9/17/25 BookQW = IDEA

THIRTEEN REFLECTIONS

A Friday the 13^th Story Collection #7

Some mirrors don’t just reflect the world.

They trap souls.

And once you look in... something else might be looking back.

Now that she’d put some distance between her and the mirror, she admitted if not for Jackson Clairmont she might have been the next victim outlined on the floor. The thought sent a chill down her spine. She never should have gone into the manor alone and certainly not without permission first.

The first rule of paranormal research. Get permission and have some idea of what you are supposedly walking into. She’d done neither and instead had let her curiosity rule over common sense.

Cari pulled up to the inn at almost the exact same time as Jax. If he’d been any closer to her bumper, he could have parked inside the trunk.

Before she could open the door, Jax stood there looking as mad as a wet hen…or a rooster in this case.

“Are you going to have me arrested?”

Amazon KU or 99¢:  US / UK ~~ Print  ~~ Collection: 13Stories13Authors#7  

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9/10/25 BookQW = POUR

DECEITFUL PROMISES

(A Letters to Santa Story)

This Christmas, promises may deceive, but love could be the miracle they never expected.

     “And there you have it. Will you help Oscar or not?” Amelia croaked abrasively.

     “In this day and age, why does it not surprise me that so many still follow the old ways and find it necessary to pick husbands and wives for their grown children. The Kit I remember wouldn’t go along with his father’s orders unless he saw no other way. Even as a boy, he defied Mr. Dawson,” Clara declared, pouring hot tea into her cup. “However, because this is a case that smells of extortion and fraud, I will take the case and hopefully save Kit, if saving is what he wants.”

     “Thank you, Clara!” Amelia exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye. 

November 25, 2025 Release Date

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9/3/25 BookQW = FLESH

RINGS OF PARADISE

(A Contemporary Sports Romance)

She’s chasing the story of a lifetime—he’s the headline she never saw coming. 

Khristen visualized smoke coming out of his nostrils as his body grew tense and stiff. His well-muscled body swelled and came alive.

In a flash, like lightning across a stormy sky, Flame bounced off the ropes, drove his rigid body in fluid motion to the other side of the ring, and delivered a patent clothesline that flattened his adversary with such force, Khristen heard the flesh smack solidly against the tightly drawn canvas.

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Amazon Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars I truly love a book that can make me see myself as ...

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly Told Romance

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting love match tangle

4.0 out of 5 stars Love this wrestler! 

BookQW = ZIPPER

RINGS OF PARADISE

She’s chasing the story of a lifetime—he’s the headline she never saw coming.

“What’s bugging you now?” He blessed her with that charming boyish grin of his. “No soap in the dispenser? Couldn’t get into the stall fast enough? Or bad phone vibes?”

The tone of his voice sounded anything but charming. It betrayed his forced playful expression. Sarcastic and annoyed fit the mood he portrayed more than anything else.

What in his feeble little mind is he going to jump on me for now? It’s not like I can just pull the zipper down and whip it out, for crying out loud.

She swept past him, knowing full well he was right behind her. Her senses alive and alert, she could feel him drawing nearer.

 

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BookQW = TURN

THE CATTLEMAN’S BRIDE

(Book 3, Brides Along the Chisholm Trail / Men of the Double K introduction)

She’s running from a past she can’t face—he’s offering a future she never imagined.

Cyrus stepped through the doorway and over to the clerk behind the registration desk. “I was told I’d find Logan Granger here.”

“Yes, sir. He’s here.” The clerk pointed toward the dining room then returned to his ledgers.

“Mighty obliged.” Cyrus turned, spotting a man seated by the window, his head bowed over the papers scattered across the table. The man wore a string tie, white shirt, and black vest, looking more like a bartender at one of the establishments in town rather than one of the famed Pinkerton Agents.

“Agent Granger?”

“Who wants to know?” The man didn’t look up from the papers he studied, his posture stiff and uninviting. So much for being cordial.

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BookQW = TINGLE

THE MARSHAL’S BRIDE

(Book 2, Brides Along the Chisholm Trail)

In the untamed Territory, love is a risk—and survival is never guaranteed.

“Not much further now.” Gabe drew lines in the dirt with a twig, looked up at her then dropped the twig in the dirt. Hands clasped and brows drawn together, he cleared his throat. “Abby, I…damn it, woman, how can I make things better between us? I don’t think I can take much more of us not speaking. I miss hearing your endless questions. I miss the sound of you humming a forgotten tune now and again.”

“Give me time, Gabe, please. I need to ponder it over in my head and come to terms with Robert’s death all over again.” She popped the peppermint stick into her mouth then passed the water over to him. Sparks tingled through her when his hand briefly covered hers. “I know you don’t understand. Neither do I frankly. I thought after all these years my broken heart had mended. That I’d come to terms with his death. I don’t know why that part of me opened up again. It’s as if my heart won’t let go. I hope you can understand.”

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BookQW = SHIVER

THE RELUCTANT BRIDE

Book 1, Brides Along the Chisholm Trail

She ran from a killer and into the arms of a man with secrets of his own.

That morning, they’d continued to argue and then came the scream. The horrible sound of a body tumbling down the stairs, and Mr. Griswold standing at the top of the landing with smug indifference on his face. When he turned and saw her, the look in his eyes when they locked on hers was dark, dead and cold as a winter’s frigid night, promising retribution if she said anything. She’d shivered and dashed back up the servant’s staircase, hiding in her room until the other maids began to move about the house. Then a scream rang out from the scullery maid and Rose knew the mistress had been found.

So far there hadn’t been any question as to how Mrs. Griswold came to be at the bottom of the staircase. Mr. Griswold told the doctor and police officers that she’d tripped over a rug at the top of the landing. She hadn’t had a lantern with her so she could see in the hallway. And since Mr. Griswold was a wealthy man, his explanation had gone unchallenged. Even so, Mrs. Griswold’s family threatened to hire an investigator for all the good that would do Mrs. Griswold now.

Amazon US / Amazon UK

BookQW = RAIN

RED RIVER CROSSING

Men of the Double K, Book 1.

Justice brought them together. The past could tear them apart. 

If only this assignment hadn’t brought her into Texas. What were the chances that she’d cross paths with that scoundrel Beau Kennedy? The day he walked away from her in the dead of the night some ten years earlier was as fresh now as it had been then.

Jess believed every word he’d ever written to her. Every promise he’d whispered in her ear those days they’d spent together in Dodge City. Everything about him was ingrained in her heart.

She’d never loved another. No man could take his place, no matter how much anguish Beau had caused her. He had left a scar on her heart forever with his scarlet letters and unfulfilled promises.

So why did her heart pound as they drew closer to Texas?

Why couldn’t she shake his ghost from her life? His twinkling whiskey eyes haunted her at night when she fell asleep. His lips had branded hers with kisses as hot as fire. She was his, even if his brand couldn’t be seen.

He’d left without an explanation other than a note saying he cared for her deeply. That he was protecting her by leaving. That was the last she’d heard of him or his name.

       Then she’d met Hollie Chandler and, under her guidance, became a Pinkerton operative. For many years, Jess would follow a lead on Beau only to find a dead end. There was no trace of a cowboy fitting his description; it was as if he’d disappeared. While Hollie understood Jessica’s need to find him, she’d encouraged her to give up the cause. And five years ago she had.

Amazon Kindle Unlimited / Audio

BookQW = UTTER

WINDS OF CHANGE

Men of the Double K, Book 2

She came to heal a child’s heart…but it’s the grieving father who needs her most. 

“Why? What’s going on?” Cord asked, confused, feeling as if he was missing something important he should know but couldn’t put his finger on.

“The family cookout is tonight,” Beau said in a matter-of-fact older brother tone. “It would be the perfect time to talk to the girls. Don’t you agree, Jess?”

“Yes. Perfect indeed,” Jessica replied absentmindedly, fluttering between the bedroom where the children were and the front room. 

“Jess, are you all right?” Cord thought his sister-in-law was unusually preoccupied. It wasn’t like the former Pinkerton to not be completely aware of what was going on around her. Sure, Jessica had given up her place with the Pinks after a job that brought her and Beau back together a few years ago. Her skills had remained sharp except right now she looked lost and unsure.

Available in digital, print, audio

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Now in KU

NOW IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

ELIZABETH

Love may be scarred, but the heart remembers how to heal. 

After losing her husband to a mining accident, Elizabeth Hamilton is left nearly penniless and drowning in grief—until a marriage of convenience with scarred and guarded hotel owner Augustine Raines forces them both to confront the wounds of their past. As secrets unravel and trust is tested, they must decide if love can grow from pain—or if some hearts are too broken to mend. 

VERA

Bound by duty, torn by secrets—can love rise from the ashes of loss? 

Grieving and newly pregnant, Vera Baldwin struggles to survive as a laundress after her husband’s tragic death in a mining accident. When a stranger named Jack Daniels offers unexpected help, she doesn’t realize he’s really Wallace Baldwin—her brother-in-law, undercover to investigate the accident and burdened by guilt and growing feelings for the woman he’s sworn to protect. As truth and trust collide, both must decide if love can bloom where lies once lived.

Amazon US / Amazon UK

THE CATTLEMAN'S BRIDE

(Bk 3, Brides of the Chisholm Trail)

She came from heartbreak and high heels—he came with cattle and caution. Together, they just might find home on the range. 

“Montana Sue” Butler has spent years dancing in the shadows of Dodge City’s Lady Gay Saloon, nursing a broken heart as others around her find love. Ready to start anew, she pins her hopes on widowed Texas cattle baron Cyrus Kennedy, who didn’t plan on bringing anything home from Dodge City but a housekeeper. When sparks fly between the seasoned saloon girl and the stoic rancher, they must overcome past regrets and unexpected challenges to see if love can truly ride again—this time, together.

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RED RIVER CROSSING

(Bk 1, Men of the Double K)

He broke her heart once—now they’ll have to trust each other to survive. 

When Beauregard Kennedy sets out to track a dangerous gunslinger, he's stunned to discover his new partner is none other than Jessica Sanders—the girl whose heart he shattered years ago. Forced to work together on the Red River Crossing case, Jessica must put Pinkerton duty before emotion, while Beau struggles to protect the woman he never stopped loving. As bullets fly and old feelings ignite, they’ll face the ultimate test: catching a killer without losing their hearts all over again. 

Amazon US / Amazon UK

WINDS OF CHANGE

(Bk 2, Men of the Double K) 

He wanted a nanny with gray hair—he got a beauty with a past and a heart full of hope. 

After the tragic loss of his wife, Cordell Kennedy is barely holding together life on the Double K Ranch while raising his young daughter. Ready to hire a grandmotherly housekeeper, he’s blindsided when a beautiful, spirited young woman arrives instead—sent by his well-meaning family. Mollie Sheffield, orphan-turned-companion, had no desire to leave New York, but out of options, she heads to Texas to care for a grieving widower’s child. As hearts heal and sparks fly, they must decide if love can blossom where neither expected it.

Amazon US / Amazon UK 

BookQW = SHINE

WINDS OF CHANGE

Men of the Double K, Book 2

She came to heal a child’s heart…but it’s the grieving father who needs her most.

Getting on with life didn’t include the woman in his kitchen cooking breakfast for him and his daughter. At least not for the rest of his life.

You like her, might as well admit that much. No reason not too, you know. She’s done nothing to make you feel otherwise. Give the poor woman a chance.

“For pity’s sake!” Cord hissed under his breath. “I am capable of making up my own mind.”

“Cordell?”

Cord pulled in a deep breath and pushed open the door, leaving the bucket of water on the porch.

“I didn’t want to disturb your sleep this morning, so I slipped out the back.” Cord strolled over to the bedroom door where his daughter slept. He listened for a few moments, satisfied that Beth was still sleeping, but he could tell it wouldn’t be long before she was awake, wanting his full attention. She was the one constant and joy each and every morning in his life, come rain or shine.

“I’m sorry if I startled you,” he whispered, making his way over to where Mollie stood dishing up their breakfast.

“Papa.” Beth’s sleepy voice caused them both to make a move toward the bedroom.

“I’ll get her. She’s used to seeing me first thing in the morning,” Cord said, holding up his hand, then walking toward the room where his daughter moved about in her crib.

UK Amazon / Series UK Amazon

US Amazon

BookQW = ORDER

RED RIVER CROSSING

Men of the Double K, Book 1.

Justice brought them together. The past could tear them apart.

Pushing through the swinging doors, Beau stepped up to the bar and ordered a whiskey straight up. The music switched abruptly to a waltz. A sea of whistles followed by hoots and hollers roused his curiosity enough to look up. A woman walked slowly down the stairs. Piercing blue eyes darted back and forth over the small crowd of admirers gathering on the dance floor. A ruby red smile graced her lips, lighting up her perfect porcelain face. Red feathers accented her coal-black hair. The red dress hugged her curves like a second skin.

Curves Beau was all too familiar with.

     What the hell is she doing here? Every muscle in his body quivered with the urge to run up the stairs, drag her into a room, and have his way with her. Then put Jessica Sanders over his knee and give her a right proper spanking for dressing the way she was.

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BookQW = PLAY

RED RIVER CROSSING 

Men of the Double K, Book 1

Justice brought them together. The past could tear them apart.

Jessica Sanders would be grateful when the uncomfortable coach finally reached Brokengulch just over the Red River in Texas. Everything would be in place by now. She’d take up residence at The Cowboy Saloon and wait for her associate, whomever that may be, in the Sheldon case to make contact.

She didn’t relish playing the saloon girl when a respectable schoolteacher assignment would have been more to her liking. Mr. Pinkerton had argued a good point, and she, for once, couldn’t find fault with it. As a schoolteacher, she couldn’t be seen at any of the less than respectable establishments Royce Sheldon might frequent. It wouldn’t be proper for a teacher to be speaking with the likes of gamblers and others who found solace in the saloon. Whereas working in the saloon offered the perfect setting to obtain any news that would lead to his arrest.

She conceded and landed the part of Diamond LaRue to keep an eye out for Blue Eyes. According to the stream of Pinkerton informants, Royce Sheldon was reported to be making his way to Texas where rich ranch widows would be easy targets. She’d heard he could charm the stripes off a tigress then convince it to stroll into a lion’s den without a second thought.

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BookQW = CLIMB

THIRTEEN REFLECTIONS

A Friday the 13^th Story #7

Some mirrors don’t just reflect the world.

They trap souls.

And once you look in... something else might be looking back.

     Before she could open the door, Jax stood there looking as mad as a wet hen…or a rooster in this case.

     “Are you going to have me arrested?” she asked, climbing out of the car. She’d never been in jail before, but there was always a first time for everything—or so they say.
     “It all depends on why you felt it necessary to sneak your way into my ancestral home,” Jax asked, the tension in his neck and shoulders visible.
     “The need to know, I suppose,” she answered, slowly releasing the breath she drew in.
     “To know what exactly?” Jax asked in an uncertain tone.
     “How and why that young girl had to die,” she said, drawing her brows together in thought. 

 

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13Stories13Authors#7 Collection: https://bit.ly/45kabaP

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BookQW = KICK

SIMPLY TO DIE FOR

Where danger and secrets lurk around every corner.

“You keep thinking, Detective, because as of now I’m taking this out of your jurisdiction.” She turned to Jackie, “You got all that?”
   “Damn straight,” Jackie said, thumping the door against his side once more. “I’ll call in Lee from forensics and put my best people on the case. Plus I got that information you wanted.”
  Clar nodded, heading toward the door. Jackie bumped it against Cameron again and Clar slipped past him.
    “Now wait just a minute,” Cameron bellowed.
   “Like I said, arrest me or I’m gone. When you feel like actually cooperating and solving this case, I’m sure you can figure out where to find me.” She walked away on that exit line proud that she didn’t give in to her urge to kick him. Now she just had to rescue Levi, solve a murder, figure out who was out to get her, and work with Jimmy O’Brien. He looked just as wonderful as the day she told him to get the hell away from her and stay away. Damn, one of these days …

RETAILERS: https://books2read.com/u/4Nl9GJ

New Release June 13, 2025

 

Ravenclaw Manor

Friday, June 13

Late 1800s

 

E

ighty-year-old Felicity Firestone dipped the tip of the brush into the watercolor for the last time, smiling at the reflection in the mirror. The tear slipping down her cheek reflected the lie of her smile. Nothing would ever be the same now that love had broken her heart for the last time.

Like the others before Samuel, Felicity only had to look in the mirror to see the reflections of those who broke promises of loving her forever.

“You’re all mine forever and no woman will ever come between us again,” she chanted repeatedly with each brush stroke.

As the last bit of color on Samuel’s image glided across the tarnished surface, the antique gold mirror crackled into thirteen pieces, each broken section a reflection of one of the twelve man who had broken her heart.

The well-used horse-hair brush slipped from her fingers and Felicity’s soul faded into the thirteenth broken piece, her reflection alongside those she loved and were betrayed by.

 

Ravenclaw Manor
Friday, June 13, 2025

 

C

arousel Ryder pulled onto the road leading to Ravenclaw Manor, flashing red lights reflecting inside her car. Parking next to the wrought iron fence meant to keep people out as much as to keep them in, Cari knew the coroner’s vehicle meant one thing.

Death.

When she’d started on this journey some months ago to learn more about the legend of a the Ravenclaw haunted mirror, she didn’t think that it would lead to finding death on the manor’s door. But there it was, mocking her efforts yet again.

Another dead end—no pun intended—for her to work through.

All her research surrounding the disappearance of Felicity Firestone, the one-time heiress to the Firestone fortune, always led Cari back to Ravenclaw. And then there were the rumors of Felicity being a practitioner of the black arts, the disappearance of twelve men who at one time or another had romanced her. Could one of those twelve have fathered the only child of Felicity Firestone?

Knock. Knock.

Cari jumped. She was so deep in thought that she never noticed someone stood next to her car door.

“Can I help you?” she asked after rolling the window down several inches.

“You need to move your car. This is a crime scene,” the handsome dark-haired man with a far too serious look said with an air of privileged authority.

“By whose authority? I’m parked on the street, not on the property,” she huffed, daring him to challenge her.

“This is my property, and you need to get off of it,” the man quietly ordered, his gaze piercing hers.

“I’m supposed to meet someone here,” Cari said, pulling out a slip of paper from her notebook. “A man by the name of Jackson F. Clairmont.”

“And you are?”

“Carousel Ryder, I’ve been doing research on the disappearance of Felicity Firestone in the 1800s.” Cari answered, closing her notebook. “Do you know Mr. Clairmont?” 

 

KU / 99¢ : https://bit.ly/3EO7W4Z / Print

13Stories13Authors#7: https://bit.ly/45kabaP

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