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 adark, action-packed, sexy, fated mates fantasy romance for fans of ACOTAR.
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.
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.
With the release of the final book in this series coming up on April 8th. We are spotlighting where it all began. Book 1The Curse of the Crow.
The Curse of The Crow: A Soulmate Romance (The Wicked Kingdom Book 1)
Publication Date: August 2021
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
Destined to love each other. Determined to fight their fate. Nava Forrest stumbled upon her soulmate when she was young. A brief meeting with a hooded stranger forever bound her to a wicked man she wanted nothing to do with. Running from his dark power, her parents escaped to the non-magical town of Willowbrook to keep her safe. Now that they are gone, her life raising her younger brother and selling potions to wary townsfolk has been quiet... and magic-free.
When the Society of Crows finds Nava, intent on imprisoning her, it forces her to flee to the forest, searching for the only person she was told can protect her. Arkimedes is not what she expects, and her attraction to him is unnerving. As the chemistry between them grows, so does her power. But the secrets he keeps threatens to tear her world apart. With the Society closing in, it forces them to put aside their differences and fight to escape their oppressors. But will they escape destiny?
The Curse of the Crow is the first book in a trilogy, based on the Wicked Kingdom verse.
Action-packed, sexy, and perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and C.N. Crawford.
Longing for lush lashes, but your sensitive eyes get in the way? That is me. I even use a “special mascara” for sensitive eyes. I was down and feeling the lashless blues when in walked in Method Lash.
Method Lash is a Canadian-founded company formulated after their own allergic experience with traditional lash extensions and knowing there had to be a better way. Method Lash is designed to be eco-friendly, latex-free, vegan-free, and cruelty-free created for all lash-loving enthusiasts, even those with sensitive eyes. Made from a blend of soft synthetic fibers and held by a super soft cotton band, these lashes are light and weightless to wear.
Gifted with their Influence Starter Kit, I got to try their lashes out for myself.
My Lash Gift Set
Their Influence Start Kit includes:
The Diva Glue
Sealant
Lash tweezers
And 3 Lash sets
Influence Lash Set
Scandal Lash Set
And Aptitude Lash Set
INFLUENCE
I tried the Influence Lash Set first. These lashes are 12mm in size and are perfect for a beginner like me. I do not think I’ve tried lash extensions since I was like 10 or 11 years old. I had dressed up as Cindy Lauper for Halloween, but the false lash experience did not go well.
A bit nervous with no clue I watched their how-to-apply video TWICE! Thinking I got it down, I went to work. I think it took me two hours to get the lashes on. I felt dumb, but hey, this was my first time, AND I am left-handed, so finding the right angles and position took a bit to figure out. I did get the hang of it, and my results are below…
To see my results and read the full review, visit Medium.com
Book spotlighting today is the celebration of the release ofGrave-Reaping Guardian (Book 3 in the series) by Everlyn C. Thompson. Come join me!
Grave-Reaping Guardian (Grave Reaper Series Book 3)
Publication Date: March 25, 2024
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Features ⭐ Curvy FMC ⭐ Forced Proximity ⭐ Family Found ⭐ One Bed ⭐ Touch Her & ☠ ⭐ Fae Guardians ⭐ Surly Vampires ⭐ Homeless Shifters ⭐ Broken Ghosts ⭐ Evil Fae Queen When the gate between Earth and Fairie blows up and traps Theodora Edwards in the mystical realm, she must work together with her guardian and the dark prince to locate and safeguard a magical key that powers the Light Court. While learning to properly use her fae magic, Theo is forced to fend off an abduction attempt by wraiths, locate a missing castle, tame a dragon king, and have a friendly chat with the dead queen. But with all of Theo’s efforts going toward protecting those she loves, she struggles to find time to explore the possibility of a romantic relationship—and the insecurities that come with it.
WARNING: This book contains triggering themes including low self esteem, infertility intimate scenes this book is recommended for 18+
Born and raised on the beautiful Canadian prairies, Everlyn prefers to spend her time outdoors with her family kayaking, skating, fishing, and hunting. She loves reading and writing about vampires, witches, fae and zombies that get to find their own version of happily ever after.
SURPRISE! I double-booked myself again! In my defense, I just could not pass up on this unique gem piece! WARNING THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN’S BOOK! Chloe’s Crusade is a psychological thriller, and book two in The Teddy Bear Chronicles. Let’s hug our teddy bears tight to learn more!
In this second volume of the unique thriller/suspense series narrated by inanimate teddy bears, the ever-brave Chloe Stogdon inserts herself into the dark and chilling world of a global drug clan. Her fearless companion, Tiny Bear, provides a vivid account of the distressing, disturbing events that unfold around Chloe and her FBI team. The story takes exciting turns and offers many layers of drama, including a love triangle, a star-struck stalker, and a tattered family relationship that may or may not recover. Chloe’s old friends, Richard and Sidney from Vol. I become entangled in Chloe’s perilous cartel crusade, and Love Bear, Fair Bear, and a debut bear, Rocco, reveal all the thrilling moments seen through their innocent eyes.
Formerly a litigation attorney, one constant in Donnalyn Vojta’s life is her love for writing, whether novels or screenplays. Vojta’s goal is always to entertain others as she’d like to be entertained. And for her, that means lots of suspense and thrilling twists!
A modern Greek myth retelling and fantasy romance Strifre’s Apple by Shoshana Rain is a full-length, medium-burn, standalone fantasy romance with a guaranteed HEA. It contains steamy scenes and is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance. Read on!
Strife's Apple: A Modern Greek Mythology Fantasy Romance (The New Olympus Book 1)
Genre: Fantasy Romance/ Greek Mythology
Features 🏛️Enemies-to-lovers ❤️Grumpy/sunshine (she's grumpy) 🏛️Locked her in Tartarus (isn't sorry) ❤️Hate everyone but you (and maybe you too) 🏛️We Need to f*ck this out ❤️Anti-heroine 🏛️Has to save everyone. Doesn't want to
Apollo: As the God of Prophecy, it’s my duty to keep my fellow gods safe. And to do that, I need Eris. Which means retrieving the Goddess of Discord from the pits of Tartarus—where I left her, seven hundred years ago. The now-freed goddess may think she can beat me, but I intend to tame her wildness before she destroys us all. I’ll do anything to save my family, including seducing her. And I'll love every second of it. I’ll have the little goddess on her back, hands, knees, any and every way I can get her. No matter what, I'll bring her to heel.
Eris: For seven hundred years, they kept me chained in darkness. For seven hundred years, I never saw sunlight, never knew joy, never spoke to another mortal—or god. Until Apollo came, and with the wave of one imperious hand, freed me. I know he needs my help. The gods are fading, and only I can save them. Too bad I have no interest in anything beyond revenge. Especially against him.
A lover of mythology, sexy romances, and heroines who give as good as they get, Shoshana knew she wanted to write fantasy romance since reading Kushiel’s Dart. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her cat and trying to keep her garden alive in the harsh desert summer.
Step into the eerie world of Wednesday Addams with this book filled with unofficial advice and cryptic counsel for navigating the peculiarities of everyday existence.
Written by a Wednesday expert in an appropriately sinister style, What Would Wednesday Do? is your guide through the shadows of life. From relationships gone awry to embracing your inner darkness, the advice in this giftable book provides dark wisdom that will leave you both unsettled and entertained. You will learn the most devious of important life skills, including how to:
• Navigate unconventional relationships and dreadful family
dynamics
• Find the best outfit for greeting local police officers when they come to inform you of your husband’s mysterious demise
• Explore the depths of your inner darkness for personal growth
• Defy societal expectations
• Uncover the most effective way to align yourself with the ghastly ghosts haunting your abode
• Find the most effective way to brood in shadowy corners
• Cultivate a hauntingly fulfilling existence and more!
Thanks to the hit Netflix series Wednesday, the Adams Family is back in the limelight.
Have you ever wondered what Wednesday Addams would be like as an advice columnist? I dreadfully do! Thus Iphigenia Jones channels her inner Wednesday answering pondering questions from those seeking advice in the field of social life, romance, career, and matters of the home and hearth. All by answering them in the Addams Family way.
What unfolds will tickle the darkest of hearts. I loved that Ms. Jones has to be intermediately be reminded by her lawyers that the Addams Way, such as advising to frame your rude aunt for attempted murder( Neglected Niece letter) might be a bit much, but oh my would Wednesday be proud.
Iphigenia Jones delivers a tasty hold until season 2 with What Would Wednesday Do? Jones writes in spot-on macabre, deadpan delight as per Wednesday and her family the Addams would. What Would Wednesday Do is a devilish delight to read that does creator Charles Addams proud.
My rating is 5 finger snaps.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Iphigenia Jones has seen every episode of The Addams Family and has only been accused of witchcraft thrice. She enjoys cats, blackberries, and chatting with ghosts. An enigmatic entity that communicates through the whispers of spiders, she is an expert on all things macabre and knows many intimate secrets of the Addams family, having written two books on the subject. In her free time, Iphigenia enjoys exploring hidden staircases, solving mysteries, and perfecting hexes. In addition to What Would Wednesday Do? she is the author of The Unofficial Wednesday Cookbook (Ulysses Press, 2023) and the forthcoming cocktail book, The Turn of the Screwdriver (Ulysses Press, 2024).
Eye catchingly lured in by this stunning book cover, and caught in my Thursday Book Spotlight is An Incarnation of Shadow and Light by S.A. Christianson. Let’s read on for more details.
An Incarnation of Shadow and Light
Publication Date: September 20, 2022
Genre: NA Dark Fantasy/ Gaslamp Fantasy
Featuring
✨Magic ✨LGBTQ+ Rep ✨Morally Grey Characters ✨Betrayals ✨An Exiled Prince ✨Assassins ✨High-Stakes Fantasy ✨Multiple POVs ✨Political intrigue
Four magicians abuse their magic to gain power in a corrupt Victorian inspired world. In the Kingdom of Verchiél only a handful of people known as Incarnate can use magic. Equally feared and respected, they are revered as saints and indulged like gods. But the sudden deaths of Verchiél’s rulers unleashes a power struggle between four Incarnate, each seeking power to fulfil their own desires. Gabriel, a charismatic socialite who takes darker paths to avoid slipping back into powerlessness. Zoe, the daughter of a disgraced merchant, determined to carve a new path for her life. Niklas, an exiled prince trying to escape the ghosts of his past. Silje, an assassin who will stop at nothing until she’s seized the adoration she has always been denied. Infighting and betrayal run rampant as each becomes worse than their problems in order to solve them.
Most London socialites dream of marrying for love or status, but Contessa’s wedding is about justice—and revenge.
Nathanial Woodrow is known on the streets of London as the Beast, leader of the fearsome Lion gang who marks their victims with three slashes on their faces. Since her mother was found dead with the signature slashes years ago, Contessa has wanted nothing more than to see her murderer brought to justice. However, the Beast has been impeccable at maintaining his façade as the high society Mr. Nathanial Woodrow, and nobody has been able to gather enough evidence to convict him. When the Beast unexpectedly asks Contessa’s father, the Chief of the Royal Police, for her hand in marriage, Contessa and her father hatch a plan to bring him down from the inside.
As Contessa enters the lion’s den in search of evidence to convict the Beast, she finds that not everything is as she once thought. Her father’s work, hunting down Talented that use their magic to rule the criminal underworld, is thrown into question with each glimpse of the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of a hardened gang leader. As Contessa navigates her search for justice, she finds herself questioning what side she’s really on, and why she finds herself drawn to a man she’s supposed to hate.
Beauty and the Blade (The Talented Fairy Tales Book 1) Publication Date: January 5, 2024 Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy/ Fairy Tale Fantasy
🌹Enemies-to-Lovers ♟️Slow-Burn 🌹Arranged Marriage ♟️Found Family 🌹Magical Street Gangs ♟️Who Did this to You?
Review
I previously spotlighted this book in my Thursday Book Spotlight. So, when I got offered a chance to review it I was like yay! Yes, please (A big thanks to Mrs. Grayson and RR Book Tours for gifting me a copy)!
Take a dash of Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, tossed in with some Bridgerton meets Peaky Blinders and you haveBeauty and the Blade. Forget the poetics though as upon the first page you dive right in as we meet Contessa about the get married to the “Beast” (Due to his scared face) Nathaniel Woodrow, known on the streets as the leader of the notorious street gang the Lions. Her mission is to get proof and revenge on the man who is said to of murdered her mother. In Contessa’s attempt for evidence, she learns that trust is proven through actions not words as everything Contessa once thought may not be right.
Beauty and the Blade is a cozy read. I love fairy tales and fairy tale retellings all the more. Grayson does a splendid job on my beloved Beauty and the Beast. Set in industrialized London and replaces an enchanted curse with what the town folks call the “Cursed” or “Talented.” Think X-men mutants and you kind of get the idea.
I love how Grayson throws us right into the thick of it on the first page with Contessa’s wedding of doom then sets everything down to a simmer as the rest slowly unfolds. There are plot twists, and some action moments, yet it all runs at a simmering pace. I wanted Grayson to crank up the stove a bit, but then that would make Beauty and the Blade lose the charm and appeal it has.
Grayson writes in a soothing smooth tone that just engrosses you into her world. I don’t know how many times I was like okay I am stopping at this chapter then I come to the end of it and I am like um…one more chapter! A perfect book to curl up with and read on a rainy day, which is what I did.
My overall rating 4 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.C. Grayson has been reading fantasy novels since she was a little girl stealing books from her older sister’s shelves, and that has developed into a love of writing and storytelling. Her writing is currently focused on fantasy and paranormal romance. When she is not sitting in a local coffee shop writing and consuming an iced americano, Grayson is a nurse working towards a Ph.D. in nursing with a focus on breast cancer genetics. She lives in Pittsburgh with her loving husband and their two
cats, who enjoy contributing to her work by walking across her keyboard at inopportune moments (the cats, not the husband).
BEAUTY AND THE BLADE OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE ON Amazon
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 