SPOTLIGHT - YA HISTORICAL FICTION - CROSSROADS OF EMPIRE by Michael J. Cooper

The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire.

Having survived German artillery, poison gas & friendly fire, Evan barely survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.

 

Crossroads of Empire
Book 2
by Michael J. Cooper
Genre: YA Historical WWI Fiction

 

Winner of the 2024 CIBA Hemingway First Place Prize for 20th Century Wartime Historical Fiction

 

2024 SF Writers Conference Writing Contest Finalist-Adult Fiction

 

". . . both a gripping page turner and a series of carefully observed character studies. Beautifully written in a voice and in details that capture the era, Crossroads of Empire is a must-read for readers of all ages" -Chanticleer Book Reviews

 

The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.

 Likewise, Evan doesn't recall that, despite the European war, the true source of conflict is in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem's Temple Mount that Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor over Arabian oil reserves and the Suez Canal.

 The Middle East Front soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as Evan's story is interwoven with those of historical figures Gertrude Bell, T. E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein, and Chaim Weizmann.

 During his quest to recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline-an unbroken lineage that stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great War. 

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Wages of Empire
Book 1

Grand prize winner - 2022 CIBA Dante Rossetti Award for YA fiction
First place honors - 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for wartime fiction
#1 Amazon Best Seller—Jan 2024—Historical World War I Fiction

 

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

 

“Masterful storytelling will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling (historical WWI) novel. A winner!”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue Madagascar and the Homeland Novels

 “The characters, historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives relentlessly forward. Bravo!”–Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill novels

 “A beautifully written tale...exhibits seamless research in illuminating unforgettable historical and fictional characters...a tour de force!” –Professor Ronit Meroz, Dept of Jewish Philosophy and Talmud, Tel-Aviv University, Israel

 “This superb historical novel is a must read...directly relates to issues we face today.” –Rizek Abusharr – Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA

 “Cooper has made this period of history come alive. It is a treat to read.” –Rabbi David Zisenwine, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Education, Tel Aviv University

 “A Young Indiana Jones–style adventure.” –KIRKUS reviews

 “Story is gripping and the characters that he describes come alive through his skillful writing. I couldn’t put it down!” –Rabbi Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, B’nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA

**On Sale for Only .99cents until Feb 7th!!**

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Michael J Cooper writes historical mysteries set in the Holy Land at major turning points of history—all the while subtly promoting the notions of coexistence and peace. His books have won multiple awards and include; Foxes in the Vineyard (winner of the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest Grand Prize), set in 1948 Jerusalem, The Rabbi’s Knight (finalist for the CIBA 2014 Chaucer Award for historical fiction) set at the twilight of the Crusades in 1290, and his current novel, Wages of Empire set at the start of WWI in 1914 and winner of the CIBA 2022 Grand Prize for young adult fiction as well as the Hemingway first prize for wartime historical fiction. A sequel of Wages of Empire, Crossroads of Empire, will be published in the fall of 2024, and the unpublished manuscript has already won first prize honors in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway wartime historical fiction category. 

 A native of Berkeley, California, Cooper absconded to Israel after high school and spent the next eleven years studying and working there. He lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan, studied at Hebrew University, and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School. He returned to the US to specialize in pediatric cardiology, and after 40 years of practice, he continues to return to the Middle East for biannual volunteer missions serving Palestinian children who lack access to care. Otherwise, he lives in Northern California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children occasionally drop by.  

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SPOTLIGHT - PNR - STONE OF HOPE (Stones of Iona, #4) by Margaret Izard

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Stone of Hope
Stones of Iona, #4
by Margaret Izard
Genre: Time Travel, Paranormal Romance 

In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.

Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

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**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**

Stone of Love, book 1, Brielle and Colin’s 18^th century Scottish story. 

Stone of Fear, Book 2, Marie and John’s 13^th century Scottish story. 

Stone of Lust, Book 3, Ainslie and Rannick’s Viking tale. 

Thistle in the Mistletoe featuring a couple in the past from Stone of Love.

Next in the series:  

Stone of Doubt, book 5 coming 2025, 

Holly and Ivy, a Christmas companion book. 

Stone of Faith, book 6. 

Stone of Destiny, book 7. 

Evergreen Evermore, a Christmas companion book.

This series leads into another connected series, Dragons of Tantallon, a dragon-shapeshifter series revolving around the magic Iona Stones.

Find them on Amazon! 

 

 

 

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

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SPOTLIGHT - ROMANTASY - A CURSE OF THORNS AND SLUMBER

One kiss could awaken a kingdom… or doom it to eternal darkness.

A Curse of Thorns and Slumber: 
A Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Legends Reborn, #2
by Marie-Hélène Lebeault
Genre: Clean Romantasy Fairytale Retelling

A cursed prince. A dangerous dream world. A girl who holds the key to their salvation.

One kiss could awaken a kingdom… or doom it to eternal darkness.

When a reluctant thief with the power to control thorns is forced to break an ancient curse, she must risk entering the dangerous Dreamplane to save a cursed prince—but some magic comes with a price too deadly to pay.

In the kingdom of Solstraea, where the skies are gray and thorns rule the land, a centuries-old curse has imprisoned Prince Kael in an eternal sleep. Only one person can break the spell—Liora Thornhand, a thief with a rare, dangerous gift she never wanted.

Captured and offered a deal she cannot refuse, Liora must venture into the deadly Dreamplane to find Kael’s heart, hidden deep within a magical rose. But as she battles nightmare creatures and faces her own dark past, she learns that waking the prince might cost her more than just her freedom—it might cost her life.

In a world filled with twisted thorns, cursed roses, and dangerous shadows, Liora will have to decide: will she risk everything to save a kingdom she doesn’t belong to, or will she let it fall into eternal darkness?

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, "A Curse of Thorns and Slumber" is a spellbinding mix of dark fantasy, romance, and a daring quest through a world where magic is as treacherous as it is beautiful.

A Curse of Thorns and Slumber is the second book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure. Books can be read in any order.

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A Curse of Snow and Ash: 
A Snow White Retelling
Legends Reborn, #1 

She holds the power of fire and ice—now, she must decide which one will rule.

Valira, the forgotten princess of the Ash Court, has lived her life hidden from both her past and her dangerous magic. When she is thrust into a world of ice and fire, hunted by two rival courts, she must unlock her powers to stop a war—and perhaps find herself along the way.

In a world where fire and ice have been at war for centuries, Valira, an exiled princess with no memory of her past, is hunted for the power she doesn't understand. Born from a forbidden union between the Courts of Snow and Ash, Valira wields both fire and ice, a magic that could save or destroy the realm.

When a cold-hearted assassin from the Snow Court, Prince Caelan, is sent to kill her, their fates become entwined. As they race against time to uncover the truth about her origins and the curse that threatens the kingdoms, Valira must learn to control her volatile powers before the war consumes them both.

Enemies lurk in every shadow, and trust is as fragile as ice. But amid the chaos, a dangerous bond forms between Valira and Caelan—one that could melt the coldest hearts or spark a fire that consumes them both.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse of Snow and Ash is a breathtaking blend of elemental magic, fierce romance, and high-stakes fantasy.

A Curse of Snow of Ash is the first book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure.

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Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in fantasy, magic, and time travel. With important coming-of-age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.

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SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - ANTHOLOGY SCIENCE FICTION - BEYOND EARTH: Romance Collections Limited Editions, #14

Discover passion among the stars…

Blast off to the future with this limited-edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Beyond Earth
Romance Collections Limited Editions, #14
A Limited Edition Collection of Sci-Fiction Romance
with stories by
Celia Breslin, Stephanie Morris, Candice Gilmer, Leslie Chase,
 Alina Riley, Robin O’Connor, Sky Robert, Lola Blix

Discover passion among the stars…

Blast off to the future with this limited edition collection of sizzling, science fiction romance stories!

Otherworldly seduction and intergalactic adventures await you in these high-heat, open-door tales from a diverse group of authors. Meet alien gladiators, cyborgs, AI lifeforms, psychic aliens, interstellar royalty, psy-changelings, fearless humans, and more. Visit alien worlds, travel on high-tech vessels, and immerse yourself in red-hot seduction blazing brighter than any quasar.

The Beyond Earth anthology is a pulse-pounding, toe-curling journey into the cosmos. If you enjoy out-of-this-world romance with guaranteed happily ever afters, lovers from different worlds, fated mates, enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine, rescue romance, and more, then you’ll love this treasure trove of spicy, steamy, futuristic stories.

Order your copy of Beyond Earth to begin your passion-filled voyage into the galaxy today!

Including stories by:

Candice Gilmer - NY Times and USA Today bestselling author

Stephanie Morris - USA Today bestselling author

Leslie Chase - USA Today bestselling author

Alina Riley

Robin O’Connor

Celia Breslin

Sky Robert

Lola Blix

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Claiming Kaden 

by Celia Breslin

Sparks fly when a battle-hardened cyborg rescues a sassy human lost in the cosmos…

 

Earth-girl Calie is out of hope. Kidnapped, enslaved, then abandoned by aliens, she’s sure to suffer a slow death on their stupid space station. Then new trouble arrives, claiming her as their property, but hot on their heels is a grumpy guy with a big hot bod and blazing eyes… The thrill setting her skin afire has less to do with potential rescue or New Guy’s battle prowess, and everything to do with the way he looks at her.

 Cyborg soldier Kaden is unamused by his enemy’s unhealthy interest in the vulnerable lone female with a sharp tongue and wild braids. Her terrible aim is complicating his rescue attempts, but her bravery, stubbornness, and velvet voice send electric need through both his human and cybernetic systems. He’ll do anything to save her.

 Kaden wants to explore his attraction to Calie and claim her as his, but his sworn enemy’s relentless pursuit and Calie’s own skittishness challenge his goal. Calie appreciates all the cyborg has done for her, but she’s homesick and unsure about diving into a relationship, even if the hunky cyborg is the nicest man and best kisser in the universe.

 While the enemy horde stalks them across the galaxy, can they learn to trust each other with both their lives and their hearts?

 CLAIMING KADEN is a spicy, open-door, Fated Mates Rescue Romance, and the first installment in Celia Breslin’s CYBORG GUARDIANS OF THE AURORA science fiction romance series. If you like take-no-prisoners cyborgs and sassy heroines, sizzling seduction and intergalactic adventure, check out CLAIMING KADEN today!

  

 

 

Celia Breslin lives in San Francisco, California, USA, with her family, which includes three feisty felines who like to stalk across her keyboard while she’s hard at work crafting urban fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal romances. Her current creature obsessions are cyborgs, the Fae, vampires, wolf shifters, and warrior-class angels, and her action-packed stories include some of her favorite tropes: fated mates, second chances, rescue romance, opposites attract, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and more.

 When not glued to her laptop, Celia likes to work out, read books (of course!), hang with her family, and binge-watch sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and movies. Matcha lattes keep her fueled for All The Life Stuff!

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COVER REVEAL - CONTEMPORARY - MY GRAPE CRUSH by Rowan Rossler

My Grape Crush

by Rowan Rossler

Publication date: March 23rd 2025

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

BLURB

Every woman with a pulse knows who Rhys Trenton is. Influencer sensation. Global icon. A serious piece of man candy living the celebrity dream in his palazzo on Corfu. In no legitimate universe should the golden path of my social media crush ever cross with mine.

Except it does.

I’m Dani Rialto—jobless and vulnerable after a failed workplace romance shattered my confidence. When a prestigious winery offers me a dream marketing gig, there’s just one tiny problem. The new spokesperson for their rosé is none other than the free-spirited Rhys. And he lands in my sleepy wine town for five weeks to do whatever this buttoned-up career girl says.

Listen, I can play it cool. But after an embarrassing start to our working relationship, it turns out more than grapes can thrive in the heat. As a surprisingly complex Rhys melts my inhibitions, his fame sparks unexpected chaos, forcing us both to challenge our guarded hearts, that, like the finest vintages, can only breathe when we open them up.

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Author Info

Rowan Rossler writes spicy romance tales and is an aficionado of all things Italian—coffee, cars, clothing, and men!

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Find me on Facebook for all things love, literary & beautiful men: ➡ handle: rowan rossler

Or Tik Tokers, you know who you are! ➡ handle: rowan rossler

A little about me: I am hopeless romantic on a mission to make the world a better place, one love story at a time. I have a soft spot for animals, love to laugh, and never met a glass of champagne I didn't like.

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