The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen ~ My Thoughts #TheLockedWard

Congratulation Sarah

on the release of

The Locked Ward!

 

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

Women's Psychological Fiction, 320 pages

Published August 5, 2025 by St. Martin's Press

Was it...

Bitter, all-consuming jealousy?

Pathological sibling rivalry?

Pure insanity?

Whatever the cause—and everyone has a theory—it's the Crime of the Decade when glamorous Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family.

Georgia is locked in a psychiatric institution where the most violent offenders are held while she awaits trial. The only words she whispers when her estranged twin sister Amanda visits are, “I didn’t do it. You’ve got to get me out of here.”

Amanda doesn't trust Georgia, but she can't abandon her in a place so eerie and menacing that it seems to exist in another dimension. Is Georgia the victim of a powerful family that's so depraved murder is the least of their crimes? Or is Amanda being led down a path of madness into the web of a master manipulator?

Nothing is as it seems in Sarah Pekkanen’s The Locked Ward, a shocking psychological thriller about the complex bonds of sisterhood—and what happens when they are stretched to the breaking point.

My thoughts about The Locked Ward ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First lines—"You awaken slowly, struggling to surface, like you're swimming up through mud."

I'm a big fan of Sarah Pekkanen's books and am always excited for another one of her thrillers. This one did not disappoint. 

Sisterhood is not an easy thing to navigate, but what about having a sister that you can't trust and may have done evil things? This story had me doubting everything I read and felt. What is truth and what is not?

The Locked Ward is a suspenseful, twisty thriller that will keep you guessing and scratching your head until the very end. Highly recommend it!

I received an eARC of The Locked Ward and this is my honest opinion.

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About the author

I'm a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 solo and coauthored books, including HOUSE OF GLASS, which is a Goodreads Choice award nominee and Amazon best book of the year.

My upcoming thriller, THE LOCKED WARD, is being hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."

I'm also the coauthor of four bestselling thrillers: THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I've also written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."

When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.

I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring! ~ Goodreads

Connect with Sarah

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

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Book Blitz! The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington ~ Excerpt and #Giveaway! #TheIcingOnTheCake @XpressoTours

The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington
(Love in Maple Falls #7)
Publication date: September 24th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Rule #1: Never fall for a hockey player. So why does my dating coach—who also happens to play hockey—make me want to break every rule I’ve set?

Neesha

It starts with one conversation with a stranger…and suddenly, everything changes.

He won’t tell me what he does for a living, and maybe that should be a red flag. But after the hardest year of my life, my new neighbor feels like a lifeline—calm, capable, and always there when I need him.

When he offers to be my dating coach, I tell myself it’s harmless. That he just wants to help.

But behind that cinnamon roll smile, he’s hiding something—and I’m starting to fall for him anyway.

I told myself we were just friends.

So why am I dreaming about kissing the one man I swore I’d never fall for?

Lucian

Keeping my hockey identity secret was supposed to be temporary—just long enough to figure out my next move with the girl next door.

There’s just one problem: she’s sworn off hockey players for good.

She asked me to help her fall for someone else and be her dating coach.

But I’m the one falling now.

And when she finds out who I really am, I might lose the only woman who’s ever made me want something more than the game.

I stopped pretending it was a fake date a long time ago.

But when our fun leads to feelings? That’s the icing on the cake.

Tropes in The Icing on the Cake

• Cinnamon roll hero
• Secret identity
• Neighbor romance
• Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls vibe
• Cupcake baker heroine
• Handy hero who fixes things
• Forced proximity
• Practice dating / fake dating

The Icing on the Cake is a slow-burn, secret-identity hockey romance featuring a cinnamon roll hero who falls hard for the sweet cupcake baker next door.

Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

“You need practice dating. I could help.” He shrugs. “No pressure. No commitment. Just proving it’s possible to have a good time with a friend.”

A friend—someone safe and harmless to my heart.

I stare at him. “You’re joking, right?”

“I wouldn’t joke about this. We could even go to a public place together if that makes you feel safer.”

Most guys would be focused on convincing me they’re fun or interesting, but Lucian’s defense is that he’s trustworthy.

And that’s my issue.

“Think about it,” he begins, not pressuring me at all. “You already know where I live. And with me, what you see is what you get—even when I’m sweaty and covered in sawdust—so there’s nowhere to go but up.”

I can’t tell him that seeing him sweaty and covered in sawdust was actually incredibly attractive.

I blink, stunned that he’s actually serious about this proposal. “Does this mean you’re my dating coach?”

“If you want me to be,” he says, studying my face. “Though I have to ask what exactly you think you need to practice—because from where I’m standing, you seem to have the basics covered.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Are you kidding? I can barely string two coherent sentences together. Case in point: ‘Hi-ho’ was my greeting to you. No one wants to date the Seven Dwarfs.”

He tilts his head, considering this. “I don’t know. Snow White seemed pretty happy with them. And for the record, your ‘Hi-ho’ was actually kind of cute.”

“Well, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to make conversation that doesn’t revolve around cupcake orders,” I admit. “Besides, you probably have women lining up to go out with you.”

“Not really,” he says quietly, before looking back at me. “You want to know what dating a good man looks like? I could show you.”

My pulse skips a beat. “Show me how?”

“Well, we’re alone. We’ve got time now.” He pauses. “What if I gave you a quick demonstration, just so you know what to expect?”

Something flutters in my stomach. “A demonstration?”

“Just the basics. How a guy should treat you, what good conversation feels like, how to read the signals. Think of it as a preview of coming attractions.”

This is definitely not what my friends had in mind when they said to flirt with Lucian.

Or maybe it is.

“Okay,” I say before I think better of it. “Show me.”

He catches my gaze while my heart dives off a cliff.

“If this were a date,” he says, “the first thing I’d do is make sure you felt comfortable. That starts with eye contact.”

His gaze remains on mine, never wavering. “Most people are afraid to really look at someone, but eye contact is everything. It shows you’re present, that you’re interested in the person, not just waiting for your turn to talk.”

I find myself caught in his impossibly blue eyes, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

“Then, if the moment feels right…” He reaches toward me, his fingers brushing mine. “Small touches. Like this.”

I almost can’t breathe as he gently takes one of my hands.

“Most people rush through moments like these,” he says, his voice low. “But the small touches matter. They tell you everything.”

“Like what?”

“Like whether someone’s patient or impulsive.” His thumb starts stroking slowly over my skin. “Or whether they’re paying attention to how you respond.”

I swallow hard, failing to hide that I’m totally entranced by this.

“What else?” I ask, not even caring if this is real or not. I’m here to practice—to master the art of whatever this is between us.

He moves closer still. “Proximity,” he murmurs. “Letting someone into your space. Reading their response. And not moving away.”

He’s closer than ever now, and for one wild moment, I see him differently—not like someone I’m practicing with, but someone I’d actually want this to be real with.

“And then?” I ask, my voice barely audible.

His eyes graze down my face for just a second. The corner of his mouth quirks up. “And then…you always leave them wanting more.”

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About the author

Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it’s no surprise that she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for pretty much everything in life. After a short stint working in musical theatre (where she was often cast in comedic roles), she instills her books with witty banter, lovable characters, and a story that moves your heart and soul. Her inspiration includes quaint towns by the beach, romantic comedy movies from the '80s & '90s, and the crazy shenanigans of her family. Snag a free sweet romcom at graceworthington.com

Connect with Grace

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

The Icing on the Cake Blitz Giveaway

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New Release! Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby #SlashedBeauties @Allison_Rushby

 

Congrats A. Rushby

on recent release of

Slashed Beauties!

Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby

Horror, Historical Fiction, 384 pages

Published September 23, 2025, by Berkley

A gothic feminist body horror in two timelines revolving around three Anatomical Venuses—ultrarealistic wax figures of women—that come to life at night to murder men who have wronged them

Seoul, present day. Antiques dealer Alys’s task is nearly complete. She has at last secured Elizabeth, the third and final Anatomical Venus. Crafted in eighteenth-century London and modeled after real-life sex workers to entice male medical students, these eerie wax figures, known as slashed beauties, carry unsavory lore. Legend has it that the figures are bewitched, and come to life at night to murder men who have wronged them. Now Alys embarks for England, where she knows what she must sever her cursed connection to the Venuses once and for all.

London, 1763. Abandoned and penniless in Covent Garden, wide-eyed Eleanor and another young woman, Emily, are taken under the wing of beautiful and beguiling Elizabeth, one of the city’s most highly desired courtesans among the rich and powerful. But as Eleanor is seduced deeper into a web of money, materialism, and men, it seems that Elizabeth may not be the savior she appears to be.

As the timelines begin to intersect, it becomes clear that the women’s stories are linked in deeper, darker ways than it initially seems. And that the only method for Alys to end the witchcraft that binds her legacy is to gather all three models in one place and destroy them.

However, these haunted, murderous dolls might not be ready to burn.

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Praise for Slashed Beauties

"Rushby takes readers on a globe-trotting, timeline-straddling journey...brisk and entertaining... Rushby’s characters are richly realized, and she doesn’t shy away from depicting the high risk of their lives as sex workers or society’s cruelty and indifference toward women on the margins. Tense and fast-paced with refreshingly unique supernatural elements."—Publishers Weekly

"Slashed Beauties is the warped, witchy lovechild of Madame Tussaud and Jack the Ripper – an engrossing gothic tale of friendship, misogyny, and the murderous consequence of denying women's autonomy."—Ellie Marney, New York Times bestselling author of None Shall Sleep

"Utterly compelling from the first page to the final, shocking twist, Slashed Beauties is a darkly exquisite story that explores the corrosive effects of misogyny and the enduring power of female love."—Christine Wells, author of The Paris Gown

"An extraordinary tale. Slashed Beauties left me spellbound."—Emma Grey, author of Pictures of You

"Easily one of the best books I've read this year. Captivating from start to end and tells a haunting tale of feminine rage."—Abbie Eaton, author of Dragonhart

"Adored this gorgeous, sumptuously gothic feminist novel. Slashed Beauties moves from present-day Seoul to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens of Georgian London in a colourful riot that examines the macabre world of the anatomical Venus and the seedy underbelly of the modern-day antiques trade, with a dash of witchcraft thrown in. It's also about sisterhood, friendship and the ties that bind a beautifully-rendered love story that spans centuries. I loved it."—Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman

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About the author

A. Rushby (also writing as Allison Rushby), was gifted the middle name of Jane, for Jane Austen. Wordsmithing was duly destined and, under several pseudonyms, she has published more than thirty books. She has long been a fan of cities steeped in history, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick Victorian museums, the curious and the uncanny. She prefers to write with a cup of French Earl Grey tea by her side and a cat curled up in her lap. ~ Goodreads

Connect with A. Rushby

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | X

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Release Day! A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly ~ My Thoughts #ACarolForMrsDickens @AuthorRConnolly

Happy Release Day!

Congrats Rebecca

on release today of

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens!

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

Christmas, Historical Fiction, 1176 pages

Published September 23, 2025, by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.

My thoughts about A Carol for Mrs. Dickens ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First lines—"'The holly and the ivy when they are both full grown...' The carolers were out in full force, gathered in a small but boisterous semicircle outside the bookshop."

I really enjoy reading Christmas stories and especially love A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It's one of my must-reads every year. I was super excited to read this version of the story told from the perspective of Charles Dickens' wife.

Catherine, Charles' wife, is feeling like what I imagine a lot of women feel during the holidays, overworked and overwhelmed by all of the hoopla and busyness of the season, forgetting what the true meaning of it is all about. As she journeys to her past and sees what true happiness was for her and being reminded of the blessings that she has all around her, she comes to realize that she is in a good place and right where she should and needs to be. She finds her joy again. 

This was a wonderful story and will now become one that I read right along with A Christmas Carol each year to remind me to savor the beauty and blessings of the season. I highly recommend A Carol for Mrs. Dickens.

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About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.  ~ Goodreads

Connect with Rebecca

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | X

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? September 22, 2025 #IMWAYR

    

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are! 

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Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. 

Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

At the Quiet Edge

by Victoria Helen Stone

e-book from my TBR collection for a challenge

Published May 2022

Hello Wife

by Lisa K Friedman

print ARC for review

Pub date ~ September 30

The Summer Girl

by Jenny Blackhurst

audio-book from Audible

Published July 2023

What I recently finished

Christmas People

by Iva-Marie Palmer

eARC for review

Pub date ~ September 30

What I am going to read next

The Storyteller

by Jodi Picoult

print from my TBR shelf

Published February 2013

I lost access to the audiobook so I'll finish it in print.

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

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Book Tour! A Glimpse Too Far by Karen Charles ~ Excerpt and Interview #AGlimpseTooFar @pumpupyourbook

A Glimpse Too Far by Karen Charles

Published June 18, 2025 by BookBaby

Psychological Thriller, 217 pages

A terrifying gift. A government cover-up. And a past that won’t stay buried.

Elouise thought she had left the past behind. After a tragic accident, she woke with chilling ability to see glimpses of people's pasts and futures. She’s spent years trying to live a normal life. But when a powerful senator pulls her into a high-stakes game of deception and control, she realizes her gift is no longer a secret—it’s a weapon. And he intends to use it.

She must make an impossible choice: play his deadly game or risk everything to expose the truth.

Danger closes in. Now, Elouise is running for her life, hunted by those who will do anything to silence her.

Who can she trust? The boyfriend who swore to protect her? Or the man who wants to own her gift—at any cost?

A Glimpse Too Far is a pulse-pounding thriller filled with menace, betrayal, and a race against time. Will the truth be uncovered before it’s too late?

To order your copy, visit Amazon and BookBaby.

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Excerpt

The drive home was tense. The roads were slick with fresh snow, and the wipers worked overtime to clear the windshield. Edward kept a firm grip on the wheel, navigating cautiously around the bends. Elouise sat in the back, still humming the songs from the musical, her voice soft as the snow that continued to fall heavily around them.

Suddenly, headlights pierced the snowy darkness. From around the bend, an oncoming car swerved out of control. Everything happened in a blur: metal scraping, tires screeching, and the world flipping upside down. The car rolled once or twice before coming to a crushing halt.

Sirens filled the air as firemen and paramedics swarmed the scene, pulling them from the wreckage. Elouise lay motionless, her eyes closed, her curls tangled and limp. The paramedics worked frantically as they loaded her into the ambulance.

On the way to the hospital, her heart stopped.

– Excerpted from A Glimpse Too Far by Karen Charles, BookBaby, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

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Interview with Karen

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of Freeman Earns a Bike, a children’s book, and three thrillers based on true stories. Fateful Connections takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and Blazing Upheaval takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. 

A Glimpse Too Far promises all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller, also based on a true story. Karen Charles has two businesses: a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English, and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she resides with her husband.

Can you tell us about your latest book, A Glimpse Too Far?

A terrifying gift. A government cover-up. And a past that won’t stay buried.

Elouise thought she had left the past behind. After a tragic accident, she woke with a chilling ability to see glimpses of people’s pasts and futures. She’s spent years trying to live a normal life. But when a powerful senator pulls her into a high-stakes game of deception and control, she realizes her gift is no longer a secret — it’s a weapon. And he intends to use it.

She must make an impossible choice: play his deadly game or risk everything to expose the truth.

Danger closes in. Now, Elouise is running for her life, hunted by those who will do anything to silence her.

Who can she trust? The boyfriend who swore to protect her? Or the man who wants to own her gift — at any cost?

A Glimpse Too Far is a pulse-pounding thriller filled with menace, betrayal, and a race against time. Will the truth be uncovered before it’s too late?

Is A Glimpse Too Far your only book?

I wrote a children’s book, Freeman Earns a Bike, and two other thrillers based on true stories, Fateful Connections and Blazing Upheaval.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters in A Glimpse Too Far?

Elouise is the main character. Elouise thought she had left the past behind. After a tragic accident at eight years old, she woke with a chilling ability to see glimpses of people’s pasts and futures. She’s spent years trying to live a normal life. Her grandparents gave her a horse for her birthday, and this turned out to be a lifesaver, helping her with her healing and developing into a horse trainer and a horse whisperer. Her journey is terrifying as she deals with this gift, or is it a curse?

Do you see a little bit of yourself in your main character?

Yes, I identify with her ability to adapt to stressors successfully, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. She grows from difficult times.

Where is this book set, and why did you choose that location?

This book is based on a true story, so the main character, Elouise, lives in western Washington State. But the story will take you to Washington, D.C., Morocco, and Belize.

What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

The best advice I can give to aspiring authors is to stop waiting for permission to write. Don’t wait until you feel ready, qualified, or certain that your story is ‘good enough.’ Write anyway. Trust your voice. Write the messy first draft, let your characters surprise you, and know that rewriting is where the real magic happens. Also, remember that doubt is part of the process — it shows you care. But don’t let it silence you. Keep showing up on the page, because the only way to become a writer is to write.

Thank you so much for this interview, Karen. What’s next for you?

I am working on a thriller based on the true story of a girl who grew up in San Salvador, where once girls reached a certain age, they were obligated to become the “girlfriend” of a member of whatever gang controlled that area. The story is about her escape and harrowing trip through Guatemala and Mexico, as she desperately seeks her father in Los Angeles.

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About the author

Karen Charles is the author of Freeman Earns a Bike, a children's book, and two thrillers based on true stories. Fateful Connections takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and Blazing Upheaval takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. 

She has two businesses: a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English, and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she resides with her husband. 

Her latest book is the psychological thriller, A Glimpse Too Far.

Connect with Karen

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | X

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Book Blitz! Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin ~ Excerpt and #Giveaway #SoulmatesAndSlapshots @XpressoTours @mpbaldwinauthor

 

Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
(Love in Maple Falls #6)
Published by: September 17th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

I’m escaping the city. He’s chasing a fresh start. In a town full of surprises, love might be the biggest one.

Fiona

I’m a city girl turned temporary small-town resident—yes, I know, cliché. But after my life in Manhattan unraveled, I needed a reset. So when my aunt invited me to Maple Falls, I didn’t hesitate.

The slower pace is exactly what my burned-out brain needs. I’ve even made a few friends—including Weston Smith, a new player for the Ice Breakers hockey team who shows up when I need him most.

A local crisis draws me in, and suddenly I’m more involved than I ever planned. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s Weston. I came here planning to leave… but now, I’m not so sure.

Weston

Maple Falls is my fresh start—new team, new town, and a chance to prove myself. I didn’t expect to get wrapped up in this community so fast—or to fall for a certain city girl.

Fiona is bold and energetic, and I’m drawn to her more every day. When she’s pulled into a town-wide crisis, I don’t hesitate to help.

Maple Falls isn’t just where I play hockey—it’s starting to feel like the place where my future truly begins.

***

Soulmates and Slapshots is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. In this slow burn, soulmate romance, a charming city girl meets a nice guy who falls first. Set in a small town with all the chemistry, but none of the spice.

Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.

Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen
Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keeffe
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Skating and Fake Dating by Ellie Hall
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington

Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

“Hi. Are you lost?” I ask.

Wow. That sounded like the worst pickup line ever, and I immediately regret saying it.

Before I can excuse myself, she turns around and gives me a curious look.

“No. At least I don’t think so,” she says. “Is Maple Falls even big enough to get lost in?”

I laugh. “That’s a good question.”

Why did I even say that? I’ve only been in town a short time, so I wouldn’t be able to help if she needed it.

“Honestly, I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she says. “I’m not used to having so much free time on my hands.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “What’s free time?”

She gives me a casual smile. “So what recommendations can you give a Maple Falls visitor?”

I knew it. She didn’t seem like a local.

I raise my eyebrows. “Well, I probably won’t be much help since I just arrived in town myself.”

She smiles. “Ah, another new person. That’s a relief because I’m assuming everyone else in this town already knows each other.”

“Most likely,” I agree. “But you’re not the only newbie, so don’t worry.”

“What brought you to Maple Falls, Washington?” she asks.

“Work,” I reply. This is the truth. I just leave out the hockey part, and I’m not sure why.

She flashes a slight smile. “That’s a good reason.”

I’m trying not to stare, but this woman is stunning. So flawless it can’t be ignored. And it’s obvious she has a confidence and openness that instantly draws people in.

“And while we’re on the subject, what made you come to this booming metropolis?” I ask, before she catches me staring.

A flash of amusement spreads across her face. “I’m visiting my aunt, and I actually left a booming metropolis to come here.”

“Really? Where?”

“New York.”

Now it all makes sense—she has a city girl vibe. She’s confident, polished, and a little bit mysterious.

“Ah, the city that never sleeps. It’s a great place,” I say. “One of my favorites for sure.”

She nods slowly. “It is. But there’s something special about this little town too.”

“I agree,” I say. “I moved here from Tennessee. Not quite as fast-paced as New York, but more thrilling than Maple Falls.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Maple Falls isn’t as sleepy as people think.”

“Really?” I ask, leaning in a little.

She lowers her voice dramatically, even though the only other people nearby are across the street. “I heard there might be a town scandal happening right now.”

“Ooh, now that’s interesting.”

“Yes, it is,” she says with a playful smirk. “And they even have their own professional hockey team.”

I laugh. “Yes, I’m familiar with the Ice Breakers.”

She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me with curiosity. “Hockey fan?”

I shrug, unable to hide the grin pulling at my lips. “More than a fan. I play on the team.”

Her eyes widen. “Wait—seriously?”

“Weston Smith, defense,” I say, offering my hand. I’m not sure why I added my player position, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe she likes hockey?

She takes my hand and grins. “Fiona Hale. And wait until I tell my aunt. She’s going to lose her mind when she hears this—she’s a die-hard fangirl of your team.”

I chuckle. “We love our fans. I’m sure I’ll meet her sooner or later.”

She studies me for a moment, clearly still processing. “So, you’re a hockey player.”

**************************

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.

Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she's not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

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