Review: Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger

Author: Lisa Unger
Publisher: Park Row
Publication Date: February 2025
When the real game begins, who will make it to the count of 10?

Charismatic daredevil and extreme adventurer Maverick Dillan invites you to the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. But as the players gather on Falcao Island, the event quickly spirals into a chilling test of survival. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.

Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.

I wish I could say that I loved this book.  I have read most of this author's work. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark.  I was hoping for a fun game of hide and seek for money, but there was no game.  There were too many points of view. There were too many side stories that didn't add to the story. It just seemed unfocused and was not what I was expecting.   The characters were insufferable.  The twists were lackluster and really kind of laughable.  I think the only person I rooted for was Adele.  But that as only barely.  I wish I could recommend this one, but I don't.

Release Blitz: Excerpt from Dances with Pucks by Debbie Charles

  

When a health issue ends Christina’s dancing career, she finds herself on a new path as a co-owner of an NHL team. But, when a friend needs help at her dance studio, the last thing she expected was for the hottie taking private lessons to wind up on her brother’s hockey team. Readers who love secret, workplace romances will enjoy Dances with Pucks by Debbie Charles, a steamy, sports romance.

 

Cam
Guarding the net is not my only goal
While other players relax on the golf course, my off-season is spent in the ballroom. Dancing keeps me limber and the memory of my mom alive. My father dismissed hockey as a career and moved on to a new family. Joke’s on him. I’ve made it to the NHL, and I’ll clear close to a mil at age twenty-four. The only thing left on my life plan is a family, and I have my eye on the beautiful dance instructor who keeps me on my toes.

Christina
I prefer numbers to people. They’re far more predictable.
Numbers make sense; people don’t.
After a health issue ended my competitive ballroom dancing career, I took over management of my family’s financial empire. Then my brother insisted on bringing pro hockey to Austin, so here I am, co-owner of an NHL team and agreeing to give free financial advice to the players. When a friend needs help at her dance studio, the hottie taking private lessons is more tempting than a macro-enabled spreadsheet, until his headshot pops up on my brother’s hockey roster. Talk about a conflict of interest. Worse, he wants what I can’t give him—kids. Maybe just a fling…
Dances with Pucks is a workplace romance between two incredibly flexible people, which means things get steamy, stretched, and sometimes twisted. It introduces the Texas Tornadoes, the hottest, coolest expansion NHL team in hockey.
 
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Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Debbie Charles
 
“Hmm. Tall, dark and handsome did you say?” Lauren propped her chin on her hand.
 
“No, actually. Tall, golden-haired, and…,” I stop before I finish my thought of built like a brick shithouse.
 
Heat creeps up my face.
 
“And handsome!” Lauren claps her hands. “Tell us more!”
 
I give in to temptation and gossip. “Y’all. He is the most fit of any human ever. It’s crazy. I’m not even sure I could pinch him. I’d bet even his ass is a rock. And holy smoke, what an ass it is.” I fan myself. “And he’s flexible. Like, as flexible as I am.”
 

 
About Debbie Charles

A lifelong romance reader, I cut my teeth on Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deveraux, and Kathleen Woodiwiss, along with Silhouette and Harlequin for palate cleansers. Opting for a career that provided both a food and travel budget, I earned a BA, CPA, and MBA, and spent far too long being a corporate drone, then consulting other corporate drones. Along the way, I was one of the few 1990s NBA season ticket holders never to see Michael Jordan play (’93-’94). I also attended a few NFL games, the Belmont Stakes, the NHL playoffs, the World Series, and managed to see more than 20 MLB parks, several of which have since been demolished. More recently, I’ve enjoyed the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Throughout those years, I made sporadic attempts to write my own romance. I now have 9 spicy Regency romances under the pen name Maggie Sims (www.maggiesims.com), and am ready to tackle contemporary romance, starting with hot hockey romances set in Austin, where I now live with my husband and three furbabies.
 
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Spotlight: Excerpt from The Gamer Boy: The Complete Series by Lauren Helms

 

Set in the heart of Chicago, Author Lauren Helms brings you Gamer Boy: The Complete Series. This nerdy-meets-flirty box set is perfect for readers who love relatable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and love stories you can’t put down.
 

 Welcome to the world of Team NoMad, a group of professional gamers who are fierce in competition—and even worse at keeping their hearts out of the game. Set in the heart of Chicago, this nerdy-meets-flirty romance series is perfect for readers who love relatable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and love stories you can’t put down.
 
From first love to friends-to-lovers, second chances to secret relationships, there’s a book boyfriend here for every mood and trope you crave.
 
“Refreshing New Adult read.”
“Original, fun, sexy and emotional.”
The perfect balance of drama, angst, humor & heart.”
 
Featured Titles:
Level Me Up–*Dex & Morgan* A First Love Romance
One More Round–*Simon & Gia* A Second Chance Romance
Game All Night–*Link & Ruby* A Friends to Lovers Romance
Win My Heart–*Bernie & Wade* A Secret Relationship Romance
 
Fall for the gamers of Team NoMad—just don’t be surprised if they steal your heart one level at a time.
 
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Excerpt from Level Me Up

Copyright 2025, Author Lauren Helms

 

He smiles like a cat that is about to eat a bird. "Nope. That is incorrect," he says, and he points to my shirt and gestures for it to come off. I move up onto my knees on his bed, wobble a bit as I start to lose my balance. Great a spaz moment instead of sexy time would be perfect right now. I scoot back a little, so I don't fall off the bed and fall face first on the floor. So much for a sexy strip tease. Slowly, I pull my shirt up over my head and mentally high-five myself for bringing the sexy back. I don't think he even noticed the wobble. I still have a spaghetti strap tank on so I can see a flutter of disappointment in his eyes. It's quickly replaced with determination, however. "Question four - How many installments of CoB are there, and when was the first one released?" Shoot. I know there are a ton of them, and they come out every year. "Umm, thirteen and the first one came out in 2003?" I say with uncertainty. "I'm impressed, but you're wrong. There are only twelve games in the main series. Now take something off." I crawl off the bed, stand and unbutton my jeans. I slowly shimmy out of them, leaving them in a pile on the floor between us. Then I climb back on his bed and return to my previous position. He watches with intense interest, then clears his throat before he says, "Name four different video game genres." "First person shooter, fighter, racing, and..." I bite my lip and look up at the ceiling, pretending to think, "Hmmm...RPG," I say with an innocent smile. "Funny," he says as he shucks off his jeans. I can't help but lick my lips as he stands there in only his boxers. "You're not cold are you, Dex?" I ask sweetly. "Not in the least, babe." He moves to stand right in front of me. "The next question is all or nothing." "Ok," I reply, quietly. "What is the best gaming system of all time?" he asks. I try to keep my face as blank as possible. I know what he wants me to say, that it's the Sega Dreamcast. He's gotten into this debate with Link and Simon before. He says that it was the most advanced system of its time, but due to crappy decisions by management, it didn't pick up the needed market shares. He is staring down at me like he is mentally trying to urge the right system out of my mouth, but instead, with the sexiest look I can muster, I raise up on my knees and pull off my tank and toss it at his feet. His pupils dilate, and I reach around to the back of my bra and unclasp it as he slowly moves closer to the bed. "Man, Dex, that really is such a hard question," I say, moving my arms in front of my chest, to hold my bra in place. I slowly move one strap down my arm and continue, "I mean, it's such a subjective question that any answer would be correct, technically." I move my hand over to the opposite strap, and he drives a knee to the bed. In a deep, demanding voice he says, "Answer the question, babe." I give him one more thoughtful look as I let the bra drop to the bed and say, "GameCube." At that exact moment, he pounces on me as I let out a shrill giggle and fall back onto the bed. From above me, he says, "You play dirty, Lawson." Then the whole tutoring session is forgotten as he leans in and nips at my ear and then trails hot, wet kisses down my neck. While he continues down to my shoulder, he palms one of my breasts, and I let out a soft moan. I've never really been into having my breasts fondled during sex, but when Dex does it, it makes me forget everything I thought I did and didn't like. He takes my moan as an invitation and moves his mouth to mine. The kiss is the opposite of sweet; it's almost punishing. I bite his lip as I hook a leg around his waist and pull him into me as he lets out a deep growl. Electricity shoots through my body at the sound.

Excerpt from One More Round

Copyright 2025, Author Lauren Helms

 

"No, why would I be jealous of two boobs on legs? I've got a brain," I snap. "So, the real answer is yes. Yes, you are jealous of Lindsey," he muses. "Oh, is that her name? I was calling her a dumb booth babe in my head." OK, so the liquor is starting to do the talking. He barks out a laugh. I roll my eyes. He leans back, and I can feel the cold air swirl in between us. He crosses his arms and gives me a challenging look. "Why do you think she's dumb and why are you calling her a booth babe? She's not, by the way. Dumb, that is." I reach for the water that I don't remember ordering and take a sip. Wait, how did this get here? "Have you heard anything that has come out of her mouth tonight or do you only care about what goes into it? Because, Si, that girl is dumber than a box of rocks," I say, swirling the straw in my mouth. He coughs and tries to smother a laugh. "Oh, and I call her Booth Babe because isn't that where you pick up girls? At your video game events? Isn't that what they call the girls the video game marketers hire to stand around at them? To look all hot and draw the male attendees into the booth? Am I right, or am I right?" "You're cute when you're jealous," he says. "Nope. Wrong again," I say, then catch the bartender's eye. "Another!" "Gia, it's probably a better idea to stick to water," he says. "And it was probably a better idea for you to have stayed away. But here you are, out of nowhere. So ... one more round."Two new shots appear, and I push his shot and salt toward him. "I'd offer to let you lick me, but we wouldn't want Little Miss Booth Babe to get jealous."Yes, I heard what I just said. I'm ignoring, remember? Once more I take a shot, not caring if he took his too. I stand from the bar, faster than I should, then grab ahold of the bar just as quickly. I gather myself, smile and turn to Simon. What I see makes my head start to spin again. Heat. Pure heat fills his eyes and all amusement has left his face. I continue my exit attempt when I hear his low reply."I'd do it." I stop for a split second and look over my shoulder. I manage to avoid meeting his eye before I keep on walking. Holy shitballs.

 

Excerpt from Game All Night

Copyright 2025, Author Lauren Helms

 

We are sitting on the tarmac, waiting for more passengers to board, so I’m doing one last email check before I switch to airplane mode. It's a five-hour flight, so I’ve got a couple movies I plan to watch, and the newest Shawn Mendes album downloaded to my phone from Spotify. Look, I’m secure enough in my manliness to admit I have a man crush on the dude. His music is damn catchy, and he seems like an all-around great guy. He’s a couple years younger, but I’m thinking he’d be fun to hang with. And if I just happen to find out he enjoyed video games, then you bet your ass I’d have him on the channel. Actually, I need to find this out. I shoot an email off to my PA to do some Sean Mendes sleuthing when someone flicks me in the head.

“Hey,” I grumble as I look up to find Simon leaning over his seat staring at me.

“Dude, I’ve got news,” he says.

“I’ve been with you for the past hour, how do you suddenly have news?”

“It wasn’t like I could just walk over and tell you. We’ve been with people.”

He’s being an idiot.

“So, you couldn’t come and whisper it in my ear?” I ask.

Rolling his eyes, he says “No, you cheesedick, I’m not going to come and whisper shit in your ear. We are fucking adults, man.” I hear Gia’s husky laugh beside him.

“Do you want to know the fucking news or not?” He sounds peeved. If anyone should be peeved, it’s me. For one my forehead still stings from being flicked from short-range and two, he’s apparently got some juicy news that he’s been holding back from me.

“I’m listening,” I say, absentmindedly rubbing my forehead.

“Ruby dumped the sports douche,” he whispers with a huge grin on his face.

I narrow my eyes at him. “When?”

“A couple days ago.”

“Why?”

“Why? ’Cause he was a ball-licking douchecanoe,” he says, and I hear Gia whisper-shout, “Simon, seriously.”

“And I care, why?” I totally care, but I don’t need them all to know I do.

He scoffs at me this time, “Right, man. You care big time. Anyway, just thought you’d want to know.” And with that he turns around and slides back into his seat. I can see through the small space between the seats Gia leans over and punches him in the arm and I hear him grunt. I smirk. Serves him right.

My thoughts immediately bounce back to Ruby though. So, she finally broke up with that gameless schmuck. I know he didn’t treat her all that well. And I know she wasn’t having stimulating conversation with the guy either. Good. Good for her. She needed to dump the trash. She’s better off.

As the plane takes off, I can’t help but wonder again if the play I made on her birthday had anything to do with it.

We made out a few years ago, but she stopped us from doing anything we’d regret. Her words, not mine. She said we were only meant to be friends, nothing more. I agreed to disagree.

She told me not to bring it up; to act like it didn’t happen. And I’ve done as she wished against my better judgement. But I never promised not to think about what happened. Oh, no, I’ve thought about those pouty red lips and what they felt like, where I’d like to feel them, and what they tasted like, so many fucking times until my dick aches nearly every time I see her apply her red glossy lip shit.

I adjust myself discreetly in my seat. Fortunately, my seat mate hasn’t boarded yet.

Last week, after overhearing her conversation with Mason, seeing her hide the tears, then her reaction to the birthday gift I got her, I couldn’t hold back the words.

“He doesn’t deserve you, Ruby. I would try my damnedest to never make you cry.”

I put it out there. I planted the seed. My goal wasn’t to get her to break up with the scumbag, but I can’t say I’m disappointed with the results. Suddenly, I’m looking forward to this trip for a whole new reason.

About half way through the flight, I’m listening to some music and staring out the window. My seatmate never showed up, so I’ve got plenty of space to myself. Suddenly, I feel someone beside me.

Lifting my head, I look to my right and can’t help the smile that grows across my face.

Ruby sits next to me and is gesturing to my earbuds.

“You want to listen?” I ask as I offer her the right bud.

“Yeah. I want to know what’s got you bobbing your head like a fool,” she laughs.

She put the earbud in her own ear and the giant grin on her face makes my heart skip a beat.

“Shawn Mendes? I love it,” she tells me without pulling out the earbud.

“Yeah, he’s my jam right now.”

“I can’t get enough of his new album either.”

“Yeah? This is my favorite song on the album right now,” I tell her while he croons about falling in love when it wasn’t expected.

We listen to the rest of the song and then I pause my playlist because I would much rather talk to her before she heads back to her seat with Bernie than sit listening to music.

“So, what’s up, Rubes?” I ask, and she hands me back my earbud. I pull the other one out of my ear to give her my full attention, because a woman like Ruby deserves no less.

“Oh, I was just stretching my legs and thought I’d come say hey. You got lucky and ended up without a seatmate, I see.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten lucky yet, but I’m on the road to a happy ending now that you are here.” I smirk.

“Oh my god, you are horrible,” she laughs and pushes my arm.

“Just speaking the truth, Rubes.”

“About not getting lucky or getting a happy ending? ’Cause I can tell you now, neither of those are happening with me involved.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “We’ll see, Rubes,” I say.

“Yeah, okay, Link.” She gives me a playful eye roll in return.

I’ve never been so forward with my flirting before, but she seems to handle it well and isn’t put off by it. I think I’ll push a little more this week, see if I can’t get something going between us. I think it’s about time we move this past the ‘just friends’ stage.

Excerpt from Win My Heart

Copyright 2025, Author Lauren Helms

I want so badly to intertwine my fingers with hers, but I can’t, and she drops my hand before reaching for pretzels.

“O.M.G. It just hit me how hungry I am.” She shoves food into her mouth, and I can’t help but chuckle at her.

“Did you not eat dinner?” Leaning into the bar, I watch her with fascination.

“I did, but I was wearing a dress.” She offers this up as if it’s common sense.

I snort. “I don’t understand what that has to do with anything.”

She giggles and rolls her eyes. “Let me school you in some basic female knowledge.” She shoves more food into her mouth. If she wasn’t drunk, she’d be embarrassed at the way she’s acting. I find it endearing.

“Mkay. By all means, Bernie, educate me.”

She makes a face, and I’m not sure what I said that threw her off, but then she tells me. “If you’re gonna use a nickname, it’s Benny now.” She scoffs.

Confused, I just shake my head. I’ll admit, I don’t use her shortened name often. Way back in the day, she introduced herself to me as Bernadette, so it just stuck. I’ve always kinda liked that I’m the only one to use her full name, but I’m not on my game tonight. Between her being drunk and overly flirting with me, the new knowledge I possess about her, and the douche-waffle thinking he has a chance with her, I slip and use her nickname.

“Anyway, what do you have to teach me, oh wise one?” I smirk, getting her back on track.

“Ohh, I like that. But I think you’re making fun. I digress. When a woman is wearing a fancy dress, there are two rules. One, don’t make a mess. And two, don’t stuff yourself silly or your food baby will show.”

A deep belly laugh erupts from me. Between breaths, I ask, “Food baby?”

She’s soaking up my laughter, and she nods vigorously. “Yes, you know when you eat too much and it just sits there in your gut, and it looks like you’re about fifteen weeks preggo? Ergo, food baby. You don’t do that in a fancy tight-fitting dress.”

My laughter under control now, I tell her, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this before, Bernadette.” I chuckle, taking in her carefree, easy demeanor. Her eyes flash with something.

“Like what?” She hiccups.

“Drunk,” I deadpan.

Her eyes widen. “Oh, then I’ve done my job.”

I quirk my brow, “Do you get drunk often and hide it?” She giggles. “Well, shit, do I need to stage an intervention?”

Her pure happiness sets my blood on fire, and it takes everything in me to not reach out to touch her.

“Stop, I’m not a closet drunk. I mean, you don’t see me drunk because I don’t get drunk. In public or alone.” She tries her damnedest to make a serious face, but the attempt ends up just amusing her, and her eyes sparkle.

My own grin grows. “You’re fun like this. Carefree.”

She’s being hilarious right now. I know she doesn’t need alcohol to make her funny. She’s always fun to be around. But I realize now that I don’t have a lot of one-on-one conversations with her. I’m going to start craving this connection.

“I’m not normally fun?” She pops out her bottom lip, leaning forward slightly. Her scent fills my lungs. I take in a deep breath and lean in closer to her.

“No, you’re fun, Benny.” My voice is deep. Her eyes glitter at the use of her new nickname.

She attempts to be serious, but fails. “Just more fun when I’m wasted, yeah?”

“Nah. But normally, you don’t let me get close enough to have fun.” I don’t know why I said that, but it’s out there now.

Her eyes widen, and her mouth forms a little o. I let the silence envelop us. The ball is in her court now.

“Well…” She closes her mouth, opens it again, and then closes it.

I offer a soft laugh. She seems to gather her thoughts and says, “Well, you know where I live. So if you want fun, you know where to find me.”

Well. Fuck. Me.

I gulp, taking in her words, and before I can reply, she’s walking—no, running—away. Gia drapes her arm over her as the girls pull her into the conversation. I’m looking at her, still processing the gauntlet she threw down, and she peeks at me over her shoulder, gives me a little smile, then turns back to the group.

Damn, she launched that fucking ball right back into my court, didn’t she?

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.
 
Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.
 
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Review: When We Burn by Kristen Proby

Author: Kristen Proby
Publisher: Ampersand Publishing, Inc.
Publication date: February 2025

Bridger

I’m her safe place.
I always have been.
The torment that Dani Lexington went through at the hands of her father was something no child should have had to endure. But I was the lucky one she turned to.
Our age difference and the fact that her brother was my best friend kept her off-limits, even though something was always there, lingering under the surface.
But when she was old enough, she left Bitterroot Valley, and I was forced to move on with my life.
I got married and had my little girl. Now, I’m a single dad, focused on my job as fire chief and making sure my daughter stays healthy after a mysterious illness has plagued her for the past year.
But after Dani’s father dies, she returns to Bitterroot Valley and is now living across the street from my daughter and me.
Dani’s no longer a child. No longer off limits.
This time, I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from being her safe place again.

Dani

I’ve been in love with Bridger Blackwell for as long as I can remember.
He’s a smoke show, kind, and gives the best hugs in the world. But best of all? He’s everything my sorry excuse for a father wasn’t.
Now, I’m back in Bitterroot Valley, living across the street from Bridger and his adorable daughter.
It doesn’t take long for all those old feelings to come rushing back, and every cell in my body knows that I belong with them.
That they’re mine.
Bridger’s arms are where I feel safest. They feel like home.
I’m growing to depend on him, to truly love him and his daughter. But I have deep-rooted baggage, and Bridger’s past has decided to rear its ugly head.
Will we survive this, or is our relationship doomed from the start?

When We Burn is the first book in the Blackwells of Montana series.  It's an offshoot of the Wilds of Montana series.  This can definitely be read as a stand alone without having read the first series.  This one is Bridger and Dani's story.  It's a very sweet and moving friends to lovers story. I really enjoyed Dani and Bridger's romance.  Their shared history made it that much sweeter.  The relationship between Dani and his daughter was so precious.  Especially toward the end of the book when her momma bear came out.  There is also a little msytery throughout the book.  There is an arsonist causing major fires all over the town.  I don't want to say much more, I'll just say that I definitely recommend it.

Spotlight: Excerpt from Their Monstrous Hearts by Yigit Turhan

 

Author: Yigit Turhan
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
ISBN: 9780778368274
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA
Price $28.99
 
Buy Links:
HarperCollins 
BookShop.org  
Barnes & Noble  
Amazon 
 
A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive.
A mysterious stranger shows up at Riccardo’s apartment with some news: his grandmother Perihan has died, and Riccardo has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famed butterfly collection.

The struggling writer is out of options. He’s hoping the change of scenery in Milan will inspire him, and maybe there will be some money to keep him afloat. But Perihan’s house isn’t as opulent as he remembers. The butterflies pinned in their glass cases seem more ominous than artful. Perihan’s group of mysterious old friends is constantly lurking. And there’s something wrong in the greenhouse.

As Riccardo explores the decrepit estate, he stumbles upon Perihan’s diary, which might hold the key to her mysterious death. Or at least give him the inspiration he needs to finish his manuscript.
But he might not survive long enough to write it.
 
Excerpt:

Prologue

Perihan gazed at the opulent villas lined up like precious pearls on a necklace, feeling overwhelmed by their excessive beauty. The sight was almost terrifying, reminiscent of the antique pearls adorning her own necklace. As the dark clouds were illuminated by a sudden flash of lightning, she shook off her thoughts and quickened her pace along the deserted road. The gentle raindrops on her tired face felt like an omi­nous sign. The unexpected gust of wind, unusual for a mild November afternoon, added to her unease.

On her seventieth birthday, Perihan had indulged in a day of shopping at Milan’s most luxurious stores. Despite her age, she possessed a strong physique, with firm knees, agile move­ments, and enough strength to carry her shopping bags from the stores to her home. The kind store managers at Cartier and Valentino had offered to send the packages to her address with a courier, but she declined, insisting she could manage on her own. Though she lacked a family to celebrate with, her small group of friends had arranged to gather at the villa, refusing to let her spend the evening alone. They had asked her to leave the house and return around seven o’clock. Glancing at her watch, Perihan realized she was already half an hour late.

Oh my… Licia must have already set the table, she thought as she turned the corner onto Via Marco de Marchi, where she resided. Just then, another lightning bolt flashed across the sky, and a large monarch butterfly appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Despite the heavy rain, Perihan could hear the faint flapping of its wings. The butterfly had bright orange and black stripes, with one wing decorated with symmetric white dots. It seemed to hover in midair.

“What a miracle,” Perihan exclaimed, a smile stretching across her wrinkled face. “It’s been years since I last saw this one…and on my birthday!” Hastily shifting the heavy bags onto her shoulder, she wiped the raindrops from her eyes with her long red nails and followed the butterfly. It fluttered around in circles for a few moments, before darting straight ahead. Despite the downpour, the orange-and-black wings moved swiftly. Overwhelmed with excitement, Perihan dis­regarded the red light—and almost got hit by an old Ford passing by. The driver, an unattractive man with numerous moles and few teeth, leaned out of the window and cursed at her in an Italian dialect she couldn’t understand. Unfazed by his behavior, Perihan remained focused on following the butterfly, which flew rapidly and ascended into the sky.

“I wonder where it disappeared to,” she mused with a melancholic expression on her face. The rain intensified, the drainage problems in the area turning the road into a pool of water. Perihan’s bare feet were drenched as the rain seeped through the open toes of her green python slingbacks.

“You’re blocking my view.” The unexpected comment startled her. She looked at the stranger, hoping to recognize a friendly face, but it was no one she knew. She turned to notice the growing crowd of people with their faces hidden behind their phone screens. She wondered if they were filming her. Lacking an umbrella, her meticulously coiffed hair now wet, her makeup smudged, and her silk skirt ruined by the muddy street, Perihan was struck by the crowd’s indifference. They shifted slightly to the right, attempting to remove her from their line of sight, all the while continuing to record whatever had caught their attention. Curious, Perihan turned around and was terrified by what she saw. In shock, she dropped her red shopping bags, causing more muddy water to splatter onto her skirt and completely destroying her shoes.

“This can’t be happening,” she screamed to the sky at the top of her lungs. Her knees trembled uncontrollably, left her unsure about taking another five steps to cross the road. Peri­han noticed the cameras turning toward her in her peripheral vision, but she paid no mind to the desperation and terror that would eventually go viral on numerous social media networks in multiple countries. Her villa loomed in front of her, con­cealed by high walls covered with lush green bushes—now invaded by hundreds, if not thousands, of butterflies. They hovered over the garden, flapping their wings vigorously de­spite the pouring rain. The entire structure, partially visible through the bushes, seemed imprisoned within a butterfly sanctuary. When Perihan realized the creatures were all mon­archs, each one so exquisite and valuable, she paused. Beauty had a threshold, and beyond it, it became a captivating terror, holding people’s attention hostage to fulfill its own needs. She propelled herself into the flooded road, heading for the gar­den gate. With what little strength remained after the ordeal, she pushed her way through the floral Art Nouveau door.

“Licia! Where are you?” she shouted upon entering the gar­den. Before closing the door behind her, she turned to scream at the onlookers, “Leave! The show’s over! This is my prop­erty!” Yet, the crowd remained unaffected, mesmerized by the extraordinary natural phenomenon unfolding before them.

Licia, Perihan’s housekeeper and closest friend of nearly forty years, looked like a ghost. Her complexion was drained of color, her wet hair clung to her face in disheveled patches, and her shoes were ruined by dark mud. She trembled as she spoke. “Perihan… We did our best, but…” Licia glanced quickly at their small group of friends, who observed the scene from the kitchen window on the first floor of the house. Perihan brushed Licia aside with the back of her hand and made her way toward the large greenhouse on the left side of the gar­den. Orange butterflies continued to emerge rapidly through a broken pane in its ceiling, swarming through the air. Looking up at the vortex of butterflies resembling a brewing tornado, Perihan felt a wave of dizziness. Her bony hand reached for the intricately detailed metal handle of the greenhouse door, but fear gripped her body. She hesitated, afraid to enter, yet knowing she had no other choice. Slowly, she pushed the door open, entered, and closed it behind her.

Licia tried to conceal her sobbing behind her hands. Should she follow Perihan into the greenhouse or return to the house? The rain cascaded like a waterfall, obstructing not only her movements but her thoughts as well. She compelled herself to decide, but the sudden outburst from within the green­house froze her in place.

“No… No… No!” Perihan’s voice echoed, growing louder with each repetition—until the world fell silent, save for the raindrops tapping against any surface they encountered. The darkness beneath the swarm of butterflies gradually gave way to a dull light as they departed from the house. Licia collapsed onto her knees and allowed herself to sink into the saturated garden soil, her tears mingling with the raindrops. Once the first monarch butterfly Perihan had witnessed a few moments earlier found its way to her villa, it hovered briefly over the garden before heading in the same direction as the others. When the last of the butterflies vanished, no trace of the mi­raculous event remained.

 

Excerpted from THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS by Yigit Turhan. Copyright © 2025 by Yigit Turhan. Published by MIRA, an imprint of HTP/HarperCollins.

Author Bio:

Photo Credit:
German Larkin

Yigit Turhan was born in Ankara, Turkey. A lifelong reader, he owes his love of horror to his grandmother and the films she shared with him. He has previously published a horror novel in Turkish. He lives in Milan, Italy, where he holds a C-suite role at a renowned fashion house. This is his English-language debut.

 
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Review: Let Me Be The One by Lori Foster

Author: Lori Foster
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Publication Date: April 2015

 When Callie McCallahan left for the big city, she had a plan. Since then, she’s had some bumps in the road, most recently her failed business and engagement. When she inherits her uncle’s Kentucky farm, it’s the perfect do-over. With her social media skills, she’ll attract a whole new following and refresh her career. The only thing is…she knows nothing about farming.

For Tanner Patrick, Callie was the one who got away. He crushed on her in high school, but she barely knew he existed. Ten years later, she’s moved back—and now she lives next door. Tanner keeps his head down and focuses on his family’s tree farm. But when he sees Callie is afraid of chickens and can’t run a tractor—and looking pretty down-to-earth and happy—Tanner finds her impossible to ignore.

Let Me Be The one is the first book in the Family Ties series.   Callie has moved to the farm she inherited from her uncle looking to make a fresh start.  Her next door neighbor, Tanner had the biggest crush on her in high school.  She isn't part of his plan, but he finds he just can't ignore her.  It's been a long and tiring month already, and this book was just what I needed to lift my spirits.

One of the themes that can often be found in Lori Foster's books is "found family". And that is the best part of this book.  Tanner, Cam and Addie made such a wonderful found family with deep roots that transcended blood and settled in the heart.  I loved Callie and Tanner.  I loved how his high school crush changed into a mature respect and love.  One of my favorite scenes that had me giggling was when Callie was talking to her ex about the honeymoon and other details and Tanner kept yelling the correct answers from the barn.  I thought it was sweet and so adorable.  I highly recommend this one.  I hope Glory and Cam both get their own stories.

 

Spotlight: Excerpt from Ranger by Aubree Valentine

 

Pregnant with their second child, Fallon Addington is mourning the loss of her husband, Kevin, while trying to maintain the ranch he loved. When Kevin’s best friend, Beckett Ivan, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand, Fallon is determined to avoid him at all costs—that is until she sees past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on. They say time heals all wounds but when Beckett’s time stateside is up, will Fallon be in for another broken heart? Readers who enjoy Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with Ranger by Aubree Valentine, a small-town, second-chance romance.
 

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A war-torn soldier and heartbroken widow.
Beckett Ivan has seen things that most people cannot even begin to imagine.
He’s lost friends that were more like family, and he’s witnessed unspeakable things happen to innocent people.
With a broken spirit, he’s headed back to Indiana, where his best friend’s widow is alone.
He promised Kevin that if he made it back home, he’d see to it that she was taken care of, and that’s what he intends to do.
What he hadn’t planned on was falling in love…
Fallon Addington was mourning the greatest loss of her lifetime. While trying to help maintain the ranch her late husband loved so much.
Pregnant with their second child, she’s barely got the energy to keep it together most days—that is until Kevin's best friend, Beckett, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand.
A daily reminder of all Kevin was, Fallon is determined to avoid the soldier who’s taken up residence in the barn loft.
All too soon though, she begins to see past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on.
With a little help from her favorite horse, Ranger, the two are forced to work through their grief together.
They say time heals all wounds but what happens when Beckett’s time stateside is up? Is Fallon in for another heartache or does fate have different plans for the man who’s taught her how to love again?
Readers who like Yellowstone and Heartland will enjoy this second chance at love story featuring a headstrong widow and the soldier who captures her heart in an unexpected way. Their story is one filled with it's fair share of heartbreak and triumphant beauty.
 

Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Aubree Valentine
 
 “I wondered if you were planning on coming inside or if you planned to sleep in the barn tonight,” she whispered.
Beckett froze and locked eyes with her. “Sorry for sneaking in so late. I’ll admit, I did think about sleeping with Ranger. I was worried he’d snore and keep me up all night,” he joked and gave her a half smile.
“Are you done running?”
He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I…I…I don’t know. I guess I’m just fucking terrified about all of this.”
Fallon reached for his hand. “I know. I’m scared too. I feel like I’m somehow betraying Kevin. But there’s a part of me that can’t help but wonder…would it really be so bad if we gave in and saw where all of this goes?”
Beckett took a step toward her and brushed her hair back behind her ears. “And here I thought I’d eventually be the one trying to convince you we should give each other a chance.”
She shrugged and bit her lip. “A wise man told me I needed to let light in. And that I shouldn’t be so surprised by who I end up falling for.”
“You’re falling for me?” Beckett raised a brow.
Fallon playfully smacked his chest. “That’s what you took away from that?”
His wide grin took her breath away. “I may have gotten some much needed advice today too.”
“Kevin,” they both said at the same time.
“He called you a stubborn pain in the ass.”
Beckett scoffed. “He said it would take you longer to come around. Said not to give up on you.”
“I think we’re past coming around. Wouldn’t you say?”
“That depends.” His hands found her curvy hips. “There’s an awful lot to work through. Is this your way of telling me that you’re letting me in?”
“Only if you’re telling me that you want to be let in. And that you’re going to quit running away instead of letting me in when you’re freaking out.”
He took a deep breath and inhaled her calming scent. “I’m done running, Fallon. I’m still stubborn. Not sure that will ever change. For the first time in my life, though, I think I’m ready to let you in and fight through my demons. If you’ll have me.”
Fallon started to speak. Beckett put a finger to her lips instead.
“Let me finish. Please.”
She nodded.
“I’ll never be him, Fallon. I know I can never replace Kevin in your heart. But he seems to think you may just have enough space for me in there too. If you can accept that, then, damnit Fallon, I would love nothing more than to give us a real shot. Honestly, with Kevin gone, I want to be a father to his kids.”
“Can I speak now?” she smirked.
“Yes,” he grinned back.
“I need to know that you’re not just exploring things between us out of obligation or misplaced honor. I don’t want pity or a relationship built on a promise to someone else. The terms we agreed to when you offered to help us create our family still stands. Last chance to walk away, Beckett Ivan.”
Beckett shook his head. “We’ll never forget him, Fallon. I know that and I have to accept it. This?” He pointed between the two of them. “It's real and it’s between the two of us. If I’m being completely honest, I think I stopped hanging around because of that silly promise weeks ago. I just was too damn stupid to see it then.”
 
About Aubree Valentine

Aubree Valentine is a masterful storyteller who weaves tales of passion, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters that leave readers swooning and coming back for more. A hopeless romantic at heart, Aubree channels her boundless imagination and appreciation for the complexities of romance into every book she writes. Her characters are as real as they are irresistible—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable—taking readers on journeys filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Whether it’s a steamy small-town romance or a friends-to-lovers tale, Aubree’s stories always promise: love, laughter and happily ever after. When she’s not penning her next novel, Aubree can be found binge-reading romance novels, borrowing her husband’s power tools for some over the top project, or spending quality time with her family and their fur babies. Connect with Aubree Valentine on social media, through her website, or sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing
 
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