Author: freelancewriterjannyc

Janny C(Jan Marie) is an established freelance writer, Author, and blogger ready to write for you!
Posted on

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

Being I adore fairy tale retellings it is no surprise this book is in my spotlight today. The Musician and the Monster is a gothic romantasy fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast tossed in with a hint of Phantom of the Opera. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. Read on!

The Musician and the Monster: A Gothic Beauty and the Beast Retelling (The Castamar Duology Book 1)

Expected Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Genre: Gothic Romantic Fantasy

Featuring
💖 Forbidden love
☑️ Morally grey MMC
⚔️ Determined heroine
🎶 Music is powerful
🔥 Slow burn to steamy
❄️ Wintertime
🥀 Gothic vibes
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/comfort
🗡️ Touch her and 💀
✨ Magic
🎭 Masquerade

Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you.
Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.
Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?
At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.

COMING MAY 7TH, 2024 AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Van Dyke is an award-winning fantasy romance author with a love for all things magical and romantic, especially fairytales and anything with a happily ever after. Many of her stories include themes of family (whether born into or found) and a sense of home and belonging, which are important aspects of her life as well. When not writing, Megan loves to cook, play video games, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with her family. Megan currently lives with her family in Florida.

Learn more about Megan at Megan Van Dyke

Posted on

Book Review: Carved From Obsidian by Addie Grey

Indie Promotions

A wayward witch. A billionaire vampire. Dark family secrets and steamy, steamy romance.

Carved From Obsidian: An Urban Paranormal Romance (The Founders Duology Book 1)

*NOTE: This book is intended for adults and may have themes that some readers prefer to avoid. Visit www.addiegreybooks.com for the content guidelines.*

Genre: Dark paranormal romance, Dark Fantasy
Release Date: May 1st, 2024

Tropes:
x Dark paranormal romance
x Modern setting
x Vampire x witch
x Forbidden romance
x Powerful/controlling family
x Dark secrets unraveling.
x Love triangle
x Hidden powers
x Steamy/Spicy

Story Plot

Soph’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is rescued from imminent death by a mysterious vampire. Fuelled with a need to find this day-walking supernatural, She embarks on a relentless quest to locate her saviour.

Soph soon discovers that her elusive vampire is none other than Eli Damiani, billionaire and business titan. Though she only wanted to thank him, Eli quickly becomes intertwined with Soph’s life in unexpected ways. Their chance encounters explode into a web of inexplicable connections, drawing them closer in more ways than one.

Though her obsession with her vampire grows, she knows nothing can become of their secret romance. Her grandmother, a powerful witch and the family matriarch, has another man in mind for her granddaughter, and always desperate for Nona’s approval, Soph finds it difficult to say no.

And while her heart is being pulled in more ways than one, dark and insidious secrets are unraveling in the supernatural world. Soph discovers the hard way that both she, her family, and Eli Daniani are all ensnared and cannot escape.

Review

Newly titled ‘Obsidian Crack’ by me, I was not expecting to become so engrossed in this book and its characters. The character of Soph is a hot mess of a young witch. She is always late for work. She can’t stick to a coven for her life; as you see, commitment is not her thing. When a mysterious vampire stranger saves her life from getting hit by a truck, Soph becomes obsessed with finding him, even though vampires and witches don’t mix. 

When Soph discovers he is a daywalker vampire, and the well know sexy billionaire Eli Daniani of the prominent corporation called SinCorp. She’s got to thank him, right?  No harm, no foul, then why can she not stop thinking of him?

When Eli shows up out of nowhere asking for Soph’s help. The allure of her hero grows even more when he picks her design for his new project of night clubs, but when Soph gets tricked into joining a black witch coven, Soph’s world tears apart, finding Eli her savior once again. Family secrets, though, threaten to ruin it all.

Again I did not expect to get so swallowed up in this book. The character of Soph seems A- typical female character to me, but gosh darn it, Grey made my obsidian heart feel. There is a bit of a powerful subplot Grey slips in that was mind-blowing and shocking, and I loved the way Grey handled it with brutal beauty and grace. Then, the moment when Eli comes back, realizing he shouldn’t have left her alone, Soph officially cracks apart… I don’t want to give away too much, but Soph became real, and I empathize for her.

Overall, Grey writes with a clean, smooth, modern flare that is enjoyable. She gives us readers just the right amount of detail, letting our brains imagine in sultry detail. The only downside is the book ends not on an oh my gosh; I can’t wait till book two cliffhanger but instead on a somber note with a lot of unanswered questions, which I hope to get answered in the next book.

My rating is 41/2 out of 5

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Carved From Obsidian is available May 1st, 2024 Pre-order your copy HERE

ARC courtesy of RR BookTours and Author Addie Grey

About The Author

Addie Grey, a luminary in the world of dark fantasy romance, hails from rural Australia. A day dreamer and adventure-chaser, Addie intricately weaves tales that traverse the realms of dark fantasy, urban fantasy, and romantic fantasy, ensnaring readers within the tendrils of her enchanting narratives.

Addie’s storytelling prowess extends across a spectrum of genres that encompasses dark fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. Her stories are intricate tapestries woven with threads of desire, seamlessly entwining elements of otherworldly magic with gritty realities. Readers find themselves ensnared within the pages of her captivating books, drawn into worlds where love and darkness collide in a mesmerising dance.

Learn more about Addie and her books at addiegreybook.com

Posted on

Book Spotlight Thursday: Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro

With a cover like this, the book spotlights itself! A Rogue. A Commander. And an Admiral.
Brought together by circumstance, held together by duty. Can they find a way to work together to save humanity? Read on as we celebrate the release of Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro; let’s learn more!

Umbra: Sentient Stars

Publication Date: April 24, 2024

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy/ Space Opera

✨Enemies-to-Lovers
✨Found Family
✨Multiple POVs
✨Intergalactic Adventure
✨Slow Burn
✨Militaristic Society
✨Fully Sentient Starships

Earth That Was has faded into myth. After millennia spent wandering, humans are no longer nomads. Twelve tribes stand allied under the United Tribal Axis, but there is a signal in the darkness that threatens to destroy everything.

All Skyla wanted after leaving the Navy was to be left alone. Just her ship, the stars, and a new adventure. But when a strange virus disables her ship, she is thrown into the middle of a conflict she doesn’t understand, forcing her to take on responsibilities she swore she never would again.

Hinata always followed the rules and honor above all else. He always won until he didn’t. Sentenced to exile for his failures, he is determined to prove himself, until a mysterious woman arrives on his station and chaos threatens to break already fragile alliances.

Freyja was always angry, an outcast, playing the part of admiral and black ops operative. But she is tired of being a pawn in the Empress’ games, and when she’s stranded on the wrong side of enemy lines after a vengeful battle, she’s forced to ally with her adversaries to clear her name.

Available Now! On Amazon

About The Author

Amber Toro is the director of data science at a machine learning startup working to make the world a better place with AI. She is a big believer in using tech for good.

Always dreaming Amber writes epic sci-fi and fantasy.

Amber grew up in Seattle with a great love of the outdoors. She now calls Utah her home and when she is not writing or coding you can find her biking, hiking, and camping in the mountains with her amazing partner and two tiny humans or curled up with a good sci-fi/fantasy book.

Follow Amber at Amber Toro

Posted on

The “IT” Gift This Mother’s Day: TheraICE Headache Relief Cap

Product Review

Mother’s Day is coming up and I have discovered the “IT” gift this year.

Providing 360-degree coverage. Use it hot or cold to help treat those splitting headaches after a long day of motherhood, work, or life!

My very own ThereaICE Headache Relief Cap

Its patented design blocks out light for light sensitivity due to migraines and all forms of headaches, including:

  • Tension Headaches
  • Cluster Headaches
  • Neck Headache
  • TMJ headache
  • Headache from caffeine withdrawal or hangover

I’ve been troubled with sinus headaches all my life and have used every form of headache face mask on the market, from gell-filled to oat-filled with lavender.  How does the TheraICE Headache Relief Cap hold up?

To read the full review and find out my thoughts, check it out on Ko-fi.com.

Posted on

Book Spotlight Thursday: Sin and Betrayal by Sienna Snow

This week, we are spotlighting the newly released Sin and Betrayal by Sienna Snow. Set to be book 1 in the Sin and Lies series. A mafia, dark romance what is not to love? Let’s read on!

Sin and Betrayal (Sin and Lies Book 1)

Publication Date: April 11

Genre: Mafia Romance/ Dark Romance/ MMF
Features
⦁	Mafia
⦁	Dark Romance
⦁	MMF
⦁	Bodyguard
⦁	Antiheroes
⦁	Second chance
⦁	Hurt you to save you
⦁	Enemies to Lovers
⦁	Touch her, and you 💀
⦁	Boss's wife
⦁	Forced Proximity
⦁	Hate to love you
⦁	Suspense
⦁	Forbidden Love
⦁	Super spicy
⦁	Voyeurism
⦁	Bondage

Princess in a Tower
Captive in a Cage.
There is no Power.
Only Rage.

They promised me love and devotion,
And left me with shattered dreams.
They’re back expecting forgiveness.
But my price is very steep.
Betrayal is a risky business,
Now that I’m the Queen, they wish to keep.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Inspired by her years working in corporate America, Sienna loves to serve up stories woven around confident and successful women who know what they want and how to get it, both in – and out – of the bedroom.
Her heroines are fresh, well-educated, and often find love and romance through atypical circumstances. Sienna treats her readers to enticing slices of hot romance infused with empowerment and indulgent satisfaction.
Sienna loves the life of travel and adventure. She plans to visit even the farthest corners of the world and delight in experiencing the variety of cultures along the way. When she isn’t writing or traveling, Sienna is working on her “happily ever after” with her husband and children.

Learn more and follow Sienna at SIENNA SNOW

Posted on

Book Feature Friday: Long Live by V.B. Lacey

Blog touring this week with RR Book Tours, I had to sneak in this gem. I think I have a thing with sword book cover art. Long Live is the first book in the Elementals of Iona duology, an epic fantasy romance that follows the journey of a young woman overcoming loss and anxiety and four immortal beings learning how to forgive and love again after their dark past. This enemies-to-lovers series is full of morally grey characters, witty banter, unique elemental magic, romantic tension, and twists you won’t see coming. Long Live is perfect for lovers of epic quests and character-driven stories, especially fans of Carissa Broadbent, Elise Kova, and Sarah J Maas.

Long Live: An Elemental Magic Fantasy Romance (The Elementals of Iona #1)

Publication Date: June 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

✨Forced Proximity
✨Witty Banter
✨One Cave
✨Multiple POVs
✨Anxiety
✨No Spice Romance
✨Morally Grey Characters
✨Elemental Magic
✨Plot Twists

Isla Belthare lives an ordinary life in her small village of Lockhurt. Since losing both her mother and the man she loved two years ago, all she wants is stability and peace. But her world is forever changed when her family is attacked on a journey away from home and she must travel to the Aataran mountain range to find them.
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening.
After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?

Available Now! Get it Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V.B. Lacey is an office manager by day and an avid reader-turned-writer by night. She grew up on stories of magic, love, and sarcasm, and equips her writing with all three. She lives in Texas with her supportive husband and two rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about morally grey characters and far-off kingdoms, you can find her reading (mostly fantasy and contemporary romance), playing board games, or spending time with friends.

Follow V.B. on Instagram at @vblacey.books

Posted on

Book Spotlight Thursday: A Sword of Shadow and Deceit by Lucinda Dark

This Thursday’s Book Spotlight is the enticing A Sword of Shadow and Deceit by Lucinda Dark. If you enjoy dark fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers, and a good anti-hero, this book is a must-read!

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit (Mortal Gods #1)

Publication Date: March 21, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Why Choose

Features
🖤Dark Fantasy Romance
🗡️Assassin FMC
☠️Anti-Hero
🚫Forbidden Existence
❤️Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥Why Choose

Desperation makes warriors of captives. The Gods split the skies and rained down tyranny upon the mortal realm long ago. Ever since then, the only thing worse than being human is being of Divine Blood.For someone like me—an undocumented God child, indebted to the Underworld Assassination Guild—that means only one thing: A life in the shadows. Or so it should have been … until Mortal Gods Academy. Until them. 
The Darkhaven Brothers are truly the worst of all the Gods’ spawn. Arrogant. Wicked. Violent. To them, I’m nothing more than a human plaything meant for torment. For me … they’re the path and the key to my freedom.  But if any of them find out who I am, what I am … even the shadows won’t be able to save me. 

*Contains dark with themes of a dark nature that may be triggering. Please check trigger warnings and read responsibly*

GET YOUR COPY HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.

Follow Lucy/Lucinda at Lucy Smoke/ Lucinda Dark

Posted on

Book Review: I Am Bold by Andie Powers Illustrated by Betsy Peterson

Bea is not loud — she is BOLD! Sometimes, people tell Bea she’s just too much. Whether she’s bugging her brother like a buzzing bee, helping out a bit too much in class, or blasting her trombone as loud as it goes, she is often misunderstood. While grownups and even other kids might see her as loud, we know that she’s got stuff to say, things to do, and friends to make!

This story is for the child who lives out LOUD and boldly use their voice to be heard above the crowd. Bea’s story shows us that when the strongest voices are celebrated, their boldness inspires beauty and positive change.

From the acclaimed I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert In All of Us, Andie Powers brings us I Am Bold for the kids that tell it like it is. That may be told they are just too much…

Read the full review featured on Medium.com (leave a clap)

I AM BOLD is available now on AMAZON

Posted on

Book Release Special: The Curse of the Fallen (The Wicked Kingdom Book 3) by Abby Fox

After featuring Book 1, Curse of the Crow, last Thursday, since it is now April 8th, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to join the celebration showcasing the release of the last book in The Wicked Kingdom Series. Behold The Curse of the Fallen by Abby Fox.

The Curse of the Fallen: A Soulmate Romance (The Wicked Kingdom Book 3)

Publication Date: April 7, 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Features

Hidden Identities
Slow Burn
Delicious Angst
Morally Gray Fae MMC
Burn the World for Each Other
One Bed
Powerful but Awkward FMC
Denied Soul Mates

A lost prince. A powerful heiress. A destructive secret.
Fleeing the castle’s gilded prison and on the run from the king, Nava and Arkimedes are confronted by a sinister shadow-figure, who looks like Arkimedes and who wants Nava dead. He vows to end the Beekeepers and bring destruction into the world.
Forced into hiding in the only place their enemies can’t reach them, the Society of Crows Safehouse, Nava and Arkimedes must find a way to prevent their enemy from unleashing demons into this realm.
But stopping him seems impossible, and with the king’s guards on their tail, will they manage it? Or will their love, their lives, and even the entire world be destroyed?

Curse of the Fallen is a dark, action-packed, sexy, fated mates fantasy romance for fans of ACOTAR.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

GET THE WHOLE WICKED KINGDOM TRILOGY

Posted on

Solar Eclipse Book Spotlight: The Last Rays of Ra by Karina McRoberts

In honor of the Total Solar Eclipse today, I thought it was fitting to spotlight The Last Rays of Ra by Karina McRoberts. Let’s put our shades on and read on!

The Last Rays of Ra: A Journey Into Thrilling Adventure, Horror, And Suspense

Publication Date: March 20, 2024

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Adventure


SISTERHOOD’S ANSWER TO AGENT PENDERGAST
Empathic Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph is over-burdened by a series of bizarre murders. He enlists the aid of rogue Egyptologist Vahlona Selket Faralay, pleading with her to retrieve an ancient item linked to the crimes.
Vahlona leaves her mysterious home in the Yorkshire Moors and travels to Egypt, where she braves misogynistic policemen, vicious wildlife, and manic terrorists in her quest to procure the artifact. The shadowy but alluring antiquities dealer Usire Ra Arakti provides the answer, but can Vahlona smuggle the prize out of Egypt and back to London before the madman resumes his killing spree?

A thrilling suspense, horror, romance, and adventure await you in The Last Rays of Ra.

Available Now on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karina is an American-Australian author, illustrator, musician, scientist and theatre producer. She considers herself to be a true Renaissance woman and strives to help other achieve the same. ( “After all, ladies, we didn’t get a chance last time!!!!”).
Previously working as a conservation scientist, she was struck down by a mosquito-borne virus. No longer able to work, Karina now spends her time writing fiction to inspire, encourage, enlighten and entertain, especially those readers active in social justice, humanitarian work, and protection of the Earth.
She also writes self-instruction books and gives workshops in illustration and creative writing.
In these dark days of crazy violence, betrayal, and plague, Karina hopes readers find solace and joy in her creations.