by Philip Eliot | Feb 22, 2026 | Humor & Entertainment |
“Humorous yet uplifting at the same time. By the novel’s last page, readers will be longing for more.” — BlueInk Reviews (Starred Review) 2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Gold Medal Winner for Humor 2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Winner: Silver Medal for Fiction – Humor/Comedy 2019 Texas Author Project Winner: Adult Fiction This is the story of J. D. Wiswall, a sincere young man from a small town, who joins a state government agency in a data entry department comprised of quirky clerks. Quickly endearing himself to the diverse group in Unit 3, J. D. learns his coworkers have a pact to share the $10,000 prize if they win a cost-savings program for a suggestion that could save the government money, in turn helping them rise above their own personal struggles. A multimillion-dollar cost-savings suggestion is accidentally discovered by J. D.’s supervisor, the goof-off alcoholic Brent Baker. This lucrative discovery catches the attention of crotchety Governor Dwayne Bennett, a media-hungry demagogue, who turns the coworkers of Unit 3 into props for his selfish political reasons. The publicity surrounding the clerks piques the interest of a newspaper reporter, Esther Jean Stinson, whose investigative reporting threatens to reveal the governor’s career-ending secret, as well as jeopardizes the prize that the clerks so desperately desire. Along with J. D. and Brent, the lives of the amiable coworkers in Unit 3 are revealed. There is Rita Jackson, the kind matriarch of her large brood, who spends her time outside of work caring for her five struggling children and thirteen wily grandchildren. Then there’s Deborah Martinez, a single mother to a felonious son, who struggles to keep her head above her sinking financial woes. There’s also Conchino Gonzalez, a quiescent giant of Mexican and Japanese descent, who street races at night to relieve worries about his ailing grandfather in Japan. Finally, J. D. has dreams bigger than his small hometown can provide, and Brent wants nothing more than to drop the bureaucratic routine to become a rock star with his bar band. A few blocks away from the agency that houses Unit 3, Governor Bennett, a smarmy politician who whizzes around the Governor’s Mansion on a gold-plated wheelchair, parades the unwitting clerks in front of the local media in an attempt to raise his sagging poll numbers. But reporter Esther Jean sees through the governor’s bald-faced motives and uncovers secrets not meant to be revealed. Will her revelations keep Unit 3 from receiving their elusive prize? From award-winning writer Scott Semegran, To Squeeze a Prairie Dog is an American, modern-day tale with working-class folks–part fable, part satire, and part comedy–revealing that camaraderie amongst kind-hearted friends wins the day over evil intentions.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 22, 2026 | Paranormal & Fantasy Romance |
Praise for Sky Gold’s Stars on Fire : “5 stars. A scintillating gem of an escape.” “A mesmerising and enchanting novel that seamlessly blends romance, fantasy and science fiction.” “The electric tension between the strong and resolute heroine and the seductive anti-hero is so alluring.” “A soaring sci-fi romance that takes to the stars and is pure escapism, with a fantastic happy-ever-after conclusion! I loved it, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!” _________ Selene Her father’s assassination devastates her. Still, she must step into his shoes and lead her planet’s rebellion. She reaches out to a ruthless meta-warrior to help stop a war. He’s lethal, wraith-like and lives in the twilight … The hidden inferno amongst the stars. She should be afraid of him, but she can’t stop sneaking peeks At his muscled shoulders, slim power-driven hips and enormous thighs. He is transcendental, cerebral, and sensual. The longer she remains in his presence, The harder it will be for her to leave. She fights the temptation, glinting in his wildfire eyes. In those pools of molten gold flecked with flashes of electric sapphire. In claiming her body, he’s claiming her heart But she can’t give in Because she’s got a battle to fight and a war to win. Kainan He has waited decades to exact revenge on his enemies Who imprisoned him, tortured and experimented with his body and mind. He leaps on Selene’s cause as a chance to end his nemesis forever. She’s a freakin portrait of beauty. He wants to sink his hands into her overflowing curls And mould her voluptuous curves to his. To lose himself in her lushness. Her fearlessness in asking for what she needs from him is brassy. Their shared attraction is wild. She wants forever But he can’t give it to her. Even though their passion lights the stars on fire. Because darkness beyond their control seeks to turn their destiny and their forever – to ashes. Packed with intrigue, steamy heat, fast-moving action, and happy-ever-after paranormal romance ‘Stars on Fire’ is the rip-roaring spearhead of The Sable Riders series, ‘an exotic and interstellar affair boasting decadent descriptive language, patient storytelling and immersive world-building (The International Review of Books).
by Philip Eliot | Feb 22, 2026 | Paranormal & Fantasy Romance |
Just out of sight exists a world of magic, vampires, monsters, and royalty all on the brink of war… I traveled north to visit the bear shifters. The Heida are as enormous and reclusive as the stories claimed, living like Viking warriors, drinking and fighting and loving with wild abandon on the edge of the world. I have to admit keeping up with them is a challenge. Especially their grumpy future king, Atsila, who thinks he can resist me and the call of Fate. But I have a few magical tricks up my sleeve that should change his mind…and prove useful against the threat the Heida have kept hidden from us all. *** Leena of the House of Wren thinks she wants me. As the future king it’s my job to protect the Heida, not fall for a tiny, beautiful vampire outsider. Sure I’m attracted to her, but there’s no way she could possibly handle me, a bear shifter and future ruler. But Fate seems to have plans for us. She’s made for me in ways I could not have anticipated. And when danger comes to our doorstep, it’s her I will protect with my life. Even if it means crawling into doors of hell. *Kings and Sirens is a full length stand alone novel in the Blood Falls world.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 22, 2026 | Romantic Suspense |
No one is who they appear to be. Not even the enemy. Baltimore social worker Mo Reardon is dreaming of a margarita, a manicure, and a beach vacation. And it wouldn’t hurt to understand why the most sizzling man she ever met ghosted after her best friend’s wedding. But one phone call to the police changes everything. She’s running for her life. Commander Mac Mackenzie is a discriminating hunk of hotness. His arms have held rifles and women from around the globe. But the one woman who locked and loaded his heart over a pool table isn’t interested anymore. That is—until their lives collide under unusual circumstances. As their romance heats up, an enemy lurking in the shadows plans to eliminate them. The men and women of Sanctuary, Inc. have one chance for a rescue. Minutes count. Will they make it in time? Let the fireworks begin! Anything can happen when you’re living under the radar.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 22, 2026 | New Adult Romance |
Going away to college should be the best time of your life, but for Lanie Montgomery it’s an escape. After an abusive relationship leaves her distrustful, Lanie has no desire to be in one, let alone fall in love. While Lanie tries to avoid people, Xander continues to show up in her life around every corner. From the moment she lays eyes on him, a connection is made. Their passion develops into a bond that both scares and entices her. It’s turned into something she feels it shouldn’t have. But then her past creeps back in, her ex wreaking havoc on their lives She knows Xander wants to save her, but she thinks he can’t. She feels she has to take care of herself, but everything starts to fall apart. Because… The past. Always. Catches. Up. And its secrets haunt them both. Will their love be strong enough?