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Friday, April 24, 2026
Crimson Empire: Broadswords Over England
If you're a fan of Outlander, and now want a visceral, more
realistic telling of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, devoid of all the incessant
romanticism, you will enjoy this new series!
Broadswords Over England
Crimson Empire Book 1
by James Mace
Genre: Historical Fiction
In 1745, Charles Edward Stuart, claimant prince to the
unified thrones of England and Scotland, leads one final uprising to seize the
crown for his father, James Edward Stuart. This is the third attempt by James’
followers, known as the Jacobites, to depose the ruling dynasty and restore the
House of Stuart.
Though most Jacobites come from the Scottish Highlands, English, Scots, Welsh,
and Irish alike fight for both sides, with few caring who occupies the throne.
For many Scots, it is a clan war, a chance to settle centuries’ old scores. For
others, it is a civil war, with red-jacketed soldiers compelled to fight their
plaid wearing fathers, brothers, or sons on the opposing side.
“The ’45,” as it is referred, is a dark chapter from a merciless age. The fate
of the burgeoning British Empire, and that of the Highland people, will be
settled in a crucible of cannon, musket, bayonet, and broadsword, all wrought
with ruthless fury. Many combatants and innocents alike shall grievously suffer
in its wake, with only the faintest glints of humanity. This is their story.
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Though they could not yet see the
enemy, the Recoat defenders could certainly hear them. In the faint glow of
torch and starlight, they saw what looked to be a pair of barrels, overflowing
with God knew what, being heaved against the sally port entrance.
“They’re going to try and burn the sodding door,” Lewis
whispered with a disbelieving grin.
“I’ll sort that,” Molloy replied. “You give them a proper
reception once they light the barrels.”
The sergeant then hastened along the western rampart until
he found his lone sentry. He ordered the man to bring up water from the
kitchen, as much as he could carry. He then raced across the courtyard and gave
the same order to the other sentry before returning to the north wall.
Crouching low, he stared through one of the firing ports. He
could see the shapes of men shuffling around the barrels, which as best he
could tell were a couple of feet from the door. They scraped loudly across the
gravel. To his left, Molloy saw the two privates returning with a pair of water
buckets each. They hunkered low behind the parapet, near Corporal Lewis. The
young NCO held his musket ready as he saw the sparks coming from the enemy’s
flint and steel. A small fire soon started. It quickly grew, taking hold of
some dry straw and kindling.
“Now,” the corporal said calmly as he shouldered his weapon.
As eight muskets unleashed a close range salvo, they could
only clearly see the man who’d sparked the flames. The dense smoke clouded the
vision of the Redcoats, who hastily began to reload. From his position,
Sergeant Molloy could see the effects. The Jacobite visible in the burning
light was struck at least three times, through the guts and neck. Doubling
over, he pitched forward, nearly upsetting the other barrel. Molloy saw the
shape of another man clutching at his shoulder before stumbling away.
The sounds of musketry from at least two score of enemy
fighters flashed and echoed in the dark, peppering the ramparts.
“Easy, lads,” Molloy said. “They can’t hit a fucking thing
so long as you use the firing ports, and only when ready to fire.”
At Corporal Lewis’ command, all but one of the Redcoats
loosed another volley. This man complained about not being able to see a thing
and thus stood to peer over the rampart.
“God damn it, Private Thomas!” Sergeant Molloy snapped. “Get
your fucking head down—”
He was interrupted by an even more intense return of musket
fire from their enemies. Most shots smacked harmlessly into the wall or sailed
over the ramparts. One, however, struck the errant private in the head. He
stood rigid for a moment before his convulsing body tumbled into the courtyard
below.
“Tommy!” one of his mates cried out, starting to stand.
“Get back to your post!” Molloy snapped, rushing over to the
young man at a low crouch and cuffing him across the head. “There’s nothing you
can do for him. He’s dead because of his stupid negligence. Now keep your
fucking head down and reload your damn firelock!”
As the barrels started to blaze, the two privates bearing
water buckets upended these over the rampart, all the while keeping low behind
the defences. Within seconds, the fire was completely extinguished and the
Redcoats let out a cheer.
Molloy crept over to Corporal Lewis, who’d just finished
reloading his musket.
“You have this situation under control,” the sergeant said.
He nodded to the water bearers. “I’ll take these two and head for the south
wall.”
In the distance, the Jacobite musketry continued, albeit in
diminished numbers, with no coordination.
“They won’t be getting in this way,” Lewis confirmed before
issuing the command for his men to fire once more.
He knew their chances of hitting their enemy in the dark
were slim. Still, this gave his soldiers, especially the newest ones who’d only
been with the army a few months, a chance to practice their musketry drills
while under fire.
Sergeant Molloy ordered the water bearers to follow him,
along with two more privates, before descending the steps and crossing over to
the south rampart at a brisk walk. This left Corporal Lewis with five men to
hold the rear entrance. Their enemy may have numbered in the hundreds, yet
their one attempt at breaching the rear entrance had proven as pathetic as it
was foolish.
The crack of musket shots came from the three men dispersed
along the south rampart. Upon ascending the steps, Molloy could just make out
an enemy combatant lying face down along the steep path leading into the fort.
“They’re trying to bring up a ladder, Sergeant,” one of the
men explained. This was an older private in his late twenties, who Molloy
trusted to keep his mates from shooting at mere shadows.
“Only one ladder,” the sergeant replied, shaking his head in
amusement.
“What’s more, the path is too steep,” the private said.
“They can’t even carry the damn thing up to the wall! And with the rain soaking
the grassy slopes on the flanks, it’s too damned slippery. They won’t be coming
up that way.”
“Splendid,” Molloy said.
His four accompanying soldiers took up positions at various
firing ports. He then ordered them to reload but wait for his command to fire.
He then checked his watch. It was nearly 3:30 in the morning. While the sun
would not rise for nearlyan hour, the faint glow of predawn now made it easy to
spot their enemy. He counted at least a hundred gathered in a column about a
hundred yards away. It was they who bore the lone ladder. Pops of musket fire
from frustrated Jacobites came from both these men and several clusters along
the western base of the hill.
Molloy ordered a volley fired at the ladder group, as they
were closest. While waiting for the smoke to clear, and his men to reload their
muskets, he hastened over to the eastern wall, where he saw not a single enemy
fighter. Returning to his men, they fired another pair of volleys. Several
Jacobites had fallen, only to be abandoned by their companions, who fled back
down the path to return to their camp.
It was then that the sergeant stood. He ordered his men to
remain hidden, lest they give away their true strength to the enemy.
“Three cheers for His Majesty, King George!” Molloy shouted,
removing his hat.
James Mace is an author, historian, and life-long
storyteller. He began writing as a hobby in the early 2000s, penning physical
fitness articles for a bodybuilding website and a magazine called Hardcore
Muscle.
James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of
Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq
from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-seven books, including fifteen
Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His
works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British
Empire.
Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research
Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a
blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other
tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling,
foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and
sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow
the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Enter the Broadswords Over England Giveaway Here
Colorado Dragons Series
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
LAST LINE OF DEFENSE
April
My whole life changed in a night. Broke up with my douchebag boyfriend, decided to take a new job in another state, bonus on that I would be working with my sister who I missed like crazy. All big life changes.
Biggest life change that I was not anticipating, was Sandavi, 'Davi' Badagova.
To prove to my ex that I could do so much better than him, I walked up to Davi and kissed him in a bar. Which lead to a night I will never forget, and a friendship I was never expecting, and the man who was going to change everything, if I let him. That was my biggest challenge.
Davi
As the starting goalie for the Colorado Dragons, I was absolutely the last line of defense for my team. I love it. Thrived on studying the movements of my opponents, learning to anticipate shots before they were even fired. Never in my life did I think that would translate into my personal life. Watching April strut up to me at the bar, lean into me and kiss me was something I never expected, and a moment I will never forget. She’s moving to my town, working for my team. I want more. She does too, but she’s scared. No worries, I’ll learn what she needs from me, I’ll fight the battles she’s got going on in her head, and I’ll protect the treasure she is. I am a Dragon after all.
PURCHASE LINKS
Free in Kindle Unlimited
SCORING CHANCE
When romance author, Avery Daniels, agrees to shadow a professional hockey player as research for her upcoming series, she never dreams she’ll get to meet her long-time crush, Logan Keller. Or end up in the emergency room.
But accidents happen, and she’s more than willing to forget about the whole thing. Too bad Logan isn’t. His guilt runs deep, and in order to make it up to her, he offers to give her a deep dive into all things hockey. Including a place to stay for the duration of her trip. His spare bedroom.
It would be foolish to agree, for so many reasons. But it would be a great way to get all the inside knowledge on the life of an actual player. And spend some time with someone who's intrigued her for most of her life.
But Logan is hiding a secret. He knows exactly who Avery is, and she isn’t the only one with a crush. Now he just needs to convince her to give his offer a chance.
Free in Kindle Unlimited
POWER PLAY
He’s the team’s enforcer—scarred, gruff, and untouchable. She’s the coach’s daughter—off-limits, infuriating, and impossible to ignore.
On the ice, I’m built for battle, my scars a warning to anyone who dares get too close. Off the ice, I am just as guarded, convinced love is nothing but drama I don’t need. Bianca is the last person I should want—spoiled, privileged, and protected by the one man I can’t cross.
But every clash between us sparks fire. Every argument feels like foreplay. And the more we fight, the harder it becomes to deny the pull between us.
Rules say she’s forbidden. My heart says it’s inevitable.
And when hate blurs into something dangerously close to desire, neither of us can pretend anymore.
Free in Kindle Unlimited
COLORADO DRAGONS
ALSO AVAILABLE
Face-Off by D.M. Davis
Breakaway by DL Gallie
The First Rule of Faking It by A. Rivers
Risk the Play
Title: Risk the Play
Series: Nashville Rampage #6
Author: Kaylee Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Tropes: Single Mom/Football Coach, Age Gap
Forbidden, Secret Relationship, Best Friend’s Dad
Model Cover Design: Lori Jackson
Discreet Cover Design: Books N Moods
Release Date: May 19, 2026
BLURB
NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new standalone series surrounding the Nashville Rampage football team. Risk the Play is a single mom, coach, best friend's dad, forbidden, secret-relationship, age-gap romance.
Will
Football was always simple—follow the playbook, make the sacrifice, win the game.
I lived by that rule for decades, and it cost me everything. My marriage. My daughter.
By ten, she believed I loved the game more than her. Now she’s back in my life—with a family of her own—I fight every day to show her I’ve changed.
Then I fumble it all by falling for her best friend.
Amanda is strong, stubborn, and raising her daughter alone after her husband’s betrayal.
One kiss becomes something neither of us can ignore.
She wants to keep it secret. I don’t.
Because this time, I’m willing to risk the play. I won’t lose my second chance at love.
Amanda
I always knew I wanted to be a mother. I just never planned on doing it alone.
But when my ex got his assistant pregnant, I stopped, waiting for the life I thought I’d have—and choose motherhood for myself.
Now I’m a single mom doing my best to build a quiet, steady life with no drama and no risks.
Until my best friend’s father becomes the one risk I can’t resist.
Coach Warner is disciplined, respected… and completely off limits.
Watching him fight for his daughter only makes falling for him more dangerous.
We tell ourselves it’s just once.
But one reckless kiss turns into a night we can’t take back—and a secret we definitely can’t afford to keep.
Because if we’re discovered, I could lose my best friend…
And he could lose his daughter all over again.
Falling for me was never part of his playbook.
PRE-ORDER LINKS
AUTHOR BIO
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has been crowned the Queen of Swoon by her readers. With nearly fifty romance books under her belt, she’s known for penning happily ever afters with heart. When she's not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand or hanging out with her family where she resides in her home state of Ohio.
AUTHOR LINKS
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Stay at Castle Dracula…and Other Short-Short Stories
I can scare and thrill you in only...100 words!
Stay at Castle
Dracula…and Other Short-Short Stories
by Jim Nemeth
Genre: Horror Short Stories
Do you
enjoy a good drabble? No, not America’s most popular word game—that’s Scrabble.
No, not those cute, furry little creatures from Star Trek—those are tribbles.
A drabble is a form of intense fiction writing consisting of 100 words. Not 100
chapters, not 100 paragraphs, nor even 100 lines. 100 words. Exactly.
Author Jim Nemeth loves the format and is an
accomplished dabbler in drabbles. “Whenever I explain to friends what a drabble
is,” Nemeth relates, “I get the exact same expression of disbelief: ‘100 words?’
In fact, I took these reactions and wrote a drabble about it, “Impossible
Assignment,” which leads off the collection.”
Stay
at Castle Dracula and Other Short-Short Stories, a chapbook,
collects 26 tales, 23 of which are drabbles. With the three other stories, the
author “splurged” and indulged himself with an additional 100-200 words.
Other
tales of five score words include “Disgruntled,” where a joyous family
Christmas celebration turns horrific when a little boy doesn’t get the toy he
wanted; “Love Potion” relates what happens when a witch’s magic works too
well. And in the title story, another young English traveler debates his
decision in staying in Count Dracula’s centuries’ old castle.
It’s What’s Inside That Counts
“Why does Christy have to come over to play,” six-year-old Chloe asked in the petulant voice in which she exceled. “She’s ugly and I hate her!”
“Chloe!” the girl’s father shouted in
reprimand. “Don’t talk like that. Christy may not be the prettiest of girls,
but ‘beauty is only skin deep,’ as they say. It’s what’s inside a person
that counts.”
Later that afternoon in her room, Chloe
lay aside the dripping, red-drenched scissors with which she’d used to slice
open Christy’s midsection. Closely examining its contents, she frowned in
confusion. “I don’t see what’s so special about her insides…”
In 1993, Nemeth won first prize in a national magazine’s short story
writing contest for which legendary authors Ray Bradbury and Robert Bloch were
judges. The award held special meaning for Nemeth, as Bloch remains his
favorite writer and main literary influence. Nemeth is the author of two
additional books: It Came From...The Stories and Novels Behind Classic
Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction Films and Robert Bloch: An
Unconventional Bibliography, as well as being the webmaster of The Robert
Bloch Official Website (robertbloch.net).
A long-time community activist, the author is particularly committed to
the cause of animal rescue. He lives in the historic harbor town of Marblehead,
MA.
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the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Enter the Stay at Castle Dracula Giveaway Here… If You Dare…
Those Ruthless Fates
Title: Those Ruthless Fates (Star Kissed: Book Three)
Author: Cameo Renae
Genre: NA Dark Fantasy Romance
Cover Designer: Covers by Christian
Publication Date: April 18, 2026
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
The Fates trials have begun.
The bewitched island welcomes six new contestants to endure deadly trials in a fight to the death where only one will survive.
Forced into the event by jealous, power-hungry royals, Elara faces five other contestants, each possessing potent elemental abilities. Unfortunately, Elara is at a significant disadvantage. Her powers are bound with no way to release them, and she’s been poisoned by the prince’s fiancé.
Racing against time and fighting for her life, Elara must find a way to defeat her opponents while her enemies gloat... and await her imminent demise.
Cameo was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband in Las Vegas. She is a dreamer and caffeine addict who loves to laugh and loves to read to escape reality.
One of her greatest satisfactions is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance. It is the love and incredible support of her family and fans that keeps her going. One day she hopes to uncover a magic wardrobe and ride away on a unicorn. Until then . . . she'll keep writing!
Author Links:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Rock Me
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Title: Rock Me
Author: Jessica Buss
Genre/Tropes: Small Town - Sexy Geologist/Injured Retired MLB Pitcher - Protector - Opposites Attract - Virgin - True Crime Podcaster - Secret Online Pinup Model - Crochet Queen
Release Date: April 20, 2026
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Sharing a heated glance across a crowded bar, they both feel the spark of something monumental. And then life throws a curveball, separating them before they even have a chance to properly meet.Bryce is a former major league pitcher who retired after a career-ending injury. Still young, he embraces his love of geology, and secures a job in Homer, Alaska. He falls in love with the state, and becomes infatuated with a woman he saw only briefly, who looks strikingly similar to an internet pin-up model he follows.
Craving independence and privacy after high school graduation, Lucinda moved to a small town outside Homer to start living her best life as a true crime podcaster. A virginal introvert with a big heart, she spends her free time crocheting blankets for babies in the NICU. But she’s not as innocent as she appears. She has a secret… She’s a sultry internet pin-up model.
Since exchanging glances that one fateful night, they’ve been pining for each other. Then fate steps in and brings them together in the most unexpected place… on a fishing charter in the middle of Kachemak Bay.
An unlikely pair with intense, unquestioning chemistry, they’re forced to work together, and confront the assumptions they hold about one another.
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