Book Spotlight Thursday: RARE by Patrick de Moss

A darkly magical tale of loss, courage, and the power of music to heal even the deepest wounds is caught in the spotlight today. This is a story that explores the fragile beauty of hope and the strength it takes to face the shadows. RARE is a spellbinding modern fable.

… Some songs can change the world. Some songs can change you. Let’s look deeper into RARE.

Rare

Publication Date: March 2, 2025

Genre: Thriller/Supernatural

Some songs aren’t meant to exist.
When sixteen-year-old Emma receives a mysterious Beatles record—a cover of The Girl Can’t Help It, a song they never recorded, her life changes in ways she never imagined. Grieving her grandmother’s death and lost in the heavy fog of depression, Emma doesn’t expect much from the strange package. But the moment the needle drops, magic ripples through the world.

Angels shiver. Dragons stir in their hoards. Vampires feel an ancient hunger awaken. The song calls to them all, and it calls to Emma too. For the first time since her grandmother’s death, Emma feels something spark inside her: hope. But magic has a price, and the Dark has heard the song as well.

To protect the record, Emma must venture into the Hidden States of America—a surreal, shadowed version of the country where myth and reality blur. It’s a country shaped by the stories we tell and the secrets we keep, where ordinary towns hide extraordinary truths.
As Emma struggles to carry the song to where it belongs, she’ll have to confront her grief, face her deepest fears, and discover if she has the strength to resist the pull of the Dark.

_{Content warning May Contain: 
Suicidal Ideations, racial themes, gun violence victims, attempted kidnapping.}

Get Now On Amazon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Playwright, poet, and prose writer Patrick de Moss lives and works in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He is also a former gravedigger, hotline psychic, line cook, chef, waiter, and a few other things in between.

April 18, 2025April 18, 2025

BOOK FEATURE FRIDAY: The Imminent Return of History by Catalina Matei

Freshly released! I am partying with R&R BookTours to celebrate the release of The Imminent Returns of History by Catalina Matei! “In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king’s vanity to his greed…” Now let’s take a deeper look into THE IMMINENT RETURN OF HISTORY! This is book II in the Vials of Fate Trilogy!

The Imminent Return of History (Vials of Fate Book 2)

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Features

⦁	Dragons
⦁	Fated mates
⦁	War
⦁	Found family
⦁	Hidden truths
⦁	Banter
⦁	Strong FMC
⦁	Dual POV
⦁	Magical creatures

In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king's vanity to his greed.
Having survived her trials, Tiadola discovered that appearances were deceiving. As secrets unravel, she must navigate the darkness clouding her mind while fighting for a chance at happiness with Zadrohn.
History repeats itself as magic and power intertwine, shifting the tides in King Tuddn's favour. The looming war between humans and Soronians is inevitable, and every conflict demands a victor.
Outnumbered and overpowered, yet resolute, can Tiadola and Zadrohn secure the human nation's independence, or will their efforts crumble under the weight of forces beyond their control?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matei writes about existential angst in steamy fantasy novels. Even though she started writing in high school, she never thought she’d get here and start an entire trilogy, but here we are.

She is a bookworm at heart and enjoys reading various genres from classics to pitch black horror romances.

She lives in Romania, and when she is not working her full-time job as a software engineer, she spends her days off on road trips through Europe with her husband and overprotective pug, reading and/or writing.

Follow Matei and her books on Instagram at @catalinamateiwrites.

April 17, 2025April 11, 2025

Book Spotlight Thursday: ALPHA MALE (Blood Red Moon Book 2) by Mark Allen

Today, my spotlight shines on ALPHA MALE by Mark Allen. The cover is astonishing and caught my eye. I am like, I got to spotlight this baby. ALPHA MALE is the second installment of Allen’s werewolf trilogy, which follows the events of the 2021 award-winning, BLOOD RED MOON.

ALPHA MALE ( A Caleb Jacobsen novel) (Blood Red Moon Book 2)

Publishing Date: April 15th, 2025

Genre: Horror/Thriller/ Suspense

Pages: 432

Synopsis

Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.

Sadly, "quiet" never lasts.

A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.

Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.

But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.

There's only one ALPHA MALE.

The hero, Caleb Jacobsen, once again faces deadly enemies and fights to protect his mate, Marla, as they race to bring order to a chaotic werewolf world and quell a violent insurrection by ascending to a position Caleb does not want but feels morally compelled to claim: Alpha Male of the Global Pack.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas in the 60s and 70s. He wrote his first short story for a 4th grade English assignment. He got an A+ on the assignment, and he’s been writing ever since. In 1980, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and was designated a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Warfare Specialist. He retired in May 2001.

Mark returned to his first love, this time writing screenplays for feature films. He wrote and directed DELIRIUM (York Entertainment 2007) and wrote and co-produced EARLY GRAVE (Fenix Pictures 2013). Mark’s most recent screenwriting release, RESTITUTION (2024 Terror Films Releasing) premiered worldwide on Oct 4, 2024.

In 2014, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. During radiation and chemo, he began writing what would become his debut novel, NOCTURNAL. Mark is now 11 years in recovery and suffers long-term disabilities related to the cancer and the treatments that killed his cancer. But, grateful to be alive, Mark pushes on. No longer fit for the rigors of the film industry, Mark concentrates almost exclusively on novels now.

Mark is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He lives quietly in a small coastal town in northwest Washington state. Other literary works include NOCTURNAL, JUST BEFORE DAWN, and BLOOD RED MOON.

He writes every day.

To learn more about Mark Allen and his books, follow him on LinkedIn / Instagram / X(Twitter) / FB / Blue Sky / SlasherTV.

April 7, 2025April 6, 2025

Book Review: The Other Side by C. Herbert

Welcome to a gender swap and sapphic dark fantasy retelling of what would happen if Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier met Hades from Hercules!

The Other Side

Published: March 21, 2025

Genre: dark fantasy/dark romance/ fairytale retelling/ magical romance

Content Warning: 18+, please check trigger warning as this is a dark romance

Do we have a deal?

We are warned as children not to play with fire for fear of being burned. But what if that very fire belonged to the goddess of the underworld? And what if she, the keeper of souls, offered you everything you desire? All in exchange for a single favor. Would you accept her terms?

The bayou witch, Iris-Marie, is no stranger to the mistreatment of others, so when Cypress, the goddess of the underworld, saves her from death and offers to give her the very thing she desires, it’s no wonder she accepts. Even if it means gambling her soul. But when Cypress comes to collect her favor, Iris-Marie’s world is thrown into chaos when she learns the truth of the very deal she struck.

Now, she must choose to save herself or burn in Cypress’ fiery passion that could drag her to the Abyss for all eternity.

REVIEW

The Other Side is a delicious what-if scenario based on the villain Dr. Faciller from Princess and the Frog and Hades from Disney’s Hercules. We are introduced to Iris-Marie, a bayou witch who is being hunted and then saved by the goddess of the underworld herself, Cypress. Iris is unwisely drawn to the goddess of death, makes a deal for power with the soul eater, but when the time comes, Cypress will collect her part of the deal, which might be Iris-Marie herself.

Herbert is the queen of dark fantasy and fantasy horror. I loved how she plucked these two familiar characters we know and transformed them into something new and original—a villainess love story, if you will. Herbert’s writing is once again on point, yet I had a hard time falling for Iris-Marie and Cypress because their relationship is so toxic and sinister. We were given the question of, come on, maybe villains are just misunderstood. And taught actions speak louder than sweet nothings in our ears and carnal pleasure. Okay, maybe I delved deeper into this book than most readers, and perhaps even the author herself.

One thing I did like about Iris-Mare and Cypress was Herbert’s description of them. Her imagery of Cypress was divine, right down to her flame-dripped hair. I so got it. And Iris-Marie is fond of her tall top hat. I just loved the little subtleties she includes.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. May rating 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*NOTE The Other Side is an exciting addition to an intriguing Villainous Retelling trilogy featuring contributions from various talented authors. Check out Wicked Depth by Melissa McSherry (Sea witch/ Dragon Queen ) and Off with Her Head by Dana LeeAnn (Evil Queen/Queen of Hearts)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty yet horrific picture woven together with absolute chaos. These are true graveyard reads.

While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction. She delivers darker tales with a hint of madness that tug at your heartstrings.

She is a self-proclaimed manic writer who loves to constantly push herself to do more.

C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.

Learn more about C. Herbert and her books at cynfulbooks.com

April 3, 2025March 30, 2025

Book Spotlight Thursday: Feather and Famine by Mariah L. Rosewood

Capturing the spotlight this Thursday is the beautiful epic romantasy Feather and Famine. The first in the slow burn and spicy, The Withering Saga, this series will appeal to fans who enjoy immersive romantic high fantasy in the likes of A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, and Kingdom of the Wicked. Feast your eyes below!

Feather and Famine (The Withering Saga #1)

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Genre: Epic Romantasy

Features

🌿Plant girlie
🌿Shadow daddy
🌿Dual POV
🌿Elves AND Fey
🌿Slow burn AND whirlwind/fast burn romance
🌿“Who did this”
🌿Touch her and die
🌿Dark secrets
🌿Wound tending
🌿Diverse/LGBTQ+ cast
🌿Multiple magic systems
🌿Mental health rep

Only she can sense the tree’s magic. Unfortunately, the tree’s not hers. It's his.
In the famine-stricken kingdom of Ittora, Ayse discovers a magical birch that might hold the power to save everyone. If only Aiden, the tree’s grumpy, annoyingly hot guardian would get over himself and let her investigate it.
Despite dark secrets and growing desire, Ayse is determined to see if the tree can reverse the Withering.
Meanwhile, Prince Seok is pushing for war against the Fey in a last ditch attempt to quell the famine, while also uncovering something amiss with the rations keeping everyone alive.
With the Withering closing in and time running out, they must hurry to save Ittora—before hunger consumes them all.

AVAILABLE at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariah L. Rosewood is a creative soul from the Midwest with a love for family, reading, art, music, and the intricacies of human emotion.

As an author, she loves characters that are multifaceted, imperfect, and relatable. The kind you root for, swoon over, and sometimes want to smack upside the head. Characters you’re on the journey with.

So step into the world of Rosewood—where magic meets the heart, and every story leaves a mark.

March 27, 2025March 24, 2025

Book Spotlight Thursday: Bewitched Blooms: A Fundraiser Anthology for Zoë by Briar Boylan and Others

Today is a very special Book Spotlight Thursday, which I am proud to be a part of. Bewitched Blooms: A Fundraiser Anthology for Zoë is an anthology lovingly dedicated to the memory of Zoë, a cherished friend of the author Briar Boleyn, who bravely faced Stage 4 colorectal cancer.

In Zoë’s honor, all proceeds will be directed to her family and to CancerCare Manitoba, which supports vital cancer research, preventive screening, and patient care initiatives. The proceeds will also go to the Riverview Health Center, which provided Zoë and her family with compassionate care during her last days.

Authors featured in this collection include:

Briar Boleyn, C.N. Crawford, LJ Swallow, Emberly Ash, C.L. Briar, Whit Stanfield, Rhiannon Hargadon, Isla Elrick, Chiara Forestieri, Sera Foxe, Leena Kazak, Tempest Reign, M.A. Brown, Anya Clara, K.T. Host, Caty Rogan, Melanie Mar, Enna Hawthorn, Evelyn Silver, R.A. Raine, Olena Nikitin, Roz MacLaren, R.J. Rogan, Niamh Rose, Rosalyn Stirling, Caelen Fae, Linsey Hall, Gretchen Powell Fox, Shawn J. Romeo, Sabrina Bosque, Nikki Lennox, and Jayne Starwing.

Some of the things you’ll find within the pages of this collection…
⦁ Exclusive prequel content & bonus stories
⦁ Enemies to Lovers
⦁ Forbidden Love
⦁ Fated Mates
⦁ Slowburn Romance
⦁ High Steam
⦁ Love Triangles
⦁ Shape Shifters
⦁ Vampires
⦁ Secret Identities
⦁ Fairytale & Mythological Retellings
⦁ Found Family
⦁ Possessive MMCs
⦁ Age Gaps (Both Ways!)
⦁ Fae & Magic
⦁ Morally Gray
⦁ Friends to Lovers
⦁ Shadow Daddy / Mommy
⦁ Cozy, Low Stakes
⦁ Feminine Rage
⦁ Queer Characters & Stories

Special thanks to the authors involved. Follow and learn more about each author on their Instagram page.

@catyrogan @cn_crawford
@emberlyashauthor
@sadiebosque
@serafoxe
@c.l.briar
@ljswallow
@rhiannonhargadon
@whitstanfieldauthor
@authorislaelrick
@authorchiaraforestieri
@tempest.reign_reads.and.writes
@leenakazakbooks
@anyaclarawriter
@writer.m.a.brown
@k.t.hostauthor
@sosawnin
@eternalevelyn
@ennahauthor
@r.a.raineauthor
@rozmaclaren
@olena_nikitin
@rjroganwrites
@niamhrosewrites
@rubyasinclair
@rosalynstirling
@authorcaelenfae
@linseyhallauthor
@gretchenwritesbooks
@therealshawnjromeo
@nikkilennoxbooks
@jaynestarwing

Available on Amazon

March 26, 2025

Book Review: Dark Fairytales For The Unloved: Collective Anthology

Fourteen Indie authors! Fifteen stories of the twisted and macabre! Enter if you dare, a dark fairytale collection that will make the Brothers Grimm either blush or smile with glee. Content and trigger warning precede each tale for an unaware sensitive reader, but the title warns you these are dark fairytales. Now let’s follow the bread crumbs and enter into the darkness.

Dark Fairytales For The Unloved: An Indie Author Collection (Volume One)

Published: March 26th, 2025

Genre: Fairytales/Folklore/Fantasy/Anthologies

Synopsis

Step into a realm where enchantment and darkness intertwine. In this anthology, fourteen master storytellers from diverse backgrounds conjure original fairytales that are as chilling as they are captivating. From eerie forests to twisted kingdoms, each tale spins a web of intrigue, mystery, and danger. Embrace the delicious dread and discover the hidden truths that lurk in the shadows. Perfect for lovers of the macabre and fantastical, these stories will leave you spellbound long after the last page is turned.

REVIEW

Dark Fairytales For The Unloved is a collection of Fairytales for adults, oozing with dark fairytale-inspired stories. Two are dark retellings of classic tales such as “Elves and the Shoemaker” and” Beauty and the Beast” in spectacular NOURSHMENT and HUNTER & THE BEAST by Gareth Ian Davies and SD Paine. The rest are dark original fairy tale-inspired tales, such as my favorite, the brilliantly written folklorish horror THE PALE MOTHER by Nova B. Quinn and BIRDS OF WINTER by Ruby Ann Stiegelmeier.

Then we have the hauntingly magical with FOXGLOVE and THE BLOOMING CURSE by Stacey LP and Hannah Gardiner. The bottom rips out from under us, and we go deeper and darker with wickedly devilish tales like BEAUTIFUL SUFFERING and SPIT AND SPITE AND ALL THINGS NIGHT by Alex Upchurch & Ellen Winter.

The opening story, REQUIEM, by Marianne Gray, is an absolute banger, setting the tone of the book nicely. While not every story tickled my witchy fancy, the next one usually did. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed getting treated to a new story by a new author. It was like getting a sneak peek into these delicious indie authors’ minds.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

GET IT TODAY!

March 20, 2025March 16, 2025

Book Spotlight Thursday: Kingdom of Briars and Roses by Heather Hildenbrand

I love fairy tale retelling, so it is no surprise that the Kingdom of Briars and Roses by Heather Hildenbrand is featured in my spotlight today! Kingdom of Briars & Roses is a slow-burn, royal fae romantasy that includes morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. It’s ACOTAR meets Reign with a Sleeping Beauty twist.

Kingdom of Briars and Roses (Cursed Fae Courts Book 1)

Publication Date: March 12, 2025

Genre: Fae Fantasy Romance/ Adult Romantasy

FEATURES
Slow Burn
Touch Her & Die
Who Did This?
Fae Royalty
Forbidden Romance
Secret Crush on his Brother
Chosen One
Dark Prince
Enemies to Lovers
Possessive
Growly Alpha Male

Synopsis
Two powerful fae princes. One will be her salvation. The other, her ruin.
Cursed and alone in her own castle, Aurelia has spent years watching her kingdom wither. When trespassers finally break the silence, it’s both a dream and a nightmare.
Prince Callan is the first outsider she has seen in an age—golden, arrogant, and her only hope. He alone can shatter the curse, but his help comes at a cost: her freedom.
Then there’s Rydian.

Cold where Callan burns hot, lethal where he is charming, the second fae prince is an enigma—and an attraction she can’t ignore. Too bad he despises her on sight.
In a realm where deception reigns, Aurelia must trust one prince to save her. The other will destroy her. If only she knew which.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Hildenbrand writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll do anything for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her 100-pound goldendoodle, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs. You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com

March 10, 2025March 5, 2025

BOOK REVIEW: Nebula’s Firefly by Dayron Maxwell

Narvix is back in my world!

Nebula’s FireFly (Book 2 Orphans of Solstice)

Published: January 1, 2025

Genre: Teen fantasy/Adventure

Purchase link: AMAZON

Synopsis

As Narvix’s powers burgeon, His yearning for his human companions surpasses the perils of Enlo and his followers. Narvix endeavors to salvage the wreckage that the Arzo’s race has inflicted. However, the factions of Narvix and Enlo have their own hidden motives that will bring chaos to any planet and anyone involved.

Nephia and her son Narvix start to understand each other better as they explore each other’s worlds.. Meanwhile, Nathalie, Mia, and Narvix’s friends lose themselves in the Arzo’s realm.

In the third book, a mother watches her son from the depths of his soul, and a man consumed by revenge will collide with the lives of all who are bound to them. Can Narvix and his friends survive the upcoming battles? Will Earth like many planets become a playground of the gods, or will Narvix challenge Arzo’s culture by confronting Enlo?

REVIEW

It seemed like forever but budding Indie author Dayron Maxwell is back with book three in his Orphan of Solstice series. The series started back in 2018, Maxwell burst onto the book scene with Those Who Swallowed God, where we meet Narvix, just your average scimitar-shaped horned red skin teenager, whose life gets turned upside down when divine judgement wearing a tailored suit leads an army of winged humans to his hometown. Narvix’s mundane life of retro PC gaming and afternoon snoozing during fourth-period calculus screeches to a halt, replaced with dodging lighting bolts, facing a flaming woman all while trying not to create genocide from reaching his street address. Maxwell followed up in 2019 with the release of book two with Porlaris Phantom (formerly titled World of the Chimera).

Now, after a long hiatus Maxwell is back with Nebula’s FireFly! Refreshing myself with books one and two, I got back into the world of Narvix where Narvix is still learning about himself, and his power, guided by his mother Nephia, he is told he is the one who must fight the deranged god Enlo. Meanwhile, the enemy has taken roots on earth on the hunt for Narvix. When Narvix is granted a 3-day sneak back to earth before his extraordinary mission, Narvix reunites with Lulu as feelings are revealed. A black hole erupts in the middle of the city, and a shocking revelation is revealed that leaves you at a…wait what? Dosey of a cliffhanger.

I said it once before, and I repeat it, this book series would make an excellent comic or anime series. Maxwell writes with such vividness filled with sci-fi fantasy imagery that something out of a fever dream. Think in the style of Into The Spiderverse, is how Narvix’s world explodes to life.

Therefore my rating is⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dayron Maxwell is an author of fantasy and coming-of-age books. He is currently working on a series of six books. His hobbies include writing, traveling, and occasionally a good movie.

To learn more, follow him on his website Dayron Maxwell and on FACEBOOK

March 6, 2025March 6, 2025

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Usher of Spring by Tayloranne Worley

Recently released THE USHER OF SPRING is a dark romantasy filled with sweet slow burn romance, magical creatures, Greek and Norse mythology, Gladiators, betrayal and forbidden magic! This spellbinding tale is perfect for readers who are fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, A Fate Inked in Blood, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Broken Heart, and can I mention the COVER! 😍

The Usher of Spring (Blood of the Seasons Book 1)

Publication Date: March 2, 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy

Synopsis

“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”

In the frozen realm of Aringuard, the heart of an ancient god governs the seasons. Every four years, the goddess Erinyes chooses a new Usher of Spring; a young girl who must travel the lands carrying the immortal heart and spilling its blood so that Spring may bloom.

To be the Usher of Spring is the greatest honor.
But to be their servant is a death sentence. At the end of the four years, the Usher's servants are sacrificed so that she may be reborn as a goddess. Frida is chosen to be the Usher, but quickly learns that it is more than she bargained for. Then she is presented with a choice: lose everything or doom everyone.