Monty Jay has revealed the cover for Whisper of a Shadow!
Releasing: April 23, 2026
Cover Designer: Opulent Designs
In Ponderosa Springs, to love is to look back.
Andromeda Van Doren and Ezra Caldwell were once inseparable—childhood best friends until a destructive cycle of heartbreak turned them into strangers. One always turned back. The other never learned when to walk away.
Reunited in Ponderosa Springs, they are drawn into each other’s orbit once more. Old wounds reopen, memories play on repeat, and a tension neither can resist simmers just beneath the surface. Every glance, every touch is a reminder of what they lost—and what they may never escape.
When a secret admirer emerges with a vendetta and threats turn violent, Ezra reminds Andromeda whose obsession eclipses all others.
He would kill to steal her heart. I would die to protect it.
It isn’t the woman at my feet, her heart ripped from her chest and her lifeless eyes staring up at me that knocks the air from my lungs when I’m called to café Mon Félicité.
It’s her.
Gorgeous, successful, sharp-tongued Danielle Walsh. The only witness to this brutal crime makes my blood pump hotter and faster every time I see her.
And when it becomes clear she’s more than just a witness, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if that means torturing myself with her presence by going undercover as her lover in order to draw the killer out.
The more time I spend with Danielle, fighting the temptation for just one touch, one kiss, the more I understand the man we call The Harvester.
Because his obsession has become my own… but only one of us will be allowed to claim her heart in the end.
One secret kiss. One silent promise. One life-altering letter.
Lucy Carr knew falling for her brother’s best friend was asking for heartbreak—especially when he was a Marine preparing for deployment. But one look from Caden and she couldn’t help herself. What started as a secret romance turned into love sealed in ink and hope-filled letters… until the letters stopped.
Caden thought he was doing the right thing. Protecting Lucy from the chaos of war. From the broken man he’s become. He never planned to lose a leg—or lose her. But waking up in a hospital bed and finding out she’s carrying his child? That changes everything.
Now back at Oakside, Caden must face the woman who refused to give up on him, the baby he didn’t know about, and a brother-in-arms who’s ready to kill him for breaking his sister’s heart. He doesn’t believe he’s strong enough for any of it.
But Lucy never stopped believing in their dream… and she’s not letting go.
❤️𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ✔️Military ✔️Small Town ✔️Brother’s Best Friend ✔️Surprise Baby ✔️Grumpy Sunshine ✔️Scarred Hero ✔️Pen Pal ✔️Protective Hero
❤️Review Even though he is deployed Caden is no longer able to deny his feelings for Lucy, his best friend’s sister, once he realizes she feels the same. As they plan their future together they agree to keep the feelings they have for each other between them until he returns however a career ending and life changing injury changes everything.
Lucy has loved Caden for years and just wants a future with him. When she learns about his injury all she wants is to be there to help him heal and show him they can always have the future they wanted even if it may not look the same and she is willing to be strong enough for both of them.
One of the most touching parts of the story was the letters that they wrote to each other that showed the depth of their feelings as they take us on an emotional journey that features healing, hope and a love that can overcome anything as long as they are together.
An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
💜Review💜 Odette may believe that she and her family are cursed when it comes to love and marriage but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want others to experience it which is why she has become a wedding planner. She is determined to ensure the success of her best friend Izzy’s wedding, as due to some recent mishaps her career depends on it, even if that means working with Noah her teenage crush.
After his professional hockey career ended he has returned to his hometown and now owns a farm He too has given up on love and marriage due to his divorce however when Izzy wants to use one of the buildings for her reception he can’t say no. He now finds himself working closely with Odette and as they spend time together the sparks fly but will two people who have given up on love be willing to take a chance with their hearts?
The banter between Odette and Noah is humorous, the situations they find themselves in are entertaining and the biggest obstacle they face is being hurt which doesn’t always make things easy. Nelson Hobbs was a great choice for Noah as he brings out his cantankerous side which is nothing more than a shield for his insecurities while Chloe Ryan brings out the cautious side of Odette and the need to protect herself and those she cares about.
It Could Only Be You is the final installment in USA Today Bestselling Author Lisa Shelby’s Only in Goose Hollow Series.
I’ve been Daisy McKinnon’s dirty little secret for over a decade.
To everyone else, our constant bickering is harmless—like siblings who can’t stop needling each other. But what they don’t know is that behind every jab is a truth. A truth she’s too afraid to admit to herself, let alone anyone else.
She’s the woman I can’t stay away from. My best friend’s little sister and my constant challenge. I’ve laid my heart bare, told her what I want and made it clear she’s the only future I see. But she keeps running—hiding behind excuses, pretending the fire between us doesn’t burn for her too.
The problem is… I’m stuck. There is nobody else for me but her. So, all I can do is wait for her to meet me where I’m at.
But when her safety is threatened, I can wait no longer. She’s coming home with me… where she belongs… where I can keep her safe. Whether her brother likes it or not.
Small towns aren’t meant for billionaire Movie Stars, but somehow, Sutton Silvers fits right in. I know I should ignore him, the diner regular with his easy charm and quiet intensity. He belongs to another world, one of flashing cameras, billion-dollar contracts, and fake Hollywood smiles. I belong here, in the safety of routine. In the safety of Whispers.
But Sutton sees through the walls I’ve built, through the secret past I keep hidden. He should walk away, just like I should guard my heart. But there’s something about him, the way he looks at me like I’m worth the risk, that has me wanting more.
I know better than to dream of a future with a man like him. And yet, when danger starts creeping closer, he’s the one stepping in, refusing to let me face it alone. He has a choice to leave Hollywood behind or risk it all for the chance that I’m his forever.
Waylon Ludlow was my first heartbreak—the boy I secretly loved from the sidelines while he ruled Wildhaven High and then disappeared without a word. Now he’s back, all smirks and whiskey-soaked charm, and with a baby no one knew about.
But I’m not the same quiet girl I once was. I’m fire now. Feral, stubborn, and one smart-ass comment away from punching him square in the jaw.
I live loud, love hard, and fight for what matters. And even though Waylon is a mess of mistakes wrapped in faded denim, my heart still skips like it’s seventeen every time he looks at me. And his little girl, well, she’s got me wrapped around her tiny finger.
We clash. We burn. We break things. But the more I push him away, the more I wonder—am I chasing the storm, or is it chasing me?
Sweetwater Mavericks players are good for one thing—tips. I’ve been serving the latest crop of minor league ballers to hit my town every spring and summer for the past four years, and while I dream about life away from Sweetwater, I know that I’m tied to my hometown as long as my father needs me. As fun as one-night stands and summer flings are, they never lead anywhere good. Real love doesn’t exist—my mother taught me that.
𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
Hunter Reddick is the talk of the league. He never backs down from a challenge. Bottom of the ninth, two outs, winning run on third? He’s throwing a fast ball for the win. But when Hunter and his new teammates come into my bar, he makes his move on me, not expecting to get benched.
Just as he decides to give up, my carefully guarded walls start to break down. Maybe a summer fling isn’t such a bad idea after all. Except Hunter wants more than a summer. He wants falls, and winters, and something real. And he’s set his sights on me. The one girl who can’t give him that.
What happens when your mystery match is everything you want—except he’s your real-life enemy?
I would honestly rather walk down Fifth Avenue in my underwear than deal with David at work.
When my best friend’s brother creates a blind dating app where your friends play matchmaker, signing up feels harmless. Seven days of anonymous texting before you can even exchange phone numbers? Easy. Low stakes. Zero chance of someone finding out it’s me if I don’t want them to—especially since I sign up with my middle name instead of my real first name, you know… just in case.
My mystery guy turns out to be charming, funny, and he gets me in a way no one else ever has. I look forward to every message like some kind of lovesick teenager staying up way too late just to talk to him.
There’s just one teensy little problem, one big enough to shake the universe—the person I’m matched with is David from work, only I don’t figure that out until day seven.
So now I’m falling for the man I swear I can’t stand, and he has no idea it’s me on the other side of the phone.
What do I do when the seven days are up and real life steps in, insisting I either reveal myself or ghost the one person I never meant to fall for?
Oh No… It’s You is a contemporary rom-com featuring an irresistible enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance twist that will have you rooting for David and Zoe to finally get it right.
When an ancient artifact enslaves every werewolf on earth, humanity’s only hope is a thief…
Zoey Donovan should be happy. Her love life couldn’t be better, her demonic nemesis is on the run, business is booming, and no one has tried to kill her in seven whole months. But without her best friend to share it with, it all seems a little hollow. Neil, her fabulous furry wingman, is missing and two grumpy werewolf bodyguards have taken his place.
Undaunted by her humorless babysitters, she intends to track Neil down even if it means risking her newfound romantic bliss. But someone else has plans for Zoey, and they don’t intend to play nice. Lucas Halfer is desperate for revenge, and he knows just how to get it.
An ancient Roman legend tells of an artifact that will grant its possessor the power to control all wolves. No one, including Daniel and Dev, believes the Strong Arm of Remus is real but Zoey thinks Halfer might have already located it. With every werewolf pack in North America gathering in Colorado, the demon could enslave an unstoppable army.
To save the day, and possibly the world, Zoey will have to find a way to steal the Strong Arm of Remus from one of the most powerful demons in existence. Then again, impossible is kind of her specialty.
🎧Review🎧 Even though certain aspects of Zoey’s life couldn’t be better she finds herself facing the challenge of being monitored constantly by her security team that was hired by Dev and Daniel, the men she loves. She isn’t about to let Neil, her best friend remain missing, however she is about to realize that the threat from her past is far from over.
Dev and Daniel are determined to protect Zoey even from herself however they are about to realize that trying to achieve that is easier said than done. When you throw in an artifact that is wanted by everyone you know you are in for a bumpy ride.
The chemistry between them radiates off the pages but the emotional connection between the three of them deepens as well as Dev and Daniel realize that they aren’t meant to be adversaries but a team. Kitty Bang once again gives a powerful performance as she brings out the heat and suspense of this story.
Using the undeveloped country as a cover, the three Masterton Brothers, operating as the Kumul Cartel, are able to conduct business with next to no chance of being caught.
Or so they thought…
A secretive society.
Murder.
Torture.
Voodoo.
Crazy suspicions.
The brother’s lives would be turned upside down.
Who would betray their operation and push them to the brink of destruction?
This is a close proximity, opposite side of the tracks, small town romance between a blue collar hero & curvy heroine! Don’t miss out on this one where it was supposed to just be a fling & he thinks he isn’t good enough for her!
Maisie was raised in an affluent lifestyle where her future was predetermined however she is determined to forge her own path. She is determined to make her interior design business a success, and it starts with the lodge that is being renovated. Even though she doesn’t make the best first impression due to circumstances that made her late for the interview when she and Axel find themselves staying together due to a storm there is no denying the feelings between them.
Connor’s upbringing couldn’t be more different however he has worked hard to get where he is and is part of a close group of friends who are family. He can’t help but be impressed by the plans she has for the resort and the feelings between them are undeniable, but they must also deal with the pasts that come between them.
Even though their pasts couldn’t be more different they are both difficult which allows them to understand and support each other. The romance is endearing, the love is heartfelt and you can’t help hoping that they will be able to find their way to each other. The audio performance by Rebecca Gibel makes the characters and their story relatable.
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Sierra Simone & Julie Murphy
Release Date: January 13th
Genre / Tropes:Rom-Com / Small Town / Single Dad / College Town / Professor / Nanny / Age gap / Professor Romance / Nanny Romance / Slutty forearms / Spanking / Light academia / Good Girl “lessons” / Questionable use of Sharpies
HAVE YOU BEEN A GOOD GIRL?!
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Sierra Simone & Julie Murphy is NOW LIVE!!
Grab this all-new SMOLDERING, small town, age gap, professor/nanny romance TODAY!
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone comes a brand-new college town raunch-com about a sexy single dad professor and a feisty law school grad turned nanny in this steamy tale of Academic Affairs…
Class is in session.
Maddie Kowalczk is ready to be a bad girl. When the rookie lecturer lands at Astra University, she’s looking to start fresh after a messy breakup. But her first night in town takes a twist when she bumps into Bram Loe—a reserved but incredibly handsome single dad she (not so accidentally) stole a parking spot from earlier that day. The unspoken chemistry as he locks eyes with her while she gets a birthday spanking at a local bar is hotter than a Bunsen burner at full flame.
Bram is looking for a break from his hectic life as an ecology professor and dad to rambunctious twins and a busy teenager. So when his college friend’s divorce celebration brings him face-to-face with the same delectable brat who stole his parking spot, he’s ready for a night to remember. But the next morning, Bram’s world turns upside down (and that’s not just the hangover talking). His new nanny? None other than Maddie, who also happens to be the new poli-sci adjunct at the university where he teaches.
Maddie is desperate and broke, so when Bram offers her a raise and the chance to set some ground rules, she can’t say no. As the two settle into their new roles, the normally unruffled Bram finds that no one riles him up like Maddie does, which is a problem when every argument feels like foreplay. Of course, Bram is an educator first and foremost, and he very quickly finds he can’t resist the temptation of instructing Maddie in the fundamentals of being a good girl.
And it turns out Maddie’s a hands-on learner…
About Sierra Simone:
Sierra Simone is a USA Today Bestselling former librarian (who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk.) She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.
JULIE MURPHY lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure. She is also the author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. You can visit Julie atwww.juliemurphywrites.com.
After being judged as unworthy Maddie has relocated to Kansas for a new beginning where she will work as a professor and a nanny. The night before she starts her new job she spends a steamy evening with a sexy stranger only to find out that not only is he a fellow professor but that he is also the father of the children she has agreed to nanny. Let the complications begin!
Bram is a single father to his six-year-old twin daughters who needs a nanny while his ex is out of town. When his nanny arrives at his door he is surprised to find that it is Maddie, the woman he spent the previous evening with, and how connected their lives are especially when the chemistry between them burns hotter than ever.
The heat between Maddie and Bram radiates off the page and the dynamic between them is compelling as despite all the reasons they shouldn’t be together it isn’t enough to keep them apart. There is also a great cast of secondary characters that bring out the elements of the story and make it even better.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations 