Debut author Megan Phillips is caught in our spotlight today. Starfire’s Heiris book one in her new The Soul of Serentyn series, where “Destiny called her. He awoke her.”
Starfire's Heir (The Soul of Serentyn Book One)
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Genre: Romantasy
Cover: @mariaspada.design
Featuring
⦁ Slow Burn ⦁ Romantasy ⦁ Found Family ⦁ Fated Mates ⦁ Long Lost Princess ⦁ Hidden Magic ⦁ Prophecies ⦁ One Bed ⦁ Sword Wielding FMC ⦁ Fierce FMC
Lexa Andrever has always believed she was nothing more than a farm girl. But when a stranger reveals she is the lost heir of a distant realm, Lexa discovers she alone stands between the kingdom and the deathly darkness pressing at its borders. Written into an unsettling prophecy, carrying a responsibility she never sought, Lexa sets off for her homeland with Griff Narvene, the warrior sworn to protect her.
As she grapples with her new role as prophesied savior, the inscrutable soldier stirs something deep within... To keep the shadows at bay, Lexa must harness the powers of her birthright to protect the people and home that demand her duty. With the fate of the kingdom-and a fragile new love-at stake, can she survive long enough to save them both? CW: 18+
Megan grew up in Maryland and now calls Virginia home—though her heart sets up camp wherever her characters drag it. With a degree in sociolinguistics and an ear for the way language shapes identity, she has spent years sketching voices, lives, and entire kingdoms in her mind. When she’s not writing, she shares her days with her husband, young son, Newfoundland dog, and horse. Starfire’s Heir is her debut novel.
Follow Megan and her debut novel at @meganphillipsauthor on Instagram.
Featured in our spotlight today is the newly released I KNEW HER ONCEby R.M. Carpus.
I Knew Her Once
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Genre: Gothic Suspense/ Horror
Grieving novelist Rose Harper flees to the sleepy town of Griffin Bay to find a new muse, revive her writing career, and leave the past behind. She finds a place to stay, lands a job, and the plot ideas begin to flow. Things are looking up.
Until strange, unexplainable things start happening and she winds up entangled in Griffin Bay’s poisonous web of lies. There’s something not quite right about her new home, and it isn’t long before she realizes that some stories, like secrets, were never meant to be told.
R. M. Carpus is the co-founder of Wraith House and a member of the Horror Writers Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and professional writing from Saint Joseph’s University and lives in Seattle, always on the lookout for orcas, Brandi Carlile, and Eddie Vedder. Her forthcoming Gothic suspense novel, I KNEW HER ONCE, releases summer of 2026.
Releasing today, THE GIRL WHO DREAMED IN THORNS by Rebecca L. Garcia and Dawn Darling is in the spotlight! A lovers-to-enemies Peter-Pan-inspired bully romance, set against the grim, death-filled backdrop of Never, where wickedness lurks beneath every fairy-dusted leaf, innocence demands sacrifice, and a broken heart can kill you.
The Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns: And So She Withers (The Never After Duet Book 1)
Release Date: May 21, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance/ Bully Romance/ Dark Fairytale
Featuring ⦁ Bully Romance ⦁ Dark Fairytale ⦁ Lovers to Enemies ⦁ Peter Pan Reimagining ⦁ Villain gets the Girl ⦁ Unhinged MMC ⦁ Found Family to Enemies
One year ago, Holly returned home with no memories, a bloody scar, and a torrent of nightmares. On the night of her debut into society, a mysterious stranger offers her the answer to the question that has haunted her since her return: What happened to Wendy Darling? Desperate to find her sister, she goes with him to the thorny island from her dreams. Except, Never has changed. The forest is rotting. The faeries are dying. And Kit, the handsome, brutal Wyard who she once loved, hasn’t forgotten her betrayal.
Caught between the boy who wants to punish her and the pirate begging to save her, Holly begins to suspect that the most dangerous thing on the island was never the magic or the one who controlled it. It was the moment she allowed him to feel anything at all. Because very few lived long enough to break the heart of a Wyard, and none survived it.
CW: This book contains dark themes and is intended for adults 18 and over, including murder, death of a character, kidnapping, bullying, degradation, torture, death of a child (off-page, mentioned), graphic violence, orgasm denial, profanity, breath play via drowning, and sexual content.
Follow on Instagram: @dawndarlingauthor @rebeccagarciabooks
Thrusting into the spotlight this week is the newly released BRIDE OF ASH & DUST by Meredith Hart! Featuring tension so thick you can cut it with a knife, let’s read on!
Bride of Ash & Dust Book one in the Snake & Crown series
Published: April 10th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Features *Arranged marriage *Forced proximity *Political intrigue *He falls first… and harder *Morally gray MMC *They meet on their wedding day *Sleeping in the same bed… but not touching *Emotional support weapons
Princess Lilias has one day to pack her life into trunks before her wedding to a man she's never met. They call him the Snake of Vsenrog: assassin, spy, and the foster son of a ruthless king. Everyone tells her to be terrified. They're right. But not for the reasons they think. Because Zarek isn't cruel. He's careful. He sleeps with daggers strapped to his body but refuses to touch her when she's drunk. He climbs through windows but asks permission before his fingers brush her thigh. He walks through palaces and slums like he owns them, but avoids their bedchamber. Keeping her safe, he claims, means keeping his distance. And Lilias learns that the worst torture isn't fear. It's wanting. But when their honeymoon tour becomes a trap, staying apart is no longer an option. As Vsenrog's armies gather, Lilias and Zarek realize their forced marriage might be the opening move in a war neither of them saw coming. And in a palace where mirrors are windows and lovers are spies, falling in love isn't romantic. It's a weapon. And someone's waiting to use it against them.
Raised by wolves in the mountains of Colorado, Meredith Hart traveled the world to seek her fortune, fell in love with a half-elf ranger, and now lives in a cabin deep in the Maine woods where she writes steamy fantasy romance with snarky, reluctant heroes and the warrior women who love them. She also writes Loki-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod.
In the haunted heart of Tremé, where ancestral spirits whisper through jasmine-flavored smoke and secrets hang heavier than the southern air, Gabriel Saint-Croix—a criminology student raised on ghost stories and generational grief—is caught between the worlds of the living and the dead, uniquely tethered by both bloodline and belief. A criminology student with a legacy soaked in flood waters and betrayal, Gabriel is drawn into a web of lies surrounding his father’s mysterious death—a case sealed shut since Hurricane Katrina.
But when his search for truth nearly kills him, something hungry awakens to answer his call.
Reborn through ritual and rage, Gabriel awakens as Baron Midnight—a vessel of vengeance clad in myth and shadow. Now wielding power born of grief, grave dirt, and ancestral justice, he must confront a corrupt police force, a network of conspirators, and the question that haunts his soul: Can true vengeance ever set you free?
Steeped in Southern Gothic mysticism and Afrofuturist lore, Baron Midnight: Unearthed is a novella of rebirth and reckoning, where family, legacy, and truth converge in a tale as sharp as a sickle and as enduring as time.
REVIEW
New Orleans gets its supernatural vigilante in Baron Midnight Unearthed. It’s Candyman meets “The Crow,” yeah, that is it, in this spellbinding debut novella by Dblkrose. You see, Madame Norie is known for her spiritual guidance. When her deceased police officer son’s ex-partner comes unexpectedly into her parlor with his girlfriend for a reading, Madame Norie learns the truth about her son’s so-called accidental death. When her grandson, a rising college student in criminology, discovers his father was murdered, he starts digging, only to get brutally beaten to near death. Justice, vengeance cry out, and Baron Midnight hears.
Considering I read and promote books for a living, reading has lately felt like a job, rather than an enjoyment. I have to say, Barron Midnight Unearthed brought back that joy. While the book is only 100 pages long, I was thoroughly engrossed and surprised to have finished it in just 4 hours while waiting in the waiting room with my kids at therapy. I love it when a book reads like a film in your mind as you read, and that is how Baron Midnight reads.
Dblkrose’s writing style is smooth as jazz with great dramatic breath. Not overly descriptive, he provides just enough to let your imagination flourish and fill in the rest, even with the action scenes! Each slash is written so poetically. He does everything right because he is a storyteller. Not a writer. Not an author. A storyteller. Many might claim they are, but very few truly grasp the true nature of the honored title. I thought storytellers were a dying breed, but no, our ancestors still thrive in this crazy time we live in.
Baron Midnight Unearthed has a modern, folksy paranormal mystery cadence that captivates and holds you, pulls you in until the end. The story takes place in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans, which I had never heard of. More proof this guy is a storyteller, as all stories teach us something.
Overall rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(Five stars)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlton DeCosta, writing as Dblkrose, is a veteran, visionary, and founder of Black Spyder Publishing. Born in Okinawa, Japan, and raised in North Carolina, he brings a global perspective to grounded, genre-bending storytelling rooted in grief, legacy, and transformation. A Navy veteran with a deep love for horror, fantasy, manga, and folklore, Carlton channels his lived experiences into narratives that haunt, heal, and demand remembrance. Baron Midnight: Unearthed is his declaration of narrative intent—where ancestral trauma meets supernatural justice in the shadows of New Orleans.
Freshly released! I am partying with R&R BookTours to celebrate the release of The Imminent Returns of History by Catalina Matei! “In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king’s vanity to his greed…” Now let’s take a deeper look into THE IMMINENT RETURN OF HISTORY! This is book II in the Vials of Fate Trilogy!
The Imminent Return of History (Vials of Fate Book 2)
Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Features
⦁ Dragons ⦁ Fated mates ⦁ War ⦁ Found family ⦁ Hidden truths ⦁ Banter ⦁ Strong FMC ⦁ Dual POV ⦁ Magical creatures
In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king's vanity to his greed. Having survived her trials, Tiadola discovered that appearances were deceiving. As secrets unravel, she must navigate the darkness clouding her mind while fighting for a chance at happiness with Zadrohn. History repeats itself as magic and power intertwine, shifting the tides in King Tuddn's favour. The looming war between humans and Soronians is inevitable, and every conflict demands a victor. Outnumbered and overpowered, yet resolute, can Tiadola and Zadrohn secure the human nation's independence, or will their efforts crumble under the weight of forces beyond their control?
Matei writes about existential angst in steamy fantasy novels. Even though she started writing in high school, she never thought she’d get here and start an entire trilogy, but here we are.
She is a bookworm at heart and enjoys reading various genres from classics to pitch black horror romances.
She lives in Romania, and when she is not working her full-time job as a software engineer, she spends her days off on road trips through Europe with her husband and overprotective pug, reading and/or writing.
Follow Matei and her books on Instagram at @catalinamateiwrites.
Today, my spotlight shines on ALPHA MALE by Mark Allen. The cover is astonishing and caught my eye. I am like, I got to spotlight this baby. ALPHA MALE is the second installment of Allen’s werewolf trilogy, which follows the events of the 2021 award-winning, BLOOD RED MOON.
ALPHA MALE ( A Caleb Jacobsen novel) (Blood Red Moon Book 2)
Publishing Date: April 15th, 2025
Genre: Horror/Thriller/ Suspense
Pages: 432
Synopsis
Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.
Sadly, "quiet" never lasts.
A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.
Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.
But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.
War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.
There's only one ALPHA MALE.
The hero, Caleb Jacobsen, once again faces deadly enemies and fights to protect his mate, Marla, as they race to bring order to a chaotic werewolf world and quell a violent insurrection by ascending to a position Caleb does not want but feels morally compelled to claim: Alpha Male of the Global Pack.
Mark Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas in the 60s and 70s. He wrote his first short story for a 4th grade English assignment. He got an A+ on the assignment, and he’s been writing ever since. In 1980, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and was designated a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Warfare Specialist. He retired in May 2001.
Mark returned to his first love, this time writing screenplays for feature films. He wrote and directed DELIRIUM (York Entertainment 2007) and wrote and co-produced EARLY GRAVE (Fenix Pictures 2013). Mark’s most recent screenwriting release, RESTITUTION (2024 Terror Films Releasing) premiered worldwide on Oct 4, 2024.
In 2014, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. During radiation and chemo, he began writing what would become his debut novel, NOCTURNAL. Mark is now 11 years in recovery and suffers long-term disabilities related to the cancer and the treatments that killed his cancer. But, grateful to be alive, Mark pushes on. No longer fit for the rigors of the film industry, Mark concentrates almost exclusively on novels now.
Mark is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He lives quietly in a small coastal town in northwest Washington state. Other literary works include NOCTURNAL, JUST BEFORE DAWN, and BLOOD RED MOON.
Fourteen Indie authors! Fifteen stories of the twisted and macabre! Enter if you dare, a dark fairytale collection that will make the Brothers Grimm either blush or smile with glee. Content and trigger warning precede each tale for an unaware sensitive reader, but the title warns you these are dark fairytales. Now let’s follow the bread crumbs and enter into the darkness.
Dark Fairytales For The Unloved: An Indie Author Collection (Volume One)
Published: March 26th, 2025
Genre: Fairytales/Folklore/Fantasy/Anthologies
Synopsis
Step into a realm where enchantment and darkness intertwine. In this anthology, fourteen master storytellers from diverse backgrounds conjure original fairytales that are as chilling as they are captivating. From eerie forests to twisted kingdoms, each tale spins a web of intrigue, mystery, and danger. Embrace the delicious dread and discover the hidden truths that lurk in the shadows. Perfect for lovers of the macabre and fantastical, these stories will leave you spellbound long after the last page is turned.
Dark Fairytales For The Unloved is a collection of Fairytales for adults, oozing with dark fairytale-inspired stories. Two are dark retellings of classic tales such as “Elves and the Shoemaker” and” Beauty and the Beast” in spectacular NOURSHMENT and HUNTER & THE BEAST by Gareth Ian Davies and SD Paine. The rest are dark original fairy tale-inspired tales, such as my favorite, the brilliantly written folklorish horror THE PALE MOTHER by Nova B. Quinn and BIRDS OF WINTER by Ruby Ann Stiegelmeier.
Then we have the hauntingly magical with FOXGLOVE and THE BLOOMING CURSE by Stacey LP and Hannah Gardiner. The bottom rips out from under us, and we go deeper and darker with wickedly devilish tales like BEAUTIFUL SUFFERING and SPIT AND SPITE AND ALL THINGS NIGHT by Alex Upchurch & Ellen Winter.
The opening story, REQUIEM, by Marianne Gray, is an absolute banger, setting the tone of the book nicely. While not every story tickled my witchy fancy, the next one usually did. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed getting treated to a new story by a new author. It was like getting a sneak peek into these delicious indie authors’ minds.
Recently released THE USHER OF SPRING is a dark romantasy filled with sweet slow burn romance, magical creatures, Greek and Norse mythology, Gladiators, betrayal and forbidden magic! This spellbinding tale is perfect for readers who are fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, A Fate Inked in Blood, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Broken Heart, and can I mention the COVER!😍
The Usher of Spring (Blood of the Seasons Book 1)
Publication Date: March 2, 2025
Genre: Dark Romantasy
Synopsis
“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?” "Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.” In the frozen realm of Aringuard, the heart of an ancient god governs the seasons. Every four years, the goddess Erinyes chooses a new Usher of Spring; a young girl who must travel the lands carrying the immortal heart and spilling its blood so that Spring may bloom. To be the Usher of Spring is the greatest honor. But to be their servant is a death sentence. At the end of the four years, the Usher's servants are sacrificed so that she may be reborn as a goddess. Frida is chosen to be the Usher, but quickly learns that it is more than she bargained for. Then she is presented with a choice: lose everything or doom everyone.
Reformed is the first book in a planned four-book series. This “why choose” paranormal romance series means our MFC Stella will not have to choose between her love interests.
Reformed (The Rift Wars Book 1)
Expected Publication Date: Feb 21
Genre: PNR/ Why Choose/ Academy
Features
- Why choose
- MFMMM
- Academy (prison reform school)
- Mythology and folklore inspiration
- Slow burn
- Virgin MMCs
- Shy cyclops
- Golden retriever reaper
- Hot for teacher
- Mystery to solve
- Politics and subterfuge
In a realm where being supernatural is all but illegal, Stella Mikers has hidden her supernatural spirit and done it well for over a decade. Up against the wire to produce a piece of hard-hitting journalism to solidify her career and no other ideas, she decides it's time to come out of hiding and embrace what she truly is - a Valkyrie.
She dusts off her wings and goes undercover at Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, the prison alternative that boasts the ability to turn supernaturals into simplynaturals, removing what makes them different and allowing them to better assimilate into society.
But there is something fishy about a vampire who can now be a phlebotomist and a necromancer who works as a mortician. Stella is determined to discover what is going on behind those golden gates and expose the Academy to the realm.
What she didn't expect to find at the Academy were starving vampires who wanted to feed from her feet, a shy cyclops suitemate, or a reaper who is sunshine personified. Even one of her simplynatural professors draws her attention in a way she can't explain. Stella's plan didn't include making friends, but now that she has, she’s dead set on doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.
Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy has a dark secret, and it’s up to Stella to uncover it before all of them are reformed. *This slow-burn MFMMM book is intended for adult audiences and contains explicit content.*
Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after.
Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 