Toni Flores loved her dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.
For years, Dimitri Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson Michael to kill her.
Michael’s a lobbyist not a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute… or so he believes.
Rather than murder Toni, Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit. The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and Dimitri’s outrage.
Michael and Toni fight to stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.
This is book one in the Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.
Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.
PRAISE FOR TARGET
FIVE STARS
"I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read." Sue B
"Fantastic read" - Vic
"Real Page Turner" - Kazza
"Not your average Mafia adventure/romance" - Caprica
Kitt Henley is here to tell us about her contemporary romance Bad Crush on a Rockstar, Soulmates #3.
There's also a great giveaway.
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Bad Crush on a Rockstar
Kitt Henley
(Soulmates, #3)
Publication date: November 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
A spicy brother’s-best-friend romance featuring a cinnamon roll rockstar hero haunted by his past, a plucky heroine with a childhood crush, slow seduction, hometown shows, and rapidly crumbling resolve.
She’s my best friend’s little sister, and she’s got a bad crush. But I’m the one who can’t stay away from her.
SEAN: When I first laid eyes on Brooke Halsey, she was just a sweet, freckle-faced kid with enormous glasses and an even bigger crush on me.
But there’s no denying she’s all grown up now.
She’s running the merch table while my rock band’s home on tour, and even though we’ve never been more than good friends, I know she’s game. I’d totally go for it too, if I didn’t already know I’d break her heart, destroy my band, and lose Jonah—our drummer, my best friend, and her brother.
He’s made it clear he does not want me messing around with his little sister. He knows Brooke’s serious about finding love and playing for keeps. So a rock musician with no fallback plan and no permanent address is the last thing she needs.
Which is why I’m in deep trouble right now…
Because last night…I kissed her.
—
The Soulmates Series: Two bands. Three shows. Four happily ever afters.
Bad Crush on a Rockstar is a complete romance with no cliffhanger. This story can be enjoyed as a stand-alone or read as the third book in the Soulmates interwoven rockstar romance series.
“Knock, knock,” Lexie croons through the curtain, her knuckles rapping at the edge of my bunk. “We’re just about there, if you need to pack up.”
“Thanks.” I slide the curtain to one side and sit up, swinging my legs over the edge as I rub my eyes. I peer through the large bay window at the Chicago skyline shimmering in the sun as we roll along the freeway.
Artie and our backup driver took shifts all night and all through the day to get us here. We usually sleep on the bus when we’re on tour, but since we’re here for several days, the label offered to put us up in a hotel. Anthony opted to stay at his family’s penthouse this week because it’s nearby and empty right now, but the rest of us were happy to accept. We all grew up here, so we could’ve crashed with family or friends, but using the hotel as a home base simplifies things. It gives us some space and privacy to decompress, and it also helps avoid some of the social demands of being back in town. I’m looking forward to having a little privacy and sleeping in a normal-size bed for a change.
I’m still organizing my bunk area as the bus turns down Michigan Avenue. I pick out some clothes for the week and stuff them into my large duffle bag.
We pull up in front of the hotel, and I sling my duffle over my shoulder.
“You kids have a good time, now, all right?” Artie calls back to us. “Be safe.”
“Will do. Thanks for the ride, Artie, and have a great rest of the week!” I lug my bag down the aisle and push open the side door.
A gust of cold air rushes inside, whipping the door panel from my grip and slamming it against the exterior of the bus.
“Whoa.” I step outside, holding an arm out to brace the door as the other two exit.
“Good old Chicago,” Lexie jokes.
I glance up toward the hotel. The Drake in downtown Chicago is a sight to behold. We’ve stayed here once before, but it still takes my breath away. This place is fancy. Sleek, clean lines of gleaming beige stone. This kind of extravagance is always a shock to my system.
The bellhop places our luggage on a cart, and the doorman holds the door for us, then we cross the smooth carpeted floor to the elegant front desk.
“Three reservations for Garrett Music Industries,” Jonah says to the man behind the counter, then he winks at Lexie.
I glance over to catch her reaction, but she’s staring straight ahead like nothing happened.
Something’s up with those two. But they’re always playing games and finding ways to compete with each other, so who knows what this is about.
My luggage shows up at the room just as I do, and I stretch out on the bed to relax for a minute before hopping in the shower.
The water’s hot and the pressure’s fantastic—about a thousand times better than on the bus. I let it run over my shoulders, easing the tension in my back. My mind is already shifting to Brooke. Seeing her tonight.
Because here’s the thing.
I love Brooke.
Not in a romantic way—at least, it’s never been that way between us. No, I love Brooke in an honest, good, and true kind of way. The way it feels when you realize you would do anything for a person. That you would always be there for them, no matter what.
Brooke’s done that for me too, right from the start. She noticed I was struggling with school and offered to help. When she found out I wanted to start playing bass, she came up with a plan for me to earn enough money doing odd jobs so I could buy one off a friend.
From that very first day my family moved into their house, she was finding thoughtful things to do and making lighthearted jokes to keep the mood up. And it helped. It didn’t feel so awkward being there, living in their home and taking up their space.
She had this sweet, round face full of freckles and thick glasses that made her brown eyes look enormous—almost big enough to match her outsized personality. She was adorable.
But then she grew up.
It was hard not to notice, because once she started to develop, it happened fast. I remember Jonah and I were walking through the halls on the first day of senior year, and I was looking around for any cute new faces on campus. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted a girl with a pair of the most beautiful breasts I’d ever seen in my life.
I leaned toward Jonah, whispering, “Check it out, nine o’clock,” and angling a thumb at the hottie with the body that just wouldn’t quit.
“What the fuck, man?” Jonah scowled, his expression suddenly menacing. “Shut the fuck up!”
Imagine my horror when the hot little number turned to face me and I realized I was checking out Jonah’s little sister.
“Holy shit. I didn’t even recognize her with…uh…without her glasses on.”
It was too late. The damage was done.
Brooke was only fourteen, for God’s sake. I felt like a monster, but she smiled so big and came over to hug both of us. It was all I could do not to stare straight at those incredible breasts and wonder what the hell happened over the summer.
Jonah was chilly around me for days after, and I felt like a total ass. I’d never had a friend like Jonah, and I hated that I’d done something to damage our relationship. I had to apologize multiple times, but eventually he seemed to forgive me.
“Seriously, man. Hands off my sister,” he warned, and I nodded.
“For sure, man. I swear to God, I would never lay a hand on her.” I made him that promise, and I meant it.
But toward the middle of senior year, things got…complicated. Brooke and I had been spending a lot of time together at the library while she helped me study for midterms, and one afternoon she had on this short green dress that showed more of her cleavage than I was accustomed to dealing with. Still, I managed to keep my eyes off her chest and up toward her pretty face, for the most part.
She was reading me an excerpt from George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, but I couldn’t concentrate. There was this shiny gloss she had on, and it made that bottom lip look so juicy and delicious that I couldn’t stop staring at it. Just watching her beautiful mouth as she read was sending this tingle up and down my spine. My jeans felt tight, and I realized she was giving me a serious hard-on.
I cut our study session short and tried to adjust myself without anyone noticing. I booked it out of there so fast she must have wondered what the hell happened. I kicked myself all the way home, because what the fuck was I doing having sexual feelings for Brooke? She was my best friend’s little sister. I felt like the universe was playing some kind of cruel joke on me, putting such a wonderful young person inside that smoking hot body.
And she Just. Kept. Getting. Hotter.
Of course, by the time she was old enough for me to act on my feelings—assuming I would even go there, given she’s a good friend and Jonah’s sister and all, which I wouldn’t—it was clear Brooke was destined for better things than a guy like me. While I was off working odd jobs in construction and trying to get a band started, Brooke was completing the Visual Design program at Carnegie Mellon University on a full merit scholarship.
I never should have responded to her seductive tease on the phone today. She’s always playing around like that, flirting with me, and normally I keep it in check. But I got caught up in the moment, and when she took that sultry tone with me, I went with it. I played along with her sexy little game, because—let’s face it—Brooke is hot as hell, and it feels good to be wanted by her.
It feels way too good.
Which is exactly why I cannot be flirting with her. I don’t ever want to ruin the close friendship we have. Plus, she’s had a crush on me since middle school, and she’s naïve about love. She doesn’t realize I’m the last fucking thing she needs, so I can’t be toying with her emotions like that—getting her hopes up that something might happen between us when I know damn well it would never work.
She dreams of having kids someday, the sooner the better. She’s looking for something serious. Long-term. But I don’t have the kind of career that can support a family, and there’s no way in hell I’m going to repeat my dad’s mistakes—bringing children into an unstable financial situation.
No, if I keep this flirting shit up she’s gonna end up getting hurt, and I’ll only have myself to blame.
Author Bio:
Kitt Henley writes short, spicy contemporary romance with relatable characters, a touch of humor, and tons of heart. Never one to make it through a good romance (or cookie commercial) with dry eyes, Kitt's heartstrings are easy to pull on. When she played in rock bands and crunched numbers in the Seattle tech world, those waterworks weren't an asset, but after a friend suggested she try writing romance, everything clicked into place. From the moment she sat down to write her first novel, she knew she'd found her calling.
When she's not wrangling words in her tiny bedroom office, Kitt loves to spend time with her high school best friend (a.k.a. her rockstar husband) and their two ridiculously funny boys. She's still holding out hope for that family band someday, but in the meantime she'll happily settle for camping trips, board games, long walks with friends, and watching lots and lots of thrillers.
Toni Flores loved her
dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s
determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.
For years, Dimitri
Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in
government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she
won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson
Michael to kill her.
Michael’s a lobbyist not
a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power
he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute… or so he believes.
Rather than murder Toni,
Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the
Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit.
The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and
Dimitri’s outrage.
Michael and Toni fight to
stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.
This is book one in the
Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.
Publisher’s
Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery,
suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some
readers.
PRAISE FOR TARGET
FIVE STARS
"I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read." Sue B
"Fantastic read" - Vic
"Real Page Turner" - Kazza
"Not your average Mafia adventure/romance" - Caprica
R.O. Lando is here to tell us about Campfire Tales to Chill the Bone, a collection of short stories and poems. A horror, thriller anthology.
There's also a great giveaway.
____________________
A collection of creepy stories and poems sure to leave you
shaking to the bone.
Campfire Tales to
Chill the Bone
A Collection of Short Stories and Poems
by R.O. Lando
Genre: Horror, Thriller Anthology
Pull up a log, lean into the glow of the fire, and prepare
yourself for stories that chill, unsettle, and linger long after the last page.
Campfire tales meet modern horror in this
collection of short stories and poems, each crafted to capture the thrill of a
ghost story told under the stars. From eerie encounters and haunted places to
strange whispers carried through the night, these tales explore the shadows of
imagination and fear.
Perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the
Dark, Creepshow, and late-night urban legends, this anthology
is filled with unforgettable moments:
* Chilling short stories that twist folklore and fear into
something new
* Haunting poems that capture the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve
and beyond
* A campfire framing device that makes every story feel like
it’s being told just for you
Whether you’re looking to relive the thrill of childhood
ghost stories or discover fresh nightmares to keep you turning pages, this book
is an invitation to step into the dark and listen closely.
For readers young at
heart, horror fans, and anyone who knows the best stories begin with the
crackle of a fire.
R.O. Lando is a versatile storyteller whose work spans
thriller, horror, supernatural, romance, adventure, and fantasy. With three
published novels that have received high praise from readers, Lando crafts
emotionally resonant and genre-blending narratives that linger long after the
final page. Drawing from his experience as an EMT, he brings a raw and
unflinching perspective to human struggle, resilience, and the fragility of
life. His writing is often described as cinematic and immersive, blending the
visceral tension of real-life emergencies with the imaginative depth of
fiction. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, Lando
began writing at a young age but has spent the last four years honing his craft
with serious intent. With several new projects in the works, he continues to
push creative boundaries, delivering gripping stories that defy expectation and
resonate across genres.
Eric Avedissian is here to tell us about The Book of Wine and Sorrow, The Martyr's View book 4, urban fantasy, adventure.
There's also a great giveaway.
______________________
The Martyr's Vow series, Book 4
Urban Fantasy/Adventure
Date Published: 12-15-2025
Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing
Newlyweds Armand and Vonnie are traveling to Armenia, where Armand hopes
to reconnect with his estranged culture and investigate his family’s
troubled history. But when a sadistic oligarch kidnaps them, their honeymoon
spirals into a living nightmare.
Frightened and far from home, Armand and Vonnie race against time to locate a
powerful artifact before their captor does, or they’ll join the dead in
the underworld forever. The couple’s frantic quest takes them to lush
mountains, desolate monasteries, and bustling markets, but they’re not
traveling alone. A distant cousin with a penchant for stretching the truth, a
mythological strongman who hurls boulders like skipping stones, and a stuffy
ghost with a love for poetry join them on this macabre treasure hunt.
Armand must summon the courage of his ancestors and sacrifice himself for
love, or the Scribe of Death will come for his beloved.
Bittersweet and brutal, The Book of Wine and Sorrow is the thrilling
conclusion to The Martyr’s Vow series and a heart-aching testament to
survival and wrestling with your demons.
About the Author
Eric Avedissian is an adjunct professor and speculative fiction author. His
published work includes the award-winning novel The Ocean Hugs Hard and the
Martyr’s Vow series (Accursed Son, Mr. Penny-Farthing, Blood Family, and
The Book of Wine & Sorrow). His short stories appear in various
anthologies, including Across the Universe, Great Wars, and Rituals &
Grimoires. Avedissian received a 2024 Fellowship in Prose from the New Jersey
State Council on the Arts. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and a
ridiculous number of books. Find him online at www.ericavedissian.com if you
dare.
Mychael Black is here to tell us about Essence, Splintered Bloodlines 3, LGBTQ, MM, fantasy.
Read on for details...
______________________
(Splintered Bloodlines 3)
LGBTQ / M/M / Fantasy
Date Published: November 28, 2025
Bobby’s always had a thing for silver foxes. Still has. Just never
expected to find the ultimate one is his fated mate.
Bobby Kirkland leads a simple life -- mostly simple, considering his budding
romance with the esteemed Deacon Saridan, head vamp of House Saridan.
Amid the romance and Bobby's exploration of the BDSM lifestyle with his new
mate, a string of murders leads Deacon to believe that a familiar, though
certainly not kind, face has shown itself in the lands of House
Saridan… and this threat proves to be an even bigger challenge than
first thought.
WARNING: Adult language and situations, including BDSM
The dock foreman, Toryn, leaned against the frame of the plate-glass window we
stood at as we watched the workers in the shipping area below. “Seems to
be. He gets along with the guys pretty well.”
I glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. “But…”
He sighed. “He struggles to stay on task sometimes, and he tends to
daydream a good bit. Not a bad thing inherently, but not great when working
around forklifts and eighteen-wheelers.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. The young man who’d captured my
attention weeks ago was indeed a bit flighty at times. According to Cam, Bobby
Kirkland had always been that way, and a diagnosis of ADHD as a pre-teen had
answered a lot of questions. He needed structure and routine, in my opinion.
I’d hoped working here would give him that, but he still seemed to have
trouble staying focused on occasion.
The bell signaling the end of the workday rang out in the warehouse. I spotted
Bobby going toward the door that led into the large breakroom where the
lockers were. Beside me, Toryn snickered softly.
“I’m surprised you haven’t claimed him yet.”
I turned away from the window. “Soon.”
I followed him out of my office and downstairs. Most of the workers were
already heading home, but a few -- including Bobby -- remained in the
breakroom. Toryn patted my shoulder and went to his own locker. The others
glanced over at me, and a couple of them shot Bobby teasing smirks. Even from
the doorway, I saw him blush. There wasn’t any hint of jealousy with
this group, thankfully. When Bobby met my gaze, I discreetly gestured for him
to join me upstairs. He nodded, and I headed back up. Once I claimed him,
we’d be able to speak telepathically and not worry about coworker
issues. Then again, he also wouldn’t be working either, but that was a
discussion for another day.
A few minutes after I sat down on the small couch in my office, the door
opened. Bobby smiled, though there was a good bit of nervousness behind it. He
shut the door and sat a couple of feet beside me at my urging. I twisted a
little to face him and got comfortable.
“How was work?”
“Good,” he said, fidgeting a bit with his hands, like he
didn’t know what to do with them. One leg bounced a little.
“Have you had any problems with your coworkers?”
Bobby didn’t answer right away, which told me everything I needed to
know. I reached over and put my hand on his knee, stilling the movement almost
immediately. His eyes widened for a moment, making him seem far younger than
thirty-one. Of course, at my age, he was young.
“What is it? You can tell me anything, Bobby.”
He swallowed and tore his gaze from mine. I waited while he thought about
whatever he wanted to say. Finally, he spoke. “Just a couple of guys who
seem to think I’m an idiot.” He looked back up at me.
“I’m not. I just get… distracted sometimes, hyper focused
at others.”
“No, you’re definitely not an idiot. You wouldn’t be working
here if so,” I said. “Have they done or said anything directly to
you?”
“No, but I’ve caught a few whispers here and there,” he
replied. “Not to mention the weird glances.” He shrugged and
sighed. “I feel like I’m back in fucking high school, to be
honest. It’s ridiculous.”
I chuckled softly and gave his knee a gentle squeeze. “I have a
potential solution then, but I think we need to have a good, long talk before
we go any further.”
Bobby nodded and stared down at my hand. “I honestly started to worry
that this was a one-sided thing,” he muttered.
Unable to resist, I lifted my hand to cup his chin, tilting his head until I
was looking into those soulful brown eyes. I stroked my thumb across his lower
lip, and he let out a soft gasp. “I assure you, this is very much
mutual. That said, there are details we must go over first.”
“Those details have anything to do with your necklace?”
I smiled and lifted the thin chain from under my shirt. Light reflected off
the tiny handcuff pendant accented with garnets. “Indeed. How about we
have dinner, and we can chat?”
“Sounds good to me. I need to let Dad and Cam know where I’ll be.
I don’t have to, but it’s an old habit.”
“Absolutely, and a good one to have. Do you have any food preferences or
sensitivities I need to know about?”
“I’m lactose intolerant, but that’s it.”
“Understood. Let Beau and Cam know what’s going on and then meet
me in my chambers upstairs. Normally, I’d take you out, but the things
we need to discuss are not for anyone else’s ears.”
His gaze shifted a bit, and I couldn’t ignore the urge any longer.
Fingers gripping his chin, I tipped his head and leaned close. Bobby’s
soft moan the moment our lips touched sent almost overwhelming need rushing
through me. His scent -- a decadent mix of soap, shampoo, and something woodsy
yet sweet -- filled every part of my psyche. The urge to bite flitted through
my mind, but I shoved it away for now. I knew he was mine; I didn’t need
to taste his blood to confirm it.
Bobby opened for me, pliant, eager, and so insanely delicious. I released his
chin and cupped the back of his head, pushing the kiss into hungrier territory
for both of us. Before I could lose control and take him right here, though, I
made myself pull back. He grumbled, and I nipped his lower lip before soothing
it with my tongue.
“Dinner,” I murmured. “I need to taste every inch of you but
not before we talk.”
About the Author
Mychael Black has been writing professionally since 2005. He writes gay
romance and erotica, but also het romance as Carys Seraphine and queer fantasy
as Katherine Cook.
He's an avid PC gamer with a love for RPGs, a horror fanatic, and a fantasy
nut. He also has a weakness for anything relating to skulls, dogs, and
Spongebob Squarepants.
Mychael lives on the Eastern Shore of the US with his family. He loves to hear
from readers, be it via email or Facebook.
