Jane Loeb Rubin is here to tell us about A Gilded City Series, historical fiction trilogy.
There's also a great giveaway.
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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jane Loeb Rubin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.
Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.
Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.
Read an Excerpt from IN THE HANDS OF WOMEN
I glanced at Nurse Hammond. Her head was bent to the wood floor, hands squeezed so tightly, I could see the white in her knuckles. The navy muslin dress worn beneath her white apron matched the dark circles under her eyes. I held back from the pack of students as they left the ward.
Nurse Hammond was at the end of her night shift, little time left to hear the full story.
“Nurse, were you in delivery during the twins’ births?” I whispered.
“I was.” She straightened her back, darting her eyes to the nursery.
I took a step closer to her. “Did anything unusual happen?”
After a lengthy pause, she rubbed her fingers, eyes downcast.
“Nurse Hammond, what happened?” I persisted.
“You know Adams, always impatient.” She turned her eyes from the floor then to mine. “He couldn’t stand the mother’s screaming and knocked her out cold with ether. Then he went in deep with the forceps, taking forever. I think he would have had more luck if he kept her awake and changed her position.” She took in a sharp breath. “But who am I to say? You can’t utter a word. I need my job. I’ve four children at home.”
I nodded, understanding. “You can trust me. Go home and get some rest.” I scurried down the hall to the nursery.
“Where’ve you been, Isaacson?” Dr. Adams barked as I walked through the doorway.
“My apology doctor, lavatory.”
Dr. Adams crossed his arms on his chest, haughtily shaking his head at the ring of men standing around the twins’ bassinettes. “See there, gentlemen? That’s what happens when women are allowed into the profession. Always needing to fix their hair.”
Blood shot to my face. How long would he get away with his negligence? I stifled my annoyance, while studying the infants. The smaller baby’s hand began to tremor.
About the Author: Author, Jane Loeb Rubin has won numerous awards including the Historical Novel Society's First Chapters short list for Over There, released May, 2025 by Level Best Books. She will be speaking at numerous Florida events as listed on her website.
With an extensive healthcare background Ms. Rubin began writing in 2009 after a serious cancer diagnosis. She now has a four-book deal with Level Best Books (Threadbare-2024, In the Hands of Women-2023, Over There-2025, The Hat Trick-2026), following the fictional life of her great-grandmother’s family.
In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.
Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.
Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.
The Hat Trick, Ms. Rubin’s work in process (May 2026) transports her family characters into the mid-1920’s in the years before the Borscht Belt in Sullivan County, NY.
Ms. Rubin, a graduate of the University of Michigan (BS, MS) and Washington University (MBA), retired from a 30-year career as a healthcare executive to begin writing full-time. She lives with her husband, David, an attorney, in Northern New Jersey. Between them, they have five adult children and seven grandchildren. Ms. Rubin’s work is available at all on-line retailers, Indigo Books, select Barnes and Noble Book stores and upon request from Level Best Books.
Passion. Friendship. Love. Some things a man simply can’t forget…
Finn
has no idea what he’s doing at a haunted house on Halloween, but his tour guide
Caty certainly rocks his world. Irresistibly drawn to her, he indulges in
wicked delight and a return to their shared destiny.
Lisa Towles is here to tell us about Switch, E&A Investigations book 3, mystery crime thriller-suspense.
There's also a great giveaway.
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A fast-paced techno thriller that brings a gripping
conclusion to the E&A Investigations series as Mari Ellwyn faces her past,
her nemesis, and a web of high-stakes crimes.
Switch
E&A Investigations Book 3
by Lisa Towles
Genre: Mystery Crime Thriller, Suspense
A body vanished
from the morgue. A coastal town gripped by bank heists.
The only link is a
past that someone will kill to keep buried.
In Book 3 of the E&A Investigations series, Mari Ellwyn
and Derek Abernathy return to track a string of unsettling bank robberies.
Their case takes a dark turn with the bizarre disappearance of a body from the
local morgue, a mystery connected to the vanishing of the previous Medical
Examiner, Dr. Camille Bota. Their investigation plunges them into the dangerous
world of a multi-national organization involved in suspected fraud and fringe
technology research. For Mari, the case ignites a personal quest, forcing her
to confront the long-unresolved disappearance of her father, CIA operative
Richard Ellwyn.
The deeper she digs, the more Mari realizes that both she
and her father are inextricably linked to their lifelong nemesis, the notorious
international crime boss Jacques Martel. The missing body and the secrets
surrounding Dr. Bota become entangled with her father's shadowy past and
Martel's deadly machinations. In a high-stakes collision of family secrets and
criminal enterprise, Mari must confront her father and their shared enemy
before they both become casualties in Martel's lethal game.
REVIEWS:
“A taut, high-intelligence thriller with real emotional
teeth…” - The Prairies Book Review
Fast-paced, smart, and full of twists, this is a thriller
that delivers both heart and heat." —Scott Olsen, San Francisco
Book Review
“A breakneck techno-thriller that crackles with smart dialogue, raw emotion,
and relentless tension.” – Literary Titan
This exhilarating, action-infused crime thriller deftly incorporates suspense
with harrowing drama to keep readers turning the pages. – The Book
Commentary
"This
book is an intricate, immersive, and riveting thriller, with plenty of
surprising twists and turns." — Readers' Choice
In the heart-pounding international thriller Salt Island, Mari
Ellwyn, a former-CIA private investigator, finds herself thrust into a perilous
world of high-stakes corporate espionage and ecoterrorism. As her newly formed
partnership with Derek Abernathy is put to the ultimate test, Mari faces a
daunting challenge that forces her to confront powerful ghosts from her past.
When billionaire CEO Jack Darcy's reputation and IPO deal are under threat,
Mari finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies and corporate fraud. The
disappearance of Jack's glamorous wife, coupled with the unraveling of a dark
secret within his esteemed environmental startup, leaves Mari with unanswered
question and a thirst for Justice.
While Mari's partner Derek goes undercover to investigate a series of
suspicious deaths on a local farm in California's Central Valley, Mari grapples
with the haunting truth about her missing father—a man with a double identity
and secret agenda. Determined to uncover the depths of her father's involvement
with her case, Mari embarks on a solo journey to the British Virgin Islands, a
hidden Caribbean refuge that holds the key to her own identity and future.
With Derek gone and time running out, Mari must decide whether to risk
everything to uncover the truth or succumb to the powerful forces that seek to
bury it forever. Get your copy of Salt Island now and brace
yourself of a relentless rollercoaster. Secrets can't stay buried forever, but
now Mari is alone, exposed and fighting for her survival.
What readers are saying about the
award-winning Salt Island:
"An often engaging tale of money, danger, and family." - Kirkus
"An intricate, gorgeously written, character-driven page-turner with some
shocking twists." - Prairies Book Reviews
"An intoxicating read, hugely entertaining." - The Book Commentary
"An exceptional thriller and a riveting work of espionage, wrongdoing, and
discovery." - Midwest Book Review
Who killed Sophie Michaud? Stay up all night reading
this award-winning psychological thriller that has readers obsessed.
Shot in the line of duty, ex
CIA operative Mari Ellwyn is again chasing adrenaline, when she reinvents
herself as a private investigator on a quest to find the killer of college
student Sophie Michaud. Every door Mari opens proves to be more perilous than
the last, but she’s hell bent on bringing the killer to justice—for Sophie,
students, and all women.
Teaming up with seasoned
investigator and former detective, Derek Abernathy, the crime-savvy pair
discover Sophie’s journal, which is filled with names and controversial
secrets—listed among them is Mari’s own father.
What secrets was Sophie
hiding?
As they connect the dots
leading to Sophie’s death, the blackmailing of a federal judge, and Mari’s own
family, Sophie’s murderer is closing in for the next kill. Facing an adversary
like none she’s ever experienced before, Mari must find her missing father and
reconcile her broken past before she becomes the killer’s next victim.
A multiple award-winning
novel, Hot House is a page-turning psychological thriller
packed with tension, secrets, suspense, and surprises. If you like Blake
Crouch, Harlan Coben, and Lisa Gardner, discover Lisa Towles’ E&A Series
today.
·First Place Winner of The Book Fest 2022 Literary Award, Mystery &
Crime category
·Literary Titan Gold Award for Fiction
Escape into this devious mind
mystery by getting your copy of Hot House now, so you can
solve the puzzle of who killed Sophie Michaud.
“Memorable characters make for a winsome, absorbing detective tale.” - Kirkus
Reviews
“Towles does a fantastic job of pacing the
storyline so that the reader hangs on to every clue... I recommend this for
fans of crime fiction writers
Baldacci, Slaughter, and Gardner.” San Francisco Book Review
“Award-winning author Lisa Towles delivers again and again with
her gripping thrillers…” Sarah
Lovett, Bestselling author
“The plot is propelled
forward by the clever use of suspense,
measured action, and ingeniously written conflict. It is a
moving and delightful read with cinematic
scenes and characters that will stick with readers for a long after
they turn the last page.” - The Book Commentary
“Hot House is an intricate
maze of blackmail, surprise and suspense delivered by
quirky characters, pithy dialog and LOL humor. Another hit by my favorite thriller writer, Lisa Towles.”
- Ana Manwaring
“Fans of investigative thrillers and mysteries will be the audience for
Hot House, but its ability to craft a sassy, fun series of dialogues and
inspections... creates an exceptional
read with a powerfully unexpected
conclusion... This will attract audiences both within and beyond the thriller and mystery genres." -
Midwest Book Review
“Towles has produced a
knockout novel with Hot House. Towles’s plot is as twisted and unpredictable... Nowhere will thriller fans find a more
engaging keep-you-on-your-toes read.” -
Literary Titan
“This meticulously
constructed, remarkable mystery deftly
explores people’s darkest flaws while revealing hard truths about the hidden
workings of the world. A fast-paced
and psychologically astute thriller.” Prairies Book Review
“Hot House is one of those books that pries your eyelids open and
doesn't relent until you've reached the end. Good luck getting Mari out of your head!” - Benjamin Bradley
Lisa Towles is an
award-winning, Amazon bestselling crime novelist and a passionate speaker on
the topics of fiction writing, creativity, and Strategic Self Care. Lisa has 11
crime novels in print with her newest title Specimen freshly released in
November 2024. The first two books of her E&A Investigations Series (Hot
House and Salt Island) were both #1 Amazon Kindle Bestsellers. Lisa also writes
standalone thrillers, such as her 2022 political thriller, The Ridders, which
won an American Fiction Award. Lisa is an active member and frequent
panelist/speaker of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and
International Thriller Writers. She has an MBA in IT Management and works
full-time in the tech industry.
Sara Wright is here to tell us about Rising Ember, The Ember Crown book 1, YA dystopian fantasy.
There's also a great giveaway.
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A kingdom divided will burn
Rising Ember
The Ember Crown Book 1
by Sara Wright
Genre: YA Dystopian Fantasy
Dangerous games. Kill or be killed. Can she
survive a king's ruthless arena?
Clarissa craves an escape. An orphan forced
into criminal acts with other kids by their caretaker, she longs to break free
and become a healer. But when an archenemy provokes a deadly confrontation, the
seventeen-year-old awakens hidden powers in an explosive and fiery defense.
Seized by soldiers and taken to the capital
along with her only friend, Clarissa trains alongside other slaves to fight in
the royal army. But surrounded by mysterious strangers and running low on
trust, the desperate captive fears graduation day will be her last.
Is Clarissa destined to die in chains?
Rising Ember
is the thrilling first book in the Forbidden Chronicles YA dystopian fantasy
series. If you like strong-willed heroines, nail-biting drama, and clean
slow-burn romance, then you’ll love Sara Wright’s action-packed adventure.
Buy Rising Ember to ignite destiny
today!
**Get signed
& special editions with maps, bookmarks & sprayed edges at Sara’s Store!**
Sara Wright is
the author of The Progenitor Chronicles and Forbidden Chronicles,
a YA dystopian fantasy series packed with rebellion, elemental powers, and
clean slow-burn romance.
She currently
lives on Earth, her favorite vacation planet, with her husband and their very
opinionated fur baby. But most days, she’s off exploring shattered kingdoms,
star-spanning civilizations, and the occasional multiverse with her lifelong
companions: Imagination and Creativity.
Raised on bedtime
stories and fueled by a steady diet of fantasy, sci-fi, and a sweet topping of
romance, Sara now writes tales for readers who crave action, heart, and hope.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cycling, hiking, or singing dramatically
to songs she swears are soundtracks to her books.
Sarah Hawthorn is here to tell us about her romantic comedy Love. Camera. Action.
There's also a great giveaway.
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Romantic Comedy
Date Published: 10-01-2025
Publisher: Literary
Wanderlust
In the quaint Australian country town of Warbol, a faded B-grade actress,
Faith Farmer, dares to dream again. With a heart full of passion and a
pocketful of savings, she revives the local cinema, The Rex, and invites the
community to fall in love with the Golden Age of Hollywood.
As the silver
screen flickers to life, the townspeople find themselves swept up in a world
of romance, drama, and laughter. Jock, a handsome country vet, finds the
courage to leave his unhappy marriage and pursue his heart's desire.
Charlotte, a former nun, discovers a new sense of purpose and love. And Faith,
well, she finds a second chance at stardom–and love–in the
unlikeliest of ways.
Join Faith and the lovable residents of Warbol as
they laugh, cry, and fall in love. With its colorful cast of characters,
charming small-town setting, and a healthy dose of old-school Hollywood
glamor, this delightful romantic comedy will capture your heart and leave you
smiling long after the credits roll.
About the Author
Before taking up fiction writing as a
full-time career, Sarah worked as an actress, journalist, newspaper columnist,
magazine editor and publicist. She headed her own Sydney PR company for
fifteen years.
Love. Camera. Action is her third published
novel.
The Dilemma (Bloodhound Books UK, August 2022) garnered
five-star reader reviews and reached #1 in WW1 fiction on Amazon USA and #2 in
both British Historical Fiction and Historical Mystery on Amazon UK. It was
shortlisted for the Grindstone International Novel Prize.
Her debut
novel, A Voice In The Night – a twisty psychological thriller –
set in New York, London and Sydney was published in July 2021 (Transit
Lounge). It has been optioned for film.
She was nominated by
Books+Publising in 2021 as one of Australia’s most promising new
authors.
Mychael Black is here to tell us about Spellbound, an LGBTQ vampire romance.
Read on for details...
_____________________
LGBTQ Romance, Vampires
Date Published: October 3, 2025
Publisher: Changeling Press
A ritual decades ago leads Beau to the one person he never expected to
meet: his fated mate.
Detective Beau Kirkland has to work directly with the local vampire house to
find a murderer, but that’s the easy part. The difficult part? His attraction
to Garrett Dawson’s, one of House Saridan’s top hunters.
Garrett Dawson’s methods are brutal but very effective, even for a vampire.
When a mortal detective begins working with House Saridan, Garrett finds
himself unable to ignore the attraction between them.
EXCERPT
Garrett
There were few things I truly loved in this world, and one was currently in my
hand as I took the elevator up to the fifteenth floor of Saridan Tower. No one
else shared my addiction to the most amazingly sweet coffee concoction
currently sending copious amounts of caffeine through my system. I stepped off
the elevator on the top floor and headed down the hall to the usual conference
room. I didn’t get any farther than the doorway, though. I simply froze, body
alternating between hot and cold.
Normally, these meetings were just the three of us lead Venari and Deacon.
Not today, apparently.
Beau Kirkland looked up at me, eyes wide for a moment. No one said a word --
not even Deacon. Somehow, I got my feet to move and sat opposite the omega
cop. It took more effort than I really had this morning to focus on work and
not the stupidly hot human across from me.
I didn’t go for twinks like the others. I liked my men older, more
experienced. Beau fit that requirement with ease. His short brown hair bore a
little bit of gray here and there, and his dark chocolate-colored eyes studied
me whenever I glanced at his face. He was a few inches shorter than my own
six-three, and unlike most omegas, he was a bit muscular due to his job.
Dressed in his dark navy uniform, he presented the most fucking delectable
package on the planet. I cursed silently and tore my gaze from his when all
blood began rushing south.
Deacon cleared his throat and looked at each of us. “I’m sure you all know one
another, but for protocol’s sake, I’d like to introduce Officer Beau Kirkland.
He’s our liaison within the police department. He’s also the one handling this
latest case on their end. Officer Kirkland, these are my head Venari: Nikolai
Hart, Victor Pace, and Garrett Dawson.”
Beau nodded. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
We exchanged the usual pleasantries before Deacon continued. “I’m stepping
back for now,” he said, glancing at me briefly, “but I’m here if needed. To
that end, the table’s yours, Officer Kirkland.”
“Thank you,” Beau said. He handed each of us several folders. “Eight victims
so far, all completely drained. Eyewitnesses have seen the perp in passing,
but no one can agree on a description.”
“Could be a Lupyn,” Vic said as he flipped through the contents of one of the
folders.
“That was my assumption, but you all know far better than we do if that’s the
case.”
I went through the first folder in front of me. Crime scene photos, pics of
the victims post-mortem, notes, and statements. I scanned over everything and
couldn’t disagree with the shapeshifter idea. It would make sense.
“What do you need from us?” Nik asked Beau. “We’re more than happy to work
with you and your folks.”
I’m not sure I would’ve gone that far, but we did need to get this monster off
the streets. I might not have been particularly nuts about humans, but that
didn’t mean I wished them dead. My methods were saved for my own kind.
Beau passed out papers to us. “These are the last few places he was sighted.
He’s a vampire, so we humans are outgunned here. We can help corner him, but
capture is a different story altogether.”
Nik nodded. “Agreed. Well, we’re here and ready to go hunting.”
I didn’t miss the slight grimace on Beau’s face before he managed to school it
into something more neutral. Apparently, neither did Deacon, but the man just
remained silent.
“Thank you,” Beau said. “Please keep me updated on everything. In the
meantime, I’ll be at the station downtown, trying to narrow our possible
location leads.”
“Thank you for coming to us,” Deacon said. “I guarantee we will be in touch.
These guys are my best hunters, and I have no doubt they’ll find this son of a
bitch.”
Despite the situation, Beau smiled. “Thank you very much.”
The others left the room, though Beau shot me a cryptic look before stepping
out the door. I stayed seated, knowing Deacon had something to say. Sure
enough, as soon as we were alone, he leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
“Is this going to be an issue?”
I could’ve played dumb, but he already knew everything. There wasn’t any
point. “No. I’m fully capable of working with him.”
Deacon raised one eyebrow. “Really? Because pheromones say otherwise.”
I managed to avoid scowling at him. Lupyns were more sensitive to things like
that than Venari. “Unlike Nik, I’m perfectly capable of keeping my dick in my
pants, Deacon.”
He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. He was far older than us, and being
under his scrutiny made even me feel like a scolded kid sometimes. “Don’t let
it get the best of you, Garrett. His job involves danger, and you can’t
protect him from that unless you’re mated and bonded completely.”
“Who said I was --” I snapped my mouth shut at his glare.
“I’m old, not an idiot.” Deacon leaned forward and put his arms on the table.
“Either fight this until the perp is in custody or fucking claim Beau. I can’t
have you out there distracted. Understood?”
“Yes,” I replied, biting back a growl.
“Good. Dismissed.”
I stood abruptly, grabbed the folders and paper, and left the conference room.
I made it halfway down the hall before Nik and Vic both cornered me. Fuck.
“That didn’t go well, did it?” Vic asked.
“No,” I snarled.
I continued walking, and they followed me to the elevator. I stabbed the DOWN
button and had to unclench my fist before I gave into the urge to hit
something. In the door’s reflection, I saw Nik and Vic exchange cautious
glances.
We all stepped into the elevator and took it to the lobby. Without another
word said, it was a given where we’d wind up. Colby’s was the city’s best
diner with the most amazing coffee blends. Maybe the combination of carbs,
sugar, and caffeine would calm me down because just the thought of claiming
Beau sure as fuck wasn’t doing it.
Quite the opposite, actually.
I was hard as a fucking rock.
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.