Woven Song is now available and if you like epic tales full of myth, love, and betrayal, then you are going to want to read this!
Woven Song
Publication Date: June 7, 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy/ Asian Mythology
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found Family
😈Fallen Gods
🏮Asian mythology
🐈Orange Cat Chaos
❤️💔Will they, won’t they
⚔️Epic fight scenes
🤕Chronic illness rep
🐉 DRAGONS
🗡️Girls with swords
Isolated on the moon and yearning for the warmth of connection, a young Kaguya-hime falls to the mortal realm. While unknowingly sealing away her divine identity, she begins living as the mortal Yuki. But the mortal realm isn’t as charming as it seems…
Years later, after being banished from the imperial city of Gobe, Yuki returns on the emperor’s request with the hopes of restoring her family’s dojo. But when Yuki’s dreams are seemingly dashed after tragedy strikes, she is forced to face the unsettling truth behind her banishment.
On the verge of death, Yuki’s life becomes intertwined with the dragon god, Ryu, and together they must fight to save the mortal realm from Izanami, the ruler of the land of the dead. Caught between living as a mortal or a goddess, Yuki must fight to write her own mythology before the gods do it for her.
Woven Song weaves Asian mythology into an epic tale of love and loss, of loyalty and betrayal — where love is as soft as a lullaby, secrets are currency for the wicked, and every friend might be a foe.
We are a diverse group from south Wales with over 20 members, covering a broad age range and a variety of styles within the sphere of writing. We include poets, novelists, writers of flash fiction and short stories, plays and film scripts.
We published an anthology in February 2020 entitled Newport Writers – An anthology of poetry and prose. Available from Amazon in paperback and for Kindle.
We met on Zoom during the pandemic, but have now found a venue in central Newport where we can get together with plenty of space for social distancing.
We hold an Open Mic night once a month at popular Newport coffee shop Horton’s, and in the summer of 2021 we participated in several spoken word events.
Some members of our group are available to read and offer critique, and we have a proofreader among our membership.
My thoughts: the Newport Writers return with their second anthology of poetry and short fiction. There’s a really interesting selection of work on display here, ranging from science fiction and fantasy to contemporary pieces.
I really enjoyed reading the group’s work – there’s some very talented writers here, some very deserving of more eyeballs (attention agents and publishers!)
If you’d like to see what I’m talking about, check them out on social media and on Amazon.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
We’re thrilled to be touring Tenebrium this week! It’s a romantic, dystopian, noir detective thriller set in a futuristic Gatsby Era by Elanor Miller. Think Peaky Blinders meets The Great Gatsby, with a dash of the game BioShock!
Tenebrium (Flappers and False Gods Book Duet – Book One)
Publication Date: January 2023
Genre: Noir Thriller/Dystopian/Romance
🏢Dystopian
🚬Noir
🕵️♀️Detective Thriller
🍸Set in a futuristic Gatsby era
🎷Jazz
👥Cults
🔫Mobsters
💔Forbidden Romance
Tenebrium is a romantic, dystopian, noir detective thriller set in a future where the prohibition/Gatsby era has come around again.
The year is 2425, and the jazz age is in full swing—again.
Guys, dolls, gangsters and molls, drugs and prohibition are just the tip of the iceberg for Detective Thea Williams and her mentor Walt as they struggle to solve a horrific series of murders, all the while dealing with the consequences and complications of their not-so-professional relationship.
Embroiled in the case and stymied at every turn by the corrupt District Attorney, who also happens to be her estranged father, Thea quickly discovers a much more sinister plot.
Thrown into a dark world of cults and corruption, Thea must fight for survival lest Tenebrium City eat her alive.
In Tenebrium City, even neon lights cast shadows…
This decopunk thriller is the debut novel from Scottish author Elanor Miller. Lovers of The Great Gatsby, Blade Runner and Altered Carbon will find a home in Tenebrium.
Decopunk is a subgenre of Cyberpunk, similar to Steampunk but with an Art Deco aesthetic.
The Fascination is now available in paperback, so to celebrate this excellent Gothic slice of historical fiction I am re-sharing my review from the hardback tour.
Victorian England. A world of rural fairgrounds and glamorous London theatres. A world of dark secrets and deadly obsessions… Twin sisters Keziah and Tilly Lovell are identical in every way, except that Tilly hasn’t grown a single inch since she was five. Coerced into promoting their father’s quack elixir as they tour the country fairgrounds, at the age of fifteen the girls are sold to a mysterious Italian known as ‘ Captain’ . Theo is an orphan, raised by his grandfather, Lord Seabrook, a man who has a dark interest in anatomical freaks and other curiosities … particularly the human kind. Resenting his grandson for his mother’ s death in childbirth, when Seabrook remarries and a new heir is produced, Theo is forced to leave home without a penny to his name. Theo finds employment in Dr Summerwell’ s Museum of Anatomy in London, and here he meets Captain and his theatrical ‘ family’ of performers, freaks and outcasts. But it is Theo’ s fascination with Tilly and Keziah that will lead all of them into a web of deceits, exposing the darkest secrets and threatening everything they know… Exploring universal themes of love and loss, the power of redemption and what it means to be unique, The Fascination is an evocative, glittering and bewitching gothic novel that brings alive Victorian London – and darkness and deception that lies beneath…
Essie Fox was born and raised in rural Herefordshire, which inspires much of her writing.
After studying English Literature at Sheffield University, she moved to London where she worked for the Telegraph Sunday Magazine, then the book publishers George Allen & Unwin – before becoming self-employed in the world of art and design.
Always an avid reader, Essie now spends her time writing historical gothic novels. Her debut, The Somnambulist, was shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and featured on Channel 4’s TV Book Club.
My thoughts: this is a dark and beautiful book about three young people facing adversity and danger, finding their family and happiness despite the odds. Keziah and Tilly are twins, but Tilly stopped growing as a child and their father sells them to a stranger – known as Captain.
Their paths cross with Theo, mistreated and abandoned by his miserable and cruel grandfather, dreaming of becoming a doctor.
It is only a few years later when the three meet again that their lives become entangled as Tilly is kidnapped. Together with the twins’ friends they set out to rescue her and discover the truth about Theo’s family and find a home, and a family of their own.
It’s beautiful as well as sinister, amongst the collections of Theo’s grandfather and then that of the doctor. There’s a lovely little twist right at the very end too. And romance blooms for some of the characters, the wicked are punished, people are reunited and wrongs are undone. It’s a bit Shakespearean as it ends with a wedding, as many of his comedies do, which is fitting for Tilly, playing a fairy queen on stage.
The author’s day job as a historian of the Victorian era means this is a well researched and intelligent story, beautifully brought to life, the characters mix with real life figures, and could themselves almost be real, they certainly feel it. Keziah steps out of the page in her chapters, with all the hopes and dreams of a young woman, even amid her reality. Theo too feels very alive, his struggles and desires to make a difference at odds with the rotten world of his grandfather. Magical and moving.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
When a mystery bystander stops an assassination attempt on a prominent politician, it sparks a national search that captivates the nation…
Curtis Delaney watches the footage play out on the news, and immediately recognises the unidentified hero. He hasn’t seen his brother Finn in six years. He doesn’t know where he’s been in that time, or what he’s been doing. But there’s one thing he does know: Finn is no hero. Curtis is determined to find his brother, but equally, Curtis is no detective. A husband and lawyer (and not the ‘good’ kind), with a mortgage and responsibilities, Curtis isn’t cut out for delving into whatever seedy business Finn has gotten involved with. But when armed men turn up on his doorstep, claiming to be FBI, he quickly realises he’s been left with no choice.
The hunt for the truth will take them from the Capitol building in Washington, to the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico, and the cold streets of London, uncovering secrets of fraud, blackmail and murder. Can the brothers reunite before the real hero is discovered by the wrong people?
Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Most recently published by Bloodhound, Boldwood will publish his latest action thriller, Rogue Hero, in June 2024 and will be republishing all the James Ryker series over the coming months.
My thoughts: I wasn’t sure if this was going to be my sort of book at first, but I really enjoyed it. Curtis isn’t much of a detective, he’s a lawyer who helps rich people get richer and his marriage is slowly falling apart. But when he spots his estranged brother on the TV one night, the “hero” who saved a senator from gun men, he decides he can’t just ignore it – he has to find his brother.
It’s not that easy, Finn doesn’t seem to want to be found, and none of his old friends have anything nice to say about him. Chasing breadcrumbs, Curtis is running out of ideas until a woman (and her barely restrained PI) literally tackle him in the street. They’re looking for Finn too.
What follows is a hunt across the globe, following clues based on Finn’s last known job and whereabouts – working for a dubious billionaire in Mexico. Now, this is something Curtis knows a bit about -dodgy dealings. Did Finn find something out that got him into trouble?
Fast paced, clever and gripping, this was a really enjoyable and fun read. Curtis is out of his depth most of the time and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as he gets involved with the FBI, gangsters, international crime and brings chaos into his quiet life.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
We’re thrilled to present the cover for Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page, a banter filled romantasy!
Illusion of Stars: A Banter Filled Romantasy
Expected Publication Date: July 16, 2024
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
*ACOMAF style romance
*Feral love interest
*You drew scars around my scars
*Fade to black spice
*He teaches her to be stábby
*FMC is a terrible spy
*Bridge Kingdom vibes
She’s stealing more than secrets.
As the royal physician of a tiny, windswept island, Isabel spends her days trying to keep the queen from dying and the mad king from streaking naked down the halls. But when her best friend is found murdered on the beaches, her world is ripped apart. Desperate for answers, she discovers a stash of letters that reveal a terrifying truth: the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard possesses a kingdom-shattering weapon and is poised to conquer everything in its path.
Seeking vengeance, Isabel infiltrates the enemy. Her mission? Woo Erik Lothgarson, the general’s steamy, illusion-magic wielding son, and steal the dangerous weapon. She can bring Volgaard to its knees—if she isn’t caught.
But as Isabel dances along the knife edge of deception, the lines between truth and fiction blur, and she must wrestle her quest for vengeance against her undeniable attraction to the enemy.
The heart-pounding tension of Danielle Jensen’s BRIDGE KINGDOM meets the snarky banter of Emily Thiede’s THIS VICIOUS GRACE in this swoon-worthy fantasy romance.
Happy release day to Coral Alejandra Moore and congratulations on the release of her scorching new monster romance, Hers to Rule!
Hers to Rule (Scorching in Sin City Book 1)
Publication Date: June 3, 2024
Genre: PNR/ Monster Romance
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cover Designer: @night.witchery
Soulbonds ⛓️
Polyamory 💞
Emotional Scars 💔
Healing Together 🩹
Forbidden Love 💗
Grumpy/Sunshines ☀️
Touch Them and Die 💀
Found Family 😊
Spicy, Fast Burn 🌶️
Discovering Her Power ✨
Secrets and Intrigue 🔍
A valiant protector. A reluctant queen. A broken heart.
When Mariana’s gargoyle crush Cisco kills her father, he frees her from the cycle of abuse that held her captive. Cisco urges her to flee Las Vegas before anyone can stop her.
But Mari knows two things for certain: if she leaves Cisco won’t survive, and she can’t live with that. The opportunity to transform her city with the person she’s yearned for so long ignites a fiery passion she can’t resist.
She decides to rule the Demon King’s criminal empire by Cisco’s side and heal the harm her father caused. His cruel legacy runs deep—right through the heart of Rio, a puma shifter who was the first to see the gentle soul beneath Cisco’s rocky exterior.
The steamy moments of solace the three share don’t last long, because the city is crawling with her father’s allies, out seeking fortune and revenge. Mari must race to unlock the secrets of her sensual powers before everything they’ve strived for is ripped away.
Hers to Rule is the scorching introduction to a series that explores the intimate lives of the paranormal denizens of Sin City. If you enjoy spicy, fast burns with a side of action, a sassy heroine finding her power, and multiple partners, this book is for you.
Coral Alejandra Moore writes character driven stories of connection and triumph. All of her books are kissing books.
Currently she lives in the beautiful state of Washington with the love of her life and a dangerously smart Catahoula Leopard Dog where she rides motorcycles, raises chickens, and drinks all the coffee.
Welcome to the tour for award-winning Of Friction by S.J. Lee. This is the first book in the Altered Earth series and the author’s debut!
Of Friction (Altered Earth Book 1)
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Genre: Speculative Fiction/ Dystopian/ LGBTQ+
Decades of hostilities. A chance for peace. Caught between belligerent groups, will this operation be her last?
Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is reeling. Struggling with her brother’s recent decision to make their next assignment his last, the recon specialist fights to change his mind. But she has no time to process her emotions when they’re tasked to protect a pivotal reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists.
Distracted by a charming female medic, the golden-haired marine struggles to stay focused as events quickly unravel. And with the conflict becoming dangerously unpredictable, secrets from the past catch Sam by surprise as she uncovers a plot to destroy all of humanity.
Can she stop a violent and oppressive history from spiraling into a catastrophic future?
Of Friction is the fast-paced first book in the Altered Earth dystopian military speculative fiction series. If you like strong women, tense action, and slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance, then you’ll love S.J. Lee’s gripping story.
Read Of Friction to launch a critical mission today!
S.J. Lee is a foreign service specialist by day, gamer, photographer, and writer by night. She has worked and lived in Iraq, Mexico, Chile, India, Brazil, and Guyana, and currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with her spouse and rescued street-dog. Of Friction is her debut novel and the first of the Altered Earth series.
The series is complete! Make sure to add the final installment, The Godless Kingdom to your shelves today!
The Godless Kingdom (The Lost God Book 4)
Publication Date: June 3, 2024
Genre: Adult Romantic Fantasy
⚔️ Grumpy warrior
👀 Multiple POVs
✉️ Spying behind enemy lines
😡 Feminine rage
👯♀️ Strong female friendships
👑 Cruel tyrant king
🧠 Mental health representation
❤️🩹 Second chance at love
🗡️Joke about her and 💀
🥰 Found family
✨ Soul bond
🌶️ Spicy
*Warning SPOILERS*
A king ripped from his throne. An imposter wearing the crown. A court balanced on a knife’s edge.
In the wake of a violent rebellion, Cecilia and Xander are trapped behind enemy lines under the thumb of a cruel tyrant. It’s impossible to know who to trust with the culture of fear Vincent has instilled in the Argarian court. Clawing back the power he stole requires slow and careful progress. The vicious king needs them both alive for now, but one wrong move will land them in tower jails or worse.
Outside the castle walls, Evan enlists his network of spies to help his friends escape. But moving through town freely and accessing the castle grounds requires accepting help from an unexpected ally.
In the heart of Vincent’s court, Rainer is rendered from an aching past he can’t remember and is desperate for the glorious future he’s been chasing his whole life. Torn between his duty, his honor, and his heart, Rainer must decide what he wants most and what price he’s willing to pay for it.
They all walk a perilous line and one misstep will cost them their lives and the chance at the happily ever after they’ve fought so hard for.
Joy Blackwood has no idea why her French art dealer husband has left a valuable painting to a woman called Robyn Tessier in Ballycove, a small town on the west coast of Ireland, but she is determined to find out. She arrives in Ballycove to find that Robyn runs a rather chaotic and unprofitable bookshop. She is shy, suffering from unrequited love for dashing Kian, and badly in need of advice on how to make the bookshop successful.
As Joy gets drawn into the dramas of everyday life in the town, she finds it more and more difficult to confess why she really came, let alone find the truth about the painting she brought with her. When she does finally summon up the courage, it sets the cat amongst the pigeons in the close-knit, friendly community she has come to love.
My thoughts: Faith Hogan’s books are always little delights and this one, set as it is in a bookshop, is exactly that. I love books about bookshops and bookshop people, and the people of the Ballycove bookshop are a family of treasures.
I would quite like an Uncle Albie of my own, complete with pet giant tortoise called Dolly Parton. I have always wanted a tortoise and a kindly great-uncle who listens and offers good advice would be lovely (sadly I’ve run out of those).
Robyn is luckier than she realises when she accidentally railroads a visiting American called Joy into helping out in her newly acquired bookshop. Joy is actually there to find Robyn, though it takes her quite a while, and a lot of tears, to get around to telling her why.
Joy’s late husband’s last words and a bequest in his will are all she has to go on as she travels from their home in Paris to Ballycove, and the bookshop, with a painting under her arm. Once there she meets the delightful Albie, charming coffee shop owner Shane and grumpy baker Leo (Albie’s son), as well as Robyn and her mother Fern, an artist.
As the women work together to get the bookshop ready for it’s relaunch (and Dolly snoozes under the stairs), they bond, but the revelation about who Joy really is will smash their new relationship apart.
A joyful celebration of books, bookshops, family, and finding your place in the world at any age. Just lovely.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 