Announcing My New Suspense Release and Free Book Offer

Announcing My New Suspense Release and Free Book Offer
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 by Sally Jo Pitts

I am thrilled to announce Elk Lake Publishing is releasing my new Sweet County Secrets Series book, May 14, 2025!

For Free Book opportunity Read on.

A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction.

Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both—especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.

But research and romantic interest takes a deadly turn when a colleague of Trudy’s is shot and killed on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.

As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross?

Although this is book#2 in the series and has cameo visits from book #1 characters, the book can be read as a stand alone.

Free Book Opportunity. Leave a Comment for chance to win. (Offer good through May 21, 2025)

To celebrate the launch of Sweet Double-Cross, I am offering the opportunity to win and copy of book #1, Sweet Deceit. Read below to discover how to enter.

Sweet Double-Cross deals with the invasive kudzu plant known as the “vine that ate the South.” Did you know there are over 1000 identified invasive plant species in the U.S.? I’m interested to hear from readers if you have dealt with kudzu or any invasive plant species. Please comment below and I’ll enter you for a chance to win Sweet Deceit.

Comments

Joannie Sico From At 5/26/2025 4:34:02 AM

No, I haven't, but I tend to stay inside and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary so I wouldn't really know.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Makes sense!

Lisa Harness From AR At 5/17/2025 9:45:28 AM

I haven’t seen any in a long time. There was along a certain stretch that we would drive by when was a kid. Always thought it was neat looking. Learned years later it was very invasive and hard to kill. However it was still pretty.,

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I agree. It is pretty.

Shelley Beachy From Florida At 5/15/2025 4:52:06 PM

I am familiar with kudzu but have never had to deal with it, thank goodness.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

it can be a menace.

Teri From GA At 5/15/2025 4:39:58 PM

I live in the South, a large home to Kudzo. When it was brought over to prevent erosion, it was welcomed. Now? Not so much. lol! I'm so bad with plants, however, that I'm sure if given the chance, I could kill it. :)

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You made me laugh! I know what you mean.

Bethany From Tipton IN At 5/15/2025 3:29:54 PM

I have not

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Hopefully the vine is put under control before it reaches you!

Diana Hardt From California At 5/15/2025 2:07:19 AM

No, I haven't.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Hopefully kudzu gets under control before reaching you!

Trudie Fetterman From Texas At 5/15/2025 1:09:52 AM

I have seen plenty of kudzu - and the way it completely covers trees and bushes - in my travels but thankfully have not had to personally deal with it!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

It creates a carpet of green!

Shelia Hall From Mississippi At 5/14/2025 10:31:17 PM

I am very familiar with Kudzu and how it can just take over stuff

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

It certainly can!

Anne-Marie Webster From USA At 5/14/2025 10:28:36 PM

Creeping Charley, Anome, Wild Iris, Bamboo, and how about Poison Ivy

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Some of these are not considered invasive species but they sure can be a nuisance.

Miranda Summerset From Georgia At 5/14/2025 9:40:31 PM

Yes I've definitely dealt with kudzu down here in Georgia!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

For sure!

Jane Squires From Hartville Mo At 5/14/2025 9:04:46 PM

No I have not.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Join us further South!

Leona Ennis From Originally in NJ now At 5/14/2025 7:43:34 PM

I live in an apartment now so no invasives but when I owned a home I constantly fought with creeping Charlie. It was extremely hard to get rid of.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I've had some other comments about Creeping Charlie. I had never heard of it.

Cheryll Sawicki From Oregon, IL At 5/14/2025 4:21:34 PM

The only invasive plant I am familiar with is creeping Charlie, which takes over the lawn and is hard to get rid of.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I had to look that one up. I have something similar in my lawn, that's a cute name.

Joye From Arizona At 5/14/2025 3:52:08 PM

I live in the desert of Arizona. I don't think I have heard of this plant being invasive here

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Maybe the desert get a reprieve.

Melissa Stands From Montana At 5/14/2025 2:44:11 PM

We do not deal with Kudzu here in Montana, but we do have invasive and toxic plants that we fight consistently, like knapweed.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I had to look this one up. Isn't it interesting how what we call weeds have pretty flowers.

Cindy Vogel From New York State At 5/14/2025 2:34:21 PM

Glad I live up North!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I understand kudzu is creeping up the southeastern U.S.

Karen From San Bruno, CA At 5/14/2025 2:26:41 PM

I have not had to deal with Kudzu, but there are many other plants trying to take over my yard. I love it when it is a colorful plant, like the California Poppy. The rest get pulled, eventually. I put my reviews on Goodreads.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Ever since Hurricane Michael in northwest Florida, I have many other plants that blew in and are taking over.

Deborah Clark From Oregon At 5/14/2025 2:18:29 PM

I have tried to leave a comment. I haven't had a problem with invasive plants unless you count blackberries climbing on the fence.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I wish I had blackberries climbing on a fence. I love wild berries in cobbler.

Mindy From PA At 5/14/2025 1:59:18 PM

The invasive plant that I've dealt with is wisteria vines. They are beautiful, but when they latched unto my wooden trellis, they almost pulled it down! I still enjoyed seeing it grow since we had planted it on purpose.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Wisteria is beautiful here in northwest Florida in the spring.

Elizabeth From Ga At 5/14/2025 1:58:44 PM

Yes. I'm from GA. Kudzu is a big issue.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Georgia folks definitely know about kudzu!

Laurel Milam From ND At 5/14/2025 1:36:44 PM

No, I haven't dealt with any invasive plant species that I know of.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Better to just read about them.

Deborah Clark From Oregon At 5/14/2025 1:24:52 PM

I have not had anything to do with any endangered species of plants.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You have one less thing to worry about!

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA in USA At 5/14/2025 11:24:48 AM

Some invasive plants I have in my backyard are Wild Daisies while pretty they can take over the whole yard, Wild Morning Glories and Dandelions Hope I Win book

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I also have a problem with dandelions that spread those seeds from the puffy flowers.

Jackie Wisherd From La Mesa, CA At 5/14/2025 11:21:41 AM

No, I have not experienced dealing with an invasive plant.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You are fortunate kudzu hasn't reached you yet.

Melissa From Montana At 5/14/2025 11:18:27 AM

Never heard of this plant!! Interesting though. I’m always ready to learn new things though, so I will have to research this!?????? Thank you for sharing.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I know lots more than I ever did about kudzu after researching it for this book.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA in USA At 5/14/2025 10:54:25 AM

Dandelions and those little white fuzzy things that come from them when they are gone they practically take over my backyard Hope I Win

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Yup. I have them too.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA in USA At 5/14/2025 10:22:18 AM

Left 2 comments but for some reason they're not showing up please approve them Thank You

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I've got you. Thanks for sharing.

Harriet Glenn From Bee. Ave, Texas At 5/14/2025 10:04:29 AM

I am quite familiar with kudzu. I lived in South Alabama for 45 years and the saying “Kudzu, the vine that ate the South” is accurate. It grows as much as one foot in a 24-hour span. I have waged it do this.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Incredible plant!

Lorraine Groom From WISCONSIN At 5/14/2025 9:38:46 AM

As a Wisconsin girl, I don't deal with much kudzu. The word, however, is a great one to have in your repertoire when you place killer Scrabble and I've used it several times to clean up in a game.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That is so funny and a great tip for Scrabble players!

Karen Minter From NC At 5/14/2025 9:36:56 AM

No, I have not had to deal with invasive plants, but I know of others in my area that have battled with them!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

They are a force to be reckoned with!

Rebekah Phillips From Wisconsin At 5/14/2025 9:33:25 AM

I haven’t dealt with it personally, but I grew up in the south and would see kudzu a lot!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Yes!

Lori R From At 5/14/2025 9:09:27 AM

I have not dealt with an invasive plant.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You are fortunate.

Anita Yancey From Georgia At 5/14/2025 9:00:50 AM

I have dealt with kudzu, we have some on our property. It tries to take over everything.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

indeed!

Mary Hart From Missouri At 5/14/2025 8:54:17 AM

Haven't dealt with invasive plants, but bought a house that had 4 Bradford Pear trees in the yard. They are an invasive species. We have taken two out and have plans to remove the other two.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That one is new to me as invasive.

Michel From Tx At 5/14/2025 8:25:33 AM

I used to live in the south, and there were whole huge sections of trees that were entirely covered with kudzu!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Yes.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA in USA At 5/14/2025 8:23:04 AM

Even though I live near the woods and woods is practically in my backyard I try to stay out of the woods so I don't find any invasive plants no doubt poison ivy is somewhere in the woods Looking forward to reading this book in print so I can review it Hope I Win

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thank you for sharing.

Heather Swanson From ONTARIO At 5/14/2025 8:11:42 AM

My only invasive plant is my mint coming up through the sidewalk too.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Isn't it amazing how some plants manage to break through pavement and concrete?

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA in USA At 5/14/2025 8:03:31 AM

OH this book looks & sounds like a fantastic read a page turner can't wait to read it in print so I can review the print/physical copy of this books, loved the excerpt Looking forward to reading Hope I Win

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Loving your enthusiasm. Hope you enjoy the book.

Sonia Beshiri From MA At 5/14/2025 7:47:11 AM

I have never.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That is nice, but I've learned a lot about invasives in writing this book. Thanks for stopping by.

Nancy Garabrandt From Nicholasville, KY At 5/14/2025 4:19:53 AM

For years I have been battling wild honeysuckle growing rapidly and taking over the yard by a fence line. I am disabled and live on social security, so hiring anyone to help is out of the question. This stuff is prolific and relentless!