For only one day, I am spotlighting If Only For One Night by ShaRhonda Sharp. Let’s dive in!
If For Only One Night
Published: January 25, 2024
Genre: African American Romance; African American women's fiction
Synopsis Denai Powell is a woman who knows exactly what she wants, even if she doesn’t always know how she’ll get it. So, when her boyfriend of three years reneged on his promise to support her as she pursued her dream of becoming a chef, Denai abruptly ended their relationship. Now newly single, unemployed and living out of her mother’s guest room with no real “Plan B” for the future, and officially sick of drowning her sorrows in booze and bubble baths, Dena teams up with her best friend, Treena, for one epic night on the town to forget about her problems for a while. She had only planned to enjoy free drinks and dance all night until her feet hurt, but then she saw Him…
Dell Hewitt breezed into town on Friday night for a quick one-day trip to celebrate his favorite cousin, Emmanuel’s “Dirty Thirty,” and then hop on a red eye back home. Just bottle service, a few rounds of shots and celebrating the life of someone who’s like a brother to him. Simple and straightforward with no surprises. As a brilliant attorney, Dell did nothing without pinpointing every single detail and knowing every potential outcome. However, all his planning and forward thinking could not have prepared him for this night. Especially not once he saw Her…
When the fiery passion between two perfect strangers, and fellow control freaks, leads to a mind-blowing one-night stand, neither Denai nor Dell ever expect to see each other again. Seems fate had other plans…
ShaRhonda is originally from Maywood, IL, and currently resides in Metro Atlanta, GA. She is a self-proclaimed “Unhinged Creative,” as well as owner and operator of S.L.S. Publishing, LLC. She has been published multiple times across various indie publications, including three self-published collections of poetry and a host of other projects. ShaRhonda holds a Master’s Degree from National Louis University in Chicago, and currently works a “cushy 9-5” as a means to fund the dream of being a best-selling author some day. In between her many passion projects, she moonlights as a freelancer, content creator, copy writer and editor, and avid reader of fiction and poetry.
She is known for her epically beautiful book covers and drool-over stories. Caught in the spotlight today is the romantic fantasy Valkyrie’s Preyby Wendy L. Anderson! Merging with R&R Book Tours once again to help celebrate this long-awaited release.
Valkyrie's Prey: A Viking Romance
Publication Date: July 19, 2024
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Amidst the chaos of war, a Valkyrie defies the gods to save a fearless warrior, forging a forbidden bond between them and challenging destiny itself. A lone warrior stands fearless, and resolute among his brothers fighting for their lives. The unmistakable fire in his eyes shows a spirit that refuses to be extinguished. As he heads into battle, his every move exudes strength and courage that captivates the Valkyrie who watches through storming skies. Something within the Valkyrie’s heart answered the warrior’s spirit and that was the fateful moment when she knew she could not bear to let him fall. As one of Odin’s Valkyrie, her duty was clear—to choose the bravest from the fallen warriors and guide them to majestic Valhalla. Yet, this warrior, with his unfailing bravery and unyielding spirit, awakened something within her. No Valkyrie had ever thought of doing what she considered now. The importance of her duty, the balance that must be maintained between the realms of the living and the dead, was at stake. Love knows no boundaries but was she willing to defy the gods themselves to have this man in her arms? As the brave warrior fought his final battle, the Valkyrie waited and watched, battling within herself over what she should not do and what she wanted to do. Saving him would form a forbidden bond between them, unbreakable and fierce. Would she dare betray Odin and her duty to Valhalla and at what cost?
Wendy L. Anderson is a writer of passionately charged fantasy. Breaking the barriers of typical fantasy themes, she created the Kingdom of Jior epic fantasy series, a lusty and poetic five-book series that will have you wanting more in her Legends of Everclearing spinoff series. Inspired by authors such as Robert E. Howard and Morgan Llywelyn, Wendy went on to write three other stand-alone works; A Cut Twice as Deep, Ulrik, and Rapunzel’s Tower. These fantasy works break free from the usual boundaries of fantasy genres.
A Colorado native and mother of two, she has decided it is time to write down the fantasies in her mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams, she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions, and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.
Wendy L. Anderson’s fantasy has action, adventure, and suspense with just the right amount of romance! Find out more at wendylanderson.com
Prepare for a luminous adventure in this highly original young adult epic fantasy novel by debut author B. D. Reeves. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist, 2023.
Jemma and the Raven Release date: June 5th, 2024
Length: 10hrs 53 min
Genre: Fantasy/ Young Adult/ Teen
Synopsis
To everyone else, Jemma is nothing but a Wharf thief. She scavenges for tokens in the wrestling dens and parades along the market lanes with a raven, Edgar, on her shoulder.
But she and Edgar have a secret. In a land where memories fade into the Shadows without the love of a Keeper, they scour the ruins of ancient memory palaces, searching for treasure that will buy them a passage to the great city of Adocentyn.
When Jemma steals a map and a golden blade, she sets in motion a chain of events that will tie her destiny to the survival of all who live in the light of Memory. Can Jemma defeat the darkness she has unleached, without losing herself? And who is the voice she hears guiding her along the way? "I am with you. Follow the lights."
Entranced by the cover and the story concept, I spotlightedJemma and the Ravenwhen it was released in print and ebook. Now, with its recent audiobook tour, I decided to join R&R Book Tours once again and review this highly recommended book.
A young adult epic fantasy adventure in the likes of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, we meet Jemma and her talking raven Edgar. Jemma, an orphan, lives the life of a wharf thief as she works the wrestling tents scraping for dropped tokens to survive. When scavenging the Scarpe ruins, Jemma finds the ruins of an old castle—deciding to loot it for treasure in the hope that she can sell the items to gain passage to the great city of Adocentyn. Only Jemma encounters a memory she is drawn to and a golden dagger that seems to glow for her. The castle is not empty either, and Jemma and Edgar begin their adventure there.
I usually do not read audiobooks, but I decided to give it another go with Jemma and the Raven. I now know why I do not listen to audiobooks. I am a more visual person, I guess. While the story is excellent, I could not get into it. Thus, my review may be less detailed or in-depth.
Narrator Kim Heron does a lovely job, though. I loved the voice contrast she does for each character; the male and female voices are so impressive. Still, nope, I could not get into the story listening-wise.
Reeves has created a complex world using historical inspiration and using the construct of memory, making this fascinating idea of keepers of memories and being caught in a memory loop. In listening, I got a bit lost and constantly wished I had a physical or digital copy in my hands so I could re-read and dissect it all.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Jemma and the Raven is Jemma herself. I loved the character growth Reeves gives Jemma. It was so refreshing to see it done right! I really did not like Jemma at first; she seemed to me like your stereotypical street rat, but in the end, I grew to like her and respect her. That is character growth done right.
Therefore, my rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
B. D. Reeves is a Melbourne-based writer who loves to explore hybrid forms in fiction. His books combine philosophical, historical, and fantastical ideas with magical elements and calls for adventure. His debut YA fantasy novel Jemma and the Raven was a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2023. He is currently working on the next installment, along with two other stand-alone novels.
As the child of a diplomat, B. D. Reeves learned the joys of travel from an early age. He once camped in an old shepherd’s hut on a remote Greek island where he discovered the remnants of ancient frescos, the secrets of bees, and the friendship of a goat who followed him wherever he went. He has since adored the concept of animals in fiction. His eclectic interests have led him to study far and wide. He has completed a Philosophy degree from the Australian National University (ANU), a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing from RMIT, and a Master’s in Educational Research at the University of Melbourne. In 2020, he received the Frieda Cohen Award for best research thesis.
His work has been featured in the Sudo Journal literary magazine and the Melbourne Art Book Fair. He was shortlisted in the New Philosopher Writing Awards 2021.
Kim Heron is an actor, theatre maker, voiceover artist, and audiobook narrator based in the southwest of England. Trained in Lecoq-based acting at LISPA, she works predominantly in live theatre with an emphasis on developing new work with a playful approach to collaborative creation combined with rigour and attention to detail.
She sings, plays, and writes music for theatre. She has created and toured theatre productions with Theatre Ad Infinitum, Green Ginger, The Tobacco Factory, The Wardrobe Theatre, Ramshacklicious, Oily Cart, and Many others. She is a Co-artistic director of In Our Hands Theatre. Kim works as a voiceover artist from her home studio, creating content for podcasts, training videos, audiobooks, museum audio guides, and lots more.
A book spotlight double feature! So, strap in for the hope punk sci-fi fantasy Tracking Tantor by Adam Gaffen! Tracking Tantor is Book 9 in The Cassidy Chronicles series. If you love Star Trek or The Expanse, then this series is for you! Let’s read on!
Tracking Tantor: The Missions of The TFS Pike (A Cassivyverse Novel)
Published: June 25th, 2024
Genre: Sci-Fi, Space Exploration, Military Sci-Fi
Pages: 505
Synopsis
THE MISSION CONTINUES!
In "Tracking Tantor," Colonel Chloe Resler and her starship crew navigate mutiny, time-hunting aliens, and an ancient alien species determined to protect their secrets at any cost. Following the perilous events of "The Ghosts of Tantor," where a routine mission led to a high-stakes race against time, Chloe's team now faces even greater challenges. Venturing into uncharted territory, they must unravel the mysteries of the Tantorians, avoid temporal anomalies, and battle relentless adversaries.
Greyson Stuart, Nicole Crozier, and Jessa Ellis return to action, planning to test the Tantorian time travel device, while Captain Lexie Marsh and her AI partner, Sheba, contend with Spectre's machinations. As internal conflicts and the threat of mutiny loom, the crew embarks on a risky rescue mission that draws the attention of an alien fleet hostile to time travelers. With treacherous space, shifting timelines, and intergalactic conflict, "Tracking Tantor" offers a thrilling blend of exploration, danger, and teamwork, captivating sci-fi fans and adventure enthusiasts alike. Join Chloe and her crew as they battle the odds and uncover ancient secrets, leading to an explosive confrontation with their alien foes.
Dive into a story where every moment counts, and every choice has cosmic consequences. “Tracking Tantor” delivers high-octane space exploration, heart-pounding military maneuvers, and a deep dive into ancient alien mysteries. Join Colonel Resler as she leads her diverse crew through uncharted territories; you’ll be captivated by the dynamic interplay of duty, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Adam Gaffen Winner of the Top 25 Indie Books of 2023 (The Heart of Space), 2022 (The Ghosts of Tantor), and 2021 (Triumph’s Ashes) is the author of the near-future, hopepunk science fiction universe that starts with “The Cassidy Chronicles, continues with the series “The Artemis War,” and the follow-on adventures launch with “The Ghosts of Tantor” and the newest Cassidyverse novel, “Tracking Tantor.” Two collections of short fiction, a technical manual, and a MG novel round out the universe for now.
He’s also venturing into fantasy/romance with the Godsfall trilogy and into heist novels with “The Vault & the Vixen,” all of which inhabit the Cassidyverse.
He’s been honored with awards from Writers of the Future, Colorado Authors League, the Go Indie Now network, AllAuthor, Read Free.ly, and the Drunken Druid.
He lives in Colorado with his wife, five dogs, and five cats and wonders where all the time goes.
Joining with AME (Author Marketing Experts) in my spotlight today is Cul-De-Sac by Liz Crowe.
Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old-money neighborhood harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.
Cul-De- Sacby Liz Crowe
Published: June 11th 2024
Genre: Fiction/ Psychological /Suspense/ Thriller
Synopsis
Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.
“Cul-de-Sac” is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.
Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner, and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.
The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos are walking her dogs, cuddling her cats, and watching her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.
Learn more about Liz and her books at Lizcrowe.com
Happy 4th of July, America! In this spotlight, I am lighting some firecrackers under the attention-gaining contemporary romance Sushi & Sea Lions by Rachel Corsini. Let’s read on!
SUSHI & SEA LIONS
Published: May 16th 2023
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Romance
Features
Boken FMC
Spicy romance
Broken MMC Love interest
Self-healing/ Loving one’s self
And more!
Synopsis
When a career-ending injury and a messy breakup send prima ballerina Daniela Verdi back to Queens, New York, she fills her days with countless distractions: meaningless sex, pinot grigio, and video games. It takes a chance meeting with her brother’s best friend, Vincent LaBate, for her to remember who she was before the stage lights and distractions of the Upper West Side. She’s convinced that Vincent could never love a girl like her: broken, insecure, and stumbling her way through life. What Daniela didn’t count on is that Vincent is as scarred as she is after divorcing his cheating wife and going through an equally messy child custody fight. Soon enough, old vulnerabilities rear their ugly heads, opening a crack in Daniela’s perfectly imperfect romance.
As Daniela and Vincent’s relationship develops, will Daniela learn to accept that a dream life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be?
After declaring herself a pretty pink princess during her first ballet class, Rachel dreamt of sugarplums and began pirouetting her way through life. While studying to become a ballerina, she compulsively read books under her covers by flashlight and scribbled in spiral-bound notebooks. The urge to tell stories culminated in her graduation from Columbia College Chicago with a B.F.A. in fiction writing.
Never one to keep her feet on the ground, she traveled the world from Prague to Cape Town. Once settled back in Queens, she dabbled in journalism before working as an Editorial Assistant for a medical publisher. Seeking a more fulfilling career, she earned her MAT from Queens College and currently works as an English teacher in an alternative program in NYC.
Take Hades and Persephone’s story, but turn it into a dark mafia romance. You got it!
BEHOLD!
Vengeful Dreams is the first book of the Vlasov Bratva series, set in the more extensive Midwest Underworld series. It’s a stand-alone darker mafia romance with no cheating, a guaranteed HEA, and no cliffhangers. A morally grey romance, this book may not be suitable for everyone.
Vengeful Dreams: A Dark Mafia, Forced Proximity Romance (The Vlasov Bratva)
Publication Date: April 17, 2024
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Features
⦁ Obsessive hero ⦁ Slow burn until it’s not ⦁ Mistrust to lust ⦁ Bratva & civilian ⦁ Forced proximity ⦁ Grump & sunshine ⦁ Mafia Romance ⦁ He will burn the world for her, and does ⦁ A bit of groveling ⦁ “Who did this to you?” ⦁ Touch her & 💀
Daniella
Revenge,I crave it, But can’t get it on my own. I ventured into the underworld and broke into the house of a monster. And now, I have to pay the price for his help.
Work for the cold, ruthless Bratva prince, The one whose name is whispered throughout the underworld, And earn his trust.
But before I collect my part of the bargain, I accidentally start an underworld war.
Kazimir
The Bratva hardened me, forged me into the perfect soldier. Nothing surprises me. Until I discover a little thief in my home.
The audacity of this woman, A clever girl, aware of our world, but always keeping away, Until now. Until she needs help when the more legal channels fail her.
I’m captivated by her graceful presence. I can’t stay away. She calls to a part of me I thought was long burned away. She came to the underworld looking for a dark knight, Now I’m not letting her go. I want her—all of her. And I will do anything to keep her in my dark kingdom. Forever mine. Even if it means breaking the rules and starting a war on her behalf.
When Alexa isn’t writing, she can be found with a book in her lap and a mug of coffee or glass of red wine within reach. A native of the North Woods, Alexa is an avid lake-jumper, beach lounger, and sunshine lover.
Alexa is living a happily ever after with her own steamy hero. Together they have an English Springer fur-baby and would love a few more!
Alexa loves any type of love story. So you can find her writing both contemporary romance and fantasy novels. Instead of making a separate pen name, Alexa just adds her middle initial to her fantasy genre books!
This pretty cover has caught my eye, so I am shining some light on A Shift in the Shadows by Madoox Grey! The first book in what is to be the Lost Legacies series, let us dive in!
A Shift in Shadows (Lost Legacies Book 1)
Publication Date: October 2021 (First Edition)
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Features
⦁ Badass Morally Grey FMC ⦁ Revenge Quest ⦁ Hidden/Forbidden Magic ⦁ She Saves Herself ⦁ Touch Him and Die ⦁ Sweet Golden Retriever Love Interest ⦁ Morally Grey Villain Love Interest ⦁ Witty Banter ⦁ Found Family ⦁ Queer Rep (FMC is queer/bi, nonbinary characters, queer relationships)
A wicked feline shifter. A cruel warlock. And a dark secret that can devour worlds.
A bloody heart. That has been my birthday gift every year from the warlock I once loved. He used me, so I left him. And found the love of my life. We shared a blissful life together until Sebastian destroyed it all with one sweeping declaration.
You will always be mine.
After failing in my attempt to get revenge and barely escaping. I find myself once again starting over with the support of my friends and trying to let go of the past. When I meet the sweet and adorably innocent local werewolf, Andrei, I think I might finally have a real shot at finding happiness again. I should have known better.
Sebastian has found me and he’ll do what he always does—hurt those I love. But I have a secret. The dark magic I keep chained deep within my soul is a weapon just waiting to be unleashed. I could finally claim my revenge and protect everyone important to me. But my kind of magic is forbidden. And the price for using it may be my life.
(The book contains explicit sex scenes and blood-drinking courtesy of vampires recommended 18+)
Maddox Grey is the author of the fantasy series, Lost Legacies. Despite having a degree in history and political science, they built a career in technology and worked in both IT and software development.
When not writing code or books, Maddox spends most of their free time playing video games and reading comics, fantasy, and sci-fi books. With some romance books sprinkled in. Despite living in New England for almost a decade, they will never get over their California roots and cannot handle New England winters. After spending the summer camping with their partner and faithful canine companion, Maddox retreats indoors for New England winter, cuddles with their cat on the couch…and complains about the weather.
Jaiden’s simple act of freeing Skye, the blue dragon, along with her family, became a movement to free all dragons. And that escalated into a rebellion. Now, all-out war seems to be the only solution.
Jaiden and friends Tristram, Wyetta, Gorn, and Aleena represent the surge of humanity who joined the fight for Dragon Freedom. Skirmishes, ambushes, intense battles, and undercover operations transform everyday reality. Uncertainty surrounding the strength and weaponry of the Dear Leader’s human army adds to the tension.
Mysteries, surprises, unexpected revelations, and shocking outcomes mark the Final Dragon War.
Our favorite dragon, Skye, and human, Jaiden, are back and ready for battle in Dragon Train War. The third book in the Dragon Quest Series, the first two books will be helpful when reading this book.
A brief rundown is the dragons are enslaved by humans and used to pull train carts, hence the term “dragon train.” When a dragon train’s dragon collapses near the town of Hill Top, a farm boy named Jaiden rushes over, wanting to see a dragon up close. When the dragon talks to him in his mind, Jaiden learns about the injustices of these creatures. This revelation sparks a deep empathy in Jaiden, compelling him to help free the dragon, Skye. And so, their emotional and perilous adventure begins in book two,Dragon Rebellion.
This leads us to its climatic final Dragon Train, a battle where the humans rage war to wipe out all the dragons. The stakes are high, and not all feel that way, so battle lines are drawn. Love, loss, and secrets are revealed as RJ The Story Guy gives us an action-packed adventure. It’s almost like Star Wars, but with dragons, and surprisingly, I like it!
I especially love the relationship between Skye and Jaiden. It is so endearing! The connection between an animal and a human is so special, and RJ The Story Guy captures it beautifully here and throughout the series. Dragon lovers will adore this series.
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Get the whole Dragon Quest Series now on Amazon!
About the Author
RJ the Story Guy has lived in the Middle Rio Grande Valley for most of his life. His first writing endeavor was a fantasy series for adults, The Rio Grande Parallax trilogy, winning awards in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards. His recent book for children, Trixie Finds Her People, won several honors, including being a finalist for the 2020 Next Generation Indies Book Awards (an international contest). Dragon Train won second place in the 2021 New Mexico Press Women Awards, with more award contests pending.
In the spotlight this Thursday, we are celebrating the audio release of Under Darkened Skies by H.E. Bauman!
Under Darkened Skies (Darkened Skies #1)
Publication Date: May 8, 2024 Genre: Fantasy Romance/Post-Industrial Narrator: @brittneylynnvo Original Music: @hayley_turner_writes
Features
🌌 Friends to lovers 🌌 Only one bed AND only one motorcycle 🌌 Post-industrial fantasy world (subtle 1920s aesthetic!) 🌌 Cozy vibes, epic stakes 🌌 Soft yet strong FMC 🌌 Deadly cinnamon roll book boyfriend/MMC 🌌 Chosen family 🌌 Elemental magic 🌌 Unsolved murders 🌌 Vibes like Adult (18+) Shadow & Bone meets Legend of Korra
A librarian with a secret. A prince looking for redemption. A dark discovery that will force them to confront their truths.
Astrea Sovna is destined to die. As a Lightbringer, she’s expected to serve the Helosian government as a battlefield healer, but when the court seer—Astrea’s uncle—has a vision of her being killed in the line of duty, he forbids her to reveal her powers. Until now, Astrea has gone unnoticed as a junior librarian. But when she gets reassigned to a diplomatic project to strengthen ties between Helosia and one of its neighbors, she finds herself saddled with her past, in the form of areturned war hero and her ex-best friend, Prince Varojin Auris.
Forced to work together, Astrea soon learns that although Varojin has been out of her life for years, he’s still the kind, patient friend she remembers. As they navigate old friendships and imperial politics, the pair discovers that the mysterious shadows stalking the city are leaving a trail of murder victims in their wake. And when Astrea becomes a target, a dear friend gets caught in the crossfire…
As Astrea and Varojin begin searching for answers, they realize there is much more to the emperor’s project than political niceties. If the shadows aren’t stopped, Astrea’s future—and the security of the entire continent—hangs in the balance.
H.E. Bauman is a fantasy author fascinated with all things magical. After spending her childhood writing stories, she went on to receive her bachelor’s in English and has continued writing ever since. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys playing tennis, immersing herself in video games, and spending time with her family.
Learn more about H.E. Bauman at @hebauman on Instagram
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 