WORTH THE FIGHT by Liz Durano – Featured New Release

WORTH THE FIGHT

LIZ DURANO

When the woman you’ve loved for years walks back into your life with a ticking biological clock…

Six years ago, Cassie Reynolds was my Harvard mentor—the brilliant woman who taught me everything about business and left me wanting more than professional guidance. Now she’s back as Pierce Enterprises’ Chief Compliance Officer, hired to ensure I don’t make mistakes as the company’s newly appointed CEO.

There’s just one problem: I never stopped thinking about her.

When I discover she’s planning single motherhood through a fertility clinic because she thinks time’s running out, every instinct I have—shaped by Filipino family values that prioritize community over independence—tells me she shouldn’t face this alone.

I could keep my distance. Let her pursue her clinical solution while I focus on proving myself as CEO. Stay safely within professional boundaries while she builds the family she’s always wanted.

Or I could fight for what we could have together.

A partnership. A family. A future where neither of us has to face life’s biggest challenges alone.

The board already questions whether I’m ready to lead. Getting involved with my Chief Compliance Officer could cost me everything I’ve worked for. But watching Cassie plan for single motherhood when I could give her so much more? That’s a risk I can’t ignore.

Some things are worth fighting for—even when the odds are stacked against you. Even when loving her could destroy my career. Even when she’s convinced our nine-year age gap and professional complications make us impossible.

Especially then.

Because the biggest risk isn’t falling in love with the woman I’m not supposed to want.

It’s letting her walk away when we could build something extraordinary together.

Buy Link: Amazon

Although Liz studied Journalism in college, she discovered that she preferred writing fiction over ad copy, and so these days, she writes women’s fiction and romance. She lives in Southern California with her family and a senior Chihuahua mix who keeps guard of her writing space and a growing pile of books (and wool for when she needs to spin for inspiration).

You can follow Liz’s book adventures by visiting and connecting with her via her social media accounts:

Website: lizduranobooks.com
Facebook: facebook.com/lizduranobooks
Instagram: instagram.com/lizdurano
Threads: threads.com/@lizdurano
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lizdurano
Pinterest: pinterest.com/lizdurano
Ream: reamstories.com/lizdurano

ALANNAH ROBERTS – Featured Author

Alannah Roberts—wifey, mum to one beautiful baby girl, fur mum to a battalion of Pomeranians, corporate baddie by day, and aspiring author by night (fueled by crispy Coke Zeros and occasionally questionable decisions).

Alannah lives in Australia, but she was born and partially raised in the Philippines. Books have been her escape, her comfort, and her obsession for as long as she can remember. She has cried, laughed, and screamed her way through stories that left a mark on her soul—and now, she dreams of writing ones that do the same.

She started writing Collide back in 2012, but fear and doubt turned it into a secret side project. After surviving an ectopic pregnancy that nearly took her life, Alannah made a promise to herself—and to her daughter—to stop playing small. To chase her dreams. To be brave.

One day, Alannah hopes to live on a little farm, surrounded by books, her family, and her fur babies, writing stories that make people feel something—every day until the end of her days.

Connect with Alannah:

Website Instagram TikTok Threads

COLLIDE: The Rhapsody of Heartbeats Book 1

One city. Two hearts. And a collision that changes everything

Elena Montgomery returns to New York with nothing but a guitar and a promise to keep. Her family’s name carries weight, but after a bitter divorce shattered her childhood, it’s not legacy she’s chasing—it’s freedom.

Then she meets him. The charming, mysterious stranger who crashes into her life and awakens a part of her she’s kept hidden. The chemistry is explosive. The connection? Addictive. But fame, secrets, and the ghosts of their pasts threaten to tear it all apart.

As the pressure builds and the spotlight grows harsher, Elena is forced to choose: chase the life she’s always wanted or risk everything for the kind of love that burns too hot to last.

Collide is a seductive, emotional rollercoaster about passion, fame, family, and the fierce journey to finding your voice—even when your heart is on the line.

Buy Links:

Kindle Unlimited

Alannah’s Shop

FLOAT: A Collide Short Story

Float is a whimsical short story told from the point of view of a weedy sea dragon featured in Collide—specifically during Chapter 13, when the main characters share a romantic indoor picnic at the aquarium.

Needless to say, things get a little wet.

A light-hearted, cheeky companion piece set in the Collide universe—a fun, imaginative peek beneath the tank.

For the best experience, it’s recommended that you read Collide by Alannah Roberts first.

Preorder Link:

Kindle Unlimited (Release Date: December 13, 2025)

All proceeds from this short story will be donated to the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, which inspired the setting for the scene, and to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which helps protect the natural habitat of the Australian weedy sea dragon.

CHRISTINA SOL – Featured Author

Christina Sol is an award-winning author who writes what she loves to read—romance books filled with heart, heat, and suspense.

An avid reader from the get-go, Christina was obsessed with The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley High, Christopher Pike, and all things V. C. Andrews. Her love for romance started with the Sunfire books, a YA historical romance series. Caroline by Willo Davis Roberts was her favorite of the series, and a copy of the 1984 novel is one of her most treasured possessions. Then she discovered Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts. And never looked back. She’s still a voracious reader and enjoys all genres of romance but leans toward romantic suspense and dark romance.

She lives in the inland Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing, reading, or knitting, she’s watching football or fueling her planner, sticker, and washi-tape obsession.

For two Type A workaholics, navigating a three-month fake relationship should be no problem. But as they blur the line between pretend and real, deadly violence erupts around them. Someone is out to destroy them…

As co-owner of The Spotted Dog, Jake Alvarez is an admitted workaholic. Along with his duties at the Seattle Irish pub, he runs Alvarez Technologies, a wildly successful mobile gaming company. With the ghosts of his past lingering, his hectic schedule is the perfect excuse to keep romantic relationships at the very bottom of his priority list.

After a three-year absence, Carmen Cunningham has returned to Seattle to lead her family’s nonprofit organization. With her polished facade in place, she’s determined to focus on work, and not the matchmaking busy bodies constantly reminding her of her age. And her three failed marriages.

A fake relationship between the two friends is the perfect solution. Until their playful flirting becomes more. As the secrets they’ve been hiding begin to surface, someone is watching. Someone intent on destroying them…

Buy Link:

Amazon – https://mybook.to/Returning

I always enjoy meeting new-to-me romance authors when I attend book signing events. It’s extra special when the author is a fellow Filipina American like Christina.

The continued growth of our writing community brings me great happiness. Stories of Filipino love and joy need to be told. The more of us sharing aspirational and uplifting tales, the better.

I’m hoping to see Christina again in future book events and read more of her stories that highlight Filipino lead characters.

THE EYE OF THE STORM by Zoey Fox – Featured New Release

THE EYE OF THE STORM

Zoey York

BLURB

Cassie Hawthorne never planned to come back to Freedom, Montana. But after a humiliating betrayal and a life that’s crumbled beneath her feet, the quiet town she once called home is the only place left to run. Haunted by memories of her childhood, and the boy who shattered her heart, Cassie returns to rebuild her life-one step, one breath, one guarded heartbeat at a time.

Trenton Delsey never forgot the girl who got away. He buried his regrets beneath ranch work, family responsibilities, and the toxic relationship he never had the strength to escape. But when Cassie walks back into town, Trenton’s carefully constructed world begins to crack, and long-buried secrets start to rise.

Drawn together by old feelings and unresolved pain, Cassie and Trenton find themselves navigating the wreckage of their past. But their reunion is more than just emotional-it’s dangerous. Because beneath the surface of Freedom lies a tangled mystery involving the disappearance of billionaire Evan Ransom… and someone will do anything to keep the truth hidden.

As Cassie is pulled into the heart of the investigation-and into the crosshairs of a manipulative woman with everything to lose-Trenton must confront the darkest night of his life: a car crash, a cover-up, and the guilt that’s been eating away at him ever since. What Brenda Walsh knows could destroy him. But what Trenton finally remembers could save them both.

With the help of his fiercely loyal family-including his brother Alex, a U.S. Marshal with his own secrets-Trenton fights for redemption, while Cassie fights for freedom from a past that’s always had a hold on her. Together, they’ll discover that love is not the absence of storms, but the place you find shelter in the middle of one.

Gripping, romantic, and emotionally raw, The Eye of the Storm is a sweeping small-town love story where danger lurks behind every secret-and healing comes at the cost of the truth.

Buy Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Website

ABOUT ZOEY

Zoey Fox writes sweeping small-town romances filled with second chances, family bonds, and a touch of storm-tossed drama. She’s the creator of The Delsey Dozen series, set in the heart of Freedom, Montana, where love, secrets, and resilience collide.

When she’s not writing, Zoey enjoys hiking, reading, and gathering inspiration from her own community and family life in upstate New York. She believes in stories that remind us love is worth fighting for—and that even in life’s fiercest storms, we can choose joy, belonging, and happily-ever-afters.

Follow Zoey:

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REVIEW

To follow.

THE END GAME by Michael Scott Clifton – LSLL Book Campaign

THE END GAME

By Michael Scott Clifton

Contemporary Sports Romance

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: August 8, 2025

SYNOPSIS

Eager to put his past behind him, Chris Cooper takes the head basketball job at Mayfield High School in Northeast Texas. Haunted by a history of rocky relationships, he’s surprised by the sparks his landlady, single mom, Jennie Sloan, ignites in him.

Despite trust issues from her own tumultuous past, something about the tall coach with emerald-green eyes makes Jennie believe in second chances. When her young son bonds with Cooper, the barriers Jennie built around her heart begin to crumble.

Excited about the raw potential of his team, Cooper is blindsided by Rocco Rawlings, the arrogant Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. The AD demands Cooper’s entire team play football. When Cooper refuses, Rawlings works to undermine the basketball program, and Cooper is forced to find inventive ways to succeed.

As the stakes rise on and off the court, Cooper and Jennie must contend with the demons of their past to protect the fragile flame they’ve lit, while Cooper’s scrappy team—fueled by grit, heart and a shared dream—might just defy the odds and reach the ultimate end game.

A state championship.

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Journey into realms of magic and mystery

Michael Scott Clifton is a rapacious reader, gardener, and movie junkie. A resident of East Texas, he lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Melanie. A multi-award winning author, his books include The Treasure Hunt Club, The Janus Witch, and the Conquest of the Veil Series—The Open Portal, Escape From Wheel, A Witch’s Brew, and Cavern of the Veil Queen, and the award-wining Teen/YA novel, Edison Jones and the Anti-Grav Elevator. Pringle Prawn, an urban fantasy novel, is a 2024 Reader’s Favorite Book Award winner. Google him @authormsclifton, or visit his website at www.michaealscottclifton.com

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THREE WINNERS:

1. Signed PB Copy, 2. Epub copy, 3. $20 Amazon GC

US Only.

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REVIEW

Texas-style Hoosiers meets a Hallmark movie, in book form. With its small-town, underdog-basketball-team-goes-to-the-state-championship feel-good story, paired with a sweet romance, The End Game checks all my boxes for an incredibly satisfying read.

… our lives aren’t blank pages in a book … We can’t skip the parts we don’t like and flip ahead to the parts we do.”

Michael Scott Clifton’s writing shows a cinematic quality that makes his work a great candidate for film adaptation. His deft use of classic storytelling elements—characters, setting, back story, conflict, and action—yielded a book that a wide range of readers would find engaging. Sports, romance, drama, faith. There’s something in it for everyone to enjoy.

From the first dribble of the ball, always look where you’re going, not where you’ve been.”

The large cast of characters includes a sympathetic hero in basketball coach Chris Cooper, a fascinating love-interest in Jennie, an obstructive antagonist in Rawlings, a wise mentor in Julius, and a wonderful group of young athletes who are easy to root for. The romance between Cooper and Jennie, although fast-paced, was seamlessly integrated into the story and enhanced the overall theme rather than distracting from it. Jennie and her son Josh were essential parts of Cooper’s personal endgame.

Individual players don’t win games. Teams do.”

The basketball scenes are where this book shines the most. Mr. Clifton’s descriptions of the players’ moves in the games and Cooper’s strategic coaching instructions made the book come alive. There were several heart-in-throat moments as well as fist-pump celebrations. It was as if I was watching the action on TV without the added cursing-at-the-referees part of the normal viewing experience.

In essence, The End Game is a slam dunk of a story. Swish.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLTheEndGame on your preferred social media platform.

CLICK TO VISIT THE  LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE CAMPAIGN PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH REVIEWER PARTICIPATING.

CANYON OF DECEIT by DiAnn Mills – LSLL Book Campaign: Review and Giveaway

Canyon of Deceit

By DiAnn Mills

Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Tyndale Fiction

Pages: 338

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

SYNOPSIS

A child. A deadly conspiracy. A race against time.

When survival expert Therese Palmer is called to find a kidnapped girl, she quickly realizes the truth is more dangerous than she imagined. Enlisting the help of Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, they track the girl’s last known location deep in the Guadalupe Mountains—where every clue leads to more deception. As Russian organized crime and a deadly assassination plot come to light, Therese and Blane must fight against ruthless enemies and their growing attraction. Will they find the girl before time runs out, or will she become a pawn in a much bigger game?

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is known for her gripping romantic suspense novels where readers can Expect An Adventure. With multiple Christy Awards and numerous bestsellers, her stories captivate readers with their depth and intensity. A passionate storyteller and dedicated mentor, DiAnn is also a coffee connoisseur and proud grandmother living in Houston, Texas.

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REVIEW

Heart-wrenching prologue. Catch-your-breath action adventure. Second-chance romance. Faith-centered story. Danger at every turn and thrilling international intrigue. DiAnn Mills’s Canyon of Deceit has it all.

Hope is a reason to live when the world erupts into madness.”

Ms. Mills delivered once more a fast-paced, high-stakes romantic suspense novel with a strong Christian belief at its core. As I’ve come to expect from her, the main characters, Therese Palmer and Blane Gardner, are excellent at their jobs and worthy of respect. Their tragic back stories make it easy to sympathize with them and root for them to triumph against all odds. What they were missing in terms of luck, they made up for in bravery and fierce determination to complete their mission. They are deserving of a hopeful future together after going through everything Ms. Mills threw their way. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that at the end of the book, bruised and battered Therese and Blane truly earned their happily-ever-after.

Nothing is guaranteed. Neither life nor death.”

The situation with the antagonists is super complicated, and some aspects of the Russian subplot went over my head. It gave a proper backdrop to explain the involvement of the FBI and the Texas Rangers, but the violence and loss of lives and properties leaned towards excessive. The bright light in the midst of all the bloodshed is the little girl Alina. She provided the focal point of the story and the motivation for the actions taken by both sides — good and bad.

It’s not what we lose that defines our character—it’s what we learn.”

An exhilarating read. Thanks to the publisher and Lone Star Literary Life for providing me with an advanced copy to review and for including me in the campaign.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLCanyonofDeceit on your preferred social media platform.

CLICK TO VISIT THE  LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE CAMPAIGN PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH REVIEWER PARTICIPATING.

TO CONDEMN A WITCH by Lisa A. Traugott – LSLL Book Campaign: Review & Giveaway

TO CONDEMN A WITCH

By LISA A. TRAUGOTT

Historical Fantasy

Publisher: Rose Castle Media

Pages: 399

Publication Date: August 11, 2025

SYNOPSIS

A stolen scroll. A cursed bloodline. A prophecy that binds three witches across life and death…

Scotland, 1729. When clairvoyant healer Fiona MacLeod discovers an enchanted scroll, she awakens a prophecy linking her fate to two other women: Eleanor, a servant-turned-mistress caught in a scandal, and Matilda, a vengeful ghost burned for witchcraft. Together, they must form a coven—maiden, mother, and crone—to protect a changeling child marked by ancient magic.

But a ruthless witch hunter is closing in—one who will stop at nothing to destroy the child and the women sworn to defend her.

Spanning the infamous Hellfire Caves of England to haunted Scottish glens and the wilds of colonial Virginia, To Condemn a Witch is a haunting prequel in the Tales of the Witchblood series—a dark tale of feminine power, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between witches who rise, no matter how often they are condemned.

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa A. Traugott is the award-winning author of the Tales of the Witchborn series (To Rescue a Witch and To Condemn a Witch), a haunting historical fantasy saga in the realm of ghosts, goddesses, and rebellion. She double majored in history and theater to guarantee unemployment yet somehow became a full-time author. An original cast member on American Grit with John Cena, she also had five lines on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

She lives in Austin with her husband and two kids where they enjoy walking ghost tours and telling scary stories around the campfire. You can get a FREE chapter of To Rescue a Witch at LisaTraugott.com.

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REVIEW

Ms. Traugott must have a touch of the supernatural herself, because she concocted a spellbinding story that kept me engrossed for several hours straight. To Condemn A Witch is fantastical, with its themes of ancient spirituality and magic, and is also rooted in factual historical events. The combination makes for a fascinating read.

Told from multiple points of view, the story spans several decades and various locations, both real and fictional, including Scotland, London, across the Atlantic, the Virginia Colony, and the Otherworld. The author’s impeccable research provided a backdrop that was so vividly described, it almost felt like the reader time-traveled to witness the events firsthand as they unfolded. Many of the scenes were gruesome, horrifying, and some were even downright scary. But there were also tender moments and funny segments as well.

The major characters were complex and compelling. The villains (the witch hunter, the betrayed wife, the shape shifter) revealed themselves early and were consistent in their evil deeds. Those who were considered protagonists (the coven members — Fiona, Matilda, and Eleanor; William MacLeod) were not necessarily likable or sympathetic, but they had redeeming qualities that proved their humanity and placed them on the right side of the story. They had strengths and flaws, which gave them dimensions that enriched the story. Matilda especially stands out for having made realizations about herself throughout the course of the story that guided her actions later.

Although this book was released later than Book 2, I recommend reading it first before To Rescue A Witch for a more complete experience. Be aware of the contents that may cause anxiety or discomfort — violence, deaths, mature themes, slavery, and historically accurate but objectionable language.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLToCondemnAWitch on your preferred social media platform.

CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE CAMPAIGN PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH REVIEWER PARTICIPATING.

ANJ MIRANDA – Featured Author

Anj Miranda knew she wanted to be an author since she began scribbling stories with crayons. She believes books are a way to travel and explore—and since she can’t just beam herself to a new destination, she counts on stories to give her that thrill. Give her flawed, complex characters, romance with all the feels, and a satisfying happily ever after any day of the week. Bonus points if the story takes place in a unique setting!

Anj lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, where you’ll find her tucked away at home with her laptop and a signature iced coffee.

Socials

Instagram – @authoranjmiranda
Threads – @authoranjmiranda
Facebook – Anj Miranda
TikTok – @authoranjmiranda
Pinterest – authoranjmiranda

Book Sites

Goodreads – Anj_Miranda
Amazon – Anj Miranda
Romance.io – Anj Miranda
Bookbub – Anj Miranda

THE REYES SIBLINGS SERIES

Book 1: The Off-Chance of Me and You

He’s an athlete at the top of his game, and she’s the girl he left behind. Now he’s asking for a second chance, but this time, she’s calling the shots.

Tala Reyes lives life dancing to a breathless beat. With two full-time jobs and a family to support, she has no time to dwell on what-ifs: What if her grandmother never got sick? What if she never left Manila? And definitely not what if Jason Meyer hadn’t ghosted her in college?

The world knows Jason as the NBA golden boy, but to Tala, he was her first friend in the US—and her first taste of heartbreak. So when he shows up in town, she reminds herself not to cave to his overdue apology and superstar charm. She has more than enough to worry about, especially when she discovers her work visa is on the line.

Despite her doubts, he’s determined to make up for his absence. Tala wonders: what if she gave this thing between them a chance?

They’re from different worlds, and their futures have never been more uncertain. But it’s just for the summer, right? No big deal.

Famous last words.

The Off-Chance of Me and You is a second-chance, ex-friends-to-lovers romance with a slow burn and a dash of spice. This is the first standalone novel in the Reyes Siblings series.

Buy Links:

Books2Read Amazon Apple B&N Google Play Indigo Kobo

Book 2: The Odds of Happily Ever After

All bets are off when Little Miss Sunshine and her sister’s grumpy best friend learn to play nice.

Luna Reyes moved to the US with a dream: to prove herself to her family. After her older sister returns to Manila, Luna is determined to get through college on her own, despite her parents’ doubts and her insecurities. She doesn’t need a keeper—especially not her sister’s best friend. Not when he’s been a jerk to her since they met.

Gabe Martins has one goal: to build a stable life for himself. He has no patience for relationships—except when it comes to his best (and only) friend. So even though he wants nothing to do with Luna, he considers it his duty to check in on her. Sterling’s too small a town not to run into her anyway.

One text turns into a phone call, and soon, they’re going on a road trip without killing each other. It turns out he’s got a sweet side she always wanted, and she’s the bright spot he never thought he needed.

But with their goals at stake, will they go all in for a chance at happily ever after?

The Odds of Happily Ever After is a dislike-to-friends-to-lovers contemporary romance with a simmering slow burn and a dash of spice. It is the second novel in the Reyes Siblings series but can be read as a standalone.

Buy Links:

Books2Read Amazon Apple B&N Google Play Indigo Kobo

**Book 3: The Fallacy of True Love (releasing on August 12, 2025)**

The city boy with a promising future meets the beach town girl with a troubled past in this unlikely romance.

Alonzo Reyes has everything going for him: a close-knit family, a scholarship to law school, and his dream girlfriend. He’s golden…or so it seems. In reality, he’s floundering on the brink of that dreaded f-word. Failure.

After a revelation pushes him over the edge, he escapes to the waves of La Union and crashes right into the town’s resident grumpy surfer.

Cam Cruz has no blood ties, no college degree, and no boyfriend. But she loves her life near the sea with friends who feel like family. All she needs is a stable job—not an annoyingly attractive boy from Manila messing up her flow.

Alonzo can’t help being intrigued by the one girl he can’t seem to charm, and no matter how many times Cam says goodbye, fate has other plans. When their paths cross again, they learn that there’s more to each other than meets the eye. Judgments are questioned, emotions are compromised, and soon, their beliefs about love are put to the test.

Can they overcome their differences for the chance at an epic ride, or will they play it safe and stick to solid ground?

The Fallacy of True Love is a strangers-to-lovers contemporary romance with angst and spice. It is the last book in the Reyes Siblings series but can be read as a standalone.

Buy Links:

Books2Read Amazon Apple B&N Google Play Kobo Smashwords

Do you know that I also have a story with a main character named Reyes, set in the Philippines? It’s called PANAGAT featuring Belen Reyes.

Here’s the blurb:

US Air Force officer Jack O’Connor washes ashore on a remote island in Palawan, Philippines, and into the arms of its beautiful owner, Belen Reyes.

It’s free to read for my newsletter subscribers. If you’re a subscriber but haven’t downloaded it yet, access it via Bookfunnel. And if you haven’t subscribed, here’s the link to my newsletter. I promise not to spam you and only send out bookish news once a month.

I hope you check it out.

HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley – Book Campaign: Review and Giveaway

HIGHER LOVE

By JOANNE KUKANZA EASLEY

Women’s Literary Fiction

Publisher: Red Boots Press

Pages: 380

Publication Date: May 12, 2025

SYNOPSIS

Higher Love – the new release from Joanne Kukanza Easley, the multi-award-winning author of Sweet Jane, Just One Look, and I’ll Be Seeing You.

In 1986 Austin, Texas, sixteen-year-old Stephanie steps into sixty-two-year-old Lauren’s life, her uncanny resemblance cracking open a buried past. Claiming to be the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption forty-five years ago, Stephanie upends Lauren’s life—already complicated by her remarriage to Brett after thirty-three years apart. Stung by her adoptive grandmother’s deception, Stephanie stays, her past of tragedy and self-harm forging a fragile bond with Lauren and Brett. When Stephanie’s trust fund evaporates, crushing her college dreams, Lauren sacrifices all to give her a future—only to face a bittersweet twist that echoes the past and changes everything. This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts.

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon | B&N

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired registered nurse with experience in both the cold, clinical operating room and the highly charged world of psychiatric hospitals, lives in the Texas Hill Country, where she writes fiction about complicated, twentieth-century women. Her multi-award-winning debut, Sweet Jane, was named the adult fiction winner at the Texas Author Project and shortlisted for the Sarton Award and Eric Hoffer Award, among others. Just One Look, Joanne’s second novel, was a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick. I’ll Be Seeing You, her third novel, features characters from Sweet Jane. Look for her fourth novel, Higher Love, a sequel to her third book, in Spring 2025. Her prize-winning short stories and poetry have appeared in several anthologies.

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REVIEW

Having read and reviewed I’ll Be Seeing You by Ms. Easley, I was eager to return to the eighties and get an update on the fascinating life of Lauren Eaton. This sequel, Higher Love, retained all the elements I loved in the first book — the incredible support system that made up Lauren’s found family, the awesome sense of place in every location the characters visited, and the realistic and relatable portrayal of the protagonists in the story. I appreciate the balance of admirable qualities and understandable flaws that the author infused in Lauren, Brett, and Stephanie. They were utterly human, living a life of ups and downs. Real, but also an escape into another dimension with a guaranteed hopeful ending.

I enjoyed all the little details that firmly set the story in the mid-eighties and lent it so much authenticity. The descriptions of fashion, entertainment options, and mentions of historical milestones were familiar. They invoked nostalgia in this reader, who considers the decade of Rob Lowe and Stand By Me her favorite era. The scenes showing the generational gap between a grandmother and her teenage granddaughter were particularly entertaining.

This story of love managed to be light in places and deep in others, tackling issues such as alcoholism, death, mental health, and teenage pregnancy in a way that held gravity but did not descend into dark places.

Overall, an engaging story that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLHigherLove on your preferred social media platform.

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FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH REVIEWER PARTICIPATING.

TO L.A. WITH LOVE: A Charity Anthology – Featured New Release

TO L.A. WITH LOVE

A Charity Anthology

BLURB

When wildfires destroyed two beloved Los Angeles public libraries in January 2025, the romance community answered with heart.

In To L.A. With Love, 100+ local and international authors and poets weave tales filled with sexy contemporary passion, dreamy historical romance, and spellbinding magical encounters. From the sweetest kiss to steam between the sheets, these tales remind us why we fall in love with books—because like libraries, they offer refuge, inspire dreams, and bring people together.

This anthology celebrates the power of romance, and all proceeds from To L.A. With Love support the restoration of the Altadena and Pacific Palisades libraries, proving that love stories can heal more than fictional broken hearts—they can rebuild community. Pick up your copy today, and join us in writing a new chapter for Los Angeles.

Buy Link:

books2read.com/tolawithlove

Beneficiaries:

Altadena Library Foundation

https://www.altadenalibraryfoundation.org/

LAPL Palisades Branch Recovery Fund

https://lfla.org/laplrecoveryfund/

FEATURED AUTHORS

Aarti V Raman, USA Today Bestselling Author
Alexa Santi
Alexis Krasilovsky
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