Tag: book spotlight

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Her Cruel Redemption by Hailey Jade

The epic finale of The Dark Reflection series gets caught in the spotlight today! After spotlighting the first two books in the series, Her Dark Reflection and Her Blind Deception I am ecstatic to help showcase the final in this trilogy. Book three ” HER CRUEL REDEMPTION” tests the boundaries of love, power, and destiny. It brings a twist, with lovers turning enemies, and vengeance becomes obsession as loyalties are tested. Rhindra treads her path to redemption, but at what cost? Will it cost them all?

Her Cruel Redemption (The Dark Reflection Series Book 3)

Publication Date: February 24, 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy

Series Tropes:
- Marriage of convenience
- Political intrigue
- Betrayal, secrets and lies
- Feminine rage
- Enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies
- HEA

“When you’ve known love to slip through gentle hands, you’ll grip it with teeth and claws.”
Now a queen in hiding, Rhiandra has taken refuge in the Yawn with Gwinellyn, tolerated but never truly welcomed by the princess’s new friends. Driven by a thirst for vengeance against the man who betrayed her, Rhiandra struggles to master a dangerous power that no one wants her to wield. But she must learn control, for Draven is hunting her.
When word of war between Brimordia and Oceatold reaches them, Gwinellyn can no longer stand idly by as her people suffer. Determined to reclaim her birthright, she needs Rhiandra’s help to retake the throne. But as they journey through a battle-scarred land, both women are haunted by secrets—Gwinellyn wonders if she can trust her stepmother, while Rhiandra hides truths that could shatter their fragile alliance. Many of those secrets centre on her tumultuous relationship with the man now calling himself king.
If they want to win this fight, blood and lives will not be the only price.

Get The Trilogy Today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

Learn more about Hailey Jade and her books at Hailey Jade

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: When the Witch Visits by Michael Rands

Today’s spotlight is on the humorous, dark, and eerily timely “When the Witch Visits” by Michael Rands. ” When the Witch Visits” is a horror-comedy for the age of the online personality. Read on below!

When The Witch Visits

Publication Date: April 18, 2025

Genre: Paranormal/ Horror Comedy/ Supernatural Fantasy

Synopsis

Rick and Kayleigh Zapp are living proof that perfection sells. With their idyllic family, overflowing bank accounts, and millions of online followers, they’re the world’s second-most beloved power couple. But on the night a hurricane rages through their town, a witch appears in their garden and tells Rick he has one year to live—unless he can repair the flaws in his seemingly flawless life.
As Rick’s paranoia builds and Kayleigh hides a secret that could topple their empire, their social media influence continues to grow—thanks in part to their increasingly twisted friendship with the enigmatic Max and Maxine Maxwell, the world’s most beloved power couple.

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Rands is the author of the satirical, dark comedy, Praise Routine Number Four, co-author of the economic satire The Yamaguchi Manuscripts, and Kamikaze Economics (a story of modern Japan). He’s co-author of the humorous dictionary Stay Away from Mthatha. He co-created the audio drama The Crystal Set, and is one of the hosts on the podcast Detours Ahead. In South Africa he worked in television as a writer, director and producer. He taught English in Japan. He holds an MFA from Louisiana State University, and currently teaches English and Creative Writing at the college level. He lives with his wife and toddler in Alabama, not too far from a bayou. The Chapel St. Perilous is his second published novel.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: The Moon’s Daughter by Leena Kazak

Welcome back to another Book Spotlight Thursday! Today, we have the spotlight on the beautiful THE MOON’S DAUGHTER by Lenna Kazak! Let’s read on!

The Moon's Daughter (Moon & Sands Book 1)

Publication Date: December 16, 2024

Genre: Romantasy/ Low Spice

FEATURES
🔥 Forbidden Love
💫 Slow-Burn Romance
🕯️ A Mysterious Prophecy
🐪 Medieval Arabia inspired worldbuilding
⚔️ “Don’t Touch Her!”
👑 A Fiery Crown Princess FMC
💥 A Jealous Warrior MMC
💔 Betrayal

Synopsis

She was destined to rule. He was destined to ruin her plans.
In a world where kingdoms rise and fall like shifting sands, Princess Layna stands on the edge of ruin—caught between her kingdom’s survival and the pull of her heart.
The desert kingdom of Alzahra is on the brink of war. As crown princess, Layna’s future has been shaped by duty, especially her responsibility to forge a strong alliance through political marriage. But everything changes when the handsome Prince Zarian arrives at court—dark, dangerous, and impossibly infuriating. A warrior shrouded in mystery, Zarian’s arrival shatters her orderly life and forces her to question her destined path.
As Layna’s fate intertwines with Zarian’s, a mysterious prophecy looms ever closer, threatening to unravel the entire Continent. The lines between lover and enemy blur, and one wrong move could cost her everything—her crown, her kingdom, and her forbidden love
Will Layna surrender to her duty—or to desire?

The Moon’s Daughter is available now on:

Amazon
B&N
Waterstones

Signed copies are also available on Etsy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leena Kazak has been spinning stories since she was ten years old, when she wrote her first short story and never looked back. A lifelong reader, she’s devoured everything from fantasy and thrillers to historical fiction and contemporary romance—but these days, she’s happily tumbled down the romantasy staircase and shows no sign of climbing out. (Send help).

She writes low-spice fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.

Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)

Follow Lenna and her books on Instagram @leenakazakbooks

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Book Spotlight Thursday: RARE by Patrick de Moss

A darkly magical tale of loss, courage, and the power of music to heal even the deepest wounds is caught in the spotlight today. This is a story that explores the fragile beauty of hope and the strength it takes to face the shadows. RARE is a spellbinding modern fable.

… Some songs can change the world. Some songs can change you. Let’s look deeper into RARE.

Rare

Publication Date: March 2, 2025

Genre: Thriller/Supernatural

Some songs aren’t meant to exist.
When sixteen-year-old Emma receives a mysterious Beatles record—a cover of The Girl Can’t Help It, a song they never recorded, her life changes in ways she never imagined. Grieving her grandmother’s death and lost in the heavy fog of depression, Emma doesn’t expect much from the strange package. But the moment the needle drops, magic ripples through the world.

Angels shiver. Dragons stir in their hoards. Vampires feel an ancient hunger awaken. The song calls to them all, and it calls to Emma too. For the first time since her grandmother’s death, Emma feels something spark inside her: hope. But magic has a price, and the Dark has heard the song as well.

To protect the record, Emma must venture into the Hidden States of America—a surreal, shadowed version of the country where myth and reality blur. It’s a country shaped by the stories we tell and the secrets we keep, where ordinary towns hide extraordinary truths.
As Emma struggles to carry the song to where it belongs, she’ll have to confront her grief, face her deepest fears, and discover if she has the strength to resist the pull of the Dark.

Content warning May Contain: 
Suicidal Ideations, racial themes, gun violence victims, attempted kidnapping.



Get Now On Amazon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Playwright, poet, and prose writer Patrick de Moss lives and works in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He is also a former gravedigger, hotline psychic, line cook, chef, waiter, and a few other things in between.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: ALPHA MALE (Blood Red Moon Book 2) by Mark Allen


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.

GET IT ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

He writes every day.

To learn more about Mark Allen and his books, follow him on LinkedIn / Instagram / X(Twitter) / FB /  Blue Sky / SlasherTV.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Feather and Famine by Mariah L. Rosewood

Capturing the spotlight this Thursday is the beautiful epic romantasy Feather and Famine. The first in the slow burn and spicy, The Withering Saga, this series will appeal to fans who enjoy immersive romantic high fantasy in the likes of A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, and Kingdom of the Wicked. Feast your eyes below!

Feather and Famine (The Withering Saga #1)

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Genre: Epic Romantasy

Features

🌿Plant girlie
🌿Shadow daddy
🌿Dual POV
🌿Elves AND Fey
🌿Slow burn AND whirlwind/fast burn romance
🌿“Who did this”
🌿Touch her and die
🌿Dark secrets
🌿Wound tending
🌿Diverse/LGBTQ+ cast
🌿Multiple magic systems
🌿Mental health rep

Only she can sense the tree’s magic. Unfortunately, the tree’s not hers. It's his.
In the famine-stricken kingdom of Ittora, Ayse discovers a magical birch that might hold the power to save everyone. If only Aiden, the tree’s grumpy, annoyingly hot guardian would get over himself and let her investigate it.
Despite dark secrets and growing desire, Ayse is determined to see if the tree can reverse the Withering.
Meanwhile, Prince Seok is pushing for war against the Fey in a last ditch attempt to quell the famine, while also uncovering something amiss with the rations keeping everyone alive.
With the Withering closing in and time running out, they must hurry to save Ittora—before hunger consumes them all.

AVAILABLE at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariah L. Rosewood is a creative soul from the Midwest with a love for family, reading, art, music, and the intricacies of human emotion.

As an author, she loves characters that are multifaceted, imperfect, and relatable. The kind you root for, swoon over, and sometimes want to smack upside the head. Characters you’re on the journey with.

So step into the world of Rosewood—where magic meets the heart, and every story leaves a mark.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Bewitched Blooms: A Fundraiser Anthology for Zoë by Briar Boylan and Others

Today is a very special Book Spotlight Thursday, which I am proud to be a part of. Bewitched Blooms: A Fundraiser Anthology for Zoë is an anthology lovingly dedicated to the memory of Zoë, a cherished friend of the author Briar Boleyn, who bravely faced Stage 4 colorectal cancer.

In Zoë’s honor, all proceeds will be directed to her family and to CancerCare Manitoba, which supports vital cancer research, preventive screening, and patient care initiatives. The proceeds will also go to the Riverview Health Center, which provided Zoë and her family with compassionate care during her last days.

Authors featured in this collection include:

Briar Boleyn, C.N. Crawford, LJ Swallow, Emberly Ash, C.L. Briar, Whit Stanfield, Rhiannon Hargadon, Isla Elrick, Chiara Forestieri, Sera Foxe, Leena Kazak, Tempest Reign, M.A. Brown, Anya Clara, K.T. Host, Caty Rogan, Melanie Mar, Enna Hawthorn, Evelyn Silver, R.A. Raine, Olena Nikitin, Roz MacLaren, R.J. Rogan, Niamh Rose, Rosalyn Stirling, Caelen Fae, Linsey Hall, Gretchen Powell Fox, Shawn J. Romeo, Sabrina Bosque, Nikki Lennox, and Jayne Starwing.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON


Some of the things you’ll find within the pages of this collection…
⦁ Exclusive prequel content & bonus stories
⦁ Enemies to Lovers
⦁ Forbidden Love
⦁ Fated Mates
⦁ Slowburn Romance
⦁ High Steam
⦁ Love Triangles
⦁ Shape Shifters
⦁ Vampires
⦁ Secret Identities
⦁ Fairytale & Mythological Retellings
⦁ Found Family
⦁ Possessive MMCs
⦁ Age Gaps (Both Ways!)
⦁ Fae & Magic
⦁ Morally Gray
⦁ Friends to Lovers
⦁ Shadow Daddy / Mommy
⦁ Cozy, Low Stakes
⦁ Feminine Rage
⦁ Queer Characters & Stories

Special thanks to the authors involved. Follow and learn more about each author on their Instagram page.

@catyrogan @cn_crawford
@emberlyashauthor
@sadiebosque
@serafoxe
@c.l.briar
@ljswallow
@rhiannonhargadon
@whitstanfieldauthor
@authorislaelrick
@authorchiaraforestieri
@tempest.reign_reads.and.writes
@leenakazakbooks
@anyaclarawriter
@writer.m.a.brown
@k.t.hostauthor
@sosawnin
@eternalevelyn
@ennahauthor
@r.a.raineauthor
@rozmaclaren
@olena_nikitin
@rjroganwrites
@niamhrosewrites
@rubyasinclair
@rosalynstirling
@authorcaelenfae
@linseyhallauthor
@gretchenwritesbooks
@therealshawnjromeo
@nikkilennoxbooks
@jaynestarwing

Available on Amazon

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Kingdom of Briars and Roses by Heather Hildenbrand

I love fairy tale retelling, so it is no surprise that the Kingdom of Briars and Roses by Heather Hildenbrand is featured in my spotlight today! Kingdom of Briars & Roses is a slow-burn, royal fae romantasy that includes morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. It’s ACOTAR meets Reign with a Sleeping Beauty twist.

Kingdom of Briars and Roses (Cursed Fae Courts Book 1)

Publication Date: March 12, 2025

Genre: Fae Fantasy Romance/ Adult Romantasy

FEATURES
Slow Burn
Touch Her & Die
Who Did This?
Fae Royalty
Forbidden Romance
Secret Crush on his Brother
Chosen One
Dark Prince
Enemies to Lovers
Possessive
Growly Alpha Male

Synopsis
Two powerful fae princes. One will be her salvation. The other, her ruin.
Cursed and alone in her own castle, Aurelia has spent years watching her kingdom wither. When trespassers finally break the silence, it’s both a dream and a nightmare.
Prince Callan is the first outsider she has seen in an age—golden, arrogant, and her only hope. He alone can shatter the curse, but his help comes at a cost: her freedom.
Then there’s Rydian.

Cold where Callan burns hot, lethal where he is charming, the second fae prince is an enigma—and an attraction she can’t ignore. Too bad he despises her on sight.
In a realm where deception reigns, Aurelia must trust one prince to save her. The other will destroy her. If only she knew which.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Hildenbrand writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll do anything for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her 100-pound goldendoodle, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs. You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com

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Book Spotlight Thursday: The Usher of Spring by Tayloranne Worley

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.

GET IT TODAY!

AMAZON

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Book Spotlight Thursday: I AM JAYVYN by Peter D. Brown

Teaming with Author Marketing Experts (AME) and with February being American Black History Month, I AM JAYVYN by Peter D. Brown got caught in my spotlight today. It is a historical fiction tale positioned to remind readers of the truth of history and the key role that the enslaved played in the development of America.

I AM JAYVYN

Published: January 12, 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical African Fiction

Pages: 505

Synopsis
Circa 1710: Twelve-year-old Jayvyn’s life is shattered when English slavers raid his peaceful village, killing his father and tearing him from his mother and sister. Surviving the horrors of the Middle Passage alone, he endures two brutal years of ‘seasoning’ on a Barbados sugar plantation before being sold again and transported to South Carolina. There, he is auctioned to a rice plantation owner and forced into a world where love, loss, and cruelty coexist.
Amidst oppression, Jayvyn forms bonds with fellow enslaved Africans as they navigate the brutal realities of colonial America. Over the years, he gains a profound understanding of humanity’s virtues and flaws—even confronting the limits of forgiveness. His journey is a harrowing yet inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and survival, offering readers a deeply immersive and thought-provoking historical narrative.

AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter D. Brown is a historical fiction writer passionate about preserving history and shedding light on overlooked stories. Aware of his position as a white author writing about the African American experience, Peter approaches this work with deep respect, rigorous research, and a commitment to accuracy. His storytelling challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while exploring themes of resilience, justice, and the human condition.

Learn more at https://peter-d-brown.com/