TOP

XODTICA

141 Views

XODTICA
XODTICA
STORIES BY BARBARA KARMAZIN, VIVIAN HART, ALLISE ALDERS, MEGAN
HART, MONICA M. MARTIN, NIX WINTER, AND GWEN MASTERS
ARTICLES BY LYNN CRAIN, L.A. MISTRAL, KELLI LOWRY, MASTER NAGE,
ELIZABETH K. BURTON, MONICA M. MARTIN, MORGAN HAWKE AND MAITRESSE
ISBN # 1553-8494
January 2005
Lynn Crain Editor/Publisher
http://www.xodtica.com
E-book
$30.00 per year single issue price
$24.00 subscription rate via email delivery
Erotica / Ezine (bimonthly)
68 pages
Rating:

Xodtica is a new bi-monthly E-zine that contains erotic short stories and related articles.
I enjoyed this issue even more than the November Promo which I had read previously.
The January 2005 issue begins with an Editorial Column by Publisher/Editor Lynn Crain
that is informative and easy to read. After the editorial column is a new chapter of an
enchanting story by erotic romance author Barbara Karmazin. Interlude is the next
chapter of In the Zone, a Futuristic/Science Fiction story that drew me in from the very
beginning. Marcus is a Spacer who offers to assist a family member with a situation and
ends up with more than he bargained for. The sex scenes in this story are hot enough to
melt butter and left me breathless. I would love to read more about the interesting
futuristic world created by Ms. Karmazin.

There are several other short stories by various authors that I also enjoyed very much. In
Best Friends by Rachel Carrington, Olivia and Ethan are two friends who are
passionately attracted to each other and act on that attraction. Burn by Tonia Brown, is
the story of Steven and his encounter with the paranormal. In Sarah’s New Beginnings by
Justus Roux, Sarah is searching for something more and is not sure what to do when
she finds it. Parallel Universes by Devon Strafford, is written in the first person point of
view about a woman who has been wronged by a lover. Field Work by Elizabeth Jewell,
is a story about two archeologists in the distant future and their impressions of certain
artifacts from today’s world. In Sweet Seduction by Deb Curwen, Tess and Rick satisfy
each other completely. The Unexpected Guest by Elizabeth Black, tells the paranormal
tale of Annie and Jason. Lakota’s Lady by Nix Winter, is the futuristic story of
Cassandrel Morgan and Lakota With Words. All of the short stories included in this
issue were extremely hot and steamy. The characters were well rounded and easily
believable. The plotlines were interesting and well developed.

Informative articles written by several authors and experts are regular features of the
magazine. The “Sex and the Law” Column by L.A. Mistral discussed sexual censorship
by the FCC (Federal Communication Commision) and erotic self-censorship. Ask
Master Nage is an “Irreverent Advice Column” by a real life D/s Master who also writes
erotic romance. In this particular column, he answered three questions from readers
concerning the BDSM lifestyle. Print on Demand and You by Elizabeth K. Burton is an
article about how Zumaya Publications and eXtasy books use the print on demand style
of distribution for print copies of their books. “Building the Character Arc” by erotic
romance author Morgan Hawke, is a well written article that explains how to develop a
character’s emotions and express how they feel in a believable manner. Eros Watch by
Maitresse presents information concerning a new publisher called Champagne Press.

Also included in the magazine are excellent tips on writing, a list of upcoming events,
erotic poetry by Kelli Lowry and Monica M. Martin, a column by Maitresse giving
information about several e-publishers and their upcoming releases, profiles of the
contributors to the magazine, and information concerning a writing contest. All in all, I
found this issue of the magazine to be as entertaining and informative as the previous
issue that I reviewed. The presentation is very attractive and appropriate for an E-zine. I
liked the cover page and the graphics included even more than the last issue. The
magazine is a fresh departure from most that are aimed at readers of romance. Xodtica
is most definitely worth the price of the subscription and I urge anyone who enjoys
erotica to give the magazine a try.

Susan White
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Historical Romance Blog - Fearne Hill	Historical Romance Blog - Kara Griffin
Historical Romance Blog - Eliana Piers	Historical Romance Blog - Sawyer North

Coffee Time Romance & More

We are your one stop shop for your books and authors on the web since 2004. We bring you book reviews, interviews, contests, events, and more. Thank you for being apart of our favorite things....books & authors!

ctrstaffer

791 979

Insta-Coffee | Sharing our love of books and authors with you since 2004.

Why Historical Fiction Matters and Why I Wrote the Magician’s Daughter by Alison Chambershttps://bit.ly/4iD2Qqk

Happy Historical Fiction month and thank you to Coffee Time Romance for allowing me to be a part of it.

Why is Historical Fiction So Important?
“What’s past is prologue” is a Shakespeare quote from the play “The Tempest.” It basically means that past events set the stage for what is to come. History provides context, meaning that these past events are just the beginning of the story and shape and inform future events. We learn from the past, whether in our own personal experience or when contemplating how we should move forward in our daily lives.

Why I Love Writing and Reading History
It`s fun to “play around” with history, creating intriguing “what-ifs” when we want to write a story to change past events. Majoring in political science and history with a heavy emphasis on World War II at a time when not many women were entering these fields, led me to have an early fascination with the era leading up to the war and the war itself. Even before college, I read “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich,” by William L. Shirer and “Eleanor and Franklin” by Joseph P. Lash, the latter detailing the forty-five-year marriage between Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.

“The Magician’s Daughter” is my first truly historical novel. The others were set in the present, though they centered around historical elements. “The Secret Sentinel” dealt with lost Civil War treasure and “The Montezuma Secret” involved a search for Montezuma’s lost gold.

While I enjoy all kinds of historical fiction, I have really enjoyed the resurgence of World War II historical fiction in recent years, by authors such as Karen Robards (my favorite), Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, and Kristin Hannah.

Purchase Link: “The Magician’s Daughter”
“A Thrilling Novel of Conspiracy, Espionage & Intrigue”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW9JF5QD

“The Magician’s Daughter” takes place on a US Army Air Force Base outside London in 1942 as a way of providing a different backdrop for the novel, as opposed to setting it in Nazi-Occupied Europe. I wanted to focus on several interesting areas, including highlight...

0 0

Open

Why Historical Fiction Matters and Why I Wrote the Magician’s Daughter by Alison Chambershttps://bit.ly/4iD2Qqk

Happy Historical Fiction month and thank you to Coffee Time Romance for allowing me to be a part of it.

Why is Historical Fiction So Important?
“What’s past is prologue” is a Shakespeare quote from the play “The Tempest.” It basically means that past events set the stage for what is to come. History provides context, meaning that these past events are just the beginning of the story and shape and inform future events. We learn from the past, whether in our own personal experience or when contemplating how we should move forward in our daily lives.

Why I Love Writing and Reading History
It's fun to “play around” with history, creating intriguing “what-ifs” when we want to write a story to change past events. Majoring in political science and history with a heavy emphasis on World War II at a time when not many women were entering these fields, led me to have an early fascination with the era leading up to the war and the war itself. Even before college, I read “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich,” by William L. Shirer and “Eleanor and Franklin” by Joseph P. Lash, the latter detailing the forty-five-year marriage between Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.

“The Magician’s Daughter” is my first truly historical novel. The others were set in the present, though they centered around historical elements. “The Secret Sentinel” dealt with lost Civil War treasure and “The Montezuma Secret” involved a search for Montezuma’s lost gold.

While I enjoy all kinds of historical fiction, I have really enjoyed the resurgence of World War II historical fiction in recent years, by authors such as Karen Robards (my favorite), Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, and Kristin Hannah.

Purchase Link: “The Magician’s Daughter”
“A Thrilling Novel of Conspiracy, Espionage & Intrigue”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW9JF5QD

“The Magician’s Daughter” takes place on a US Army Air Force Base outside London in 1942 as a way of providing a different backdrop for the novel, as opposed to setting it in Nazi-Occupied Europe. I wanted to focus on several interesting areas, including highlight...

0 0

#Stuff Your #Kindle #indie #author #event #contemporary #cozyfantasy #dystopia #gothic #fantasy #darkfantasy #fiction #urbanfantasy #spicy #thriller #scifi #youngadult #romantasy #gothic #historical #stuffyourkindle
https://bit.ly/stuffkindle3008205

2 0

Open

#Stuff Your #Kindle #indie #author #event #contemporary #cozyfantasy #dystopia #gothic #fantasy #darkfantasy #fiction #urbanfantasy #spicy #thriller #scifi #youngadult #romantasy #gothic #historical #stuffyourkindle
https://bit.ly/stuffkindle3008205

2 0

Giveaway - Severed Heart by Kate Stewarthttps://bit.ly/3XAViwa

1 0

Open

Giveaway - Severed Heart by Kate Stewarthttps://bit.ly/3XAViwa ...

1 0

Book Giveaway For An Enchanted Knight (The Cursed Kingdom, #1)https://bit.ly/3DpZxDY

An Enchanted Knight (The Cursed Kingdom, #1)

by

Hildie McQueen(Goodreads Author)

Release date: Mar 31, 2025

Gwyneth "Gwen" Lockhart has a rare and powerful gift—she helps lost spirits find peace and cross over. When she takes on a job at a beautiful Scottish castle, she expects it to be like any other. But when she encounters the ghostly presence of Lord Tristan McRainey, a knight who died centuries ago, something feels different. Drawn to him in ways she can’t explain, Gwen begins to wonder if Tristan is not a ghost at all, but a man cursed and trapped in time by dark magic.

Lord Tristan McRainey has been imprisoned for three hundred years, bound by an evil wizard’s spell along with four of his fellow knights. When Gwen enters his world, he’s certain that she holds the key to breaking the enchantment. Confident that he can make her fall in love with him and sacrifice whatever it takes to free him, Tristan has no doubt the plan will work. But what he doesn’t expect is to find himself falling for her first.

And as their bond deepens, the cost of breaking the curse may be higher than either of them imagined.

Binge a brand new Romantasy! Discover The Cursed Kingdom. Enter for a chance to win one of 100 copies!
An exciting new paranormal romantic treasure from USA Today bestselling Historical Romance Author Hildie McQueen

Gwyneth "Gwen" Lockhart has a rare...more

Enter Giveaway

Format:

Giveaway ends in: 24 days and 6:58:14

Availability: 100 copies available, 1257 people requesting

Giveaway dates: Mar 01 - Mar 31, 2025

Countries available: U.S.

About Hildie McQueen

Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking te...more

0 0

Open

0 0

Dead Man`s List by Karen Rosehttps://bit.ly/4hb0uhj

On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The man was loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long surprises no one, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.

As the SDPD reveal the victim`s sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the closely guarded world of the city`s richest and most powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6TX1BLL

Meet the Author

Karen Rose is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the bestselling New Orleans, Sacramento, Baltimore, and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages, and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany`s der Spiegel bestseller lists.

0 0

Open

Dead Man's List by Karen Rosehttps://bit.ly/4hb0uhj

On a long-anticipated second date with police psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves—right as things are getting steamy—Kit stumbles across the mutilated body of a local San Diego politician. The man was loved by many of his constituents but is hated and reviled by many more. That the suspect list is long surprises no one, but exactly who ends up on it stuns Kit and her team.

As the SDPD reveal the victim's sinister dealings, Kit and Sam are forced to navigate the closely guarded world of the city's richest and most powerful citizens to find answers. But time is rapidly running out, with their sources of information dropping like flies as the killer methodically eliminates loose ends—and anyone else who stands in the way.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6TX1BLL

Meet the Author

Karen Rose is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the bestselling New Orleans, Sacramento, Baltimore, and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages, and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany's der Spiegel bestseller lists.

0 0

Mafia Romance Giveawayhttps://bit.ly/3DyAIFU

0 0

Open

Mafia Romance Giveawayhttps://bit.ly/3DyAIFU ...

0 0

Sophia`s Letter by Elizabeth Donnehttps://bit.ly/3DkxjKS

In my sweet Regency novel, "Sophia`s Letter," the written correspondence between the hero and heroine plays a central role in the plot. You can read the first three chapters in the Amazon sample here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKG71KFK

In Regency times, without landlines, emails, or text messaging, letters were the go-to method for communication between businesses and households. In literature of that era, letters carried critical news of an inheritance or, perhaps, the longing sighs of parted lovers.

Letters can make for interesting plot-points. Whose handwriting is that? Why is this person suddenly writing to her if she hardly knows him?

We might assume then that envelopes might also hold promising mysteries in Regency literature, right? Oddly enough, the answer is, mostly, "no." Envelopes really only came into regular use in Victorian times.

This is what Wikipedia has to say on the matter:
"In Western history, from the time flexible writing material became more readily available in the 13th century until the mid-19th century, correspondence was typically secured by a process of letter folding and sealing which sometimes employed elaborate letterlocking techniques to indicate tampering or prove authenticity. Some of these techniques, which could involve stitching or wax seals, were also employed to secure hand-made envelopes."
- (2021, March 12). Envelope. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope

Shannon Donnelly explains further:
"The letter itself differed from its modern form. The letter usually comprised a single sheet (sometimes folded once in the middle to make a booklet-like page). This was folded in thirds, then the ends were folded together, with one end tucked inside another. Hot wax dripped onto the joining ends sealed the letter.
- Shannon Donnelly. (2010, May 29). The Regency Post — A Pity We`ve Lost Letters. Shannon Donnelly`s Fresh Ink. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://shannondonnelly.com/2010/05/

We can see that it would be unusual for a Regency author to write a scene in which the heroine eagerly rips open an envelope. More li...

2 0

Open

Sophia's Letter by Elizabeth Donnehttps://bit.ly/3DkxjKS

In my sweet Regency novel, "Sophia's Letter," the written correspondence between the hero and heroine plays a central role in the plot. You can read the first three chapters in the Amazon sample here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKG71KFK

In Regency times, without landlines, emails, or text messaging, letters were the go-to method for communication between businesses and households. In literature of that era, letters carried critical news of an inheritance or, perhaps, the longing sighs of parted lovers.

Letters can make for interesting plot-points. Whose handwriting is that? Why is this person suddenly writing to her if she hardly knows him?

We might assume then that envelopes might also hold promising mysteries in Regency literature, right? Oddly enough, the answer is, mostly, "no." Envelopes really only came into regular use in Victorian times.

This is what Wikipedia has to say on the matter:
"In Western history, from the time flexible writing material became more readily available in the 13th century until the mid-19th century, correspondence was typically secured by a process of letter folding and sealing which sometimes employed elaborate letterlocking techniques to indicate tampering or prove authenticity. Some of these techniques, which could involve stitching or wax seals, were also employed to secure hand-made envelopes."
- (2021, March 12). Envelope. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envelope

Shannon Donnelly explains further:
"The letter itself differed from its modern form. The letter usually comprised a single sheet (sometimes folded once in the middle to make a booklet-like page). This was folded in thirds, then the ends were folded together, with one end tucked inside another. Hot wax dripped onto the joining ends sealed the letter.
- Shannon Donnelly. (2010, May 29). The Regency Post — A Pity We've Lost Letters. Shannon Donnelly's Fresh Ink. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://shannondonnelly.com/2010/05/

We can see that it would be unusual for a Regency author to write a scene in which the heroine eagerly rips open an envelope. More li...

2 0

With Love in Their Corner by Sandra Sookoohttps://bit.ly/3QQJjGY

When you want something out of life, you’ll have to fight for it.

Lewis Stapleton, eighth Earl of Lethbridge is a man hovering on the edge of breaking. Between his mother pestering him about finding a bride of high social standing, maintaining his estates and title without enough funding, and worrying over his brothers, he requires an outlet. Anger and grief haven’t been dealt with since his father’s death two years prior, so he works through those emotions while in the boxing ring. His father was a prize fighter so matching his over-large footsteps is difficult, but something must give else he’ll explode.

Miss Cecilia Dawson is tired of being an object of ridicule or allegedly not good enough for anything beyond a quick tryst. With an affinity for numbers, she keeps the books for her father’s shipping company, but is desperate for a way to defend herself against the coarse and crude men she encounters in the office near the docks. The day she steps into the Stapleton Boxing Salon while disguised as a boy rapidly becomes both the best and worst day of her life.

Despite the instant attraction between them, Lewis ignores it in favor of teaching Cecilia how to box for protection. As the summer days slip by filled with an illegal fight or two as well as activities that come far too close to courtship, the attraction spills into forbidden desire that lands them both into scandal. Distracted, they never see danger coming that puts them into a corner of peril.

Only by releasing fears and working together will they come away with a prize more valuable than anything they could imagine.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTLK2R71/

Meet the Author

Sandra Sookoo is a USA Today bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. She’s written for publication since 2008. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian era romances, or historical romantic suspense complete with mystery and intrigue. Reading is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing book...

1 0

Open

With Love in Their Corner by Sandra Sookoohttps://bit.ly/3QQJjGY

When you want something out of life, you’ll have to fight for it.

Lewis Stapleton, eighth Earl of Lethbridge is a man hovering on the edge of breaking. Between his mother pestering him about finding a bride of high social standing, maintaining his estates and title without enough funding, and worrying over his brothers, he requires an outlet. Anger and grief haven’t been dealt with since his father’s death two years prior, so he works through those emotions while in the boxing ring. His father was a prize fighter so matching his over-large footsteps is difficult, but something must give else he’ll explode.

Miss Cecilia Dawson is tired of being an object of ridicule or allegedly not good enough for anything beyond a quick tryst. With an affinity for numbers, she keeps the books for her father’s shipping company, but is desperate for a way to defend herself against the coarse and crude men she encounters in the office near the docks. The day she steps into the Stapleton Boxing Salon while disguised as a boy rapidly becomes both the best and worst day of her life.

Despite the instant attraction between them, Lewis ignores it in favor of teaching Cecilia how to box for protection. As the summer days slip by filled with an illegal fight or two as well as activities that come far too close to courtship, the attraction spills into forbidden desire that lands them both into scandal. Distracted, they never see danger coming that puts them into a corner of peril.

Only by releasing fears and working together will they come away with a prize more valuable than anything they could imagine.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTLK2R71/

Meet the Author

Sandra Sookoo is a USA Today bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. She’s written for publication since 2008. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian era romances, or historical romantic suspense complete with mystery and intrigue. Reading is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing book...

1 0

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybournhttps://bit.ly/3DgiWY6

Four women assassins, senior in status—and in age—sharpen their knives for another bloody good adventure in this riotous follow-up to the New York Times bestselling sensation Killers of a Certain Age.

After more than a year of laying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are called back into action. They have enjoyed their time off, but the lack of excitement is starting to chafe: a professional killer can only take so many watercolor classes and yoga sessions without itching to strangle someone...literally. When they receive a summons from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers.

Someone on the inside has compiled a list of important kills committed by Museum agents, connected to a single, shadowy figure, an Eastern European gangster with an iron fist, some serious criminal ambition, and a tendency to kill first and ask questions later. This new nemesis is murdering agents who got in the way of their power hungry plans and the aging quartet of killers is next.

Together the foursome embark on a wild ride across the globe on the double mission of rooting out the Museum’s mole and hunting down the gangster who seems to know their next move before they make it. Their enemy is unlike any they’ve faced before, and it will take all their killer experience to get out of this mission alive.

Amazon

0 0

Open

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybournhttps://bit.ly/3DgiWY6

Four women assassins, senior in status—and in age—sharpen their knives for another bloody good adventure in this riotous follow-up to the New York Times bestselling sensation Killers of a Certain Age.

After more than a year of laying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are called back into action. They have enjoyed their time off, but the lack of excitement is starting to chafe: a professional killer can only take so many watercolor classes and yoga sessions without itching to strangle someone...literally. When they receive a summons from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers.

Someone on the inside has compiled a list of important kills committed by Museum agents, connected to a single, shadowy figure, an Eastern European gangster with an iron fist, some serious criminal ambition, and a tendency to kill first and ask questions later. This new nemesis is murdering agents who got in the way of their power hungry plans and the aging quartet of killers is next.

Together the foursome embark on a wild ride across the globe on the double mission of rooting out the Museum’s mole and hunting down the gangster who seems to know their next move before they make it. Their enemy is unlike any they’ve faced before, and it will take all their killer experience to get out of this mission alive.

Amazon

0 0

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton
https://bit.ly/4btSDuf

Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things head first. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally. Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn`t count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman Major: science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he`s been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school`s actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it`s clear the feeling is mutual, she can`t shake the sense that he`s hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice, between the school she`s dedicated herself to, and the man who has won his way into her heart.

Excerpt:
© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter One

What is it called when you know someone is playing in your face but you still manage to sit there and maintain your composure?

Etiquette? The height of professionalism? I`ve got it-a superpower.

When I took on the role of vice principal at Juanita Craft Middle School nine months ago, I knew I`d have my hands full with rowdy students and entitled parents. The years I spent as a guidance counselor prepared me for that part of the job. It`s taken a while, however, to get used to the teachers trying to butter me up whenever they want something they know I can`t give, and Angie`s been the main one out to test my patience.

Angie, Angie, Angie. Out here trying to get me to break school policy. Again.

I push my braids behind my back and suppress a sigh. "It`s true. In the grand scheme of things, one chair won`t ...

2 0

Open

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton
https://bit.ly/4btSDuf

Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things head first. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally. Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn't count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman Major: science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he's been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school's actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it's clear the feeling is mutual, she can't shake the sense that he's hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice, between the school she's dedicated herself to, and the man who has won his way into her heart.

Excerpt:
© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter One

What is it called when you know someone is playing in your face but you still manage to sit there and maintain your composure?

Etiquette? The height of professionalism? I've got it-a superpower.

When I took on the role of vice principal at Juanita Craft Middle School nine months ago, I knew I'd have my hands full with rowdy students and entitled parents. The years I spent as a guidance counselor prepared me for that part of the job. It's taken a while, however, to get used to the teachers trying to butter me up whenever they want something they know I can't give, and Angie's been the main one out to test my patience.

Angie, Angie, Angie. Out here trying to get me to break school policy. Again.

I push my braids behind my back and suppress a sigh. "It's true. In the grand scheme of things, one chair won't ...

2 0

Mysteries & Thrillers Hitting Stores This Marchhttps://bit.ly/3Dfox0O

Mysteries & Thrillers Hitting Stores This March

March Madness is here but make it mysteries and thrillers. Here`s our round up of some new releases we can`t wait for.

Every Michael Connelly Book Adapted into a TV Series

Michael Connelly’s crime novels have been the inspiration for some of the best TV adaptations in recent years, bringing his complex characters and intense storylines to life.

...

1 0

Open

Mysteries & Thrillers Hitting Stores This Marchhttps://bit.ly/3Dfox0O

Mysteries & Thrillers Hitting Stores This March

March Madness is here but make it mysteries and thrillers. Here's our round up of some new releases we can't wait for.

Every Michael Connelly Book Adapted into a TV Series

Michael Connelly’s crime novels have been the inspiration for some of the best TV adaptations in recent years, bringing his complex characters and intense storylines to life.

...

1 0

Marriage and Murder by Stephanie Laurens
https://bit.ly/41Hs0Pc

When a middle-aged spinster is found strangled in her country cottage and scurrilous gossip implicates Henry, Lord Glossup, he appeals to Barnaby and Penelope Adair along with Inspector Stokes to unravel the mystery of who killed Viola Huntingdon.

Henry, Lord Glossup, arrives on Barnaby and Penelope Adairs` doorstep and begs their aid-and that of Stokes-in identifying the murderer of Viola Huntingdon, a middle-aged spinster who lived a largely blameless life in a country cottage in a tiny village close to Henry`s home. As Stokes has already been tapped to take the case, the investigators travel to Salisbury and thence to Ashmore village and throw themselves into the case.

While initially Henry was touted as a suspect, he is quickly eliminated, and with the help of the victim`s sister, Madeline, the investigators set out to discover all they can about the victim and who might have wished her ill. In such a small village, with a commensurately small population, the list of possible suspects is short, but the existence of Viola`s `secret admirer, H` has everyone stumped. First, how could Viola, living in such a small community, have had a secret visitor, a man no one saw except at a distance? And who on earth is he, this H?

As the investigators piece together the clues of missing jewelry and sightings of H and follow the leads generated by opportunistic thieves, dodgy jewelers, and local moneylenders, a picture emerges that points to only one conclusion. But in small villages, things are rarely as they seem. Have the investigators got the right man in their sights, or have they been led astray?

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Murder-Stephanie-Laurens-ebook/dp/B0DPLKVGZ1?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zknRS9xIgVuIRuP7ec7xgbYyRLJSMer5eKZghDJuGfM2KcfBbUOy4EglYBf9SZTHRABwpfYJ0WQSyc-QSOgsfXPvEV8W5rhDGHii9PyzAhvjIYmL8C0H6BmviCfY_MsxVyh070ufQnS94tp07z7k8uYbRDz7vWiMGsEojamFesCL0X79uT3dxkbWq5BdDxLliinziiKJhw-YqJS5uwqdRfUhx08TLXc3B2T8l-KpPyT0xSjB402FdLCwfNJFSc5GzhfTRxpcGOXfuH41mLazOha8ug1-lcIfZyx3hj2Qql1sz35F00VnTIkLldRJ625kgaWolL9WEK9HhU1W5-Gj5nKZgf-XEIM5wAhfft4Sq8dVIpRoPo66STfuO...

1 0

Open

Marriage and Murder by Stephanie Laurens
https://bit.ly/41Hs0Pc

When a middle-aged spinster is found strangled in her country cottage and scurrilous gossip implicates Henry, Lord Glossup, he appeals to Barnaby and Penelope Adair along with Inspector Stokes to unravel the mystery of who killed Viola Huntingdon.

Henry, Lord Glossup, arrives on Barnaby and Penelope Adairs' doorstep and begs their aid-and that of Stokes-in identifying the murderer of Viola Huntingdon, a middle-aged spinster who lived a largely blameless life in a country cottage in a tiny village close to Henry's home. As Stokes has already been tapped to take the case, the investigators travel to Salisbury and thence to Ashmore village and throw themselves into the case.

While initially Henry was touted as a suspect, he is quickly eliminated, and with the help of the victim's sister, Madeline, the investigators set out to discover all they can about the victim and who might have wished her ill. In such a small village, with a commensurately small population, the list of possible suspects is short, but the existence of Viola's 'secret admirer, H' has everyone stumped. First, how could Viola, living in such a small community, have had a secret visitor, a man no one saw except at a distance? And who on earth is he, this H?

As the investigators piece together the clues of missing jewelry and sightings of H and follow the leads generated by opportunistic thieves, dodgy jewelers, and local moneylenders, a picture emerges that points to only one conclusion. But in small villages, things are rarely as they seem. Have the investigators got the right man in their sights, or have they been led astray?

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Murder-Stephanie-Laurens-ebook/dp/B0DPLKVGZ1?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zknRS9xIgVuIRuP7ec7xgbYyRLJSMer5eKZghDJuGfM2KcfBbUOy4EglYBf9SZTHRABwpfYJ0WQSyc-QSOgsfXPvEV8W5rhDGHii9PyzAhvjIYmL8C0H6BmviCfY_MsxVyh070ufQnS94tp07z7k8uYbRDz7vWiMGsEojamFesCL0X79uT3dxkbWq5BdDxLliinziiKJhw-YqJS5uwqdRfUhx08TLXc3B2T8l-KpPyT0xSjB402FdLCwfNJFSc5GzhfTRxpcGOXfuH41mLazOha8ug1-lcIfZyx3hj2Qql1sz35F00VnTIkLldRJ625kgaWolL9WEK9HhU1W5-Gj5nKZgf-XEIM5wAhfft4Sq8dVIpRoPo66STfuO...

1 0

Load More Follow on Instagram

XODTICA

Coffee Time Romance & More

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Join Our Newsletter

Follow Me on Instagram

ctrstaffer

Authors-
JOIN US TODAY!

Share & Earn Points for Prizes

Let Readers know

« MIDNIGHT SHOWCASE, EROTIC-AAH DIGEST, VOL 05-02

33 DAYS »

Coffee Time Romance & More

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Join Our Newsletter

Follow Me on Instagram

ctrstaffer