Kyra Jacobs talks latest in The Miles of Montana series with Norah and Rhett’s story.

February 24, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Hello, everyone! I hope the year is off to a great start and you’re surviving whatever Mother Nature has sent your way. Here in Northeastern Indiana, it’s been snowier than usual. And while the snow-covered landscape is pretty, I’m itching for spring to roll in any day now.

Crazy weather aside, this time of year mirror’s the beginning timeline for my February book release—THE RODEO COWBOY’S REDEMPTION. Galentine’s Day (the day before Valentine’s Day) is when we first see Norah and Rhett’s worlds collide (literally) and frustrations flare. And, oh, did I have fun writing these two!

Stubborn? Check.

Independent? Check Check.

Sexual Tension? Check, Check, and Check.

Where these two don’t immediately match is their relationships with their families. The Miles family is close-knit and supportive, even protective at times. They’re the kind of family Rhett Foster only wishes he had as a kid. And honestly, being Jaxon Miles’s best friend, he did spend a good deal of time around them growing up. But his own family life is a bit messier, and the relationship with his dad…tenuous at best.

Which made falling for Norah Miles that much more complicated. There are rules in this new, post-rodeo reality that must be followed and lines not to cross. Just like “there’s no crying in baseball”, Rhett’s father is adamant that “though shalt not date our client”. But when the heart gets involved, sometimes hard and fast rules get stretched…

In addition to guiding this couple through their family and relationship redemption minefields, I also enjoyed incorporating the cabin renovations project into the story. I was on the tail end of a “refresh” project in my own home, and could relate to Norah agonizing over colors and textures, themes and decorations. When you put in all that time and work, you want to cross the finish line with a “product” to be proud of. The way my brain works, there is usually a LOT of contemplation over major (and sometimes even minor) design changes. I’ve been known to take months to settle on a new paint color for rooms in my house. LOL

So far, @myorangeeditor has approved of all the interior design changes. Though, he’d prefer I spend less time helping install LVP or backsplash tile and more time at my computer desk…

Speaking of writing—have you heard the news? I’ve signed on with Tule to continue our time together at the Flying J Ranch! Stay tuned for more books to come with all of your favorite cast members from The Miles of Montana series. And I’ll even offer you a hint about the female lead in book 1 of the new series: her last name isn’t Miles, but you do get to meet her in THE RODEO COWBOY’S REDEMPTION… 😉

I hope you simply devour the latest Miles of Montana book, and stay tuned for more news on the follow-up Flying J Ranch series! If you’re not sure where to look for updates, I’ll drop some links below. You can generally find me on Instagram (along with @myorangeeditor) and Facebook. Stop by, and we’ll do our best to keep you entertained between releases.

Wishing everyone a fantastic 2026, and happy reading!

P.S. If you haven’t grabbed book 1 in the series yet (CHOOSING THE MONTANA COWBOY) it’s 99 cents for a limited time. Escape to Marietta and grab the entire series today!

About the Author.

Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor, and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. Her romance novels range from sweet contemporary to romantic suspense and paranormal/fantasy. No matter the setting, Kyra employs both comedy and chaos to help her characters find inspiration and/or redemption on their way to happily ever after.

When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.

Why I love Writing Southern Stories with Lenora Worth

February 23, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

I’m Southern. That’s the first reason I love writing stories set in the South. I grew up on a farm. We lived in a true farmhouse with a big yard and lots of cracks in the walls! I learned to drive tractors, plant and harvest crops, haul produce to the market, and drive fast over terraces (hills in the field to keep erosion away). That was fun until my daddy stopped it real quick.

Another reason I love writing Southern—the food! Fried chicken or fried catfish, peas and creamed corn, roast beef and mashed potatoes that came out of our garden like everything else, huge pound cakes, and all kinds of pies. And the biscuits. I still love me some biscuits, even if I have to watch my waistline.

I also love the settings in a Southern story, and usually in my books, we’ll find jasmine vines growing on a trellis or gazebo, azaleas planted in big yards, blooming in several varieties and colors, camellias blooming in the winter, and huge life oaks and magnolia trees whispering secrets in the wind. What’s not to love!

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl. Family, food, and a slow-going life full of adventures and sometimes, tragedy. A southern story can always have a blend of modern times with a little mix of gothic. If there is wisteria nearby, you have the beginning of a little night music and a compelling love story.

I hope you’ll join me on some of my Southern Born adventures!

About the author

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Rolls, Lenora Worth writes romance and romantic suspense for Harlequin’s Love Inspired and sweet romance for Tule Publishing. Her books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards. She also received the Romantic Times Pioneer Award for Inspirational Fiction. Lenora is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling writer and a 2019 RWA RITA® Finalist. With eighty-plus books published and over three million books in print, she enjoys adventures with her retired husband and loves reading, baking and shopping…especially shoe shopping.

Go to www.lenoraworth.com to sign up for Lenora’s newsletter and find her book list and upcoming releases.

Where Real Life Meets the Crime Scene with Tina Wolff

February 23, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

The mystery genre contains a wide and varied spectrum of storytelling. There is truly space for every voice and a place for every reader. I first fell in love with mysteries in my teens—my grandfather was a Nero Wolfe fan and shared his passion with me. Never did I imagine that some ten years later I would marry a Wolff—albeit spelled differently.

Nero Wolfe mysteries are private eye detective stories with the majority of the pages dedicated to the investigation of the murder. But the remaining pages tell the story of the relationship between Nero and his right-hand-man Archie. We learn about orchids, fine dining and finer meals, and life in the period Rex Stout wrote—beginning in 1934 and concluding in 1974. (Just think of how life changed in that time!) I opened the books for the mystery, but I flipped the pages for the colorful scenes and commentary that made it all fun, aka the drama.

These days, I devour books, reading about 75 a year. As I’ve refined my reading
preference, I find that I am most drawn to stories that are 50/50. Mystery / Drama.
Romance / Suspense. Paranormal / Mystery. It’s like going out for ice cream and getting
a twist cone. I don’t have to choose between chocolate and vanilla—I can have both!

As I’ve matured in my writing style, I’m again 50/50. I can write a mystery and only a
mystery … but I think that would bore me. Perhaps that’s not the write word. I think I
would find it too intense. I love getting to know the characters and putting them in
awkward situations. So many come from real life. If they haven’t happened direct to me,
the people they did happen to told me the stories. Honestly, life would be boring if
everything went smoothly. Just last week, I traveled for work and somehow forgot
deodorant. I didn’t realize how many times a day I raise my arms until I forbade myself
from doing so. I went through an entire day at a conference with T-Rex arms. Sooner or
later, THAT is going in a book.

While I call it “drama”, I’m not talking about giving every character a tragic backstory
that has them taking every alphabet drug advertised on streaming channels just to get
out of bed. I’m talking about the real things we all deal with. Family. Work. Friends.
Health. I do occasionally tackle bigger issues. In my De La Cruz series, my lead
detective was a recovering alcoholic. This was inspired by and a tribute to my brother-
in-law who is fighting and winning against the addiction. In my new Rizk Brothers Legal
Mysteries, Jakob and his wife Courtney are expecting and dealing with the fear that
came with a prior miscarriage. I miscarried between my two sons and was surprised to
learn just how many couples deal with the loss. So many reached out to help me and, while it was 20 years ago, I remember their kindnesses. I hope bringing the experience
into my characters’ lives helps others feel not so alone.

Real life isn’t all work and no play, why should mysteries be any different? Incorporating
caricatures of real life—slightly exaggerated, kinda awkward, always entertaining—gives my detectives time to catch their breath and you, dear mystery lover, a chance to order your mind and suss out the killer.

Happy hunting, detectives!

About the Author

TG Wolff writes mysteries meant to be solved. She specializes in puzzles and giving you everything you need to beat the detective to the solution. Diverse characters mirror the complexities of real life and real people, balanced with a healthy dose of entertainment. TG Wolff holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, which gives her no background in writing but was an excellent training ground for mystery solving.

Ties That Kill: A Different Kind of Hero for a Different Kind of Thriller

February 18, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Love the mystery/thriller genre but tired of the stereotypical hero? You know the type: ex-military, never loses a fight, irresistible to women. Likewise, weary of authors creating characters of color—usually sidekicks—drawn from inauthentic life experiences? Missing nuanced portrayals of Black characters in popular culture?

If you’re ready for something different, Ties That Kill, Book One of the Silent Justice series, may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

The Setup: A Mystery That Cuts Deep

A dead man is found at a lakefront vacation home owned by a wealthy industrialist.
An anonymous letter lands in the hands of a local TV personality.
A dangerous standoff grips a blue-collar town as a lone man faces off against the FBI.

How are they connected?

When more bodies surface, the question shifts from who killed them to why. And that answer may be the only way this ends without more bloodshed.

A veteran FBI hostage negotiator is pulled from vacation into a volatile situation: local football hero Noah Winston—a skilled marksman with a troubled past—is barricaded inside his home. With tensions rising and the optics of a lone Black man surrounded by dozens of armed agents growing increasingly fraught, every move matters.

As suspicious deaths pile up, the negotiator and a TV reporter begin to understand their true mission isn’t solving a murder—it’s uncovering a decades-old cover-up. With help from Noah’s lifelong best friend Ricky, they unravel a web of race, power, loyalty, and justice playing out in real time.

In this gripping mystery, the line between justice and vengeance blurs. The powerful believed the past was buried. But Noah Winston doesn’t forget—and he doesn’t forgive.

What Makes This Story Different

Noah Winston isn’t cut from the usual thriller mold.

Raised in a small, blue-collar city and mentored by his fierce debt-collector-turned-bouncer father, Noah’s moral code was forged in places rarely explored in the genre. His story unfolds largely through the recollections of his lifelong best friend, Ricky—a white man whose bond with Noah begins in seventh grade in the funky late ’70s.

What follows is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a high-stakes thriller. Their friendship—built on football, loyalty, and shared history—becomes the thin line between life and death. In fact, the only thing preventing an FBI task force from storming Noah’s house (few believe he’ll be taken alive) is Ricky’s ongoing dialogue with the hostage negotiator.

This isn’t just a story about a standoff. It’s about family, poverty, race, friendship, and the long shadow of injustice.

Why I Wrote It

Growing up, there was a dearth of people of color in leading roles in the books and films I loved. It was a normalized experience—rarely seeing anyone who looked like me at the center of the story during an often tumultuous era of life.

I wanted to write a novel that delivered everything readers expect from a mystery/thriller—tension, momentum, high stakes—while also offering a protagonist with emotional depth and lived authenticity. I wanted readers of all backgrounds to understand not just what he does, but why.

Thus was born Noah Winston.

So… Hero or Villain?

Hero? Depends on your definition—and your understanding of his moral code.

Badass?

Definitely.

About the author

Fran Thomas finds one of the most difficult things about the writing process is trying to find the absolute right genre to describe his books. Mystery, thriller, suspense, multicultural, Black/African-American, crime/conspiracy? As a former Principal, he now appreciates the D. All of the above option his students had on many tests.

Desperate to find heroes who looked like him while growing up, Fran gravitated to Marvel comics, and appreciated how its diverse heroes challenged cultural stereotypes. Iconic characters like the Black Panther, Storm and Luke Cage added unique perspectives and contexts to dynamic storytelling, as did anti-heroes like The Punisher. His Silent Justice series continues that tradition.

When not writing, he can typically be found in the gym, Krav Maga dojo or reading–Marvel comics are still a staple. A lifelong New Englander, he is eagerly awaiting the springtime arrival of his first grandchild.

Talking Enemies To Lovers (And Why We Love It!) with Author Sarah Fischer

February 17, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

If you pay attention to the popular social media accounts, posts, or influencers, there is one trope that you will hear about every day and twice on Sundays. That trope is ‘Enemies to Lovers’. It is ridiculously popular, with several of the best-selling novels using this trope to attract the masses. But why is it so popular? What about this trope is so enticing and why can we not put it down?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about what Enemies to Lovers is. A romance novel that utilizes this trope starts with the main two characters hating each other and ends with them desperately in love. Their hatred could be because they have conflicting goals, one of them has done something to slight the other, or because they are on opposite sides of some conflict. The reason, in itself, does not matter much, but what does is the banter, sexual tension, and cheeky nicknames that fill the rest of the book as the two realize and acknowledge their feelings have changed.

Enemies to Lovers is not a new concept. It has been in our popular culture for ages and in all different types of media. It was perfected with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, used to make My Fair Lady dynamic, more recently in Bridgerton’s The Viscount Who Loved Me, and even done masterfully in cartoons like Anastasia and The Swan Princess. I believe one of the reasons it is so popular is the desire to be liked.

One of the hardest lessons for us to learn is that not everyone is going to like you. There are people you are going to naturally clash with, and though this is a perfectly acceptable fact of life, many people cannot accept it. So, when faced with someone who hates you with the fire of a thousand suns, all we want to do is fix the relationship. In real life, that is not always an option. But in fiction, we have the chance for the main characters to change the relationship. We get to witness the, usually slow burning, moment when that hate crosses the line to like, lust, and eventually love. This dynamic gives us readers that dopamine hit and satisfaction that we may not get to experience in life. And we thrive on it.

Another reason I like to think it is so popular is because many of us were told, when a boy is “mean” to us, it means he likes us. So, when we are reading that male character be nasty, mean, or cruel to the main female character, it is confirming our old beliefs. He’s mean because he likes her! Sometimes, that is in fact the case, for example in Bridgerton. I think that adds a touch of nostalgia to a book that might not have had the ability to reach back into our childhoods and beg us to pay attention to the signs! They’re clear as day! He’s in love with her! It makes us think about when we experienced something similar. This brings the book into our reality and makes the characters more relatable, despite how antiquated and dangerous this idea really is.

I chose to use this trope because, to me, the thin line between love and hate, in my book lust and hate, is so fun to play with as an author. I thoroughly enjoy watching my characters poke, pick, and tease each other on superficial levels, knowing that, when needed, they’d walk through fire for the other. It has always been one of my favorite tropes and will likely remain one for the rest of my reading days.

In The Apothecary’s Dark Fate, my characters have conflicting goals. Brooklynne Belle’s little sister is missing and it is detective Drake Romeo’s job to find her. While, on the surface, this seems quite easy. They should agree and get along wonderfully. But where is the fun in that? The way they try to find Melanie Belle is what puts them at odds. Brooklynne runs into the situation like a bull in a china shop, ready to burn down the world until the bush hiding Melanie shrivels to ash. Drake wants to work with finesse, charm, and his years of experience as an investigator. Her methods directly conflict with his plan and his plan does not appear to move fast enough for.

Conflicting odds was not enough for me though. I wanted to layer on a more complex motive for the two love birds. They are each hiding secrets from the other, secrets that are emotional, destructive, and critical to the case. And the other can sense that honesty is not currently on the table. This, of course, makes them hold their own cards closer to their chest. This inherent distrust creates the deep rooted “enemies” aspect of their relationship. His abs, her eyes, and their blatant sexual chemistry, though, all makes it miserable for them to continue hating the other.

There are many reasons why people worship this trope. It is one of the fastest ways to grab my interest in a story. And I knew there was no other trope I wanted to start my series with than this. See how the enemies break down the other’s wall in my first fantasy romance, romantasy if you will, The Apothecary’s Dark Fate.

About the Author.

Sarah Fischer works hard fighting the good fight in personnel security. She graduated with a degree in criminal justice and married the calm to her crazy. Then Sarah had a health scare and needed heart surgery. While recovering, she finally had the time to write the stories playing out in her mind. Her college romantic suspense series, Elton Hall Chronicles, is now available in its entirety on Amazon. First Semester, Second Snowfall, and Third Wheel remind you what you loved about college, show you what you missed, and make you yearn for what could have been. Sarah also has a contemporary short story in the Craving Bad anthology. In her spare time, you’ll find her with a book in her hand, at the movies, or watching just one more episode of reality tv.

Meet Sister Evelyn Field: A Fatal Habit Release Day Feature

February 16, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Fans of the Nun the Wiser Mysteries know Bernie’s bestie at The Abbey: Senior Living is Jan Kovitz, but before she returned to live there as a retiree, Bernie made another BFF. Sister Bernadette Ohlson and Sister Eleanor Field met almost half a century ago when they both got placed at St. Aloysius Catholic School in Eugene, Oregon. The two women developed a deep and lasting friendship since they were close in age and the youngest on staff.

Eleanor was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on her family’s farm and orchard and from day one, Eleanor loved nature and being outdoors. Teaching fourth grade science was her destiny. The petite scrappy nun with bobbed hair brought the outdoors into Room 203 for her students and with Bernie’s help led students outdoors on many field trips. Wearing a pocketed vest to carry every bit of gear from a compass to first aid kit, Eleanor tromped through the forests around Eugene, pointing out songbirds and insects, scat and tracks to Bernie and her students. Because of her expertise in camping, canoeing and fishing, she’s one of the few people Bernie ever willingly took directions from, mainly because Bernie didn’t want to get lost in the woods or stumble into a patch of poison oak!

Beloved by her students because of her boundless enthusiasm, many graduates of St. Al’s credit Sister Eleanor for sparking their interest in biology and outdoor activities. Teddy Rudie says she’s the reason he loves to go camping with his family every summer. Liz Kelly became a wildlife manager for the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife thanks to those field trips.

The transition for an outdoorswoman from Michigan to Oregon was easy, especially with a kindred spirit like Bernie on staff. The women share a strong sense of social justice and curiosity as well as a stubborn streak. Bernie and Eleanor started traveling together during their summer vacations and since retiring they continue meeting up once a year for a trip. They head to all kinds of exotic locations, including Brazil and Laos. Wherever they go, they always cap off their evenings the same way: a hearty meal and some red wine topped off with a glass of bourbon. Bernie’s got hundreds of photos, but her favorites are of her and Eleanor with pink cheeks and glasses raised to toast another fine day exploring a new corner of the world. Over the years the two have grown more wrinkled, they’ve added eyeglasses and silver hair, and of course the backdrop changes with each new destination, but their sisterhood remains tight.

Their history of heading to exciting places makes Bernie wonder why Eleanor insists on meeting in Seattle, Washington this year. It’s true Eleanor had a little health scare a year ago, but is her oldest friend slowing down? Or did she choose this destination for a more nefarious reason? These questions turn out to be central in A Fatal Habit when Bernie arrives in Seattle to find Eleanor has gone missing…

About the Author

Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.

Katja Desjarlais talks latest projects and creative sparks, plus how a heartfelt gift turned into a new passion.

February 11, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

My mom never had a dollhouse. I had one, her grandchildren had one, but she never did.

This past summer, I decided to rectify the situation and in doing so, unlocked a whole new hobby.

The dollhouse was an intense first project. I found a partially-built, hand-made house second-hand and got to work on wiring, sanding, painting, and adding trim. Every step had a steep learning curve, from which tools I could use with the delicate bamboo trim to the creation of functional light fixtures. My husband lent a hand with the mitre saw. Our three teens helped build the fireplaces, bead the chandeliers, recovering the sofa, and sewing the bedding.

In the end, we had a family project my mom loved. Once we added two resin cats to the house and she plugged in the USB to light the home, she deemed it perfect.

After the glue and paint finally scrubbed of my hands and all the tiny cuts and scrapes on my fingers healed, I realized I really enjoyed the project.

This led me to my next venture: book-based miniatures.

The first one I did was for my novel Ragdolled. Using one of those lovely little faux storage books, I wandered into my new project with a Pinterest board, a vague idea of where I was going, and a lot of confidence in skills I had yet to demonstrate.

Apparently being a pantser is not limited to my writing.

Unlike the dollhouse (which was a 1:12 scale), this new piece was 1:16. Everything was miniscule. Everything was fragile. Everything was sticky and delicate and frustrating. My Modge Podge abilities were tested, my fine motor skills were refined with hours of aligning tiny beads with even tinier beads, and my patience was tested by the fine wires needed for the lighting. But I did it. I did it, and I was addicted.

This brings me to my most recent completed project: Serpent’s Tongue Ink. It’s the home-away-from-home for the Baker brothers, the gathering place where stories are shared, reputations are rebuilt, and unbreakable bonds are formed.

I decided to bring the town of Epson into the front flap, showcasing the water tower which loomed over the Baker brothers and divided the town between the haves and the have-nots. But I also wanted to bring the beauty of the town and the land around the tower to life around Birch Baker and Jocelyn Carter. This scene took a lot of time to layer, and I often had to walk away and return the next day to view it with fresh eyes.

Next came the inside of the tattoo parlour. My Ragdolled project had taught me a valuable lesson in figuring out the wiring and flooring system before getting into the fun details, so those were the first things I attacked. The battery-operated system is hidden under the floor, with the wires slipped discretely behind the shelving and wallpaper and an access panel rigged up with the tiles.

Another thing I learned with my first book nook was how to source, scrounge, and manufacture. Miniature kits were great for baseline items like the sink station and the cabinet, but dollhouse tattoo parlours require a lot of improvising. Felt squares folded and rolled made great towels and washcloths. A toothpick wrapped with tissue was a perfect paper towel roll. A sewing machine charm cut in half made for a decent tattoo machine. Beads of all sizes and colors brought elegance and detail, while wood shards with painted tips were ideal stand-ins for pencils.

Once it was complete, this project gave me a tangible piece of the Serpent’s Tongue Ink series. Through every step, I had to consider what Birch would hang on his walls, what colors he would choose, and how he would prep his work space. In the future, I’ll be creating miniature book nooks for River’s, Grey’s, and Winter’s stories and I already know each one will bring another piece of their world to life.

Who would’ve guessed when I jumped into an impromptu birthday gift for my mom that I would open up an entirely new creative outlet?

About the Author.

Katja Desjarlais is a music teacher by day and a paranormal romance writer by moonlight. She is an unapologetic music addict with an obsession for bad Bach puns despite her irrational aversion to Baroque. Her favorite words include ‘plethora’ and ‘dapper’, and she is physically repulsed by the word ‘moist’. Katja’s interest in the paranormal can be traced to her early childhood movie choices and to the collection of books she has stored on her phone for reading emergencies.

Desjarlais lives in northern Canada with her husband, three children, and polydactyl cat. Her summers are spent driving across North America with her family, while the long Canadian winters are made more bearable by attending heavy metal concerts.

When Reality Tries to Copy Your Fiction

February 4, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Hello readers!

The 5th book in the Infiltrix series, The Extraction, releases on February 4th and I am super excited for you to read this high-octane thriller. Hold onto your seats as the team of brave spies battle against deadly odds to restore peace and save each other. The Extraction will give fans answers, hope, and lots of love. Hang in there until the satisfying end!

Send me an email at [email protected] if you figured out some of the clues or if I had you completely stumped. I love to hear from readers!

Speaking of comments, I’ve had several from readers about how the Infiltrix series mirrors some of the ugliness we are living through today. It feels like my futuristic fictional world is coming to life in real time in America and it is scary as heck.

When I created a world where a militant government destroyed basic human freedoms, I was not predicting that ICE agents would be in our neighborhoods or peaceful protestors would be killed while observing their constitutional rights. I am not a psychic. I am a writer who is heart-broken about what’s happening in our streets. Readers might be surprised to learn the origins for my Cold War spy thriller began in another country.

When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, I was scared for the Ukrainian people. I couldn’t stop thinking about how horrible it would be to have a dictator steal the rights of ordinary people. What if something like that happened in the US? How could we fight back? The idea ate at me. I started writing about Agent Heather Slade six years ago because I wanted a female spy to lead a team to save us all from such a dangerous future.

I knew then, as I do now, that there will always be brave people to fight for freedom, justice, dignity, and the truth. Regular people can do extraordinary things to help others.

We are seeing this play out in real time too.

Ordinary people are coming together far and wide to stand for freedom and human rights with nothing more than handmade signs and their voices. Neighbors are supporting neighbors. Strangers are linking arms to protect folks they’ve never met.

This is the America I love.

I am so appreciative of readers who have gone on Agent Heather Slade’s journey with me. Your reviews have given me so much strength and support. Thank you!

About the Author

Kimberley Troutte is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has been a Top 100 Amazon author and a Top 10 Romantic Suspense bestselling author for Amazon. Kimberley was a finalist in both the Vivian® and the RITA®–the highest awards for excellence in romance. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, a wild cat, a large iguana, an old snake, and all the other creatures that hubby and boys rescue.

To learn more about her novels, please visit her at www.kimberleytroutte.com and sign up for the newsletter.

Author Kristin Vayden drops by the Tule blog to talk about ‘The Viscount’s Duty’

February 3, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Hello, fellow lovers of Regency romance! Is there anything better? The swoon-worthy romance, the intrigue, the glittering excess of the London ton and their parties—I’m hooked, and have been for nearly twenty years. I’ve been writing almost as long, which feels fitting, really.

I’m Kristin Vayden, and I’ve written about three dozen novels ranging from Historical Romance to Contemporary, with a little cowboy romance thrown in for good measure. I adore reading romance, so naturally, I couldn’t resist writing it too.

I live in eastern Washington, which surprises people because—plot twist—it’s a desert. No evergreen forests here, just sagebrush, sand, and rolling bare hills. But it’s also wine country, and I can walk to wineries from my house. You won’t hear a single complaint from me.

Family and faith are my grounding constants. I actually have a music degree (not literature), and I’m involved with my church’s worship team. My full-time job, though? Mom. With five kids, life is busy in the very best way. Two are technically adults (heavy emphasis on technically), and three are still in school. It’s a demanding, beautiful calling, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Being married to my own tall, dark, and handsome hero doesn’t hurt my romance-writing credentials either. Together we’ve built a life full of kids, chickens, bees, and a massive garden that I swear I’ll make smaller next year… but never do. It’s a problem. A very good problem.

Life is full—full of good things. I hope you’ll check out my newest release, The Viscount’s Duty, and let yourself get swept away by a great adventure and a very good love story.

About the Author.

Kristin draws inspiration for her heartfelt romance novels from her charming husband, whose striking blue eyes and tall, dark presence spark her creativity. A busy mom of five, she juggles kisses, cooking, and cleaning with joy, embracing the chaos of family life. Tending to her flock of chickens and bees in Eastern Washington, she finds bliss in both nature and nurturing. An avid baker, Kristin whips up sweet treats as passionately as her stories. A lover of coffee, wine, and adventure, she’s never far from her next cup or a scenic stroll.

Need a Pick-Me-Up? Check Out Our February Releases (plus our monthly giveaway!)

February 2, 2026 · Posted by Tule Publishing

New month, new mysteries! Whether you’re looking for a mystery with political intrigue, procedural mystery, or a Nun in Seattle, we’ve got the perfect read.

GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?

We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the February mystery releases.

Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.

Good luck and happy reading!

The Extraction

By: Kimberley Troutte

An undercover agent with fractured memories and a kill device. Her foreign spy partner on a separate mission, determined to return and protect her. Two missions. Two countdown clocks. Thousands of lives at risk.

Heather Slade’s cover may be blown, but still she’s determined to sneak into a secret, heavily-guarded prisoner of war camp, knowing her only option to save the innocent inmates is to become one. She has no weapons, no backup and a slim chance of success, but her young daughter may be held in the camp.

Miguel Robles’s new assignment turns lethal when he’s injected with a deadly toxin that will kill him in three days. He’s evacuated to Mexico City and his family gathers, certain it’s the end. But will the fight for his life reveal the answers he and Heather have been searching for?

Heather and Miguel will fight together to stay alive and be reunited with their loved ones. But Someone at HQ has been pulling the strings from the beginning, and the mission and enemies and allies may not be what they seem.

Buttercream and Bullets

By: Lisa Siefert

She just wants to sell cupcakes and avoid drama. When a killer strikes close to home, will she whisk up the perfect trap or get burned trying?

Ava Decker is starved for commitment. Unsure what to do about the three men tearing her in different directions, the sarcastic baker is kicking off January with a massive hangover and the urge to eat her feelings. But when she drags herself to the museum to clean up after the town’s New Year’s Eve bash, she discovers not only stale treats but also the editor of the local newspaper … shot to death.

Leaning on forensic skills she’s earned by being an unfortunate corpse magnet, the big-hearted shop owner resumes her role as neighborhood amateur sleuth and starts exploring clues. Yet as she digs up info on feuding co-workers, missing money, and crooked politicians, she realizes the sharp-tongued wordsmith had a whole pantry’s worth of enemies.

Can she celebrate the sweet reward of catching a murderer before this becomes a recipe for disaster?

Buttercream and Bullets is the warmly satirical seventh book in the Frosted Misfortunes Mysteries culinary cozy series. If you like quirky characters with millennial snark, laugh-out-loud humor, and feline sidekicks who steal scenes, then you’ll love Lisa Siefert’s relatable shenanigans.

A Fatal Habit

By: Melissa Westemeier

When everyone’s in costume, even a killer can hide in plain sight…

Sister Bernadette Ohlson planned a quiet weekend in Seattle catching up with her old friend Sister Eleanor—not tracking down her murderer. But when Eleanor improbably turns up dead after having a cocktail with a cosplaying character during Comic Con, Sister Bernie refuses to return safely home and pray for answers. With the clock ticking before the convention ends and thousands of possible suspects scatter, Bernie teams up with her former student, Detective AJ Lewis, to uncover the truth behind a killer hiding behind a mask.

From movie characters to anime icons, every cosplayer could be a suspect—and every clue seems to lead to a dead end. AJ worries his favorite nun is in over her head, but Bernie’s faith in human nature and her unholy habit of ignoring good advice may be the only things standing between justice and a perfect crime.

Fans of witty amateur sleuth mysteries, fun-loving characters, and page-turning whodunits will love this lighthearted mystery set amid the chaos and cosplay of Comic Con. Perfect for readers of Richard Osman, Jeanne M. Dams, and Jana DeLeon.

Ties that Kill

By: Fran Thomas Jr.

Only one FBI agent stands between justice and a Black man with a violent past dying in a hail of gunfire.

A brutal crime has shattered quiet Lennington, Massachusetts, a blue-collar town haunted by privilege and secrets. FBI hostage negotiator Frank McAlister is pulled from vacation into a volatile standoff: three dead, two officers wounded, and the accused, local football hero Noah Winston – a skilled marksman with a troubled past – barricaded inside his house. When a naked body is later found at the lakefront home of a wealthy industrialist, a past thought successfully buried by rich and powerful people threatens to surface.

With the clock ticking, tensions high, and his own job on the line, McAlister joins forces with investigative reporter Shannon Winters, and together they discover more suspicious deaths. How are they connected? They soon realize their true task is not to determine who killed these men, but why. With the help of Noah’s friends, they begin to unravel a decades-old coverup, while navigating the politics of race and power warring in real time on their watch.

In this gripping procedural mystery, the line between justice and vengeance blurs, and every revelation sheds light on a wrong Noah Winston would not let stand.

Murder on Site

By: TG Wolff

In the corridors of Indiana’s justice system, power is both a weapon and a curse.

Jakob Rizk never expected to become Indiana’s acting attorney general—especially not after his mentor’s sudden death. Two weeks in, he’s losing sleep, battling a ruthless rival, and facing off with a powerful senator focused on his downfall. The last thing he needs is for his twin, Seth—a Miami cop hiding secrets of his own—to arrive unexpectedly.

Jakob is under pressure to prosecute a young engineer for the murder of a hard-nosed inspector famous for rooting out corruption. But with scant evidence and clear signs of political interference, the case is a minefield. Jakob has always lived by the law, but now one misstep could cost him a career.

Together, the brothers must unravel a web of greed and deception, each dead set on appearing strong in the other’s eyes. As they race the clock, which matters more: the truth, their careers, or fragile bonds that could be shattered forever?

Fans of Scott Turow will find themselves right at home in this gripping legal mystery.