This week on Scott’s Table, I’m joined by YA author Sarah Moore, whose novel In The Absence of Blood explores heartbreak, healing, and the power of chosen family. We dive into her inspiration for the story, the emotional journey of her main character Margot, and how stories like this can resonate with both teens and adults alike.

Sarah has been writing since her teen years and brings authenticity, heart, and hope to her work. You’ll also hear about her upcoming release The Mirror, the companion novel to In The Absence of Blood.

This episode’s Small Business Spotlight is BookBuzzPR, a dedicated book publicity and marketing service helping authors get their stories into the hands of the right readers. From targeted campaigns to media outreach, BookBuzzPR is passionate about connecting authors with their audience and amplifying indie voices.

Featured Book

In The Absence of Blood by Sarah MooreBuy on Amazon

Connect With Sarah Moore

Instagram

Daddy Issues Podcast

Sarah’s Linktree

Small Business Spotlight

BookBuzzPR – Helping authors connect with readers through smart, targeted book marketing.

Instagram

bookbuzzpr.co.uk

Connect with Scott’s Table

Want to be a guest or have your small business spotlighted? Reach out and join the conversation—your seat at the table is waiting.

Authors

Small Business Spotlight

In this In-Between the Interview Review, we’re diving into Romanced by the Rat by G.M. Fairy, a fast-paced, spicy, and surprisingly emotional paranormal romance set in the shared Ghostlight Falls universe.

When a lab experiment goes wrong, Ramsey wakes up in the body of a rat and escapes to the kitchen of Ratcliffs, a high-end restaurant. There, he crosses paths with Charlotte, a newcomer looking for a fresh start, and Jeremy, a bodybuilding busboy just trying to make ends meet. With tension, attraction, and a furry little bit of chaos stirring in the kitchen, this unconventional love story asks, can three very different hearts find a way to share?

I’ll share my thoughts on the tropes, pacing, and the spice level (spoiler: it’s perfect), plus why I think G.M. Fairy can make even the most unexpected scenarios downright seductive.

Tropes you’ll find:

• Poly love triangle

• Lab experiment gone wrong

• Voyeurism… by a rat

• Shared world with other authors

• Tail action

• Why-choose romance

 Grab your copy & connect with G.M. Fairy:

Coming Up Next:

• Wednesday’s episode: Sarah Moore and her book In the Absence of Blood

• Next In-Between the Interview Review: The Perfect Unicorn by KJ Bradford

This week on Scott’s Table, bestselling indie author Leigh Jack returns to talk about her brand-new release, The Next Chapter, a story that weaves together fake dating, hidden messages, found family, and the quiet bravery of choosing love over fear.

We dive into Haley and Mike’s emotional journey, the real-life inspiration behind the characters, and how Leigh balances mystery, romance, and heartfelt themes. If you’re a fan of cozy suspense with a big emotional payoff, this one’s for you.

And don’t miss our Small Business Spotlight featuring The Crafty Bookstore, a woman and veteran-owned indie shop making handmade reading accessories and supporting indie authors across the board.

Connect with Leigh Jack:

Website: www.leighjack.com

Instagram: @AuthorLeighJack

Linktree: LeighJack 

Small Business Spotlight: The Crafty BookstoreHandmade bookish accessories, decor, and indie author love, all in one shop.

→ The Crafty Bookstore 

Instagram 

Want to be a guest on Scott’s Table? Pull up a chair! Indie Authors – Apply here

Readers & Reviewers – Join the show

Small Business Owners – Get featured

Scott’s Table is where indie stories find their spotlight. If you enjoyed this episode, follow, share, and leave us a review—it helps more listeners discover the voices we feature.

In this special In-Between the Interview Review episode, we’re diving into Kingsbane by indie fantasy author Jennifer Owen. From its haunting first pages to its emotionally charged conclusion, Kingsbane delivers heart, fire, and unforgettable characters. We walk through Parts 8–13, breaking down key moments (with light spoilers), including Eras’s stand, Rashka’s vengeance, and the legacy that shapes a rebellion.

This story is rich in myth, magic, and emotional depth—and if you haven’t read Jennifer’s work yet, Kingsbane is the perfect place to start.

Connect with Jennifer Owen

 Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Owen/author/B0F278ST3Q

Bio Site (All-in-One Link Hub):https://bio.site/FeralFairytales

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/feral.fairytales

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@feralfairytales 

 Threads:https://www.threads.net/@feral.fairytales 

Patreon (where you can read Kingsbane as it releases):https://www.patreon.com/FeralFairytales 

In this episode of Scott’s Table, we sit down with historical fiction author Veronica Leigh to discuss her heartfelt debut, The Keeper of Lost Daughters.

We explore the emotional story of Lidia Sobieska, a woman whose life is forever changed when she finds an abandoned baby on her doorstep. Veronica shares the inspiration behind the book, her writing process, and what it means to bring history to life on the page.

Plus, we shine a light on this week’s Small Business Spotlight: Grumpy Greetings Co. a bold, bookish shop full of attitude, snark, and style.

Connect with Veronica Leigh:

• Website: veronicaleighauthor.wordpress.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/veronicaleighauthor

• Twitter: twitter.com/vlauthor

• Instagram: instagram.com/veronicaleighauthor

• Buy the Book: The Keeper of Lost Daughters on Amazon

Small Business Spotlight: Grumpy Greetings Co.

Grumpy Greetings Co. is this week’s featured small business!They specialize in bookmarks, stickers, USB-C charms, totes, greeting cards, and more, perfect for readers with a sharp wit and a love for bold expression.

 Pro-LGBTQIA+ Anti-fascist Book lover approved

grumpygreetingsco

Follow them on Instagram: @grumpygreetingsco

 Want to Be a Guest or Get Featured?

Whether you're an indie author, passionate reader, or small business owner—we want you at the table!Sign up to be a guest or featured spotlight:

 @ScottsTableReads on Instagram

Author

Small Business Spotlight

Reviewer/Street Team

Welcome to Scott’s Table and another In-Between the Interview Review! In this bonus episode, I’m diving deep into the Black Fates series by Christine Roi—a gritty and emotional romantic suspense trilogy that follows mafia fixer turned queenpin, Lilith Caccia.

Over three books, this series blends mafia politics, forbidden romance, vengeance, and found family into a story that’s as sharp as it is addictive. Whether you’re here for morally gray leads, ex-SEAL protectors, or endings that hit you right in the heart—this series delivers.

Tropes & Themes:

• Mafia Romance

• Fake Dating

• Friends to Lovers

• Golden Retriever MMC

• Found Family

• Mystery, Betrayal & Revenge

• Spice & "Touch Her and Die" Energy

Read the Series:

• 📘 Nemesis (Book One)

• 📕 Sworn in Blood (Book Two)

• 📗 Poisoned Soul (Book Three)

Follow Christine Roi on Instagram:Instagram – @authorchristineroi

 Let’s Connect:I want to know—who was your favorite character? Which book left you wrecked? Reach out and let me know what you thought of the Black Fates series! And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review for Scott’s Table.

Instagram

Nemesis

Sworn in Blood

Poisoned Soul

In this magical new episode, fantasy author Bridgette Hooper joins us to talk about Reverie, her gripping novel where dragons, dreamscapes, and a soul-splitting choice collide. We chat about worldbuilding, fantasy tropes, the magic of indie publishing, and, of course, which fictional worlds we’d never want to leave. Bridgette brings humor, heart, and a love for storytelling to every minute of this interview.

“IN AISLING'S DREAM, SHE'S FREE. IN REALITY, SHE'S BARELY SURVIVING…”Sound intriguing? You’ll want to listen to this one.

Reverie: Grab it on Amazon

Website: www.bridgettehooper.com

Instagram: Instagram  

Looking for handmade charm, heartfelt creations, and small-batch goodness?Check out Made by Daisy Ridge—this week’s Small Business Spotlight!

Instagram 

DaisyRidge.com Etsy 

Welcome to Scott’s Table and another In-Between the Interview Review! These bonus episodes are where I share honest, spoiler-free thoughts on what I’ve been reading between our author interviews.

Today I’m diving into the first seven parts of Kingsbane by Jennifer Owen, a dark fantasy story currently releasing on her Patreon. If you’re a fan of rebellion, dragons, morally gray characters, and tension so sharp it cuts, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR immediately.

From a feral opening to betrayal, political tension, and aching character dynamics, these early parts build an emotional and brutal world with poetic precision. And let’s just say... the revolution has begun.

Tropes & Themes:

• Dark Fantasy

• Rebellion & Betrayal

• Morally Gray Characters

• Slow Burn

• Found Family

• Dragon Lore

• Political Intrigue

  
  

  Connect with Jennifer Owen

 Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Owen/author/B0F278ST3Q

Bio Site (All-in-One Link Hub):https://bio.site/FeralFairytales

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/feral.fairytales

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@feralfairytales 

 Threads:https://www.threads.net/@feral.fairytales 

Patreon (where you can read Kingsbane as it releases):https://www.patreon.com/FeralFairytales 

Join Scott at the table for a deep dive into the paranormal, romantic, and utterly addictive world of Fallen Idols, the first book in The Fallen Favorites series by indie author Amelia Rose.

Danielle’s life is ripped apart by sadistic demons, and her only refuge is with a vampire rock band whose loyalties and affections are anything but simple. In this episode, Amelia takes us behind the scenes of her dark, dangerous, and irresistible series.

We chat about:

• The origins of Fallen Idols and Amelia’s writing journey from sixth grade creative writing class to published series

• Building the vampire band and balancing romance, thriller, and paranormal worldbuilding

• Crafting Danielle’s voice as a survivor, fighter, and complicated heroine

• Advice for indie authors on publishing, working with ARC readers, and building your writing career

• A character spotlight on Danielle, her strengths, fears, and hopes for the series

• Exciting upcoming releases: Book 1.5 dropping July 29 and Book 4 coming in October

Connect with Amelia Rose:Amazon LinkEtsy ShopInstagram

Support Our Small Business Spotlight

This episode’s featured small business is Grumpy Greetings Co. the perfect shop for anyone who believes greeting cards shouldn’t be boring, predictable, or overly sweet.

If you’re tired of the same old “Happy Birthday” with hearts and flowers, Grumpy Greetings Co. has your back with a deliciously snarky, sarcastic, and laugh-out-loud funny lineup of cards for every occasion. Whether you want to roast your best friend, deliver a backhanded congratulations, or just keep it real, there’s a card for that.

Say what you really mean with style.Perfect for birthdays, holidays, celebrations, and "just because" moments.     Sure to be remembered (and possibly framed).

Check them out and add a little bite to your next big day!

Find Grumpy Greetings Co. here:Instagram

Facebook

https://www.grumpygreetings.co/

Scott’s Table is the podcast where indie authors and readers come together for deep dives, real conversations, and a seat at the table for every story. Want to be a guest? Or be a spotlight business?

Authors

Reader/Reviewer
Small Business Spotlight

Welcome to Scott’s Table and our In-Between the Interview Review series! These bonus episodes fill the space between our usual author interviews with honest, spoiler-free reviews of books I’ve read and loved.

Today I’m diving into In the Absence of Blood by Sarah Moore—a 188-page Young Adult novel that offers an unflinching but ultimately hopeful look at growing up through pain and learning the true meaning of family.

This story follows Margot as she navigates the heartbreak of her parents’ divorce and a painful separation from her father. Through her struggle, she finds unexpected solace in someone who shows her the value of chosen family, challenging the belief that blood is the only thing that defines belonging.

Based on true events, In the Absence of Blood tackles difficult subjects with honesty and heart.

Learn More About Sarah Moore:

 Sarah’s Linktree

Let’s Connect:I’d love to hear what you thought of In the Absence of Blood or any other book recommendations you have! Follow Scott’s Table on social media and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss our next author interview or another In-Between the Interview Review.

Scott's Table Read