All The Write Stuff: April 2025

Friday, April 4, 2025

Shadowed Skies

His mountain solitude shattered. Her lab prison escaped. Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.

Shadowed Skies

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance

Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is shattered.

Delene

She’s a fugitive with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a bond neither can deny.

In a landscape scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.

GUEST POST

Dynamic Characters and Unexpected Twists: Unveiling the Intricacies of River and Delene in "Shadowed Skies"

As the architect of "Shadowed Skies," I am thrilled to invite readers into the captivating world where dynamic characters and unexpected twists converge to create an immersive narrative. At the heart of this tale are two characters, River and Delene, whose journeys through survival, love, and resilience challenge conventional storytelling norms.

River: The Lone Survivor with a Complex Past: I took great pleasure in creating the character of River, a lone survivor whose escape into the mountains sets the stage for a profound exploration of his past and present. River's memories of his grandfather Pops and twin brother Porter are poignant anchors, influencing his decisions and interactions throughout the narrative. Through my writing, I aimed to breathe life into River, presenting a character whose complexity mirrors the unpredictable landscapes he navigates.

River's evolution from a solitary figure to a reluctant companion in the mountains is marked by unexpected twists that showcase the resilience of the human spirit. Through River’s eyes, I sought to create a protagonist whose journey resonates emotionally, offering readers a chance to connect with a character grappling with the weight of his history while forging an uncertain future.

Delene: A Woman of Extraordinary Abilities and Unyielding Spirit: Delene, introduced as a captive in a lab run by the sinister Dr. Lytle, is a character I enjoyed shaping within the narrative. Tortured for her abilities and fueled by a vow to escape after the death of her sister Lily, Delene emerges as a young woman marked by strength and determination. Her psychic abilities and unyielding spirit add layers to her persona, creating a character that defies traditional archetypes.

In crafting Delene's journey, from escaping the lab to finding refuge in River's mountain nest, I aimed to portray a character who goes beyond the stereotypical damsel in distress. Delene's resilience and unwavering spirit become central themes, showcasing her internal and external battles as she navigates a world filled with threats. When River and Delene meet, they’re both two extraordinary people who are incidentally suffering from severe loneliness and personal trauma while the world hunts them.

Unexpected Twists that Defy Conventions: In "Shadowed Skies," I set out to subvert conventions and challenge readers' expectations through unforeseen twists and turns. Each plot development adds layers to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the final page.

Through River and Delene, readers are invited to join me in exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the indomitable will to survive in a world where the unexpected becomes the norm.

Conclusion: As the author of "Shadowed Skies," I am excited for readers to embark on this journey with River and Delene. These characters, with their unexpected twists and turns, represent more than fictional personas; they embody the resilience of the human spirit. I hope their stories' complexities and nuances resonate with readers, making "Shadowed Skies" a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

EXCERPT

His mountain solitude shattered. Her lab prison escaped. Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.

Shadowed Skies

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance

Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is shattered.

Delene

Amazon * B&N * Betterworld Books * BAM * CollectiveInk * Thriftbooks * WalMart * Bookbub * Goodreads

Amazon * B&N * Betterworld Books * BAM * CollectiveInk * Thriftbooks * WalMart * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadowed-Skies-Novel-Haley-Cavanagh/dp/1803417714

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadowed-skies-haley-cavanagh/1146032571?ean=9781803417714

Betterworld Books: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/shadowed-skies-a-novel-9781803417714

BAM: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Shadowed-Skies/Haley-Cavanagh/9781803417714

CollectiveInk: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/ourstreet-books/our-books/shdowed-skies-novel

Thriftbooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/shadowed-skies/53430164/#edition=71650030&idiq=65032388

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shadowed-Skies-Paperback/8286314890

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/shadowed-skies-a-novel-by-haley-cavanagh

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216632621-shadowed-skies

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/FOhhlRfCv_g

About the Author

Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of Utah Writers 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in her Oceanstone Initiative series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

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Author Links

Website: https://haleycavanaghbooks.com/

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

X: https://x.com/haley_cavanagh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleycavanaghbooks

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/haley-cavanagh

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Haley-Cavanagh/author/B07J5RKVF8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4841648.Haley_Cavanagh

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/ShadowedSkies

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Tickled to Death

She’s got the whip, he’s got the cuffs—solving murders has never been this kinky… or this complicated.

Tickled to Death

A Domme Mom Murder Mystery Book 1

by Laura DeLuca

Genre: Murder Mystery, Erotic Comedy

Crime was yesterday’s kink… until it came crawling back.

Former paralegal Rhonda Campbell left the law behind when she swapped legal pads for latex. Now, as Mistress Kali, she runs the most exclusive BDSM dungeon in Atlantic City, where pleasure pays the bills and fantasy is always in play—until a longtime client is smothered with a French tickler. Talk about a safe word fail.

Enter newly relocated Detective Jason Dee, fresh off the gritty streets of Philly and itching for a real case—because so far, New Jersey’s biggest offense seems to be overpriced cocktails. When he finally lands a murder investigation, his prime suspect is a whip-smart, leather-clad domme who’s as infuriating as she is intriguing.

With a killer on the loose and tensions rising, Rhonda and Jason must combine their expertise in sex and homicide to crack the case—before another victim is tickled to death.

**New Release!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F29PB56Z

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/tickled-to-death-a-domme-mom-murder-mystery-by-anne-hoelz-and-laura-deluca

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230261897-tickled-to-death

About the Author

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her four children and multiple cats. Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.

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Author Links

Website: https://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/

Blog: https://newagemama.blogspot.com/

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

X: https://x.com/authorldeluca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newagemamablog

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laura-deluca

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-DeLuca/author/B004L7NLPE

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4670048.Laura_DeLuca

Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/TickledToDeath

Vengeful CONspiracies

Sadie encounters a nemesis from her past. Is it coincidence or is it something more sinister? Book 2 reveals the truth!

Vengeful CONspiracies

A Sadie Sabatini Mystery Book 2

by Nicole Leiren

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Sadie is settling into her new life in Wilson, Texas. She’s making friends and her business, Tesoro, is starting to thrive. But the past is never far behind. When two former team members come for a visit, they bring trouble in the form of a mutual enemy set on revenge threatening to disrupt Sadie’s fresh start.

She can’t turn her back on her team, though. They’ve been through too much together. The more Sadie tries to help, the more she suspects she might be the target of the con this time. With forces conspiring against her, the outcome of her decisions, both past and present, weigh heavily and make her question the choices she made leading to this point.

When their mutual enemy is found dead, alliances are tested, and wits are matched as the race to the truth reveals who can be trusted and who is running their final con.

Guest Post

Have you written any other books that aren’t published?

The very first book I wrote is still unpublished. I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember. At first, it was stories for my little sister, then some fanfic, and finally I wanted to try my hand at my own story. It took a number of years with lots of stops and starts and more name changes than I can remember before I finally typed “The End” Of course, once I’d done that, I had no idea what I should do next. So, I did what anyone would do, Googled it I learned that you had to submit a pitch, hook, and query. I had no idea how to do that so I found an online class, offered by Savvy Authors that taught you how to do those things. The class was being taught by an agent, Dawn Dowdle. We learned how to write the hook and pitch and after submitting mine, she typed in my chat that she would be open to my querying her with this story. Of course, I replied that as soon as she taught me how to do that, I would love to! LOL

She did just that and I used what she taught me to submit my query to her. A week or so later, she offered representation. We went through several edits and finally sent it out to query publishers. Rejection after rejection followed and, I confess, to being a bit disheartened. Ironically, the reason for the rejections weren’t really bad. The mystery publishers said it didn’t have enough mystery, suspense publishers said not enough suspense and romance pubs said not enough romance. I took that to mean it was a well-balanced story.

Thankfully, my story didn’t end there. While that story still hasn’t seen the light of day…yet, I went on to write my first contemporary sweet military romance which was picked up by Gemma Halliday Publishing. From there, I published six full-length novels with Gemma before taking a break for a couple years.

My next book, Murderous CONsequences, was picked up by Harbor Lane Publishing as a 3 book series. I’m excited that Sadie’s story is continuing and you can join her next adventure (along with the gang in Wilson, TX) with Vengeful CONspiracies. Murder and betrayal are the theme of book 2 (along with second guessing decisions we made in the past and making things right in the future!)

Thank you for visiting today!

EXCERPT

I grabbed my laptop and returned to the counter. Since Kelsey didn’t want to talk about the election now, I wouldn’t bother her. I was curious, though, about the candidates. The seats being voted on were currently occupied by Jim Bob (JB) Nester, Alan Knightly, and Ted Birmingham. Ted was the only one not running for re-election. I was a little surprised by this. When it came to the Birminghams and their legacy, both influence and power were important. Since Ted typically did what his father wanted, I had no doubt it was Robert’s idea.

Next, I wanted to take a look at the candidates running to occupy those seats. “Hey, Tessa is running.”

Kelsey looked my way and grinned. “I knew you’d do some research before Sunday.”

I shrugged. “The Boy Scouts and I have that in common–always be prepared. I’ve visited her shop, Tessa’s Treats, many times.”

“She will be a great asset to the board, for sure. One vote down, two to go.” She winked.

Next up was Karen Bizzy, the “Karen” to beat out all other “Karens.” She had definitive plans for the town of Wilson, very few of which I supported. Denise McDowell and Jackie Price were also vying for a seat. I wasn’t sure either was truly qualified, but out of the two, I knew Denise better. Her motivations, at least, were easier to understand. Jackie, on the other hand, was still a mystery.

Since I was familiar with them, I hadn’t selected the hyperlink under their name to see the bio and picture. The new guy, Miles Gentry, needed additional research. I hovered over the blue letters that contained his name and hit enter.

As his picture appeared on a new page, my heart stopped beating for a moment. His hair might no longer be black, and contacts had replaced his glasses, but the face struck a familiar chord from my past. This man was not Miles Gentry. No, I’d recognize the smug look on his narrow face anywhere. This was none other than Miles Grant, a former pharmaceutical executive my team brought down about a year ago due to his use of experimental pesticides which poisoned the workers in the field. He had also skimmed money from the company to fund other experimental programs. In sum, he was a bad actor who had either learned his lesson and was starting a new life, or he had moved from California to Texas to start a new venture where no one knew him or his reputation. At least, he would think no one knew him.

Either way, I didn’t trust him. My gut was rarely, if ever, wrong. Right now, it was screaming at me that his presence in Wilson spelled bad news for the unsuspecting people of this town. Deep down, I also knew it wouldn’t be long before our paths crossed, which undoubtedly would mean nothing but trouble for me.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vengeful-CONspiracies-Nicole-Leiren-ebook/dp/B0DZ4NXK2X

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/vengeful-conspiracies/id6742751810

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vengeful-conspiracies-nicole-leiren/1147080017?ean=2940180759580

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1720559

Books2Read: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/585579

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/vengeful-conspiracies-by-nicole-leiren

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228687757-vengeful-conspiracies

Murderous CONsequences

A Sadie Sabatini Mystery Book 1

Sadie Sabatini thinks of herself as a modern-day Robin Hood who uses her gift as a skilled con artist to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Leading this life is rewarding, but the number of enemies are piling up. Sadie decides to lay low and start over with a new (and legitimate business) in the small town of Wilson, Texas, situated on a small peninsula in beautiful Lake Amore.

Trouble is never far behind though and her past catches up to her in a big way when a friend of a former mark threatens blackmail for his silence. When he turns up dead and Sadie is the prime suspect, she realizes this time she must protect herself. Her skills prove helpful as she digs deeper into the web of revenge, blackmail, and secrets to discover she’s not the only one with a past to hide.

As the threats mount, Sadie knows she’s closing in on the truth. She now worries that the few new friends she’s made in town are in danger because of her. With time running out, can she protect those around her and find the real killer before this new chapter in her life is conned out of a happy ending?

EXCERPT

A few minutes later, we’d managed to get the kayak emptied out and put me back in it. I

met her gaze and offered gratitude again. “Seriously, thank you for your help tonight.”

She shrugged. “Us folks here,” she gestured to the RV park, “believe in helping out our fellow man or woman as the case may be.”

I nodded in acknowledgement, saddened that not everyone felt the same way. “Can I ask you one more question as long as it doesn’t pertain to how you earn your living?”

Her slight smile and nod gave me courage to ask the other burning question in my mind. “Why didn’t you tell the police the whole truth about the altercation between Jonathan and me the night he died? Most importantly, that it was a misunderstanding and that he was very much alive when I left.”

EZ backed away from the edge of the dock where she’d been standing and retrieved another cigarette. “Because, if I had, they would have known I was not just watching from a distance and figured out I was the last person to see him alive.”

Amazon * Apple * Google * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D7NN54QV

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murderous-consequences/id6504638093

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=DVwcEQAAQBAJ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1580475

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4XNvxN

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/murderous-consequences-by-nicole-leiren

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215139089-murderous-consequences

About the Author

Described by those who know her best as perky, quirky and effervescent, USA Today Best-Selling author Nicole Leiren likes to have fun -- in life, with her characters and, of course, her readers. She admits to being sassy (just ask her mother!) and inspiration for her characters are drawn from the real-world heroes and heroines she meets while traversing the country.

Nicole enjoys sharing the love, laughter, mystery, and occasionally a touch of the mayhem she forces her characters to endure—all for the reader’s pleasure! Her real-world heroes and heroines will keep you turning the pages until you reach the whodunit or happily ever after (usually both!)

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