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Friday, April 17, 2026

Book Tour + #Giveaway: Boy Altared by J.S. Pavoggi @RABTBookTours




Historical Fiction

Date Published: April 1, 2026

Publisher: Acorn Publishing



Amid the vibrant landscape of San Francisco in the late 1960s, eleven-year-old Jamie steps into the confines of a dark confessional booth. With promises of confidentiality, Father Nelson uncovers a chilling secret buried deep within the young boy’s subconscious.

Intrigued by his grave past, Father Nelson brings him into the church as an altar boy under the mentorship of Harry, an older acolyte. The priest quickly gains control over Jamie, using the boy’s complicated history and his own undisputed authority to initiate a dark turn in their relationship. Jamie falls deeper into the world of religion, and his blooming friendship with Harry becomes a needed distraction from the somber realities of the church.

Shaped by major cultural events, from the Manson murders to the moon landing, to Woodstock and the Civil Rights Movement, Jamie’s life unfolds as he navigates religion, power, and loss of innocence. A haunting coming of age story, Boy Altared explores a seismic shift into adulthood during one of the most turbulent decades in history.


 

About the Author

 

J.S. Pavoggi was born in 1957 and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, the sixth of eight children in a devout Catholic family. He attended parochial school, served as an altar boy, and came of age during the turbulence of the Vietnam War era and the cultural upheaval that followed.

After a 40-year career in public service with the United States Postal Service—where he also served as a union representative—Pavoggi experienced a life-altering heart procedure that changed the way he saw the world. What began as an impulse to write a better streaming series evolved into a powerful, fictionalized account of survival and healing.

His debut novel, Boy Altared, is a deeply personal work of historical fiction rooted in memory, silence, and resilience. Pavoggi lives in Arizona with his wife of 38 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

 

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Tour + #Giveaway: Chicken Fun! By Mary Jo Huff @mjhuffdawg @RABTBookTours


 


Children's Picture Book

Date Published: 06-01-2023

Publisher: Storytellin' Time Press



This fun-filled rhyming picture book for very young learners will provide an introduction to numbers and counting while children are having a good time. There are ten chickens as they play in their backyard, getting up to a variety of shenanigans such as running from bees, playing baseball, dancing and even going on a date.

 


Interview with MARY JO HUFF

Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?

I did not have to take any research trips because I was raised in the country and we had chickens. I subscribe to a Hobby Farms publication – CHICKENS and it is filled with chicken information.

What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?

The most important research was about getting the best meter and rhyme for my book. After many classes I am now very critical of books that claim to rhyme.

What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?

I have a very diverse world. As the director of an Early Childhood center with 115 children, I learned firsthand what children love about books. I have worked in 47 states as a trainer for Early Childhood educators and continue to this day. Visiting centers and presenting stories, music, and puppets is still part of my world. I am also an avid I.U. (National Champs) football fan, I am a 50 yard line momma.

Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.

Yes, Dr. Pam Schiller influenced me with her brain research and the connection to music, stories and understanding young children. Chicken Fun was first a song that has been shared with thousands and then became a book. Dr. Schiller urged me to take this step. I have many songs that could be a book, but it takes time and money. Also, I found a musician in Ft. Wayne, IN, Jim Coffey, who understands me and my world. We have worked together for over 30 years, and he gets what I want.

\

Do you write in the same genre all the time?

Right now, I am only writing in the fiction, picture book genre. In the past I wrote resource books for a Monday Morning, Gryphon House and the Frog Street curriculum along with many articles in Early Childhood publications. I have two novels in my computer but I’m not sure if they will ever move off the screen. One is about being a 50 yard line momma and the other one is me as a road warrior.

If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?

I consider it all the time but life is on the short end for me and I will probably run out of time in this life.

Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?

I am not interested in supernatural, dealing with the real world is hard enough. I enjoy writing about animals and my animals can talk, walk and be silly, because children love them.



About the Author


Mary Jo Huff is a passionate storyteller, award-winning author, songwriter, and Early Childhood Educator who believes in the magic of words, rhythm, and imagination. Her creations have earned top national honors, including the NAPPA Gold, iParenting, Parents’ Choice, Dove, Teacher’s Choice, Kids’ First, and Mom’s Choice awards.

Children giggle and grow with her stories — from the mischievous adventures of No, No, Ebenezer, a spirited dachshund with a big heart, to the playful journeys in Chicken Fun, Going on a Gator Hunt, and The Predictable Persimmon.

As a seasoned educator and master storyteller, Mary Jo has inspired audiences in 47 states and three countries, sharing her love of language through staff development sessions, author visits, and children’s programs that burst with laughter, learning, and joy.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Mary Jo has graced Early Childhood conferences nationwide, leading hundreds of high-energy workshops and professional development events. With a heart for nurturing both children and teachers, she draws on 38 years as a center director — where she guided a team and cared for 115 bright, curious young minds every day.

Through every story, song, and puppet, Mary Jo invites children and educators alike to discover the wonder of storytelling and the power it must connect hearts, spark creativity, and make learning unforgettable.


Contact Links

Website

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Twitter: Mary Jo Huff

Goodreads


Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/ChickenFun

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Teaser + #Giveaway: A Cowboy's Dilemma by E. Joe Brown @RABTBookTours




Western Historical Fiction

Date Published: 08-19-2025

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing, LLC



As the Kelly Can Saga continues, Charlie and his wife, Susan, must deal with continued conflict as they attempt to grow their fledgling Kelly Oil Company. Like many other oilmen, Charlie and his partner, Hank Thomas, want to acquire oil and mineral rights to the Osage Nation’s land in northern Oklahoma. This leads them to confrontations with an adversary from their recent past. Susan’s life is imperiled by those evil characters. How will her cowboy come to her rescue and deal with dangerous direct threats on their lives? Charlie rapidly steps up to the challenge as any past Top Hand at the world-famous Miller’s 101 Ranch would.

 

Excerpt

After lunch the group decided to walk down the hill to the barns and corrals to show Getty some of their ranch and allow their meal to settle. 

As they stood at a corral, Charlie pointed and said, “Paul, see the big, beautiful Angus bull? He’s one of the reasons our beef is in such demand. Do ya see all the cattle out in the near pasture over there grazin’? We’re mighty proud of them, too.”

Paul nodded, “Very impressive, Charlie. I don’t know ranching or cattle, but I can hear the pride in your voice. You're every bit as excited to talk about this as you are about oil. Yep, very impressive.”

Charlie didn’t try to hide his smile. “I am, Paul. I’ll always be a cowboy, and ranching will be a big part of my life. I’m happy you’re impressed with this part of our lives.”

They walked around some more so Charlie and Susan could show off parts of the ranch. After a while, they returned to the house to continue their discussion.

As they settled in Hank asked, “Paul, do ya have any other land or rights to drill here in Oklahoma you might be interested in sellin’ before you head to California?”

Paul looked up at the ceiling, then back at Hank. “I hadn't thought about it, but I have several possibilities. Some might be interesting to you. They include land with minerals up at Cushing, over in Garvin County, nearby in Seminole County, and even over close to the Capitol in Oklahoma City.”

Hank smiled, “What would ya take for the whole batch?”

Paul slumped in his chair with his arms across his chest. “Let me think a minute.” After a long pause, he said, “I guess $75,000 would be alright.”

Hank looked at Charlie, who nodded his approval. Charlie said, “Paul, I can draft ya a check right now you can cash at the Exchange Bank tomorrow for $60,000 if we have a deal. You can have the deeds sent to Curt for processin’.”

“Your offer is less than I wanted.” He grinned and reached over to shake hands. “I’ll take it, and the deeds are in a safety de- posit box at the Exchange Bank.

I know you bought the bank. Harry Sinclair continues to run it, right?”

Charlie shook Paul’s hand. “He does, and I’m glad you are willin’ to sell.” He looked at Hank and winked. “We at Kelly Oil need to accumulate more properties; if you had them, I’m sure there must be value in them.”

Susan nodded. “Harry continues to have a leadership role for us, but we had one of our bankers from Kansas City move here to run the bank. Harry wanted and needed to create more time for Sinclair Oil.”

Charlie left the room to write the check. When he returned, he handed it to Paul.

Susan stood. “It's getting to be late. Paul needs to get back to Tulsa if he’s heading to California tomorrow.” She looked at Hank. “Didn't you say you were going to Shawnee for dinner with someone?”

Hank hesitated. “Uh... all I’m sayin’ is her name is Polly’. I'll be back in the mornin’ at about nine if that’s okay?”

Charlie grinned. “Who he has dinner with is none of our business, and nine’ll be great.”

Paul nodded. “Susan, you’re right. It's time I headed toward Tulsa. Today's trip was successful for me. I’m $80,000 richer than when I arrived. I hope we can do some business in California or at least be rooting for each other's success.”


About the Author



E. Joe Brown is an award-winning author of novels, short stories, and memoirs. His current projects include a series of historical fiction novels set in his native Oklahoma. Publication of the first book in the series is scheduled for August 2022. His memoir ‘Mickey and Me’ about meeting his hero, Mickey Mantle, is now featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Joe currently serves as President of New Mexico Westerners, an Advisor to the SWW Board of Directors, and is a member of Western Writers of America and Military Writers Society of America. 


He supports his love of music and performance through active membership in the International Western Music Association. He served on the organization’s board of directors for three years. In 2013, Governor Susanna Martinez appointed him a New Mexico Music Commissioner.


 Veterans Portrait Project, Military, USAF


Photo Courtesy of
Stacy Pearsall's
Veterans Portrait Project


Joe concluded his lifetime military and civil service careers upon retirement on June 30, 2010. An exciting multi-faceted career of firsts included leading the USAF Range Instrumentation Team to aid the original NASA Space Shuttle program. His team helped create the Shuttle Worldwide Network and supported the first six missions of Space Shuttle Columbia. As the Air Force Flight Test Center Project Manager, he guided the design, construction, and implementation of the Benefield Anechoic Facility on Edwards AFB. The facility tests state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems in a secure environment. His final assignment was in direct support of the two-star Major General at Edwards AFB where he advised on strategic planning to assure future readiness to test USAF and Department of Defense weapons systems. 


An alumnus of the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Joe continued his engineering education during both his military and civil service careers. He completed coursework at the University of Colorado, Georgia Institute of Technology, George Washington University, University of Tennessee, Chapman University, and the University of California at Los Angeles. He later completed a BS in Business Management at Phoenix University and the Executive MBA program with a Strategic Planning emphasis from Webster University.


Joe has been married to his wife Linda for over fifty years, and their sons have given them five beautiful grandchildren.

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Blitz + #Giveaway: A Tiny Little Favor by Peyton Banks @XpressoTours

A Tiny Little Favor
Peyton Banks
Publication date: April 17th 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

From USA Today bestselling author, Peyton Banks, comes a steamy rom com about second chances, accidental families, and the most unexpected proposal of all.

He was supposed to be a one-night stand… Now she’s asking him for baby number two.

Five years ago, Tachina Winston made one impulsive decision—a one-night stand with her former client, Vic Maxwell. The result? The world’s cutest little boy and an unconventional but surprisingly seamless co-parenting setup. No drama, no strings, no regrets.

But Tachina has a tiny little problem…

She wants another baby.

Dating apps? Disasters. Blind dates? Even worse. There’s only one man she trusts enough to do this with again: Vic.

Vic isn’t looking for love after a messy breakup. But when Tachina proposes her plan, he can’t deny it—he’s tempted.

And if he agrees, it will come with one condition: he wants to experience everything he missed before.

Easy, right?

Wrong.

Because soon, things get complicated. They’re having adult spend-the-night dates, sharing kisses that last too long, and stirring up feelings neither of them expected.

Then Vic’s ex returns wanting him back, they are forced to decide: was this just a favor with benefits… or the beginning of something real?

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“Okay. What is going on? You’re in a mood!”

“A mood?” Tachina looked up from the menu at her longtime friend. There goes that nose of Addison’s. She had figured out that Tachina was keeping a secret.

“A mood. An energy. An aura. Something is going on in that big, beautiful head of yours.” Addison folded her arms across her chest and stared at Tachina.

“My head is not big,” Tachina muttered. She shrugged. “I’m just hungry.”

“Nope. That’s not it. You’ve got that look on your face. It’s the ‘I’ve been thinking too much about something’ expression.”

“Do I really have a ‘I’ve been thinking too much about something’ look?” Well, that was news to her. Tachina reached up and tucked her thick hair behind her ear.

“Yes, ma’am. Your forehead gets all serious. A long line appears across it.” Addison drew a line across her own forehead.

Tachina grimaced and waved her off. “Stop trying to read my face.”

“Just spill it already.”

Monica, one of their favorites waitresses, arrived at the table. She wore bright-pink lipstick, short pixie blonde hair, and had a personality big enough to fill the café. She pulled out her notepad and flashed them a grin.

“What can I start you with, darlin’? Tea? Coffee? Wine? A little Jack?” She chuckled and motioned to Addison and Tachina. “You two are over here whispering fierce, and by the looks of it, you should order the Jack.”

“It’s her.” Addison pointed to Tachina. “She’s the problem.”

“Woooow…” Tachina shook her head. How was she the problem?

“She sure threw you under the bus. Bless her heart. What’s wrong, babe?” Monica turned her kind eyes on Tachina. She had been working at The Iron Kettle for as long as Tachina and Addison had been coming there. She always tried to help and offer motherly advice. She was in her early sixties and didn’t bite her tongue when it came to nonsense.

“Nothing is wrong,” Tachina said quickly.

Two sets of eyebrows lifted at her.

Liars were rarely safe around women who made it their business to be in other’s people’s business. A best friend and a waitress were two of the most dangerous species to try to get away with something. They would figure it out.

“It’s no big deal,” Tachina stressed, but it seemed neither of them believed her.

“Well, I see she doesn’t want to talk in front of me. Let me take your order so she can spill her guts to you, Addy.” Monica turned to Addison who promptly gave her order.

Tachina glanced back down at the menu. Mind made up, she waited her turn.

“And Miss Tachina, what will you be having?”

“I’ll take the Reuben with extra cheese, extra mustard on the side, make sure they give me the biggest slice of pickle they have, and no chips, I’ll have the house fries instead, please.” She placed her menu back down on the table and again found two sets of eyes on her. She shrugged, unapologetic. “I said I was hungry. Oh, and for a drink, I’ll have a Diet Coke.”

“Really? A diet?” Addison muttered.

“Shut your face.” Tachina blew a kiss at her bestie who rolled her eyes at her.

“I don’t judge. I’ll get your order in and I’ll be back with your drink, babe.” Monica offered her a wink as she collected their menus. She spun on her heel and beelined it through the busy establishment.

“Okay. Now spill it.” Addison was not going to let up on her.

Tachina blew out a deep breath.

It was now or never.

Author Bio:

USA Today best selling author, Peyton Banks, is the alter ego of a city girl who is a romantic at heart. Her mornings consist of coffee and daydreaming up the next steamy romance book ideas. She loves spinning romantic tales of hot alpha males and the women they love. She currently resides with her husband and children in Cleveland, Ohio.

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GIVEAWAY!

A Tiny Little Favor Blitz


Book Blitz + #Giveaway: The Cardinal Code: Absolution by Avery Sterling @AverySterling17 @XpressoTours

The Cardinal Code: Absolution
Avery Sterling
(The Cardinal Code, #2)
Publication date: April 17th 2026
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The Cardinal Code: Absolution continues the dark, seductive saga of the Cardinales—an elite society of vampires whose influence shapes governments, history, and the hidden world beneath human civilization.

Paislee Sullivan never wanted power. She only wanted Michael. But loving a man born into a secret dynasty of blood and control means standing in the shadow of everything he represents.

When Michael Chamberlain is summoned to London, he’s pulled into a political struggle rooted in ancient bloodlines and forbidden truths. As old laws are challenged and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Paislee finds herself no longer at the edge of his world—but at its center.

The deeper she is drawn into Cardinales society, the more dangerous her presence becomes. To some, she is leverage. To others, a threat. To Michael, she is the only thing that has ever mattered.

Bound by love and hunted by forces determined to preserve the Order’s control, they must confront a truth the Dominium has spent centuries suppressing.

Because some bloodlines were never meant to merge.

And loving each other may cost them everything.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

EXCERPT:

Paislee leaned her head on Michael’s shoulder.

“You didn’t look surprised by that envelope.”

“Because I wasn’t.”

“What is it?”

“An invitation,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers and brushing her knuckles with his lips.

Her head lifted. “An invitation for what?”

“To Etxe Bakarra.”

“What’s that?”

“A celebration they hold every year—but barely understand. It was hand-delivered. Required my signature. Which means I must attend or face consequences.”

She studied the envelope, running her fingers over its embossed seal. “It’s beautiful. What is Etxe Bakarra?”

“A celebration of unity. Of peace.”

“Are you required to attend every year?”

“No.”

“Then why now?”

“Because the harvest moon aligns with the autumn equinox. It’s incredibly rare.”

She blinked. “Harvest moon, autumn equinox . . . the Order sounds mystical.”

He chuckled. “It’s their favorite bedtime story.”

As the car hummed down the avenue, she turned the envelope over in her hands.

“You didn’t even open it.”

“I know what it says.”

“I’ll open it, then.”

Her eyes skimmed the elegant script inside. Then she paused. “Michael . . . why is my name on it?”

He went still.

“Right under yours. It says the invitation extends to ‘Michael Chamberlain and companion, Paislee Sullivan.’”

He reached over and took the invitation from her hands. His easy charm shuttered, replaced by something darker. Calculating.

Michael stared out the window for a long moment.

“They want to see you,” he said quietly.

Paislee frowned. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

A pause hung between them.

She rested her head against his shoulder, listening to the steady thud of his heart beneath the fine weave of his jacket. He didn’t speak again, but he didn’t have to. She could feel it in the way he held her hand tighter than before—the silent promise tucked into his touch.

Whatever this celebration meant, whatever game the Order was playing, she was now a part of it.

Author Bio:

Avery Sterling's love for the romance genre began in her teen years when she picked up her first novel. She was captivated by the sweeping scale of emotions brought about by the words. The experience catapulted her towards learning the art of wielding a breathtaking adventure, with a love that felt authentic. Wanting to inspire people with her own thoughts and words, she finished her first novel at sixteen. It was a step towards understanding the essence of what she wished to create.

Most of her youth was spent traveling, searching out the romance and beauty in her everchanging world. From the waves that crashed against the rocky shores of Downeast, Maine, to the warm breezes of the Caribbean, she discovered that love was universal, apparent in its grandest and simplest of forms. Her goal is to write novels an audience can relate to, one that conveys the truth and nature of love… with all that steamy romance.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / X


GIVEAWAY!

The Cardinal Code: Absolution Blitz


Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Fracture by Basar Gorur @XpressoTours

Fracture
Basar Gorur
(Shadow Sovereign Series, #1)
Publication date: April 17th 2026
Genres: Adult, Techno Thriller

A murdered diplomat. A dying man’s cryptic message. A conspiracy that could shatter NATO.

When U.S. geopolitical strategist Roger ‘Simms’ Osbourne receives word that his colleague and friend Aslı Green has been killed, he inherits more than grief. He inherits her secret: evidence of a sophisticated Russian operation that sank a Ukrainian tanker and made it look like an accident.

Sent to London to sell a critical NATO surveillance system, Simms quickly discovers his official mission is compromised. A powerful British political faction, backed by shadowy money and royal connections, is determined to see him fail. The deeper he digs into Aslı’s murder, the more he realizes the two threats are connected.

Forced to abandon the rulebook, Simms assembles an unlikely alliance: his embattled team, a mysterious operative named Katya who knows too much, and assets on both sides of the law. Together, they uncover a sprawling network funneling Russian profits through international shell companies to fuel a political war against the West.

But Russian Admiral Sidorov isn’t waiting for the dust to settle. His devastating military demonstration exposes NATO’s vulnerabilities and humiliates the alliance on the world stage. And lurking beneath it all is an even darker secret: Chinese technology at the heart of Russia’s most advanced weapons.

Now Simms must wage war on three fronts: political, financial, and military. Because if he fails, his friend died for nothing. And the next strike won’t be disguised as an accident.

For fans of Tom Clancy, Mark Greaney, and Brad Thor.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

Ankara. Surveillance van outside Mikhail’s apartment. Evening.

 

Jack adjusted the lens for the hundredth time. Jones was sorting sunflower seeds by some private system known only to God and possibly his therapist.

“Stilettos,” Jones said.

“We’re not doing this.”

“We’re absolutely doing this. We’ve been here four hours. I’ve counted the bricks on that building. There are 2,847. I’ve earned a conversation.”

“You counted wrong. There are 2,846.”

“You counted them too?”

“Shut up.” Jack refused to look at him. “What about stilettos?”

“Women wear them voluntarily. On purpose. They pay extra for the privilege of balancing on pencil erasers.”

“Groundbreaking analysis. Call the sociology department.”

“I’m serious. Men’s fashion evolution went: uncomfortable, less uncomfortable, sweatpants. Enlightenment achieved. Women’s fashion went: uncomfortable, more uncomfortable, here’s a torture device from the Spanish Inquisition, but we made it beige.”

Jack checked the window. Nothing.

“Maybe they like being tall.”

“Platform sneakers exist. Wedges exist. Sensible block heels exist. Those chunky things that look like orthopedic equipment for fashionable astronauts.” Jones cracked a seed with surgical precision. “The stiletto isn’t about height. It’s about violence.”

“Violence.”

“Think about it. Historically, women couldn’t carry weapons. Swords, daggers, frowned upon. Very unlady-like. But shoes?” Jones gestured broadly, scattering shells. “Nobody regulates footwear. So some genius says, what if we put a three-inch steel spike on a pump and call it couture?”

“That’s actually not terrible.”

“I’m occasionally not terrible. Mark the calendar.”

The radio crackled. Static. The universe’s way of saying nothing was happening, and nothing would happen.

“You know they were daggers first,” Jones said. “Fifteenth century. Little needle-point shivs for punching through armor gaps.”

Jack checked the monitor. Still dark. “We are not talking about fashion history.”

“It’s tactical history. ‘Stiletto’ comes from stilus. The little metal spike Romans used for writing.” Jones pointed a shell at Jack. “It literally means ‘angry pen.’ The shoe is just a knife you can walk in.”

“You made that up.”

“Look it up. CIA even tried to weaponize them in the fifties. Program called Stiletto Rose. Pop-out blades in the heel.”

“Bullshit.”

“Swear to God. Total failure. Mechanics didn’t work. But someone tried.” Jones grinned. “Boredom is the mother of weapons development.”

Jack massaged his temples.

“Your ex-wife had stilettos, didn’t she?”

“Louboutins. Red soles. Cost more than my first car.” Jones found a seed worthy of consumption. “She never wore them. Kept them in the box. I asked why. She said they weren’t for wearing, they were for knowing she could wear them.”

“That explains the divorce.”

“Many things explain the divorce. Most of them are my fault. Some of them footwear-adjacent.”

The window remained dark. Jack was developing a personal vendetta against it.

The radio crackled.

“All teams, target vehicle approaching.”

Jack grabbed the camera. Jones swept the sunflower seeds aside.

“Finally,” Jones said. “I had a whole bit about platform shoes being siege equipment.”

“Save it.”

“Battering rams for the fashion-forward.”

“I will leave you here.”

Author Bio:

Başar Görür;

Writes geopolitical techno-thrillers grounded in institutions, leverage, and the real mechanics behind modern power. He has a BA degree in International Relations.

During his military service, he served on the personal staff of the Commander of the War Academies, working directly for a four-star air force general as an aide and translator. That experience informs how he writes briefings, decision cycles, and pressure under uncertainty.

He later held senior executive roles at PwC and at 3M Corporation headquarters, operating in multinational environments where cross-border incentives and capital flows shape outcomes. He now leads a private asset-management business.

Outside of work, he is a licensed captain and avid scuba diver who spends several months each year at sea and has traveled extensively. These experiences shape the Shadow Sovereign series.

Amazon / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!

Fracture Blitz


Thursday, April 16, 2026

Book Tour + #Giveaway: STRINGS by Jan Merritt @RABTBookTours




Contemporary Romance, Romantic Drama, Women’s Fiction

Date Published: 11-21-2025



With a national lockdown looming, a Southern journalist flees north, determined to jumpstart her career in the safety of a Minnesota wilderness, feisty and wary of entanglements, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star.

A pandemic is spreading across the globe. A national lockdown looms in the United States. A Southern journalist sees a chance to protect her health and jumpstart her career by escaping north to a Minnesota wilderness. Feisty and wary of entanglement, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star on his way home.

Robby Song’s career may be on hold, but Grace Wheeler is on a mission to build hers. To Robby, she’s an intriguing challenge. To Grace, he’s a distraction she’s not ready to handle. But the brutal Northwoods winter is coming. Grace flees back south . . . to soul-searching isolation and a puzzling middle-of-the-night call.

 


Interview with Jan Merritt

Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?

I spent many weeks over the course of several years in northern Minnesota, specifically on Gunflint Lake off the Gunflint Trail, in Grand Marais, on the North Shore of Lake Superior, in Pequot Lakes, in Duluth, and on the Fond du Lac Reservation. I lived on a barrier island near Charleston, SC for 42 years. In Charleston, I have attended multiple Wallflowers’ concerts, one at the Art Deco Riviera Theatre. Those visits enabled me to describe settings effectively, hear accents, touch rocks, walk on sand, eat pie, paddle canoes…

What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?

Rough sex

What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?

(for STRINGS)
Family/iron ore mining history
Gunflint Trail history
Ojibwe culture
BWCA environmental/political issues
Sulfide-ore copper mining/Antofagasta
Covid
Psychotherapy
Rock music industry

Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.

I started an email correspondence with the director of the Fond Du Lac Cultural Center/Museum about the same time I started writing STRINGS. My dad’s family was from Duluth and had had generations of contact with the Ojibwe in that area, but I was born and have always lived in coastal SC. The director kindly agreed to answer questions as they came up about Ojibwe thinking and practices, at one point saying something like we are all humans, and everyone’s feelings are universal — most people forget that when they do negative actions. Typically wise and simple.

Do you write in the same genre all the time?

STRINGS is my first book, and it’s contemporary romantic drama and so is the next one, but the third has a definite historical element.

If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?

When I was in my twenties, I wrote short stories, but none submitted.

Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?

People fascinate me, especially their relationships. I don’t think of myself as creating any character though. They’re already in my head…doing what they do…saying what they say. I just write it all out for them…like channeling. I almost feel guilty. Like I’m cheating, except sometimes it’s so hard or sad, even painful.
I started it because I thought if I wrote it all out, they’d be quiet and I could get sleep. Didn’t work.



About the Author


Jan Merritt is passionate about teaching both in the classroom and on horses, but brain cancer changed her life. Surgeries and treatments have left her with a new brain, one that does not have skills to teach middle school English or balance to ride horses . . . but loves to create stories.

Jan lives on the coast of South Carolina with strong ties to northern Minnesota. Growing up was filled with rich but conflicting narratives. Her dad told stories about his pioneering Minnesota family, egalitarian values, and the importance of self-reliance. They made annual trips to family cabins on a lake north of Duluth. But in her friends’ homes back in Charleston, she was immersed in plantation lore, tales of the Confederacy, and exclusive traditions of a social set that she was not born into. She is married to a musician who is also a mental health therapist. They have three children.


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https://mybook.to/STRINGSJanMerritt

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RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Tour: The Breaking of Time by J.J. Hebert @authorjjhebert @RABTBookTours




Chronicles of the Arvynth


Metaphysical Fiction

Date Published: November 25, 2025

Publisher: MindStir Media



USA Today bestselling author J. J. Hebert's brand-new urban fantasy series Chronicles of the Arvynth begins with The Breaking of Time, a novel about a devoted father whose desperate act to save his son fractures reality itself, awakening ancient magic and drawing him back into the path of an immortal order he once betrayed, where love, time, and silence collide in a race against eternity.


🏆 Mariel Hemingway's Book Club Selection (Best Urban Fantasy):

"This novel is heartfelt, gripping, and memorable in all the best ways." —Mariel Hemingway, Bestselling Author & Oscar-Nominated Actress ★★★★★


ONE FATHER'S DESPERATE CHOICE FRACTURES TIME AND REALITY ITSELF.

To everyone around him, Daniel Ward is a mild-mannered accountant, devoted husband and father in a quiet New England suburb. But when his ten-year-old son chases a runaway soccer ball into the street, straight into the path of a speeding truck, Daniel does the impossible. He freezes time.

That single act of defiance exposes the secret he's buried for decades. His magic awakens the ancient order he once betrayed, the Arvynth, a brotherhood of immortal sorcerers devoted to stillness and death, determined to silence the world.

As his carefully constructed life unravels, Daniel must protect his family while evading the brotherhood that hunts him. Every second he steals from time feeds the void that seeks to consume it, threatening not only the people he loves but reality itself.

Forced to choose between sacrifice and survival, Daniel discovers the truth: sometimes the loudest act of love is defiance.

The Breaking of Time is a race against eternity, a supernatural thriller that fuses urban fantasy and family drama in a story about the noise of life, the cost of power, and one father's desperate fight to keep the world from falling silent.


PRAISE FOR THE BREAKING OF TIME:

“Known for his cinematic writing, strong worldbuilding, and character development, Hebert’s The Breaking of Time is an exciting start to a new series… lays a solid foundation for a much larger story…” —USA TODAY contributor

"This work will grab readers’ attention early as Hebert combines a diverse array of genres—fantasy, thriller, family road novel, and others—into a fast-paced, character-driven adventure... An exciting, tightly written tale of magic... Our verdict: Get it.” —Kirkus Reviews

"The Breaking of Time is meticulously crafted to explore themes of love, loss, redemption, and the struggle to balance personal desires with greater responsibilities." —BookLife/Publishers Weekly (EDITOR'S PICK)

"The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth delivers cinematic urban fantasy that bridges generations, echoing the mythic gravity and moral weight of J.R.R. Tolkien while unfolding within a sleek, contemporary world... This is prestige fantasy..." —Jesse Metcalfe, Award-Winning Actor ★★★★★

"An immersive paranormal thriller that balances the rich worldbuilding and in-depth lore characteristic of fantasy fiction with the all-too-human dramas of identity, family, and the consequences of secrecy." —Independent Book Review (STARRED review)

“If you like magic that feels tactile and real, or if you enjoy emotional stakes wrapped inside supernatural danger, this book will hit the spot.” —Literary Titan★★★★★ (Gold Winner, Literary Titan Book Award: Fiction 2026)

“A smartly plotted supernatural thriller with a strong, charismatic protagonist to root for.” —The Wishing Shelf ★★★★★

"A winning blend of the supernatural and family adventure that crackles with heart and imagination." —BestThrillers ★★★★★

 


About the Author

 

J. J. Hebert is the #1 Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nine books, including his acclaimed debut Unconventional and The Backwards K, which, according to Newsweek, is currently in development for film adaptation. His latest #1 bestsellers, both published in 2025, are The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth and The Hands-On Author: Taking Control of Your Book Marketing Journey. A lifelong New England resident, Hebert frequently weaves the region’s landscapes and atmosphere into his storytelling. He is also the award-winning CEO and Founder of MindStir Media, a leading hybrid book publisher.


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RABT Book Tours & PR

Review: The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap (A Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery #7) by Greta Sinclair

The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap

A Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery #7

by Greta Sinclair

Published: April 16, 2026

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Cozy Animal Mystery, Cozy Culinary Mystery

 

Blurb:


Hattie Leiper never imagined her baking could earn a handshake from a famous TV judge—especially one that’s followed by his sudden collapse!

During a tented garden bake off at a Belle Meade estate, Hattie, along with her bestie and detective Bo Becket, must navigate competitive bakers, daily mishaps, and sugary secrets.

Her furbabies are less than thrilled about the whole event, making their objections known at every turn, but Hattie can’t ignore the nagging feeling that something fishy is at play. Was it a careless ingredient mix-up or something more deliberate?

Between a retired nurse with suspicious medical knowledge, a seasoned traditional pastry chef, and a tech-minded baker with a grudge, everyone becomes a suspect.

With Moose her Chow Chow, Mini Pearl, the feisty Yorkie, and crime magnet British Shorthair Cecils’ insights guiding her from afar, Hattie pieces together the clues—because even when they’re off-duty, her four-legged friends never miss a beat.

Four Bonus Recipes Included!

MULTIPLE BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND THE 2025 GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL WINNER FOR 
A VERY STICKY MURDER.

If you enjoy clean cozy mysteries by authors like Ellery Adams, Ashley Weaver, Poppy Dennison, Jenn McKinlay, and Sophie Green, you’ll love The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap. Each book in this series reads as a satisfying standalone — no cliffhangers, no unfinished threads, just cozy charm and clever sleuthing.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub


My Review:

Hattie and Gracie have received an invitation to take part in a local bake-off. They are experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety as they compete in the event until the host, Paul, suddenly collapses in the midst of the competition and is taken to the hospital.

Was Paul's collapse merely a coincidence, or was there something more malevolent at play? Could it have been an act of revenge? Or perhaps Paul had information he intended to disclose, but someone intervened? These questions kept the narrative engaging right up to the conclusion.

However, there is no need for concern, as Hattie, Bo, and her three crime-solving companions—Moose, her Chow Chow; Mini Pearl, the spirited Yorkie; and Cecil, her crime-attracting British Shorthair—are on the case, diligently collecting all the evidence.

Some of the bake-off contestants quickly became suspects, raising significant alarm for Hattie, who found it difficult to trust them completely. She was wary of certain inconsistencies in their stories that did not quite align.

The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap left me deeply confused as I pondered what had happened to Paul and the reasons for his collapse. I kept wondering whether any of the contestants were implicated or merely unfortunate bystanders caught in an unexpected situation. The unfolding mystery kept me eager to reach a conclusion as each clue was uncovered.

I highly recommend obtaining a copy of The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap today to discover where the clues may lead!

Check out all the books in the Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery Series I’ve read.


Murder, Music & Mischief #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Fiddling with Murder #2

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Dancing with Murder #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Murder, Relics & Rivalries #4

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits #5

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


Heartstrings and Hijinks #6

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


The Great Nashville Bake Off Mishap #7

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub


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