Tag: romance

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Between Blades and Vows by Neena Laskowski

A reluctant king. A temporary guard. A threat neither can outrun. Let’s dive into the recently released BETWEEN BLADES AND VOWS!

Between Blades and Vows: A Reverse Bodyguard Romantasy

Release Date: June 24, 2026

Genre: Romantasy

Featuring
🤍 Reverse bodyguard
🌿 Mental health rep (PTSD, depression, & anxiety)
⚔️ Training sequences (but SHE trains HIM)
🤍 Forcêd proximity
🌿 Touch HIM and ☠️
⚔️ Tension & angst


The war might be over, but King Rian Dronias knows peace is fragile. He just didn’t expect his biggest problem to arrive in the form of his new bodyguard.

When the captain of the King’s Guard goes on his honeymoon, Rian reluctantly holds a competition to find a temporary replacement. The winner? Erualys Valora, a renowned warrior from a neighboring queendom with a reputation for being unstoppable…and insufferable. She’s the last person he wants guarding him—and the only one bold enough to call him out when she discovers the threats he’s been hiding.

But as danger closes in, the king and his temporary guard will have to face the truth: the deadliest risk might not be the assassins in the shadows, but the spark igniting between them.
GET NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neena Laskowski lives in Michigan with her husband and their two pets. She earned her master’s in Secondary Education and bachelor’s in English and Classical Studies from the University of Michigan. When she is not reading or writing about morally grey characters, you can find her camping, painting, or spending time with her family and friends.

For upcoming ARC opportunities and to be among the first to see cover reveals, character art, and more, be sure to join Neena Laskowski’s newsletter or follow Neena on social media @neenalaskowski

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Chasm Of Dreams by Dakoda Mazzii

I am back with another Book Spotlight Thursday! Shining this Thursday is Chasm of Dreams, a dark fantasy romance by Dakoda Mazzii! Chasm of Dreams takes place in a primitive world where only brute strength, cunning, and cruelty have enabled its humans to survive. Let’s read on!

Chasm Of Dreams (The Fate of Astaran Series Book 1)

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Features

✨Touch her and die
✨One horse
✨” Who did this to you?”
✨ FMC goes from reluctant hero to BAMF
✨Hurt/Comfort/Consent
✨Mysterious mind link between MCs
✨ Strangers to lovers
✨Yearningggg


More than a thousand years ago, the humans of Astaranwere conquered by a vengeful Fallen Angel named Chemosh a.k.a “The Sovereign”. Through the deception of Hel’s general---the mighty black wolf and demi-God, SkÖll---she betrays the Gods of Lyrath to declare war on a race of humans with powerful psychic abilities. The Gods then exile her to Astaran and sever her black wings. With the help of her acolytes, The Anakaii, she takes control of Astaran.

AIDA is an orphan and nomad whose parents vanished when she was seven. Her gift of Dream Walking allows her to project into anyone’s mind and plant a suggestion that will compel them to comply. When her power leads to deadly consequences, she vows to never use the gift on anyone again. During her time in the wilderness, Aida’s relationships are sparce, except for the mysterious presence that has been linked to her consciousness for as long as she can remember…

When an Astaran Guard and tracker named TYRAN is tasked with finding an escaped prisoner, he finds Aida after she has been captured by four vicious servants of The Sovereign. Upon saving her from a brutal assault, the pair flee into the dangerous depths of The Furian wood, far from the reach of The Sovereign’s stronghold in Opeth city.
As they travel to the bounds of their known world and approach the towering Vazaketh mountain range, they encounter ancient beasts, discover a hidden race of exiles, learn the answers to the secrets of their past and future, and a solidify a soul-bond that may be the key to the liberation of their entire realm.


AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dakoda Mazzii is an author-in-bloom from the great state of Texas. Always a lover of creative writing and fiction novels, she received her Arts degree from Florida Keys Community College in 2014. Her debut Romantasy novel, CHASM OF DREAMS, was crafted to satisfy her craving for a gut-wrenching, bone-crunching, and swoon-worthy story with a supernatural twist. When not reading or writing, you can find her enjoying a coffee at the park with her daughter and husband.

Follow Mazzi on INSTAGRAM @dakodamazziiauthor TIKTOK: @dakodamazziiauthor

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Book Feature Friday: FORREST HOUSE by E.M. Hamill

Having joined up with OWI. Blog Tours today is my day to feature FORREST HOUSE by E.M. Hamill!

Release Date: Sunday, January 11 2026

Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery-Thriller, Romance, LGBTQ+

Tropes: ex-lovers to lovers, rare magical powers

Blood is Stronger Than Magic

Ander Forrest renounced blood magic to become a nurse-healer in his rural hometown, far from the drama of wizardry and espionage his sister Kate craved. When Kate goes missing in action, Ander finds himself the legal guardian of her gifted twins and receives a cryptic warning from Kate’s husband to protect them before he, too, disappears.

Six months later, his former lover crash lands in the kids’ bedroom via a spell only Ander’s sister could have cast. Druid Cai Piper doesn’t remember how he got there, but he knows he never stopped loving Ander, and that he was sent to protect him and the twins. Cai is strangely drawn to Forrest House and the land it stands upon.

With the secrets of a clandestine wizards’ order hanging between them, Cai and Ander must remember how to trust each other as sinister forces move against the Forrest family—magical terrorists who want to exploit their rare sorcery and bring the world to its knees.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Elisabeth “E.M.” Hamill is a nurse by day, unabashed geek, chocoholic, sci-fi and fantasy novelist by night, weekends, and whenever it’s possible to steal quality time with a laptop.

Lisa lives with their family, two dogs, and a cat in the wilds of eastern suburban Kansas, where they fend off flying monkey attacks and prep for the zombie apocalypse.

Learn more and follow E.M. at https://emhamill.wordpress.com

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Faeries and Frost by Carly Spade

Taking the stage this week is Carly Spade’s new small-town romance, Faeries and Frost!

Meet Sylive, the faerie baker, and Jack the Winter King in this, the second book in the cozy romantasy small town monster romance series. Filled with mythology, fairy tales, and folklore. The books are intersecting- standalones that can be read out of order. Get your cupcakes ready as we read on!

Faeries and Frost (The Mythical Mates of Arcane Cove Book 2)

Release Date: January 30, 2026

Genre: Small Town Monster Romance/ Cozy Romantasy

Featuring

⦁	Fated Mates
⦁	Claiming
⦁	Fae
⦁	Royalty
⦁	Virgin FMC
⦁	Temperature Play
⦁	Animal Companions
⦁	Self Discovery
⦁	Masquerade Ball
⦁	Jealous MMC
⦁	Touch Her and D!e
⦁	Wing Play

Sylvie, the faerie baker.
When I found Arcane Cove after my own people cast me out, I felt home for the first time. Monsters, witches, and all forms of magical beings welcomed me. And who knew my hidden calling would be magical baked goods? The Cove’s residents came to my bakery Muffin Compares to You for sugar and enchanted support, which I was quick to indulge.
Until the day a mysterious, bearded stranger with pointed ears came into my shop, sending my quaint world into a spiraling blizzard. He was off-putting, arrogant, and knew he was handsome. So, why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? And when he said he was looking for a woman, why did I deflate, knowing it wasn’t me?

Jack, the Winter King.
Every solstice offered the chance to find my mate. A portal opened in the lakes surrounding my kingdom, taking me to a randomly chosen realm. Given this solstice would be the thousandth time I’ve searched, I had little hope left.
When I arrived in Arcane Cove, I never expected such a small town to harbor her. I also never thought she’d work in a stuffy, toasty cloud of sugarplums and vanilla. Surely, it was the universe’s idea of nipping me in the butt. Could she truly be my fated mate? And if she was, would she accept me, powers and all, before time ran out? Or would the ice creature within me frighten her away?

Available on AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An adult romance writer who has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. After the insanity of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in cybersecurity, creating worlds to escape to still ate at her very soul. She started writing FanFiction (which can still be found if you scour the internet 😉 ), and soon felt the need to get her original ideas on paper. And so the adventure began.

She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies-to-lovers trope with a slow burn.

www.carlyspade.com

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BOOK REVIEW: The Folly of Relics by Nikki Meeks

The last book review of 2025! I got this book back in September(2025), having bought it directly from the author herself. I had promised I’d review her book, as supporting and promoting indie authors is what I do. Keeping my promise amidst the chaos that life can be, I am delighted to bring you my review for “THE FOLLY OF RELICS.”

The Folly of Relics

Published: April 1, 2023

Genre: Fantasy/ YA fantasy/ YA fantasy romance

Pages: 387

Synopsis – 

In the search for his relic, a young demon must find the courage to face the one thing he has been avoiding, but is it possible for Victor to truly love?

Victor Ledger is next in line to rule over the noble Ledger demon clan. Before he can undergo this process, he must first overcome the biggest distraction to all young demons — the human world.

Destroying his relic and any smidge of emotion is his only goal, or at least it was until he stumbled upon Leah with her beautiful green eyes and reserved demeanor. The undeniable attraction comes with a slew of questions… What is she? Why can’t he leave her alone? Does she know what he is?

No demon can prepare for the intensity of human emotions that its relic awakens. Will Victor be able to overcome this? Find out which path he will follow as he discovers what his relic truly means.

AMAZON

REVIEW

Drawn in with a lustful opening, The Folly of Relics is a fan girl’s dream. It’s like Japanese anime meets K-drama, and I was all for it. Victor and Leah are a swoon-worthy couple as the story is told through Victor’s eyes. You see, Victor is a demon here in the human world, finding and ridding himself of his relic, which will quell any desire to dwell in the human world and to take his place as heir to the Ledger demon clan. Victor finds his relic, and he also finds Leah. Drawn to her, he doesn’t know why. Demons can’t love as humans do…can they? Does it even matter when Victor finds out Leah comes from a powerful bloodline of exorcists who could banish him back to hell? Or that hell is coming to the human world to make sure he does as he is supposed to. 

Okay, I really enjoyed this book. The overall tone and voice drew me into the story the deeper I went. I started reading on December 21st, and I finished on December 27th. Meeks drew me in with the most horney exposition I have ever read. Victor burst onto the scene with a hankering, if you know what I mean. To avoid being misleading on the spice scale, I’d give The Folly of Relics a spice rating of maybe 1 to 2 🌶️🌶️ on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being low and five being high. Meeks starts with spicy moments, but then closes the curtain on us, which was a bit of a bummer. I kind of wanted a bit more. There was also a bit of overall vagueness throughout, for example, what is with the demons and their relics? I wish it were fleshed out more. Also, why are demons in the human world to begin with? Who are these exorcist people?  Maybe it will get answered in a second book? It did end open-ended, so fingers crossed. Nikki Meeks, if you are reading, I need a second book with these characters! 

Therefore, my rating is 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars.

Find your copy of The Folly with Relics at:

Original Cover Art:  Amazon 

Original or Revised Cover Art  Powell’s Books and ESTY

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Book Review: A Very Pagan Christmas by JC Brown and Lena Lane

Feeling festive? Instead of a Book Spotlight yesterday, I bring you today a holiday book review! Join me as we check out A Very Pagen Christmas by JC Brown and Lena Lane!

Title: A Very Pagan Christmas

Author(s): JC Brown and Lena Lane

Genre: Holiday Romance, paranormal romance

Release Date: June 27th, 2025

Format: Kindle

Pages: 105

Nicholas is a veterinarian and a man of science. He has no patience for the nonsense of natural remedies and herbal fix-it-alls. So when he meets Dahlia, an employee of The Blueberry Apothecary, he’s disappointed that she’s a believer of magical nonsense. But their worlds keep colliding.

As a born witch, magic is everywhere in Dahlia’s world, even in her blood. But considering the history between humans and witches, she hides it from everyone. And the sexy vet who’s taking care of her familiar is no different. It’s too bad, though, since he’s so cute.

Can their words come together? Or will their differences tear them apart?

Available on AMAZON

REVIEW

A Very Pagan Christmas is not my normal read. I usually run away from holiday romances like the black plague. I must say, though, A Very Pagan Christmas was surprisingly charming. We meet Dahlia and her feisty familiar calico, Theo. When Dalia thinks Theo is sick, she takes her to the vet, where she meets the hunky vet Nicolas. Nick is drawn to Dahlia, but when he learns she works at the Blueberry Apothecary, which sells herbal remedies, he becomes hesitant about his feelings cause she really can’t believe in that witch stuff, can she? Oh, but she does.

Nick and Dahlia keep crossing paths, though, and their banter is quite hilarious because Nick doesn’t believe in magic and Dahlia does. When Nick’s brother, a priest, asks the Apothecary to help in a fundraiser, Nick flips out because how can a Pagan go into a church? Dahlia mifed attend decked all out in witchy attire. I just love Dahlia, by the way!

 I did, though, have an issue with it ending flatly. The book led me through the exposition, rising action, and climax so well, but then faltered in the resolution. Still, A Very Pagan Christmas is a great Sunday-afternoon quick read that will delight your holiday romance fancy. 

My Rating: ⭐ ⭐⭐1/2 out of /5 stars

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Fairy Tale Road by Christina Farley

Those kid-friendly Choose Your Own Adventure books from the past (I loved those books so much growing up) get a grown-up flair in FAIRY TALE ROAD by Christina Farley! Definitely earning a spot in my spotlight. Let’s read on!

Fairy Tale Road (Choose Your Happily Ever After Book 1)

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers Romcom

FEATURES
⦁	Enemies-to-lovers
⦁	2nd chance romance
⦁	Celebrity romance
⦁	Modern fairytale retelling
⦁	Slow burn
⦁	Happily Ever After (x3!)
⦁	One bed
⦁	Magical realism
⦁	Traveling
⦁	Fake dating

Your Choice, Your Fairy Tale.

When Scarlett discovers her sister’s heart was broken by the notorious Mr. Wolfe, she travels to Germany to expose this Big Bad Wolf and his Fairy Tale Tours. Disguised as a tourist, she explores the world of the Grimm Brothers’ tales, magical castles, and quaint towns while plotting Wolfe’s downfall. But things are not as they seem, and Scarlett soon finds herself entangled in a web of decisions and unexpected romance.

On this interactive romcom adventure, you will guide Scarlett’s path as she navigates a modern retelling of Red Riding Hood. Will she find her true love with the charming Hunter, mysterious Wolfe, or the dazzling Movie Star? Each choice leads Scarlett closer to a different fairytale ending, filled with twists, laughter, and sizzling romance.

Fairy Tale Road is not just a story, it’s your story. With each decision, you shape Scarlett's destiny. Along the way, you’ll guide her choices and determine which of the three swoon-worthy love interests she ends up with. And yes, each path leads to its own unique happily ever after. Or, if you’re feeling curious, read all three endings to experience every possibility.
Choose your fairytale ending where revenge, romance, and the magic of the unknown beckon at every turn. Explore a world where the path to love is one choice away.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHRISTINA FARLEY is the author of the bestselling Gilded series, The Princess and the Page, The Dreamscape Series, The Immortal Bound series, and the Library of Alexandria series. Prior to that, she worked as an international teacher and at a top secret job for Disney where she was known to scatter pixie dust before the sun rose. When not traveling the world or creating imaginary ones, she spends time with her family in Clermont, Florida with her husband and two sons where they are busy preparing for the next World Cup, baking cheesecakes, and raising a pet dragon that’s in disguise as a cat. Visit her at ChristinaFarley dot com.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA

Instagram: @ChristinaLFarley

Facebook: @ChristinaFarleyAuthor

YouTube: @ChristinaFarley

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Feather and Famine by Mariah L. Rosewood

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.

AVAILABLE at AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

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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: The Book Binder by C.A. Cordova

Caught in my spotlight is C.A. Cordova’s soon-to-be release, The Book Binder! It will be released on December 6th, 2024. Read on for more details.

The Book Binder

Publication Date: December 6, 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Features

✔️High Stakes
✔️Exotic Locale
✔️Forbidden Romance
✔️Love Triangle

Choice is an illusion gifted by the gods.

Aria never expected to be a mistress, especially to the Pharaoh’s son.
But when she accidentally witnesses the poisoning of his cup and intervenes, he is intrigued. Even more so when he discovers that she can speak the betrayer’s language and many others.

Aria’s forbidden education as the daughter of a book binder makes her valuable, and she quickly becomes the prince’s obsession.

As she embraces her newfound power, she begins to question the rulings of the palace and uncovers a world of deception.
Is Aria destined to receive the spoils of the gods or will tragedy befall her?

The Book Binder is an epic adventure novel with elements of suspense and mystery. C.A. Cordova’s tale is woven with intense emotion, dire situations, and female cunning.

COMING DECEMBER 6TH, 2024

PRE- ORDER TODAY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.A. Cordova is perhaps best described as a whimsical nomad. She has an ever-present thirst for new adventures that has resulted in many moves and many more stories.

C.A. Cordova’s unique novels are crafted under a shroud of bergamot from a bottomless cup of Earl Grey tea. She declares herself an observer of the countless tales that play out in her mind. It is not unusual for her to have upwards of ten works in progress at any given moment, the most active being determined by the tone of the day.

Guided by her love of reading, C.A. Cordova hopes to capture the feeling of blissful immersion she has experienced with her favorite books.

When she is not feverishly tapping away at her laptop with a cat in her lap, C.A. Cordova can be found enjoying time with her family, training her parrot, or tending to her flowerbeds.

C.A. Cordova lives in Texas with her family and many pets.