Okay, witch hates warlock. Warlock hates witch. Warlock falls for witch. . . . Things are about to get very, very complicated in Potions & Prejudice by Tee Harlowe. Let’s see more!
Potions & Prejudice (Moonflower Witches Book #1)
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
Features ⦁ Enemies to lovers ⦁ He falls first ⦁ Slow burn ⦁ Cottagecore ⦁ Cozy fantasy ⦁ Only one closet Elspeth Moonflower just wants to cast a spell. Unfortunately, that’s impossible due to a curse her grandmother cast that forces every witch in her family to marry before using magic. As a result, Elspeth and her sisters are outcasts, helping their mother run her traveling apothecary shop—while she complains that her daughters are all magicless spinsters. When their cart breaks down and strands them in the charming village of Thistlegrove, Elspeth’s older sister meets a handsome warlock who’s smitten. If only the warlock’s best friend wasn’t completely insufferable. Draven Darkstone is broody, arrogant, wealthy—a perfect example of why Elspeth never wants to marry. But for the sake of her sister, she needs to be nice. Which is hard when all Draven does is glower at her. It’s even harder when the glowering turns to longing glances. It’s downright impossible when he kisses her. Little does Elspeth know, the line between love and hate just got thinner.
Potions & Prejudice is a low-stakes fantasy of Legends and Lattes meets the romance of Bridgerton, in this spicy cozy fantasy romance with a grumpy sentient cottage, an anxious miniature dragon, and all the cottagecore vibes.
Teaming with R&RBookTours this week to help celebrate the release of“Shadow of the Yew Tree” by Kate Gately! You must heed our warning and check it out!
Shadow of the Yew Tree (The Mythic Bones Duology #1)
It seemed a lifetime ago that Dr. Ronan Gallagher had succumbed to his obsessive need to uncover the deepest secrets of the Codex Druidicus, a grimoire of the very darkest magic. Though he’d tried to protect his closest friends from a threat that had followed them through multiple lifetimes, the choices made by the Druid doctor had been a betrayal of not only his friends but his own sacred oaths—a betrayal he would pay for with his life. Through the intervention of the Otherworld, he was given a second chance on this earthly realm to set things right. Yet, while the curse of the evil Sorcerer Cassius, ancient Child of Rome, might have been vanquished together with the Codex, the torturous tendrils born of Ronan’s pride and obsessive weakness still thrive in the shadows, their reach extending further every day. When his fellow Druids learn of a massive explosion that has reduced a secret experimental Wraith facility to ruins, none can understand how Phoebe Ashburn, the sole survivor of the tortured experiments, has survived the blast’s devastation … and evaded their capture. With dark and volatile Wraith magic now trapped inside her—threatening her control and sanity—Phoebe is determined to discover how to rid herself of this inner darkness … even if it means accepting the assistance of the very Druid doctor whose actions had led to her torture in the first place.
Author KATE GATELEY has always been fascinated by history, Celtic Ideology, ancestral memory and generational wounding, and the “Divine Feminine,” and those personal studies continue to influence every aspect of her life, on the pages of her books and off.
When Kate published her first book, Tides of the Sovereign (FriesenPress 2022), Book One of the Lost Wells Trilogy, she knew that it was only the beginning of a story she has always wanted to write—one with heart and meaning that was actually worth sharing. In December, 2022, Tides of the Sovereign was announced as the winning title in the Fantasy/Sci-Fi category of the Canadian Book Club Awards. Continuing now in Book Two, Mantle of the World Ruler, and beyond into the next volume still to come, that story has grown far beyond what she could ever have imagined … into something that she dearly hopes can one day find—and deserve—a cherished spot among those volumes of both contemporary fantasy and historical romance that so inspired her growing up.
Kate currently lives, and writes, on a small farm in the Cowichan Valley on beautiful Vancouver Island, with her amazing husband, two incredible sons, an adorable dog, several barn cats who don’t earn their keep, and some decidedly ungrateful chickens … all of whom are very dearly loved. She is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Federation of BC Writers (BCFW) and Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA).
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 ReflectionandHer 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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 