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Title: The Art of Overthinking
Author: Ellen Zheng
Genre: YA w/romance
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb:
Isla Wu is fine.
Or, at least, that’s what she tells herself. She has friends, semi-supportive—albeit judgmental—tiger parents, and good grades, so why wouldn’t she be okay? Besides, anything other than “fine” is not suitable for an American-born Chinese girl with Ivy League dreams.
But still, the numbness claws at her.
Everything goes to crap when she spills coffee on a new guy (how meet-cute, NOT). Yet, as she starts to like him, everything she thought she once knew unravels until the numbness threatens to pull her under. Because when you’re at the top, the only way to go is down, and ignoring her problems or feelings doesn’t help anyone.
Maybe Isla Wu is not fine.
Set in the backdrop of New York City and immersed
in the academically elite high school culture,
“The Art of Overthinking” is a celebration of the ties
that bond us and a love letter to mental health.
*Fans of "How It Feels to Float" by Helena Fox, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han, and "Every Last Word," by Tamara Ireland Stone will enjoy THE ART OF OVERTHINKING.
Excerpt
In the middle of the night, the numbness hits me like a typhoon. Slowly creeping up and then, all at once, I’m drowning and it’s too late to swim.
This isn’t supposed to happen. I am not supposed to feel like this in one of the happiest stages in my life. I am not supposed to feel empty when I have a freaking boyfriend.
I force myself to check my grades. They’re all Fs.
The tears start to flow, and I sob silently.
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Author Biography
Ellen Zheng is an avid lover of books that make her cry and Taylor Swift songs. As the child of immigrant parents, she wanted to implement her experiences and culture into her writing, especially mental health. Through channels such as literature and entertainment, she believes we can work on destigmatizing mental health and convey that people don't have to suffer alone. She is a debut author of young adult fiction and resides in Georgia.
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Title: Unconventional
Author: Isaac Sher
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb
Welcome to Anime Horde, the best Midwest convention ever!
Iris is fresh off a breakup that ruined her career.
Felix is a staffer at Horde and very lonely.
When they meet…BOOM!
But they’re not the only attendees with romance brewing.
Rachel has a crush on Felix.
Michelle is Rachel’s BFF, who has a crush on her.
It’s getting hot in here. And complicated.
What happens at the con, doesn’t stay at the con…
Fans of Brenna Aubrey, Abbi Glines, Maya Alden, Milly Taiden, and Ali Hazelwood will enjoy "Unconventional" by Isaac Sher.
Excerpt
Felix Jackson stood outside the massive Grand Royalty Hotel and Convention Center complex, taking in the afternoon scene. Another year, another Anime Horde convention, and another long weekend of shared wonder, joy, new discovery, reunions with old friends, Japanese pop culture, and giddy sleep deprivation. At least it isn’t raining this year, he thought to himself. Yet.
“Man, can you believe this beautiful weather? They might actually get to do some outdoor cosplay shoots this time, yah.”
Felix turned to find Prowl walking towards him, towing a massive suitcase. He was a huge blond Viking of a man whose booming voice was still thick with a Minnesota accent despite living further south for over a decade.
“I parked in the lot up ahead, but I saw you standing here as I pulled in. I even honked, dont’cha know!”
“Sorry, I guess I was lost in thought. Good to see you, Prowl.” Felix laughed, and adjusted the collar on his green polo.
Prowl raised an eyebrow. “Lost in thought for, what, ten minutes? Took me a bit to walk back here after I parked, man. Thinking about the show on Saturday?”
Shaking his head, Felix grabbed the handle of his rolling suitcase. “Nah. All the crap from last year? C’mon, let’s get our room keys from Staff HQ.”
“Last year was a bad time, no kiddin’.”
They headed towards the hotel’s main entrance, already choked with arriving attendees and other staff members.
“I’m sure this year will be better, but you gotta stop dwelling on it and let it go. We all make mistakes. Lord knows I did.”
Felix turned to better examine his friend’s expression. “Considering how badly Natalie stabbed you in the back last year, you’re handling it a lot better than I would’ve. And what’s with the ‘let it go’ talk? Are you going to break into song on an ice-covered mountain-top now?”
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Author Biography
Isaac Sher's books are known as out of this world magical escapism. He is a master at blending sci-fi, urban fantasy, and romance for a unique read. He is a two-time brain cancer survivor, and resides with his family near Chicago.
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Title: Greeting Cards For Exes
Author: Rebekah L. Purdy
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb
“Purdy presents a beautifully complex array of characters that touch your heart.” –A Bookish Escape
Piper Mishner has spent the last year trying to get over her ex, which is hard to do after he decides to move into the apartment next to hers with his new fiancé. As if she needs the reminder of how painful the breakup was. Not to mention, her job as a greeting card writer is now at risk due to her cynicism about love.
“I’m bored with you and need a change.” The infamous words of Kerrie Holloway’s ex-husband, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of being an “ex” since he wants her to pretend for their kids and family that they’re still together. While dating others and living in the same house. She gets a job in sales at a greeting card company, and is finally on the way to saving for her own place.
Maude Gilchrist has spent over fifty years married to the same man. A man who, one day, just leaves. No goodbye. No explanation. He was just gone. Bitter and alone, she decides to postpone retirement from the greeting card company. Although writing sappy cards about love is the last thing she wants to do.
Through lunch hour talks, weekend getaways, and drunken brawls, the ladies of All For You Greeting Cards Company help heal one another’s wounds and learn there are more important things in life than having a man. There may be a generational gap, but they all have the “ex-factor” in common.
Fans of Ashley Poston, Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Mia Sheridan, and Kristin Hannah will enjoy "Greeting Cards For Exes" by Rebekah L. Purdy.
Excerpt
I stood, ready to filter from the room with everyone else, but Mr. Dancy blocked my way.
“Not so fast, Piper. Sit.” He pointed at the chair I’d just vacated.
“Sir, look, I can explain everything…”
“Piper, listen. You are a very talented writer, it’s one of the reasons I originally hired you. I know you’ve had a really rough year, but you have to get back on top of things here, otherwise, I’m afraid, I might have to find someone else. Someone who doesn’t think the answer to Valentine’s Day is a beer-scented sticker.”
I nodded. “I promise, I’ll have something to you soon.”
After he left, I stared out the window at the sky. You have to get it together, girl. You can’t lose this job because Manho decided to break up with you. You can’t let him win and see how unhappy you are.
If I didn’t have motivation before to get over him, I sure did now. Cynical as I was, I’d find a way to create a love-themed card, even if I had to spend the next seventy-two hours watching rom-com movies and eating a tub of chocolate ice cream.
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Author Biography
Rebekah L. Purdy is an army veteran, born and raised in Michigan. She works full time for the court system and, in her free time, she writes YA stories across many genres, with more than 15 titles to date. She has a large family, including furbabies. "Greeting Cards for Exes" is her first women's fiction book.
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Title: Willow Tree Tears
Author: Mandy Eve-Barnett
Genre: Western Romance
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb
“Well-written and a fun read.” -Book Hoarder
For Madison, the quarter horse ranch life with her widowed father and the rodeo circuit are all she needs, apart from this year’s barrel racing championship. Romance is not on her radar. Her hurt heart needs protecting. But Colton, her foreman and good friend, has other plans.
Then, a chance encounter with a handsome Italian named Lucio ignites her long-buried passion. Madison finds herself in a love triangle where the choice of tradition and adventure clash with unexpected rivalry.
Fans of Elsie Silver, Kristen Proby, Devney Perry, Willow Aster, and Bailey Hannah will enjoy "Willow Tree Tears" by Mandy Eve-Barnett
Excerpt
She ordered a replacement hotdog for herself and another for the tall dark-haired man, who stood beside her with mustard and ketchup covering the front of his rather classy looking shirt. His eyes penetrated into her very soul, and Madison was drawn to him like no other man. She tried to quash the feeling, disturbed at her susceptibility to a stranger.
“Are you sure I can’t pay for your shirt to be cleaned? It looks expensive. I just won the barrel race championship today, so take the offer while I'm in the money.”
She passed him the hotdog, and their fingers touched. An electrical tingle pulsed through her.
A connection washed over her, deep down in her soul. Again, with warmth growing in her heart, it was thrilling and frightening at the same time.
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Author Biography
Mandy Eve-Barnett is a multi-genre author writing children’s, YA, and adult books. Every story has a basis of love, nature, magic, and mystery. Her passion for writing emerged later in life, and she’s making up for lost time. She regularly blogs at www.mandyevebarnett.com, where she encourages and supports the networking of writers and readers alike. Mandy is currently the Secretary of her local writers’ group, the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, and she hosts their monthly Writers Circle meetings. She’s past Secretary of the Alberta Authors Cooperative and past President of the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County Council.
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Title: Simply To Die For
Author: Maxine Douglas
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb
“A root-worthy couple.” - InD'tale Magazine
Clar Turner quit the porn-star business, leaving behind her Kandi Kyses persona to return her hometown and open a candy store. Until her BFF, Levi, is beaten and left for dead during filming. Now, she must become Kandi once again to find who’s responsible, and why her candy wrappers were at the scene of the crime. She calls upon her mentor to help assist in finding answers.
Reporter Jimmy O'Brien finds out the woman he’s loved and protected for years is on the “porn star” killer’s hit list. After Levi’s assault, Jimmy is both surprised and happy to see Clar back in LA. What he’s not thrilled about is her becoming Kandi again or the fact that a dirty detective he’s had a run-in with before is on the case.
Danger and secrets lurk around every corner. Passion mounts, but can they uncover the killer before he takes his revenge?
Fans of Shantel Tessier, Brynne Weaver, Penelope Douglas, and H. D. Carlton will enjoy Maxine Douglas.
Excerpt
I turned and surveyed the room. It had been easier than I first imagined. None of them put up a fuss. Well, except the one I’ve left in a dark corner of the room, that is, and he’s not a threat. Even his crying and whimpering have ceased. I only hope he’ll live long enough to give them my message. If not, well, I’ll think of another way to get her back and get that damn list of hers. Her royal highness, Kandi Kyses. What made her think she could quit the business and go into hiding? No one gets away with crossing me, as she’ll soon discover. Did she think for one minute she wouldn’t be found no matter how far away she was? I have to give it to her though, these damn chocolates of hers are divine.
I placed the pink and white striped candy box in position carefully with my gloved fingers and chuckled.
Her handmade candies were… Simply to die for.
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Author Biography
Maxine Douglas writes in several genres, including historical romance and romantic suspense. She is a current member of the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. and its affiliations, Central Region Oklahoma Writers, and Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild. A widow and Wisconsin native, Maxine now resides in Oklahoma.
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Title: Her Aussie Protector
Author: Rosie Miles
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing
Book Blurb
Doctor Asher Jardine turned her back on a lucrative career and spent her inheritance on revamping an old ambulance, taking health care to the community to those too afraid to venture into an office. It took almost a year for her to gain the trust of the menagerie of homeless and helpless she serves. But lately, there’s been a sinister feel to the streets she uses as her clinic.
Injured Australian Defense Force Investigator, Mitchell Buchanan, is seconded to the Sentinel Bureau. On the surface, the agency helps returned soldiers transition back into society. Their actual mission is to pursue soldiers who’ve crossed the line. His assignment to locate a suspected member of a deadly smuggling gang finds him cozying up to the guy’s sister.
When violence around Asher ramps up and she's attacked, Mitch becomes her protector while still pursuing his objective. Their growing respect and attraction for one another are muddying the waters. So are the secrets he keeps. Someone is hellbent on getting to her, and if they don’t find the answers soon, they may not survive the fallout.
And it’s looking more and more like that person is closer to home than they feared…
Fans of Neva Altaj, S.J. Tilly, Brynne Asher, Kate Stewart, and Jennifer Hartmann will enjoy Rosie Miles.
Excerpt
He drove her home, and together they strolled toward Asher’s house. The uncomfortable silence stretched between them, and he realized he’d hardly spoken since she’d basically accused him of being the source of all the trouble happening around her.
He huffed out a breath.
A brushing against his legs stalled him.
Asher looked down. “Peaches, how did you get out?”
Mitch crouched and scratched the cat under the chin. “Problem?”
“He was inside when I left.”
“You sure?”
She nodded.
“Then that’s a problem.” He scooped the big ginger cat into his arms.
They approached her closed door, and Mitch twisted the doorknob. Locked tight.
“You positive?” He queried.
Another nod.
“I’ll come in, look around.”
“Thanks.” Her fingers were shaking as she took the keys from her bag. With a gusty sigh, she fitted it in the lock, twisted and pushed the door open.
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Author Biography
Romantic suspense author Rosie Miles was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was dragged screaming and kicking to Queensland, Australia, many years ago, where she still resides. She is a Romance Writers of Australia’s Ruby Award-Winner for Romantic Book of the Year. She is active in the writing community, working within two critique groups, and has been a member of RWA Australia for over twenty years. In addition, she volunteers at her local library for Writing Fridays, overseeing different writers as they focus on building writing skills.
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