Tickled to Death by Laura DeLuca

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She’s got the whip, he’s got the cuffs—solving murders has never been this kinky… or this complicated.

Tickled to Death
A Domme Mom Murder Mystery Book 1
by Laura DeLuca
Genre: Murder Mystery, Erotic Comedy

Crime was yesterday’s kink… until it came crawling back.

Former paralegal Rhonda Campbell left the law behind when she swapped legal pads for latex. Now, as Mistress Kali, she runs the most exclusive BDSM dungeon in Atlantic City, where pleasure pays the bills and fantasy is always in play—until a longtime client is smothered with a French tickler. Talk about a safe word fail.

Enter newly relocated Detective Jason Dee, fresh off the gritty streets of Philly and itching for a real case—because so far, New Jersey’s biggest offense seems to be overpriced cocktails. When he finally lands a murder investigation, his prime suspect is a whip-smart, leather-clad domme who’s as infuriating as she is intriguing.

With a killer on the loose and tensions rising, Rhonda and Jason must combine their expertise in sex and homicide to crack the case—before another victim is tickled to death.

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Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her four children and multiple cats. Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult.

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Badges, Bondage, and Murder: Meet the Cops & Doms of the Domme Mom Murder Mystery Series!

Welcome to the wild world of the Domme Mom Murder Mystery series, where crime, kink, and chaos collide! Our fearless and occasionally reckless heroine, Rhonda Campbell, isn’t your typical suburban mom—she’s a dominatrix with a secret side gig as an undercover agent for the Atlantic City Police Department. And if juggling PTA meetings and police sting operations wasn’t enough, she’s also navigating the undeniable sexual tension between her and the ever-brooding Detective Jason Dee.

But let’s be real—solving crime in Atlantic City takes more than just a dynamic duo. It takes an entire army of sharp-tongued cops, quick-witted dominants, and enough snark to keep things spicy. So, as the series unfolds, you’ll be seeing plenty of these recurring characters—whether they’re busting bad guys, stirring up drama, or just trying and failing to keep Rhonda from jumping headfirst into danger.

Let’s meet the crew who’ll be keeping crime and each other in check!

Rhonda Campbell—aka Mistress Kali—is the reigning queen of D.O.M.M.E, LLC, the Jersey Shore’s top BDSM dungeon. Once a teen mom balancing legal briefs and baseball games, she traded secretarial work for six-figure fantasies, turning her dominance into a thriving business. But when a client turns up dead, Rhonda finds herself entangled in a mess even she can’t control. With a killer on the loose and an annoyingly attractive detective on her case, she’s about to learn that crime-fighting might just be the kinkiest challenge yet.

Detective Jason Dee thought he left his demons behind in Philly, but when his ex-wife relocated to New Jersey with their daughter, so did he. Now working homicide in Atlantic City, he’s seen the worst the city has to offer—though nothing haunts him quite like his unfinished face-off with a serial killer who slipped through his fingers. Jason prefers cases that follow the rules, but when a murder leads him straight into the world of BDSM and the infuriatingly captivating Mistress Kali, he realizes he’s in for a whole new kind of power struggle—one that might cost him more than just control.

Emily Wiley—better known as MistressCoyote in the dungeon—owns every inch of her power, both as a plus-size goddess and as Rhonda’s ride-or-die since childhood. As co-owner of D.O.M.M.E, LLC, she keeps the business running like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly balancing dominance with deep, genuine care for her clients. When Rhonda goes undercover, there’s only one person she trusts to hold down the fort, and that’s Emily. But while everyone else buys into Rhonda’s relentless bickering with Detective Dee, Emily isn’t fooled—she sees the sparks flying beneath the snark and is just waiting for the inevitable explosion.

Detective Hashim Waqar is the antidote to Jason’s perpetual gloom—jovial, full of dad jokes, and utterly fascinated by D.O.M.M.E, LLC and its colorful clientele. He approaches the dungeon with wide-eyed curiosity and a never-ending supply of puns, much to the exasperation of both Rhonda and Jason. He’s especially intrigued by Emily—because, well, baby got back—but as a devoted family man, his admiration stays strictly in the “look, don’t touch” category. While Jason broods and Rhonda schemes, Hashim provides the comic relief… whether they like it or not.

Daphne Dinglehopper—better known as Mistress Sparkles—brings glitter, giggles, and a whole lot of furry fun to D.O.M.M.E, LLC. Specializing in the niche world of anthropomorphic fantasies, she’s as comfortable with a whip as she is with a fluffy tail. A little ditzy but endlessly endearing, Daphne has a knack for making friends everywhere she goes—whether they’re cops, dommes, or somewhere in between. While others navigate power struggles, she breezes through life with wide-eyed enthusiasm and a sparkling personality that’s hard to resist.

Vashaan Jacobs, whose alias is Black Silk runs security at D.O.M.M.E, LLC with the same discipline and precision that got him through the Marines. A former physical therapist for wounded warriors, he knows a thing or two about resilience—both mental and physical—and isn’t afraid to step in when things get out of hand. Silent but imposing, he’s the dungeon’s watchful guardian, ensuring that every scene stays safe and every threat is handled quietly and efficiently. While he doesn’t say much, when Vashaan speaks, people listen—and usually think twice before crossing him.

Mavis Kim is the head forensic scientist for the Atlantic City Police Department, and while her monotone voice makes it nearly impossible to gauge her emotions, don’t let that fool you—she’s sharp, quick-witted, and never short on snippy remarks aimed at the detectives. With a mind as precise as her work, Mavis is often the one to crack the case wide open, though her sarcasm and dry humor leave little room for small talk.

Jeremy Sylvester, aka One Nip, is a giant ginger with a back story as wild as his nickname. A former Olympic swimmer, his career took an unexpected turn when he lost a nipple in a poolside brawl. Now, as a bodyguard at D.O.M.M.E, LLC, he channels his muscular frame into protecting the dungeon’s most precious assets. Despite his size, Jeremy is as sensitive as they come and quick to get emotional. Big heart, big muscles, and a vulnerability that makes him the ultimate lovable softie.

Granger Cattau, aka Master Ranger, is the charismatic dom who caters to the dungeon’s gay clientele with flair and finesse. A musical theater school dropout, he uses his acting skills to bring a dramatic intensity to his dominant persona, commanding attention with every move. But once the dungeon doors close, Granger sheds his tough exterior and reveals his true self: a flamboyant, sweet-hearted teddy bear who’s all about spreading love and kindness. With a sharp wit and a heart of gold, he’s got a way of making every scene feel like a Broadway performance—complete with a standing ovation at the end.

Last but definitely not least—in more ways than one—is Benjamin Gigl, aka Master Obelisk. The male dungeon master who caters to both men and women, Obelisk is a fan favorite; not just for his commanding presence but also for being very well-endowed, which he proudly showcases in tight latex outfits that leave little to the imagination. Openly bisexual and in a polyamorous relationship with six other people including a former Amish man, Benji is all about living life without restrictions. Confident, charismatic, and unapologetically himself, Obelisk brings a whole new level of pleasure and play to D.O.M.M.E, LLC—and, well, he knows it.

So this is the Domme Mom crew, and trust me, their story is just getting started. I’ve got at least twelve more stories outlined, so buckle up—this ride’s not slowing down anytime soon. Grab your copy of Tickled to Death today and dive into the first chapter of the series, because you’re going to want to be there from the very beginning. And just you wait for Book 2, Blow the Whistle, hitting shelves in 2026! Rhonda and Vashaan go undercover in a medium-security prison, which means the detectives are stuck stepping in as security guards. Yeah, you can already imagine the chaos. Don’t miss it—things are about to get even kinkier… and much, much more dangerous.

Images created with the help of Microsoft Copilot

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The Always and Forever Trilogy by Vera Bell

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Vera Bell is a Georgia Author of the Year nominee and the award-winning author of the “Always and Forever” trilogy, set in sixteenth-century Ireland and present-day United States. Book One, “Through the Veneer of Time,” is her debut novel. She wrote it after trying past life regression and finding herself immersed in a world so captivating, she couldn’t let it go. A former commercial artist, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, two teenagers, and one fur baby. Her favorite place to write is on her porch, overlooking a pond lined with river birches and magnolias. The topics she never tires of are bygone eras, our universal human condition, and love that transcends time and space.

Want to be in the know? Join Vera’s private mailing list to get first dibs on cover reveals, sneak peeks, new releases, free giveaways, and much more at https://www.verabellauthor.com.

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Step into 16th-century Ireland and present-day United States when you open the pages of The Always and Forever Trilogy by Vera Bell.

Through the Veneer of Time
Always and Forever Book 1

For fans of Diana Gabaldon and Susanna Kearsley comes a riveting new tale of time travel and romantic suspense: A haunted painter’s past life visions are not the creative inspiration they seemed. They’re a harbinger of her ancient revenge vow, and her FBI husband won’t find the serial killer until she fulfills it. But it may already be too late.

1559, ULSTER, IRELAND. When a young noblewoman Neave McConway weds the newly elected King of Tyrone, Aedan O’Neal, the couple’s rare union of love and passion becomes the talk of the region. But Aedan’s bold rule and fierce defiance of the English crown threaten his powerful enemies, and they’ll stop at nothing to crush his growing influence. After Aedan rides off to fight against the English occupiers, Neave suffers a shocking attack that will forever alter both their lives — as well as the lives they have not yet lived.

2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. While mural artist Siena Forte battles a creative block, her FBI husband Ryan Casey struggles with a serial killer case. When research leads Siena to the practice of Past Life Regression, she stumbles upon irresistible inspiration. But after her art exposes her to a vicious ancient adversary, she discovers the true reason for her past life visions. They’re a harbinger of her centuries-old revenge vow, and the serial killer can’t be stopped until she fulfills it. But there is another person from the past with unfinished business—her husband.

Will Siena and Ryan settle their long-overdue score, or will the past repeat itself in a chilling parallel?

If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, fantasy, and a touch of magic, don’t miss this thrilling read!

“A true masterpiece. It is a book that once read is impossible to forget.”
— Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company

“The intricate and creative plot is one you will not want to miss. Anxiously awaiting book two.”
— Five Star Review from Reader Views

“Vera Bell’s novel successfully combines historical fiction, romance, and a contemporary thriller. “
— Historical Novel Society

“Past and present lives collide in Vera Bell’s hauntingly beautiful debut. A sexy, sensuous tale.”
— Julie McElwain, national award-winning journalist and author of A Murder in Time

“Bell mixes romance, mystery, and history to take the reader on an adventure across centuries.”
— BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly

“Against the backdrop of love, hate, and a killer’s threat lies the attraction of a thriller’s fast pace and heated twists.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Into the Lure of Time
Always and Forever Book 2

In this gripping sequel to the award-winning novel, Through the Veneer of Time, echoes of Siena’s past life lure her into a shocking indiscretion that threatens to destroy her marriage. She alone can undo the damage, but this chilling revelation is only the beginning of her battle.

1564, ULSTER, IRELAND. After Aedan’s diplomatic visit to Queen Elizabeth’s court results in his compulsory divorce and arranged marriage, Neave’s violent unraveling drives her into another man’s arms. But in seeking revenge, Neave falls into a perfect trap set by Aedan’s enemy. By the time she learns the truth, it’s too late to undo the damage to Aedan, herself, and the hard-won peace in Ulster. When despair makes her reckless, the price will be a lifetime of infamy, confinement, and isolation from what Neave treasures most—Aedan and her son.

2011, WASHINGTON D.C./DALLAS, TX. It seems like a reasonable plan—Siena finishing her final mural in D.C. while Ryan starts his new job in Dallas. But when Siena meets Ryan’s new FBI partner, an inexplicable fit of jealousy sends her on a downward spiral. To make matters worse, the present mirrors the past when her visions take a startling turn. Consumed by insecurities, Siena takes a drastic step, which proves a catastrophic lapse in judgment. When her self-fulfilling prophecy unfolds in a devastating inversion of the past, Siena’s actions could cost her the two people she most fears to lose—Ryan and their baby.

Will Siena and Ryan beat their disastrous odds, or is their marriage foredoomed?

If you love time travel romance with dark undertones, as well as elements of domestic suspense, psychosexual thriller, reincarnation, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the second installment of the Always and Forever trilogy!

“An achingly beautiful story that lingered in my thoughts long after I’d finished the last page.”
— Jodi Jensen, Author of Sophie’s Key

“Bell had me feeling ‘all the feels’ as I feverishly turned each page.”
— Five Star Review from Reader Views

“Vera’s brilliant storytelling comes out in full force again in this exceptional sequel.”
— The Bookish Historian Book Reviews

“It’s literally taking me a few days to finally come down from the rollercoaster. (I mean that in the best way).”
— Irish Booklover Book Reviews

“BEWARE… this book will leave you with an awful hangover and thinking about it for days long after you’ve finished.”
— Kindle Babe Book Reviews

“Bell’s vision is imaginative, sexy, and sweeping. The author offers a distinctive voice for the two time periods (and) populates the novel with complex and flawed characters.”
— BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly

“Not only a satisfying continuation of Siena’s growth process, but a story that simmers with intrigue, passion, historical insights, and thoroughly engrossing revelations.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Will you defy your past… or be consumed by it?

Beneath the Shadow of Time
Always and Forever Book 3
by Vera Bell
Genre: Time Travel Romantic Suspense, Historical Mystery

In this riveting conclusion to the Always and Forever trilogy, Ryan’s classified new case awakens Siena’s greatest fears. As shadows of the past deepen and close in, only Ryan’s fulfillment of his ancient sacred vow can dispel them.

1566, ULSTER, IRELAND. Neave lives in fear as Queen Elizabeth’s obscene bounty on Aedan’s head turns him into a target. Undeterred, Aedan enlists his allies, the Antrim Scots, in his relentless fight to free Ireland from English rule. But when greed and treachery hide in plain sight, nothing is as it seems. After Aedan’s plans crumble in a shocking twist, he makes a solemn oath to heartbroken Neave—one he may have to honor in another lifetime.

2013, MIAMI, FL. When Siena discovers the truth about Ryan’s new case and their tragic past life, she realizes he is in mortal danger. Tormented, she begs him to quit, but Ryan is determined despite an inner voice urging him to do right by her. Unwilling to be sidetracked, he resolves to deal with it later and on his own terms. But when a ruthless cartel takes Ryan hostage, he just might run out of time.

Will Ryan uphold his vow to Siena, or are they destined for disaster… again?

If you love time travel romance with elements of reincarnation, suspense, mystery, drama, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the grand finale of the Always and Forever trilogy!

NEW RELEASE!! Get it On Sale TODAY!
$0.99 (USA), £0.99 (UK), $1.99 (CA), $1.99 (AUS)

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Q&A With the Author

Q: What inspired you to write Through the Veneer of Time?
A:
My experience with Past Life Regression (PLR) felt like time travel—vivid and intense, filled with an explosion of colors, sounds, smells, and textures. Though my session ended abruptly and left the story incomplete, it profoundly impacted me and sparked this blend of Irish time travel romance, historical suspense, and FBI mystery.

Q: What can readers expect from your novel?
A: The plot bridges past and present, weaving a suspenseful love story with a dark historical thriller. Readers will encounter danger, love that transcends time and space, and a heroine who must confront her past life and buried secrets to reclaim her future.

Q: How do you approach writing such multi-genre stories?
A: For me, writing is like carving stone. I start with a rough draft, then refine each scene, layering in emotions, historical details, and suspense. I often listen to music when I write. It helps me connect with my characters, especially during dark or emotionally charged moments.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
A: Writing the serial killer’s perspective meant exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. Balancing themes of trauma and redemption for my heroine was equally challenging, especially in one unconventional scene where the hero must make a morally gray choice to save her. It took months to perfect.

Q: Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?
A: At its heart, Through the Veneer of Time celebrates love, honor, and resilience. It asks how far a man will go to save the woman he loves and what his wedding vow means when tested—to love in sickness as well as in health. The story explores how a couple can overcome physical and psychological obstacles together, complementing each other’s strengths. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that love has the power to conquer all.

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No One’s Home by D. M. Pulley ~ Book Review

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  • Title: No One’s Home
  • Author: D. M. Pulley
  • Publication Date: 9/1/2019
  • Genre: Horror | Ghost Thriller | historical mysteries
  • Pages: 397

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RATING OVERVIEW (4.25 STARS)

Writing: ★★★★ Story: ★★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Appearance: ★★★★ ★

AMAZON DESCRIPTION:

or fans of The Haunting of Hill House comes a dark tale of a mansion haunted by a legacy of tragedy and a family trapped by lies.

Margot and Myron Spielman move to a new town, looking for a fresh start and an escape from the long shadow of their past. But soon after they buy Rawlingswood, a foreclosed mansion rumored to be haunted, they realize they’re in for more of the same…or worse.

After a renovation fraught with injuries and setbacks, the Spielmans move in to the century-old house, and their problems quickly escalate. The home’s beautiful facade begins to crumble around them when their teenage son uncovers disturbing details of Rawlingswood’s history—a history of murder, betrayal, and financial ruin. The Spielmans’ own shameful secrets and lies become harder to hide as someone or something inside the house watches their every move.

As tensions build between the family members, the home’s dark history threatens to repeat itself. Margot and Myron must confront their own ghosts and Rawlingswood’s buried past before the house becomes their undoing.

MY 2 CENTS / THE CRITICAL POINTS:

No One’s Home has been compared to The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, which I’ve read… It’s scary. This book, although good, does not compare. It just didn’t live up to the hype.

WRITING (★★★★): Pulley is a great writer. Her descriptive text is beautiful and she does a great job of pulling you into a scene. However, this book covers the story of five different families, at five different periods in time; the Rawlings family 1922-1931, the Bell family 1936-1972, the Klussman Family 1972-1990, the Martin Family, and the Spielman family – present day. Although the writing is good and the stories are interesting, going back and forth between the different time periods only pulled me out of the story. Each time the story shifted, I had to take a moment to think back, figure out who these characters were and what their story was. That was a huge distraction for me. Although I can see this story working really well as a movie, shifting from one period to the next with lighting changes, appropriate set dressing, and costumes for each time period, it just didn’t work for me as a novel. I see the film done in a similar manor as American Horror Story, which actors playing multiple roles within the time period – almost a reincarnation of spirit sort of thing.


STORY (★★★★): The story is well thought out although maybe could have been structured a little better. I think this could have worked really well as a series of short stories… a collection of stories that take place over the years all centered around this one house in Shaker Heights.


CHARACTERS (★★★★): I wasn’t really sure who the main character was. The back of the book reads as if Margot and Myron Spielman are the main focus, but then their son, Hunter pulls more of the focus when reading. Then, you have to consider all of the other families you’re learning about. The Spielman family isn’t given any more “screen time” or “ink” than any of the other families. So, what family did Pulley really want this story to be about? I think we could have learned so much about the history of the story and been drawn in more to each of the stories if this were a collection of short stories.


APPEARANCE (★★★★★): The cover is beautiful. It even has the feel of the cover from The Haunting of Hill House although this one is set in blues were as The Haunting of Hill House is more oranges and Yellows. Whoever designed the cover, I give them credit. The creepy old house with the single light in the attic really does draw you in. I noticed this one on the shelf the instant I walked past and even before reading the back, I knew I was going to read the book. That to me, is the sign of a really good cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

D.M. Pulley lives in northeast Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a dog named Hobo. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Professional Engineer rehabbing historic structures and conducting forensic investigations of building failures. Pulley’s structural survey of a vacant building in Cleveland inspired her debut novel, The Dead Key, the winner of the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Since then, Pulley has sold over a half a million books worldwide, and her work has been translated into eight different languages.

Pulley’s historical mysteries shine a light into the darker side of life in the Midwest during the twentieth century, when cities like Detroit and Cleveland struggled to survive. Her latest novel, No One’s Home, unravels the disturbing history of an old mansion haunted by family secrets, financial ruin, and murder. The abandoned buildings, haunted houses, and buried past of the Rust Belt continue to inspire her work. Learn more at www.dmpulley.com.

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Also by D. M. Pulley

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The Unclaimed Victim

What if the last victim of Cleveland’s infamous Torso Killer got away?

In 1938, a serial killer terrorizes Cleveland, Ohio, leaving a trail of bodies along the rails and riverbeds. Ethel, a street-hardened woman who’s lost everything, takes refuge inside a city mission only to find that its righteous facade conceals the darkest of secrets. As she wanders the twisting corridors, it becomes clear she may never leave the mission alive.

Sixty years later, the police discover the body of Alfred Wiley, dismembered in a disturbingly familiar way. His daughter, Kris, finds herself pulled into Cleveland’s haunting past as things he never told her begin to surface. Stolen books about the unsolved Torso Murders, missing archives, serial killer chat rooms, and an abandoned city mission are all somehow connected to his disappearance. The more she learns of her father’s obsession with the Torso Killer, the further she stumbles into a madman’s sights.

Separated by decades but trapped in the same killer’s web, Ethel and Kris must unravel the truth behind the city’s most notorious unsolved murders . . . or die trying.


The Dead Key

2014 Winner — Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award — Grand Prize and Mystery & Thriller Fiction Winner

It’s 1998, and for years the old First Bank of Cleveland has sat abandoned, perfectly preserved, its secrets only speculated on by the outside world.

Twenty years before, amid strange staff disappearances and allegations of fraud, panicked investors sold Cleveland’s largest bank in the middle of the night, locking out customers and employees, and thwarting a looming federal investigation. In the confusion that followed, the keys to the vault’s safe-deposit boxes were lost.

In the years since, Cleveland’s wealthy businessmen kept the truth buried in the abandoned high-rise. The ransacked offices and forgotten safe-deposit boxes remain locked in time, until young engineer Iris Latch stumbles upon them during a renovation survey. What begins as a welcome break from her cubicle becomes an obsession as Iris unravels the bank’s sordid past. With each haunting revelation, Iris follows the looming shadow of the past deeper into the vault—and soon realizes that the key to the mystery comes at an astonishing price.


The Buried Book

When Althea Leary abandons her nine-year-old son, Jasper, he’s left on his uncle’s farm with nothing but a change of clothes and a Bible.

It’s 1952, and Jasper isn’t allowed to ask questions or make a fuss. He’s lucky to even have a home and must keep his mouth shut and his ears open to stay in his uncle’s good graces. No one knows where his mother went or whether she’s coming back. Desperate to see her again, he must take matters into his own hands. From the farm, he embarks on a treacherous search that will take him to the squalid hideaways of Detroit and back again, through tawdry taverns, peep shows, and gambling houses.

As he’s drawn deeper into an adult world of corruption, scandal, and murder, Jasper uncovers the shocking past still chasing his mother—and now it’s chasing him too.