KITTYTHOMAS.COM
Website / Goodreads / X / Bookbub / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 17, 2024
A Wallflower’s Stolen Christmas: Lady Be Vengeful by Dawn Brower
A Wallflower’s Stolen Christmas: Lady Be Vengeful
by Dawn Brower
(Revenge of the Wallflowers Book 42)
Selena Brooks would much prefer the comforts of home during Christmastide. Why the blazes would anyone want to endure a house party for a whole fortnight? Especially someone like her—a perpetual wallflower. Society had never cared about her presence, let alone noticed her. That is, until her cousin restored the family’s finances and set aside a substantial dowry for her. Suddenly, she was deemed “desirable.”
Well, they could all return to whatever holes they had crawled out of. Selena had no intention of marrying anyone who valued her for her dowry alone. Society’s dictates had already stolen enough from her, including the peace of a quiet Christmastide. But she would not bow to their expectations. The best revenge was living freely on her own terms, and she wouldn’t allow anyone—least of all a man—to dictate her future.
Kingston Rowe, Duke of Castlebury, wouldn’t have attended this house party at all if he didn’t owe a favor to a close friend. House parties had never appealed to him and the ton had proven as tiresome as ever. They all were a collection of posturing and pretentious fools.
But then he noticed her—Lady Selena Brooks. Among the insipid guests, she was a revelation. She said and did as she pleased with her sharp tongue she put them all in their places—including him. She was unlike any woman he had ever encountered, and she tempted him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. But how does a duke win the favor of a woman who wants nothing to do with courtship—or him?
https://books2read.com/WallflowersStolenChristmas
Shop the series: https://books.bookfunnel.com/revenge_of_the_wallflowers/7x4ng9tv7t
December 16, 2024
SANTA CLAWS by Denise Alicea with giveaway and guest post
Denise Alicea
GENRE: Children’s Picture Book
BLURB:
It is Christmas. Apollo, sleeping on his new cushion, is a rescue cat who has just found his forever home. He is surprised to hear a man coming down the chimney, but his first sight of Santa Claus reassures him that this man is friendly. They talk for a while, and Santa Claus explains who he is and what Christmas is all about. Apollo listens carefully and has just one wish – that all cats everywhere could be as lucky and cared for as he is. Will his wish come true? Read on and find out all about Santa Claws!
EXCERPT
Question to the author: Please tell me how you get the characters in your head to behave.
Normally my characters all want attention all at the same time. Ha! To keep them behaving I will make a list of characters on a sheet and give them the attention they deserve by telling their story including some features and biography. This helps me stay organized and also give each character the chance they deserve. 😊
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ2594T3?tag=thpeanmubore-20
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/santa-claws-a-christmas-tail-for-cats/id6736948013?uo=8&at=
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/santa-claws-a-christmas-tail-for-cats
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1633838
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born in Manhattan and raised in Connecticut, Denise Alicea started writing when drawing and painting simply weren’t enough. A writer of poetry, fantasy, time travel, romance and more, Denise has won several awards and has had several finalist nominations. She loves technology, reading, watching movies, and managing her blog over at The Pen & Muse Book Reviews
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeniseAlicea
Twitter: https://twitter.com/denisealicea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceadenise/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordenisealicea
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Denise Alicea will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
December 12, 2024
Historical Romance Cookie Hop: Monster Cookies!
Welcome to the Historical Romance Cookie Hop. Visit all the authors on the list for a chance to win the grand prize. 🎄🍪
I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year. The tree goes up early and comes down late in my house. My sister, niece, and I take a day to make cookies: peanut butter with chocolate kisses, pretzels with chocolate kisses and M&Ms, cut-out sugar cookies, and monster cookies. The latter is what I’m sharing today.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup M&M candies
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream the butter and sugar together really well—at least 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.Add peanut butter and mix well. Add egg and vanilla and mix.In a separate mixing bowl stir together the flour (be careful to measure correctly, spooning the flour into a measuring cup, then leveling off), oats, salt, baking powder and baking soda.Add to the wet mixture and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips and M&M’s.Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or a little longer if you make them bigger than a 1inch cookie scoop. Don’t over bake–they will look just set.Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the pan.We usually take turns stirring the batter. It’d definitely a workout! Feel free to substitute/add other ingredients. We’ve experimented with butterscotch and peanut butter chips too. Add whatever tickles your fancy, just DON’T overbake. Christmas Past and PresentWhile parts of Christmas change over the centuries, there are aspects that will always remain. Christmas has always been a time for gathering with community and family. The traditional foods and games may be different but the atmosphere, the camaraderie, is always there. If you’d like to mix the past and present, consider making syllabub or hot buttered rum for your get-together this year.
In celebration of the season, I’d like to offer all the hoppers this Christmas recipe book by some of your favorite historical authors. This was organized by the fabulous Glynis Campbell. There are ancient recipes and trivia included on each page. Enjoy!

New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls by Freda Ann with excerpt and giveaway
New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls
Freda Ann
(A Twinkle Falls Novel)
Publication date: December 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
A sweet, inspirational, small town romance with holiday cheer and a happy ending.
Kylee Croft is a single mom to the sweetest little girl anyone could ask for. Growing up in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, to Kylee it felt like a rite of passage to one day marry the man of her dreams.
Now living in Twinkle Falls, she appreciates the ease of small town life and how people look out for one another, though getting to know the sister and father she never knew existed is the icing on the cake.
Trace Holburg was one happy man after marrying his first love seven years ago. Soon after, his family felt complete with the birth of their twins. But he received a rude awakening when his soon to be ex-wife left him and the boys for a life of alcoholism. After the divorce and getting sole custody of his boys, he swore he’d never marry again.
Kylee has been dating Trace for over a year but worries the man she’s fallen madly in love with is pulling away from her. To complicate things even more her daughter’s biological father shows up in Twinkle Falls.
Can this couple make peace with their past and find a future together, or does their fate lie elsewhere?
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks
—
EXCERPT:
“Man, I suck at this,” I blurt out, while on a jog around the perimeter of the Fall Fair with Jesse. We started hanging out years ago after our sisters became BFFs.
“O-kayyy…” He elongates the word, briefly cutting his eyes in my direction. “Do you care to elaborate?”
“Ugh, at romancing a woman. It’s like I forgot how to do it, since I haven’t dated for years. Before Kylee, Roxanne was the only woman I’d ever loved. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m sure Roxanne put the moves on me first. Which means, I have no game. Dang, I’m doomed.”
“I assume you’re talking about romancing Kylee? Tell me what happened before I give my opinion on the situation.
Shaking my head as we run past a seven-foot scarecrow and two smaller ones along the jogging trail, I try explaining. “It’s bad; really bad,” I huff. “One minute, we were sipping wine and cuddling on the sofa after an amazing French meal she made, and the next, something completely different than what I had planned to say came pouring out of my mouth.”
“Oh, gosh, what’d you say?”
“I said something like… if it’s not clear that I want us to have a future together and to, uh, share a house so we can do more stuff like this—”
“Stop!” We quit running as Jesse steps to the side of the trail. “You’re right, you do suck at this.” He chuckles. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard a guy say to the woman he loves. What was her response?”
“It wasn’t great. She didn’t say anything at first, so I added, unless it’s not something you want. Finally, she grabbed my hand and said she’d love for us to live in the same house, but then she looked confused after she said it.”
“Man, I can definitely see why. You need to watch some romance movies or something because you’re right, you have zero game with the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
“Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy,” I quip. As we resume running, I’m suddenly feeling worse than I did before.”
Author Bio:
Freda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean, HEA RomComs. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared several of her books to Hallmark movies. Many have hit #1 in multiple categories after release.
She writes relatable, faith and family based love stories which include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to people of all ages. Her books will take you on an emotional journey with likable characters, and dreamy settings you’ll wish you could visit.
After retiring from a career in the law enforcement field, Freda feels blessed to be able to write and self-publish her stories for everyone to read. She adores her large family, 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and hosts monthly family gatherings.
To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 11, 2024
Like It’s Christmas by Diana A. Hicks with giveaway
Like It’s Christmas
Diana A. Hicks
(Winterstorm Village, #1)
Publication date: October 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Historical, Romance
At Winterstorm Village, a record-breaking blizzard always ends in a wedding before the season is over. This year promises to bring the mother of all snowstorms, and the residents couldn’t be more excited to see who’s next to tie the knot…
Rhett Parker hates Christmas. When the Mayor of Winterstorm has an unfortunate accident and ends up in a coma, Rhett is left hanging with the proverbial Santa Gift Bag. To make matters worse, the only one who can help him save their money-making tourist season is his office nemesis, Ms. Christmas cheer in a bottle, Parker Cruz.
Parker Cruz, the Mayor’s daughter, is determined to save Christmas now that her dad isn’t there to make it all happen. The only person standing in her way is the town’s Scrooge, the newly appointed Mayor, Rhett Parker.
She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make good on her promise to her dad. So, when a series of unlucky events strike, and the residents start talking about canceling Christmas, Parker does the unthinkable. She agrees to a fake date with her new boss.
Love is always in the air during the holidays at Winterstorm Village. So what if this year it’s all pretend? Or is it?
Excerpt
“Do you need a ride?” Bria placed her hand on my shoulder.
“No. I’ll walk. But thanks.”
“Are you sure?” Rowena asked. “It’s freezing out there.”
“I’ll be fine. Go on.” I waved them good-bye.
As soon as they left, I got on my phone and texted Dad to confirm our dinner tonight. He promptly replied with an enthusiastic yes, an exclamation point, and a string of emotes—see no evil monkey, christmas tree, champagne bottle, and dancing guy. I chuckled at the screen, and finished the last of my espresso martini.
Rhett and Thor had already left when I ambled out of the bar, which put me in an even better mood. I was ready to not see Rhett for the next three weeks. And now, thanks to my besties, I had a solid plan to make this Christmas the best ever.
I strolled down Main Street, smiling every time a flurry brushed my cheek. In the next few days, the entire town’s square would be turned into a winter wonderland. I wanted all the wreaths, garlands and twinkling lights hung and firmly secured before the big storm came through. As I continued down the sidewalk, I made a mental list of what all needed to be done. Maybe Mrs. Dankworth would agree to donate swag to decorate the street lamp posts.
“Are you insane?” Rhett’s deep voice made me stop in my tracks.
When I turned around, I stepped off the curb and lost my balance. “Whoa.” My ankle twisted sideways. For a whole beat, I started to fall face first on a pile of black ice. But before I hit the ground, Rhett yanked me toward him like I weighed nothing.
“It’s freezing out here. What are you doing out and about?”
“What are you doing out and about?” I shot back then pushed against his chest to free myself.
“I was about to get in my car and drive away.” He glared at me then winced, as if what he had to say next pained him. “I’m taking you home.”
“In your dreams. I’m half a mile away.” I made to walk around him.
“Get in the car, Cruz.” His voice boomed in the empty street. “Now.”
I rolled my eyes at him. He had no right to get so bossy with me. For one, we were not in the office. And two, he wasn’t my boss. I worked for the Mayor, my dad. Rhett’s smug smile and high-handedness could bite me.
“Good night, Rhett.”
“Cruz.” He gripped my elbow, and for a split second his eyes softened. “Don’t put yourself in danger just to spite me. It’s cold and slippery out there.”
Author Bio:
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X / TikTok
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 10, 2024
A Wallflower Never Forgets by Anna St. Claire Release Day
A Wallflower Never Forgets
by Anna St. Claire
Revenge of the Wallflowers #41
What happens when her childhood crush becomes the man she can’t live without?
The first time she loved him…
Lady Melanie Stenson lost her heart to her brother’s best friend, Viscount Jonathan DeLacey, at the tender age of twelve, when he saved her from drowning in the pond on her family’s estate. But when she attended her first ball at seventeen, Jonathan shattered Melanie’s heart when he treated her as though she were still a child, seeming to look right through her and then, announcing his engagement to Lady Diana Thurston.
The second time he loved her…
Jonathan DeLacey was done with love when his betrothed jilted him for a Duke. Burying himself in his work as an agent of the crown, Jonathan developed a reputation for taking on the most dangerous assignments. Four years later, as he’s tracking a suspect through the streets of London, he saves a young woman from a runaway carriage, whom he realizes is Lady Melanie Stenson. No longer the little girl he once knew, Jonathan was taken with Melanie’s beauty and vibrant spirit. Unfortunately, Melanie seems not to care one whit for Jonathan. Curious and captivated, Jonathan is determined to change her mind.
Will the third time be the charm?
When they see each other again at a Christmas house party to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday, can Melanie and Jonathan reconcile past mistakes and misunderstandings and realize they’ve been meant for each other all along?
Shop Now: https://books2read.com/u/b5B8Yk
Shop the series: https://books.bookfunnel.com/revenge_of_the_wallflowers/7x4ng9tv7t