Always Reading: February 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Release Blitz: Bride by Ritual by Maggie Cole

Title: Bride by Ritual

Series: The Underworld #3

Author: Maggie Cole
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Tropes: Secret Society, Frenemies, Taboo
Fake Marriage/Marriage of Convenience
Release Date: January 30, 2026

BLURB

The unforgettable conclusion of International bestselling author Maggie Cole's highly-received secret society, drenched in dark undertones, next-generation Mafia series about frenemies entering a fake marriage to climb to the top of the Underworld.

When Brax became an intruder inside the Underworld, I shouldn't have let my attraction overrule my brain.

I should have killed him.

Now, our fake marriage is the only way I can claim my seat at the table.

He's arrogant, sinfully gorgeous, and infuriates me any chance he gets. We've been frenemies since day one, always circling, always striking, and never trusting the other.

Somehow, pretending to love him is easy. His filthy looks, starving kisses, and possessive touches keep making me forget the truth about our marriage.

But it's just a game we're playing for power. And I won't be weak. I won't fall for my husband.

Even if every touch makes me crave him.

Even if every lie tastes like truth.

Even if the only thing more dangerous than trusting him is the Omni trying to unravel our marriage.

Bride by Ritual is a standalone with interconnected characters, and book three of The Underworld series. This dark, secret society, Mafia, frenemies, fake marriage/marriage of convenience romance is not meant for the faint of heart. Expect violence, taboo, and graphic scenes.

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO

AUTHOR BIO

Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.

She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes.

Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.

Her current series were written in the order below:

All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)

It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)

Brooks Family Saga (Read in order)

Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)

Mafia Wars (Stand alones with interconnecting plot and entwined characters)

Mafia Wars New York (Stand alones with interconnecting plot and entwined characters)

Club Indulgence Duet

Mafia Wars Ireland

Wilted Kingdom Duet

Holiday Hoax (Standalone)

Holiday Hire (Standalone)

The Underworld Series

Beautiful Delusions Duet

AUTHOR LINKS

AMAZON

FACEBOOK GROUP

INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

YOUTUBE

NEWSLETTER

TIKTOK

Book Blitz: Ruthless by Tory Richards

Book #1 Nomad Outlaws Trilogy

Romantic Suspense

Date Published: 08-12-2025

Four years ago, Rebel saved Ginger by claiming her as his, a desperate act to keep them both alive, then vanished. Now, Bike Week in Daytona Beach throws them back into each other's paths. He's a dangerous nomad, a ruthless killer, and her addiction. She, in turn, is his. Can they bury the past and find a future together, or is it already too late?

Excerpt

I grabbed Ginger by the hand and pulled her out of the room, down the hall and to the bathroom. Her resistance was futile, her fear unimportant. I knew what I had to do, and if she were smart, she'd realize it, too. If she wanted to live. I opened the bathroom door and yanked her inside, thankful that I found it empty. It was filthy, but better than nothing, and it had a shower that everyone used when they felt the need to be clean, which wasn't often.

Ginger spun around when I shut the door, the look of a trapped animal in her pretty blues. I ignored her growing terror, steeling myself for what I had to do. Even behind closed doors I had to make it real, had to be convincing that I was an unfeeling bastard. I saw her swallow, could see her tits rising and falling rapidly as the fear of the unknown overwhelmed her. She was expecting the worst, preparing herself to do whatever she had to do to survive.

"Take off your clothes." I kept my tone harsh, indifferent to her growing panic. She shook her head vigorously and stepped back, slamming hard against the cracked porcelain sink. A nervous cry escaped her, and her eyes were wild as she took in her surroundings and realized that there was no escape. Her gaze touched on the door behind me before meeting my eyes.

"Please‒"

"Take off your f**king clothes," I said in an uncaring, demanding tone. "You're filthy, and not in a way that turns me on. Now undress." I removed my cut and the t-shirt beneath it. "In fact, I think I'll join you." Her eyes nearly popped out of her head at that. "If you're not undressed by the time I'm out of my clothes, you won't like the consequences."

I kicked off my boots as my hands went to the front of my pants. As I’d expected she would, Ginger's small hands began to unbutton her blouse. Slowly she began to expose enticing, creamy skin to my wandering eyes. I undid my pants. She lowered her gaze to the floor and turned around before reluctantly removing the garment. I let her have her moment of modesty before I looked into the mirror in front of her. Christ. I took notice of her perfect tits and rosy tips. I lowered my zipper, the sound of it overloud in the tiny room. I could tell that she knew what I was doing by the stiffening of her backside, but she didn't let it stop her from removing her jeans. As I kicked mine away, hers hit the floor.

About the Author

Tory Richards is an author who writes smut with a plot. She's an Amazon bestselling author in erotic romance and romantic suspense categories. Born in Maine, she's lived most of her life in Florida where she went to school, married, and raised her daughter. She's retired from Disney and spends her time with family and friends, traveling, and writing. You can get in touch with her at toryrichards60@gmail.com

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