Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows - Hollow Reign #3 - Contemporary Holiday Romance - and a Giveaway #Romance #ContemporaryRomance #HolidayRomance #Giveaway

Paula Dombrowiak is here to tell us about Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows, Hollow Reign #3, contemporary holiday romance.

There's also a great giveaway.

________________________

Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows

Paula Dombrowiak

(Hollow Reign, #3)

Publication date: October 6th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

He’s the uptight rockstar directing the music for my burlesque Christmas show, and driving the grumpy maestro to throw his sheet music is my favorite hobby.

Then we wake up married, and he can’t remember a single thing about our night together.

Theo Mercer is an arrogant control freak in rolled-up sleeves and glasses who thinks he can tame my headlining act. But on my stage, I call the shots. Beneath the falling stage snow, the friction between us is hot enough to burn the theater down.

When our accidental Vegas wedding explodes across the tabloids, Theo swallows his pride and drops to one knee to propose a holiday charade: play blissfully wedded—which means moving my insufferable new husband into my cramped studio apartment.

Forced proximity beneath the mistletoe turns our backstage feud into breathless passion, and behind closed doors, our fake marriage starts to feel dangerously real.

Except our vows have an expiration date. When the tinsel comes down on New Year’s, Theo has to leave.

He swears he’s coming back.

But I stopped believing in Christmas miracles a long time ago, after a string of men who never kept their word. If I let down my walls only to get burned by my fake husband… I won’t survive the fall.

Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows is Book 3 in the Hollow Reign Christmas Novellas, a series of interconnected, steamy holiday romances. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a guaranteed happily ever after.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

In sleep, she looks almost angelic.

Which would be a lot more convincing if I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing she’s a complete and utter menace in sequins and red lipstick who has spent the last couple of weeks driving me insane. The star of the Christmas show who argues with me about every note I wrote for her number. The woman who loves to push my buttons like no one I’ve ever met before.

Mara Delaney.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Do not tell me I did what I think I did.

My stomach drops as I lift the edge of the sheet and look down. Finding myself still in my boxers should be reassuring, but the relief is fleeting, swallowed almost immediately by a deeper sense of dread.

I turn my head toward Mara. The sheet has slipped just enough to expose the curve of her bare shoulder. I pinch the edge of the sheet to lift it.

Please don’t let her be naked. Please don’t let her be naked.

Fuck, she’s naked.

I don’t remember how I got here. Last night is a haze of disconnected pieces, and everything that matters is missing.

I ease out of bed with the stealth of a military operative trying not to set off a bomb. My shirt is draped over a velvet armchair, and I pull it on before anything else because I need at least one layer of dignity between me and whatever the hell happened last night. One of my Vans sits near the bathroom door. I shove my foot into it and search for the other, getting a good look at Mara’s apartment in the process.

I run a hand through my hair and pull it back to stare at it before my brain catches up to what I’m seeing.

There’s a gold band on my ring finger. Not the kind that comes out of a gumball machine.

What the actual fuck?

My gaze snaps to Mara.

I lean over the bed to see Mara’s hand curled loosely around the sheet, dark red polish chipped at the edges.

The ring on her finger matches mine.

This has to be a joke. Some elaborate, deeply unfunny prank, and when I find Casey, I’m going to kill him slowly, because somehow he’s responsible.

There’s a marriage certificate on the nightstand next to my phone.

Author Bio:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Bookbub / TikTok / Newsletter

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Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead - New Adult - Post-Apocalyptic Romance - and a Giveaway #Romance #NewAdultRomance #NA #PostApocalypticRomance Giveaway

H.J. Ramsay is here to tell us about Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead, a New Adult post-apocalyptic romance.

There's also a great giveaway.

_________________

Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead

H.J. Ramsay

Publication date: October 6th 2026

Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance

CeCe Campbell wakes on the asphalt of a mall parking lot with two missing years and a body that no longer feels like her own. Infected with the Kill Virus on her 18th birthday, she’s among the first to be cured.

Rehabilitation teaches CeCe how to walk, how to speak, how to exist in a world rebuilding itself, but it cannot return what she lost. Her mother is dead. Her brother is missing. And the last memory before the dark is a bite she cannot escape.

When CeCe unexpectedly meets Derrick—the boy who infected her—she’s torn between anger and a strange, undeniable connection. Derrick doesn’t remember what he did. CeCe does, and the truth of that moment is something he’ll never get. Not when he already took everything from her.

But if there’s to be life after the cure, CeCe will have to unwind the past, face what happened the night that bound them together, and decide if love and forgiveness can heal wounds deeper than the ones left by the undead.

Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead is a haunting post-apocalyptic love story about guilt, survival, and choosing connection in a world where nothing can be undone.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

CeCe opens her mouth to ask for a ride, but by the time she gets the words out, Savannah is already jumping into the van. Her aunt pulls away from the curb.

Derrick looks toward the van and then at CeCe. He smiles. It’s probably meant to be charming, but she finds nothing about him appealing.

He steps toward her.

Why did she insist on walking home? If her dad was here, she’d already be in his car. Now she has to find a way around Derrick. Or maybe she doesn’t. She could wait him out. He’ll have to leave eventually.

CeCe turns back to the school. Just as she’s about to reach for the door, it swings open and Olivia slithers out. They’re so close that CeCe can see every strand of Olivia’s bangs—and something underneath. A scar? Does that mean Olivia isn’t a Survivor? She’ll have to think about that later. Not now.

Olivia inches to the side. The moment she’s out of the way, CeCe lunges for the handle, but it shuts before she can grab it. She yanks. It doesn’t budge. The damn thing’s on auto-lock.

CeCe presses her forehead against the locked door. Did Olivia do that on purpose? Knowing it would leave her trapped out here? She senses Olivia’s stare crawling over her—and Derrick’s.

She can’t deal with this. Can’t deal with them. Her hand clamps around the latch, unable to move. She just wants to go home.

“Hi again,” she hears Derrick say from behind her.

She groans. “Are you going to be here every day?”

“Ah, she speaks. I wasn’t sure if, you know, there was something wrong with your voice.”

“I speak,” she snaps as she turns, half expecting to see Olivia standing beside him, but she’s already down the stairs, heading toward the same rumbling truck. At least that’s one problem solved.

Author Bio:

HJ Ramsay holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is an award-winning author. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Gold Man Review, a West Coast literary journal, and has a background in Psychology and Criminal Justice with dual bachelor’s degrees. Passionate about storytelling that explores the human experience, she crafts narratives that blend emotion, imagination, and depth. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys diving into the worlds of speculative fiction and literary fiction alike.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead Blitz

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Stormy Night - Contemporary Romance - and a Giveaway #Romance #ContemporaryRomance #Giveaway

May Wynn is here to tell us about her contemporary romance Stormy Night.

There's also a great giveaway.

_______________________

Stormy Night

May Wynn

Publication date: March 20th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A spicy Novella! A short read, sensual seduction & second chance romance!

One explosive kiss!

Tripping over her own two feet at the restaurant and falling into the arms of a handsome blue-eyed stranger was the last thing on Marena’s plans for the evening.

She’s balancing single life, career, and family. Working on her laptop at the bar turns into a night of excitement when she meets sexy Hayden.

This was Hayden’s first night in town, new to the area for a business project.

A workaholic, he planned to focus on work, after stopping at the bar for a couple of drinks.

Rescuing a klutz from a fall was unexpected, but this gorgeous woman was a distraction he didn’t see coming.

Sitting at the bar an hour later; wine, flirting and laughing, had them both giddy, feeling like teenagers. They were taken aback at their instant chemistry.

A spontaneous kiss leaves his jaw wide open and his world rocked!

One big problem!

As Marena rode home, the lingering smile on her face slowly disappeared. She came to the sober realization that she didn’t know his name or phone number!!

What just happened?

This woman came into his life only a few hours ago, but the passion between them had rocked his world with just one kiss! Then it dawned on him, in horror, he didn’t know her name!

He couldn’t forget their explosive chemistry; How was he ever going to find this woman?

Would fate intervene and bring them together?

Will a stormy night of passion be in their future?

—–

*Perfect for readers who love a short read, sensual seduction & second chance romance!

Tropes:

Spicy Novella

Sensual Seduction

Second Chance at Love

Workplace Romance

Stormy Night Romance

Quick Romantic Read

Goodreads / Purchase

EXCERPT:

Leaving the restroom, the loud ring of her cell phone made Marena jump. She pulled the phone out of her jean pocket. It was Rose. As she swung the restroom door open, she was looking down at her phone… not paying attention, she tripped over her own two feet. Her cell phone went flying and Marena felt herself stumbling… her body lunged forward and she was headed for a face-first fall to the floor.

Out of nowhere, a muscular arm from behind reached forward, wrapping across Marena’s stomach and waistline to prevent her from falling. Slowly she looked up at the stranger with an expression of relief and horror, as she realized she had a solid grip on his forearm. He easily held her weight and steadied her.

“Um, thank you. I’m so sorry,” she blubbered, as her face blushed with embarrassment.

“Are you alright?” The stranger looked down at her face and was startled to see striking green eyes staring back at him. Neither moved for a second, as she held his gaze.

“Yes, I’m just a klutz. My daughter was calling and I wasn’t paying attention to my footing,” she replied, as she looked into a pair of beautiful light blue eyes.

The man who had come to her aid stood about six feet tall, with a medium build. He was ruggedly handsome. His thick mane of dark brown hair, mixed with slight graying, had a messy look, the kind she’d love to run her hands through. The shadow of a brown-graying beard gave him a distinguished, sexy look. She guessed that he was approximately her age.

“Yes, you need to be more careful,” he said, as he looked around the floor and spotted her cell phone. His eyes took in the woman before him. She was a pretty woman, definitely easy on the eyes, but damn, what a klutz. Their eyes met briefly again, but she blinked and looked away, still blushing and embarrassed.

“And,” he paused slightly. “You’re welcome,” he said, with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, as he handed her the phone. He had an air of confidence about him that she found very attractive.

Her face flushed a warm pink, knowing he was amused. Their eyes locked again, but this time she held his gaze steadily, challenging him, with a slight tug of a smile. He held his breath and his pulse raced…he saw raw emotions in those gorgeous bright green eyes. It halted him in his tracks, mesmerized. The electricity between them sizzled in the air.

The sound of her cell phone rang loud, breaking the special moment between them. She shrugged apologetically and glanced at her phone.

He smiled wryly. In a flash, he was gone off to the men’s restroom.

Marena walked back to the bar, cell phone in hand.

Author Bio:

May Wynn writes contemporary romance novels known for their emotional depth, engaging characters, and a satisfying happily-ever-after. A lifelong reader, her passion for storytelling began early, inspired by a close mentor who introduced her to a wide range of authors and genres. Together, they shared their own version of a book club before book clubs were even a trend.

After a successful career in the corporate world, May turned her focus to writing, bringing her love of romance to the page. She is an enthusiastic world traveler. She and her husband share a love of culture, history, and adventure, having traveled to more than 60 countries together. She draws inspiration from the places she has visited, weaving them into the stories she creates.

May lives in Florida with her family, where she enjoys writing on her lanai with a latte in hand, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

Stormy Night Blitz

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MFRW Book Hooks - Mastering the Beast - Erotic Paranormal RomCom - Reverse Harem - Lusty Trip to Hell #MFRWBookHooks #TinaDonahueBooks #EroticRomance #ParanormalRomance #RomCom #ReverseHarem

 

Check them out for some seriously great reads!

MASTERING THE BEAST

Erotic Paranormal Rom-Com

Book Three - Taming the Beast

AMAZON

Surrendering is...

the only option she desires.

Feisty Female Demon Meets Her Match With

THREE Bad Boy Demons

A Lusty Trip to Hell

Off-The-Charts Sex

Cast Includes a Spell-Challenged Witch,

a Good Fairy Who Likes to be Bad,

A Voodoo Priestess Who Removes Memories,

and a Sexy-As-Sin Genie Who Loves

to Get Down & Dirty

No one believes that under the tough attitude and schoolgirl fashion sense, reformed demon Zoe burns for a man, love and sex. She keeps those urges on ice and well hidden. She sold her soul for a guy once, and all it got her was a one-way ticket to Hell.

Her job, keeping supernatural creatures in line at From Crud to Stud, is all work and no play. Until she’s saddled with a trio of new enforcers who ooze so much sexual heat she’s afraid to be on the same planet with them.

Stefin, Anatol, and Taro try to contain their laughter as their adorable new boss tries to lay down the law. Apparently, no one told her they don’t take orders. They give them. And they’re determined to smooth her rough edges and tame her beast with acts so wanton they’ll make her scream—for more.

Talk about all hell breaking loose. Surrender won’t come easily, but given their devilish charm and her aching need, her journey to submission is one done deal.

Warning:

Contains an unholy trio of demons who don’t like to take turns. Break room…snacking. After-hours…training sessions. In other words, a sensual ride on the pleasure express. Features m/f/m/m sex in every flavor except vanilla. Bring. It. On.

PRAISE FOR MASTERING THE BEAST

4.5 Stars

"These strong compelling characters seduce readers with their hot and sexy story while anticipation of Zoe's surrender builds throughout the well written, fast paced and smooth flowing plot."

Literary Addicts

_____

4.5 Stars

"Oh man! What a hot little number this is. Mastering the Beast is book three in the Taming the Beast series by Tina Donahue. This is Zoe's story and it's hot, hot, hot! "

The Jeep Diva

_____

4 Stars

"I have been really enjoying this series - and would recommend that you read them in order to fully appreciate the crazy! There is so much fun, madness, friendship and erotic action in these books that they are a breath of fresh (occasionally sulphurous) air. Thank you Ms. Donahue for another hit!"

Wicked Reads

5.0 out of 5 stars Fuel for your fantasies!!!!

You've got three hotter than hell guys, pardon the pun, and a hot chick that doesn't see her own 

beauty, Then you throw in her friends/family that helps her to get her hearts desires including sex

that is hotter than hot, and you have got a great read that keeps you swiping the pages and

waiting for your kindle fire to actually melt down!!! Can't wait for the next book!!!

                                                                                                               - Kindle Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT!

The erotic romance when they leave the office will having you sighing. But will Zoe agree 

the right guy just might be worth it? Has she finally found lasting love and if so with whom? 

2 thumbs up for an funny erotic love story that will keep you turning the pages til the very

last one. I Highly Recommend the series.

                                                                                                             - Barbara Barber, Amazon

TEASERS

Excerpt:

      Footfalls rang in the hall.

Three guys strode into Becca’s office, their movements fluid and assured. Each looked thirty or so, in mortal years, and had dressed in black, their shirts silk, their boots and pants elegant, like bouncers wear at an elite club.

No one was dancing in here, especially Zoe.

A faint sulfur scent emanated from the unholy trio. Flames flared briefly in their eyes.

Demons. The trouble she’d sensed earlier.

She froze, too stunned to move or speak.

The guy in the middle was easily six-three and nicely muscular, his blond hair shoulder-length. His rough good looks, bronze complexion and stubble put the va-va-voom in virile. Sin filled his light gray eyes, his mood dangerous and predatory.

Her belly fluttered.

He winked.

Disquiet and lust rolled through Zoe. Her legs went watery.

The guy on the right proved equally tall and powerfully built. Beautiful, he had rich-chocolate skin, dark eyes and long hair worn in dreadlocks.

Those babies would feel awesome gliding across her naked boobs and thighs—until he screwed her over like every other male had done.

She steeled herself against his allure.

He smiled.

A freaking dimple dented his right cheek, his grin an unusual combination of boyish mischief and raw sensuality.

Her pussy creamed.

Hot didn’t begin to describe the last guy’s masculine features, deep-blue eyes and thick auburn hair. Those wavy locks trailed past his ears and curled on his neck. His stubble called to everything female within Zoe, as did his height, big body and the assured way he regarded her.

The guys’ enticing sulfur odor enhanced their musky scents, making the mixture wanton and unashamed. Their impressive cocks pushed against their flies.

She bet each of their rods jutted from blond, black or auburn curls.

The room spun.

“Guys.” Becca lifted her reddish eyebrows. “This is Zoe.”

The introduction seemed to come from far away, Becca’s voice muted by the ringing in Zoe’s ears. She tried to respond but only managed an odd noise, part grunt, mostly a groan.

Becca edged closer. “Zoe, this is Anatol.” She gestured to the black hunk with the dimple. “Stefin.” The blond god in the middle winked again. “And Taro.” The blue-eyed hottie regarded her intensely. “They’re our new enforcers.”

Each looked in charge already, their stances saying they wouldn’t budge one damn inch for anyone, especially a female demon.

Becca offered a nervous smile. “You’ll be working with them from now on.”

Working with or for, as in taking orders, yearning helplessly then losing out as she had with the last man in her life?

      Like hell.

 

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A Healing Heart in Twinkle Falls - A Twinkle Falls Novel #7 - Contemporary Holiday Romance - and a Giveaway #Romance #HolidayRomance #ContemporaryRomance #Giveaway

Freda Ann is here to tell us about her contemporary holiday romance A Healing Heart in Twinkle Falls, a Twinkle Falls novel #7.

There's also a great giveaway.

______________________

A Healing Heart in Twinkle Falls

Freda Ann

(A Twinkle Falls Novel, #7)

Publication date: October 1st 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Nicole Holburg

After my military career with the Air Force’s Communications Squadron comes to a tragic ending, I head home to Twinkle Falls hoping to put my life back together.

With a failed relationship behind me, I won’t allow another man in my life since the last one nearly ended it.

Nick Rodriguez

I had my future planned out when I graduated from The Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland. I’ll settle down with my childhood sweetheart in our home state of Hawaii, if she’d have me after years of lost communication.

As fate would have it, the only girl I’ve loved had married someone else.

When my best friend asks me to be his head chef at a prestigious inn in Twinkle Falls, I accept the offer. Building a new life in the small town where I went to high school leaves me feeling fulfilled.

Once my son comes to live with me, I’m soon reminded of what’s missing from this idyllic life… that one person who leaves me feeling complete. The problem is I have yet to meet her in this small town I’ve grown fond of.

Will these two have as much faith as the pastor does when he nudges Nicole to help Nick at the soup kitchen? Can the town busy bodies, who swoon over the man known as Jason Momoa’s doppelgänger, push Nick in the direction of his potential soulmate?

(Though this book is part of an ongoing series you should have no problem following Nicole and Nick’s storyline. If you’ve already read books 5 and 6 of the series, you’re more than likely familiar with this couple.)

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

Wincing, I struggle to raise my puffy eyelids while feeling something cold beneath me. Rolling my head to the side I try taking in my surroundings. That’s when I get a glimpse of blood on the concrete under my twisted body.

Ahhh, what— I draw a ragged breath while trying to figure out what’s happening, but that’s when my world turns black.

The next thing I remember is waking up in a white sterile room full of machinery emitting various tones and a window with the blinds half closed. With fuzzy eyes I notice silver rails on each side of the bed I’m lying in. While blinking, glimpses of a nurse taking my vitals comes into view. When finished, she moves to the foot of the bed to type on a computer.

“Where… am I?” I ask attempting to focus on the room. I struggle to fully open my eyes, but only manage to see pieces of my surroundings.

Pain shoots through me as I try lifting my hand to my swollen eyes. Unable to bear the pain rushing through me, my arm drops on top of my right leg as tears sting my eyes.

“Try not to move, Nicole.” A mature and soothing voice approaches me from the foot of my bed. “You’re in the hospital on base. I’m told you were also here a few weeks ago. Can you tell me what happened this time?” The nurse inquires.

My brain feels jumbled, like I’m trying to put together a puzzle without all the pieces, as I attempt to recall what could have put me in here.

Gently I shake my head staring at her while sobbing. “Why—” Unable to put words together I pause.

Breathing deep to calm myself isn’t easy, though I manage to take a few breaths before speaking slowly and softly. “Why can’t I… remember?”

“Oh, honey don’t be so hard on yourself.” She pats my arm. “In your condition you should thank God for being alive. If that knot on your head had been an inch closer to your temple, you wouldn’t be here.

Author Bio:

Freda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean, HEA RomComs. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared several of her books to Hallmark movies. Many have hit #1 in multiple categories after release.

She writes relatable, faith and family based love stories which include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to people of all ages. Her books will take you on an emotional journey with likable characters, and dreamy settings you'll wish you could visit.

After retiring from a career in the law enforcement field, Freda feels blessed to be able to write and self-publish her stories for everyone to read. She adores her large family, 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and hosts monthly family gatherings.

To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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A Healing Heart in Twinkle Falls Blitz

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The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor - Gothic Psychological Horror - and a Giveaway #Gothic #PsychologicalHorror #Horror #Giveaway

Michael Mizov is here to tell us about The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor, gothic psychological horror.

There's also a great giveaway.

____________________

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Michael Mizov will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor is an atmospheric gothic horror novel of haunted inheritance, family curses, and the terrifying secrets buried beneath a crumbling Yorkshire estate.

Lottie Bradbury has not set foot in Bradbury Manor for twelve years. Sent away as a child following her mother’s tragic death, she is summoned home in 1919 by the estranged father she barely knows. The once-great estate is failing, burdened by debt, decay, and generations of neglect. Her return comes with a price: an arranged marriage intended to save what remains of the Bradbury legacy.

But Bradbury Manor is not merely old.

At night, the house makes itself known. Strange sounds echo through the corridors. Rooms refuse to stay still. Moments slip out of place. The past refuses to remain buried.

As Lottie is drawn deeper into her family’s history, she uncovers a pattern stretching back centuries, one marked by unexplained deaths, buried betrayals, and a curse that never truly ends. It simply passes from one generation to the next. Everyone expects her to take her place. To continue what came before.

Caught between the expectations of her father, the promise of a future beyond the estate, and the growing realization that something is terribly wrong within Bradbury Manor, Lottie must decide how much of the truth she is willing to uncover and what it may cost her when she does. The closer she gets to the answers, the harder it becomes to tell whether she is exposing the darkness surrounding her family or being led deeper into it.

Perfect for readers of Mexican Gothic, The Silent Companions, and Rebecca, The Last Heir of Bradbury Manor blends haunted houses, family secrets, supernatural mystery, psychological tension, and the enduring power of the past.

Read an Excerpt

She didn’t remember falling asleep, only waking to the creak of floorboards outside her door.

For a strange moment, she felt as though she had surfaced from deep water, everything out of focus, too loud, the world arriving a heartbeat later than it should. The curtains were drawn. No moonlight. True dark.

The rumbling of her stomach reminded her that dinner was promised, but the footsteps continued down the hall. Her father, perhaps, finally going to bed.

The footsteps stopped. Turned. Marched back to her door. Was he coming to check on her?

She waited.

No knock. No motion. Stillness. She waited until waiting felt worse than opening the door. Creeping toward it, she listened.

Silence.

Lottie opened it.

No one. The hallway stretched empty in both directions.

“Father?” she called into the hallway, so softly she could barely hear herself.

No reply. But she was certain someone had been standing outside. She told herself it was the wind. Or the floor settling. But she didn’t believe it. The hairs on her neck rose. She slammed the door harder than she meant to.

Footsteps approached the moment it shut. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she stifled a scream.

The silence was worse than the steps. Something on the other side was listening too. Backing away from the door, she bumped into a serving cart she hadn’t seen. The silver lid of a covered dish fell to the floor with a crash. The tea beside it was still steaming.

Heart pounding, she turned on the light. The clock read half past one.

Morning was a long way off. She wasn’t sure what frightened her more: that the hallway had been empty, or that it hadn’t.

About the Author

Michael writes dark fiction that explores psychological breakdowns, fractured identity, and the strange absurdities of life. When not writing, he works in B2B marketing, renovates a possibly haunted Victorian house, and wrangles twin daughters with his wife in New Jersey.

Accolades: 2025 Top 100: Cheshire Novel Prize National Flash Fiction Day 2025: FlashFlood: Debut Flash: 'Nobody's Home' by Michael Mizov Festivals: Michael Mizov - Awards - IMDb

Website: http//www.mikemizov.com
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