March 20, 2025

Spotlight: Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots: A Small Town Romance Anthology by Annie Carlisle, C.A. Miconi, Delta James, Irene Lawless

March 20, 2025/ Michelle Bowles

(Pelican Point, #1)

Publication date: March 14th 2025

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Welcome to Celtic Knot Winery, where the lush vineyards are ripe with secrets, and love is as rich and complex as the finest vintage.

In Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots, four intertwined romance stories unfold against the enchanting backdrop of rolling hills and grapevines. Each tale weaves its own unique tapestry of passion, betrayal, and heartwarming redemption, proving that amidst the beauty of the vineyard, anything is possible.

Pour a glass and lose yourself in Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots, where every story uncorks a new journey of the heart. Amidst secrets and seduction, these tales remind us that love is the most intoxicating wine of all.

Included in the anthology:
Love’s Hidden Knot by Annie Carlisle
Love Undercover by Irene Lawless
Love Me, Love Me Knot by CA Miconi
Love’s Twisted Knot by Delta James

Enemies to Lovers
Billionaire
Alphahole
Grumpy/Sunshine
Second Chance
One Night Stand
Love Against All Odds

Excerpt from Love’s Twist Knot

“Hello, Candace,” he says, his voice smooth and infuriatingly calm. I can feel it wash over me—just the way it used to. I loved his voice. The man could have read a dictionary, and he would have had my rapt attention.

“Long time, no see,” he continues, unperturbed by my silence. “You’ve been busy. Sapphire Development, right? You’ve had some success, but not in Christmas Valley. I hear you’re planning to turn my family’s vineyard into a resort.”

I stab at another piece of steak, my grip on the fork tightening. My heart thunders in my chest, but I keep my face impassive, my expression cool. Let him talk. Let him say whatever he wants. I’m not giving him the satisfaction of a reaction.

“You know, I didn’t think resorts were your thing,” he adds, leaning a hand against the edge of the booth. “But I guess people change.”

“Still not talking to me?” he asks, his tone light, teasing, as though this is a game to him. “That’s fine. I’ve got time. I’ll just keep guessing. Let’s see… maybe this isn’t about the vineyard at all. Maybe it’s about me?”

That one lands like a blow, and I grip my fork harder, the metal biting into my palm. My pulse quickens, my skin heating with the anger I’m desperately trying to suppress. Of course, he thinks this is about him. It always comes back to him.

The fork in my hand clinks against the plate, my movements growing more forceful as his words sink in. My thoughts spiral, unbidden, to the reasons I’m here—the heartbreak, the humiliation, the years of rebuilding myself after he walked away. The memories crash over me, sharp and cutting, and my resolve starts to crack.

He doesn’t stop. “You know, I’ve been thinking… maybe this isn’t about revenge. Maybe it’s about closure. Is that it, Candace? You need closure? I was hoping we’d get that the last time you visited the club. It’s been a while since you’ve been to Leathers.”

I freeze, my hand gripping the edge of the table so hard my knuckles turn white. The heat rising in my chest boils over, spilling into my veins like fire. Every word he says chips away at my restraint, his tone so calm, so maddeningly confident, as though he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

And maybe he does.

“Nothing to say?” he presses, straightening slightly. “I guess that’s fine. I’ve always been better at doing the talking.”

That’s it. That’s the push too far.

I stand abruptly, the sudden motion knocking the table slightly and rattling my plate. My purse is in my hand before I realize I’ve reached for it, and I drop a fifty onto the table with shaking fingers. My resolve hardens with every passing second. No more games. No more letting him or any Murphy push me around.

Picking up my scotch, I look at him for the first time since he came over, my glare sharp enough to cut glass. His smarmy smile falters slightly, and for one satisfying second, I let him see the fire burning behind my eyes.

Then I throw the scotch in his face.

The liquid splashes, dripping from his jaw as he recoils in surprise. A stunned silence falls over Jumpin’ Jacks, the quiet so heavy I can hear my own breath.

I don’t wait for his reaction. I push past him, out of the booth, turning on my heel and walking out, my steps quick and deliberate. The door jingles behind me as I leave, but I don’t look back.

Outside, the night air is cool against my flushed skin, and I take a deep breath, steadying the wild storm of emotions coursing through me. He doesn’t get to win. Not this time.

I’m done playing nice, and this time he is not going to win.

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November 15, 2023

Spotlight: Murder Before Dawn by Delta James

November 15, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(Mystery, She Wrote, #1)

Publication date: November 3rd 2023

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

The only thing more exciting than a famous local author staying at the bed and breakfast is a real murder mystery.

Mystery novelist and member of the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club, Jessica Murdoch, heads off for a staycation at a bed and breakfast in her hometown of Badger’s Drift, Maine for some rest and relaxation. When a murder takes place in her luxurious suite, she figures it’s up to her to uncover the town’s secrets and find the killer.

Thorn Wilder, of the Major Crime Unit of the Maine State Police, is assigned to investigate the murder. Thorn, an astute and methodical investigator, is familiar with Jessica's work and quickly recognizes her as a potential asset in solving the case. Jessica finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic detective and becomes an unofficial consultant in the investigation.

Join Jessica Murdoch, Tracer, her faithful basset hound, and Thorn Wilder as they unravel the dark mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of this small town, and discover the shocking truth that lies at the heart of it all.

Murder Before Dawn is the first story in the Mystery, She Wrote series. Four mystery authors meet at a book conference and discover they all live in small towns in Maine. After a fabulous weekend together they decide to form the Mystery Writer’s Murder Club. They meet monthly at a different house to check out cold cases in the area, write, and relax. They soon discover the only thing more exciting than a good murder mystery book is an actual murder mystery.

If you like fast-paced mysteries with quirky characters, an inquisitive basset hound, and unexpected twists, you’re going to love the Mystery, She Wrote series.

One-Click Murder Before Dawn and get started on your next murder mystery adventure today!

Excerpt

Thorn directed Jessica’s attention to the piece of paper lying on the floor. He bent over, carefully picking up the note by the corner and placing it in an evidence bag. The note was handwritten with a veiled threat and instead of a signature, the author of the note had used a rubber stamp, depicting a young maiden reclining on a barren rock.

“Curious,” said Jessica.

“Do you know what that’s supposed to be?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s Lorelei—she’s from German folklore. Supposedly she threw herself into the river after she was betrayed by a faithless lover. She was transformed into a siren who lures fishermen and ships to their death and destruction.”

Thorn chuckled. “So pretty much in keeping with the threat.”

“I’d say so.”

Kenny, one of the forensic team members, came in through the plastic bubble. “Hey, Thorn, you’re going to want to take a look at this.”

Thorn, with Jessica close behind him, followed Kenny. Just outside the French doors leading to the private garden and the beach below was a distinct set of footprints.

“I haven’t had a chance to do a true analysis or even a comparison,” said Kenny, “but I don’t think those match the shoes of the victim. I’d also expect them to be deeper and bigger if they’d been his.”

Thorn nodded. “I agree, but we’re going to need to rule out the B&B guests…”

“Already on it. One of our guys is scouring the trash dumpster and will then move on to other possible dump sites and another two have obtained permission from the owner to search the rooms. I figure you can check people when you interview them and if you see something suspicious, you can call us in.”

“As always, Kenny,” said Thorn, “you’re right on top of everything. I’m glad you’re here.”

Kenny grinned. “Me, too. It’s almost like a locked-room mystery, except for the fact that the French doors were open to the outside, presumably giving the killer a means to escape. Come to think of it, those open doors tend to negate a locked-room mystery, don’t they?” Shaking his head, he continued, “Do you ever get tired of amateur sleuths trying to horn in with their theories and assumptions?”

Glancing pointedly at Jessica, Thorn said, “You have no idea, but in all fairness, I must say that some amateurs have a real talent for this kind of thing.”

Thorn and Jessica went back inside.

“Thank you for that,” said Jessica. “I think.”

“Much as I hate to admit it,” he said, “I have to say you have a talent not only for sticking your cute little nose in where it doesn’t belong, but for solving puzzles, which is basically what detectives do. We’re given a set of clues, and we solve the mystery.”

“I will say it’s easier to solve the mystery when I’m writing it than just being given clues with no plot or outline to follow. So, what do you make of what little we know so far?”

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About the Author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex,curvy heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, walks on the beach, and white-water rafting.

More about Delta, including a full list of her books and audiobooks, can be found at www.deltajames.com.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally to as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/348982795738444.

If you’re looking for your next bingeable series, you can get a FREE story by joining her newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/VIPlist22019.

Connect:
https://www.deltajames.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DeltaJamesAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/deltajamesauthor/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18197022.Delta_James

May 19, 2023

Spotlight: To Love a Thief by Delta James

May 19, 2023/ Michelle Bowles

(Relentless Pursuit, #1)
Publication date: May 19th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

When the thief he is chasing becomes more than just a job, will the distraction be his undoing or her death sentence?

Claire Mitchell is a master jewel thief, who has a secret. Although the thrill of the heist is exciting there is a reason behind her choice of profession. Family honor above all else. It was the perfect plan… until he interfered.

Ryland Fletcher is the investigator determined to catch her. As he tracks Claire and gets to know her he finds there are more questions than answers. He doesn’t trust the beautiful thief in his bed but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her. The risk is life or death but the rewards are too great to resist.

What begins as a heist of the century turns into a game of cat and mouse. When their game of cat and mouse turns deadly it’s time to bring her in.

Excerpt

“I swear you’re going to be the death of me,” said Mia as Claire slipped into the nondescript van.

“Only if you plan to die having too much fun.”

With a wry grin, Mia shook her head. “We’ve got a glitch in the Grenadine Necklace job.”

“What kind of glitch?”

“The insurance company has asked that at the close of tonight’s fundraising event that the necklace be pulled from public display and returned to Paris. They plan to have armed guards remove it from the case and walk it out to the armed elevator down to the secure parking lot, into an armored truck and then to a private airport to be taken back to Paris via a private plane.”

“Shit. I want that necklace.”

“It’s worth a small fortune and the insurance company was iffy about allowing the Petacci family to exhibit it at all.”

“Rightfully so. It doesn’t belong to them.”

“No one has ever been able to prove that the Grenadine Necklace didn’t find its way into the family long before Clara.”

“Knowing and being able to prove are entirely two different things, which is why no one has ever been able to wrest it from their greedy grasp until now.”

“You know, if it wasn’t for the fact that you don’t so much as keep a dime from these heists, I would have left you twisting in the wind in Dusseldorf. But like it or not, you, my friend, are on the side of the angels. I think you’re going to have to chalk the Grenadine Necklace up to a loss.”

“No. We’ve put in too much time…”

“And if we get caught?”

“We won’t. Let me think a minute.” Claire brought her fist up toward her face, bouncing the back of her thumb on her lips.

“While you’re coming up with something, you should know, I think someone may be on to us.”

“Why do you say that?”

“When I was running my routine this afternoon, the program found two clandestine hits against our firewall at specific enough times that I don’t believe they were random. The first one was the day before the last job in Milan; I might have written that one off to an anomaly. But the second one was just this morning. I think someone is phishing.”

Claire looked at Mia and smiled. “It’s not like you to just dump a big problem in my lap. What are you thinking?”

“You know me too well,” she said with an impish grin. “There is a small—a very small—chance that you still might be able to snatch the necklace. Their plan is to send it out with armed guards who will exit via the still under construction new gallery. Their thinking is that it’s wide open, and no one can sneak up on them…”

“But you know better.” Despite what Mia liked to tell herself, she got just as much of a buzz out of pulling off these capers as Claire.

“I do. There’s a small piece of ducting that runs from the women’s loo. We take a canister with knock-out gas and roll it down to them. The loo is right around the corner from the new gallery. Once their down, you slip in, grab the thing and then walk out with the rest of the people at the fundraiser.”

Claire returned Mia’s wicked smile. “I like it. Simple, elegant, and no one gets hurt. And who will I be this evening?”

“Luckily, it wasn’t invitation only. Tickets were offered exclusively to those who made the right donation…”

“I take it you made the right donation?”

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