Novel Kicks

NK Chats To… Robert Whanslaw

Published December 3, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Robert, thank you so much for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto your blog tour. Can you tell me about your book, Dark Orchid Affair and what inspired it?

It was an idea I’d had in my head for over ten years—how one event can change your life. I always knew I’d write it; it was just a question of when. I love understanding how people work: the psychology behind why a person is driven to do the things they do. The most interesting of those people are the ones with flaws in their character. We all have flaws, so my focus in my writing is on characters with major flaws.

What are the challenges of this genre. Also, what do to find the most fun about it?

Knowing the boundaries. Noir is dark, but you need a little bit of light in any story, so getting the mix right—and the importance of getting that balance—is something I worry about, and hope I get right. The fun parts are just that: pushing the boundaries.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any rituals?

It depends where I am in the writing. I am a big planner. This is what I would call my creative stage, and there’s no routine to this. I can wake in the middle of the night and think of an idea. I tend to wander around the world in a daze during this time. When I have the concept of the book in place, I write intensely, but I will break every thirty minutes for five to regenerate my energy.

What’s your favourite word and why?

I bought a book a few years ago about ‘words everybody should know’. I came across the word callipygian, which means well-shaped buttocks, and thought, “That is a word I am going to have to use one day.” The Dark Orchid Affair provided that opportunity when Ben watches Maxine get up from the table and head to the exit.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes people make when writing a novel for the first time?

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Novel Kicks Book Club: The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale

Published December 1, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club.

Who else is excited that it’s finally December? The tree is up, the lights are on. Ot maybe you choose to be a little bit low key for the last month of the year or are simply looking forward to a new year? However you spend December, I hope you’ll join me in our book club.

This month, I had to admit, it was the cover that originally drew me to this title. The book we’re reading is The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale.

The blurb sounds so intriguing and I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the novel.

Anyone can take part in our book club, whether you’ve read this book or if, like me, you’ll be discovering it. You can join us at any point in the month. Like always, I’ve put a question in the comments below to get the discussion going.

See you there!

About The Toymakers –

The Christmas Emporium opens with the first sign of frost . . .

It is 1917, and while war wages across Europe, in the heart of London, there is a place of hope and enchantment.

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NK Chats To…Susanne Dunlap

Published December 1, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Susanne, thank you so much for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto the blog tour for The Falconer’s Lost Baron. Can you tell us a little about it?

This book is #4 in my Double-Dilemma romance series, and features a few characters from the previous book—although not as protagonists. Unlike the others, The Falconer’s Lost Baron takes place in Cornwall rather than London, and not during the height of the season. The story begins on December 1, 1814 and goes through Christmas, although it’s not really a holiday romance.

In it “twin” sisters, Antonella and Belinda, discover right at the beginning that they are not, in fact, twins—or even sisters. This propels the story as Belinda tries to right a wrong and discover the mystery behind Antonella’s birth, and Antonella has to grapple with losing the identity she’s had for 18 years. Also damaged in a profound way is Lord Atherleigh, who has returned to his estate following the loss of his left hand in the battle of Nivelle and undergoing months of painful surgeries. His friend, Hector Gainesworth, tries to get him to rejoin the world—especially after he meets Belinda at a dress party during the Little Season and discovers she is a neighbor of Atherleigh in Cornwall.

Antonella’s love of birds and fascination with falconry is threaded throughout.

The Falconer’s Lost Baron is book four in the Double-Dilemma series. What are the challenges when writing a series, even when each book stands alone?

I think for me the biggest challenge has been deciding on the timing. If they’re consecutive, how do the characters in one age out of the picture? And what exactly is it that ties the books together as a series? I’ve chosen to have characters reappear, which means I have to write the possibility of those reappearances in the books that precede them. Which means, too, creating enough of a secondary character in the earlier book to make them a believable protagonist in the next book.

What’s your writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

I have no set writing day pattern. I work full time for myself as an editor and book coach, so I generally try to do all that work first so it’s not weighing on me before I sit down at my laptop and write. Because I’m trying to get these books out in a certain time frame, I’ve lately sacrificed what used to be my leisure reading time—the hour before bed—to writing. That means the books I read have to be consumed as audiobooks for when I’m walking, cooking, ironing, etc.

If your book featured a playlist with modern day songs, which songs would you include?

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Book Extract: A Husband is Hushed Up by Helen Golden

Published November 30, 2025 | By Laura

I am so pleased to be welcoming Helen Golden back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, A Husband is Hushed Up.

A fatal fall. A duchess determined to uncover the truth. And barely any time for tea.

Fenshire, 1891. It was meant to be a birthday celebration weekend in the country—cucumber sandwiches, polite conversation, and maybe a waltz or two. But when the Duke of Stortford is found dead in a crumpled heap at the foot of the stairs everything goes dreadfully sideways. The police declare it a tragic accident. His wife, Alice, has her doubts. After all, only hours before, the Duke had promised to give up his mistress and make a go of their marriage. Now he’s inconveniently deceased.

Driven by a need for answers, and helped by her fiercely loyal maid Maud, her observant footman George, and her childhood friend Lord Rushton, Alice sets about uncovering the truth. But as she navigates a house full of secrets, simmering tensions, and more than one guest with murderously bad manners, her suspect pool grows to include those closest to her. Can she piece together the truth? Or will her husband’s murderer get away with it after all?

The guests are leaving. The killer may be among them. Time is running out…

Helen has kindly shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

It’s May 1891. Alice, Duchess of Stortford, is travelling from London to her family’s estate, Francis Court, in Fenshire, to celebrate her father’s 60th birthday. It’s meant to be a festive reunion, but Alice’s marriage to the Duke, Vance, has been under considerable strain. The couple have agreed to attend the gathering together in the hope of mending their fractured relationship.

As the rain falls and the carriage draws closer to the house, Alice confides her apprehensions to her dearest friend, Fiona ‘Fee’, Countess of Tilling and Alice’s older brother, Duncan, who is Fee’s husband. But Fee, ever the meddler with the best of intentions, has arranged a surprise guest—one whose arrival promises to make Alice’s reunion with her husband considerably more complicated…

“Come now, Alice,” Fee said, adjusting the pearl clasp on her gloves. “Tell the truth—how do you feel about seeing Vance again?”

She didn’t answer immediately as she gazed out at the hedgerows; they blurred past the carriage windows, along the long, winding driveway to the stately home.

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A Moment With…Tucker May

Published November 29, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Tucker May to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Death of a Billionaire.

Ever dream of killing your boss? Alan Benning knows how you feel.

The problem: his billionaire boss actually winds up murdered. And the whole world thinks he did it.

When globetrotting tech billionaire Barron Fisk is found dead on the floor of his swanky Silicon Valley office, all evidence points to Alan.

Alan must venture into the glitzy, treacherous world of tech billionaires to clear his name by sorting through a long list of suspects with motive aplenty. If he can’t find the real culprit, Alan’s going down. The clock is ticking.

Who killed Barron Fisk? The truth will shock— and change— the entire world.

Fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, Carl Hiaasen’s tales of high-stakes hijinx, or Ruth Ware’s page-turning mysteries will love Death of a Billionaire.

It’s over to Tucker as he talks to us about Silly Mysteries from World History.

Hi there! My name is Tucker May and I’m the author of the comedic murder mystery novel Death of a Billionaire. It’s a lighthearted, fun read with a truly puzzling mystery at the center. I take a lot of inspiration for stories from real-world events, so I thought it would be enjoyable to take a look at some mysterious events from history that remain unsolved, but are a bit goofy or off-the-wall. Let’s dive in!

A Whole Lot of Holes

Off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada lies the diminutive Oak Island, which has been rumored since the late 1700s to be the home of buried treasure.

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Book Review: A Lot to Unpack by Portia MacIntosh

Published November 27, 2025 | By Laura

I am so excited to be welcoming Portia MacIntosh back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, A Lot to Unpack.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride… 👀

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job – which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

*****

Liberty wasn’t ever expecting to get that kind of picture. When this triggers a series of events that sees her out of a job and a boyfriend, she has to get her life back on track and fast.

I always know that when there’s the chance to read a novel from author, Portia Mackintosh, it’s going to be a riot of a novel and this one did not disappoint.

Liberty is a character that’s impossible not to like. She’s relatable, fun and deserves better than Ben.

The other characters also bring a lot to the story. Paige was the one I couldn’t make my mind up about. Jordon… well, I’ll let you discover him for yourself. The author is good at presenting well rounded, layered characters that all have their good points and flaws. At least I thought so anyway.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Inserting Prompt Sentences

Published November 26, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

For the last Writing Room of November, I have a fun exercise (at least I hope you find it fun.)

The task is to write a story using the prompt sentences below. There’s a twist though. Starting with the first sentence to begin with, set a timer for two minutes. Once that’s done, use the next prompt sentence in your story and set the alarm for another two minutes and so on, continuing the story as you go until you’ve used all the prompt sentences.

For example, these two sentences-

‘I thought I’d cracked the case’ and ‘whatever happens, I can’t let the ducks in.’

I thought I’d finally cracked the case…… write, taking the story wherever you’re inspired to take it whilst setting the timer, once the timer goes off, use ‘whatever happens, I can’t let the ducks in,’ continuing the story yourself for two minutes and so on. Make sense?

So, your prompts are –

‘Oh for goodness sake, I told you to shut the door.’

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A Moment With…Ian McFadyen

Published November 26, 2025 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Ian McFadyen to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Corpse Bell.

The last thing Penny Carmichael expected when she joined the local bellringing group was for her debut to be thwarted by the discovery of a body just yards from the belfry door. As her husband and his loyal team painstakingly sift through the evidence and delve deep into the dead man’s past, it’s clear that solving Peter Mackenzie’s murder may prove a challenge, even for someone with DCI Carmichael’s renowned detective prowess.

What was a man who’d lived for decades in North London doing in Moulton Bank? Was his chequered past a factor?

And what about the other members of Penny’s bellringing group. Did any of them have a reason to do Peter harm?

As the case unfolds, DCI Carmicheal and his trusty team seek answers to a complex puzzle which leads them along various paths and, at times, way outside the comfort zone of their rural Lancashire surroundings.

This fast-paced, cleverly crafted whodunit is the eleventh murder mystery in the gripping Carmichael series from the pen of Ian McFadyen.

To celebrate the release of The Corpse Bell, it’s over to Ian as he talks about ‘Blind Alleys’ and ‘Red Herrings’.

In my opinion, blind alleys and red herrings are crucial elements in any worthwhile murder mystery.

There’s nothing that gives me more satisfaction as a writer than injecting false trails with the aim of leading the reader off course. Whether it’s the introduction of a possible suspect with a not so plainly obvious reason to be the killer, or a tiny mention of something or other that the reader thinks they’ve picked-up on and is key to cracking the crime, these ploys are essential in creating mayhem for the reader when trying to solve the conundrum.

Even more pleasing for me is when I’m able to add to the reader’s frustration by making the person they have at the top of their suspects list, due to a subtly injected red herring, the next victim of the real killer.

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Book Extract: The Other Mother by Heidi Field

Published November 25, 2025 | By Laura

I’m very excited to be welcoming Heidi Field back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Other Mother.

Suzannah is pregnant with her third child. The first is in prison. The second is dead. How far will she go to keep her unborn baby safe?

When Suzannah learns she is pregnant, she feels like safety and happiness are finally within reach. Her handsome, successful fiancé, Alec, is over the moon about the baby. He proposes and pampers her. He thinks this is Suzannah’s first marriage and first child, but she’s keeping a few secrets. Actually, a lot of secrets. And they are dangerous…putting Suzannah in a position where she must choose who and what she’s willing to sacrifice to keep her baby and her freedom.

Drowning in her lies, Suzannah is desperate to bury her past, but her ex-husband, who abandoned her years ago, returns, stalking her and demanding to know what really happened to their daughter. When the imprisoned serial killer who lured and groomed her son, threatens to sell his story to the press, Suzannah feels like the life she’d built and the precious one she’s growing, teeter on a precipice. Now the two children she’s hidden from Alec may be the least of her worries.

Heidi has shared an extract from The Other Mother with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Suzannah has just had an argument with her new friend, Shiv, about the serial killer, Gunner Piper, who groomed her son, and she has escaped to a coffee shop to calm down.

I glug down the coffee and head out to the car. I’ll call the prison and see if I can arrange an extra visit or bring the next one forward. I need to see my precious son, touch him, check that he is OK. I want to know that Gunner hasn’t got to him inside, isn’t trying to find a way to communicate with him. I need to know that Shiv hasn’t tried to contact him, that Gunner isn’t trying to poison my son’s mind through her. I need to make sure that Mason never talks to her, never has to listen to her talk fondly about the man who stole his life.

As I lift my shoulder bag over my head and start searching for my car keys, somebody slams my body sideways against the car. I drop my bag and turn my head.

“Breck?”

His eyes are struggling to focus on me and his body is swaying. He’s drunk.

I put a protective arm across my belly. “What are you doing? I’m pregnant.”

“Another child whose life you’re going to destroy.”

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NK Chats To…Leon Mitchell

Published November 23, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Leon, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your book, Felicity Fire: And The Forever Key and what inspired it?

Growing up I enjoyed getting lost in classic fiction like “The Never Ending Story” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” I was able to lose myself, use my imagination without boundaries and be inspired creativity. As an author, I wanted to create a new modern novel with current and relevant characters, but infused with a sense of nostalgia and magic from my childhood. I wanted to share that sense of wonder with a new audience where they feel like they are the main character in the book.

What are the challenges when writing a book in this genre and for a younger audience? What are the most important aspects to consider?

For me, I write with no fear and I generally don’t follow any kind of industry blueprint. I often tap into childhood memories and try to put myself back in that frame of mind and look at the world from that viewpoint. Children have the wonderful ability to be innocent in the world, and stories don’t have to make perfect sense. When i’m in that space I can normally create new ideas and let them flow. I think not trying to be perfect is important and it’s ok to be brave in your writing. Professionally the most important factors for me are to just keep going, keep writing, even if it’s a little bit each day.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any rituals like needing coffee? Silence? What do you do to stay motivated?

I am very disciplined with my creativity. I believe a lot of this comes from my time serving in the British Army, where my grit and determination was pushed out of my comfort zone. Many of the qualities I developed in that chapter of my life still stay with me today. So I have the ability to simply just keep going and keep writing.

I do like writing in creative spaces, with a good coffee too!

What’s your route to publication and what advice do you have for someone considering a similar path?

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Book Extract: The Secret Sauce by M. J. Porter

Published November 22, 2025 | By Laura

I am so pleased to be welcoming M. J. Porter back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for The Secret Sauce, the third book in the Erdington Mysteries.

Birmingham, England, November 1944.

Chief Inspector Mason of Erdington Police Station is summoned to a suspicious death at the BB Sauce factory in Aston on a wet Monday morning in late November 1944.

Greeted by his enthusiastic sergeant, O’Rourke, Sam Mason finds himself plunged into a challenging investigation to discover how Harry Armstrong met his death in a vat containing BB Sauce – a scene that threatens to put him off BB Sauce on his bacon sandwiches for the rest of his life.

Together with Sergeant O’Rourke, Mason follows a trail of seemingly unrelated events until something becomes very clear. The death of Harry Armstrong was certainly murder, and might well be connected to the tragedy unfolding at nearby RAF Fauld. While the uncertainty of war continues, Mason and O’Rourke find themselves seeking answers from the War Office and the Admiralty, as they track down the person who murdered their victim in such an unlikely way.

Join Mason and O’Rourke for the third book in the quirky, historical mystery series, as they once more attempt to solve the impossible in 1940s Erdington.

M.J. Porter has shared the opening from The Secret Sauce with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Aston, Monday, 27th November 1944

Sam Mason walked into the large space of the factory, the smell from within making his eyes widen in alarm, which he immediately regretted. The sharp, vinegary aroma felt like it was burning his eyes as well as his nostrils. He clamped his mouth shut. It was one thing to smell Big Ben Sauce when the bottle was opened to pour onto his bacon sandwich, but quite another to experience it in such a concentrated way. He was unsure how the employees of the BB Sauce factory could tolerate it on a day-to-day basis. He was only grateful that Ansell’s brewery, which was almost next door, wasn’t also emitting the distinctive smell from its manufacturing process.

He winced as his back ached from holding his head back as though to avoid the smell, but the sight of O’Rourke ahead, already bending low to examine the cause of their summoning to the location, had him striding towards her. Well, striding as much as he could with his limp, which was pronounced. Outside, it was a damp, wet and cold Monday morning in late November, and he was pleased with whoever had thought to place sacking on the ground to absorb wet footprints over the slick concrete surface of the BB Sauce factory.

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Book Review: An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas

Published November 20, 2025 | By Laura

I’m happy to be welcoming Terry Lynn Thomas to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, An Apple Butter Christmas.

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he’d buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you love:

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter’s night.

*****

Diana has spent a year away from the hometown she loves as she tries to escape heartache. When the festive season brings her back to Hartstone, she is facing not only the failure of her family’s beloved business, but she must see the man who broke her heart.

The book had me at the cover. It’s so incredibly pretty and puts me in such a festive mood.

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Book Extract: The Bookseller of Kathmandu by Ann Bennett

Published November 19, 2025 | By Laura

I’m happy to be welcoming Ann Bennett to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her book, The Bookseller of Kathmandu.

A sweeping tale of secrets and survival set against the mystical backdrop of Nepal, and the tropical heat of 1940s Malaya.

In the heart of bustling Kathmandu, Chloe Rai’s quaint bookshop is a sanctuary for those seeking solace within the pages of timeworn stories. But when she discovers a collection of letters hidden within the crumbling walls of a forgotten Rana palace, her world begins to intertwine with a narrative from a different time and place.

Penned in the 1940s by a woman named Alice Lacey, the letters tell the story of the Malayan Emergency, a time of turmoil and conflict. As Alice’s life becomes intertwined with that of Anil, a Gurkha officer, their bond is tested by the chaos and violence surrounding them. Chloe’s discoveries not only reveal family secrets, but also mirror her own struggles in the present. As she delves deeper into Alice’s story, she begins to understand the power of the past in shaping the present.

With a rich cultural backdrop and a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and truth, ‘The Bookseller of Kathmandu’ is a beautifully woven tale that showcases the enduring power of storytelling. Join Chloe on a journey through time as she uncovers the truth and learns to navigate the complexities of her own life.

If you enjoy captivating storytelling, then you won’t want to miss ‘The Bookseller of Kathmandu.’ And if you loved ‘The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu,’ then you will be enthralled by Chloe and Alice’s intertwined stories…

Ann has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Alice Lacey lives with her volatile husband, Bruce, who manages a remote tin mine in Malaya. Communist insurgents have been attacking British property lately and killed a British man. The Gurkhas have been brought in to protect the British community and property. Major Anil Desai arrives to introduce himself to Alice and her husband.

Chapter 4

MAJOR DESAI HAD ARRIVED in an army jeep, unannounced, with a couple of other soldiers. Alice was in the drawing room doing paperwork when he drew up. Surprised to hear an engine, worried the communists might have broken through the security her husband had hastily put in place on the gates, she’d stood behind a curtain and watched as a slender, athletic figure dressed in khaki got out of the jeep and strode across the drive.

The soldier mounted the wooden steps, crossed the veranda and rapped on the door. Her heart raced. They hardly ever had visitors, and they lived so far from other Europeans that a surprise visit was virtually unheard of. So much so that she was certain the servants would be elsewhere and wouldn’t have heard the knock.

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Book Extract: Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself by Tonya Lester

Published November 19, 2025 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Tonya Lester to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Push Back: Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself.

What happens when kindness crosses into self-erasure? That’s the question therapist Tonya Lester explores in her debut book, Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself.

Lester’s work is grounded in the realities of everyday relationships — marriages, friendships, families, and workplaces — where unspoken expectations often pull people into silence or compliance. With candor and compassion, she explores why so many women struggle to express anger, say no, or ask for what they need. Push Back combines research-backed insight with real-life case studies and guided reflections that help readers recognize the difference between keeping peace and losing themselves in the process. Lester doesn’t teach readers to be louder — she teaches them to be clearer. Her message is practical and deeply encouraging: your boundaries can coexist with love.

Tonya has kindly shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

It’s OK to be Difficult

Years ago, I read a magazine story about an experienced climber who nearly died falling down a mountain. She’d forgotten the crucial step of double-checking her anchor knots before she started the climb. It turned out this climber had carefully checked her husband’s rope while neglecting her own. I imagine this realization flashing through her mind as she tumbled, terrified, down the slope.

As a couples therapist in New York City, I was struck by this article, not as a cautionary tale of mountaineering safety, but instead as a reminder of the gender dynamics I see normalized in relationships. Often, women don’t even realize the imperceptible descent they take as they disappear into relationships, suppressing their own needs and desires while caring for those of others.

Had this climber expected her husband to check her ropes as she had checked his? Had she asked him to? Or had she trusted herself to tie her own knots correctly but thought that he needed extra looking after? At what point in their relationship did she start checking his climbing ropes? What were their interpersonal dynamics in other areas of their lives? Was he like a child, unable to take care of himself? Or was he considered the talent and she the manager, in charge of ensuring he had everything he needed to succeed? Whatever else was going on in their marriage, she must not have believed she could take proper care of herself and also stay in the relationship, because soon after the fall, she filed for divorce.

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Book Extract: The Starling Dance by Lucy Elena

Published November 17, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Lucy Elena to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Starling Dance.

In a sweltering Roman summer, Laure is trying to start a new life. But can she manage in a city where walls have ears, trees have eyes and even the birds are acting strangely?

It’s been exactly one year since the shit hit the fan and Laure’s anxiety exploded into a full-blown burn out. In search of a new start she’s moved to Rome – pasta, Aperol and sunshine should make everything better, right?

But with her 30s around the corner, la bella vita isn’t going to plan.

Her boyfriend, the dreamy Davide, has disappeared (Either Laure’s been ghosted or he’s accidentally fallen off a cliff – hopefully)
She wants to murder her neighbours: their arguments are keeping her up all night.

In her local café, Laure meets a handsome stranger and the sparks fly, that is until she finds herself caught in a big lie.

‘Hmmm, it’s not ideal,’ says her best friend Eva, as she puffs on a spliff in the bathtub.

Just as things are heating up, a talking tree enters the fray (as if this Roman summer wasn’t weird enough, just ask the birds).

That tree is Viviano, a dynamic and adventurous street performer who poses around the Eternal City dressed as a tree, well, sometimes a cat too and sometimes a ripe tomato. He could be thriving in life but something is holding him back. One thing is certain though: he wants to meet Laure.

Will Laure find her path? Will she accidentally put pineapple on a pizza? And is there a real love story to be found in the surreal swirls of the Italian capital?

The Starling Dance is a love story full of quirk, humour and heart-warming characters, each trying to overcome their personal obstacles and demons to give themselves a chance at life and love.

Lucy Elena is a journalist who has worked across Europe and Latin America. The Starling Dance is her debut novel. It was initially dreamt up as a film while Lucy was working in Rome and became interested in the street artists she passed every day on her way to work, eventually getting to know them. The artsy film of her imagination never materialised but The Starling Dance was born in the form of a book, with a big dose of love, fun and healing thrown in for good measure.

*****

Lucy Elena has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

In this extract our main male character, street performer Viviano, has come to meet his friends at Rome’s picturesque Gianicolo Hil. It’s a chance for the reader to get to know Viviano better and see him in a more relaxed environment, on days when his mental health challenges are not flaring up. Even in the company of his friends, Laure – Viviano’s love interest, is never far from his mind. We also learn a bit more about Viviano’s best friend Mickey, a migrant from Senegal.

Viviano leapt high above the city skyline and landed on the thin elastic band. Up and down he bounced until the rush of adrenaline had worn off and a steady balance returned.

The scent of pine perfumed the air and, in the distance, Rome’s jigsaw of buildings stretched for miles, shrouded in a golden pink light.

Viviano had spent the day dressed as a caramel-coloured cat, attaching his slackline between buildings and balancing for hours in various feline poses. Occasionally, he performed a trick or purred at passers-by – Leonardo the cat was always a crowd pleaser.

But work was over now. With three friends – Mickey, Juan Pablo and Elena – he had ventured up to the top of the Gianicolo Hill, a viewpoint over the whole city.

As was customary, they had tied the slackline daringly high between two large parasol pines. The concentration needed to maintain balance challenged Viviano, forcing his mind to focus. Today he was working on a backflip.

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Book Review: A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft

Published November 13, 2025 | By Mick Arnold

It’s such a pleasure to be welcoming Sue Moorcroft back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, A Christmas Gift.

Can the happiest time of year heal the most broken of hearts?

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends old and new make this a Christmas to remember after all?

*****

Welcome to a Middledip Christmas…again!

First published in hardback (I can’t believe) seven years back, ‘A Christmas Gift’ by best selling author Sue Moorcroft gets its long overdue paperback release. This gave me a great excuse, not that I need one as this is a Christmas read each year for me, to revisit this wonderful book again!

So, close your eyes, imagine that there’s snow falling outside (who knows, it may well be) and join me in settling in for a most wonderous story.

The only thing I’ll give away about the story is, the main protagonist, Georgine France, isn’t doing so well since her boyfriend left, leaving her with more problems than she’d wish on her worst enemy. Still, life goes on and Middledip has a habit of being just the right place at the right time; but will the added distraction of Joe Blackthorn help or hinder her?

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Book Extract: The Amalfi Secret by Dean and Catherine Reineking

Published November 10, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Dean and Catherine Reineking to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for their book, The Amalfi Secret.

For readers who love thrillers grounded in human emotion and history, The Amalfi Secret by Dean and Catherine Reineking delivers a captivating blend of mystery, betrayal, and courage.

When Gabe Roslo’s long-awaited reunion with his grandparents in Amalfi turns to tragedy, he’s left with more questions than answers. A cryptic diary, hidden codes, and whispered secrets soon point to something far greater than a family mystery—an international web of power and deceit with roots in history itself. With Anna, a quick-witted Roman local, Gabe dives into a dangerous pursuit that tests every instinct and challenges his idea of truth. From the cobbled streets of Amalfi to the political undercurrents of Rome, their search exposes the cost of uncovering secrets others will do anything to keep buried.

Dean and Catherine have shared an extract from The Amalfi Secret with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

1

Post-September 11, 2001

The lone fisherman realized the time was approaching. It was nearly eleven o’clock. Pulling his woolen cap down against the chill of the autumn night, he chuckled as he mused about the interesting character who’d approached him at the docks that afternoon.

Who am I to ask questions? he thought. After all, he’d been pulling in only small catches lately. Seemed like an awfully simple, if mildly inconvenient, task for the amount of cash the stranger had offered.

As he maneuvered his small, wooden rig along the coastline, the lights of the Amalfi Hotel emerged from the blackness. He guided his boat into position and scanned his surroundings. No one else was fishing the waters below the hotel. He was alone.

When he cut the engine, he could see a party in progress on one of the balconies. It appeared to be in full swing with loud, raucous voices. He unfolded his fishing net and hoped they’d be too drunk to notice him.

He checked his watch again and surveyed the rest of the hotel. Many of the windows were already dark. A lone person was standing on the balcony one floor above the party. He was leaning on the banister and watching the boisterous activity below.

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Book Review: Saving Starlight Hall by Debbie Viggiano

Published November 9, 2025 | By Laura

I’m very excited to be welcoming Debbie Viggiano to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Saving Starlight Hall.

Nestled deep in the countryside lies Starlight Croft – population small, gossip levels high, and secrets harder to hide than a cow in a phone box.

Jen Armstrong thought she had life more or less under control – marriage ticking along, teenagers on the right side of the law – until hubby Peter unexpectedly demises leaving Jen suddenly single, hugging a secret, and trying very hard not to fall apart in front of the entire village.

Just when things couldn’t get messier a For Sale sign appears. The community centre – the only place big enough to host Pilates and the local psychic’s séance nights – goes up for sale.

Cue The Starlight Society: a mismatched crew of locals with hearts of gold, questionable strategies and Jen reluctantly roped in to assist. Their mission? Raise the cash to save the hall before a charming-but-infuriating property developer named Liam Lancaster possibly turns it into a boutique hotel with mood lighting and tufty towels.

Can they pull it off? Will the hall survive? Might a secret be unwittingly revealed? And can Jen resist throttling an enemy who has the most annoyingly twinkly eyes?

A feel-good romantic comedy where love, lies, and livestock collide.

*****

After losing her husband, Jen is wanting to move on and get away from bad memories. She just isn’t quite sure how. When there is an announcement that the local community hub is to be sold to developers, Jen joins the efforts to save it. Is it possible that she finds more along the way than she bargained for?

First, I want to share my love for this cover. It’s ‘chef’s kiss’.

Having been a big fan of the first novel in the Starlight series, Starting Over At Starlight Cottage, I was eager to start the next book, Saving Starlight Hall. If you’ve not read book one, don’t fear, this can be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel like any key information was missing from this latest instalment. I recommend book one though. It’s ace.

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Book Review: Escape to the Northern Lights by Carrie Walker

Published November 6, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Carrie Walker to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Escape to the Northern Lights.

Packed with humour, romance and a love affair with nature, Escape to the Northern Lights is a story of transformation, second chances and finding home in the most unexpected places.

High-powered lawyer Sara thought she had life figured out – until her whirlwind marriage ends in divorce, her dream promotion slips away and a burnout diagnosis forces her to take a break.

Desperate for a reset, she books a four-week spa retreat in Norway, imagining a luxurious escape. Instead, she finds herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, knee-deep in reindeer droppings and stuck with an annoyingly bohemian – and ridiculously attractive – outdoorsman, Henrik.

What starts as a nightmare turns into a journey of self-discovery as Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet, legal briefs for tree-hugging, and fleeting flings for something far deeper…

*****

When Sara misses out on a promotion and has a health scare, she is forced to take time off work. She finds herself booking a spa escape in Norway. If could be fun – a place of luxury, rest, and relaxation. If it was good enough for celebrities, it was good enough for her. Things don’t go as planned but in being somewhere she wasn’t intending to be, could she find something she wasn’t aware she was looking for?

I have a bit of a love affair with the Northern Lights, so I jumped at the chance to read Escape To The Northern Lights by Carrie Walker. Going to see the lights has been on my bucket list for such a long time. I know we had the chance to see them in the UK a while back, but there’s something romantic about seeing them in a beautiful country like Norway. With this novel, I had a chance to see them vicariously through Sara’s story.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Halloween

Published October 31, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: Halloween

Your character wakes up on the morning of Halloween and suddenly finds themselves surrounded by their fears.

It could be that they are afraid of clowns? Spiders? Vampires? Fire? A room full of strangers?

Write a piece chronicling a part of their day and how they rid themselves of the problem?

Have fun and Happy Halloween.

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Book Extract: Abracadabra by Evanne Hardin Gray

Published October 31, 2025 | By Laura

I’m very excited to be welcoming Evanne Hardin Gray to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Abracadabra.

In the spirit of Practical Magic and First Frost, a modern-day magic folk tale weaves a fantasy of love, secrets, spellbooks, and family bonds into evocative prose ….

It’s common knowledge in Duran Hill that some women in the Kinley family have certain gifts … and certain curses … running through their bloodlines. But for three sisters in all but name — Rachel, Juliette, and their cousin Sylvia — the ties that bind them close as ivy throughout their childhood are pulled apart in adolescence when both the gift and curse of that power is revealed between them.

Since that fateful incident, sensible Juliette has tailored a perfect and perfectly-ordinary life which unravels after she marries — and loses — the love of her life. Sylvia, drawn to the dark side, sets up a shop that caters to all the mystical powers the latter generations of the Kinley family shunned. And Rachel, the wild child, in whom its magic seems to create a charmed life, is a carefree wanderer who finds herself suddenly drawn home again.

Her arrival will stir old rivalries and test forgotten bonds in the brief span of a few weeks. But when an old friend in desperate trouble seeks her out, she will impulsively unleash the dangerous secret behind their power: one which has lain forgotten in the Kinley house for two generations.

From the Siren’s song of a dead man’s violin to a jar full of harmless-looking buttons, nothing under the shadow of the family’s roof is what it seems — nothing in their bloodline is safe from the dangerous past.

For Juliette, it brings a test of whether love that has withered can bloom again. For Sylvia, a question of whether a dangerous mistake can only be endured until it destroys you. And for Rachel, the choice is the price between the future of the souls she loves most in life and a powerful force that both makes her the enigma she is — and makes to destroy her like embers caught in a firewind.

Against the backdrop of Southern charm, Scottish superstitions, and bewitching romance, ABRACADABRA casts a spell which cannot be undone, from the ache of lost love to the familial links between souls which go as deep as blood and bone.

Evanne Hardin Gray has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Thank you so much for this chance to share an extract from my novel Abracdabra with all the readers at Novel Kicks. It’s a spooky new read perfect for fans of Practical Magic. In the following scene, sisters Rachel and Juliette find themselves reluctantly consulting a medium over a haunting in their old family home.

They end up in the parlor, which Rachel thought of as “the purple room” as a child, a name inspired by the heavy wine-colored drapes, and the various maroon and plum shades of velvet covering the furniture. It is the nearest seating area to the formal dining room, which Rachel was glad is not the scene of this seance.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Interactive Fiction

Published October 29, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today’s exercise is a fun and interesting one (I hope).

I love the choose your own adventure stories. Do you fancy creating your own? Well, here is your chance.

Pick one of the following fairytales –

Little Red Riding Hood

Hansel and Gretel

Three Little Pigs

Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Once you’ve decided, take some time to think about the narrative – what happens throughout the story?

Write it out chronologically. Now, think about what could happen if you had other options in the story. For example, what if Little Red Riding Hood reached her Grandmother’s house and the Grandmother is the villain? However, due to a previous choice to help the wolf, he then comes to the rescue.

This is how you could begin –

Little Red Riding Hood begins the walk to her Grandmother’s house. She reaches a crossroads:

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Book Review: Murder at the Wedding by Anita Davison

Published October 26, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Anita Davison back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Murder at the Wedding.

Hannah Merrill is about to marry the love of her life…

The couple are determined their low-key celebration will go without a hitch, but there can’t be an ‘I do’ while the vicar is missing. And when he’s found dead – a victim of a poisoning – in the crypt behind the church, Hannah knows only she and Aunt Violet can find out who did it.

Hannah’s beloved thinks she shouldn’t interfere. But if he fails to remember that an independent woman in 1916 doesn’t do what she’s told to by a man, the dead vicar may be the least of his worries…

Then the vicar’s own fiancé appears on the scene, even though nobody knew he was engaged. And suddenly it becomes clear someone has a secret, one shocking enough to kill for.

Will the intrepid pair of amateur sleuths catch the murderer before they kill again? Or will it be til death parts them all?

*****

Hannah Merrill is about to marry Darius Clifford. The wedding day begins brightly. Proceedings soon take a turn when the body of Reverend Julian Aldrich is found. Can Hannah and her Aunt Violet get to the bottom of this mystery?

Having read previous novels in this series, I was delighted to be invited onto the blog tour for the latest in the Miss Merrill & Aunt Violet mystery series. I do like myself a cosy crime series and this one didn’t disappoint.

I am going to try and review without giving too much away.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Traitor or Faithful?

Published October 24, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: Traitor and Faithful.

As Celebrity Traitors has been popular over the last few weeks, I thought it would be fun to put our own spin on it.

Place all of your characters from your current WIP into a castle and place them in a gameshow style situation. Who would be faithful and who not so much?

If you’d prefer to pick a set of characters from another piece of fiction, that’s fine too.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Picturesque Prompt

Published October 22, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today, I wanted to focus on some free writing. Using the photo below, create a story.

What does the picture immediately conjure up? Is your protagonist in a boat and this is their view? Are they in a cave hidden along the coast? Why are they there? Who are they with? The sky is the limit with this prompt.

If you want to, you could always spend a few minutes writing down everything the picture sparks and then start your story from your notes.

Have fun.

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Book Extract: Fatal Equation by Gethyn Jones

Published October 22, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Gethyn Jones to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Fatal Equation.

Aged just 16, Ali Kurmi was exiled to Portsmouth by his despicable, sweaty, arrogant, bully-of-a-rich businessman father, to protect the family name. Now in his thirties, Ali’s forced to work as an unofficial bailiff for his father’s property company. The only things keeping him going are his songwriting and DJing.

Laura O’Brien, a former journalist from Dublin is a looker and defies her 52 years – made even more remarkable by her tragic back story. Fate strikes again as her renowned husband of just four years, racehorse breeder Frank O’Brien, collapses and dies of a brain aneurysm. It leaves her broken-hearted, but very rich. Determined to avoid returning to the bottle, and egged on by her sponsor, the enigmatic Alice Kingston, Laura leaves Tipperary to start afresh in Hampshire.

This is the story of Ali and Laura – how they got together – and how they navigate their way through a seemingly endless number of cruel and unlikely twists and turns – that threaten their relationship – and their lives.

Gethyn has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Blurb: Laura O’Brien, a wealthy widow in her fifties, didn’t expect to fall in love again – especially not with a 35-year-old British-Indian songwriter. But when she meets Ali Kurmi, a corporate DJ with his own deeply troubled past, everything changes.

Together, they start to build a life filled with creativity, passion, and purpose. Yet danger still lurks in the shadows – Stephanie, Laura’s scheming stepdaughter, wants blood. Fuelled by greed and resentment, she’s plotting something deadly … and failure isn’t an option.

Set between rural Hampshire and Tipperary, Fatal Equation is an emotional rollercoaster of love, ecstasy, frustration, obsession, and revenge.

… a book that blends the warmth of a feel-good romance with the chilling edge of a thriller …

*****

Announcing to your partner that you’ve become a father with one of your ‘exes’ is never going to be an easy conversation. Ali has been very open with Laura about his previous love life – which inclded a long time with Becky Davies. It was a mutually satisfactory ‘friends with benefits arrangement’. When Ali met Laura, his relationship with Becky ended abruptly – until yesterday when his pal Club Manager Dom contrived to get them to meet up again. It was then that an extremely dishevelled-looking Becky dropped the bombshell.

Ali leans in close to the bathroom mirror, pulls both eyelids down and grunts. He turns his head to the right and then the left. He’s never gone for the George Michael look – the five o’clock shadow. Too much work to keep tidy; so, clean-shaven it’s always been.

He’s had a restless night, hardly surprising under the circumstances. To wake up one day and discover that you’re the father of a three-week-old child that you knew nothing about, is understandably mind-blowing.

He shaves, brushes his teeth, smiles to check them and walks back into the bedroom.

‘How are you my gorgeous daddy-o?’ says Laura teasingly, from somewhere under a pillow.

‘I’m fine. Are you still OK with all this?’

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Book Review: War Lord: Scourge of Rome by Adam Lofthouse

Published October 21, 2025 | By Chris Parish

It’s a pleasure to welcome Adam Lofthouse back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his latest book, War Lord: Scourge of Rome.

And so we have reached the end of my tale. But what are endings if not new beginnings?

Alaric has been home for a year. He went north and saved the Cimbri, just as he said he would. But the cost has been higher than he ever thought. A shadow of the War Lord he once was, he now trades in amber and dotes on his children.

A simple life. And with it, contentment. But he knew this couldn’t last forever; peace isn’t for someone like him, and sure enough trouble finds him once again. A routine journey south turns into a new and unknown wave of danger as red-cloaked legionaries attack, causing confusion and carnage.

Warriors dressed as Romans have been scouring the country, slaughtering innocent people, and leaving Roman footprints wherever they march. But things are not what they seem, and it falls to Alaric to don his armour once more, and march his Ravensworn in pursuit of a mysterious enemy that could destabilise his world beyond repair.

*****

I have said it before, and no doubt I will say it again; Adam Lofthouse’s love of Roman history really shines through in the way he writes these books.

The characters really pop from the page and it was a real pleasure to see how the protagonist has grown over the course of the series. He has gone from a headstrong young warrior to a headstrong old warrior but his experiences have given him a real depth.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Woken In A Daze

Published October 17, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: Woken in a daze.

Your character wakes up in a room that doesn’t feel familiar.

However, going by the pictures on the walls, this seems to be where they live. They shout for someone, anyone to hear them but the home and the surrounding area remain quiet.

After checking the rest of the rooms, they go outside. Their head is hurting and vision is a litle blurred.

Out of the corner of their eye, they spot a movement…

Continue the story.

Have fun.

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A Moment With… Fiona Embers About Loving Love

Published October 17, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Fiona Embers to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Soft Rebound

The first hookup after a long relationship is always meaningless. Right?

Still reeling from his divorce two years ago, Joe Larson sleepwalks through life until a chance encounter with Liz Jensen jolts him awake. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable, but Liz is fresh off a broken engagement and has no intention of letting anyone get close. Joe must overcome his fear of being hurt again if he is to convince Liz that love does not mean being powerless and that their rebound fling is actually their happily ever after.

To chat about Loving Love, it’s over to Fiona Embers.

Loving Love: Romance Author Fiona Embers Shares Her Favorites

Romance is a bestselling genre with many subgenres and flavors. Whether you like your heroes to be “cinnamon rolls” (sweet and supportive of their love interest) or ruthless mafiosos or billionaires or perhaps monsters or aliens, whether you like your romance with a lot of “spice” (on-page intimacy) or prefer fade to black, whether you want your romance set on Earth in modern times or in the past or perhaps on another planet, whether want your romance tightly focused on the main pair or prefer it blended with mystery or thriller or urban fantasy, there is something out there for the enjoyment of every reader.

You will sometimes hear discussions about tropes, which are recognizable story elements that readers often rely on to decide whether they might find a story enjoyable. Think of tropes as strong spices in cooking. Some people love cinnamon in anything, be it sweet or savory (it’s me; I am those people), while others prefer to avoid it altogether, but in any case cinnamon is far from the whole dish. Tropes are a little like that.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Scheduling Your Character’s Day

Published October 15, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

I have what I hope is a fun exercise today.

Take the three main characters from your WIP and fill out their schedule. For example, the character I have chosen is a police officer –

07.00 – Wake up.

07.10 – Morning Run.

0.8.00 – Shower and dress,

9.00 – Morning briefing.

10.00 – Interview Mr Green.

11.00 – Meeting with DCI Morgan.

12.00 –

13.00 – Press conference.

14.00 –

15.00 – Pick up Arianna from ballet.

16.00 – Lisa due at the station.

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Book Review: My Rock Star Neighbor by Kathy Strobos

Published October 15, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so pleased to be welcoming Kathy Strobos back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, My Rock Star Neighbor.

When a wary rock star and a cynical reporter fake date to bury a scandalous rumor, will true love be exposed as the real story?

Nick: I do my best songwriting while playing my guitar on the fire escape. Unfortunately, my in-bed-at-ten next-door neighbor, Maddie, is not a fan of my music. She clambers out on the fire escape to yell at me about making “noise.” In bunny slippers, no less. But then she trips and falls into my arms.

That photo of Maddie plastered all over me hits the papers, just as my dream recording company wants to sign my band. Which is a problem, because an obsessed fan is claiming that I’m her boyfriend and now the media is blowing up that I’m two-timing them both. Good-bye recording contract, unless….

Maddie: I’m supposed to cover the story. Not be the story! But when Nick begs me to fake date, I can’t resist the chance to be Nick’s girlfriend—even if fake—the opposite of my life as a city desk reporter. But my ex said I’m a terrible kisser, and there’s no way I want Mr. Hot Rock Star saying the same thing. Hence, clause 11 in our contract: There will be absolutely no physical contact.

Nick: When Maddie receives a threatening photo of the two of us with an X over her face, my desire to protect her suddenly feels all too real. It’s either a troll or her undercover investigation has been compromised. With both our careers at stake, is breaking up the only way to keep Maddie safe?

*****

Maddie and Nick are neighbours and have been friends for a while. Each are unaware that the other has feelings. Maddie is on the verge of breaking a big story that would be good for her career as a reporter. Nick is about to make it big with his band.

When circumstances are such that Maddie and Nick end up fake dating, things only get more complicated. Can they keep their feelings at bay or will it reveal more than they bargained for?

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Book Extract: Serves You Right by Orion Gregory

Published October 14, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so excited to be welcoming Orion Gregory to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Serves You Right.

Justice isn’t blind in Orion Gregory’s Serves You Right—it’s calculating, ruthless, and watching every move.

Sydney Livingstone thought she’d found the perfect reset when she traded professional tennis for a badge in Walsh County. With her fiancé Enzo at her side and the promise of small-town calm, she expected routine cases and a sense of purpose. Instead, a vigilante calling himself The Enforcer shatters that illusion. His attacks leave behind bodies and chilling manifestos, and his reach extends further with each strike. Sydney’s badge makes her both investigator and target, drawing her deeper into a deadly game.

As media swarms the county and fear fractures the department, Sydney faces mounting suspicion that the danger may not only be outside, but within the very force she joined. Evidence points too close for comfort, colleagues grow wary, and a stalker begins haunting one of her fellow officers. With every step, Sydney must weigh loyalty against survival and uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Orion has shared an extract from Serves You Right with us today. We hope you enjoy.

(Warning: Language.)

*****beginning of extract*****

He looked over at Andrea, who was happily finishing a chili dog next to a side of circular, mangled fries. She was saying something about changing the drapes in the front window of her house, but Frank wasn’t listening.

His hamburger looked nauseating. Even the idea of taking a sip of beer made him want to vomit. The smell was now all-encompassing.

A pair of young boys chased each other, darting between tables. One bumped their table, causing some of Frank’s beer to spill.

“Undisciplined brats,” he muttered. “Can you imagine what kind of adults they’re going to be?”

Murderers? Spouse killers?

There goes Sheila again, funneling bullshit into my mind.

“We were all there once,” said Andrea. “Just ignore them.”

Frank smiled, wondering how Andrea wasn’t overcome by the disgusting smell. “You know what, I’m not really hungry,” he said. “I’m going to throw this stuff out.” Distracted by the unpleasant odor, Frank forgot about the possibility he was being followed. He fell into line behind two teenagers who were attempting to shove their trash inside an overflowing receptacle. The park seemed to be growing more crowded by the minute.

The park noises consumed Frank’s thoughts. Ice cream machines revved crazily in a high pitch, barbeque grills hissed louder than usual, and soda machines buzzed. Kids squealed at their parents while nearby game operators hollered at customers to step forward and win prizes.

He glanced upward, noticing hot-air balloons in the distance, moving toward the theme park. They were decorated with bold, contrasting colors. The late afternoon sun cast its light onto them, creating a living rainbow of color in the open air.

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Book Review: The Self-Made Saint by Alexandra Addams

Published October 13, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Alexandra Addams to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Self-Made Saint.

Judith Drainger has always played life by her own rules. But these days life seems to be playing her right back.

Divorced, orphaned and forcibly retired, 59-year-old Judith is determined to seize the opportunity to leave her broken home in London and move across the world to Australia. Here she reunites with her estranged adult daughter Cassandra – only to land smack bang in the emotional quagmire of her daughter’s anger and abandonment issues. To make matters worse, Judith can see her new granddaughter Emily has a serious health issue, but her offers of help are ignored and rejected.

When an accident knocks her off her feet, Judith is swamped by the kindly care of her nosy new neighbors. Yet, when given a chance to become a part of their community, Judith shocks even herself by making a series of unforgivable blunders. Realizing if she’s to have any hope of reuniting her family, this well-meaning but stubborn curmudgeon must learn the power of saying ‘sorry’ – and what it actually means to be a good person.

A tender and uplifting novel championing the complex realities of family, solidarity and friendship.

*****

Judith is not where she’d thought she’d be at 59 years-old. She’s divorced, recently lost her mother and finds herself retired from the humanitarian work she loved. In an attempt to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Judith moves to Adelaide, Austraila. Will life be any better there?

The premise for this book sounded interesting so I couldn’t wait to get started on it and was pleased to be on the blog tour for, The Self-Made Saint.

The first thing I will say is that I believe this book will be very relatable to many people and it wasn’t hard for me to get invested in this book and the characters within.

Judith…oh Judith. I found in her a person who is sometimes her worst enemy and at times I wanted to hug her and then other tiimes, i wanted to shake her. She is a very good study on generational expectations and guilt and I feel is the product of her environment in some ways. Judith has a belief that she should be where she’s needed – she just doesn’t always make the right decision when it comes to that.

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Novel Kicks Book Club: Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Published October 13, 2025 | By Laura

Hello October.

This month is my favourite for many reasons and not just because it’s when I have my birthday. There is something about October. It’s Autumn and Halloween all in one and, it’s a chance to rewatch shows like The Gilmore Girls, have hot chocolates and best of all, pull out the autumn themed novels.

So, I have chosen Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood as the book club pick for this month.

Even the cover has me wanting to grab a cup of tea, chocolate, a warm blanket and a comfy chair whilst I disappear into this novel.

Anyone is welcome to take part in our book club, whether you’ve already read it and want to talk about it or if, like me, you’ll be jumping in during this month.

I’ve posted a question below to kick start the discussion. I look forward to seeing you there.

About Rewitched –

IT’S TIME TO REDISCOVER HER MAGIC . . .

Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark, but she hasn’t seen it in a while either. Balancing work at her beloved London bookshop, Lunar Books, with handling her toxic boss and concealing her witchcraft from those around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.

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NK Chats To… Helga Jensen

Published October 13, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Helga. Thank you so much for inviting Novel Kicks onto the blog tour for A New Life in Amsterdam. What’s your writing process like? Do you plan much?

Firstly, I think of a fabulous location and then work from there. For example, my latest book is set in Amsterdam. From there I will think of all the things that the place offers and work out a story. Naturally, A New Life in Amsterdam just had to be about a canal boat as I pictured what life would be like living on the canals of Amsterdam. Then I usually think about the characters and jot down the pivotal moments on a huge poster. From there, I just start writing. I am definitely not a planner as I start off with a seed of an idea and I literally let my characters take me on their journey as I write. I love working this way as I think if I planned anything I would be too focused on keeping to that story and it wouldn’t be natural.

Out of all the books you’ve read, which have had the most impact on you?

Oh, that’s a really good question. I always remember reading two books by Jane Green back in the early 90s. Mr Maybe and Jemima J. They appealed to me at that age and made me want to write something similar. I grew up with Jane Green and Sophie Kinsella books and I can safely say that both writers made a huge impact on me as I dreamed of being just like them.

Do you have any writing rituals? Do you prefer to work in silence?

I need complete silence. I can’t even take a laptop to a coffee shop somewhere. I have to be in my study, door closed, and nothing but silence. Any disturbance will send me off track and I will lose that line in my head. I love the idea that writers can work with music and churn out a best-seller but, for me, silence is golden!

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Book Extract: Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller

Published October 13, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Candi Miller back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Kalahari Passage: Koba book 2

Koba and Mannie have been in jail. Their crime, loving each other across the Apartheid colour bar in southern Africa. Koba escapes her captors and using her bush skills, finds her way across the semi-desert to her former tribal home. But adapting to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle after a decade away, has challenges. And her mortal enemy is on her trail.

Meanwhile Mannie absconds during his parole and sets off on a sub-continental road trip to find his beloved Koba. But will his new comrades persuade him to join them across the border for training in deadly guerrilla warfare? And what will that mean for his future with Koba?

Under tragic circumstances the lovers meet, but the danger they are in means they face heart-breaking choices.

Kalahari Passage is an action-packed story of a search for identity and love. Readers will be spellbound by Koba’s world where an ancient culture dances, trances and lives in harmony with the land.

Candi has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Koba, an indigenous Ju|’hoan girl, has found safety her among her people, making friends with |Kuni and her musician husband, Bo Fingers. Koba decides to decamp with them to avoid her stalker, the man she calls Lion. She has suitors too, unwanted. Koba is secretly in love with Mannie, Frog-boy, a young white man from whom she was separated by the government.

In italics is the interior dialogue Koba has with her conscience, aka Insect. (A bit like Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, but bawdy.)

Something had been decided in the group. Everyone except ∥’Aoka Sour, looked content. Gaps began to appear in the circle as people rose and said goodnight.

Koba grew uneasy, nervous as a wildebeest that finds itself in a thinning herd. She scanned the remaining faces for clues and started when another large log was thrown into the fire. All the cooking is done, people go to their sleeping mat; why the wood-wasting? she wondered, until it occurred to her that a decision had been made to leave the area.

She gazed up at the night sky again, calculating her options. The Big Rain will have washed away my footprints, but Lion won’t give up easily. Better to hide in the herd, although I seem to get many unspoken looks in this noisy place.

Use your intelligence, Bushgirl. There are few marriageable women in the group. That is why you are eaten by eyes.

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Book Review: The Silver Tide by J.H.Mann

Published October 12, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming J.H.Mann back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Silver Tide.

Cornwall, 1863. On a windswept beach, Maggie Pascoe watches in horror as her family is lost to the sea. Her father and three brothers are among dozens of fishermen from the town of St Branok who perish in a summer storm.

Destitute and alone, she finds comfort in her friendship with widow Norah Bray, whose young son also drowned in the disaster.

But the tragedy was no accident. As Maggie battles to uncover the truth, she hides a devastating secret – one that could destroy her bond with Norah forever.

Inspired by a true story, The Silver Tide is a powerful tale of love, betrayal and one woman’s courageous fight for justice.

*****

When an unexpected summer storm devastates the town of St Branok, Maggie loses everything when the sea claims her father and three brothers. She finds comfort in the company of her friend, Norah whose own son also died.

As time passes, something isn’t adding up for Maggie. As she begins to investigate the tragedy, she meets opposition at nearly every turn.

Can she find out what happened whilst keeping herself safe? Can she keep a secret from Norah that threatens to tear their friendship apart?

Having previously enjoyed The Echoing Shore, I was eager to return to St Branok and the latest book in the Wild Cornwall series.

If The Silver Tide is your introduction to this set of books, it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend the previous novels. They are excellent.

The author wastes no time in pulling the reader right into the action whilst setting a heart-breaking scene. I felt like I was there, willing them to stay on land, knowing what awaited them on the water.

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Book Review: The Gameshow by Alexander Raphael

Published October 10, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Alexander Raphael to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Gameshow.

In a waiting room hidden high away from everyone, six disgraced celebrities are desperate to recover their heavily tainted reputations. An incredibly controversial new gameshow is offering them a route back to the big time, along with a $7.2 million cash prize.

But with no consolation prizes and serious consequences every time someone loses out, will signing up prove their salvation or their downfall?

*****

In an attempt to rehabilitate their images, six celebrities agree to go on a brand new gameshow. If they win, they get millions, more fame and maybe a new start. If they fail, something worse awaits them. Standing between each of them and the prize are each other, mixed with pure luck. WIll they come out the other side unscathed or will they have to face what they fear most?

You know that moment when you read the blurb of a novel and you know immediately you are going to completely get pulled into the story before you even begin? That was the case with me and The Gameshow.

This novel features TV executive, Selina and six disgraced celebrities, Linda, Nate, Madison, Denzel, Yasmeen and Jed. All six have been cancelled in the eyes of the public and have nothing to lose and everything to gain when they sign up to a new gameshow. Between rounds, they are forced to live in one apartment and are completely cut off from the outside world – think Black Mirror and Big Brother crossed with a big splash of the I’m a Celebrity Bush Tucker Trials.

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Book Review: Hidden Family Secrets by Evelyn Hood

Published October 5, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Evelyn Hood to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Hidden Family Secrets.

Can a long-kept secret ruin the future happiness of two families?

Paisley, Scotland 1745

Meg and Duncan Montgomery move to the flourishing Scottish town of Paisley to find work in the thriving weaving industry. Soon, Meg is expecting their first child, Margaret.

To make ends meet, they live in Peter Todd’s household, Duncan’s employer and Meg’s days are filled with domestic duties. But soon Meg and Duncan find themselves caught up in the intricate lives of the Todd family and when a tragic accident causes further conflict, a decision is made to keep a terrible secret from Meg.

As Margaret grows older, she despairs of the town’s inequality and becomes an advocate for the poor. While her philanthropic ideals are tolerated, even accepted by her understanding parents, Margaret’s affection for her childhood friend William Todd is greeted with disapproval.

But Margaret wants more from life than marriage and is overjoyed when she is taken on as a teacher at the local hospital.

As a dark secret from the past looms over the lives of both families,threatening to tear apart their futures, the younger Todds and Montgomery’s must decide between following in their parents’ footsteps or forging their own paths

The start of The Paisley Women saga series from Evelyn Hood, the original bestselling Scottish saga writer.

Previously published in paperback as The Silken Thread.

*****

Meg and Duncan Montgomery are hoping to seek a new and exciting life in the Scottish town of Paisley. When they arrive, Kirsty Todd and her family welcome them with open arms. As time passes, the families get more entwined and secrets are harboured and revealed – ones that could tear everyone apart.

I am excited to be part of the blog tour for Hidden Family Secrets. This was my introduction to Evelyn Hood and the first book in a brand new series. I couldn’t wait to get started as I love a good saga.

This book begins strong and continued to build momentum as the plot unfolded. There is a believable atmosphere and the author does a good job at establishing the setting. I felt as though I was in Scotland in the 1700’s.

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NK Chats To…Michael Wendroff

Published October 5, 2025 | By Laura

Hello Michael. Thank you for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto your blog tour. Can you tell us about What Goes Around and what inspired it?

What Goes Around is my debut thriller. It is about mysterious shootings in a small town, and two detectives, one male and one female, are assigned to the case. They hate each other, and have to find the killer before they kill each other. On the pursuit they encounter secret groups-Incels, Boogaloo Boys, supremacists. Torn in the middle is a naive boy. The ending twist is out of this world.

I was inspired by what my mother said to me the second I was born. Or so I’m told. I was put on her chest, she looked me deeply in the eyes, and said, “Oh! How nice to see you, again!” It was that “again” that always intrigued me, and I always wanted to write something about it, but life and working in business got in the way.

It was actually the Covid pandemic that got me to write my novel–there was that period when you couldn’t do anything, couldn’t go to movies, restaurants, couldn’t even go to the beach! So, I had no more excuses. Had to write it, and thankfully, got very lucky, and What Goes Around was born.

I was also “inspired” by events I didn’t understand–like the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia a few years ago. I needed to research that, to understand what was behind some of the crazy thinking, so that’s how I got into the secret world of Incels and Supremacists. Scary stuff!

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals and a favourite place to write?
.
I usually write in the mornings, when I’m freshest. Water really inspires me, and I’m very fortunate that I have two places near water. In the winter months I’m in Florida, so I can sit at a beach and think up plots and scenes, and I also get to sit on my lanai and look out on a pond behind my house. Though I do sometimes get distracted by the alligators running around.

Michael’s Writing Space – Lake Garda.

In the summer months when Florida just gets too hot and humid, I head to Italy. I love Northern Italy, and get to write from a terrace overlooking Lake Garda (when I’m not eating the amazing Italian food).

I love writing, and my process is plot, research, write, and edit.

My daily ritual is to sit at my pc to get the words out, just get the story going. I don’t worry about things like grammar or even the specific words used, I just want to get the writing flowing. The next morning I will reread what I’d written, and try to make it real writing. Make sure every word is the right word and fits with the others in the sentence, make sure each sentence fits with the others in the paragraph. Add the analogies and metaphors. After that’s done, I’ll start scribbling out the next part of the story on my pc, which will be rewritten the next day. That process of write then rewrite continues everyday, until I can write my favorite two words: The End

But before I actually start the writing itself, comes the plotting. There are actually two types of writers-plotters and pantsers. Pantsers simply sit in front of their computers and write by the seat of their pants. They have no idea where the story is going. That’s not me. I have to know everything upfront, so after ideating I write a detailed plot outline. I need to know not only what the ending will be, but where I’ll plant the red herrings, and where I’ll put the twists and turns.

And it’s not like things won’t change. Once I became really attached to one of my characters, and the plot called for the character to die, but I couldn’t do it. I had to change the plot. Another time I did kill off a character I loved, but my wife yelled at me because I was walking around for a week in depression. She said “They’re not real!!” But to an author, they are real!

If you were putting together a playlist for What Goes Around, which songs would you pick?

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NK Chats To… Evie Jacobs

Published October 4, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Evie, thank you so much for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto your blog tour. Can you tell me about your book, Dangerous Decisions and what inspired it?

Thanks for having me! Dangerous Decisions is the story of Nate Hughes, a pilot who shares a business with his siblings, and Angie Liu, a CIA agent who is investigating an informant’s death. The two meet at a casino in Miami and have a one-night stand. Everything is great–until Angie realizes Nate is actually the son of the man whose death she is investigating.

Dangerous Decisions is an interconnected standalone, meaning that while it is technically the second book in the Dangerous Skies Adventure series, it does not have to be read after or with the first book.

I couldn’t tell you exactly what inspired this story, but while I was writing Dangerous Descent, I always knew that Nate would investigate his father’s death in the second. Thinking back, it seems like Angie’s character came easily as well. I wrote a good chunk of this book during COVID and wasn’t happy with the result. It wasn’t until I published Dangerous Descent that I decided to revisit Dangerous Decisions and turn it into something I was proud of.

What was your route to publication?

Evie’s Main Writing Office

I queried my first book, Dangerous Descent, with no luck, and was about to shove it in the metaphorical drawer when I decided to try a few small publishers. I wasn’t expecting much, but one publisher responded within a week asking for the full manuscript. After that, things moved pretty quickly, and I had a publishing contract by the end of the month. The experience of publishing through a small press was invaluable. I learned a ton, but more importantly, the validation that someone wanted to publish my book gave me the confidence to stick with it. Despite all the positives, I also wished I’d had more control over the final product. For the second book, I went it on my own.

What elements do you feel make up a good thriller?

Tension, danger, high stakes, momentum, immediacy, and characters you care about.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals? A favourite place to write?

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: By The Roll Of The Dice

Published October 3, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s Prompt: By The Roll Of The Dice.

Find a dice. There’s plenty of free dice apps on the various app stores if you can’t find one.

Roll and use the first line that corresponds to the number you throw.

1 – When walking down an alleyway, your character finds themselves in another time.

2 – Your character is lost in a forest and reach a crossroads. They go left instead of right and end up at an isolated farm.

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Book Extract: The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon by Barry Maher

Published October 1, 2025 | By Laura

I’m thrilled to be kicking off October by welcoming Barry Maher to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon.

Thrillers set in the 1980s have a special kind of atmosphere—before cell phones, before constant connectivity—where the shadows felt darker and the dangers closer. The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon takes full advantage of that tension, weaving together a decaying church, occult rituals, and a reluctant hero who doesn’t believe in any of it…until he has no choice.

Steve Witowski’s life is already in shambles—he’s a failed songwriter and a fugitive—but everything unravels further after he rescues Victoria from a violent assault. Victoria has just bought a crumbling church with a haunted past, and the secrets inside refuse to stay buried. Soon Steve finds himself in a world of grave robbing, fire-lit ceremonies, and a demon whose desperation grows more terrifying by the day. Even as visions plague him and the face of the man he killed appears on his skin, Steve insists it’s all delusion. But denial won’t save him, and the cost of survival may be more than he can pay.

Barry has kindly shared an extract from The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon with us today. We hope you enjoy.

(Content warning: language.)

*****beginning of extract*****

Back in the 60s . . .

On Wednesday October 13^th, 1968, a faculty panel recommended the dismissal of Professor John Harris—in absentia, as no one at Harvard had seen or heard from him in weeks. Harris later bragged about delivering his final lecture on “one shitload and a half of LSD.” According to the recording made available to the faculty panel, this was the sum total of that lecture:

“Good afternoon. Wow. American Literature, hunh? Let’s see. Moby Dick today. Right?”

“Moby Dick?” asked a confused voice. “No. What happened to The Scarlet Letter?”

“Right. Moby Dick,” Harris continued. “Great book. None of you have read it. None of you are going to read it. Nobody ever does. What you need to understand is that as far as I’m concerned—and I’m the fucking professor—Moby Dick is the same story as The Great Gatsby, which some of you may read. I call it, ‘the half-assed struggle of the individual to put their world to rights in the face of a failure that threatens to define their life.’ I think that’s from my thesis. Though maybe it’s not pretentious enough.”

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Book Review: Murder In Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter

Published September 29, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Michelle Salter back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Murder in Trafalgar Square – book one in The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series.

A murdered suffragette. A missing politician. A stolen artwork.

London, 1910

Coral Fairbanks is a contradiction. As well as a suffragette, she’s a bit-part actress and nude model, earning her the disapproval of her fellow suffragettes.

Guy Flynn is an artist. He’s also a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, who doesn’t always see eye to eye with fellow officers in the Metropolitan Police.

When Home Secretary Winston Churchill orders the police to terrorise the suffragettes during an afternoon of violence that becomes known as Black Friday, the battlelines are drawn – and Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn are on different sides.

But when a young suffragette is found murdered in the National Portrait Gallery and one of their paintings is stolen – Fairbanks and Flynn must put their differences aside and combine their knowledge to track down the killer.

Introducing an iconic detective duo in Fairbanks and Flynn, this is an exciting and gripping historical mystery, which will delight fans of Agatha Christie, Benedict Brown and T. E. Kinsey.

*****

Coral Fairbanks fights for women to have the vote. When a Suffragette mission ends in murder, she meets artist and Scotland Yard detective, Guy Flynn. Can they find the murderer together or will their differences get in the way?

I absolutely adore the Iris Woodmore stories so when given the chance to read the first in a brand new series by Michelle Salter, I jumped at the chance.

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Book Extract: The Queen’s Necklace by Adrienne Chinn

Published September 29, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Adrienne Chinn to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, The Queen’s Necklace.

The most famous necklace in the world has finally been found…

Bryher Finch’s life isn’t just a disaster, it’s a catastrophe, until a chance invitation to chart her family tree changes everything. As Bryher uncovers the ancestry she never knew about, she stumbles on the find of the century – Anne Boleyn’s ‘B’ necklace, as enigmatic as Henry VIII’s most notorious Queen herself.

But Bryher isn’t the only one who wants the necklace…

Adrienne has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

In this excerpt from The Queen’s Necklace, American actress Bryher Finch, who is filming a Tudor mini-series in England, is out on a dinner date with Dr Pieter de Beer, the historical advisor on the series. She had loaned him her cousin Betty Pilcher’s ‘B’ necklace that she’d found in an old box under Betty’s bed (she’s staying at Betty’s house while she’s filming). The cheap necklace she’d been given to wear in the series was breaking her out in hives so she borrows Betty’s necklace to wear instead. Pieter has examined the necklace and discusses it with her over dinner.

*****

Bryher scoops some dhal onto her plate. She watches as Pieter spoons a dollop of mango chutney onto the side of his plate. He couldn’t be more different from Jake, the quintessential sardonic American hero with all his rough edges. Pieter is smooth and, well, sophisticated. Where she’d always felt like a slightly clumsy girl around Jake, albeit, a lucky clumsy girl, she feels like a grown-up woman around Pieter. And she likes the feeling.

‘You said this afternoon that you wanted to talk to me about something. What is it?’ ‘

Yes. It’s about the necklace.’ He frowns. ‘Where is it?’

She swallows a forkful of the mildly spiced lentil dish. ‘I gave it back to Betty.’

He sets down his fork. ‘What?’

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Book Extract: The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie Dean

Published September 28, 2025 | By Laura

It’s so exciting to be welcoming Charlie Dean to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for The Pumpkin Pact.

Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove.

Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.

When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.

Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.

With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?

Charlie has shared an extract from The Pumpkin Pact with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

One of my favourite parts of writing romances is the “Meet Cute”, unless of course they already know each other. In this novel, its inspired by Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton season 2. The setting is based on a stately home near wear I live. I think this extract gives a real first feel for autumn along with the character of Pumpkin.

*****

‘Come on, boy, let’s go for a mooch.’ They both headed up the stairs, Pumpkin jumping onto the bed immediately and walking round in circles three times before settling down. Andi pulled out her favourite burgundy jumper, putting it back straight away because it wasn’t quite cold enough for that yet and settled on blue jeans and a burnt orange shirt with a pair of battered Vans that were on their last legs but were so comfy, especially on long hikes, that she just couldn’t bear to part with them.

She felt wonderfully autumnal as she stepped out onto the drive, Pumpkin settled down on the back seat after having his harness clipped in and she drove a few miles to the nearby stately home where she’d been an annual pass holder for the past ten years.

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Book Extract: My Lie Your Lie by Paul Clayton

Published September 27, 2025 | By Laura

I’m pleased to be welcoming Paul Clayton to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, My Lie Your Lie.

He thought heartbreak was the worst part.

Then came the need for revenge.

Patrick Tyrrell’s perfect marriage shatters the day his husband, Barney, leaves him—for a woman.

Marcella. Beautiful. Alluring. Dangerous.

Patrick can’t let it go. Why her? Why now? The questions consume him — until obsession turns to something far darker. As unsettling events unfold and violence creeps closer, Patrick faces the one temptation more powerful than love or jealousy:

Revenge.

But revenge has its own price. And once it begins, there may be no way back.

A taut, unsettling psychological thriller about betrayal, obsession, and whether vengeance ever truly heals the wound — or only feeds it.

There’s a chance to win a signed copy of My Lie Your Lie below but first, Paul has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

As a child of around ten, I vividly remember another child in the village going missing. The hysteria and panic were instant — the whole village poured into the streets to search. The child was found soon after, curled up asleep in an alleyway, but the memory of that fear has never left me.

In this scene from My Lie, Your Lie, Marcella’s seven-year-old son, Jace, is snatched in plain sight. A teacher’s lapse, a stranger’s charm, and a chillingly calm abductor converge to create one of the novel’s most shocking turns. The extract captures the book’s central themes of obsession, betrayal, and revenge — and the terrifying question of how far someone will go when love curdles into something darker.

*****

Known for her cheerful demeanour and endless patience, Miss Bentham had a strict cut-off at 3:30 p.m. – school was over, the last child collected, her saintly duties done. Tonight, she had plans: Arthur Bullivant, Costa Coffee, and the latest instalment of Alien. Second dates were rare enough to deserve punctuality.

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Cover Reveal: Journey To The Scottish Highlands By Julie Shackman

Published September 25, 2025 | By Laura

I hope you’re as excited as I am as we reveal the cover for Journey To The Scottish Highlands, the upcoming novel by Julie Shackman

Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self-pity. So, when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.

Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

Now we know about the plot, it’s time to reveal the cover.

Drumroll…three…two…one….

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Your Project’s Roadmap

Published September 24, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome Back To The Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today, it’s all about our WIP’s. I know I need to focus on mine. If you’re in-between projects, think about an idea you’ve had for a while and been meaning to develop.

First, write down everything you do know about your plot and story.

Write the title of your WIP in the middle of an A4 piece of paper. Then write about what you do know about your main plot, sub-plots, characters, setting, genre, what it needs to meet in terms of beats? Are any elements of it connected to another – for example, if you’re doing a suspense novel, does part of your reveal at the end rely on one of the side characters?

Once you’ve filled in as much as you can with in terms of what you know, try and fill in the gaps. Remember, the novel you write is a living, breathing thing and subject to change but I’ve found this exercise helpful in giving myself a clear overview of the shape of my story.

Here’s an example I made earlier (excuse the handwriting).

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Book Extract: The Truth About You by Michael Clark

Published September 24, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcomng Michael Clark to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Truth About You.

Some stories keep us turning the pages, and others leave us wrestling with questions long after we’ve finished. Michael Clark’s The Truth About You manages to do both.

Lucy and Meg believe their mother will finally be safe after her husband, Greg, is arrested for assault. But when she chooses to stay with him, the sisters take drastic action to protect her: installing hidden cameras in their home. What they capture is nothing like what Lucy expects. Instead of clear evidence, the recordings reveal complexities that defy black-and-white assumptions about abuse, loyalty, and justice.

With echoes of Celeste Ng and Miranda Cowley Heller, The Truth About You is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that explores the unsettling gray areas of family, morality, and truth.

Michael has shared an extract from The Truth About You with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Setting: After Greg is arrested for battering his wife, Paula, Paula remains in a relationship with him. Time has passed, and Paula’s friends determine they need to stage an intervention to “hold him accountable.”

*****

Shortly after 7 p.m., Greg and Paula pulled into the driveway in Greg’s SUV. They stayed in the car for several minutes. Stacy peered through the family room curtains to check what was happening. “They’re still sitting in the car,” she reported.

“Is he hitting her?” someone asked.

“No. At least not as far as I can tell,” she said.

“Are they arguing?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Should someone go out there?”

“I’m not sure about that, either.”

Finally, the doors to the SUV opened and Greg and Paula got out. Greg went to the back and started filling his arms with bags from their shopping trip. Paula headed for the kitchen’s side door.

“Are you okay?” Christine asked Paula as she came through the door.

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Book Extract & Giveaway: A Taste of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

Published September 24, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so happy to be welcoming Susan Buchanan back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, A Taste of Christmas Spirit.

AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BOOK FOR 2025

CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.

Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.

Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.

Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?

Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.

Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?

A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit. For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.

There’s a chance to win a signed and dedicated copy of A Taste of Christmas Spirit below but first, Susan has shared an extract below. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Sixty-something Diana is sitting in Sugar and Spice, one of her main haunts, whiling away the day.

*****

Diana was on her second latte, reading the final three chapters of A Christmas Carol in preparation for the first Christmas book club event that evening. It had been so many years since she’d last read it that she’d quite forgotten how much she’d enjoyed it first time around. Of course, she’d also watched the various adaptations over the years on TV, but it wasn’t the same as reading the story, particularly from the special edition hardback she’d picked up at Tom and Jerry’s. How handy the bookshop was next door to the café. The only thing that could make it any better would be if they created a door between the two.

Once again, Diana tried to remind herself of all the things she should be grateful for. She had clubs and classes she attended. She had friends. She had wonderful children. A delightful grandson. She was educated. She had a little haven right here in Winstanton, in the form of Sugar and Spice. For a moment tears threatened. These affirmations were all very well, but telling herself of everything she had to be grateful for didn’t diminish the pain she felt at the absence of Martin from her life. Life could be very cruel.

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Book Extract: A Mirror Murder by Helen Hollick

Published September 19, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Helen Hollick to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, A Mirror Murder, the first instalment in The Jan Christopher Cozy Mystery Series.

The first in a series of quick-read, cozy mysteries set during the 1970s in North East London and North Devon, featuring the characters of Jan Christopher, her Aunt Madge, her uncle, DCI Toby Christopher and romantic interest DC Lawrence Walker – plus several other endearing, regular characters.

The background of Jan’s career as a library assistant is based on the author’s own library years during the 1970s, using many borrowed (often hilarious!) anecdotes, her life in suburban north east London on the edge of Epping Forest, and her present life in rural North Devon…

July 1971

Eighteen-year-old library assistant Jan Christopher’s life is to change on a rainy evening, when her legal guardian and uncle, DCI Toby Christopher, gives her a lift home after work. Driving the car, is her uncle’s new Detective Constable, Lawrence Walker – and it is love at first sight for the young couple. But romance is soon to take a back seat when a baby boy is taken from his pram, a naked man is scaring young ladies in nearby Epping Forest, and an elderly lady is found, brutally murdered… Are the events related? How will they affect the staff and public of the local library where Jan works – will romance survive and blossom between library assistant Jan Christopher and DC Walker? Or will a brutal murder intervene?

There’s some more information on the upcoming novels in the series below but first, Helen has shared an extract from A Mirror Murder with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

CHAPTER TWO

Summer 1971

Detective Constable Walker

(It’s home time after a long day at work for young library assistant, Jan Christopher…)

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Book Spotlight: A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debrave

Published September 19, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so pleased to be welcoming Rachel Debrave to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her latest book, A New Hope in the Highlands – book one in The Highland Hearts: The Haddon House Duets series.

Amid betrayal and family secrets, a journey to the Scottish Highlands brings unexpected romance, healing, and a second chance at happiness.

Scarlett flees to the Scottish Highlands on her 35th birthday after discovering her husband’s affair. Desperate for a fresh start, she seeks comfort with her estranged mother at the estate of the surly, yet rather attractive bachelor, Edward Cameron-Reid; a reclusive laird devoted to his family’s legacy.

As Scarlett disrupts Edward’s solitary life, an inescapable chemistry sparks between them amid the estate’s last-minute preparations for his brother’s wedding. However, their growing connection faces turmoil when shocking secrets and hidden motives surface, threatening not only the wedding but their blossoming romance.

Will the drama keep Scarlett and Edward apart? Can they overcome their fears and confront their true feelings for each other? Or will they discover that even after heartbreak, love has the power to offer a second chance?

A dual-narrative, spicy contemporary romance set in the Highlands of Scotland, for fans of Elliot Fletcher and Evie Alexander.

A New Hope in the Highlands was released in September 2025. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.

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Book Review: Valour by Richard Cullen

Published September 14, 2025 | By Chris Parish

I’m pleased to be welcoming Richard Cullen to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his latest book, Valour – book three in the Chronicles of the Black Lion series.

Estienne Wace is forced to play a desperate game of cat and mouse, where the only way to win is to survive.

Burzenland 1223 AD

King András II of Hungary has invited the Teutonic Knights to secure his eastern frontier against the nomadic Cuman raiders, establishing fortresses along the Carpathian Mountains to quell the constant incursions by pagan clans.

Estienne Wace, has found purpose serving at the Order’s fortress of Rosenau, and he has earned respect through his unflinching courage. When a Christian mission, led by Fabrisse of Avallon, arrives determined to convert a pagan clan beyond the mountains, Estienne’s warnings of danger fall on deaf ears.

News soon arrives of Fabrisse’s capture and Estienne, along with a small band of knights, undertake a desperate rescue mission through hostile territory where Estienne will face trials beyond endurance.

In the ensuing crucible of violence, he must decide what price he is willing to sacrifice for survival, justice, and redemption, in a land where mercy is a luxury few can afford.

*****

Set in the 1200’s in Burzenland (a part of modern day Romania) Valour continues the tale of Estienne Wace, a young squire thrust into the house of William Marshal.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: A New Position

Published September 12, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: A New Position.

Pick two of the following people –

. A police officer.

. A teacher who has just started their first job.

. A volunteer in a charity shop.

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Book Review: Eagle and the Flame by Adam Lofthouse

Published September 11, 2025 | By Chris Parish

It’s exciting to be welcoming Adam Lofthouse back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Eagle and the Flame.

Rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire.

Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means…

Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.

Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.

To save his family, he must first save an empire.

EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.

*****

Having read books by this author before, I was intrigued by his latest book, Eagle and The Flame.

This book is the first in a new series and features Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, a man relegated to patrolling the lands north of Hadrian’s Wall. When the flames of rebellion start to burn around him he must pull himself out of the rut he has been living in and become the solider that Rome needs.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Feeling The Fresh Air

Published September 10, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today, it’s about getting out and getting some fresh air. If you can get out to a park, a beach or take a walk, that would be great.

Now I know you may not have access to an outside space but don’t worry, just opening the window will do too. It’s all about just feeling the air on your face.

Set a timer for about 10 minutes, observe the things around you. What can you hear? Smell? Feel?

What’s the weather like and how is that affecting the scene in front of you? What’s your relationship with what you can see? Make notes as you sit. You could also record the sounds via your phone if you like.

Once you’ve finished observing, write a short story incorporating everything you’ve written down. Do it from a fictional character’s point of view. Maybe it’s their first time in this area? Maybe they’ve never seen a neighbourhood like yours?

Write up to 1,500 words.

Have fun.

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Book Extract: The Shaw Thing by Tanya Mounts

Published September 9, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Tanya Mounts to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for The Shaw Thing.

Recently separated Demelza is nearing 50 and learning to live life again away from her problematic ex. The menopause is causing havoc with her hormones and after years of frustration she finds herself attracted to a much younger man.

28 year old wanna be comedian Stephen Shaw knows he’s attractive. He’s worked hard on his talent and physique but he never imagined being instantly smitten by a woman old enough to be his mother.

After an almost one night stand, Stephen starts work as Demelza’s new PA and the sparks continue to fly.

When Demelza’s ex comes back on the scene, she has to stand her ground and find the strength to fight for what she believes in.

Stephen shows Demelza what it’s like to have a man that’s kind, considerate and confident in life and also in the bedroom.

Will their relationship turn into something lasting or is Stephen just a Shaw thing?

This dual POV spicy romance has a supportive cast of friends and sizzling chemistry.

Tanya has shared an extract from The Shaw Thing with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

This extract is from the opening chapter of the novel. It’s where we first meet Dem and it gives a real feel for her friendship with her old school friends. The whole book was inspired by a weekend I spent with my old school friends where we laughed nonstop and many things in the beginning few chapters are based on real events.

Dem hadn’t laughed this much in a very long time. Her jaw ached, she felt like she had a stitch from the constant giggles and guffaws and her eyes were sore from the tears that kept falling down her cheeks as she rolled around the floor literally pissing herself with laughter. Not for the first time since entering her late forties had she thanked the lovely people who had invented Tena pads.

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Book Review: Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

Published September 9, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Fay Keenan back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Could It Be Magic?

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!

*****

Thea loves her children. As a single mother, money is tight and the Christmas season is approaching. When she accepts an offer from a childhood friend to work in the local farm shop, Thea sees it as a lifeline. Could love be closer to home than she thinks?

I can never get enough of Christmas themed novels so I couldn’t wait to get started on the latest book by author, Fay Keenan and was delighted to be invited onto the blog tour for Could it be Magic, book two in the Brambleton series.

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NK Chats To…Esther Knight

Published September 9, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Esther, thank you so much for joining me and for inviting me onto your blog tour. Can you tell me about your book, Death At the School of Translators?

Of course! Death at the School of Translators is the first full-length novel in my Rebecca de Toledo mysteries. It’s set in 1193, when Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine recruits Rebecca, a Jewish healer from Toledo, and pairs her with Sir John of Hampstead, a returned crusader with a murky past, to investigate the murder of her spy. The trail leads them into the heart of Toledo’s famed School of Translators (a real institution), where scholars were translating Arabic and Hebrew into Latin—and where secrets lie buried deep within the manuscripts.

What were the challenges you found when writing a novel with historical elements and what advice would you give to someone wanting to write a novel in this genre?

The biggest challenge is balance. You want to be accurate without overwhelming the reader. I love research (sometimes too much!), from medieval medicine to Jewish customs to the exact layout of Toledo’s streets. But at the end of the day, the story has to come first. My advice: choose one or two historical details that matter to your characters and let those shine. Don’t feel you need to include every fascinating fact you uncover. Save some for your author’s notes or your newsletter.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

The one constant in my writing life is my daily Zoom group of writers. We meet Monday to Friday at 10:00 a.m. my time and chat for an hour about our stories, marketing, newsletters, Instagram techniques, webinars we watched, etc. Then, from 11:00 a.m. until about 1:30 p.m., we go silent and work—cameras on, microphones muted. Just knowing others are there, writing alongside me, creates accountability and keeps me focused.

What’s your writing space like?

On the right of my desk there’s a door opening onto a balcony, where I can see my neighbor’s house and a tall green “Christmas” tree. I keep things simple: a big monitor for my manuscript, a laptop for my daily Zoom writing group, and a mug of water within reach. A few framed artworks hang on the wall. One of them, El Yuntero, reminds me of my years in Argentina. It’s a light-filled, practical space that keeps me focused and inspired.

What’s your favorite word and why?

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