This morning, we are joining the pre-order blitz for Innocent & Sweet by Megan Slayer! Check out this contemporary romance and learn about the author! 

Contemporary New Adult Romance

Date Published: June 20, 2025

Anissa Dunn wants one man -- Kameron. He’s got looks, brains and a boatload of attitude… and all that muscle. A girl can only take so much, and he's her heart's desire. She’s not afraid to give as good as she gets and she wants him to be her teacher in all things carnal.

There's only one catch -- he's her bodyguard and the rules state she can't date the staff.

But rules are meant to be broken…

About the Author

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on various e-tailer sites. 

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. 

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Buy the Roosters series!

Today, I am sharing a self-help book that explores grief and healing--and parenting an dysfunctional family dynamics. Take a few minutes and learn about Crossing Fifty-One and author Debbie Russell and remember to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post! 

Death & Grief, Parenting, Self-Help

Date Published: 06-20-2023

Publisher: Koehler Books

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A week before Christmas 1951, Dr. Ralph Russell risked everything to voluntarily enter a locked federal drug-treatment facility known as a "narcotic farm."

Sixty-five years later, Dr. Russell's granddaughter Debbie suffers a debilitating crisis of identity when her father (Dr. Russell's oldest son), always her biggest fan, is accepted into hospice.

Debbie's investigation into her paternal lineage reveals family secrets and ignites her mother's volatile outbursts, propelling her into therapy.

When therapy fails her, the grandfather Debbie never knew saves her, and she collaborates with her dying father one last time to make her biggest dream come true.

Crossing Fifty-One pulls back the curtain on the internal struggles of midlife and provides a blueprint for redefining one's self beyond the constraints of addiction and dysfunctional family dynamics.

About the Author 

Debbie Russell is a lawyer-turned writer. She spent twenty-five years as an Assistant County Attorney in Minneapolis, prosecuting numerous high-profile cases—specializing in those involving domestic and child abuse. At age fifty-five, Debbie took early retirement, giving up a full pension for the freedom of time. She now spends that precious time writing, restoring her property to native prairie and wetlands, and training her rambunctious retrievers.

 

Debbie’s first published article appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2001. After that small triumph, her writing focused primarily on legal briefs and memoranda, which were consigned to district court files. Debbie resumed creative writing in 2014 when she began her storytelling blog by sharing personal stories and professional experiences that touched her life in a significant way. Her top-ranked December 2021 article for Elephant Journal, an online journal that celebrates the mindful life is entitled “Getting the Most out of Therapy: Easier Said than Done,” and is partially based on events in her book.

 

Debbie's award-winning book, Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir, was released in June of 2023. In 2024, she became a regular contributor to the Minnesota Star Tribune, writing about criminal justice and adjacent issues.

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Today, I have a historical thriller in our book release blitz spotlight! Learn about A Deceptive Game Ensues and the House of Croft series by Sophie Barnes! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

House of Croft, Book 4

Date Published: 06-17-2025

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Acquitted of the crime he was accused of, Adrian Croft begins an investigation that could link a duke to his sister's death. But with a fresh series of murders leading straight to Saint George's Hospital, Adrian is torn between his quest for revenge and the need to catch an active killer. For though he may have sworn to yield his power in order to gain a pardon, all bets are off when villains threaten his city.

Having proven her unfailing loyalty to her husband, Samantha Croft settles into married life - an idyl that quickly crumbles when she and Adrian get caught up in a new series of murders. As they follow a trail that leads them through subterranean tunnels and to a secret organization, they face another threat too: a ghost from Adrian's past who's about to bring war to their doorstep.

 USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

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This morning, I have a romantic fantasy novel in our book blitz spotlight. Learn about Sword of Hadrian and author Chloelia Salome and get this book for your summer reading list! 

Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy

Date Published: March 17, 2025

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But magic comes with its own dangers. To protect herself and her newfound powers, Sashki must keep everything secret, including her growing feelings for the prince of Carserae. Though magic is banned in Carserae, Sashki persuades the prince to assist her in fulfilling her destiny, all while keeping her abilities a closely guarded secret. As they embark on a journey to confront the kingdom's fate, Sashki finds herself torn between her heart and her responsibility. 

In a world where love and duty collide, Sashki must confront the truth of her identity, her powerful connection to the prince, and the heartbreaking sacrifice required to save her people. Will she destroy the brother she never knew, or can she find a way to save both him and the kingdom without losing herself in the process? 

Sword of Hadrian is a captivating fantasy romance novel that explores the complexities of love, magic, and destiny, where every choice comes with a price.

 Chloelia Salome initially wrote and published the first version of the Sword of Hadrian in high school, which is now revisited and reimagined in this newest release. Now the author of nine titles, Salome blends epic fantasy with emotional depth, creating a story that’s as moving as it is thrilling.

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Today, I have a motorcycle club romance novel to share! Learn about Riot from the Kiss of Death MC series by Marteeka Karland--and you can check out the other books of the series and preorder this book today on Amazon! 

(Kiss of Death MC)

Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: June 20, 2025

Violet -- In my world, girls aren’t deemed useful for much other than to be married off, creating a tie to a rival family. I did my job. I married the man my family chose, and I got pregnant right away. Now my life is a nightmare, wondering if this is the day someone will kill me, or worse, take my son. When Caleb witnesses the abuse I live with, he gives me an ultimatum. Leave his father, or Caleb will kill the man himself. That’s when my lawyer introduces me to Quinn Devereaux, the man known as Riot. He asks me a question I’ve never heard before. What do you need, Violet? 

Riot -- I was gone the first moment I laid eyes on the tiny woman with the suspicious twelve-year-old guarding her like a pit bull. She’s my service requirement assignment -- to protect her and her kid from her husband and father. Domestic abuse is never pretty, but her story hits way too close to home. I’ll watch over them, and in the end, I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent history from repeating itself. Even if it means I risk going back to prison.

Warning: Riot (Kiss of Death MC 4) deals with issues of domestic abuse that may be triggers for some readers.

About the Author

Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited, vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers.

Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts (which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with Marteeka's latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her website. Don't forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you with a potpourri of Teeka's beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.

Connect with the Author & Publisher

Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

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Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15

There's a certain magic to a farmer's market. It's the vibrant chaos of colors—the deep purple of an eggplant, the sunny burst of a lemon, the earthy brown of a potato still dusted with soil. It's the smell of fresh basil mingling with sweet kettle corn. It's the hum of community, of chatting with the person who grew your food.

When you bring that canvas tote bag of seasonal treasures home, the next chapter begins in the kitchen. For many of us, cooking is more than just following steps; it's an act of storytelling. We're connecting with the land, with the season, and with the people we're about to feed.

If you believe the story behind the food is just as nourishing as the meal itself, this reading list is for you. We're going beyond the standard cookbook to explore the memoirs, novels, and guides that capture the true spirit of farmer's market cooking.

The Cookbooks (That Read Like Stories)

These aren't your average recipe-a-page collections. These are beautifully written seasonal cookbooks that teach the why behind the what, empowering you to look at a pile of fresh vegetables and see endless possibilities.

For the Authentic Farm-to-Table Experience:  

Dishing up the Dirt: Simple Recipes for Cooking Through the Seasons by Andrea Bemis

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to run a farm and cook with its bounty, this book is your answer. Andrea Bemis isn't just a chef; she's a farmer at Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon. This cookbook is a genuine reflection of her life, filled with personal stories, stunning photography, and 100 recipes organized by season. Her food is rustic, accessible, and completely inspired by what’s being pulled from the ground. It’s the perfect bridge from the market stall to your kitchen.

Available on Amazon  

For the Intuitive Cook: 

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat

If the farmer's market is your palette, Samin Nosrat's masterpiece is the art class you need. This book is less about rigid recipes and more about teaching you the fundamental principles of flavor. By understanding how salt enhances, fat carries flavor, acid balances, and heat transforms, you'll be able to approach your market haul with confidence and creativity. It's a book that reads like a conversation with a brilliant, encouraging friend, and its lessons will stick with you forever.

Available on Amazon 

For the Seasonal Devotee:  

Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden

This is the ultimate farmer's market companion. McFadden, a chef with a background in farm management, divides the year into six seasons—not four—to better capture the nuances of what's truly fresh. He'll change the way you look at a simple carrot or a humble cabbage. The recipes are rustic, restaurant-quality, and designed to make vegetables the star of the plate. This book is an ode to seasonal eating in its purest form.

Available on Amazon 

The Memoirs (When the Kitchen is the Main Character)

Sometimes, the most memorable meals are seasoned with memory and emotion. These are the best food memoirs for readers who understand that a kitchen holds more than just ingredients—it holds a life.

For the Unflinching Foodie:  

Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton

Available on Amazon 

For the Cozy Home Cook:  

Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin

 Available on Amazon

The Fiction (Where Recipes Drive the Plot)

Looking for novels for foodies? These food-centric novels use dishes and ingredients to reveal character, drive the plot, and immerse you in a world where food is a language all its own.

For Lovers of Character and Local Flavor: 

Kitchens of the Great Midwest J. Ryan Stradal

Each chapter in this masterful novel is told from the perspective of a different character and centers on a specific dish, like lutefish or chocolate habaneros. Stradal traces the ingredients back to their Midwestern roots, creating a rich tapestry of flavors, people, and places. It’s a story that truly explores the connection of food with community and identity.

Available on Amazon 

For a Touch of Magic: 

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

A classic of culinary fiction, this novel explores how emotion can be physically infused into food. The protagonist, Tita, can only express her powerful feelings through her cooking, with magical and dramatic results for those who eat her food. It’s a beautiful, imaginative story that perfectly illustrates how cooking can be the ultimate act of emotional expression.

Available on Amazon 

The next time you visit the farmer’s market, let these stories linger in your mind. Cooking and reading are both acts of connection—to the earth, to our history, and to each other.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite food-centric books that go beyond the cookbook? Share your recommendations in the comments below!