Tag: fantasy

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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: 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: 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 Review: REFORMED by Holly Monroe

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.

Therefore, my rating is ⭐⭐⭐

REFORMED IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Buried Heroes by Beth Ball

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).

Amazon

AVAILABLE NOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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!

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Tide Song (Melody of the Deep) by K.E. Hummel

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.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Tide Song: Melody of the Deep

 Pub Date: Jan 18

Genre: YA Fantasy/ No Romance

Tropes: 
🐙Coming of age,
🐙 Reluctant hero
🐙 Mythical creatures, 
🐙Found family, 
🐙Epic quest,
🐙 Overcoming prejudice


"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

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BOOK REVIEW: Bonded Nightmare by E.M. Rinaldi

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.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Visit https://www.emrinaldi.com/

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Lion of Zarall by Eddy Rose

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.

GET IT NOW here

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.

Learn more about Eddy Rose at https://eddyrose.com/