My first line firday for today comes from AIDEN, book 2 in the PRIDE OF BROTHERS Series from Wild Rose Press
Tired, hungry, and itching to get home, Aiden bit into his preflight burger and all but sighed.
A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: AIDEN
Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister’s death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn’t believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn’t know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered.
Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client.
When their investigation puts Lexi’s life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her.
I would really like to know what you think of the book if you’ve read it. If you liked, it, hated it, were bored, were disappointed. I have no ego when it comes to reviews ( have you seen my 1 stars???!). I just want to know if I hit the reading for enjoyment mark or not. I write every book for me. And then I put it out in the world where not anyone else is like me. Kind of sounds defeatist, doesn’t it? But I really do enjoy feedback because it only help me grow as a writer.
So, it you read it, BLESS YOU.
If it’s on your TBR, BLESS YOU.
Hit me up with your thoughts and reviews. And remember, the best way to help a writer is to write a review and post it on goodreads, amazon, fable, bookbub, someplace where other readers can see it and discover the author.
of things I’ve got going on, or that are coming downe the pike.
My head spins sometimes with everything I need to do, organize, write, and take care of at one time, just so I don’t forget it all, or forget to let people know about it.
So, here goes with what I’ve got going on right now.
“MY LOVE TO YOU ALL.” A Daughter’s journey through grief, is available on BOOKSPROUT for those of you who do read and review. This book is a raw accounting of what happened to me after my mother died, suddenly, and how I couldn’t deal with my grief at the time because of the million other things going on simultaneously. Here’s the link for those interested: BOOKSPROUT. If you’re not a reviewer, the book comes out on 5.4.26 right in time for Mother’s Day 2026 and YES, I did time it that way.
Book 2 in the FBI Profilers series, VENDETTA, drops tomorrow, March 31, 2026. It’s a standalone suspense concerning a family annihilator and a revenge murder plot. The pre-reviews have been amazing (GOODREADS ) and I’m so pleased. Here’s the link if you want to get it digitally, VENDETTA but you know you can always get it from me via this website.
On April 18, 2026 from 1230 until 230 pm I will be at BOOKCON at the Javits Center in New York. I’ll be at the RWA booth, # 559 in Hall 3 and I’ll have copies of the rebranded DIRTY DAMSELS with me for sale. Plus, of course, I’m gonna have swag, so if you were lucky enough to get tickets to Bookcon, come see me! PLEASE!! LOL
The following weekend, April25/26 I will be at the NEW ENGLAND BOOK BALL up in Mt. Washington, NH. There’s so much that’s going to be happening during this event. I’m on several author panels, including one on mental health, plus there is a Book Cover contest, and a Ball!!!
Many of you aleady know that I signed up to be a RAMP Mentor this year through RWA. I have been working diligently with my Mentee, and we are having a lot of fun getting her first romance book in good enough shape to submit for publishing. This has been an amazing experience for me. I have always beleived we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I fully intend to be stnadonable shoulders for someone else who loves to write as much as I do.
I will be attending RWA 2026 in Albuquerque this July. and I as giving a workshop on writing the Happily Ever Holiday Romance – here’s the twist : the holidays aren’t just the ones that come in December1
I see that there are a bunch of book signings this year that I really should be trying to get into, but as I said at the beginning of this year, I’m tired and those signings cost way more money than I ever make, so…
So it’s hard to believe I’m already starting to promote another book when I’ve got VENDETTA coming out this Tuesday, but I decided to let everyone know that I’ve put “MY LOVE TO YOU ALL.” up on Booksprout. So if you are a subscriber, here’s the link: Booksprout
and a little about the book…
“Grief comes in waves, tsunamis, and droplets.”
When her mother died unexpectedly, Peggy Jaeger used her writing blog to help her navigate through her grief. Detailing her mother’s tortured life – and their oftentimes contentious relationship – allowed her to understand the decisions and events that comprised her mother’s 87 years and made her the woman she’d grown to be. With brutal and at times painful honesty, Peggy details her mother’s life; one that knew suffering, heartache, supreme loss, mental illness and paranoia.
This is the story of how two women – mother and daughter – learned the power behind the gift of forgiveness and helped Peggy come out on the other side of her grief a stronger, wiser, and more understanding person.
If you read and review on Netgalley, I’ve got that link coming in the next few days. It takes them longer to get everything set up.
The book releases on May 4th just in time for Mother’s Day.
RICK is the first book in the PRIDE OF BROTHERs Series from WILD ROSE PRESS, and if I’m being honest – he’s a fan favorite, lol.
First line:
“Maybe you want to slow down the champagne chugging, Abs,” Gemma Laine sad, her tone more suggestive of a parent than a sibling, as she lowered her camera and regarded her older sister.
Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.
Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.
Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.
I don’t usually post things like I am about to do here. I try to bring positivity and light to my blog writing because there is enough darkness and negativity in the world right now and I don’t want to be a purveyor of those same things.
But…
A few days ago I received an email that sent me down a rabbit hole of research and I want to tell you all about it, what I did, and the resolution.
As a writer, I get between 15 and 20 emails and phone calls ( how they get my number I will never know!) a day from individuals claiming to be book marketers, book club presidents, even PR people who want to HELP me promote my books and get them into the hands of readers for reviews. Or they want to interview me on their podcast for a “nominal fee” to cover sound booth costs. If you’re a writer these days, you’ve seen, received, and heard about these book scammers. I usually read the email, block the sender, then hit delete and go on my merry writing day.
But as I said, the other day, I got an email that was so different from all the others that I actually thought it might be a real, true, request. Notice I say, MIGHT. That’s because I’m nothing if not a doubter. I came out of the womb questioning everything from the harsh overhead lighting to the reason I needed to smacked on the butt by the doc.
Anyway.
Here is the email I received, in its entirety, just as it appeared in my email box:
Mon, Mar 23 at 11:46 AM
Dear Peggy Jaeger,
I hope you’re having an inspired week.
My name is Priyal Agrawal, and I am a Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins Publishers. I recently came across your novel The Sheriff and the Psychic: Welcome to Renewal Book One and was immediately drawn to its engaging blend of romance, mystery, and small-town intrigue.
At HarperCollins, we are always interested in contemporary fiction that combines suspenseful storytelling with rich character development and emotionally compelling relationships. Your portrayal of Police Psychic Silvestra Coeltrain navigating both personal challenges and a mysterious series of events in Renewal, Oklahoma, alongside Sheriff Caleb Blackbear, creates a captivating narrative that balances romance, tension, and small-town charm.
What specifically stood out to me in The Sheriff and the Psychic:
Strong, Enigmatic Protagonists Silvestra and Caleb’s chemistry, combined with their individual complexities, provides readers with relatable and compelling characters whose interactions drive the story.
Blend of Mystery and Romance The intertwined plot of livestock deaths, a murder, and personal stakes creates suspense, while the romantic tension adds depth and emotional resonance.
Vivid Small-Town Setting Renewal, Oklahoma, comes alive through your detailed depiction of its landscape, community, and unique inhabitants, enriching the narrative and grounding the suspenseful events.
I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your inspiration for writing The Sheriff and the Psychic, your process in developing both the mystery and romantic elements, and any additional projects you may currently be working on.
Next Steps: If you have a literary agent, please feel free to put us in touch. If you are currently unrepresented, I would be happy to continue the conversation directly and discuss potential possibilities for your work.
Thank you for sharing such an engaging and suspenseful story. I look forward to the possibility of connecting.
Looks legit, right? The Publisher logo; the links. And I’ve heard of indie writers whose books were picked up by trad publishers before, so for a moment I thought…is this happeneing to me??
Then my logical brain took over. Because I am such a good researcher ( thank you Nursing career), I immediately went into spy mode. I didn’t click on the links at the end of the email because doing so could have engaged a virus – something my computer geek squad tells me about ad nauseum. But I did Google the HarperCollins website. I typed in the individual’s name into the “about us” link. No info. Them I scrolled around on the site and found something interesting. This, at the bottom of their first webpage:
The last two links is what I found interesting When I clicked on the first one, I found this:
Publishing Fraud Alert
We are aware of reports that scammers impersonating HarperCollins staff or claiming to be literary agents are targeting authors with false book acquisition offers. These individuals request that the author pay them or provide sensitive financial information in exchange for literary services, to facilitate a publishing agreement, or even to arrange a film or TV deal. Their emails sometimes include letters purporting to bear HarperCollins logos, imprint names, and staff signatures.
These communications are fraudulent. They do not come from HarperCollins and are not associated with our editorial processes.
Interesting, no? So I did what a good little spy would do and emailed them at the fraud link provided.
This is what I sent and what I got in reply:
Me: Goodmorning. I received this email this morning from someone claiming to be a HCP representative, and believe it may be fraudulent. Please advise. Peggy jaeger
HC: Hello Peggy,
I hope you are well. This is not a legitimate offer from HarperCollins Publishers. You may be the victim of a scam. As HarperCollins is unable to report crimes on your behalf, we encourage all targets of publishing scams to report the matter their local law enforcement agency, the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center, and the FTC’s fraud reporting website.
Thank you.
Robert Smigielski
Manager, Contract Operations
HarperCollins Publishers
195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
So, my instincts were correct. Always good to get the reassurance.
My next musings concern whether or not to notify the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center and the FTC. I’m still mulling that over.
But, Kids, I have no remorse naming this scammer. I think he/she/they gave away their right to privacy once they sent that fraudulent email to me. Save this post and if you receive anything that looks like the email I received, do your due diligence and call it out.
So, if you’re a writer – newbie or seasoned – trusts your instincts. If it sounds too good, it probably is. Do your homework. Do your reaearch.
Now, I asked myself, what if I’d sent that email to HCP and it turns out the person was legit? An actual editor was reaching out to acquire my already published indie book? Would I have killed any chance of being offered a contract by questioning the editor’s validity? And you know what my answer is? Okay.
Yeah. Simply, OKAY.
I still would have had selfrespect for deep diving into an issue that is plaguing one too many authors these days.
in exactly 14 days, this little book releases into the book reading world and I couldn’t be more excited – nervous, but excited.
I never intended to write another FBI book after Retribution, but…things happen and plans change. And now that they have – and with the ending of this book, well, book three is in the plotting stages.
What can I say? I like the serial killer/crimefiction genre, lol.
The ebook is just 99 cents across all digital media, including amazon plus you can purchase print copies on line and from my website order form.
My nerves are always shot when I have an imminent book release, so the next 2 weeks are going to torture for me, lol. Keep my in your prayers.
On the third day of his enforced vacation, Deacon Withers decided he’d had enough.
Tandy Blakemore spends her days running her New England ice cream parlor, single-parenting her teenage son, and trying to keep her head above financial water. No easy feat when the shop’s machinery is aging and her son is thinking about college. Tandy hasn’t had a day off in a decade and wonders if she’ll ever be able to live a worry-free life. Engineer Deacon Withers is on an enforced vacation in the tiny seaside town of Beacher’s Cove. Overworked, stressed, and lonely, he walks into Tandy’s shop for a midday ice cream cone and gets embroiled in helping her fix a broken piece of equipment. Can the budding friendship that follows lead to something everlasting?
I am a signing author at the first New England Book Ball next month and to ensure I have enough books with me for the expo, my preorder form is now live, here: PREORDER
I will not be bringing all the books listed on the form because I only have 1 table, so if you want a specific book, now is the time to ensure you receive it by preordering. I am taking orders and will send out the invoices 1 week prior to the event to make sure you still want the book(s).
This is going to be an amazing event! I can’t wait!
Peggy Jaeger, Author 