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Interview with Ashley Munoz, Author of Wild Card

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wild Card?

I get inspired by the strangest things-- in this case, I had walked past this empty game room, with one small emergency light on inside. There on the pool table was a baseball glove, and for whatever reason I had this image of two college-aged kids, meeting in a dark room pop into my head. When the image wouldn't leave, I began to add to it. There would be a secret, and somehow baseball would be involved. The whole premise for the book began to unfold from there.  

If you woke up in the world of Wild Card, what is the first thing you would do?

I'd definitely sneak into Trevor's office, steal all of his Post-it Notes, and rearrange all of his figurines. Maybe leave him a death note or something equally as horrific because he's a jerk.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Oh my gosh, This is a lot of pressure because the blurb on this book was so powerful, it actually had me one-clicking outside of my usual genre. But, *cracks knuckles* here goes nothing: Don't look out your window. Especially not at night. If you do, you'll see him there, just the slightest hint of his strong jaw, and the darkness of his eyes. Why he comes each night to watch you sleep, you can only guess, but as long as no other touches you, you'll be safe. Allow another's hands to roam your body and they'll be delivered to you in a nice little package on your stoop. He is an obsession you don't know you want. A scar your body will never hide, a wound you'll never survive. Be careful little mouse, the hunter is coming for you.

*Laughs* Okay that was all I could do, her real blurb is so much better, this is for Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton.

What romantic couple from literature makes you swoon? Which one is over-hyped?

This is a tough question. I love me a grumpy, misunderstood, blue-collar-hero with a happy-sunshine heroine. That combo always gets me swooning. As far as over-hyped- the all-powerful, and ever-so-hot billionaire that can get anyone but always seems to fall for the nerdy, awkward girl.

Do you have any quirky writing habits?

Is procrastinating considered a habit? Could it be considered lucky if I manage to magically meet all my deadlines? Otherwise, not really.  

Where did you write Wild Card?

I'm currently without an office, so Wild Card was mostly written from my couch, car, or bed. We have an adjustable bed, so it's really nice when I grab my little writing table and eight support pillows. It's like having a pillow fort, where you're the boss and no one can tell you no.  

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Don't compare your first draft to someone's finished product. That goes in line with not comparing your journey or pace with anyone else.  

Ashley Munoz is the author of the new book Wild Card

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Interview with Jen Talty, Author of Rivers Edge (The River Winery Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rivers Edge?

Rivers Edge is part of a multi-author collection in a series called Candlewood Falls. I was asked by my friend Stacey Wilk if I was interested in joining her and K.M. Fawcett in writing in this world. I jumped at the opportunity. I had been playing around with the idea of writing about a winery and this was the perfect place to do it. I wanted to write about a family coming together during times of crisis. I also wanted to have stories that dealt with the unearthing of family secrets. And that’s what the River Winery series is all about. Rivers Edge is the first book and it’s all about how one lie told generations ago has had a ripple effect on the entire family. However, as our hero and heroine find out, the present isn’t always bound to the past.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Rivers Edge, what would they be?

Oh. That’s a tough one! I think for Eliza Jane Blue it would have to be Gun Powder and Lead by Miranda Lambert. And for Malbec River it would be A Woman Like You by Lee Brice.  

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

Well, I’m reading a non-fiction book right now and the blurb would say something to the effect of: the 90’s were a bitch. LOL.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love to read romance, romantic suspense, and thrillers. And those are the three things I love to write about as well.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Rivers Edge

I don’t have any quirky writing habits. I have an office at home where I write. Sometimes I sit outside on my back patio or on my porch, but mostly I write at my desk and that’s where I wrote Rivers Edge. Although, when I’m done with a book, I like to re-arrange my desk a little. Since I can’t re-arrange my furniture or really move my monitor around on my desk, it’s usually just moving my pen cups and my notebooks and doing a deep clean, but it helps clear my mind of the last book making room for all the new characters.  

What's the best advice you've ever received?

That persistence sometimes trumps talent and to never quit.  

Jen Talty is the author of the new book Rivers Edge (The River Winery Book 1)

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Interview with Anne Michaud, Author of Why They Stay

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Why They Stay?

As a news reporter writing about politicians, I had covered some of the men involved in the scandals: Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner. I admired their wives and wondered why these educated, intelligent women were standing up for these men after their betrayals. I thought there must be a political motive.

I started writing the first edition in 2014, when it looked (correctly) as though Hillary Clinton would run for president. It seemed to me and my literary agent that the question about why she stayed with Bill had gone largely unanswered and hung over her political candidacy.

That edition of “Why They Stay” was published in 2017. When I went on a book tour, people invariably asked me about the new First Couple: Melania and Donald Trump. So, I wrote a second edition (published in June 2021) to include the Trumps’ story.

If you had to write a blurb for the last book you read, what would it say?

This essential retelling of history puts Elizabeth Packard squarely where she belongs, as a major reformer of involuntary mental commitment in the U.S. The Woman They Could Not Silence employs deft storytelling to place the reader back in time and into the terrifying position of someone with very little legal standing, that is, a married woman in 1860.  

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m drawn to nonfiction and historical fiction. I enjoy having an element of "this really happened."

Do you have any quirky writing habits? Where did you write Why They Stay?

I wrote at my dining room table, backyard patio, basement desk, Book Revue bookstore (upstairs), Panera, and the Huntington (NY) Public Library.

When it’s time to write, I often catch myself filing, dusting, sorting, etc. It’s procrastination. I talk myself out of those impulses by coaxing myself to do just one small task … read a page, or make an entry in my notes. That usually gets me turned around and heading in the right direction.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Why They Stay what would it be?

I would like readers to see through the calculations politicians make to remain electable. I don’t believe that staying in a humiliating marriage is a good example for public figures to set.  

What's the best advice you've ever received?

To paraphrase Malcolm Gladwell, pursue a side passion where you are the boss. It gave me the freedom to develop a voice and work I can claim as mine.  


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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | September 7

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Taylor Marsh, Lisa Jewell, Iris Johansen, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Romance Books to Read | September 7

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Ashley Bostock, Ashley Munoz, Kristen Ashley, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | September 7

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Jen Talty, Sally Rooney, Lauren Groff, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!


Literary Fiction


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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | September 7

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Jane Shand, Robert New, Michael Anderle, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Robert New, Jane Shand, Aaron D. Schneider, Michael Anderle, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Fantasy


Science Fiction


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New Young Adult Books to Read | September 7

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Nina Allan, David Liss, Shawn Speakman, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!


Young Adult


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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | September 7

Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Anne Michaud, Bobby Hall, Qian Julie Wang, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!


Biography & Memoir


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Romance Reading Recommendations | September 2021

Romance Reading Recommendations | September 2021

Looking for a new steamy romance? We've got you covered this week with these bestselling mafia, suspense, sci-fi, and contemporary romances. Enjoy your new romances from Bestselling Authors Nicole Snow, Elizabeth Stephens, Victoria Woods, Eden Appiah-Kubi, Kallista Dane, Kate Richards, and TL Swan!



Uncontrolled (Power Series Book 4)

by Victoria Woods

Release Date: August 31, 2021

An instant Amazon Bestseller from romance author Victoria Woods... For years, I kept to myself, erecting walls to keep others out, until a chance meeting with a stranger. A powerful man succumbing to pleasure. He noticed me lusting after him—vying to be the one who could bring him to his knees. How could I have known that one night would transform into a ride so wild and fervent? He had walls of his own. Neither of us were willing to destroy our barriers, and replace them with trust. Instead, our secrets and lies ruined us. Lovers became enemies. Family turned to foe. Unlikely alliances formed, shifting the balance of power and control. Only two things could bring us together again: our mutual disdain for the enemy and our undeniable passion for each other. And both would prove too uncontrolled for either of us to endure.

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Taken by the Pikosa Warlord (Xiveri Mates Book 7)

by Elizabeth Stephens

Release Date: August 31, 2021

The 7th book in The Xiveri Mates Series by Bestselling Author Elizabeth Stephens...Taken by the Pikosa Warlord is a barbarian warlord romance that takes place on the war and climate-ravaged Earth that the humans now living in Voraxia and Sasor left behind. It is a complete standalone with a guaranteed HEA and can easily be read at any point in the Xiveri Mates universe. This book is gritty and dark and contains multiple violent scenes – including by the Hero against the Heroine. Ero is a bad dude who only debatably ever redeems himself, so please be warned!

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Perfect Grump

by Nicole Snow

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a laugh-out-loud wild office romance where two total opposites fight to deny their perfect chemistry...Full-length enemies-to-lovers romance overflowing with hilarious quips, teary-eyed twists, and slow-burn steam that sizzles off the pages. A magnificently bad-tempered boss pursues his spitfire driver in a knockdown, claiming, need-you-to-live whirlwind to the happily-ever-after.

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The Bennet Women

by Eden Appiah-Kubi

Release Date: September 1, 2021

In this delightfully modern spin on Pride and Prejudice from bestselling author, Eden Appiah-Kubi, love is a goal, marriage is a distant option, and self-discovery is a sure thing...Welcome to Bennet House, the only all-women’s dorm at prestigious Longbourn University, home to three close friends who are about to have an eventful year. Jamie’s prospect is Lee Gregory, son of a Hollywood producer and a gentleman so charming he practically sparkles. That leaves EJ with Lee’s arrogant best friend, Will. For Jamie’s sake, EJ must put up with the disagreeable, distressingly handsome, not quite famous TV actor for as long as she can. But what happens when all their lives become entwined in ways no one could have predicted?

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Desire (Centauri Brides Book 6)

by Kallista Dane & Kate Richards

Release Date: September 2, 2021

Centauri Brides is a brand-new series, a spinoff from the #1 bestselling Centauri Captives novels from USA Today Bestselling Authors Kallista Dane and Kate Richards...A new sci-fi-romance standalone featuring masterful alien warriors and the strong, smart Earth women who fall in love with them: women who have the knowledge and skills to build a brand-new world!

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The Casanova (The Miles High Club Book 3)

by TL Swan

Release Date: August 26, 2021

In T L Swan’s steamy third installment of the Miles High Club, Kate’s hot new pen pal is a welcome distraction from her horrible boss. But nobody is as distracting as Elliot Miles…and he knows it....My favorite hobby is infuriating Elliot Miles. Just the sight of my boss’s handsome face triggers my sarcasm. God knows how he earns his Casanova reputation—if a million women want him with his personality, what the heck am I doing wrong? But lately, things are getting weird at work. Elliot’s being…attentive. His eyes linger a little longer than they should, and there’s a heat behind them that I haven’t felt before. And then, in the shock of all shocks, he tells me that my vulnerability is appealing. But when was I vulnerable?

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