Book Blitz: Royal Mayhem by Samantha Jayne Grubey

 

Royal Mayhem
Samantha Jayne Grubey
Publication date: April 15th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Part one of a duet.

Melinda Brown doesn’t want much in life, graduate university and survive.

Prince Alexander has everything, surrounded be riches and spoilt to the core. Everything he’s ever wanted has been at the tip of his finger due to his prestigious status as future King of England.

Despite coming from two different worlds, they share the same university. One day everything changes when the two crash into each other’s lives, literally.

As they both enter each other’s worlds, they’re forced to make compromises for the sake of their growing attraction.

Will Melinda and Alexander be able to win people with their love, especially when it becomes clear that they both hide secrets? Or will Prince Alexander by denied for the first time by the first woman that he truly wants? Not everything is as it seems in Royal Mayhem.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Rolling onto my side, I was met with thin air falling to the floor letting out a groan as I hit the floor.

How did I fall out of bed?

I opened my eyes seeing I was in the living room. The memories of last night finally came rushing back to me. We had been binge-watching my favourite reality television show and fell asleep.

Looking behind me, Alex was still fast asleep. He looked so peaceful. With him asleep, I had time to admire him without him knowing it. It had taken a bit for Alex to get comfortable after the incident again. I could tell he was fighting with himself. There must’ve been a huge part of him that wanted to run and hide, whilst the other part of him wanted to stay.

What scared me the most is that I wanted to know both of those parts of him. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I wanted to know it all. I wanted to know him.

Then, there’s the secret.

Could I cope with not knowing what his secret was?

It was obvious he had one, no adult had a grown babysitter without a reason. The security that had suddenly appeared around the campus, it all coincides with when Alex started at university.

I couldn’t figure out what the reason was.

Did he have a famous and important family?

Was he secretly a political figure?

Would I end up hurt?

I wanted to google him so bad. I reached for my phone, opening up the browser and stared at it.

Could I break my promise?

I told him I wouldn’t.

I let out a groan, throwing my phone back on the sofa.

I stood up, made my way to the bathroom, and showered quickly. I wrap the towel around me heading to the bedroom changing into some clean clothes. My body ached so much. Sleeping on a small sofa with someone else was not the best way to sleep.

After finishing getting ready, I made my way downstairs, Alex was still asleep on the sofa, and into the kitchen. I grabbed a can out of the fridge, opening it and taking a small sip.

Maybe I should prepare some breakfast.

I know Alex brought breakfast things I couldn’t believe he went shopping for me. I don’t think anyone would top what he did for me. I walked into the living room and saw he was sitting up looking confused.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” he said. “I was really confused about where I was then.”

“Do you often wake up at random houses not knowing who you’re with?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not happened in a few years,” he admitted. “Do you have plans today?”

I shook my head.

“Do you want to go on that date?”

“I’d love to.” Butterflies filled my stomach, this was my first real date.

“Great,” he smiled. “I’m going to go home and then I’ll come pick you up” he looked at his phone “around midday if that’s alright with you?”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I said. He stood up, stretching his arms out.

I made my way over to the door and let him out. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes, you will. Just so you know, I had fun last night,” he said.

“Me, too.”

He got into his car and drove off.

I headed into the living room, grabbing my phone.

Megan answered straight away. “If this isn’t life or death, I’m going to fucking kill you, Melinda,” she mumbled.

“Does Alex asking me on a date count?”

Author Bio:

Samantha Jayne Grubey is an author of new adult romance.

When she's not writing or reading, she will be playing sims or doing some diamond art and if she isn't doing any of that she could be pole dancing or most likely working.

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GIVEAWAY!

Royal Mayhem Blitz

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Week Blitz and Giveaway: Golfing, Gardens, & Ghosts by Mary Seifert

 

Cozy Mystery

Date Published: 01-28-2026

Publisher: Secret Staircase Books, an imprint of Columbine Publishing Group, LLC

School’s out for the summer and math teacher Katie Wilk needs something to occupy her time, something beyond helping to plan Jane Mackey’s upcoming wedding. So, when Jane suggests golf lessons and Katie secures a part-time job at the Shady Oaks Country Club to cover the cost of her golfing gear, it seems like a win-win plan. Unfortunately, the club’s irascible golf pro seems to make enemies wherever he goes, so when his body turns up near the 14th hole, it’s anyone’s guess who might have done him in.

Katie doesn’t really want another murder to investigate, but Officer Ronnie Christianson is back to his old ways, and it looks like he’ll do what it takes to implicate her in the death. And Katie just happens to have seen a potentially incriminating clue, behind a secret garden wall that few know about. Can Katie, Jane, and Ida ask enough questions to find out what really happened before the police come after her?

 

Praise for this amazing cozy series by multiple award-winning author Mary Seifert:

2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards - Semi-Finalist - Mystery & Mayhem category

2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award - Top Pick - Cozy Mysteries

2024 International Impact Awards - Winner - Books in a Series

 

“…. a solid 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking not just a mystery but an immersive experience, Mary Seifert's debut novel [is] the perfect companion for a cosy night in, a cup of tea, and a journey into the heart of a captivating mystery.” – Maverick, Movies & Murder, Online Book Club.org

 

“...an intricate mystery with plenty of action and suspense. Plus, I like the dog.” David Housewright Edgar Award winning author of Something Wicked

 

“From navigating small town life to solving puzzling murders, Katie and Maverick are a delight.” —Mindy Mejia, international bestseller author

 

“Immediately captivating! Katie and Maverick are destined to become a notable amateur sleuth team in the mystery world.” –Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book by Mary Seifert! This well written and thoughtful story kept me engaged with fun characters, interesting information and mind and math puzzles. Looking forward to book two!” James, 5-star online review

 

“Fun read! The author has an authentic voice and has done her research. The plot covers many topics: dogs, history, the inner workings of hospitals, family dynamics, and more. I especially enjoyed the puzzles and little-known historical facts that were part of the story. Maverick, Movies & Murder kept my interest and left me wanting more. Highly recommend!” Beth, online 5-star review

 

“…very much looking forward to her next!!! I can’t get enough of Ms. Seifert’s books!!” – proudarmymom, 5 stars

 

“…plenty of unanticipated twists and turns. It kept [me] up reading to see what was going to happen next!” – RHN, 5 stars online

 

“Maverick, Movies, and Murder isn't merely a cosy mystery; it's a literary embrace, a narrative that unfolds in layers, revealing both the familiar and the unexpected.” OnlineBookClub.org review

 

Excerpt

“I can’t imagine you didn’t inherit my ability to sit still and do absolutely nothing. I’m the king of procrastination.”

I laughed. “This from a man who plans every minute of his day.”

“Yes, but I make certain I plan all my sitting-still time first. I might have some ideas for you.”

Poised to take note of Dad’s constructive contributions, I said, “Do tell.”

He leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms. “You could pick up a new hobby.”

…

“I could teach you to cook. Maybe. Or you could bike.”

I plopped my elbow on the table and supported my cheek in my hand. “You and Ida have tried to teach me to cook. It’s been practically impossible, and there’s only so much biking I can do.” I shook my head yet listened for something novel.

“You could sleep in.”

“Tried that.” I side-eyed my pup and exhaled.

“You could learn a craft like … crocheting or knitting.”

Two more words made the list. He waited for an enthusiastic response, which didn’t happen, but nuggets of ideas turned over in my head as I chewed my final morsel of bacon. Our landlady, Ida Clemashevski, was a creative whiz not only at cooking, but with her passions of art, acting, music, and probably crafting as well.

“There’s always fishing,” he said, cautiously optimistic. “Or get a part-time job?”

I jotted a few words next to his recommendations and drew a fish.

Dad asked, “What’s that?”

Having confirmed my lack of any artistic talent, my sketch disappeared under scribbles. “I’ll think about taking up a hobby, but meanwhile, it seems I’ll simply have to resign myself to mundane chores …” I hopped up. “Nothing exciting. Something like doing the dishes.” I juggled the serving platters, plates, and silverware and deposited them in the sink, leaving the delicate cups for a second trip.

Soap foamed under the cascade of hot water, and I scrubbed slowly to eat up at least a portion of my free time. Although Dad reached for a towel, I shooed him out of the kitchen, knowing how much he valued his predictable weekday schedule: a hearty first meal of the day, a one-mile walk around the neighborhood—rain or shine, an in-depth read of the newspaper from cover to cartoons, an exercise class at the Y, and his volunteer stint at the library.

“No doubt, by week’s end you’ll have discovered a new and more streamlined method for doing dishes. You know I love you.” He kissed my forehead and headed for the door and a day of sunshine. “But we’ve got to keep you occupied and out of trouble, or you’ll never get rid of the crazy nickname you earned.”

I called to his retreating back, “Just because I’ve been in the wrong places and involved in the resolution of several serious crimes, I really don’t think I deserve the moniker ‘Katie Wilk, the murder magnet.’”

 

About the Author

Mary Seifert is the mastermind behind the captivating Katie and Maverick Cozy Mysteries, a 2024 International IMPACT Award winner for books in a series. If you love a thrilling whodunit with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of charm, her books are for you. Her novel Maverick, Movies & Murder was a finalist for the 2023 American Fiction Award, and Santa, Snowflakes & Strychnine earned a spot as a 2024 Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem finalist. Set in the picturesque landscapes of West Central Minnesota, where the lakes begin, Mary’s stories are as cozy as a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly day.

Mary’s love affair with books began in her grandfather’s secretive basement backroom library, where she read childhood favorites, Heidi, Black Beauty, National Velvet, Charlotte’s Web, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and devoured works by literary greats such as Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Erle Stanley Gardner, Wouk, Chandler, du Maurier, Ellery Queen, Margaret Mitchell, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Salinger, Bradbury, Tolkien, and Pasternak, to name just a few. These early literary adventures, combined with lively book discussions with her mother and siblings helped shape her love for mysteries and complex narratives. Her father’s gift of outrageous storytelling added exaggeration to her arsenal, lending a playful twist to her writing.

Mary grounded her passion for storytelling when she shared her love of reading with her children, solving puzzles alongside beloved characters like Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, and the Hardy Boys, and that passion is growing, watching the next generation learn to read. She proudly believes her kids, their significant others, and her grandchildren are the smartest in the universe, and she’s not shy about letting the world know it!

Contact Links

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Purchase Link

Amazon

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Devin and The Devil by Judith S. Cohen

 

Romantasy

Date Published: March 16, 2026

Anita was a timid college student who dreams of love and adventure. By chance she meets Devin a handsome and charismatic man with dark secrets of his own. Together with family, friends and a spirit they must face fears and challenges, doubts and danger. This book is a true Romantasy, it is a love story and a fantasy. Order on Amazoon.com, in eBook and soft cover. I think you will fall in love.

About the Author

 

 I am a retired teacher, parent, wife and Grandmother of four. Stormy my Havenese dog is 19 years old, and I think of him as my fur child. I enjoy writing science fiction, fantasy, and stories about my life. Devin and the Devil is my third book, and my favorite. I hope it is yours too.

Contact Link

Website

Purchase Link

Amazon

Book Blitz: The Cardinal Code by Avery Sterling

 

The Cardinal Code: Absolution
Avery Sterling
(The Cardinal Code, #2)
Publication date: April 17th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The Cardinal Code: Absolution continues the dark, seductive saga of the Cardinales—an elite society of vampires whose influence shapes governments, history, and the hidden world beneath human civilization.

Paislee Sullivan never wanted power. She only wanted Michael. But loving a man born into a secret dynasty of blood and control means standing in the shadow of everything he represents.

When Michael Chamberlain is summoned to London, he’s pulled into a political struggle rooted in ancient bloodlines and forbidden truths. As old laws are challenged and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Paislee finds herself no longer at the edge of his world—but at its center.

The deeper she is drawn into Cardinales society, the more dangerous her presence becomes. To some, she is leverage. To others, a threat. To Michael, she is the only thing that has ever mattered.

Bound by love and hunted by forces determined to preserve the Order’s control, they must confront a truth the Dominium has spent centuries suppressing.

Because some bloodlines were never meant to merge.

And loving each other may cost them everything.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Paislee leaned her head on Michael’s shoulder.

“You didn’t look surprised by that envelope.”

“Because I wasn’t.”

“What is it?”

“An invitation,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers and brushing her knuckles with his lips.

Her head lifted. “An invitation for what?”

“To Etxe Bakarra.”

“What’s that?”

“A celebration they hold every year—but barely understand. It was hand-delivered. Required my signature. Which means I must attend or face consequences.”

She studied the envelope, running her fingers over its embossed seal. “It’s beautiful. What is Etxe Bakarra?”

“A celebration of unity. Of peace.”

“Are you required to attend every year?”

“No.”

“Then why now?”

“Because the harvest moon aligns with the autumn equinox. It’s incredibly rare.”

She blinked. “Harvest moon, autumn equinox . . . the Order sounds mystical.”

He chuckled. “It’s their favorite bedtime story.”

As the car hummed down the avenue, she turned the envelope over in her hands.

“You didn’t even open it.”

“I know what it says.”

“I’ll open it, then.”

Her eyes skimmed the elegant script inside. Then she paused. “Michael . . . why is my name on it?”

He went still.

“Right under yours. It says the invitation extends to ‘Michael Chamberlain and companion, Paislee Sullivan.’”

He reached over and took the invitation from her hands. His easy charm shuttered, replaced by something darker. Calculating.

Michael stared out the window for a long moment.

“They want to see you,” he said quietly.

Paislee frowned. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

A pause hung between them.

She rested her head against his shoulder, listening to the steady thud of his heart beneath the fine weave of his jacket. He didn’t speak again, but he didn’t have to. She could feel it in the way he held her hand tighter than before—the silent promise tucked into his touch.

Whatever this celebration meant, whatever game the Order was playing, she was now a part of it.

Author Bio:

Avery Sterling's love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create.

Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.

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GIVEAWAY!

The Cardinal Code: Absolution Blitz

—

Release Blitz: Colorado Dragons Series by D.M. Davis, DL Gallie, & A. Rivers

 

Colorado Dragons Series

Genre: Sports Romance

Tropes: Hockey Romance, Enemies to Lovers

Best Friends to Lovers, Fake Dating, One Night

Release Dates: April 13 - 24, 2026

FACE-OFF

He's the team's captain—strong, empowering, and chivalrous. She's a decorated veteran—smart, beautiful, and fierce.

I breathe, eat, and sleep hockey. It's my duty, my honor, my privilege to give all I have to my team, for my team. Lead by example. Leave the pain on the ice, wearing blood and sweat on my jersey with pride.

No sacrifice is too big… or so I thought.

Emmeline knows true sacrifice. Face of an angel. Heart of a warrior. Marine turned coffee shoppe owner, brewing a mean cup of joe kissed by the heavens, protective of her family by choice and those in need of saving.

I thought I knew sacrifice. I had no idea. Em makes me look like an amateur.

And I can't get enough. I can't get her out of my head, not that I want to.

But she's full up. She has no need nor desire for a pro athlete who lives in the limelight and dines with celebrities and politicians.

I face off with the toughest players in the NHL, yet I can't break the ice around her heart. I'm a warrior of a different kind, and I'm prepared to go to battle for her.

1-click this angsty, heart-pounding hockey romance and fall hard for Nightly and his Emmeline.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

BREAKAWAY

A new team. A clean slate. Storm Cromwell comes to Denver determined to step out of his famous NHL brother’s shadow and prove he belongs on the ice. Hockey is the only thing that matters—until he meets Asher King.

Confident, brilliant, and completely off-limits, Asher is the heiress to Denver’s hockey empire, carrying a legacy heavy enough to crush anyone who dares to touch it. With her grandfather in hospice and a ruthless family war brewing, her future—and the empire itself—hangs by a thread.

Storm should stay focused. Asher should keep her distance. But the pull between them is impossible to ignore. He sees her beyond the name and the power. She sees him as more than a reckless distraction. As loyalty, ambition, and desire collide, they’re forced to choose how much they’re willing to risk.

Letting each other in could cost them everything … but walking away might destroy them both.

Love, legacy, and loyalty collide in this emotional hockey romance. Are you ready to fall for Storm and Asher? 1-click to start reading today.

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

THE FIRST RULE OF FAKING IT

What’s worse than being stuck in paradise with your ex and the woman he cheated on you with?

When your hot hockey player best friend–who’s always made your heart beat a little faster–insists on pretending to be your new boyfriend.

Alec means well, but no one–not my ex, not my friends, and certainly not my family–is going to believe he’s suddenly madly in love with me. The only person at risk of believing the act… is me.

But maybe I’ll get through this despite his tempting touches, lingering smiles, and the fact there’s only one bed in our hotel room… as long as I remember the most important rule of all: Don’t fall for your fake boyfriend.

If you loved the emotional heat of books by Becka Mack and Avery Keelan, then buy THE FIRST RULE OF FAKING IT to start reading your next addictive hockey romance today!

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COLORADO DRAGONS

COMING SOON

Last Line of Defense by Danielle Wright

Scoring Chance by Erin Parisien

Power Play by S.L. Sterling

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Book Tour and Giveaway: Devin and the Devil by Judith S. Cohen

 

Romantasy

Date Published: March 16, 2026

Anita was a timid college student who dreams of love and adventure. By chance she meets Devin a handsome and charismatic man with dark secrets of his own. Together with family, friends and a spirit they must face fears and challenges, doubts and danger. This book is a true Romantasy, it is a love story and a fantasy. Order on Amazoon.com, in eBook and soft cover. I think you will fall in love.

                                              Excerpt 

“Devin, you are instructed to read the card first.” She continued,  

Devin took the box to their rooms and sat staring at it for a while. When he opened the card, a flood of memories filled him—his mother’s handwriting and the scent of her monogrammed stationery. He took a deep breath and began to read. 

My precious Devin, if you are reading this, I am gone. I always felt this might be this way. I have a lot to share with you. I know you have grown to be a kind and generous man. You will aways be my “Golden Boy” and the finest achievement of my life. I hope you have or will find a partner to share your life with. 

Choose wisely and well. 

I was very young when the doctors discovered I was unable to have children. It was a congenital problem they could not correct. My music career began, but I longed for a child. I met a man, a strange older man who promised me I could have a child with him. He wanted to father my child. He was powerful, and very wealthy, but also secretive concerning his life. He was very devoted to me. I never knew if he was a alien. I feared he was not from this world. It was all very exciting but there were danger signs, which I found foolishly very attractive.

About the Author

 

 I am a retired teacher, parent, wife and Grandmother of four. Stormy my Havenese dog is 19 years old, and I think of him as my fur child. I enjoy writing science fiction, fantasy, and stories about my life. Devin and the Devil is my third book, and my favorite. I hope it is yours too.

Contact Link

Website

Purchase Link

Amazon

Book Tour and Giveaway: STRINGS by Jan Merritt

 

Contemporary Romance, Romantic Drama, Women’s Fiction

Date Published: 11-21-2025

With a national lockdown looming, a Southern journalist flees north, determined to jumpstart her career in the safety of a Minnesota wilderness, feisty and wary of entanglements, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star.

A pandemic is spreading across the globe. A national lockdown looms in the United States. A Southern journalist sees a chance to protect her health and jumpstart her career by escaping north to a Minnesota wilderness. Feisty and wary of entanglement, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star on his way home.

Robby Song’s career may be on hold, but Grace Wheeler is on a mission to build hers. To Robby, she’s an intriguing challenge. To Grace, he’s a distraction she’s not ready to handle. But the brutal Northwoods winter is coming. Grace flees back south . . . to soul-searching isolation and a puzzling middle-of-the-night call.

 

Excerpt

“Interesting.” He looked out at the lake. “This is so different.”

“Different from what?”

“What I’m used to . . . when I come home. I’m not used to having conversations anymore with people I don’t know or who don’t know who I am. I’ve been away for sixteen years . . . living a totally different life. Normally, when I’m here, I have a sort of agenda. I know who I’m going to see — family and old friends. This time, I have no schedule, no pending dates, nothing to make me leave. I hadn’t realized I’ve been so isolated from dealing with people . . . with strangers . . . like you.” He leaned forward to get up and looked over at Grace. “And the women I’m around don’t treat me like you do. They’re much more agreeable.” He stood up. “I need food. You want to come or not?”

Grace looked up at him, pulling her hair back away from her face with her right hand. “I can imagine how the women you meet act, now that I know who you are. You’ve been living in a bubble, but who you are doesn’t mean a thing to me. And if you think I’m disagreeable, you’re in for a bad time if this pandemic lasts. In the real world, women have lives, and they’re not all focused on stroking . . . male . . . egos.” She stood up. “Not every woman is interested in being your groupie. The world has changed while you’ve been in your bubble.”

“Well, if you’re any indication, I should invest in a suit of armor.”

“Probably not a bad idea.”

About the Author

Jan Merritt is passionate about teaching both in the classroom and on horses, but brain cancer changed her life. Surgeries and treatments have left her with a new brain, one that does not have skills to teach middle school English or balance to ride horses . . . but loves to create stories.

Jan lives on the coast of South Carolina with strong ties to northern Minnesota. Growing up was filled with rich but conflicting narratives. Her dad told stories about his pioneering Minnesota family, egalitarian values, and the importance of self-reliance. They made annual trips to family cabins on a lake north of Duluth. But in her friends’ homes back in Charleston, she was immersed in plantation lore, tales of the Confederacy, and exclusive traditions of a social set that she was not born into. She is married to a musician who is also a mental health therapist. They have three children.

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https://mybook.to/STRINGSJanMerritt

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