Book Release: An Immortal Threat by T. R. Kavanaugh

I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy of this book back in August. Now it’s book release day, and I am letting loose!

An Immortal Threat (Fractured Gods Book 2)

Publishing Date: September 21, 2024

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult Fantasy

Synopsis:

Attempted assassination. Consequences from shattering a portal. Factions maneuvering to gain power. The dangers of this new world are closing in.

As a human in the elven court of Efalune, Keiro has spent the last few months adapting as quickly as she can to her new life as a princess. Tutors and festivities have distracted her from both the revelations about her family as well as her quest to find the next relic piece. Not to mention the pain she experiences every time she tries to open a portal.

But an encounter with members of Hidden Gate reminds Keiro just how unstable her situation is. There are those in the elven court who cannot accept a human wielding the Corvaal, while the humans of the Veiled Bastion want her and her magic returned to them.

Keiro’s only hope to gain control of her life again is to find the remaining relics and free Sahale. But doubts are festering as secrets build walls between them. Can she trust the imprisoned god?

There are threats at every turn…

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON!

REVIEW

NowAn Immortal Threat is book 2 in the Fractured Gods Series. I missed the bus on reading the first book. This is epic fantasy, so it’s kind of important that you read the first book. To my surprise, Kavanaugh did an excellent job, and I instantly felt welcomed into her world.

In An Immortal Threat, we pick up with Keiro, still adapting to her new life as the human princess in the elven court of Efalune. She is also the bearer of the Corvaal that hosts an imprisoned God, Sahale, whom she bargained with to help release. A life of diplomatic parties is Keiro’s life now. All while danger looms as others seek the power Kiero welds. Secrets get revealed, though, in this next chapter, as the secret human organization known as the Veiled Bastion has its own agenda. Trusts are shaken, and truths are revealed in this epic fantasy adventure that burns with trepidation.

Kanvaugh entices her readers with slow-burn world-building, which I think helped since I didn’t read the first book; I could still get to know the characters and become invested in them before Kanvaugh sped up the action later in the book.

Characters are my jam in books, and I loved Keiro’s character growth in this second book. Keiro is still a bit mediocre when we start the second book, but by the end, she is amazing! Transformed! Her growth was a chef’s kiss! Seeing a character grow with you as you read brings me joy as a writer and reader. It is a beautiful thing. Not all authors do this, especially in the case of Indie.

My only downside is that while I praised the slow burn pace, it hindered me in some spots. Still, when Kavanaugh gets to the climax, she does not disappoint.

Therefore, my rating is 4 out of 5 Stars.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Don’t forget to check out Book One in the Fractured Gods Series!

Available on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A voracious reader all her life, T. R. Kavanaugh has always been fascinated with strange, magical worlds full of different customs. She wrote stories for herself and her friends when she was younger and worked on her skills throughout her school years. She taught English in Japan for a year after getting her BA, worked in the public library system, and is currently an academic librarian. Her first book was published in March 2022. She is working on her upcoming projects with a mug of coffee and her calico cat, Asriel nearby.

Book Spotlight Thursday: Song of the Dark Wood by Sheila Masterson

Releasing September 20th, 2024, Song of the Dark Wood by Shelia Masterson is getting the spotlight! A standalone gothic fairy tale fantasy romance that blends a fractured Red Riding Hood retelling with a hint of Hades and Persephone. This atmospheric, spicy, dark romantasy is perfect for fans of feminine rage, strong female friendships, unique magic systems, angsty romance, and ominous mysteries. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed Rachel Gillig’s ONE DARK WINDOW, Rebecca Ross’s A RIVER ENCHANTED, and Hannah Whitten’s FOXGLOVE KING.

Song of the Dark Wood

Publication Date: September 20, 2024

Genre: Gothic/Fairy Tale Romance

Featuring

😍 He falls first
👻 Girls who see ghosts
🙅🏻‍♀️ Bodily Autonomy
😡 Feminine Rage: The Fairy Tale
🌳 Haunted Forest
🩸 Wound Tending
💀 Touch her and dye
🎶 Music based magic system
😠 A grumpy god of death
😈 He can make me worse > i can fix him

For centuries, the people of remote Ballybrine have kept the peace with their gods by sacrificing a Red Maiden to ferry souls from the Mother’s realm of the living, through the Dark Wood, to the Wolf’s realm of the dead. Soon it will be Rowan’s turn.

Ripped from her family as a young girl, Rowan Cleary has been forced into a cloistered life learning to please the wolf and wield her spirit-enchanting voice. Though none of the previous maidens have survived their five-year term, Rowan is determined to beat the odds and protect the women who have become family to her.


When a deathly blight breaks out in the Dark Wood, and the acting maiden is murdered, Rowan vows to strike a new bargain with the god of death to ensure her survival. The Wolf has always been someone to fear—even more so now that the townspeople blame him for the blight—but he’s far from the vengeful death god she expects.


To unravel the mystery, Rowan must seduce the Wolf. Soon, the attraction between them grows into a relentless magical force, threatening to shatter the delicate balance between realms and unleash a darkness eager to swallow their world.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When she’s not writing fantasy romance novels, you can find Sheila Masterson practicing yoga, or curled up reading tarot or a book. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her fiance and way too many houseplants.

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe

Shining lighting, this Thursday is on the stunning romantic fantasy The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe! Let’s dive, and as the tagline says, “If you believe in the Gods, pray now. Their protection ends here.”

The Book of Cin

Expected Publication Date: September 14, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Features
🔪 Touch her and die
👪 Found family
💔 Lovers to enemies
😳 Forced proximity
🤓 Secret identity
🌟Hidden magic



At Asrai’s Academy for Orphans, Hyacinth
stands at a crossroads. Torn between the safety of the only home she has ever
known and leaving it all behind for a chance at a new life—for freedom. But
when a mysterious messenger appears, whispering rumors of a God among Fae,
everything Hyacinth thought she knew about the Realms comes crashing down.

Thrust into a deadly game of power and
greed, Hyacinth discovers dormant magic within her that may hold the key to
survival—or mark her for death. With her friends beside her, Hyacinth must
navigate through murderous realms of vicious creatures, lethal betrayals and
prophecies of old.

Secrets unravel, bonds are tested, and
romance decays and blossoms amidst the looming promise of war. As alliances
shift and enemies close in, her only hope lies in reaching the fabled safe
haven of Locdragoon—but reaching it may cost her everything she loves.

The Book of Cin” is a high fantasy tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Embark on an epic adventure where courage meets destiny—and magic, sacrifice, and hope are the threads that bind us.

Available September 14th on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Hallah Mikaela Wolfe and I am thrilled to have you. I am a writer based in Central Florida. When I am not writing, I am spending time with my amazing husband and our two furry babies.

All my life I have written stories.

Whether it’s in the form of music, shorts or poetry, I have used writing as a way to express the things I never felt I could say. I have novel after unfinished novel tucked away in the corners of notebooks and hard drives that will never see the light of day.

But then, my sister reintroduced me to fantasy novels and something clicked. I was finally able to put my story onto the page in a way that I felt would do it justice.

My heart and soul are in the characters I write. They hurt, they grow and they heal with me.

My only hope is, when you close my books after that last word-you felt a little magic.

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Dagger And The Forbidden Heir by Emilia Jae

This series caught my eye, and Book 3, A Throne of Wings and Embers, is coming out soon. So, in my spotlight today, I am shining my light on book 1 of The Forbidden Heir TrilogyThe Dagger and the Forbidden Heir!

The Dagger And The Forbidden Heir (The Forbidden Heir Trilogy Book 1) 

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 enemies to lovers
🗡️ touch her & you 💀
🗝️ lovers to enemies
🌙 forced proximity / one bed
⚔️ fae & human war
🐉 mythical creatures
✨ fated mates
🗣️ fun modernized banter
🤍 found family
🩸 revenge

Synopsis
Can they survive the truth of their war?...Can their hearts?
A century ago, an exchange was proposed: a life saved for a war of revenge.
For Captain Lia Solus of the fae army, and the secret bastard daughter of the king, she’s reminded of those consequences daily. Unable to claim her heritage or her throne, she’s powerless to stop the innocent bloodshed that her birth ushered in.
On the other side of the lines, Commander Jace Cadoria gladly fights the war of his ancestors to slaughter the fae who have terrorized the humans of their realm for generations. And with a cunning plan to trap them, the end could finally be in sight. Except it quickly spirals out of control, leaving Lia and Jace, enemies of opposite sides, stranded together in a dangerous terrain.
Engaged in an intimate battle of their own, both warring to take control, they’ll need their wits now more than ever to survive. Because this fight could cost their lives—and their hearts.

Think Throne of Glass meets House of the Dragon! The Forbidden Heir Trilogy is a fun and chaotic new take on fantasy, featuring enemies-to-lovers, fun modernized banter, dragons, heartache, adventure, and dark sorcery that grows throughout the series. It is written in multiple first-person POVs, including the villains, and is a character-driven romantic fantasy. The story will be enjoyed by lovers of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Carissa Broadbent.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

CONTENT WARNING:
Please note that this book is not intended for readers below the age of eighteen (18). This warning is due to explicit language, violence/gore, mentions of past child abuse, and mentions of sexual assault.

Continue on with The Crown of Wyvern’s Flame Book 2 in The Forbidden Heir Trilogy.

COMING SOON..

A Throne of Wings and Embers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emilia has been in love with disassociating through fantasy realms her entire life. She was born and raised in scenic New England, and when she isn’t cuddled up with a good book or writing her own, you can find her playing with her dog or being the chaotic human that she is with her loved ones. Emilia is a Pisces and INFJ.

Follow Emilia on IG : @ems.bookish.realm

Book Spotlight Thursday: Valkyrie’s Prey by Wendy L. Anderson

She is known for her epically beautiful book covers and drool-over stories. Caught in the spotlight today is the romantic fantasy Valkyrie’s Prey by Wendy L. Anderson! Merging with R&R Book Tours once again to help celebrate this long-awaited release.

Valkyrie's Prey: A Viking Romance

Publication Date: July 19, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Amidst the chaos of war, a Valkyrie defies the gods to save a fearless warrior, forging a forbidden bond between them and challenging destiny itself.
A lone warrior stands fearless, and resolute among his brothers fighting for their lives. The unmistakable fire in his eyes shows a spirit that refuses to be extinguished. As he heads into battle, his every move exudes strength and courage that captivates the Valkyrie who watches through storming skies.


Something within the Valkyrie’s heart answered the warrior’s spirit and that was the fateful moment when she knew she could not bear to let him fall. As one of Odin’s Valkyrie, her duty was clear—to choose the bravest from the fallen warriors and guide them to majestic Valhalla. Yet, this warrior, with his unfailing bravery and unyielding spirit, awakened something within her.
No Valkyrie had ever thought of doing what she considered now. The importance of her duty, the balance that must be maintained between the realms of the living and the dead, was at stake. Love knows no boundaries but was she willing to defy the gods themselves to have this man in her arms?


As the brave warrior fought his final battle, the Valkyrie waited and watched, battling within herself over what she should not do and what she wanted to do. Saving him would form a forbidden bond between them, unbreakable and fierce. Would she dare betray Odin and her duty to Valhalla and at what cost?

Available July 19th on Amazon

About The Author

Wendy L. Anderson is a writer of passionately charged fantasy. Breaking the barriers of typical fantasy themes, she created the Kingdom of Jior epic fantasy series, a lusty and poetic five-book series that will have you wanting more in her Legends of Everclearing spinoff series. Inspired by authors such as Robert E. Howard and Morgan Llywelyn, Wendy went on to write three other stand-alone works; A Cut Twice as Deep, Ulrik, and Rapunzel’s Tower. These fantasy works break free from the usual boundaries of fantasy genres.

A Colorado native and mother of two, she has decided it is time to write down the fantasies in her mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams, she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions, and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.

Wendy L. Anderson’s fantasy has action, adventure, and suspense with just the right amount of romance! Find out more at wendylanderson.com

Book Spotlight Thursday: A Shift in Shadows by Maddox Grey

This pretty cover has caught my eye, so I am shining some light on A Shift in the Shadows by Madoox Grey! The first book in what is to be the Lost Legacies series, let us dive in!

A Shift in Shadows (Lost Legacies Book 1)

Publication Date: October 2021 (First Edition)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Features

⦁ Badass Morally Grey FMC
⦁ Revenge Quest
⦁ Hidden/Forbidden Magic
⦁ She Saves Herself
⦁ Touch Him and Die
⦁ Sweet Golden Retriever Love Interest
⦁ Morally Grey Villain Love Interest
⦁ Witty Banter
⦁ Found Family
⦁ Queer Rep (FMC is queer/bi, nonbinary characters, queer relationships)

A wicked feline shifter. A cruel warlock.
And a dark secret that can devour worlds.


A bloody heart. That has been my birthday gift every year from the warlock I once loved. He used me, so I left him. And found the love of my life. We shared a blissful life together until Sebastian destroyed it all with one sweeping declaration.

You will always be mine.

After failing in my attempt to get revenge and barely escaping. I find myself once again starting over with the support of my friends and trying to let go of the past. When I meet the sweet and adorably innocent local werewolf, Andrei, I think I might finally have a real shot at finding happiness again. I should have known better.

Sebastian has found me and he’ll do what he always does—hurt those I love. But I have a secret. The dark magic I keep chained deep within my soul is a weapon just waiting to be unleashed. I could finally claim my revenge and protect everyone important to me. But my kind of magic is forbidden. And the price for using it may be my life.

(The book contains explicit sex scenes and blood-drinking courtesy of vampires recommended 18+)

Available Now on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maddox Grey is the author of the fantasy series, Lost Legacies. Despite having a degree in history and political science, they built a career in technology and worked in both IT and software development.

When not writing code or books, Maddox spends most of their free time playing video games and reading comics, fantasy, and sci-fi books. With some romance books sprinkled in. Despite living in New England for almost a decade, they will never get over their California roots and cannot handle New England winters. After spending the summer camping with their partner and faithful canine companion, Maddox retreats indoors for New England winter, cuddles with their cat on the couch…and complains about the weather.

Book Review: Dragon Train War by RJ The Story Guy

Dragon Train War (Book 3 in the Dragon Quest Series)

Published: May 1st 2024

Genre: Teen/young adult /fiction/fantasy-adventure

Jaiden’s simple act of freeing Skye, the blue dragon, along with her family, became a movement to free all dragons. And that escalated into a rebellion. Now, all-out war seems to be the only solution.

Jaiden and friends Tristram, Wyetta, Gorn, and Aleena represent the surge of humanity who joined the fight for Dragon Freedom. Skirmishes, ambushes, intense battles, and undercover operations transform everyday reality. Uncertainty surrounding the strength and weaponry of the Dear Leader’s human army adds to the tension.

 Mysteries, surprises, unexpected revelations, and shocking outcomes mark the Final Dragon War.

REVIEW

Our favorite dragon, Skye, and human, Jaiden, are back and ready for battle in Dragon Train War. The third book in the Dragon Quest Series, the first two books will be helpful when reading this book. 

A brief rundown is the dragons are enslaved by humans and used to pull train carts, hence the term “dragon train.” When a dragon train’s dragon collapses near the town of Hill Top, a farm boy named Jaiden rushes over, wanting to see a dragon up close. When the dragon talks to him in his mind, Jaiden learns about the injustices of these creatures. This revelation sparks a deep empathy in Jaiden, compelling him to help free the dragon, Skye. And so, their emotional and perilous adventure begins in book two, Dragon Rebellion.

This leads us to its climatic final Dragon Train, a battle where the humans rage war to wipe out all the dragons. The stakes are high, and not all feel that way, so battle lines are drawn. Love, loss, and secrets are revealed as RJ The Story Guy gives us an action-packed adventure. It’s almost like Star Wars, but with dragons, and surprisingly, I like it! 

I especially love the relationship between Skye and Jaiden. It is so endearing! The connection between an animal and a human is so special, and RJ The Story Guy captures it beautifully here and throughout the series. Dragon lovers will adore this series.

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Get the whole Dragon Quest Series now on Amazon!

About the Author

RJ the Story Guy has lived in the Middle Rio Grande Valley for most of his life. His first writing endeavor was a fantasy series for adults, The Rio Grande Parallax trilogy, winning awards in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards. His recent book for children, Trixie Finds Her People, won several honors, including being a finalist for the 2020 Next Generation Indies Book Awards (an international contest).  Dragon Train won second place in the 2021 New Mexico Press Women Awards, with more award contests pending.

Book Spotlight Thursday: (Audio Edition) Under Darkened Skies by H.E. Bauman

In the spotlight this Thursday, we are celebrating the audio release of Under Darkened Skies by H.E. Bauman!

Under Darkened Skies (Darkened Skies #1)

Publication Date: May 8, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance/Post-Industrial
Narrator: @brittneylynnvo 
Original Music: @hayley_turner_writes

Features

🌌 Friends to lovers
🌌 Only one bed AND only one motorcycle
🌌 Post-industrial fantasy world (subtle 1920s aesthetic!)
🌌 Cozy vibes, epic stakes
🌌 Soft yet strong FMC
🌌 Deadly cinnamon roll book boyfriend/MMC
🌌 Chosen family
🌌 Elemental magic
🌌 Unsolved murders
🌌 Vibes like Adult (18+) Shadow & Bone meets Legend of Korra

A librarian with a secret. A prince looking for redemption. A dark discovery that will force them to confront their truths.

Astrea Sovna is destined to die. As a Lightbringer, she’s expected to serve the Helosian government as a battlefield healer, but when the court seer—Astrea’s uncle—has a vision of her being killed in the line of duty, he forbids her to reveal her powers.
Until now, Astrea has gone unnoticed as a junior librarian. But when she gets reassigned to a diplomatic project to strengthen ties between Helosia and one of its neighbors, she finds herself saddled with her past, in the form of a
returned war hero and her ex-best friend, Prince Varojin Auris.

Forced to work together, Astrea soon learns that although Varojin has been out of her life for years, he’s still the kind, patient friend she remembers. As they navigate old friendships and imperial politics, the pair discovers that the mysterious shadows stalking the city are leaving a trail of murder victims in their wake. And when Astrea becomes a target, a dear friend gets caught in the crossfire…

As Astrea and Varojin begin searching for answers, they realize there is much more to the emperor’s project than political niceties. If the shadows aren’t stopped, Astrea’s future—and the security of the entire continent—hangs in the balance.

Available Now on AUDIBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.E. Bauman is a fantasy author fascinated with all things magical. After spending her childhood writing stories, she went on to receive her bachelor’s in English and has continued writing ever since. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys playing tennis, immersing herself in video games, and spending time with her family.

Learn more about H.E. Bauman at @hebauman on Instagram

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Fae of the Fjord by Elle Thrasher

Drawing attention to my Scandinavian blood caught in my book spotlight this week is The Fae of the Fjord by Elle Thrasher. The Fae of the Fjord is a steamy fantasy romance set in modern-day Norway, with heaps of humor, magic, and Scandinavian flair.

The Fae of the Fjord: A Fantasy Romance (The Nordic Fae Series, Book 1)

Published: August 3, 2023

Genre: Nordic myth, ledgends, fantasy, romance

Features
⦁ Grumpy/sunshine
⦁ Fae fantasy romance
⦁ Who hurt you
⦁ Why choose (MFM)
⦁ Laugh out loud funny
⦁ Spicy

It isn’t Lennie Martin’s fault her cruise ship left without her…
Okay, that’s kind of a lie.
The ship left on schedule, but Lennie is distracted photographing the stunning fjord outside the tiny Norwegian village and loses track of time.
Out of luck, Lennie finds herself stranded in the quirky town until the next boat arrives. When she accidentally punches Espen, a friendly local cop with a penchant for yoga, who turns out to be far more than meets the eye (which in itself is plenty), she propels herself head over heels into a magical mystery the likes of which she never could have imagined. Because that last photograph that cost Lennie her ride? Turns out that silver light she captured was evidence of an illegal magic transfer between fae — not a stray lens flare — that could have detrimental effects on the fjord region.
To return home, all she needs to do is survive a week in the little village, help Espen with his investigation, and avoid the local grump, Øyvin, who seems determined to make her vacation a whole lot more complicated. Or more fun, depending on how you look at it.
When friendships bloom between her and the fae and the urge to solve this mystery grows stronger, Lennie is torn between commandeering a boat to run back to her normal life, or digging in her heels to be a part of this new world and help the fae of the fjord.

Fae of the Fjord is a light romance because why have one fae when you could have two?

AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON!

Book 2 coming June 20th!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elle Thrasher is an author of romantic fantasy books.

Her books are filled with relatable heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, lots of laughs, and locations that will give you wanderlust.

Originally from the UK, she lived in Norway for seven years, too; she now lives in the US with her husband and one very fluffy dog. When she not writing, she can usually be found drinking a cup of tea, staring at her never-ending TBR, or taking a joke waaaaay too far.

Join Elle’s mailing list to keep up with her work at Elle Thrasher

Book Spotlight Thursday: A Cure for Magic by Tala Greer

Recently released (May 28th), A Cure for Magic is starring in our spotlight today. It is the first book in a New Adult romantic fantasy trilogy featuring dark elemental magic, hidden royals, and a medium-heat romance that is secondary to the plot. Perfect for fans of dark academia and the Netflix adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow & Bone. READ ON!

A Cure for Magic (The Ardor Magic Cycle Book 1)

Publication Date: May 28, 2024

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance

Features

💜 A Messy Bisexual Princess
👑 Black Royals
📕 Dark Academia
🔥Elemental Magic
💖 OT3/Throuple
🔮 Magic Training
🏕️ Only One Tent
🙊 Hidden Identity

Marika Cyran is destined to rule, if she survives her own power first.
When rebels attack the royal compound, Marika learns the true price of her family’s legacy. The same deadly magic her ancestors outlawed now runs in her veins, and her royal blood paints a target on her back.
Desperate to learn her powers before they destroy her, she takes shelter at Nella University, hiding her true identity. But it’s not quite the sanctuary she’s hoping for. Argent, the roommate she’s paired with, is a prickly woman who seems to despise her. The same rebels who want her family dead flourish here under the guise of a student society, and their most popular member, Harland, seems a little too interested in her dangerous power…and Marika herself.
When a spark ignites between all three of them, it complicates Marika’s quest for control. To stay is to spit upon her family’s memory. To leave is to forfeit her once chance to corral the unruly magic. And to do nothing is to risk being consumed by the very forces she seeks to understand.

A CURE FOR MAGIC IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Talia lives in the mountains with her gamer husband and two chaotic cat children. When she’s not writing, she’s drinking iced coffee or watching truly terrible horror movies.