COVER REVEAL for "Something Final (The Zodiac Cusp Kids, #7)" by Sarah Dale

Title: Something Final

Series Name and Number: The Zodiac Cusp Kids #7

 Author: Sarah Dale

Target Audience and Genre(s): YA fantasy

Release Date: 8/16/22

Blurb: 

The adventures of the Zodiac Cusp Kids are laid to rest in the raw, cold February of 1989. The Portal has been spilling out more goop and increasingly dangerous goons for the past two years, and it’s getting worse. On top of that, the kids are facing a mysterious and charismatic figure from David’s past who’s not sitting quite right with Jenny. In order to decode the symbols from her vision, there’s only one thing to do; a week-long cram session at the library. The things they discover lead them straight toward the fight of everyone’s lives. It’s going to take every trick they’ve learned and the combined powers of The Coven, The Guardian, and the Zodiac Cusp Kids to end this story. 

Something Final is the last of the stories drawn from Angie's diaries. Kept safely hidden for decades, they tell how the kids spent their teenage years - working with their mentor, Mr. Rakow, and Jenny's mom, Lorraine, who leads a coven, to come to the life-changing conclusion of their journey together.

Goodreads link

About the author!

Sarah Dale is an author, mom, daughter, step-mom, pack member, friend, dog-walker, cat-appreciator, library book balancer, word lover, thought thinker and picture-taker living in Lincoln, Nebraska, just generally trying to get things done.

In addition to the Zodiac Cusp Kids series, Sarah has authored the fantasy novel We Could Be Heroes, co-authored the suspense thriller Collision Course with Welsh author David Owain Hughes, and her short story, “Something Old, Something New, Something Cursed, Something Blue” is featured in the collection of horror short stories What Goes Around.

Sarah has also edited several novels for publication. Prior to working in publishing, she spent years working with teens at a busy public library, creating library programming, leading book clubs, and teaching writing workshops. Her article “Teens and Community in the Public Library: The Algebra of ‘Pack’” was published in Nebraska Libraries – Volume 4, No. 2 (May 2016). She is the recipient of the 1989 Victor Contoski award for Poetry Interpretation.

BOOK REVIEW for "Hit by the Cupid Stick (Brimstone Inc., #5)" by Abigail Owen

Hit by the Cupid Stick
(Brimstone Inc #5)
by Abigail Owen

All’s fair in love and… whatever this is.

This Valentine’s Day, when a cupid accidentally shoots himself with his own arrow, he falls for a siren whose only job is to lure men to their deaths.

Charismatic and irresistibly fun, Chance Eroson is a cupid who gets a kick from pairing odd couples and being right about them. Used to getting his way, the only person who shuts him down is the siren who has ruined more than one of his pairings before they started. But his bigger problem is he wants her. He’s always wanted her.

Elodie Sirenian uses her power for good, only hunting evil men. But after so long, and so many horrible people, her cynicism has settled deep inside. She can turn on the charm when she doesn’t mean it, and they fall for it. Every single one. Every single time.

Except Chance. He’s the only person — man or god — who has ever challenged her.

But a cupid’s magic is temporary. There’s no way a true love match is possible. Not this time.

~ BOOK REVIEW for Hit by the Cupid Stick ~

****(4) out of 5 Stars

Studying auras was like a siren's road map of the human soul, telling her the most important information of who and what a person was in that moment.

This was a delightful little fantasy romance tale about a seemingly ill-matched couple.  Set near Valentine's Day and involving a cupid, it would be the perfect read around the season of love.  But, really, it makes for a good story any time of year!

His siren was a closet geek, and he sort of loved that about her.

Chance has been crazy about Elodie for ages, ever since their first meeting.  Truth be told, she had been hopeless attracted to him for just as long; not that she'd ever admit it, especially not to herself.  But with the excuse of the love arrow that impaled them both, she at least had some cover to let loose and enjoy some intimate time with Chance.     

Sirens were off limits for other supernaturals to kill.

And enjoy it they did!  There are some mighty toasty scenes that occur within this story, that's for sure.  But there is also the development of a deeper connection between these two.  As well as some outside intrigue and danger.  Definitely a book that I recommend for a fun, romantic, dirty, and sweet read, all on the way to their very own happily-ever-after!

I received a free eBook copy of this title from the Author,
and have willingly provided an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW for "Not Her Dragon (Not This series, #6)" by Annie Nicholas

Not Her Dragon
(Not This series, #6)
by Annie Nicholas

Single female dragons are too rare to be left to their own devices. 
Or so, Bella was taught.

Then her betrothed unexpectedly dies, leaving her wedding contract in the hands of his greedy father. She has no choice but to be auctioned off to the highest bidder or her family will be killed.

For one week, she’s enslaved to a dragon who is obsessed with her. A dragon so wicked they call him Killer of Men. So powerful and wealthy, other males weep with envy. Now, she belongs to the devil bent on making her love him.

He wants her body. He wants her soul. But most of all, he wants the one thing she won’t give him. He wants her as his mate.

~ BOOK REVIEW for Not His Dragon ~

****(4) out of 5 Stars

This is another great book in this wonderful series!  I did NOT like Cedric in Not His Dragon, other than the fact that at least he was honorable; but I did come to like him quite a bit as we saw more of him in some of the other tales.  Here we really get to know him, and I was truly impressed with how thoughtful he was as a suitor.  Not to mention how forward-thinking his ideas were for someone of his age and upbringing.  

Bella was sweet and innocent; and a bit of an idiot, if you ask me.  The situations she kept putting herself in were just dumb and basically lead to all of the conflict in the story.

These two do not seem like a very likely match in the beginning, but the more we see them together the more apparent it becomes that they are perfect for one another.  

The outside influences here were a bit much for me.  There was a scene at the near end which I had a very hard time with.  And this was considering it was regarding made-up characters of a fantasy nature!  But it really upset me.  

Otherwise, however, most of the tail was fun, delightful, and entertaining.  I especially enjoyed one of the final hurdles that these two had to overcome, or rather what brought about the resolution (with the help of Bella's parents, no less!).

Seeing prior characters from previous books in the series is always fun, especially when they are viewed in a new light or different situation, as occurred here with several of them.  There were also several new characters introduced, ranging from delightful to dreadful.  Bob was most definitely my favorite character of the entire book!

I don't know if the author has plans for any additional volumes in this series, but I would love to hear more stories of additional members of the New Port paranormal society — especially Eoin's family — falling in love and being mated!

I received a free eBook copy of this title from the Author,

and have willingly provided an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW for "The Warrior King (Inferno Rising, #3)" by Abigail Owen

The Warrior King 
(Inferno Rising, #3)
by Abigail Owen

Meira Amon is the most reserved of the phoenixes, finding computers easier to deal with than people and their messy emotions. But she wants revenge against the Rotting King Pytheios for the murder of her parents just as much as her sisters. Offering herself as a queen for their ally, dragon shifter King Gorgon of the Black Clan, only makes sense.

Just one problem…

Samael Veles worked his lowborn ass off to become the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan. He has pledged his life to protect his king at all costs. Yet somehow, in the middle of war, he took one look at a woman in a reflection and gave up his heart. When that woman turns out to be the phoenix promised to mate his king and help bring peace to their kind, he has no choice but to accept it.

Until her fire unexpectedly destroys the king after they’ve wed. Now Samael must choose between his loyalty to his clan and protecting the queen who might be his mate from his people’s wrath, one of which will unlock a destiny no one could have ever imagined…

Amazon   ~   Goodreads

~ BOOK REVIEW for The Warrior King ~

****(4) out of 5 

This third book in the Inferno Rising series picks right up where the prior volume left off.  The allied dragon rebel clans continue to face off over the bogus High King and his various lackeys.  But things seem to keep going from bad to worse for our little band of do-gooders.  

Hoping to help turn the tide of war in their favor, Meira offers herself as mate to the ally King Gorgon.  Although a good guy in nearly every regard, he is not, however, her fated mate, so I really do not understand how she can think a union with him would result in anything other than his death.  In point of fact, after their wedding ceremony, when it is time to seal the deal, Meira ends up killing the king with her phoenix fire.  Except that somehow it isn't Gorgon.  Of course, hardly anyone believes her, and she must escape from her own people while she tries to find the real king and discover what is going on.  

Luckily, she has Samael to help her with this monumental task.  Although he spends just as much time fighting off his attraction to Meira as he does protecting her, which doesn't leave a whole lot of time for sleuthing.  They manage, with the help of her magic and some exceptional friends, to explore quite a bit though, and do learn, if not all, at least quite a bit of what is happening around them and in the world at large, in the larger struggle against the forces of evil arrayed against them.  

That these two do not immediately realize that they are fated mates, or at least as the story goes along, is just absurd to me.  He sees her through a mirror when she is eavesdropping via her magic, something that no one else has ever been able to do.  And he is able to touch her when she is using her phoenix fire, without his being burned to a crisp like her erstwhile (fake) husband.  

And both of them are willing to give up the love that they share in order to further the cause of their group, not to mention avoid betraying the love of their mentor and friend.  But Gorgon discovers their betrayal, too late to do much about it, but soon enough to forgive them even that.

There were some significant sacrifices made in this tale; ones that had meaningful emotional and strategic importance in the story overall and specifically to the main characters and their closest allies.  I believe there is one more book in the series, which I can't wait to read.  I just hope that they are able to avenge some of their losses.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley, 

and have willingly provided an honest review.

See my reviews of the first two books in the Inferno Rising series:

The Rogue King 
 The Blood King

Or check out the author's related Fire's Edge series!

BOOK REVIEW for "Knight's Absolution (Knights of Hell, #5)" by Sherilee Gray

 

Knight's Absolution

(Knights of Hell, #5)

by Sherilee Gray

Loyal and deadly, Gunner has fought tirelessly alongside his brothers in the war between Heaven and Hell for the one reward he craves: a beloved mate of his own. But darkness snatched her away. Now she haunts his dreams, and his longing for a female lost to him forever is tormenting him to the edge of sanity.

Luna risked everything to help the brutal warrior who should be her enemy — and lost. Now trapped in a cell and punished relentlessly for her betrayal, her wish for death is bested only by an intense desire for the man she cannot have. When he finds and rescues her, it awakens a part of her she never knew existed.

But the monster who held her captive will stop at nothing to get Luna and her powers back, and those she loves most are in terrible danger...

~ BOOK REVIEW for Knight's Absolution ~

****(4) out of 5 

For months, Gunner wakes every day with screams of agony echoing through his dreams, with no idea why.  It isn't until later that he learns it is Luna whose pain he has been feeling.  She isn't dead as he had feared, just trapped and hidden in every way possible.  Amazingly, he finally makes his way to her, only to find her mostly dead.  He slowly nurses her back to health, but they face many challenges ahead of them.  Not the least of which is having to wade through all the luggage from her horrific past.  Their lack of communication and mutual feelings of unworthiness don't help matters any either.  Just as they finally seem to be forging a meaningful relationship, Luna is stolen from Gunner again, with no clue where she's been taken.  Luckily, although there is some angst to wade through, she isn't in quite as much danger as feared. 

Gunner and Luna's tale is main plotline of this book, but it is far from the only one.  There are other couples and individuals who are revealed in brief snippets of story that hint at much to come in the future.  And, of course, there are glimpses of couples who featured predominantly in prior volumes.  Apparently, there is one last volume to be had in the series, and I for one can hardly wait for the culmination of all these tales; I'm hopeful that it wraps up many of the outstanding plot points, and in a way that is more uplifting than has been much of the overarching storyline here.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from the author, 

and have willingly provided an honest review.

BLOG TOUR & AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Thommy Hutson for "Write Christmas"

Write Christmas
by Thommy Hutson
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: December 1st, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy

“[A] heartwarming fantasy … Christmas enthusiasts will find this hits the spot.” ~Publishers Weekly

A contemporary, holiday fantasy with a new twist on A Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life.

Abby Nicholson used to love Christmas. Until she didn’t.

After leaving Winter Glen, the small town famous for its Christmas celebration and her family’s greeting card company, Abby is forced to return to the home she left behind when the unexpected passing of her father thrusts the business into her hands.

Turning her back on the magic of the holiday beloved by her father and the town, she decides to sell the business. Signing the paperwork with the very pen her father used to create it, she is shocked to discover her hometown has become a whole new world.

One where Christmas has vanished!

Now stuck in a place devoid of hope, joy, and the spirit of the season, Abby sees family and friends altered in the most terrible of ways.

Determined to set things right, though unsure how, Abby takes out her father’s pen and begins to draw. When she realizes her art is coming to life, she sets out to recreate the holiday and bring back the most wonderful time of the year.

But some are determined to keep an iron grip on the town and will do anything in their power to stop her.

Goodreads / Purchase

~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Thommy Hutson ~ 

1) What gave you the inspiration for the storyline?

--Christmas is my favorite time of the year and has always been such an incredibly important part of my life. The memories I have from growing up and the traditions I continue mean so much. All of that had me wondering what would happen if all of that went away. Not just currently, but forever: the memories, the feelings, the spirit of the season. What would happen if it ceased to exist? Who would I be? Who would those around me become? The answer to that was the story.

2) Are there any hidden (or not so hidden) themes in the book that you hope readers will discover?

--I don’t know that anything is hidden. Themes of love, family, and finding happiness right where you are certainly resonate on the surface. Underneath it all is doing the right thing for yourself doesn’t mean doing it at the expense of others. Finding a way to come together to cherish what you love most, with those you love most, is important, necessary, and something to work toward. 

3) Are any of the characters based on real people you know?

--Not directly, but there are always little pieces of real people—the things they say, do, or how they feel—in my characters. I want the characters to feel like people I know and understand so the reader can get to know and understand them.

4) Who has influenced you most as a writer?

--I have so many names to answer this question, and they can change every day as different writers come to mind, but right at this moment I’ll say: Ray Bradbury, William Goldman, Charles Dickens, Jean Shepherd, David Levithan, Stephen King, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, John Green, Lois Duncan, S.E. Hinton, William Golding, H.G. Wells, and Wes Craven. So, so many!

5) Do you feel that you can ever have too many books?

--This is a rhetorical question, right? J

Author Bio:

Thommy Hutson is a bestselling, award-winning author, screenwriter, producer, and director.

A graduate of UCLA, he began his career co-writing the story for the Warner Bros. animated hit SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE’S MY MUMMY? He followed that with co-writing the concept and additional material for CHILL OUT, SCOOBY-DOO!

As an author, Thommy crafted a limited-edition coffee table book detailing the making and legacy of horror icon Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. A trade version followed from Permuted Press/Simon & Schuster. His novel, the teen thriller Jinxed, (Vesuvian Books) is the first in a trilogy that has been called “A must-read for classic horror fans … Hutson could easily take on the mantle as the next Lois Duncan.” Hutson was named on the
7 Essential LGBTQ Horror Authors for Your Summer Reading Lists.

Thommy wrote the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original film, A CHRISTMAS FOR THE BOOKS, which was the highest-rated scripted program the night it premiered. He co-scripted the teen thriller INSTAFAME (Lifetime), wrote a screenplay for an audio holiday project, and is in development on a family feature film. In addition, Thommy produced the critically acclaimed feature THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH, an insightful relationship drama starring Lea Thompson and John Shea. He also produced DREAMWORLD, a quirky, romantic dramedy. He has also worked as a staff writer on a Hulu web series.

A member of the Producers Guild of America, a Saturn and Home Media Magazine award-winner, and an aficionado of holiday films as well as teen movies from the 80s and 90s, Thommy continues to develop unique, compelling, and provocative projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ for "Ocean Heart (The Soul Heart Series, #1)" by Ally Aldridge

Ocean Heart
by Ally Aldridge
(The Soul Heart Series, #1)
Publication date: December 1st, 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Being a mermaid brings a new depth to ‘it’s complicated.’

High school teen Mariah’s life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early.

When Mariah’s guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there’s a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah’s about to discover hers.

Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake?

A gripping story about a mermaid, self acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

My blood began to boil… except the bubbling felt more like a tingling. Didn’t he have any compassion for what he was doing to Jace and I? The angry current coursed through my veins. So charged, I felt a need to defuse. I threw my hands in the air and screamed.

“Mariah-,” Mum began but stopped.

Dramatically, the sky lit up like a stormy backdrop to my anger. Lightning pitched down from the sky and hit the lorry, cutting the engine out. The black cloud moved in to darken the before clear sky. The first plop of rain sent a chill through my cotton t-shirt. In no time, the sky was emptying buckets of rain.

“Temper, temper,” Jace teased.

“Quick!” Mum yelled over the rumbling sky as it began to chuck it down, “Everyone inside.”

We ran in. Denny invited the removal men to take shelter in our home with the promise of sampling their famous Sparkle Cakes and a brew.

As Jace and I were about to run up the stairs, Mum pulled me to one side.

“Are you okay, Mariah?”

“What do you think?” I snapped at her stupid question.

She tugged on my sleeve. “You must stay in control of your emotions.”

I shrugged her off me and hurried up the stairs with Jace. In my room, we revelled in the storm’s blessing of extra time together. I grinned, pleased with myself as if I had caused the storm.

Author Bio:

Ally was born in London but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based.

She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.

When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.

Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Soul Heart Readers FB Group / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

To thank everyone who orders Ocean Heart between 1 Oct and 30 Nov, they author would like to offer them the chance to win a bookish prize of goodies.

There is a UK prize and an International prize. The winner will be announced live on 1 Dec at 8pm GMT, during her launch party on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ho6J-PQTvvI

Full details and entry here!

—

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BOOK BLITZ for "Facets of Power (The Dragon Portal, #3)" by Jamie A. Waters

Facets of Power
by Jamie A. Waters
(The Dragon Portal, #3)
Publication date: October 22nd, 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

The hardest stone protects the most precious gems…

Someone is killing dwarves.

Sabine is new to the city of Razadon, a mecca of stone and dwarven magic.

When several clan leaders are murdered in a strange ritual, suspicion falls on the most likely culprits and those newest to the city—Sabine and her companions.

The blood of the ancients can fracture even the strongest stone…

The seals of the Dragon Portal are growing weaker, and Sabine’s running out of time to acquire the remaining artifacts before their world is engulfed in flames.

It’s a race against the clock to find out who’s responsible for the murders and save her friend’s life. But deep within the heart of the mountain, there are some who will do anything to keep Sabine from learning the truth.

Even if it means sacrificing her in the process.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Volack paused, glancing upward. His eyes widened, and he muttered a curse. “Double time, men! Make haste. That storm has a bad look about it. If it’s tied into whatever happened to Badac, we need to get to shelter now!”

They all increased their pace, heading faster up the path. Suddenly, the sun disappeared behind heavy cloud cover and the sky darkened to midnight. A cold wind filled the air, whipping Sabine’s hair away from her face and chilling her down to her bones. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and a low peal of thunder rumbled throughout the mountain.

Sabine looked over her shoulder and another flash of silvered lightning lit the sky. Dark hooded figures emerged from the dark clouds, riding atop creatures of nightmare. Silvery tentacles emerged from beneath the riders’ cloaks, while the eyes of their mounts glowed red with malice. It was the Wild Hunt, and she’d always believed the next time she saw them would be the last.

“Run!” Malek shouted. “They’re nearly upon us!”

The dwarves rushed up the mountain. Sabine grabbed Rika’s hand to keep her grounded while they ran. Malek pulled out his sword but kept pace with them while they raced ahead.

Rika stumbled in the darkness, pulling Sabine down with her. Sabine hit the ground, her palms biting into the sharp rocks and stones. Malek pulled both her and Rika to their feet.

“Sabine!” Bane roared, jerking against his captives to reach her. The dwarves shouted obscenities at him, pushing the demon onward.

“Go, Bane!” Sabine yelled, motioning for him to run. Rika was human and couldn’t hope to keep pace with them, but Sabine wasn’t about to abandon her charge.

“They’re here!” Blossom shrieked, clinging to Sabine’s neck. “You have to run, Sabine!”

“We won’t make it,” Rika said, choking on a sob. Sabine grabbed her hand again, but Malek scooped Rika up and threw her over his shoulder.

“Run, Sabine! Dammit, run! I’ve got her!”

Trusting Malek at his word, Sabine lowered her chin to her chest and ran for her life. Using the glowing crystals affixed to each of the archways as a beacon, she raced up the mountain path. Malek’s footsteps pounded on the stone behind her, while the rumble of thunder from the Hunt’s mounts became nearly deafening. The riders were nearly upon them, but Sabine couldn’t stop. The lightning strikes were coming faster, and Sabine’s markings began to flash in resonance.

Author Bio:

Jamie A. Waters is an award-winning writer of science fiction and fantasy romance. Her first novel was a winner of the Readers' Favorite Award in Science Fiction/Fantasy Romance and the CIPA EVVY Award in Science Fiction.

Jamie currently resides in Florida with two neurotic dogs who enjoy stealing socks. When she's not pursuing her passion of writing, she's usually trying to learn new and interesting random things (like how to pick locks or use the self-cleaning feature of the oven without setting off the fire alarm). In her downtime, she enjoys reading on her Kindle, playing computer games, painting, or acting as a referee between the dragons and fairies currently at war inside her closet.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

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BOOK BLITZ for "The Night’s Chosen (The Cursed Queens Series, #1)" by Emily Hornburg

The Night’s Chosen
(The Cursed Queens Series, #1)

by Emily Hornburg

Published by: City Owl Press
Publication date: October 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Romance

Chosen of the Moon Goddess. Destined to rule. Fated to marry.

A quest to save her family, kingdom, and heart.

For the past five years Princess Eira has run from her impending wedding. As much as she loves her goddess and kingdom, she’s searched the kingdoms for another way to rule as queen someday while also choosing her own husband.

Yet, Eira’s claim to the crown falls into jeopardy when her father, King Brennus, is poisoned and fated to a sleep of living death and Eira is next on the assassin’s hit list – who happens to be her stepmother, Queen Amelia.

After Eira escapes Queen Amelia’s clutches she journeys to the northern Paravian mountains in search of an enchanted cup to save her father.

Her quest is more than she anticipated with evading Queen Amelia’s guards, traveling with the one man she shouldn’t be with, and having to bargain with the ancient dragon guarding the enchanted cup.

She’ll have to decide how to save her family and kingdom, even if it means sacrificing her heart and all she’s wanted her whole life.

If you like Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Estep, and Maxym Martineau, then you’ll love this adult fantastical retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Eira never dreaded sunset. Or the Moon Festival. Or returning home. Or seeing the Oxarian royal family. She had always looked forward to those things. But not today. If only she could stop time.

No, not stop time, exactly. If she stopped time, Eira would never become queen.

She’d spent her life, all twenty-odd years of it, preparing to reign. She wanted to stop the wedding, something she should have been as prepared for as ruling Cresin.

Eira twirled the betrothal band around her wrist. The wedding was going to happen, regardless of what she wanted. With a deep exhale, she closed her eyes and sang, hoping to ease the storm brewing inside and instead focus on the peaceful magic bestowed on her by Luana’s priestesses.

The song ignited the crescent moon tattoo on her chest, and as it glowed, stars formed and sparkled around her head. Swirls of darkness poured out of her fingers and mingled with the betrothal band. The tune and words were meant to sooth and calm the soul, make the singer become one with Luana and be as peaceful as the night sky. Yet it did little to ease the darkness, ice, and stars warring underneath Eira’s skin.

Luana grant me peace…grant me grace…

The wedding was this week. Tonight, she and Alvis were going to perform the opening ceremony for the Moon Festival, ushering in Luana’s season, where the nights became longer than the day. This year, it would also signify the start of the wedding celebrations. As the Chosens of Luana and Ray, it was believed pieces of the souls of the god and goddess resided inside both she and Alvis, making them the closest to the deities their people would ever have. The two had been betrothed her entire life. Yet now the week arrived and she still wasn’t ready.

A knock came at the door, breaking Eira’s trance. With a wave of her arms, the stars and darkness vanished, and her tattoo faded. Taking a deep breath, she closed her robe and moved to the door, where the knocking was becoming incessant.

“Eira! Will you quit all your praying and let me in?” Rose’s voice drifted from the other side of the door.

Her younger sister almost clubbed Eira in the eye with the velvet box she held as Eira pulled the door open.

“I’d imagine after a year of visiting temples, you’d have had enough of praying by now.” Rose barreled into the room, leaning on her crutch, and dropped the box on the vanity with a thud.

“It was more necessary than usual today.” Eira shut the door behind them and exhaled, pressing her lips together before placing her hands on her hips. “And maybe if I hadn’t received dozens of letters from you and Father begging me to come home from those temples, I wouldn’t need to pray so long this morning.”

Rose waved Eira off. “It wasn’t as though you hadn’t planned on being home in time for the Moon Festival. We were simply reminding you.”

She dropped her crutch and it clattered to the ground as she flopped onto the plush, deep blue bed, pale freckled arms outstretched. Her copper hair splayed out on the quilt like fiery waves.

Eira had only been home for a few days since her yearlong pilgrimage, and had a curious new fascination with Rose. In so many ways she was the same, but in spite of sending letters all year and seeing one another for the holy days, there was still something different Eira couldn’t put her finger on. Rose had always been as fiery as her red hair and ready to speak her mind at any given chance. She never sat still for more than a moment. Yet now there was an air of unease and distance about her Eira didn’t recognize. This was one of the reasons she was glad to be home, in spite of everything. She wanted to get to know her sister again.

“And it wasn’t dozens of letters,” Rose replied. “It’s been a difficult year.”

Eira crossed the room and sat on the bed next to Rose.

“I’m aware. It’s not as though I was only sitting in temples praying the whole time. I went and visited as many of the villages that needed help as I could. They’re recovering from the fires, but it’s going to take a long time.”

“I’m not only talking about the fire recovery.” Rose propped herself on her elbows. “People have been…talking.”

Eira shifted in her seat. “People talk often Rose, whether I’m here or not.”

Author Bio:

Emily is an author of fantasy novels who has had a life long love affair with stories and the written word. Her debut novel, The Night’s Chosen, a retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will be published with City Owl Press October 6, 2020.

She’s a Chicago South-Sider, aunt to the best niece ever, expert at the fan-girl flail, a wheelchair “part-timer” with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, dog mom, Hufflepuff, coffee addict, and has a degree in youth and theatre ministry.

When not devouring or creating books, you can find Emily watching Gilmore Girls (for the 20th time), belting out showtunes, attending the latest con, brainstorming how she can go to Disney World (again), or figuring out how to make the perfect combination of chocolate and nachos.

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BOOK BLITZ for "Dead to Me (Grave Talker, #1)" by Annie Anderson

Dead to Me

(Grave Talker, #1)

by Annie Anderson

Publication date: Sept 29th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

There are only three rules in Darby Adler’s life.

One: Don’t talk to the dead in front of the living. 

Two: Stay off the Arcane Bureau of Investigation’s radar. 

Three: Don’t forget rules one and two. 

With a murderer desperate for Darby’s attention and an ABI agent in town, things are about to get mighty interesting in Haunted Peak, TN.

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—

EXCERPT:

My life would be a lot easier if the dead in this town would just cooperate. Maybe it was the living. They never seemed to cooperate, either.

I hefted one eyelid by sheer force of will and spied the time on my alarm clock. That alarm clock was just for show. No one—not even me—used them much anymore. Lately, it was there so I didn’t have to look at the time on my phone. Said alarm clock was blinking 12:00 at me.

The power had gone out sometime since I’d fallen into bed. Figures. It didn’t matter that I lived in a nice neighborhood. Mother Nature was a testy woman on the best of days, but in the spring in this part of the country? She was downright spiteful.

The knock—well, more like pounding—on my front door rattled through my house again, which was what had woken me up from a very deep, much-needed sleep in the first damn place. I knew that insistent cop-knock. J was pounding on my door like the badge-wielding tool he was. Granted, I, too, had a badge, but I wasn’t the jerk accosting his door at oh-butt-thirty in the morning.

Groaning, I peeled myself from my oh-so-soft mattress and stomped to my door, yanking it open before J could splinter the wood.

“What?” Yeah, it came out more like a bark, but it wasn’t even dawn, and I was in no mood.

Instead of saying anything at all, J waved a to-go cup of coffee in my face as a peace offering. I fell on the caffeine-laden cup like a junkie, sucking down the brew like my life—or more accurately, J’s life—depended on it.

Only after the cup was half-drained did I let him pass the threshold into my living room. Shuffling past me, he plopped onto my overstuffed sofa like he owned it. He didn’t, but Jeremiah Cooper, AKA, J, was my best friend—hell, my only friend—and he’d spent many a morning, evening, and afternoon on that couch.

J wasn’t the only person sitting there, but he paid exactly zero attention to the slightly see-through dead man perched right next to him, lounging on the cushions like the Queen of Sheba. J—and everyone else in my life—couldn’t see him.

No one could.

No one but me.

Author Bio:

Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she'll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup that makes life... interesting.

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RELEASE BLITZ for "The Hunter and the Mage (The Raven and the Dove, #2)" by Kaitlyn Davis

 

The Hunter and the Mage

(The Raven and the Dove, #2)

by Kaitlyn Davis

Published: September 21st, 2020

Return to the world of The Raven and the Dove, where winged people rule the skies, a lost kingdom lives at sea, and two star-crossed lovers hold the fate of each in their palms. 

A mage written in prophecy…

When Lyana wakes in the Sea of Mist, adventure is the first thing on her mind. But between her unruly new magic and an unyielding young king, the world below comes with more responsibility than she ever dreamed. An entire civilization exists within the fog, and its survival depends entirely on her.

A hunter forged in blood…

Adrift at sea on a ship full of strangers, Rafe fights to cope with his new reality. He'll do anything to return to the sky and the people he left behind. When a surprising offer comes his way, he instantly accepts, sparing no time to consider the consequences.

Loyalties are tested and an ancient war begins anew…

With rebellion in her heart, Cassi defies her king and befriends the prince she's been ordered to kill. Oblivious to the threat, Xander welcomes her into his inner circle, determined to rescue his mate. As one works to help and the other to hinder, an ancient enemy stirs, forcing Cassi to choose between trusting the man who broke her heart and turning her back on everything she's ever known. 

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To read my 4-Star REVIEW of Book #1 "The Raven and the Dove" click HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."

To learn more about her contemporary romance novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kay Marie here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kay_Marie

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

Sign up for Kaitlyn's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases and more! http://bit.ly/AuthorNewsletter

Like her on Facebook here: Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks

Follow her on Instagram here: Instagram.com/kaitlyndavisbooks/ 

BLOG TOUR & AUTHOR INTERVIEW with R.J. Blain for "A Chip on Her Shoulder (Magical Romantic Comedies, #11)"

A Chip on Her Shoulder
(Magical Romantic Comedies, #11)
by R.J. Blain
Publication date: September 1st, 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

After a deal with loan sharks sours, Darlene’s brother is permanently transformed into a chipmunk. Not one to accept impossibility as a good excuse for failure, she’s determined to rescue her brother and secure revenge against those who’d poisoned him with grade-a transformatives. 

If she wants to perform a miracle, she’ll need to join forces with a divine, but the man upstairs and his angels refuse to help.
None of the other so-called benevolent divines are willing to help her, either.
Running out of time and options, Darlene prepares to storm the gates of hell for her brother. 

She never expected to fall in love with the Devil. 

Warning: this novel contains a woman with a chip on her shoulder, humor, and one hell of a hero. Proceed with caution.

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~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW with R.J. Blain ~ 

1) What gave you the inspiration for the storyline?

The Devil and Darlene are reoccurring characters in the Mag Rom Com series, and I’ve always wanted to write their story, and as it’s one of my most frequent requests, I decided to hit two birds with one stone. I’m so glad I wrote their book. It was so, so much fun.

At its heart, A Chip on Her Shoulder is really about a young woman who will do anything for the sake of her family, even storm the gates of hell. Well, the Devil definitely has something to say about that… and so the fun begins.

2) Are there any hidden (or not so hidden) themes in the book that you hope readers will discover?

Yep! There are. This book is tricky. There are also a lot of little Easter eggs for readers of the series. Those new to the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series absolutely can start with this novel as their first, and the clever and observant will be able to identify how certain events in previous books came to be. I love including little things like that.

It makes rereading the books more entertaining.

3) Are any of the characters based on real people you know?

No. I work hard to avoid doing that, as I want my characters to be their own people, and basing them off real people I know removes my ability to make them truly unique. Sometimes, character traits are shared, but I try to make sure the characters have their own personalities based on their specific life circumstances.

Now, that said, I definitely have a preference for the types of characters I write, as I enjoy telling stories about go-getters who are spunky and enjoy grabbing life by the horns and going for a wild ride.

4) Who has influenced you most as a writer?

I have a few authors I particularly look up towards, including Ilona Andrews and Faith Hunter, who have written some of my absolute favorite books and remain classy, wonderful individuals despite their glowing success in my field of fiction.

Basically, I want to be them if I ever grow up.

5) If you could have any three literary characters over to your place for game night, who would you invite, what would you play, what would you serve, and why?

The Devil, Darlene, and Bailey, the main character from Playing with Fire.

I’d probably make us play some evil game like Pandemic and watch them start a fight, light the board on fire, and otherwise have a good time enjoying the generalized destruction as all three of them have vastly different approaches to how to handle generalized disaster.

I’d definitely serve tacos, because tacos are life to me.

6) Do you feel that you can ever have too many books?

Yes, because I only have 685 square feet in my apartment to work with, but no… because I got a kindle and now I can catch them all because digital books weigh so much less than paper ones. And they’re both books. The same exact book, to be precise. The formatting doesn’t change the text, and so… gotta catch them all!

Thank you so much for having me.

Author Bio:

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning. 

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until satisfied. 

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