Voice-recognition mistake of the week: I said "Adult and children's" and somehow that became "enchiladas." I guess it knows I'm in the Southwest and makes assumptions. (In other news, my newsletter system tells me that "enchiladas" is a spammy ad word. I would not have guessed that.)

My editor reminded me to celebrate the release of my latest book in the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series, so here I am on a friend's balcony with a cocktail, complete with celebratory tiny umbrella.

In this book: Cody Tomlinson and Mallory Moore have struck sparks off each other since high school theater. A decade later, prickly Mallory is working to save the Last Stand, Texas theater. Thanks to his family’s enormous lottery win, former crop-dusting pilot Cody has plenty of money to help. Mallory won't take a handout, but if Cody invests in the theater, she’ll play the part of his fiancée to ward off fortune hunters. But is Mallory a good enough actor to hide her true feelings? And will Cody plant his feet in Last Stand or get back in his plane and fly away?

Pwall55 on BookBub said: “My favorite book of my favorite series by Kris Bock. I would give it more than five stars if I could.” Get the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series.

Japan's obsession with cats hits New York: Cats have been revered in Japan for centuries – even though they are not native to the country. “That love endures, as a new show reveals.” Check out an article with some of the classic Japanese art here. Some is really cute and some--like this one--I find a bit creepy!

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series page on Amazon US or Amazon UK.

Bear and Panda are hard at work, as usual. With ferrets, sometimes it takes a moment to figure out what's actually going on. (Another cute ferret picture is at the end, to give you a reason to keep going! 😛)

Bonus voice recognition mistake: “I got a grant from the New Mexico raiders organization.” Actually, I'm one of 15 people to receive a grant from the New Mexico Writers organization. I'm not sure what you'd have to do to get a grant from the New Mexico raiders. Maybe it's career help for aspiring horse thieves.

Books on My Radar:

A Promise in Ash, by Elysia Lumen Strife: "Norah's life is a mess. With only an abusive and manipulative mother-figure to guide her, she's learned everything the hard way. After Norah's engagement falls apart, she finds comfort in her single-dad coworker, Evan, and his teenage daughter. As Norah's love for Evan grows, eerie things threaten their safety. Secrets tumble forth from Norah's father, her ex-fiancé, and the mystery around her adoption. Her entire life has been one big lie." This romantic suspense is free with newsletter sign-up.

HOTSHOT MD, by Rachel J. Green: "Bailey had done her best to raise her 15-year-old sister since their parents died. Now, as the top Surgical Technician, she's earned the doctors' respect. When her boss decides it’s time to retire, she’s not ready for his sexy successor. Bailey feels her pulse race when he enters the operating room..." This is a romantic suspense involving small-town doctors. It looks like this "box set" is really all one story, but at only 99 cents and free in KU it's still a good price.

Brookings Forever (Secret Beach Sunsets: Prequel), by Aleesha Brown: Note that the actual series is about a widow with children. This prequel appears to feature the characters in high school, when they first meet: “I planned to spend the remainder of the summer in peace but unfortunately, May wants me to get the full high school experience, whatever that means. She’s my only friend, so I guess I have to go along with her. Now I’m surrounded by high school stereotypes. Or at least, it seemed that way until I met him." A sweet beach romance short story, free with newsletter signup.

Thy Killer's Keeper, by Edita A. Petrick: "An unsolved murder of a small-town teacher is only the beginning… There is no category in the FBI database for ‘murder-by-proxy,’ much less a murder by invisible intruder. However, when a series of senseless and bizarre murders ripples the coast of California with more fury than an earthquake, veteran FBI profiler John Salton’s far-out theory is put to the test. This futuristic crime suspense story will take you on a thrilling and exciting journey of the rapidly encroaching and not-so-far-fetched future." Available at multiple retailers.

Find More New Books and Authors in these book bunches!

Spring Training for Middle School Minds: If you have a middle school child or grandchild—or if you simply like children’s books!—check out this small collection of middle grade novels, including my fantasy adventure for ages 9+, The Genie’s Gift, which draws on mythology from The Arabian Nights (written as Chris Eboch).

Detectives & Criminals: From cozy to creepy, find great mysteries here! Some have a touch of humor, romance, paranormal, or horror! This group includes my romantic suspense Desert Gold, which is only 99 cents.

MAYHEM & MOTIVES: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Reads: Searching for an action-packed thrill ride or a twisty whodunnit? Explore more mysteries in this bunch!

Spring Rom-Com Fest: If you love to laugh, find Romantic Comedy books with a big dose of humor here. These rom com authors have teamed up to offer stories that will have you falling in love with a laugh!

Thanks for reading this far, , even if it's only to see the cute ferrets cuddling.

Also thanks for choosing to sign up for my newsletter. If you want to unsubscribe, no problem—the link is below. You can also follow me on Amazon (click on the “Follow” button to the left) or BookBub if you only want New Release Alerts. See all of Kris Bock’s links.

PS: If you don’t have “The Case of the Missing Monkey and other short mystery stories,” Lions and Love at the Cat Café, or “22 of the recipes mentioned in Kris Bock’s Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series,” go here (free).