Tag: romance

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Book Spotlight Thursday II: Descended by Ingrid J. Adams

Nominated for Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2024, Aurealis Award 2023, and State Library of Queensland Literary Award 2023. Caught in our Triple Book Spotlight this week ponder whether love can endure, life after life in Descended by Ingrid J. Adams.

Descended
Publication Date: March 15, 2024 (Second Edition)
Genre: Coming-Of-Age Fantasy Romance/ Takes Place in the 90s

1990s SYDNEY.
A LOVE THAT SPANS LIFETIMES.
FOR SOME, THE VEIL BETWEEN REALMS IS STRETCHED THIN...

An imaginative tour-de-force debut about the big and small decisions we make every day and the ripple effect they have on the rest of time – even if they’re celestially pre-determined.

Indigo Wolfe, the mysterious high school heart throb everyone wants to be or be with, is barely holding on by a thread. Because he isn't what he seems. He has secrets – secrets that consume him. Pain. Emptiness. The unending noise of all that he sees, and feels and hears that no one else can.

Why is he cursed by abilities others are not?

When he meets the ethereal Cordelia Carlisle, he's hit with a sense of recognition that traverses lifetimes. Only she can make his world silent. He’s welcomed into her family, and as they grow closer he lets her see the parts of him he keeps hidden.

The only thing he can't show her is that she's everything to him.

When they're torn apart, Indigo descends into darkness and is left standing on the precipice. He must search the depths of his soul – and his powers – and choose, whether to give up, or to fight: for himself, for answers, and for Cordelia, the one he seems destined to love and to lose over and over, life after life after life…

Descended is the award-nominated debut in the first gripping four-book series that melds paranormal romance with magical realism.

Buy Now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To learn more, visit ingridjadams.com

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Book Feature Friday: Long Live by V.B. Lacey

Blog touring this week with RR Book Tours, I had to sneak in this gem. I think I have a thing with sword book cover art. Long Live is the first book in the Elementals of Iona duology, an epic fantasy romance that follows the journey of a young woman overcoming loss and anxiety and four immortal beings learning how to forgive and love again after their dark past. This enemies-to-lovers series is full of morally grey characters, witty banter, unique elemental magic, romantic tension, and twists you won’t see coming. Long Live is perfect for lovers of epic quests and character-driven stories, especially fans of Carissa Broadbent, Elise Kova, and Sarah J Maas.

Long Live: An Elemental Magic Fantasy Romance (The Elementals of Iona #1)

Publication Date: June 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

✨Forced Proximity
✨Witty Banter
✨One Cave
✨Multiple POVs
✨Anxiety
✨No Spice Romance
✨Morally Grey Characters
✨Elemental Magic
✨Plot Twists

Isla Belthare lives an ordinary life in her small village of Lockhurt. Since losing both her mother and the man she loved two years ago, all she wants is stability and peace. But her world is forever changed when her family is attacked on a journey away from home and she must travel to the Aataran mountain range to find them.
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening.
After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?

Available Now! Get it Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V.B. Lacey is an office manager by day and an avid reader-turned-writer by night. She grew up on stories of magic, love, and sarcasm, and equips her writing with all three. She lives in Texas with her supportive husband and two rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about morally grey characters and far-off kingdoms, you can find her reading (mostly fantasy and contemporary romance), playing board games, or spending time with friends.

Follow V.B. on Instagram at @vblacey.books

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Book Spotlight Thursday: This Wicked Bond by Amanda Aggie

Looking for a spellbinding fusion of Robin Hood, dragons, and monsters? Then this book spotlight is for you! Dive into the world of This Wicked Bond by Amanda Aggie.

 

The third book in the Realm of Monster Series, This Wicked Bond is an enemies-to-lovers tale featuring a morally gray shifter hero with many red flags. The world is dark but also full of adventure and magic!

This Wicked Bond (Realm of Monsters #3)


Publication Date: December 28, 2023


Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance


🐉 Dragon Shifters

🐉 Enemies-to-Lovers

🐉 Robin Hood Inspired

🐉 Found Family

🐉 Morally Grey Hero

🐉 Fated Mates

🐉 Magical Bonds

🐉 Spicy Dream Manipulation

🐉 Crew of Thieves

🐉 Who Hurt You?

🐉 Banter for Days

A captive princess.


A rogue dragon shifter. A bond that could save or doom them all.

Unlike my sisters, I was never arranged to marry a monster. I was imprisoned from birth.

I have a unique gift and my father– the King of Solaria–fears it. Yet, he’s far too curious about how my magic works to let me go.


Everything changes the day I’m pulled from my cell. It’s never happened before. The only explanation is that I’ve outlived my usefulness. Except, it’s not a chopping block awaiting my head. It’s a handsome rogue in a green cloak. The man’s a thief who owes the dungeon warden a life debt. To repay it, he’s been tasked with smuggling me out of the kingdom.

I know nothing about him. Not his name. Not even his species. Yet, his alter ego has made it clear that this isn’t just an assignment. I’m his, and though he’ll see me safely out of Solaria, he has no intention of letting me out of his sight.


The monster might want me, but I can assure you the man housing him does not. My father murdered his twin sister and devastated his kingdom.

All it would take is for him to go back on his word, and I might become the means of how he gets his revenge.

This Wicked Bond takes place within Amanda Aggie’s Seven Realms World.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best known for her #1 Amazon bestselling series, Dark Halos, Amanda Aggie writes steamy dark fantasy romance. She’s a wife, a mother to two beautiful tiny humans, and has a stellar caffeine addiction. More importantly, she writes choking-hazard fantasy romances that will have you laughing out loud, swooning, and biting your nails all in one sitting.

Almost all her books take place in the seven realms of Hell, which she’s often described as, “If Hell and Wonderland got together and had a baby.” You’ll find creatures of all kinds—fae, demons, dragons, witches, and more—along with morally gray villains, and steam. So, grab you some pearls to clutch before you enter the seven realms, and get lost in the chaos.

Also, Don’t Forget!

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Birthday Book Spotlight: The House of Whispers by C. Herbert

It’s my birthday! So, to celebrate I am celebrating fellow author C. Herbert and their recent publication of The House of Whispers( Living Nightmare Book 1) which looks wickedly delicious to read. A twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde. Enter the living nightmare!

The House of Whispers (Living Nightmares #1)


Publication Date: October 2023


Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Retelling


🥀Dark Fantasy Horror/Romance

🥀Psychological Thriller

🥀Love/Hate

🥀Dark Secrets

🥀Knife Play + Blud Play

🥀Blud & Gore

🥀 Love Triangle

A notorious murderer haunting the streets of Bedeville stumbles upon a mysterious woman, becoming obsessed as he spends his nights endlessly toying with her and turning her world into a living nightmare.

This dark and twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde takes place in a fantasy world filled with magic, mischief, and murder.

**This book may contain some trigger warnings. Please view the author’s website for the full list.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C. Hebert is an author of dark romance, fantasy, and horror. Her debut, The Pairing of Beasts, is the first book in her 6-book fantasy series, The Pairing. She is also the author of The House of Whispers, a psychological, dark romance thriller. It is the first book in her seasonal Living Nightmares series. Her most recent release, Her Secret Santa, is the first in The Saints series which consists of holiday inspired novellas written by C. Hebert and her friends.

C. Herbert

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Book Spotlight Feature: Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing

Shine that spotlight over here! Welcome to the Book Spotlight feature of the epic fantasy, adventure/romance of Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing.

PARIAH'S LAMENT (Of Metal and Magic Core #1)

Genre: Fantasy Romance/ Adventure

“So often it’s the forgotten who possess the power to change the world.”

When an attempt is made on the life of Ashara, Keeper of Yurr, his young, hapless advisor Edvar must uncover and stop those behind it.

With enemies in the capital city and the belligerent Tesh, Keeper of neighbouring nation Karrabar stirring trouble in the Borderlands, can Edvar hold together Ashara’s brittle reign?
The troubles ripple throughout Yurr, affecting an ancient race of people known as the Amast, who in their time of utmost need, turn to pariah Isy for salvation. Rejected by society, kith and kin, can Isy guide the Amast to safety during the greatest turmoil Yurr has known since the War of the Damned?

Pariah’s Lament will take you on a rollercoaster of an adventure ‘that will keep you spellbound as you traverse the world alongside Isy and Edvar’ (Books Behind The Title). And along the way you’ll experience ‘intense fighting scenes, a little romance and flawed characters’ (Sarah Lillian Books).

If you love to explore fantasy worlds, this book won’t disappoint. Part of a shared universe populated by other authors, the setting in Pariah’s Lament has proven a huge hit with readers, with some praising the ‘insane level of detail’ (The Book Suite) and vividness of its descriptions.

Available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles

Commission may be earned from Amazon link

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on his characters and their troubles.

His short fiction has been widely published, with one story adapted for BBC radio. And his debut novel, an epic fantasy called Pariah’s Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021.

Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool.

Most nights you can find him up into the early hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Follow at Richie Billing

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Pre-Order Book Spotlight: Grave Prophecies by Cassandra Aston

Happy news! After spotlighting Cassandra Aston’s Grave Secrets (book 1 in her Prophecies of Angels and Demons series) I am happy to announce the soon-to-be-released book#2 Grave Prophecies! Available for pre-order now!

GRAVE PROPHECIES

Expected Publication Date: May 2024

Genre: Urban Romantic Fantasy

What if everything you knew was a lie?

It’s been a busy summer. Things are heating up in Allie’s relationship with Simon and college is just on the horizon, but when school starts, so do all her problems.

Just when she’s ready to set off for college, a man from her past returns to stir up trouble, and then students on campus start turning up dead. Worst of all, Simon’s been keeping late hours at work. Is it trouble in paradise, or can he be trusted?

The more Allie learns about her past, the more secrets there are to unravel.

After uncovering a prophecy foretelling the end of life as she knows it, she’ll need to rely on the help of a few unlikely allies to solve a mystery that may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

If that weren’t enough, Gabriel has found himself in hot water, but friends willing to come to his aid are in short supply. Perhaps keeping everyone at arm’s length for eternity wasn’t the best plan after all.

Grave Prophecies is a dark urban fantasy story, recommended for 18+ due to mature content.

Pre-order Here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cassandra Aston grew up near Austin, TX on a ranch just outside the city. She holds a BA in Communications and an MS in Psychology, from USC.

Her love of reading and writing began when she was nine years old. She is a fan of all things fantasy but especially loves the Fae. Although her first series Prophecies of Angels and Demons doesn’t delve into the realm of the Fae, her 2022 NaNoWriMo project, which will be released in 2024, is an urban fantasy, stand-alone story that will take the reader deep into the world of Faerie.

Cassandra currently lives in Houston, TX with her family of four.

Follow Cassandra and her works at Cassandra Aston

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Eternally Artemisia by Melissa Muldoon

Catching in my spotlight eye today is the whimsical Eternally Artemisia by Melissa Muldoon. Because. some loves, just like women are timeless.

Eternally Artemisia

They say some loves travel through time and are fated to meet over and over again. For Maddie, an art therapist, who wrestles with the “peculiar feeling” she has lived previous lives and is being called to Italy by voices that have left imprints on her soul, this idea is intriguing. Despite her best efforts, however, proof of this has always eluded her. That is, until one illuminating summer in Italy when Maddie’s previous existences start to bleed through into her current reality. When she is introduced to the Crociani family—a noble clan with ties to the seventeenth-century Medici court that boasts of ancestors with colorful pasts—she finally meets the loves of her life. One is a romantic love, and another is a special kind of passion that only women share, strong amongst those who have suffered greatly yet have triumphed despite it. As Maddie’s relationship develops with Artemisia Gentileschi—an artist who in a time when it was unheard of to denounce a man for the crime of rape, did just that—Maddie discovers a kindred spirit and a role model, and just what women are capable of when united together. In a journey that arcs back to biblical days and moves forward in time, Maddie encounters artists, dukes, designers, and movie stars as well as baser and ignoble men. With Artemisia never far from her side, she proves that when we dare to take control of our lives and find the “thing” we are most passionate about, we are limitless and can touch the stars.

Check out Eternally Artemisia Available on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Muldoon is the author of four novels set in Italy: “Dreaming Sophia”, “Waking Isabella”, “Eternally Artemisia”, and “The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola.” All four books are set in Italy and tell the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future. For more information visit: MelissaMuldoon.com

Melissa is the author also of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). “Studentessa Matta” means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include the podcast “Tutti Matti per l’Italiano”, and the “Studentessa Matta” YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy while immersing in language and culture. Through her website, she also offers Homestay opportunities to live and study in Italy in the private home of a teacher.

Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, and professional book designer, and designed the interiors of all three of her books as well as illustrated their covers. Melissa is also the managing director of Matta Press.

Learn more at Melissa Muldoon