Book Review: Blood Bound by Renate Rowland

Indie Promotions joins with R&RBookTours for this first book review of the new year! This is not your normal vampire fantasy romance either. Introducing Blood Bound by Renate Rowland!

Blood Bound: Bound by A Web Of Wyrd Trilogy

Publication Date: October 1, 2023

Genre: Vampire Romance/ Suspense/ Norse Mythology

🩸Slow Burn
🩸Dual POV
🩸Morally Gray MC
🩸Sunny vs Grumpy
🩸Mentor/Pupil
🩸Age Gap
🩸Forced Proximity
🩸Dark Past/Secrets
🩸Broken, Unworthy of Her
🩸Redemption
🩸Open Door Spice

Two lives entwined by fate.

He attacked her. Killed her. Turned her into a monster to save her.
Now, Eve’s life lies in Kjan’s hands, and if she doesn’t abide by his rules, he will make her next death permanent. But how can she trust him?
And what is this compelling connection they share?
He is her mentor. A terrifying yet tempting taboo. The mystery that shrouds him imbues every stolen glance, every lingering touch. Her skin buzzes under his attention, and she knows he feels it too.

Will breaking just one little rule really make him the death of her… again?

Two simple rules:

Don’t kill.
Don’t get attached.

And yet here he was, taking on a new charge after she interrupted his suicide and fell victim to his most primal instincts. Kjan’s failures with her predecessor still haunt him a century later. If Eve knew the truth about his past, she would never trust him. He saved her, but really, he put a target on her back. Now, she will be hunted for the powerful blood in her veins.

His blood.

REVIEW

Book 1 in the A Web of Wyrd Trilogy Blood Bound  Starts us with a spellbinding start.

After a tuermultous breakup with her boyfriend and ready to leave town when Eve sees her reclusive neighbor Kijan about to kill himself she of course has to stop him, but then everything goes black. When Eve wakes up in Kjan’s bed she finds herself forever changed.

Kjan is now responsible for her. Eve can’t explain the unbashful draw between them. Kjan can’t either, but he knows the rules do not get attached, but he can’t help it he is getting attached. 

Kjan’s worst fears though are coming back for him that could destroy them both.

Blood Bound is a sultry slow sizzle that delights in all the right places. Rowland mixes Norse mythology with vampires; all I can say is Yes, please! Rowland writes with ease creating a smooth story flow. Not once did I have to go back and reread a certain part, and Kjan has to be my new favorite vampire character now putting all others to shame. 

He is most refreshingly welcome in the long line of vampire characters. A strapping sexy vampire adonis yes, but one who is faulty and admits in the end he got his story all wrong. You have to read to find out what I mean.

Blood Bound keeps you engrossed for exciting 58 chapters, never letting you linger from exposition to conclusion. Rowland keeps your interest even when our main characters aren’t sizzling together.

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blood Bound is Available Now on AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Renate Rowland is an author of suspenseful Paranormal and Contemporary Romance. Born and raised in Germany, she grew up with the sagas and mythology surrounding the Norse Gods, but it was her passion for vampires and Viking lore that inspired this trilogy.
After being fortunate to have called three different continents her home, she has settled with her family in the US. She is an artist at heart, and although she expresses that in various ways, she held on to her stories until she felt it was time to give them air and let them breathe on their own.

Learn more about Renate and her books at Renate Rowland

Product Review: Give the Gift of Scent & Wellness With AveSenna Wellness Candles

Entice that candle lover in your life with AveSeena Wellness Candles.

I got to try their Cashmere Coca which is perfect for the holiday season. These candles are made with clean scents and are available in full-size individual and trio votive gift sets. Hand-poured, AveSeena Wellness Candles are designed to calm your mind and energize your spirit, providing a peaceful escape from the fast-paced stresses of everyday life. It is more than just about creating an ambiance of lighting, but also about enhancing your mood with their clean aromatherapeutic scents.

They have other scents too. Read the full review below featured on Medium.

Full REVIEW

Book Review: Second Hand Rose by D.E. Fox

Hosted by Indie Promotions

Available now on Amazon

Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.

This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.

Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.

Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.

REVIEW

The town of Friendship is the best little town. All towns have secrets though and when Abigail returns home upon the passing of her grandmother Rose she takes over her grandmother’s shop soon learning grandma had a secret. The whole town does. Can Abigail stop the monster that lives within?

Absolutely sweet and gruesome! I found myself loving this book glued to every word. As a reader, Fox kept me engaged all the way through. Even the breather moments have your attention showing Fox is an excellent storyteller. 

While I wished for a bit more character detail from her characters Fox still gives enough to satisfy you before she throws something horrifying at you. At that point, you pretty much don’t care because you are partly traumatized, yet Fox wrote it so eloquently it was kind of poetic.

My overall rating is 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Second Hand Rose is Available now on  Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

D.E. Fox lives in Yorkshire with her partner Paul. She currently works for a large electrical distributor, as well as being a budding author. Like many children, DE spent her time inspired by stories from AA Milne to JM Barrie, and to this day her favorite story was and still is, Winnie the Pooh! Her writing talents didn’t materialise until later in life as most of her childhood was spent dancing and performing. Deborah’s passions are the outdoors, gardening, interior design, and dogs.

She has always been intrigued with all things supernatural. The time presented to her during COVID, and the inspiration from the sad passing of her dog Jake, was the start of her first novel ‘SecondHand Rose.’With the support of family and friends and Blossom Spring agreeing to publish her story, she has fulfilled her dream to become a published author which has encouraged her to write more stories.

Follow DE Fox on Instagram @deborah9553

Book Spotlight Thursday: Scars of Sacrifice and Seduction by J. Ember Hintz

Catching my reader’s eye this Thursday is Scars of Sacrifice and Seduction by J. Ember Hintz. Book two in the Dark Eden sci-fantasy series, where the lines between enemies, allies, loyalty, and love blur beyond recognition.

Birth made her a slave. Love made her a martyr. He’ll make her his queen...

SCARS OF SACRIFICE AND SEDUCTION 

Publication Date: October 28, 2023
Genre: Sci-fi Fantasy with Spice/ Enemies to Lovers
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💘Fated Mates
📜 Ancient Prophecy
🌶️ Cult Rituals
💕 Multiple Couples
🪦Touch Her and 😵 Vibes
🫶🏻 Found Family
💀Afterlife Mythology
🤐 Forbidden Knowledge
👽 With with x2 🍆
💥 Supernatural Powers
😈 Villain’s POV
➕Addiction & Recovery Rep

Birth made her a slave. Love made her a martyr. He’ll make her his queen.
Welcome to Eden. Born without magic into a brutal world where mage abilities determine survival, Vaza didn’t think her life as a breeder-queen could get any worse.
Not until a cult leader declares her identical twin must be sacrificed to resurrect a dead god. Vaza plans to destroy the prophet’s credibility by seducing him into breaking his sacred vows. To get close enough to ruin him, however, she’ll need to infiltrate The Order and do the one thing she fears most-open her heart and allow Brex to claim more than just her pleasure.
Meanwhile, in the prison world of the dead…
All his life, Liam Riley has been told he’s an abomination. Turns out it’s true. He never asked to be cursed with the powers of a living god, but now that he has them, he’ll use every one of his new gifts to protect his soul-bonded mate. Even if it means locking her up to keep her from discovering the truth about the entity holding them hostage.
Too bad Renae has no intention of being kept in a cage. Not when she sacrificed everything to save him. The version of Liam she finds in the Void isn’t the same man she fell in love with. A decade of solitary confinement in the Void has turned him into something more. Something inhuman.

Okay, put this one under my Christmas tree! Told in two colliding and scorchingly hot timelines that will leave readers questioning who the real monsters are.

Scars of Seduction and Sacrifice is currently available on Amazon

Amazon ( Link may earn author commission)

But.. Before it all began there was.

Available on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. Ember Hintz writes sci-fi and fantasy romance. She loves building dark contemporary worlds and lush alternate realities ripe with mythology and magic.

You’ll meet ghosts, gods, and monsters in her stories, but never a damsel in distress.
Her debut novel was a 2022 Book Life Prize by Publisher’s Weekly Quarter Finalist and 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence Finalist.

Fun Facts: J. Ember is her real first initial and middle name. She goes absolutely feral from enemies to lovers, grumpy protector/bodyguard romance tropes, and whatever the opposite of a meet-cute is. A meet-disaster? She also believes the villain or antagonist is the most important character in every story.

She lives near the ocean with her husband, two rescue poodles, and the occasional ghost. Her alter ego enjoys a successful career in the wedding industry. Job perks include an unlimited supply of cake, champagne, and IRL HEAs. When she’s not making dreams come true, or breathing life into fictional characters, you can find her in the studio throwing paint at a canvas and hoping for the best.
To learn more about her upcoming releases, visit https://jemberhintz.com/ or follow her author life shenanigans on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Find all her social links at

J. Ember Hintz

Product Review: Shampoo, Shower, and Shave With Reveka Skincare Magnesium Body Bar

The holiday countdown begins and gift ideas are swarming in. One gift Idea that will work great in a homemade bath and beauty gift basket is REVEKA Skincare Magnesium Body Bar. This soap bar can be used to shower, shave, and shampoo all in one. Magnesium is the new “IT” thing in skincare and after trying this soap bar I now know why.

Magnesium is an essential element that is important to our overall health and life. Helping to reduce muscle tension, lessen pain, help with migraine headaches, improve sleep, and deal with neurological disorders like depression, and anxiety. Magnesium or lack thereof has also been linked to certain conditions such as:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscle spasms/ Muscle cramps
  • Psoriasis/ Eczema
  • Acne
  • Blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma

That is just to name a few. You can read the full review featured on Medium.com

You can also visit Reveka on their website revekaskincare.com

Book Spotlight Feature: Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing

Shine that spotlight over here! Welcome to the Book Spotlight feature of the epic fantasy, adventure/romance of Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing.

PARIAH'S LAMENT (Of Metal and Magic Core #1)

Genre: Fantasy Romance/ Adventure

“So often it’s the forgotten who possess the power to change the world.”

When an attempt is made on the life of Ashara, Keeper of Yurr, his young, hapless advisor Edvar must uncover and stop those behind it.

With enemies in the capital city and the belligerent Tesh, Keeper of neighbouring nation Karrabar stirring trouble in the Borderlands, can Edvar hold together Ashara’s brittle reign?
The troubles ripple throughout Yurr, affecting an ancient race of people known as the Amast, who in their time of utmost need, turn to pariah Isy for salvation. Rejected by society, kith and kin, can Isy guide the Amast to safety during the greatest turmoil Yurr has known since the War of the Damned?

Pariah’s Lament will take you on a rollercoaster of an adventure ‘that will keep you spellbound as you traverse the world alongside Isy and Edvar’ (Books Behind The Title). And along the way you’ll experience ‘intense fighting scenes, a little romance and flawed characters’ (Sarah Lillian Books).

If you love to explore fantasy worlds, this book won’t disappoint. Part of a shared universe populated by other authors, the setting in Pariah’s Lament has proven a huge hit with readers, with some praising the ‘insane level of detail’ (The Book Suite) and vividness of its descriptions.

Available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles

Commission may be earned from Amazon link

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on his characters and their troubles.

His short fiction has been widely published, with one story adapted for BBC radio. And his debut novel, an epic fantasy called Pariah’s Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021.

Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool.

Most nights you can find him up into the early hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Follow at Richie Billing

Book Spotlight Thursday: Song of Dark Tides by Beka Westrup

In today’s spotlight is a twisted take on the Little Mermaid tale, with a delicious cover to boot. Let us now fall under the Song of Dark Tides by Beka Westrup.

SONG OF DARK TIDES

Publication Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Very Dark Fantasy Romance / Fairy Tale Retelling

Viola is a sea witch cursed by Triton. Cast aside from the glittering city of Atlantis, she starves for power and a real life above the surface-two hungers her curse will never allow her to satiate. She patrols the sea she’s claimed for her own and the nearby human city, feeding on unjust men and oceanfolk alike.
When she meets Aric, Triton’s firstborn son and heir to the throne, she decides to forge her own future from his suffering. She could finally be free of her curse… if she can only manage to trick the heartless siren out of his soul.

Available NOW on click my affiliate link below

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beka Westrup is a genre-hopping author of fantasy and romance. The Seldom Wings is her second full-length novel. She lives in the PNW with her husband and two children, collecting more books than she’ll ever be able to read and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee.

Book Release Spotlight: The Fall of Amethyst by Savannah L. Zher

Hosted by Indie Promotions

Indie Promotions spotlighted the first book in the Trident Trilogy so it is no surprise that we are more than happy to spotlight the release of book 2 The Fall of Amethyst by Savannah L. Zher. BEHOLD!

THE FALL OF AMETHYST (A Trident Trilogy #2)

Publication Date: November 29, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance/ New Adult
�� Enemies to Lovers
�� Slow Burn
�� Greek Myth Retelling
�� He falls first


After learning that she’s the reincarnation of the Greek deity, Amphitrite, Amy has dealt with a lot.

From the mental whiplash of her childhood friend Percy actually being Poseidon to the unforgiving push into an ancient war against Zeus, she’s handled it.

But just when Amy’s beginning to accept that the world is more vast and magical than she thought, she’s betrayed by someone she trusts. Now she finds herself being held prisoner by an enemy much more sinister than Zeus …

Amy is determined to keep her faith in Percy coming to rescue her, but her captors are equally determined to turn her against him.

And there’s only so long she can withstand mental and physical torture, no matter how intriguing she might find one of her captors.


As Amy’s resolve grows weaker, and the call of the trident grows stronger, she is faced with the fact that not only is she in danger, but she might also be the danger.

AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

AND! Don’t forget Book 1 The Rise of Amphitrite

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Savannah Zherebnenko lives in the PNW with her husband, two kids, and three fur babies. When she’s not zombified from her young kids, you can find her in her garden or in the kitchen canning, baking, cooking… slaving. Just kidding about the last one. But really, and if she’s not doing any of those things, she’s curled up with a book and a full glass of wine.

Follow Savannah at Savannah H. Zher

Revitalize Your Dry Damaged Hair with Hollywood Beauty Hair Oil

Product Review

DISCLAIMER: The Holiday season is upon us. I have happily joined the Amazon Associates Program. So if you are interested in any of the products I am reviewing please click the link as this will help me and my clients out this holiday season. And I will be reviewing loads of healthy and beauty products, books and films that could be the perfect gift for yourself or loved one.

Hollywood Beauty

Hollywood Beauty is the leader in the beauty industry for its multi-use oil being for hair, scalp, and skin. Their guaranteed premium oil Hollywood Beauty Oils contain no sulfates, parabens, or mineral oil. I got to try four (4) of their amazing and best-selling hair and scalp oils; Jojoba, Jamaican Black Caster Oil, Vitamin E Oil, and Tea Tree Oil….

Having a love/hate relationship with my ethnic hair I’ve put my poor hair through the ringer, from heat irons to the harsh chemical treatments. It was now starting to show. So, when the chance to review Hollywood Beauty Products came across my desk my hair rose up slapped me in the face, and said try this! Well, not literally…it would of if it could of.

For full review and images of the amazing results go to Medium.com

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Audient and the Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt

Caught in Today’s spotlight is the recently released pirate fantasy The Audient and the Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt. Let’s read on me harties!

The Audient and the Phantom Night (The Aeglecian Seas #1)
Publication Date: November 21, 2023
Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Pirate Fantasy
☠️ Grumpy/ Sunshine
☠️ Touch Her and D$%
☠️ Forced Proximity
☠️ Cursed Ships
☠️ Outlawed Magic
☠️ Spicy
The Legend of the Flying Dutchman meets Beauty and the Beast in this action-packed fantasy filled with searing romance, outlawed magic, and seafaring danger.

Fenna Terrigan never expected to leave her seaside village. She was too quiet, too gentle, and far too kind to take on life outside of the bookshop she works at. But when her brother shows up on her doorstep begging for aid, with a pirate lord hot on his tail, Fenna will do anything to protect him.
Devlin Cato is the captain of a cursed ship and can step foot on land for one day every seven years. Once again, he’s found himself using it to chase a deserter across the continent. His hunt is short-lived when Fenna agrees to take on her brother’s twenty-five-year debt in exchange for leaving her smoldering city to heal.
As Fenna spends more time aboard The Phantom Night with the ship’s mysterious and seductive captain, she soon finds herself caught between loyalty to her brother and her fiery passion for Devlin Cato. But the path to ending the curse isn’t as easy as it seems when Fenna’s dark secret is discovered– a secret that threatens the very foundation of the continent’s stability and one that anyone would be willing to kill for.
Add to Goodreads

Available now on Amazon

About The Author

Sadie Hewitt is the author of stunning, fantastical mysteries that keep readers on their toes. She is an avid fantasy and thriller reader. Sadie is especially passionate about diverse representation and mental health recovery in fiction, allowing her to create wonderfully vivid and relatable characters who jump off the page.

When she’s not writing or working as a full-time respiratory therapist, she travels the world, spends time with her two dogs and husband, and scarfs pizza like it’s going out of style.

Learn more about Sadie at Sadie Hewitt