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.
Welcome to Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, where it is not to support your supernatural powers but to REFORM them. Go from supernatural to simply natural!
Reformed (The Rift Wars Book 1)
Publication Date: Feb 21
Genre: PNR/ Why Choose/ Academy
Synopsis
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*
REVIEW
Reform apparently intrigued me, though I have no recollection of requesting an advance copy to review. Either way, being the book lover that I am and loving things all supernatural, I dove into this book with eagerness only to discover if you’ve seen one academia trope, you have seen them all. Sadly, the author did not bring anything new to this trope, if you call it that, or to the characters or the spice. Now, I like my spice in my books, but it has to fit and blend in. It has to make sense; again, to me, it didn’t (I could go on a tangent).
Perhaps maybe I’ve outgrown the academy genre, and my reading tastes are changing, yet I still adored The School For Good and Evil. While it’s labeled a fairy tale and fantasy, it does feature the academy trope, where it is a school for magical young people.
So, is this book terrible? NO! Many will adore this book. Overall, this book was not for me.
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.
Learn more about the author and her books @authorhollymonroe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In my spotlight today is Buried Heroes, the first book in the Age of Azuria series. Once you get hooked, books two, three, and four are also available in this ongoing series!
Let’s look into the first book-in-series novel by Beth Ball!
Buried Heroes (Age of Azuria Book 1)
Genre: High-Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy
Features
⦁ Chosen one ⦁ Found family ⦁ Slow-burn (like super slow) ⦁ Romance subplot ⦁ Fated lovers ⦁ Search for true self
As the Festival of Renewal approaches, Iellieth must choose: Stay with her distant mother and abusive stepfather or accept an arranged marriage to a cruel, power-hungry nobleman from another kingdom. But just as she faces the consequences of her decision, her father’s amulet whisks her away to a snow-covered mountainside. Hidden within is an ancient warrior waiting to be awakened—waiting for her. He holds the key to the life of adventure she’s always wanted and—most importantly of all—to her destiny. And that’s only the beginning.
TW: Death of a mentor, allusion to past assault (not on page).
Beth Ball is a weaver of words and worlds spinning stories of druidic magic and the power of nature that span the epic fantasy realms of Azuria and Eldura. If you enjoy lyrical tales of action and adventure, dragons, werewolves, fae, wily foxes, and more, then grab your enchanted amulet, flaming longsword, poisoned dagger, or other mystical accessory of choice, and let’s start our journey together!
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer whose adventures, as you might imagine, incorporate lots of druids!
Today, I’m spotlighting “Tide Song, Melody of the Deep” by K.E. Hummel. “Tide Song” is a spellbinding tale of bravery, friendship, and the transformative power of a single voice. Dive into an enchanting adventure perfect for readers who believe in the magic within themselves and the strength found in unexpected friendships.
"A young woman’s extraordinary voice is the only hope to save her tribe and their allies, a civilization of intelligent octopi, from annihilation. But doing so may cost her freedom and her life."
In the tranquil waters of Tirahanko Bay, Kei's voice holds the power to bridge worlds. As a NetSinger, her melodies forge a deep bond with the mysterious Kopri, intelligent octopi essential to her people's way of life. But peace is shattered when a Kopri Prophet arrives, begging Kei to use her voice to speak to a ruthless seafaring people, the Koru-Kah, who are intent on exploiting the Kopri for their own gain.
When Kei is captured and taken far from home, she must find a strength she never knew she had. Despite partially paralyzed legs, Kei navigates the treacherous waters of captivity and forges unexpected alliances with Jacuti, a young enslaved sailor, and her loyal Kopri friend, OldFish. Together, they face the cruelty of the Koru-Kah who have destroyed the Kopri's spawning grounds and disrupted the balance between worlds.
With her voice as her greatest weapon, Kei sets out on a perilous quest to protect the Kopri and restore harmony between land and sea. Amidst danger and uncertainty, Kei discovers that her voice has the power to change destinies. Through the power of song and the strength of friendship, Kei’s journey becomes one of courage and resilience, as she fights to save her world and the Kopri.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Life is beauty. You just have to open your eyes.” – K.E. Hummel
Welcome to the first Book Spotlight Thursday of 2025! I saw this book come on my radar again, and seeing it is releasing close to my birthday, I decided to feature it. Angel of Earth & Bone is the second volume in The Book of the Watchers, an upper YA/NA urban fantasy romance series about the secret heiress to a powerful archangel and the half-angel demon hunter sent to destroy her.
Angel of Earth & Bone (The Book of the Watchers Vol II)
Expected Publication Date: January 16, 2025
Genre: YA/NA Urban Fantasy Romance
Features
⦁ Enemies-to-Lovers ⦁ Forbidden Love ⦁ Second Chance Romance ⦁ Warring realms ⦁ Dagger to the Throat ⦁ Morally Gray MMC ⦁ Found Family ⦁ Mental Health Rep ⦁ Magical Creatures ⦁ “We shouldn’t be doing this” ⦁ Dungeon Runs ⦁ Backpacking Culture
Six weeks isn’t long enough to heal a broken heart. Not for River Harlow, who lost her best friend, Javi; her mentor, Olivia; her lover, Ryder—her entire life—in what feels like the blink of an eye. Yet, as the new Angel of Water and with a bounty on her head placed by the conniving enemy realm, the only thing left to do is try to move on. To take back her life, River stands against Chet, the horrific guy-turned-wolf who assaulted her at a bonfire. But when she tries to testify against him at the werewolf tribunal, she—and her remaining friends—realizes he has not only slithered into the welcome arms of the enemy, but the enemy is very much among them. It won’t be too long before their army of demons infiltrates Mortal Earth and destroys everything she loves. Finding the three other elemental archangels, the Watchers, might be her only hope of saving the realm.
On a dangerous search abroad to find the Angel of Earth, her strength, hope, and heart are tested in the deceitfully glittering realm of the Huldufólk. The Queen of the Elves strikes a bargain with River to take her to the Angel of Earth, but elves always demand payment for their magic, and River owes her dues—in bones and blood.
Tory Guyon grew up dreaming about dragons, pretending to craft potions, and eagerly awaiting to be summoned by the realm of the fae. She lives with her family in Santa Cruz, CA and continues to actively seek out the magic of this world. Whether that’s working with orangutans in the jungles of Borneo, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro’s grueling 19,341 ft. peak, or looking for fairies in the redwoods with her daughter.
Connect with her at www.toryguyon.com or on social media at @wri_tor.
I actually finished this book on December 31st, 2024, so I am welcoming the new year with a review for the spicy paranormal romance BONDED NIGHTMARE by E.M. Rinaldi.
*This book is intended for mature readers 18+
Bonded Nightmare
Publication Date: May 2024
Genre: PNR/ Spicy
Tropes
⚫Enemies to lovers
⚫Fated mates
⚫Shadow daddy
⚫Touch her and die
⚫Slow burn
⚫F0rced pr0ximity
⚫He falls first
⚫Dual POV
Synopsis
She can run but she can’t hide…
As the last unbonded nightmare in existence, Eryn Montalli has been hunted her entire life for the mere potential of her magick. She’s only ever wanted a quiet life tending to the hurt and sick animals that seek her out. Those dreams go to absolute shit with four little words…
They found your bond.
Now she’s hiding amongst the humans at Moorcroft University, trying to make a life for herself—if one overprotective witch wasn’t so determined to set her carefully laid plans on fire. His arrogance is enough to make her want to punch him in the face…but his touch has her questioning why she’s fighting so hard to stay away.
Eryn and her family are the near last of their supernatural kind called Nightmares. When the tribunal counsel says they found Eryn’s bonded mate, who happens to be of the Witch faction, Eryn flees. She is not into all that. At least not having one chosen for her.
Deciding to come out of hiding and hoping for a new life, Eryn enters college to continue her life and studies. When she encounters an upperclassman named Kaiden, who she is annoyingly drawn to and seems to know all about what is suitable for Eryn, much to Eryn’s protest. Unbeknownst to Eryn, Kaiden is her bonded, and when hunters come calling, Kaiden will risk life and death to protect her.
Bonded Nightmare features a duel pov format, which I like. In fact, my own book features a dual pov format, and Rinaldi does a nice job of keeping the plot of the story going between the two characters.
I usually gobble up paranormal romances. Bonded Nightmare is a gobble-up good, spicy read, yet I had a hard time getting fully engrossed in it. The character of Eryn seemed too stereotypical of a typical college girl to me, and I really had a hard time believing she loved Kaiden in the end.
Kaiden, on the other hand, was the perfect too-good-to-be-true hunky guy and what can I say I like too good to be true hunky guys. I did kind of like him.
Maybe I have outgrown college-age paranormal romances? The spice, though, was pristine! I enjoyed the slow burn pace as I was squirming in my panties along with Eryn over Kaiden’s antics, I will say that.
My favorites were the side characters Ezra and Rani, and learning their story will be next I am utterly there for.
Therefore, my rating for Bonded Nightmare is still 4 out of 5 stars.
A holiday edition 🎄 In the spotlight today is the upcomingRoyal Lies (FaeTale Lies #1 ), releasing December 25th, 2024. “Being a bastard son, you have to make tough decisions. I had to make tough decisions. But they were all for her. Always for her.” ~Eli
Royal Lies: Adventure into a New Realm of Magic and Betrayal (FaeTale Lies #1)
Expected Publication Date: December 25, 2024
Genre: Romantasy/ Fae
Features
-Found family -Love triangle -Enemies to lovers -Soulmates -Backstabbing bargains -Morally grey MCs -Overpowered MCs -Anti-heroes - Unexected Twists -Action/Adventure
In the Fae realm nothing is for free, and everything is a game of lies and half truths. When Everetta and her companions are reincarnated they come back with one thing in mind to get back their crowns. But with Everetta's most trusted companion, Eli, keeping a major secret from her will they truly be able to take back their thrones? Lucarious is an evil, monstrous, murderer. Fae have always called him the King of Blood and Shadow. But is there more to this dethroned King than meets the eyes? What secrets lay in wait? Who will betray who? In a fight for the crowns to their respective Courts Everetta, Eli, and Lucarious must work together if they will ever find out what really happened in their past.
This cover is so alluring! Lion of Zarall by Eddy Rose is an adult dark fantasy featuring gladiators, morally ambiguous characters, forbidden love, and gritty settings. Let’s read on!
Lion of Zarall (Twilight of Blood Book 1)
Publication Date: December 3, 2024
Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Gladiators
Features
⦁ Gladiators ⦁ Dark fantasy ⦁ Arena battles ⦁ Action-packed ⦁ Forbidden romance ⦁ Hidden Identity ⦁ Slavery ⦁ One bed ⦁ Forced proximity ⦁ Morally ambiguous ⦁ Gritty ⦁ Bred to kill ⦁ Injury care
A gripping dark fantasy featuring gladiators, morally ambiguous characters, forbidden love, and gritty settings.
In a kingdom built on slave trade, slaves are bought and sold like property. Among them is Lion, a purebred beast who was bred for the blood-soaked arenas. A man who exists for violence and entertainment.
A man whose life hangs by a thread. Olira, a simple farmer, never wanted to own a slave. But when she finds herself entangled with a shady slave merchant, she reluctantly becomes the owner of an injured purebred beast. Renowned for their unwavering obedience and lack of emotions, purebred beasts are stripped of their humanity from birth, making them the perfect tools. As Olira grapples with her principles and the harsh realities of her world, she soon discovers that the slave has a deadly secret.
Can a beast learn to love?
Can a gladiator threaten a kingdom?
Can a man filled with hatred hold the key to unleashing the horrors of Darkhome? Lion of Zarall is a fast paced dark fantasy novel that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, morally ambiguous stories that explore the themes of power, consent, and the blurred lines between humanity and savagery, making it a perfect fit for fans of gritty, thought-provoking fiction.
Content Warning: Lion of Zarall is an adult dark fantasy and deals with some heavy subject matter that some readers may find triggering. Please refer to the full list of content warnings available on the author’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eddy B. Rose started her writing career when she was in third grade. Her first readers were a small but dedicated group of her classmates who stopped by at her desk at recess to read the next chapter of the story she wrote on a notebook.
Eddy lives in Queensland, Australia, with her husband, toddler, and two German Shepherds (the original babies), Kara and Kal-El. She enjoys getting up at 4:30 a.m. to write.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 