Nominated for Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2024, Aurealis Award 2023, and State Library of Queensland Literary Award 2023. Caught in our Triple Book Spotlight this week ponder whether love can endure, life after life in Descended by Ingrid J. Adams.
Descended Publication Date: March 15, 2024 (Second Edition) Genre: Coming-Of-Age Fantasy Romance/ Takes Place in the 90s
1990s SYDNEY. A LOVE THAT SPANS LIFETIMES. FOR SOME, THE VEIL BETWEEN REALMS IS STRETCHED THIN...
An imaginative tour-de-force debut about the big and small decisions we make every day and the ripple effect they have on the rest of time – even if they’re celestially pre-determined.
Indigo Wolfe, the mysterious high school heart throb everyone wants to be or be with, is barely holding on by a thread. Because he isn't what he seems. He has secrets – secrets that consume him. Pain. Emptiness. The unending noise of all that he sees, and feels and hears that no one else can.
Why is he cursed by abilities others are not?
When he meets the ethereal Cordelia Carlisle, he's hit with a sense of recognition that traverses lifetimes. Only she can make his world silent. He’s welcomed into her family, and as they grow closer he lets her see the parts of him he keeps hidden.
The only thing he can't show her is that she's everything to him.
When they're torn apart, Indigo descends into darkness and is left standing on the precipice. He must search the depths of his soul – and his powers – and choose, whether to give up, or to fight: for himself, for answers, and for Cordelia, the one he seems destined to love and to lose over and over, life after life after life…
Descended is the award-nominated debut in the first gripping four-book series that melds paranormal romance with magical realism.
Caught in the spotlight this Thursday is A Chain Of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray. A Chain of Pearls is the first book in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. The second novel, The Wraith’s Return, will be available later this summer, followed by Widow’s Walk in the fall.
A Chain of Pearls
Genre: Murder Mystery/Suspense/ Thriller
Published: April 9, 2024
The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…
When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.
She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.
As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege.
Raemi A Ray’stravels to Martha’s Vineyard and around the world inspire her stories. She lives outside Boston. When not writing or traveling, she earns her keep as the personal assistant to the resident house demons, Otto and Dolph Lundgren.
Follow Raemi at raemi.com. Visit her on Instagram @miss_raemi
Drawn in by the beauty of this cover caught in the spotlight today is A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives. Dive into a steamy romantic fantasy adventure that sweeps you into an enchanting world of vast fjords, wild forests, elemental powers, and one woman searching for her destiny.
A Moonrise in the Fire: A New Adult Romantasy (An Element of Fire, Book 1)
Publication Date: February 2024
Genre: NA Romantasy/ Spicy
Features ✨ Star-crossed lovers ✨ Forced proximity ✨ Hidden identity, Secrets ✨ Witty banter ✨ Reluctant (& hilarious) companions on a quest ✨ Fated soulmates ✨Relatable FMC
How many realms would you cross to save your true love? All humans possess an element – except for Talvi. Born without magic and dedicated to being the keeper of Starstone Temple, an ancient monastery in her small forest town, she’s plunged into a world-changing struggle when a mysterious and powerful guest arrives on her doorstep. Caelan ignites a dangerous fire in her heart... but he guards a secret that could destroy them both. After Talvi’s childhood love is abducted by a terrifying threat from a doomed world, Caelan is the only one who can help her. Alongside her two best friends, Talvi must unravel the long-lost secrets of Starstone – and embark on a dangerous quest that will transport her to unknown realms. Four elements. Three realms. Two lovers. And one impossible choice. Hunted by deadly enemies and unable to contain the desire burning between them, Talvi struggles not to fall for the enigmatic fire elemental. His wickedly beautiful smile. His courageous passion. The seductive amber flames of his eyes. Can she decide where her loyalty – and her heart – truly lie? Or will embracing her destiny force her to pay a devastating price? She was born powerless. Now the fate of the realms rests in her hands.
A Moonrise in the Fire is a stunning love story that spans multiple realms, While book one in the “An Element of Fire Series,” Monrise in the Fire, can be read as a standalone. A gripping read perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Holly Black.
On Saturdays, award-winning novelist Tessia is often found daydreaming about the plot of her next book, eating mint malt balls, riding horses, and wishing she had a pet owl. She’s less whimsical the rest of the week, when she is hard at work writing heart-stopping adventures that blend accessible fantasy with burn-the-world-down-for-you romance—stories she would want to read, and hopes you will too!
Tessia lives in California with her husband and various furred and feathered beasts. She holds two degrees from Stanford University not at all related to writing.
It is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month! To celebrate I had the privilege to review The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge and Illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez back in May last year. I wrote it for a company I am no longer with, so when I left so did the review. This book is amazing and shouldn’t be forgotten. Thus I am happy this Asian and Pacific Islander Month to republish it for the world to see again and to honor our fellow Asian and Pacific Islander American brothers and sisters. Read on!
The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge and illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez
Publisher: Ulysses Press For Young Readers
Reading age: 5 to 8
Grade level: 1 -2
Synopsis: Celebrate and learn about the many cultures that fall under the Asian American umbrella in this alphabetically organized, rhyming, and colorfully illustrated picture book for kids!
An inclusive compilation of the holidays, famous figures, traditional dress, cuisine, and other interesting facts from 19 Asian American groups (as defined by the 2020 United States Census), including Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans, and more.
Review
Aimed for ages five and up, I have to admit that this adult found this book fun. Written in a fun poetic rhyme, you will learn about traditional holidays, and prominent figures, foods, dress from 19 different Asian American groups, including Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans…
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.
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.
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, 2024Pre-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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?
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.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 