Playing for Keeps - Bella North

It’s all fun and games until fake starts to feel like forever…

My life revolves around two things: football and family. Romance? Not so much. But my fans have other ideas. And they’ve turned my easy-going life into a nightmare with their campaign to find me a wife…

My childhood best friend Serena thinks it’s hilarious. She’s always wanted the big, swoony love story, but instead, she has a controlling ex she can’t shake breathing down her neck. And then the solution to both our problems hits me: a fake romance. ‘Settling down’ with Serena will get the fans off my back, and having a muscly football player on her arm should be enough to warn off her ex. Plus, we’re best friends, so what could go wrong?

Our first date is set for the city’s annual charity ball. I’m smug as I imagine how easy my life will be after tonight. Except, when my lips touch Serena’s in front of the flashing cameras, when I hear her soft sigh as I dip her lower, something like panic creeps through my chest. I’m not meant for love—letting people down runs in my genes. I can’t do that to Serena. I won’t.

As the story we’re spinning gets bigger, so do the feelings I’ve worked so hard to chase away. We want completely different things. But I can’t stop wondering: do we both want the one thing that counts—each other?

Playing for Keeps is a fun, steamy, friends-to-lovers sports romance, perfect for fans of Liz Tomforde, Stephanie Archer and Elsie Silver. The third in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone.

My Review

I love a good fake dating storyline. We all know where they're really going, and usually they are quite far-fetched, but they are still enormous fun. This time around, there was at least some reason behind the fake dating idea, and it worked really well. It probably helped that one of my other favourite romance genres is Friends to Lovers, and Playing for Keeps fits that as well.

Serena has been in love with Chase for years, but after he made it clear they were just friends, she's been determined not to step outside that role. When they start to fake date, her feelings all come rushing to the surface, and she's not the only one who is affected in that way.
This was a really fun read, and although there are some weighty issues for both Chase and Serena to deal with, it's still quite lighthearted and enjoyable. I really liked these two as a couple, and although they have been friends for years, best friends at that, there was still plenty to discover about one another.

I'm enjoying this Oakwood Ranch series. I'm hoping there's another one coming soon (I know who I think it might be about too), but we'll have to wait and see if that actually eventuates...

The Champagne Crush - Caroline O'Connell

The Champagne Crush
Caroline O’ Connell
(Les Femmes Series)
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

For fans of The Paradise Problem, a slow-burn romance about a socialite in over her head in a high-stakes job promoting a new sparkling wine with a difficult boss who wants to see her fail—despite the electric sparks flying between them.

Catherine Reynolds has enjoyed a life of luxury, but her diplomat parents have cut her off financially, leaving her flat broke. She is determined to turn things around and gain her independence—so, when an old family friend offers her a lifeline as a PR consultant for his sparkling wine company, she jumps at the chance. But working with Chris McDermott, the company’s sexy, stubborn president, is anything but easy.

A purist at heart, Chris clashes with Catherine’s glitzy marketing flair; still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As they travel from New York to Napa, Paris, and the Champagne region of France, their partnership blossoms amid high-stakes industry rivalries and a launch that could make or break them.

When sabotage threatens to shatter their dreams, Catherine must dig deep to prove her worth. With the dazzling unveiling of their new sparkling wine in Bordeaux in jeopardy, will she and Chris overcome the challenges of the past and present to secure their future—and find love in the process?

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 Also check out Caroline’s other book, Affordable Paris Hotels!
Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Trip to Paris is the must-have resource for travelers who want charm, comfort, and location—without the luxury hotel price tag.

—

Excerpt

Chris McDermott’s Family Ranch in Napa, CA

(Dinner after an all-day TV shoot in the vineyards)

The kitchen door swung open and Catherine walked in. She’d changed for dinner into black skinny jeans and a caramel V-neck sweater that accented her honey-blonde hair, which she wore down. Chris couldn’t help staring. Now that’s my type. She looks delectable.

He went behind the bar to pour her a drink. “What is your pleasure, Miss Reynolds?”

“I’ll have what you’re drinking.” She stepped over to join him.

“Excellent choice.” He held the bottle for her to inspect then poured wine into her glass.

“I don’t know that label. Kenmare Cabernet.” Catherine swirled the wine in the glass, put her nose over the rim to sniff, and took her first sip. “This is good. Is it a local wine?”

“I’m glad you approve. You’re one of the select few to sample the first cabernet sauvignon from the McDermotts’ new wine label, Kenmare—my mother’s maiden name and a town in Ireland where our family is from.”

She took another sip. “You mentioned a family wine. I didn’t know you were this far along. Is it sold anywhere?”

“Not yet.” Chris explained how anyone could produce a custom wine with their own label by buying grapes from quality growers, renting winery equipment, and using an experienced winemaker. Chris and his dad knew the valley well, so they were able to choose the best grapes and oversee the process themselves.

The last five years they’d been using grapes solely grown on their property. Since they intended to build their own winery, these bottles were a preview they’d been sharing with local restaurants and distributors.

“This reminds me of wines I’ve tasted in Bordeaux,” Catherine said.

“Yes, wines labeled Bordeaux are usually a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot,” he said. “We’ll see how they compare when we’re in Bordeaux for Vinexpo.”

Maura appeared at the door. “Dinner’s on.”

“Sounds good. I’m famished,” his dad said.

They carried their wineglasses into the dining room. His dad pulled out Maura’s chair next to him and sat at the head of the table. Chris pulled out a chair for Catherine on the other side of his father and sat next to her.

“Everything smells delicious,” Catherine said.

“Thanks, dearie.” Maura passed the platter of chicken marsala with parmesan risotto for Catherine to serve herself first.

Chris noticed how close the two women seemed to have become in just one day. In this setting, Catherine seemed more relaxed. It appealed to him. Chris topped off their wine while his dad filled water glasses from the pitcher on the table.

“This roasted asparagus looks so fresh,” Catherine said.

“I found it at the farmers market yesterday,” Maura said.

With Catherine’s interested prodding, the conversation at dinner continued with Chris and his father explaining their plans for the McDermott winery.

When they were finishing the fig tart dessert with freshly whipped cream from their dairy, his dad leaned over to Chris. “Why don’t you show Catherine our current operation? It’s not much yet, but she’ll be able to say she saw a world class winery in its early stages.” He stood up and grabbed his plate. “I’ll help Maura clear the dishes. You two can take off.”

Chris didn’t need prompting. He was feeling inexplicably drawn to Catherine. The temperature outside dropped quickly, so he bundled her up in one of his warm leather jackets. It was three sizes too big, which only made her look more adorable.

They stepped onto a moonlit path and walked a short distance to the temporary winery: an aluminum-sided structure that held rudimentary winemaking equipment next to cases of empty bottles. A walk-in cooler held samples of the wines they’d already produced laid horizontally on racks. On the far end of the room, a partial wall separated the “office”—an old metal desk, a long table with office equipment and a computer, one file cabinet, shelves brimming with books and magazines, and a large bulletin board with articles and graphs clipped on it.

“I know it doesn’t look like much yet,” Chris said. “But it’s the genesis of our dream. My dad and I have been working toward this moment for many years, the chance to create our own family wine.”

He held out his hand. “Let’s go sit outside. It’s such a clear night, we should be able to see the stars.”

They sat on hay bales near the barn, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders to keep her warm. He pointed up to the sky. “Most nights you can see the constellations and major stars, unless there’s cloud cover.” He pulled her closer. “There’s Venus . . .”

“Named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty . . .” Catherine chimed in.

Seems the beauty is right here, sitting next to me. “How about you, Catherine Reynolds? What are your dreams?”

She tucked her hands into the jacket pockets. “Unlike you, my dreams have changed over time. When Vanessa and I were teenagers, we went into modeling.” She made a face. “It’s not as glamorous as people think. Now, I’d like to pursue a career in the hospitality sector.” She sighed. “Still working that out.”

“I’m sorry I doubted you in the beginning. I think you’re a wonderful asset to the company.” And to my life.

He stood up and silently offered his hand, pulling her up to face him. An owl hooted nearby, momentarily jarring him from his intent to steal a kiss. He took a deep breath and gazed into her upturned face. Her long-lashed eyes blinked as she looked into his questioningly.

“We’d better get going.” He turned her around and draped his arm over her shoulders as they walked back. When they reached the guest cottage, he gave her a warm hug and walked off. She’s too appealing. I’m falling fast.

Author Bio:

CAROLINE O’CONNELL has written five travel guides and numerous travel articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. Her Romance In Paris guide has won widespread praise: “There is no better person to guide you through Paris than Caroline” — Peter Greenberg, the Travel Detective, radio host, and Travel Editor on CBS-TV. And Library Journal raved — “Reading this breezy but informative guide to Paris is like having a series of conversations with a well-traveled friend…”

Her debut novel, THE CHAMPAGNE CRUSH: A Romance Novel (Spark Press), is due out on September 16, 2025.

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Their Mended Hearts - Angie Cole

Their Mended Hearts
Angie Cole
(Cardinal Creek)
Publication date: March 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s a firefighter haunted by tragedy; she’s a nurse who never stopped loving him. Jon and Katie find themselves drawn back together, bound by shared history and the promise of healing and hope.

Jon Clemmons, a devoted firefighter, carries the heavy burden of guilt from losing his sister in a tragic accident. His pain runs deep, and he’s learned to keep others at a distance, afraid to let anyone see his scars.

Katie Deluca, a compassionate nurse, and Jon’s first love, has her own wounds, but she’s never stopped caring for him. When they’re reunited at a family wedding, old sparks reignite, and with them, old hurts that need mending.

As Jon and Katie draw closer, Jon’s troubled past, family secrets, and a volatile temper threaten to unravel the bond between them. Katie’s unwavering love gives him hope, but fears of reliving their painful past linger.

Will they find strength in each other to break free from the grip of old grief, or will their love slip away once more?

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Author Bio:

My journey as a romance author is deeply rooted in my personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. The profound impact of the losses I have endured, including the passing of my grandparents and my parents, has shaped my perspective on life and love.

My own love story is one of healing and finding joy after heartache, and it mirrors the themes I explore in my novels.

As a survivor of grief and a believer in the power of love, I channel my experiences into crafting stories that resonate with the complexities and triumphs of the human heart. My writing is a testament to the idea that love can emerge from the most unexpected places, offering hope and healing. The one thing that can be learned from grief is that it’s a very personal experience and isn’t the same for every person.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Bookbub / Amazon

My Review

This second-chance romance for a couple who've both seen plenty of tragedy. After the death of Jon's sister, who also happens to be Kati's sister-in-law, the two drift apart. Now, once again, spending time together and having something that draws them together, they have to work on their relationship.

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Between Today and Someday - Ann M. Trader

Prim Vreeland is an emergency department nurse, and after a string of disappointing relationships, her own heart needs life support. On a leap of faith, she moves home and is surprised when her brother’s best friend—and her secret childhood crush—has the same idea. As attraction sparks, she finds her usual steady footsteps treading on quicksand.

Sportfishing media influencer Chase Bova realizes it’s time to swap life on the road for hometown roots. When he crosses paths with Prim, she tangles his line, tying it in knots. Her charm reminds him why he’d steered clear of her years ago…and should probably do the same now.

As their irresistible connection turns into romance, questions of honesty and commitment linger. Will Prim and Chase dig deep for the courage to face their past and together, discover what really lies between today and someday?

My Review

Between Today and Someday is the second book in the Wonder of Wildflowers series. This time, hard-working nurse Primrose finds herself back in the company of her childhood crush and brother's best friend, Chase. Prim isn't the only one who has harboured feelings for Chase. He always found himself drawn to her, but felt that he wasn't good enough. 

I really liked these two as a couple. They were well matched and made sense as a couple. As a rule, I'm not that keen on romances between a player and someone less experienced, but it worked in this case, possibly mostly because it wasn't as though Prim was completely inexperienced.

I do enjoy romances between people who have been friends for a long time and this certainly falls into that category. I also liked that Chase had to figure out who he was and what he wanted before he could properly get his woman.

This was a second great installment in this series and I'd be keen to find out what is going to happen next for this family with wild flower names.

Willful Parties - Liz Ellyn

Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.

They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.

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Author Bio:

INDULGE IN LIFE'S GUILTY PLEASURES!

Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.

With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.

When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.

Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!

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My Review

Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willful Parties is an unusual book in many ways. Rather than following the start of a romance, we join our lovers at what seems to be an end. Seth, Cat and Dylan have been together while studying, but now with Dylan leaving for the other side of the country, their threesome is at an end. The connection between them remains strong and they all find themselves drawn back together.
I did enjoy the way that the three individuals in this romance found their way and found their way back together. A threesome, rather than a relationship just between two people adds all kinds of other complications and issues. It was interesting to read about the way they dealt with their own feelings and the way that others reacted to them.
I did get a bit confused with the age of the characters. At times the way that they seemed to feel and certainly the way that their parents dealt with them seemed to be as if they were under 18. I think that they are possibly around ten years older than that though, which seemed very odd. I wouldn't expect even younger adults to be pushed around in such a way.
This was an interesting read and one that kept me turning the pages until the end.

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Devil's Thirst - Jill Ramsower

A new neighbor with a secret identity and a deadly obsession…

Amelie
I knew I shouldn't have asked him for a ride.

My new neighbor is a study in contradictions—covered in tattoos and dripping intensity.
He’s alluring yet aloof, and his every calculated move is dangerously seductive.

Little did I know, he’s been systematically inserting himself into every part of my life.
Creeping beneath my protective armor.
Trapping me like a fly in his web before revealing his true identity.

Now, he’s standing before our families calling me his future wife.

He doesn’t understand that my life isn’t that simple.
I have secrets of my own, and his obsession with claiming me might just get me killed.

What to know about Devil’s Thirst:
-Alpha anti-hero
-Ballerina good girl
-Obsessed stalker
-Tragic past
-My wife
-Spicy slow burn
-Has an HEA
-Can be read as a standalone
-Dual POV
-Content warnings— Devil's Thirst contains references to past S/A (not between the main couple) and might not be suitable for readers sensitive to the subject. For a more detailed list of possible content triggers, you can visit the books tab on my website.

For those of you who are new to me, I write what I'd call "mafia lite." My heroes are hardened criminals with soft spots for their heroines. There may be violence and cruelty in my books, but never between the main characters. Enjoy!

My Review

Devil's Thirst by Jill Ramsower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I've read a Jill Ramsower book (I think I've actually missed one in her last series, that I'll have to go back to). A new one is always something to look forward to though and I was keen to get into Devil's Thirst. Once I started it, I was reluctant to put it down and found that I got through it far too quickly. That's the problem with good books, you don't want to stop reading and then feel sad that you've finished.
Devil's Thirst is the start of a new series, Moretti Men. It does link to her previous mafia series and feature characters from them. In fact we've met our heroine before. Amelie has had a tough time, being lost by her sister and suffering amnesia she now keeps to herself and concentrates on her dancing. Sante has been obsessed by her since they briefly met some years ago. While he thinks that she's an itch he can scratch and move on, it soon becomes clear that this obsession is much more and there's no leaving her once they've reconnected.
This is one of these books where if it were real live I'd be suggesting that she turns and runs a long way from him. He's obsessive and waving so many red flags that it's just about the only colour anyone can see. For this book and for Amelie though, it works. They make a great couple that connects as though they were made for one another (which I suppose they were really).
Devil's Thrist is a fantastic start to a new series and will also be loved by anyone who enjoyed the The Five Families or The Byrne Brothers' series'.

View all my reviews

Some Other Way - Margot Johnson

 Jayne Jones’s life is full as surrogate aunt to her birth daughter, given up in open adoption five years ago, and as leader of the Adopt-a-Dog service. She yearns to expand the overcrowded dog shelter on a coveted piece of adjacent land. When Dr. Evan Scott, her high school crush, returns, he complicates everything by becoming her formidable opponent.

Back in his hometown to join a medical clinic that wants to expand onto the same property, Evan is ready to forget past hurts and embrace a fresh start with the cute girl—now attractive woman—he remembers. But should Jayne bare her heart to the good-looking newcomer? And will her secret change his mind?

My Review

Some Other Way is an unusual romance story. In many way the developing romance between Jayne and Evan is secondary to Jayne's past and her story. Jayne and Evan went to high school together, although they both seemed to have been attracted to one another back then, some unfortunate comments by Evan and the winning of a scholarship put an end to any chance of romance. Now, years later and back in one another's lives, the spark is more than still there.
This story deals with motherhood. Jayne has a complicated relationship with her own mother, who tries to be supportive, but comes off as insulting more than once. She has given her own daughter up for adoption, but remains in her life as an aunt figure. Then there is her daughters adoptive mum. These relationships are complex and I think all play a part in the developing romance between Evan and Jayne.
I enjoyed the way all of these things played out and were resolved as the story progressed. I did think that the winning of the scholarship should perhaps also have been addressed as there was some suggestion that perhaps Evan had copied an essay from Jayne, but that was never fully explored.
Alongside all of this is both Jayne and Evan wanting to use some land to expand the medical centre (in Evan's case) or Adopt-a-dog in Jayne's. I didn't fully buy this dilemma, I would have thought in reality the whole thing would come down to funding.
This was an interesting and thoughtful read that dealt with some fairly big issues in a sensitive way. Even though there was potential here for upset and discord between Evan and Jayne, Evan was the kind of character that was able to handle it all maturely and supportively.
This was the kind of read that left you with a smile on your face.

Author Bio

Margot Johnson writes feel-good, romantic stories about women who chase their dreams and find love along the way.

She is the author of six romances--the novels SOME OTHER WAY, LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY and three novellas in the Merilee Tours series--LET IT SNOWBALL, LET IT MELT, and LET IT SIMMER. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they?

Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40 outside!)

She lives in the Canadian prairies with her husband.

Periphery - AA Dasilva

Charlotte barely survived the accident that killed her husband four years ago. Resuscitated a savant, she struggles to find meaning in her survival.

When she meets Simon, a mysteriously familiar stranger, they are drawn to each other with undeniable magnetism. But Simon is contracted to a black-ops agency.
With the agency on her heels, and Simon claiming her heart, Charlotte’s past and future collide when she's offered a chance to reconnect with her late husband.
As secrets are revealed, motives uncovered, and alliances are formed, Charlotte must choose…between the fate of the world and the fate of her heart.

My Review

Periphery is one of those books that exist in that space where science fiction almost becomes fantasy. Or at least that's how it feels to my fairly unscientific brain. The Periphery of the title is an alternate reality that some people are able to jump to when they face death. This is a complex and thrilling read that weaves together science, thriller and romance.
Charlotte is a very young widow who is faced with much more than most people more than twice her age would have to deal with. When she meets and starts to fall for Simon, it looks as though her life might actually have a chance to start again. Unfortunately, other people seem to have different ideas.
This is a gripping read and although it is a romance, it was the thriller aspect that had me on the edge of my seat and turning those pages. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing and although there is a love interest that seems to be the 'right' choice for Charlotte I was still kept guessing until the end on how things might actually resolve themselves. There were a few red flags from just about all of the men she came in contact with.
This was an entertaining and engaging debut novel and I'm keen to know what will happen next and perhaps return to the Periphery once more.

Bio

Born and raised in New England, AA DaSilva holds a degree in clinical laboratory science and brings her love of science and writing together via science fiction. When she’s not writing or identifying cells under a microscope, she can be found with a book in one hand, and a cup of iced coffee in the other. She resides in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and pup Didi (who looks suspiciously like an Ewok).

 

Her debut novel, Periphery, is a science fiction love story that explores fate, strength, and the choices that determine our destiny.

 

AA DaSilva has completed book two in the Periphery series and is currently working on edits. For the latest updates on new releases and events, sign up for email updates and follow her on socials.

Rewrites of the Heart - Terry Newman

JJ Spritely, romance author, writes characters that jump off the page. Figuratively, that is. She never expects them to make a literal leap off the page and smack dab into her world. But Alex Zurich and Blake Teesdale do just that. And they’re on a mission to help JJ write her own personal love story with a man she recently met, Kennedy King Cooper.

A history professor, Cooper doesn’t see the value of romance novels and he has even less regard for those who write them. Until he meets a woman who haunts his thoughts.

There’s only one small snag in Alex’s and Blake’s plan…okay…two rather large snags. JJ wants nothing to do with Cooper. The other snag? Alex and Blake aren’t able to return to the pages of their own book.

Will JJ ever write her own love story? And will it be with Cooper? Will Alex and Blake return to the pages of their own book?

My Review

Rewrites of the Heart is the first book in the Whimsical Hearts series. I read the second book Hearts on the Rocks first. It doesn't really matter as both books work well as stand-alone books. I do think that this first one has a little bit more background on how this world works and that probably helps explain what is going on and why.

As an author myself, I can't resist the idea of characters coming to life and meeting their author. There is a lovely innocence about Alex and Blake, who are JJ's characters who come to visit her. Mostly because their only experiences are those that JJ has given them as part of their back story.

This book is brilliantly quirky and entertaining. Even the side characters are blessed with entertaining names. (I hummed the Chipmunks theme every time they went to the Physics Cafe.)

The real story is JJ and Kenn's romance. JJ has lost her first husband at a very young age and since his untimely death has been struggling to actually get out there and live. She and Kenn make a great couple and while their path to their happily ever after might be a little complicated it was lots of fun following them on their journey.

I do hope that Alex and Blake are set to make another journey to the 'real' world of JJ and her friends in the near future.

Social Media Links

Website

https://terrynewmanauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewmanWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tnewmanwrites

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terry.newman.31521/

 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terrynewman614

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60574351-heartquake?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=99H2V7dnWm&rank=1

 Bookbub: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60574351-heartquake?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=99H2V7dnWm&rank=1

Buy links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrites-Heart-Terry-Newman-ebook/dp/B0BQGP7Y7X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16V3W4YPSLZOL&keywords=rewrites+of+the+heart+terry+newman&qid=1671466657&sprefix=%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1  

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rewrites-of-the-heart-terry-newman/1142841043?ean=9781509246533 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rewrites-of-the-heart   

Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Terry_Newman_Rewrites_of_the_Heart?id=9FmqEAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US

 

Bio

Terry Newman is the award-winning author of several paranormal novels and novellas, including Rewrites of the Heart, Heartquake, and The Wizard of her Heart.

She enjoys writing humor and creating off-beat characters, each with their own quirks. She’s spent most of her life in northeast Ohio, where she sets all of her fictional towns.

Terry has spent most of her adult life writing in some fashion, from small-town reporter to editor-in-chief and ghostwriter for a national natural health publishing firm. The last decade and half she’s worked a freelance writer, penning ebooks that range from Native Americans to starting a doula services business.

She has a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy. Terry lives in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio with all of her characters. Yes, it does get crowded at times.

 

Excerpt

 

JJ nodded. “Exactly. If no one else can talk to you, then I can be pretty comfortable that I’m the one going through this, well, whatever it is. But, if everyone can talk to you and see you, then I’m not entirely sure what’s going on here. Up until now, you were my personal, private hallucinations. I’m just not sure what to call you now.”

“Try calling us real,” Alex said, one hand on her hip.

“But real is impossible. It defies all the currently known scientific laws. What if everyone could see you, not just me, as I just naturally assumed so far?”

Alex sat on the arm of the couch, near JJ. “I’m still confused. I don’t get what the big deal is.”

Blake paced the room, his head down, hands behind his back. “Aside from your conversation with JJ’s sister, love, we haven’t had an occasion to have contact with anyone.”

“Right,” JJ agreed. “I assumed you couldn’t interact with others. Now, I wonder if others could see you, too.” She rubbed the back of her neck.

Blake rose and padded to the front door. Alex watched as he unlocked and opened the door. Then he turned. “Alex, let’s test out my theory.”

“Me? What are we going to do?”

“You’ll see.”

Alex shot a quick glance at JJ, who only looked amused by her perplexity. She figured she had little choice and met Blake at the door. He took her hand and they stepped on onto the small porch. She scanned the neighborhood. Everyone had at least a little patch of yard.

One house sported the stereotypical white picket fence. The house directly to the right wore a shiny metal flowerpot of purple petunias, yellow and purple pansies, and a few tall dark pink snapdragons. A few houses down she saw that one house had a wraparound porch with baskets of red geraniums adorning it.

Finally, she saw an older gentleman who lived directly across the street. He was out with his golden Labrador retriever.

“Good afternoon,” Blake called out to him, waving as if he were the proverbial friendly neighbor.

“I’m Bob Higley, and this is Moses.” The man gave the dog a good rub.

“I’m Blake Teesdale and my fiancé, Alex Zurich. She’s JJ’s cousin from Kansas and we’re here on vacation.” Alex smiled meekly and gave the man a tentative finger wave. She was amazed at his ability to create an entire backstory on the spot.

Mr. Higley took off his baseball cap and scratched his head. “You don’t sound like you’re from Kansas.”

“No, no sir. You are right. Mine is definitely not a Midwest accent. British.”

“I’ve always loved England.”

“Thanks, I love your country too.” And then Blake gave Mr. Higley a friendly good-bye wave and he and Alex went back into the house.

Once inside, he rolled on the balls of his feet, a small, smug smile slowly forming on his lips, hands in his pockets.

“We just passed the can-they-see-you test with flying colors. And yes, they can see you—I mean, us.”

“Yes, you two did and I’m amazed.”