Another beauty book cover has caught my eye. So I am shining a light on it. Currently touring over at R&RBook ToursBound By Scars and Secrets by Sienna Archer is the first book in the YA fantasy Realms of Magic Series. A slow-burn queer love triangle, realm-crossing adventure, and unraveling family secrets. If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses and These Hollow Vows, you’ll love this fast-paced story.
Let’s find out more.
Bound by Scars & Secrets (Realms of Magic #1)
Publications Date: August 16, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance/ LGBTQ2+
✨Fake Betrothal
✨Sapphic
✨Touch Her & Di3
✨Slow Burn
✨Wish-granting Sea Fairies
✨Epic Fantasy
He’s a mage who charms. She’s a sorceress who kills. Raised to fear magic, Alathea hates them both—especially when they become her only chance to find her missing sister.
17-year-old Alathea has kept her sister safe and the forbidden magic in her veins controlled ever since their mothers fled. But when Alathea’s sister disappears, a mage with a glowing spear outs her magic. On the run, Alathea receives an impossible offer from the mage: He and the sorceress will deliver Alathea to her sister if she crosses to his monster-reigned realm and accepts a magic destiny herself.
To get her sister back, Alathea will have to decide: Can she stop hiding and trust the enemies she hates…or will her animosity burn into something else entirely?
Sienna Archer believes romance should be epic, adventures magical, and the best characters are the ones who grow. She writes books featuring diverse characters and strong female leads that make readers laugh, shout, and cry.
I love folklore. So, spotlighting this Thursday is Anansi’s Web by Derek Mola. Anansi’s Web is a fantasy folklore anthology collection inspired by African culture. Curious? Let’s learn more!
Anansi’s Web
Publication Date: January 22, 2024
Genre: Black & African American Fantasy/ Fantasy Anthologies/ Folklore
As Kweku looked above, the room became illuminated by the sudden appearance of thousands of fireflies. An orange glow lit up the room, and a giant spider web was on the ceiling. The web glistened, and each strand was flowing with energy.
“This is the source of all stories, my boy. The source of all life, some may say. For what are we, if not a collection of stories? Each strand of this web is a different story. A story of love, a story of tragedy, a story of life, or a story of death. Sit on my throne, choose a strand, and begin the tale.” explained Anansi.
Anansi is the god of stories, and he has many to tell.
A young boy named Kweku has heard no new stories in a long time. So he travels to see Anansi, the god of stories, in the hopes that he will tell him some new stories. Luckily, he caught Anansi in a good mood, and the god decided to enchant Kweku with tales of magic and wonder. In these 10 stories tangled in a web, a Cowboy befriends a Jackalope, a Kelpie falls in love with a man, and a young boy’s grandmother leaves to live with Fairies. Anansi’s Web is a concoction of fantasy, folklore, and horror. Showing us the magic of the world, while reminding us of the terror it can cause. Like a man on death’s door receiving help from beyond or a woman who regrets her one wish.
Derek Mola was born and raised in Massachusetts, graduating from Emerson College, with a degree in Visual Media Production. Tired of the film industry, he became obsessed with horror and fantasy short stories.
Having spotlighted book 1 in The Aeglecian Seas Series I am super excited to help announce the cover reveal for book 2! Look out Below!
Drawing inspiration from The Legend of The Flying Dutchman and the enchanting world of Aladdin, The Voyant and The Mark of Malice weaves a captivating story of hidden dangers, action-packed adventures, and the unexpected, yet sizzling romance of two sworn enemies who are determined to outwit one another.
The Voyent and the Mark of Malice (Book 2 in The Aeglecian Seas
Series)
Expected Publication Date: April 29, 2024
Genre: Pirate Romantic Fantasy
Tropes: *Cursed pirate ships
*Morally gray captains
*Trickster female main characters
*Possessive alphahole who falls first
*Enemies to lovers
*Djinn, Nasnas, and Ghouls
*Forced proximity He may be clever, but she’s already a step ahead…
Kalia Salam is a Voyant, or a person with the ability to create mind-altering visions and project them into others. But when the punishment for having that ability is death, every decision becomes a strategic calculation to avoid execution. Unfortunately, that includes tethering herself to the continent’s most wealthy brothel owner and only using her magic to pad the madam’s pockets. That is, at least, until she needs it to protect those around her. But when Kalia uses her magic on the wrong client and is mistaken for a powerful djinn, one that the pirates have been meticulously hunting, she becomes ensnared in her most complex game of deception yet. Because, one way or another, she refuses to fall to the hands of a cursed captain.
Captain Rahmi Abada revels in collecting dying souls from the sea, particularly those burdened by guilt. But whispers of a tale have begun to swirl…a tale about a mysterious gemstone with innumerable abilities, including the power to shatter any magical bond. Consumed with the idea of sailing for eternity without his binding curse to Liddros, God of Sea, Rahmi enlists the help of the fiery djinn he forced aboard his ship. The only problem? The djinn harbors her own secrets, ones that threaten to unravel Rahmi’s carefully laid plans.
Author and full-time respiratory therapist, Sadie Hewitt grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan. She doesn’t claim a home anymore, rather chooses to travel the country with her football-fanatic husband and two feral, yet lovable, dogs. She loves to write in urban paranormal fantasy and fantasy romance, mostly about powerful women, morally gray men, found families, and a sprinkle (or pour) of magic and spice.
When she’s not thinking of ways to completely crush her readers, you can find Sadie scaling mountains around the world, catching up on her own TBR, and checking out the local coffee shops.
Don’t forget to check out her latest series, Within the Solstice Cages, today!
I love fairy tales and spotlighting today are two talented fairy tale fantasies. Think Bridgerton meets Peaky Blinders in Beauty and the Blade and Little Red Shadow by S.C. Grayson. Now available!
Beauty and the Blade (The Talented Fairy Tales Book 1)
Publication Date: January 5, 2024
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy/ Fairy Tale Fantasy
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 mark their victims with three slashes on their face. 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.
Little Red Shadow (The Talented Fairy Tales Book 2)
Publication Date: January 5, 2024
Genre: Fairy Tale Fantasy Romance/ Gaslamp
The Wolves are out for blood, but Scarlett doesn’t intend to let them catch their prey.
When Scarlett’s friend Georgette starts receiving death threats from the Wolves, a powerful street gang, she sets out uncover why they want a prominent socialite dead. As a Talented gangster herself, Scarlett goes undercover. Instead of a hardened murderer, she discovers the charming younger son of a Duke, Benedict Pearce, is the would-be assassin. Clearly not a killer at heart, Scarlett decides to trust the handsome rogue, and they join forces to put a stop to the Wolves mysterious machinations and save her friend.
As the pair begin their investigations, as well as a fictitious courtship to throw the Wolves off their trail, Scarlett must reckon with a past she prefers to keep hidden. Benedict, constantly jovial and flirtatious, slowly chips away at the shadows Scarlett has built around her heart.
Still, as the search uncovers deeper levels of deception, their ruse becomes increasingly dangerous. When facing down the Wolves, Scarlett is forced to confront how far into the shadows she is willing to go to protect the ones who have her heart.
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).
Learn more about Grayson and her books. Follow her on Instagram @s.c.grayson
Over Half a million copies of the Power of Five books have been sold having captured the hearts of millions of readers. With that author Alex Lidel has decided to celebrate Lera and her mates with a first-ever LIMITED RUN SPECIAL EDITION OMNIBUS of the four core Power of Five books.
Kick Starter Investors Will Get:
A DECADENTLY ILLUSTRATED 720-page hardcover omnibus, with a full dust jacket, printed edges, and a cover kissed with gold stamping and exquisite foiling. The special cover was designed by Rostfreien for this print run specifically. This will be the first Power of Five book ever to have a dust jacket, printed edges, and illustrations.
DELICIOUS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: This edition will include a NEW epilogue chapter showing the birth of Lera’s twins. You’ve been asking for this for years, and this is the right occasion for it!
POWER OF FIVE (Power of Five Book 1)
Published: May 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Four elite fae warriors. One mortal female. A magical bond they can’t allow—or resist.
Orphaned and sold to a harsh master, Lera’s life is about mucking stalls, avoiding her master’s advances, and steering clear of the mystical forest separating the mortal and fae worlds. Only fools venture into the immortal realms, and only dark rumors come out… Until four powerful fae warriors appear at Lera’s barn.
River, Coal, Tye, and Shade have waited a decade for their new fifth to be chosen, the wounds from their quint brother’s loss still raw. But the magic has played a cruel trick, bonding the four immortal warriors to… a female. A mortal female.
Distractingly beautiful and dangerously frail, Lera can only be one thing—a mistake. Yet as the males bring Lera back to the fae lands to sever the bond, they discover that she holds more power over their souls than is safe for anyone… especially for Lera herself.
Alex Lidell is the Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin) and several Amazon Top 100 Kindle Bestsellers, including the POWER OF FIVE romance series. She is an avid horseback rider who believes in eating dessert first. She writes as both Alex Lidell and A.L. Lidell.
It’s my birthday! So, to celebrate I am celebrating fellow author C. Herbert and their recent publication of The House of Whispers( Living Nightmare Book 1) which looks wickedly delicious to read. A twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde. Enter the living nightmare!
The House of Whispers (Living Nightmares #1)
Publication Date: October 2023
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Retelling
🥀Dark Fantasy Horror/Romance
🥀Psychological Thriller
🥀Love/Hate
🥀Dark Secrets
🥀Knife Play + Blud Play
🥀Blud & Gore
🥀 Love Triangle
A notorious murderer haunting the streets of Bedeville stumbles upon a mysterious woman, becoming obsessed as he spends his nights endlessly toying with her and turning her world into a living nightmare.
This dark and twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde takes place in a fantasy world filled with magic, mischief, and murder.
**This book may contain some trigger warnings. Please view the author’s website for the full list.
C. Hebert is an author of dark romance, fantasy, and horror. Her debut, The Pairing of Beasts, is the first book in her 6-book fantasy series, The Pairing. She is also the author of The House of Whispers, a psychological, dark romance thriller. It is the first book in her seasonal Living Nightmares series. Her most recent release, Her Secret Santa, is the first in The Saints series which consists of holiday inspired novellas written by C. Hebert and her friends.
This book is currently, on tour with R&R Book Tours. My gosh! I had to join and spotlight this beautiful brand-new book release. A Hear of Onyx Flame by Lina Ravenhill.
Step into a world where the line between predator and prey is blurred.
A Heart of Onyx Flame: A YA Shifter Academy Romance
Publication Date: January 3, 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy
🧡Sweet Romance
🧡Shifters
🧡Dark academy
🧡Strong characters
🧡Alpha FMC
🧡He falls first
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🧡Dark Secret
🧡High Fantasy
🧡HEA
“You’re dangerous.” He whispered and his eyes darkened. “You have no idea.” And I swung against his block with all my strength." At the mysterious Shifter Academy, where hidden desires and forbidden secret reign, a young human girl finds herself entangled in an alluring and dangerous alliance with a brooding, enigmatic fellow student.
As their passions ignite and unearth ancient prophecies, she must navigate the treacherous halls of power and learn that love might be the most perilous transformation of all in a world of unfathomable darkness.
Lina Ravenhill lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Ben. Lina writes messy, funny, and action-filled paranormal romance, fantasy, and suspense. Vampire romance, dragon quests, and witches are simply more fun to write than the plain, normal stuff.
Lina’s first title, Aforetime, is a long-time project, that turned out to be both a pleasure to write and a huge pain to put together.
Lina loves music, especially classic rock, and Lana Del Rey, of course. She enjoys watching a good movie and rereads at least one Jane Austen novel a year.
Recently released this beauty has caught my spotlight. Think Rear Window, but with ghosts, as we dive into Secrets and Shadows by A.L. Lynn.
Secrets and Shadows Publication Date: January 10, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Everything she thought she knew was wrong
The cabin in the woods has been in her family for generations.
Her mother’s death has dropped ownership into her lap.
What she doesn’t know, when she moves in, is the space she hopes will bring her relaxation and a chance to write her next bestseller, holds family secrets she’s not quite ready to know.
But secrets always have a way of coming out.
And what’s lurking in the shadows will stop at nothing to make sure she stays long enough to find out.
A.L. Lynn is a paranormal thriller author releasing her debut Secrets and Shadows in January 2024. She lives in Pennsylvania with her boyfriend and her one-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Hoss. Her favorite genres to read are thriller, fantasy, and dark romance. When she’s not reading or writing she’s daydreaming about being a stay-at-home dog mom who gets to write thriller novels full time.
Follow A.L. Lynn on Instagram and TikTok @allynbooks
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 TrilogyBlood 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.
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.
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.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 