Nobodies Drink Bar

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 

Nobodies
A themed cocktail is an excellent tie-in to a gritty noir mystery like "The Nobodies." Classic noir evokes dark city streets, moody lighting, smoky bars, and complex, often morally ambiguous characters. Here are some cocktail ideas that would fit the tone of a noir mystery and offer something memorable for your recommended reads:

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  Smoked Old Fashioned: This cocktail perfectly suits noir’s atmosphere with its bold, smoky flavor and association with classic detective stories. Combine whiskey, a splash of simple syrup, aromatic bitters, and a hint of liquid smoke, garnished with an orange twist.

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  The Black Manhattan: Swap out sweet vermouth for Averna or another dark amaro in a Manhattan recipe, resulting in a richer, slightly bitter drink that matches the novel’s gritty edges.

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  Corpse Reviver No. 2: A classic mystery bar staple, this gin-based cocktail is sharp and attention-grabbing. The name is also evocative of a crime-themed book.

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  The Shadowed Alley: Create your own signature noir drink: 2oz rye, 0.5oz black walnut liqueur or amaro, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, served over a large cube and garnished with a dark cherry. The walnut/amaro adds complexity and darkness, much like the mysteries in noir.

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  Boulevardier: Like a Negroni but with whiskey, this crimson-hued, bittersweet cocktail is moody and powerful—perfect for a story of crime and revenge.

Feel free to give the drink a creative name inspired by the book (e.g., "The Nobodies’ Nightcap" or "The Last Alibi"). Create a small card with the recipe to use as a keepsake or bookmark for your event.

These choices deliver the ambience of a dimly lit speakeasy or

 detective’s haunt, instantly immersing readers in the world of noir.

Read my review of Nobodies here.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Book Blitz: Rekindled Flame A Second Chance Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

 

Rekindled Flame:

A Second Chance Firefighter Romance by Ella Braeme

When old flames reignite, sparks fly.

Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves.

Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca "Becks" Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she's his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse.

As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren't meant to be extinguished—they're meant to be stoked.

Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!

♥ firefighter romance ♥ second chance ♥ small town ♥ protective hero ♥ workplace romance ♥ she’s his boss ♥ contemporary ♥ first responder ♥

Book Links

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/rekindled-flame

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236532005-rekindled-flame

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance-burning-hearts-book-1-by-ella-braeme

Website: https://ellabraeme.com/2025/08/17/rekindled-flame-a-second-chance-firefighter-romance/ 

Book Details 

Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV 

Publication Date:  September 3, 2025

37,000 words / 137 pages

Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback

Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York

4. Early Review Quotes

★★★★★ "This is a wonderful page turner." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "Shawn and Becks second chance story is not without some major events which keeps the reader entranced by the story." - Goodreads review

★★★★★ "I loved this story with its second chance at love for these two." - Goodreads review

★★★★ "The characters Shawn and Rebecca are going to deliver a very entertaining book for you to enjoy reading." - Goodreads review

Excerpts

The door to the bar swung open, bringing with it a gust of evening air still carrying the day’s heat. Chief Washington turned in his seat, a smile spreading across his face.

“Ah, here they come,” he said, nodding toward the entrance. “Dr. Hayes, Sheriff Carter, and Lieutenant Miller. The rest of our welcome committee.”

As the group entered, her entire body went rigid. Because despite knowing a “Miller” worked here, nothing could have prepared her for seeing this Miller in person after all these years.

Shawn Miller stood in the doorway alongside two other men, his familiar profile silhouetted against the darkening sky outside. Nine years hadn’t changed him much—perhaps a few more creases around his eyes, his shoulders slightly broader than she remembered. His dark hair was cut shorter now, but he still had that same confident stance, the same easy way of moving through a room. Unlike the uniformed sheriff beside him, Shawn wore dark jeans and a navy button-down shirt with a small embroidered logo on the breast pocket.

For a wild moment, she considered making an excuse and leaving. The background check she’d run had only shown last names and initials, and she didn’t even register the name. S. Miller was a common name, after all. But the universe had a sick sense of humor.

She’d spent the last nine years meticulously building her career, brick by professional brick. No distractions. No workplace romances. No man thinking they knew better than her what she needed. After Charlotte, she’d made it her personal policy: the job came first, always. And here was the man who’d taught her that lesson, about to become her subordinate.

About the Author

Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance featuring protective heroes and strong heroines who find love in the mountains of Georgia. When she's not crafting stories about couples falling headlong into danger and love, she's in her garden with her hole-digging supervisor dog. Her quick, satisfying reads are perfect for readers who love their romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-after. 

Content Warnings

Every reader deserves to make informed choices about the books they read. While my stories always end with happily-ever-afters and are mostly comfort reads, some contain elements that may be difficult for certain readers. If any of these subjects bother you, please pick another book.

This book contains scenes involving attempted murder, workplace sabotage, a vehicle accident with injury, temporary medical paralysis, and workplace discrimination. All scenes resolve positively with full recovery and justice served.

Connect with Ella

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance 

Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/ellawritesromance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22846173.Ella_Braeme

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-braeme

Sign-up to her emails and get a free novella https://ellabraeme.com/newsletter-signup.htm   

Author Website: https://ellabraeme.com 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ella-Braeme/author/B0BKL79CSM  

Also by Ella Braeme

Elken Grove Mountain Men series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL86ZSM/ 

Married in Windfall series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBS76NN4

Rekindled Flame Blitz

Nobodies: A Gritty Noire Mystery By Warren Adler

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The highly anticipated rerelease of Nobodies—a gritty noir mystery written by the late Warren Adler in collaboration with Shannon McKenna—arrives August 29, promising fans a dive into the dimly-lit corridors of classic noir, where betrayal, revenge, and redemption intertwine in a spellbinding crime thriller. This reissue not only marks a major literary event but also comes with an exciting announcement: Nobodies is being adapted into a feature film, bringing Adler’s cinematic storytelling to the big screen at last.

Warren Adler, best known for the international bestseller The War of the Roses, left behind an indelible legacy as one of America’s preeminent authors of darkly comic and psychological fiction. Though he passed away without completing Nobodies, the Adler Entertainment Trust ensured his vision endured by entrusting the manuscript to Shannon McKenna, who skillfully imbued Adler’s unfinished draft with her own signature style, creating an unforgettable blend of relentless suspense and razor-sharp characterization. Adler’s works have long been celebrated for their adaptation potential, as evidenced by multiple bestselling novels that made seamless and successful transitions to film.

Nobodies unfolds in the shadowy underbelly of New York City, following Henry Cody, a man framed for a crime he didn’t commit, and Amber Wright, a career con artist haunted by her own dangerous past. As their lives collide in a violent encounter, the novel weaves a breathless tale of heists, blackmail, and moral ambiguity, evoking the golden age of film noir both in atmosphere and pacing. The narrative structure—told from shifting perspectives and timeframes—imparts a distinctively cinematic sensibility, which is already drawing advanced praise from reviewers for its tension and relentless twists. Readers can expect complex antiheroes, richly developed characters, and a grimly beautiful exploration of survival in a world riddled with corruption and betrayal.

For fans of noir, organized crime fiction, and high-stakes thrillers, the August 29 book release is a must-add to your reading list—and anticipation for the forthcoming movie adaptation is quickly building, suggesting that Adler’s legacy will only continue to grow

 Be sure to visit our Nobodies themes cocktail list.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Get Your Free Secret Book Society Bookmark – Exclusive Offer for Book Lovers!

I can never have enough bookmarks. If you would like some beautiful new bookmarks for the Secret Book Society feel free to print off mine. I would recommend laminating them, but they would be lovely just printed on cardstock too.

Read my book review here.

The Secret Book Society Bookclub Discussion Points

Here is a list of bookclub discussion points for a book club discussing The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin, based on the book's themes, characters, and setting:

- How does the Victorian setting shape and intensify the constraints faced by the women characters? In what ways does society silence or control them?

- Discuss the role of Lady Duxbury. How does her mysterious past and status as a thrice-widowed countess influence the dynamics of the book club and the women’s empowerment?

- How do Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia each embody different aspects of oppression and resistance? What unique challenges do they face in their marriages and families?

- The secret book club serves as a sanctuary and a form of rebellion. How does literature act as a tool for empowerment, escape, and transformation for these women?

- Analyze the theme of sisterhood and solidarity. How do the women find strength in each other, and how does their friendship evolve over the course of the story?

- Violence and control manifest in emotional, psychological, and institutional forms (e.g., threat of asylums). How does the novel expose these darker aspects of Victorian patriarchy?

- What role do secrets—both personal and collective—play in the narrative? How do these secrets affect trust, power, and vulnerability among the women?

- How does the book handle moral ambiguity, especially around acts of rebellion that may push legal or social boundaries? What does it say about survival in an oppressive system?

- What parallels can be drawn between the historical struggles of the characters and contemporary issues related to women’s rights, autonomy, and empowerment?

- Discuss the symbolism of tea gatherings and the secret society format. How does the novel use these to comment on women's networks and the power of covert resistance?

These points can spark deep analysis and reflection on the novel’s rich themes of empowerment, friendship, and resilience in an era of severe limitations on women’s freedoms.

Read my review here.

The Secret Book Society Inspired Luncheon Menu: A Bookish Recipe Guide to Delight Every Reader

Here’s a printable luncheon menu inspired by The Secret Book Society, perfect for your book club, or themed tea party. Be sure to take pictures and tag @TracyMRobertson.

🫖 The Secret Book Society Luncheon Menu

A Rebellious Afternoon Tea for Strong Women

Welcome Tea & Refreshments

Lady Duxbury’s Signature Earl Grey

With lavender & orange peel—bold and refined.

Rose Wharton’s Peach-Infused Iced Tea

A sweet American-inspired refreshment.

Savory Selections – “Words Matter, Bite by Bite”

Eleanor’s Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

Lemon-dill chèvre on rye rounds.

Cress & Cucumber Sandwiches

Classic, crisp, and softly reinvented.

Mini Chicken & Tarragon Pastries

Comforting and savory; a nod to sisterhood.

Sweets & Celebrations – “Love, Celebration, & Resistance”

Lavinia’s Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Sweet, floral, and a gentle rebellion.

Lemon-Glazed Poppy Seed Cake Slices

Feminine, strong, and symbolizing resilience.

Victorian Jam Tarts

Raspberry & blackcurrant preserves.

Optional Drink Add-On

Lady D’s Secret Champagne Punch

Elderflower cordial, sparkling wine, minted berries (adults only).

Setting & Style Tips

Use lace tablecloths, vintage teacups, and floral arrangements in lavender, rose, or marigold.

Print menus on decorative stationery or tuck quotes from classic banned books onto each plate.

Set the mood with light chamber music or solo piano.

Perfect for book clubs, vintage tea parties, or women’s empowerment events

The Secret Book Society

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin  

Theme: Women’s Empowerment in an Era of Few Rights

Set against the evocative backdrop of Victorian London, Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is a mesmerizing tribute to the power of friendship and female empowerment during a time when women had little control over their lives. The story draws readers immediately into the lives of Eleanor Clarke, a mother imprisoned by her husband’s tyranny, Rose Wharton, an American heiress lost in restrictive British high society, and Lavinia Cavendish, a sensitive young artist haunted by generational secrets. United by a mysterious invitation to Lady Duxbury’s clandestine tea, the women discover a secret book club—a place where reading is both rebellion and refuge.

The Heart of the Story: Empowerment Through Sisterhood

Though their backgrounds differ, each woman faces the crushing weight of societal expectations and domestic oppression. The book club, hidden behind the stately facade of Lady Duxbury’s home, quickly becomes more than a haven for forbidden reading. It transforms into a sacred space where true friendship, trust, and hope are nurtured.  

What sets this novel apart is how the women learn to draw strength from each other. Through their shared stories and collective courage, they embark on journeys of self-discovery, healing, and resistance. Lady Duxbury’s own daring—rumored to have survived three husbands and a lifetime of scandal—serves as both inspiration and caution, showing these women the varied ways one can survive and subvert a restrictive world.

Overcoming the Impossible—Together

Despite facing social exile, personal loss, and very real dangers (including the threat of being forced into asylums by controlling men), these women refuse to accept their limited roles. As their bonds deepen, they become one another’s advocates and protectors, challenging the idea that their voices do not matter within a patriarchal system. Their collective story unfolds as a moving example of feminist rebellion, resilience, and triumph.

Why Book Clubs Will Love This Novel

The Secret Book Society is more than just historical fiction; it is a *celebration of women supporting women* and the radical, quiet revolution found in everyday acts of solidarity. The character development is instantly engaging, and watching these women grow in confidence and autonomy is deeply satisfying. The novel is perfect for group discussions—rich in themes of loyalty, justice, and hope, with just the right dose of intrigue and suspense.

Recommendation:

If your book club loves stories of strong women who overcome adversity, authentic friendships, and the transformative magic of books, this novel will be an unforgettable choice. Expect passionate discussions and plenty of inspiration for modern-day empowerment.

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society—where every woman’s voice matters, and friendship can change the world.

Coming soon: The Secret Book Society Book Club Resources

Oaths and Vengeance Journal Stickers

If you are looking for a few images to decorate your Oaths and Vengeance journal spread please feel free to download this cute sticker sheet I created using ideogram. If you don't have sticker paper to use don't worry. Print them off a thick copy paper and glue them in your journal  Enjoy.

✨ “On the Origins of Magic” Review – 5-Star Cosy Fantasy Perfect for a Charming Afternoon Read (August 26 Release)

 Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of "On the Origins of Magic" in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: "On the Origins of Magic" – Cosy Fantasy Perfect for a Gentle Afternoon

If you’re searching for your next quick, feel-good read, "On the Origins of Magic"—releasing August 26—should be on your radar! As an avid papercrafter and planner (and cosy fantasy enthusiast), I always like to compare books within their niche. For what this little gem is meant to be—a short, sweet, romantacy exscape.

• It’s ideal for a relaxing break or an anytime pick-me-up.

• Enjoyable Worldbuilding: Even in a short read, the magical world feels inviting.

Apples to Apples: Not Every Book Needs to Be Epic

As a reviewer, I believe in comparing apples to apples. Not every book needs to have towering stakes or a ten-book saga of backstory. Sometimes, what we truly need is a gentle story to refresh our imagination. For fans of cosy fantasies, light magic, and character-driven plots, "On the Origins of Magic" is a lovely choice that delivers exactly what it promises.

Reader-to-Reader: My Bottom Line

I gave it five stars because it shines within its genre. If you love stories that feel like a friendly chat or a comforting afternoon—rather than a fast-paced marathon—this release will be a delightful addition to your shelf or planner. It’s also a great candidate for your TBR if you want a shorter read between larger series.

Let me know if you plan to check it out, or if you have other cosy fantasy favorites to recommend!

Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of "On the Origins of Magic" in exchange for my honest thoughts. My passion for books and honest opinions remains my own.                                                

Oath and Vengeance Adult Colouring Pages

Download these images I created in ideogram and add them to your reading journal. You could also do a google search for real carnivorous plants. Enjoy..

“Off Side and Off Limits Review: A Heartwarming Romance About Love, Growth, and Second Chances”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Review: Off Side and Off Limits

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

Off Side and Off Limits is a delightful romance that beautifully illustrates the courage it takes to grow beyond who we’ve been and allow ourselves the grace to become something new. At the heart of the story is Cade, a man who has spent his early career basking in the easy glamour of a playboy lifestyle. But when that shallow existence no longer satisfies him, he finds himself longing for something truer and more meaningful.

That’s where Clare enters—someone so busy keeping every part of her world held together that she doesn’t dare let herself hope for more. Their connection is both sweet and transformative, serving as a reminder that real love doesn’t just arrive fully formed—it gives us strength to change, to heal, and to finally imagine a bigger life for ourselves.

What I especially loved is that Cade and Clare’s romance isn’t about rescuing each other—it’s about encouragement. Through love, they discover not only what they mean to one another, but also who they want to be for themselves. There’s a tender optimism woven throughout the book that balances well with its humor and emotional depth. While the plot holds a few predictable moments, the strong character chemistry and the uplifting message more than shine through.

This is an adorable and empowering read, perfect for anyone who enjoys romances where personal growth is just as important as the happily-ever-after. I’m excited to see what comes next in this charming series and can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.

✨ “A tender romance about love, growth, and daring to want more.” ✨