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Pre-Order Book Spotlight: Grave Prophecies by Cassandra Aston

Happy news! After spotlighting Cassandra Aston’s Grave Secrets (book 1 in her Prophecies of Angels and Demons series) I am happy to announce the soon-to-be-released book#2 Grave Prophecies! Available for pre-order now!

GRAVE PROPHECIES

Expected Publication Date: May 2024

Genre: Urban Romantic Fantasy

What if everything you knew was a lie?

It’s been a busy summer. Things are heating up in Allie’s relationship with Simon and college is just on the horizon, but when school starts, so do all her problems.

Just when she’s ready to set off for college, a man from her past returns to stir up trouble, and then students on campus start turning up dead. Worst of all, Simon’s been keeping late hours at work. Is it trouble in paradise, or can he be trusted?

The more Allie learns about her past, the more secrets there are to unravel.

After uncovering a prophecy foretelling the end of life as she knows it, she’ll need to rely on the help of a few unlikely allies to solve a mystery that may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

If that weren’t enough, Gabriel has found himself in hot water, but friends willing to come to his aid are in short supply. Perhaps keeping everyone at arm’s length for eternity wasn’t the best plan after all.

Grave Prophecies is a dark urban fantasy story, recommended for 18+ due to mature content.

Pre-order Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cassandra Aston grew up near Austin, TX on a ranch just outside the city. She holds a BA in Communications and an MS in Psychology, from USC.

Her love of reading and writing began when she was nine years old. She is a fan of all things fantasy but especially loves the Fae. Although her first series Prophecies of Angels and Demons doesn’t delve into the realm of the Fae, her 2022 NaNoWriMo project, which will be released in 2024, is an urban fantasy, stand-alone story that will take the reader deep into the world of Faerie.

Cassandra currently lives in Houston, TX with her family of four.

Follow Cassandra and her works at Cassandra Aston

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Book Review: The Crimson Maiden: Swordmaster Legacy Book 1 by M.V. Grimm

Hosted by Indie Promotions check out our new Book REVIEW!

The Crimson Maiden: The Swordmasters' Legacy

Published: August 25, 2023

Genre: Action fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Swords and Sorcery

In the Kingdom of Ariandor, where wonder and fascination reign, an extraordinary institution awaits those fated for greatness. The Academy of Swordcraft, Heincraft, perched on the enchanting island of Aegis, unveils its marvels amidst a cluster of floating islands. It is at Heincraft that Arianna, a spirited sixteen-year-old girl, seeks to prove herself and uncover the truth behind her father's disappearance.

As Arianna embarks on her journey, a mysterious legacy begins to unfurl, revealing her true purpose. Prophecies of an impending darkness loom, threatening to cast the realms into everlasting night. Fueled by her unyielding determination to find her father, Arianna must decipher the enigma left for her—the ancient prophecy and the secrets woven within the Swordmaster's Legacy.

Join Arianna, along with her classmates and her mischievous flying mythical beast companion, Red, as they venture through exhilarating trials, and treacherous landscapes, and confront mystical creatures within the depths of the Stonevent Cavern. They will navigate the perilous cliffs of Beast Canyon to explore a hidden dungeon before journeying into the dark depths of the Mystical Forest to seek the guardians of the elements.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Written like an epic manga The Crimson Maiden: Swordmasters’ Legacy Book 1 is an epic fantasy adventure with a hint of mystery. I totally fell into the magical world of Ariandor and its floating archipelagos. Here we meet 16-year-old fiery redhead Arianna on her way to Heincraft Academy of Swordcraft to become a master swordsmaster. While there Arianna has an ulterior motive to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of her father who attended the Academy himself.

Looking through the school archives leads to her father’s journal, meeting a mystical beast named Red, and a map that could lead her and her new friends to the mystery of what happened to Arianna’s lost father. But also stumbling into a power Arianna didn’t know she had as an evil plot brews to unleash a dark entity that was banished long ago.

M.V. Grimm does a phenomenal job of world-building as you feel completely immersed in this fantasy world via your imagination. His characters while classic are likable, and Grimm delivers a plot twist revealed in the epilogue that I did not see coming. It made me giddy with glee as I just love it when an author pulls the rug out from under me.

There were parts though that I thought dialogue might have fit in better than just written out like a recap. Otherwise, this was a fun escape read and I am eager to return to the world of Ariandor to find out what happens next!

About The Author

M. V. Grimm is an author with a love and passion for mystery and fantasy stories. He currently works doing odd jobs while concentrating most of his attention to a flourishing writing career.

The Immortals Chronicle – Thomas Blackwing and the Crystal Heart is M.V Grimm’s first fantasy series of a pair of fourteen-year-old orphans who compete with others for a throne left vacant after the murder of a royal dynasty.

The Swordmasters’ Legacy – The Crimson Maiden is M.V Grimm’s second fantasy series of a sixteen-year-old girl blessed with a remarkable destiny who went on a mission to locate her missing father while demonstrating her value amidst her time at the Academy of Swordcraft, Heincraft.

His hopes for the future are to carry on writing fantasy novels full-time and to bring them to as broad an audience as possible. When he has some time to himself he enjoys fishing, which helps to clear his mind of troubles and all thoughts for a few hours, before dreaming up new stories and adventures.

Follow M.V. Grimm at Immortals Chronicles

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Book Spotlight: Her Blind Deception By Hailey Jade

A scheduling conflict made me unable to post this Thursday but I managed to hop on at the end of this blog tour for the highly anticipated sequel to Her Dark Reflection by Hailey Jade Her Blind Deception. READ ON!

Her Blind Deception (The Dark Reflections Series #2)

Publication Date August 13, 2023

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Fairy Tales

Winning power is easy, but keeping it is a whole new game.

After being tricked into marriage at the height of her victory, Rhiandra finds herself tied to the dark and devious Draven. But he’s manipulated her for the last time. As she struggles to maintain control of her crown and gain control of her new husband, she’s determined to evade his influence and outwit her own heart. After all, how can she trust him when she’s hiding a secret that could unravel them both?

Meanwhile, the crown princess is in hiding, enchanted by a new world free of the restraints of her old life, and content to stay far away from her stepmother. But a dead princess is no small thing to forget, especially when she is very much alive. The question is, how long before she’s found?

Her Blind Deception is the second book in the Dark Reflection series. Blood will be spilled, magic will change hands, and war will raise its hackles as a game of love and betrayal stakes entire kingdoms on the outcome.

Because when you’re the villain in the story, how far will you go for revenge on those who hurt you?
How far will you go for revenge on those you’ve loved?

AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON

And don’t forget…

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Her Dark Reflection (Book #1 in the series)

Publication Date: June 15, 2022

Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Dark Romance/ Fairytale Retelling

“They called me the Whore Queen. Some even called me the Evil Queen.
But they could call me whatever they wanted. I was still queen.”

Rhiandra Tiercelin hungers for power and her charm has always been her sharpest weapon in hunting it. So when a brutal attack leaves her physically scarred, desperation drives her to make a deal with Draven, a magic-wielding stranger who is inexplicably compelling and definitely dangerous. She knows she can’t trust him, but he when he offers to make her a queen, the temptation is too enticing to resist.

Armed with a glamoured face and an enchanted apple, Rhiandra is determined to scheme her way into a crown, even if it means risking the deadly punishment for unsanctioned magic use. But Draven is playing a bigger game, and she is just one piece on the board.

Can she keep her wits about her long enough to uncover his secrets, or will he lure her down a path she will come to regret?

Her Dark Reflection is the first book in a new dark romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Jennifer Armentrout, and Sarah A. Parker. If you like cunning, ambitious heroines, morally ambiguous men, and romance that toes the line between love and hate, then you’ll love Hailey Jade’s dark reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author photo

Hailey Jade has tried to quit writing, but alas, the characters who live in her head will not stop yammering. She’s hoping that building them ink-and-paper homes will make them pipe down long enough for her to get some sleep. She likes creating fantasy worlds populated by complicated, morally-grey characters who try to resist their attraction to other complicated, morally-grey characters, but who inevitably fall in love, because everyone needs a Happily Ever After.

Hailey has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching at Flinders University and spends her daylight hours trying to convince reluctant teenagers to love books. She lives in regional South Australia with her partner, bouncy baby boy, and feline overlord.

Hailey Jade

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Book Release Blitz: Treasured by Elayna R. Gallea

It’s Wednesday I know, but this beauty came across my desk and I couldn’t resist but help it shine on its release day. Book 3 in The Binding Chronicles I am featuring TREASURED by Elayna R. Gallea. Read on!

Treasured (The Binding Chronicles #3)
Publication Date: September 20, 2023
Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Vampires
🦇Vampires
🦇Magical Bindings
🦇Arranged Marriage
🦇Only One
🦇Tormented Hero
In a world where darkness reigns, the cost of love is eternal.
Eleyta’s throne belongs to the most powerful vampire, and it’s up to Sebastian and Luna to challenge the queen and save the realm.
Unfortunately, that won't be easy. Having survived Queen Marguerite’s deadly tournament, they are fugitives. Despite the peril lurking in the shadows, escape is not an option.
The prophecy is hanging over their heads. The darkness is here, and the red moon will soon rise. Sebastian’s bond with his Maker must be broken, and they need to learn the Tether's secrets before time runs out.
As unyielding darkness threatens to consume them, Sebastian and Luna face their greatest challenge.
The queen must be stopped, no matter the cost.
Even if it's death.

The third and final book in The Binding Chronicles series starts with TETHERED, then TORMENTED, and lastly TREASURED, and should be read in that order.

It’s important to note this series takes place in the same world as Of Earth and Flame of the Ithenmyr Chronicles by Gallea. Therefore It can be enjoyed on its own or alongside The Ithenmyr Chronicles.

NOTE: This series is upper YA/NA and will have moderate steam as the series progresses. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.

Add to Goodreads

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Elayna R. Gallea is a whimsical weaver of words, creating tales of romantic fantasy. Nestled in the enchanting land of New Brunswick, Canada, she lives with her husband and two younglings. When she’s not writing fantastical stories, she eats copious amounts of chocolate and cheese, reads every day, and plays with her cats and dogs.

Learn more about Elayna and her books at Elayna R. Gallea

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Book Blog Tour: The Last Train by Michael Pronko

Joining the blog tour for The Last Train by Michael Pronko let’s explore this thriller express!

The Last Train: A Tokyo Mystery
Genre: Thriller/ Suspense

*Winner 2018 Shelf Unbound Best Independently Published Book
*Winner 2017 Book Excellence Awards Best Mystery Solo Medalist
Winner 2017 New Apple Awards for Excellence

In Tokyo, murder’s easy to hide.

Detective Hiroshi Shimizu investigates white-collar crime in Tokyo. When an American businessman turns up dead, his mentor Takamatsu calls him out to the site of a grisly murder. A glimpse from a security camera video suggests the killer might be a woman. Hiroshi quickly learns how close homicide and suicide can appear in a city full of high-speed trains just a step—or a push—away. Takamatsu drags Hiroshi out to the hostess clubs and skyscraper offices of Tokyo in search of the killer.

Hiroshi goes deeper and deeper into Tokyo’s intricate, perilous market for buying and selling the most expensive land in the world. He teams up with ex-sumo wrestler Sakaguchi to scour Tokyo’s sacred temples, corporate offices and industrial wastelands to find out why one woman was driven to murder. After years in America and lost in neat, clean spreadsheets, Hiroshi confronts the stark realities of the biggest city in the world, where inside information can travel in a flash from the insiders at top investment firms to street-level punks and teenage hostesses, everyone scrambling for their cut of Tokyo’s lucrative land deals. Hiroshi’s determined to cut through Japan’s ambiguities—and dangers—to find the murdering ex-hostess before she extracts her final revenge—which just might be him.

GET IT HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Pronko is a Tokyo-based author who writes in three genres—murder, memoir, and music. He has written about Japanese culture, art, jazz, society, architecture, and politics for Newsweek Japan, The Japan Times, Artscape Japan, as well as other publications. He has appeared on NHK and Nippon Television doing video versions of his essays. He runs his own website, Jazz in Japan (www.jazzinjapan.com).

He teaches American Literature and Culture (novels, film, art, and music) at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo, and after discussing Kurt Vonnegut or Jackson Pollock is in the right frame of mind to wander Tokyo contemplating its intensity.

Follow Michael at Michael Pronko

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Eternally Artemisia by Melissa Muldoon

Catching in my spotlight eye today is the whimsical Eternally Artemisia by Melissa Muldoon. Because. some loves, just like women are timeless.

Eternally Artemisia

They say some loves travel through time and are fated to meet over and over again. For Maddie, an art therapist, who wrestles with the “peculiar feeling” she has lived previous lives and is being called to Italy by voices that have left imprints on her soul, this idea is intriguing. Despite her best efforts, however, proof of this has always eluded her. That is, until one illuminating summer in Italy when Maddie’s previous existences start to bleed through into her current reality. When she is introduced to the Crociani family—a noble clan with ties to the seventeenth-century Medici court that boasts of ancestors with colorful pasts—she finally meets the loves of her life. One is a romantic love, and another is a special kind of passion that only women share, strong amongst those who have suffered greatly yet have triumphed despite it. As Maddie’s relationship develops with Artemisia Gentileschi—an artist who in a time when it was unheard of to denounce a man for the crime of rape, did just that—Maddie discovers a kindred spirit and a role model, and just what women are capable of when united together. In a journey that arcs back to biblical days and moves forward in time, Maddie encounters artists, dukes, designers, and movie stars as well as baser and ignoble men. With Artemisia never far from her side, she proves that when we dare to take control of our lives and find the “thing” we are most passionate about, we are limitless and can touch the stars.

Check out Eternally Artemisia Available on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Muldoon is the author of four novels set in Italy: “Dreaming Sophia”, “Waking Isabella”, “Eternally Artemisia”, and “The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola.” All four books are set in Italy and tell the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future. For more information visit: MelissaMuldoon.com

Melissa is the author also of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). “Studentessa Matta” means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include the podcast “Tutti Matti per l’Italiano”, and the “Studentessa Matta” YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy while immersing in language and culture. Through her website, she also offers Homestay opportunities to live and study in Italy in the private home of a teacher.

Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, and professional book designer, and designed the interiors of all three of her books as well as illustrated their covers. Melissa is also the managing director of Matta Press.

Learn more at Melissa Muldoon

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Book Tour Spotlight: The Seldom Wings by Beka Westrup

Combining forces with R&R Book Tours for the blog tour for The Seldom Wings by Beka Westrup. Today it’s my stop on the tour to showcase this beauty once again.

The Seldom Wings (Winged Spirits Series Book 1)

For years, Sia’s hidden herself in the gnashing forest, dodging her father’s bounty hunters and ignoring the nameless magic in her veins. When she receives a letter from an estranged lover, she returns to the coast she used to call home, within reach of her father’s magical city hovering above the smog and the arranged marriage waiting for her. This place is not somewhere Sia wishes to linger—the land is noxious and filled with rebels, witches, and other humans who become walking corpses when they die. What was intended to be a brief visit turns into a death-bed promise anchoring Sia to Gwaith House for the foreseeable future. She agrees to look after her first love’s human child until her widower proves he can care for his daughter himself.

The thing with promises is: Sia can’t break them. No seraph can. At least not without severe consequences.

While navigating the complex feelings she develops for the angry widower and her own grief, Sia becomes entangled in a mysterious string of dismembered corpses roaming the smog and a strange detective who refuses to leave her alone. As the desperate undead draw closer and closer to the child she is sworn to protect, Sia races to find the murderer responsible for creating them. She needs to figure it out quickly, or she may risk falling right back into her father’s scorching hands.

PURCHASE HERE

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.

Beka Westrup

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Book Release Spotlight: Lady of Dragons by Shelby Elizabeth

In celebration of the release of  Lady of Dragons by Shelby Elizabeth, I had to spotlight this beauty as I love dragons! If you’re a dragon lover or dragon rider, read on!

Lady of Dragons (Book One)
Publication Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Finlay McDonough wants nothing more than to be a Dragon Knight: a warrior bound with a dragon partner, intent on ridding the kingdom of its dragon-killing monarchy. Well, she might want one thing just a bit more … Evander, her childhood friend, now keeper of the dragon sanctuary. Scouting with Evander one day, Finlay’s attempt to save a dragon goes horribly wrong, and she inadvertently ties her fate to the dragon’s–their souls bind, lending Finlay powers like those of the Mages the Knights are sworn to destroy.

After passing the trial to train as a Knight, Finlay discovers a devastating truth about a beloved dragon. To save them, she’ll need to risk her dream of becoming a true Knight, her chance at a happily-ever-after with Evander … and maybe her very identity.

A fantasy romance with a strong heroine, sweet love interest, a sassy dragon companion, and more than a dash of adventure awaits.

AVAILABLE NOW ON Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelby Elizabeth is an English teacher in Upstate New York, with a B.A. in Writing from SUNY Potsdam (2019) and an M.A.T. in Secondary English from SUNY Empire (2021). I have self-published a young adult fantasy trilogy about Shifters and Elementals in the modern world (Celestials), and a young adult contemporary m/m romance (Don’t Hate the Player). When I am not writing in my free time, I am spending time with my family and my cats, reading, or watching just a little too much television.

Learn more about Shelby and her work at Shelby Elizabeth

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Between the Dark Spaces by Melissa Groeling

WELCOME! to another Book Spotlight Thursday! Today we are highlighting Between the Dark Spaces by Melissa Groeling.

Between the Dark Spaces

How deep do those dark places go?

Sixteen-year-old Aris Black likes to think she knows about dark places. Every day, she watches her father struggle to hang on to his sobriety. She works long hours after school to help pay their bills so they don’t end up out on the street. She knows one wrong move and they could lose everything.

When she meets Chapman Woolfe, she knows she’s not the only one fighting to stay in the light. Chapman is a boy surrounded by monsters that wear masks of the people he thought he knew.

Together, Aris and Chapman discover the world these monsters created and its origin is a lot closer to home than they realize.

Can these two teenagers find their way out before the darkness swallows them whole?

AVAILABLE NOW at Amazon | Booktopia | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Groeling didn’t know she had an accent until she moved from New Jersey to Philadelphia. She thought everyone spoke the same way, and called things by the same name…that is, until she got into her first debate with a Pennsylvanian over a “sub” or a “hoagie.” This soon led to other debates: jimmies versus sprinkles. Pork roll versus Taylor ham. It all became quite the struggle, a fight not to conform. Boldly trekking onwards, she knew she preferred a sub, sprinkles on her ice cream, and Taylor ham for breakfast. So she kept at it, much like her writing.

Drop her line sometime. She’ll happily talk to you about tea (oh yes, she’s a tea drinker off-set only by those fancy-schmancy mochas from Starbucks), the New York Giants (a die-hard fan), chocolate (the dark kind, thanks), and cupcake recipes, because really, without icing, the world is just a muffin.

Learn more about Melissa and her books at Melissa Groeling

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Book Release Blitz: The Seldom Wings by Beka Westrup

Joining another book release celebration today, I am helping  R&R Book Tours celebrate Beka Westrup’s book release for The Seldom Wings. Want to find out more? Read on!

The Seldom Wings (Winged Spirits Series Book 1)

Publication Date: August 29, 2023

Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy🔥 A Morally Gray FMC
🔥 Pansexual Rep
🔥 Witcher Vibes
🔥 Unbreakable Promises

🔥 Spice
🔥 Wings
🔥 Sleeping with the Enemy
🔥 Action/ Adventure

For years, Sia’s hidden herself in the gnashing forest, dodging her father’s bounty hunters and ignoring the nameless magic in her veins. When she receives a letter from an estranged lover, she returns to the coast she used to call home, within reach of her father’s magical city hovering above the smog and the arranged marriage waiting for her. This place is not somewhere Sia wishes to linger—the land is noxious and filled with rebels, witches, and other humans who become walking corpses when they die. What was intended to be a brief visit turns into a death-bed promise anchoring Sia to Gwaith House for the foreseeable future. She agrees to look after her first love’s human child until her widower proves he can care for his daughter himself.

The thing with promises is: Sia can’t break them. No seraph can. At least, not without severe consequences.

While navigating the complex feelings she develops for the angry widower and her own grief, Sia becomes entangled in a mysterious string of dismembered corpses roaming the smog and a strange detective who refuses to leave her alone. As the desperate undead draw closer and closer to the child she is sworn to protect, Sia races to find the murderer responsible for creating them. She needs to figure it out quickly, or she may risk falling right back into her father’s scorching hands.

Read An Exciting Excerpt!

“It’s you,” he said in a mighty exhale. “You really are hiding down here in the smog, fraternizing with humans.”

My heart bottomed out. “Where I go and what I do is none of your business.”

His lips curled in wry amusement. “Isn’t it?”

Everything inside me went cold. He knew who I was. Reluctantly, I asked, “What exactly were you doing down here when you were captured?”

The seraph’s head tilted, the slow consideration of a predator.

“What do you think, Princess?” He rolled his shoulders and flashed his teeth, a lazy show of aggression. “I was collecting a bounty.”

I put the box between us as he prowled forward, raising my dagger in warning.

“Where do you think you’re going?” His eyes followed my every step. “You know you can’t outrun me, not with your pretty golden wings put away.”

Purchase Your Copy Today!

GET YOUR COPY HERE

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.

Learn more about Beka and her books at Beka Westrup