BOOK FEATURE FRIDAY: The Imminent Return of History by Catalina Matei

Freshly released! I am partying with R&R BookTours to celebrate the release of The Imminent Returns of History by Catalina Matei! “In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king’s vanity to his greed…” Now let’s take a deeper look into THE IMMINENT RETURN OF HISTORY! This is book II in the Vials of Fate Trilogy!

The Imminent Return of History (Vials of Fate Book 2)

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Features

⦁ Dragons
⦁ Fated mates
⦁ War
⦁ Found family
⦁ Hidden truths
⦁ Banter
⦁ Strong FMC
⦁ Dual POV
⦁ Magical creatures

In a world shaped by the rippling effects of war, free will became the chain that tied a king's vanity to his greed.
Having survived her trials, Tiadola discovered that appearances were deceiving. As secrets unravel, she must navigate the darkness clouding her mind while fighting for a chance at happiness with Zadrohn.
History repeats itself as magic and power intertwine, shifting the tides in King Tuddn's favour. The looming war between humans and Soronians is inevitable, and every conflict demands a victor.
Outnumbered and overpowered, yet resolute, can Tiadola and Zadrohn secure the human nation's independence, or will their efforts crumble under the weight of forces beyond their control?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matei writes about existential angst in steamy fantasy novels. Even though she started writing in high school, she never thought she’d get here and start an entire trilogy, but here we are.

She is a bookworm at heart and enjoys reading various genres from classics to pitch black horror romances.

She lives in Romania, and when she is not working her full-time job as a software engineer, she spends her days off on road trips through Europe with her husband and overprotective pug, reading and/or writing.

Follow Matei and her books on Instagram at @catalinamateiwrites.

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 RosesFrom Blood and AshThe 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.

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

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 WingQuicksilver, 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

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).

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!

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

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Royal Lies by Rina Huang

A holiday edition 🎄 In the spotlight today is the upcoming Royal Lies (FaeTale Lies #1 ), releasing December 25th, 2024. “Being a bastard son, you have to make tough decisions. I had to make tough decisions. But they were all for her. Always for her.” ~Eli

Royal Lies: Adventure into a New Realm of Magic and Betrayal (FaeTale Lies #1)

Expected Publication Date: December 25, 2024

Genre: Romantasy/ Fae

Features

-Found family
-Love triangle
-Enemies to lovers
-Soulmates
-Backstabbing bargains
-Morally grey MCs
-Overpowered MCs
-Anti-heroes
- Unexected Twists
-Action/Adventure

In the Fae realm nothing is for free, and everything is a game of lies and half truths. When Everetta and her companions are reincarnated they come back with one thing in mind to get back their crowns. But with Everetta's most trusted companion, Eli, keeping a major secret from her will they truly be able to take back their thrones?
Lucarious is an evil, monstrous, murderer. Fae have always called him the King of Blood and Shadow. But is there more to this dethroned King than meets the eyes?
What secrets lay in wait? Who will betray who? In a fight for the crowns to their respective Courts Everetta, Eli, and Lucarious must work together if they will ever find out what really happened in their past.

PRE- ORDER HERE

COMING DECEMBER 25TH, 2024

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/

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

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.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Even Angels Fall by E.V Sauvage

Welcome to a thankful Book Spotlight Thursday! In our limelight today is EVEN ANGELS FALL by E.V. Sauvage, which is releasing today!

Even Angels fall (The Even Ever After Series Book 1)

Publication Date: November 28, 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Features

⦁ Enemies to lovers
⦁ Marriage of convenience
⦁ He falls first
⦁ She’s badass
⦁ Found family
⦁ Shapeshifters (she’s a crow/he’s a dragon)

300 years ago, my world collided with Earth.
My kind has been ruling over the world ever since, passing as archangels.
Doves, swans, cockatoo, their white wings in half shifted form are the sign of their power.
I should have been the next in line.
I should have been the new archangel Michaël.
But my wings aren’t white.
So instead I have to stay hidden. Instead, I’ve been trained my whole life. Instead, I’m their weapon.
Because who would be best suited to kill the dragon shifter living inside of Notre Dame than a fallen angel?
My name is Angélique. I’m a crow-shifter, and my mission is to marry Elhyor and to kill him on our wedding night.
But nothing is the way it seems, and the dragon might be harder to kill than I thought.
He might also be my only chance at freedom…
Do I have any chance of surviving unscathed?
Only time will tell…

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

E.V. Sauvage is a French author who writes in English and lives in Paris.

When she’s not writing, you can find her reading books, collecting them, trying to paint or sew.