We’re touring the newly released book, A Diamond Bright and Broken by Holly Davis this week! This YA epic fantasy has all kinds of representation and a beautiful, unique plot! Not to mention, exciting!
A Diamond Bright and Broken (The Gifted Mage)
Publication Date: November 5, 2024
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy
Tangled Retelling w/ FMC as Flynn Ryder Character
Ride or Die Sisters
Wheelchair Rep
LGBTQ+ Rep
Family Secrets
Biracial FMCs
Mages w/ Unique Magic
Discover the founder of Diversity is Lit Bookclub’s debut where one girl’s magical power is both a gift and a curse.
Sixteen-year-old Cadence was born with the ability to cry tears of diamonds–a secret talent her parents have abused to climb the royal ranks thanks to the infinite source of wealth. At their command, she cries diamonds to pay for the pricey treatments for her sister’s neuromuscular disorder. Regardless of the pain, she’ll do anything for her sister, who weakens by the day.
When the prince heckles Cadence at the King’s Summer Solstice Ball about her sister’s disability while dancing in the ballroom, she’s left on the verge of tears, threatening to expose her power. She is saved by a mysteriously charming girl who sweeps in to take the next dance—and the single diamond Cadence cried. The stranger reveals the Magi Queen sent her to tell Cadence that she’s a mage, and that her power is a curse.
Yearning to discover the secrets behind her powers, Cadence sets off for the City of Magi. To claim the life she wants, Cadence must embrace her power—before she loses the bright spots in her otherwise sad existence. After all, even diamonds can shatter.
✨️Love That Transcends Time ✨️World Ending Prophecies ✨️Good v. Evil ✨️Angels & Demons ✨️Fated Mates ✨️Morally Grey Shadow Daddy ✨️Secrets & Lies ✨️Unique Magic System ✨️Hidden Identity/Hidden Powers ✨️Fictional Men with Wide Wingspans
What if the cost was your life?
Rebecca escaped her fate, only to find herself in her enemy’s grasp. When an unlikely ally comes to her aid, she must decide if she can trust the very creature she’s been trained to kill.
With her coven missing and Simon presumed dead, Rebecca is forced to put her faith in the hands of a demon. But while some bonds grow deeper, others may be torn apart as new truths are uncovered. The knowledge that she alone may be the key to saving humanity is her only motivation when all else seems lost.
The future looks bleak, but the demon bent on keeping her safe might just be what she needs to defy the odds. Will their unlikely bond be the key to saving them all or will it be humanity’s downfall?
To move forward, I’ll have to look back to our past…
I know I have to get myself out of this funk, but it feels impossible. My childhood best friend is dead and nothing in life is working out as I’d planned.
Then Lottie leaves me a ‘jar of joy’ in her will – filled with instructions to visit places where we had our happiest memories. But with every happy memory, I also remember the things that tore us apart. Because Lottie was keeping secrets. And Jay – the man we both loved – keeps turning up at the same places. Even as I feel pieces of myself begin to heal, some wounds run too deep. It’s time to make a change in my life, but can Lottie’s jar of joy really give me the strength I need?
A heartbreaking yet hopeful novel for fans of PS I Love You, The Memory of Us and The Last Letter from Your Lover.
Eve Ainsworth is a public speaker, creative workshop coordinator and award-winning author who draws from her extensive work with teenagers managing emotional and behavioural issues to write authentic, honest and real novels for young people and adults. Eve’s adult debut, Duckling, was published by Penguin Random House in 2022. She has had short stories published in magazines such as Writers’ Forum and Prima and articles posted online for the Guardian, Metro and BookTrust. Eve is also a champion for working class voices, has set up the Working Class Writers Network and is an experienced mentor.
When lies become truths and two kingdoms head to a bloody war, a man is exiled for his conscience
Refusing the queen’s order to gas a crowd of protesters, Minister Shea Ashcroft is banished to the border to oversee the construction of the biggest defensive tower in history. However, the use of advanced technology taken from refugees makes the tower volatile and dangerous, becoming a threat to local interests. Shea has no choice but to fight the local hierarchy to ensure the construction succeeds-and to reclaim his own life. Surviving an assassination attempt, Shea confronts his inner demons, encounters an ancient legend, and discovers a portal to a dead world–all while struggling to stay true to his own principles and maintain his sanity. Fighting memories and hallucinations, he starts to question everything…
Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory is a thought-provoking meditation on the fragility of the human condition, our beliefs, the manipulation of propaganda for political gains, and our ability to distinguish the real from the unreal and our willingness to accept convenient “truths.” The novel is a compelling exploration of memory, its fragile nature, and its profound impact on our perception of identity, relationships, and facts themselves.
“Eloquent, moody, poetic. . . masterful.”–Beth Cato (author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge)
A note from the author: “A major theme of the book is how disinformation and propaganda can be used to justify violence, and how ignoring evil can lead people to accept atrocities. I was able to witness all this first-hand, having spent the first 21 years of my life in Russia and absorbing the recent events unfiltered and in my native tongue. Sleeping worlds are not only devoid of memories; they are also oblivious to the pain of others.”
A unique blend of science fiction, fantasy and noir, with zeitgeist and prophetic qualities (the original novella anticipated the Russo-Ukrainian War), this is a must for fans of China Miéeacute;ville’s Bas-Lag series, Ted Chiang’s Tower of Babylon, and Robert Silverberg’s Tower of Glass.
About the Author
Yaroslav Barsukov, an author with a unique background in physics and software engineering, has emerged as a distinctive voice in the realm of speculative fiction. Born in Cold War-era Moscow and educated at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute and Austria’s Vienna University of Technology, Barsukov initially pursued a career in software engineering. His entry into the literary world was serendipitous, stemming from his involvement in game development where he translated a companion tale to a game’s mythology. This experience marked the beginning of his journey as a writer, and he started crafting short stories in English around 2014.
Barsukov’s work is celebrated for its innovative blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, diverging from the traditional hard-science SF model. His acclaimed novella “Tower of Mud and Straw” was shortlisted for the Nebula Award and received a Kirkus Star, demonstrating his prowess in weaving narratives that explore the human condition through a speculative lens. His stories, characterized by high-fantasy filigree and physics reminiscent of alchemy, have appeared in renowned publications such as Galaxy’s Edge, Nature: Futures, and StarShipSofa. Barsukov’s literary influences span from Russian maestros like Leo Tolstoy to American science fiction authors, shaping his unique storytelling style that transcends genre boundaries.
My thoughts: This was a really interesting book, with a complex plot and full of thought provoking ideas about propaganda, doubles and reality.
A minister in the government, Shea Ashdown refuses to gas protestors and as punishment is sent to the border where the local Duke is building a giant defensive tower. The tower is ridiculously tall and has been built using poorly understood technology from a minority group – who don’t even really understand it themselves. These strange devices have a bad habit of exploding, killing everyone around them. Shea has seen their terrible impact himself, in an incident that killed his sister.
His attempts to stop this alien technology from being used lead to his arrest as a traitor. But he also uncovers the truth about the devices, the strange Mimic Tower, and after crossing the border, the neighbouring country is also building a tower. Once he learns the truth, he must do everything to destroy the tower there too.
Both sides are convinced that these towers would will somehow bring about peace, after a period of war, but Shea knows that this is untrue. Meeting a mysterious woman called Cara, who tells him that her people, refugees in this world, have manipulated reality and nothing he believes is true.
Fascinating, a little puzzling, but compelling, this is an intriguing and intelligent book from a new-to-me author.
*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 celebrating the release of this beautiful witchy book by L.A. Brown! Read on for more details!
Autumn Death (Bird Girl Witches Book 1)
Publication Date: November 13, 2024
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/ Witches
Tropes:
The Supernatural, The Outsider, First Love, Love is the Answer, Coming of Age, Ancient Secrets, Backing into Darkness, Body Switching, Dark Family Secrets, Crime in the Family, Found Family, Fated Mates, Forbidden Love, Creepy Settings, A Foreboding Atmosphere, Mysterious Things are Happening, Magical Secrets, Fantastical Creatures, Magical Systems, Training Sequences, Powerful Artifacts, High Stakes, Happy Ending, Hereditary Witches, Hauntings
In book one of the Bird Girl Witches series, the mystical realm of The Korvids is being terrorized by a dark force, and a young, psychic girl may be the only one who can stop it.
Arabel Spade is just 17 years old, but holds the gift of extraordinary supernatural abilities. When a series of brutal murders rock her hometown, she is determined to use her powers to solve the crimes and protect her people.
But tracking the killer puts her on a collision course with the sinister Dorojenja – evil sorcerers intent on putting an end to her investigation, if not her life. As the bodies pile up, Arabel must navigate a web of secrets, betray her cold-hearted grandmother’s wishes, and forge alliances with mysterious magical factions like the Travelers.
Join Arabel’s epic journey of magic, danger, and self-discovery, as she battles for the ultimate fate of The Korvids.Join Arabel’s epic journey of magic, danger, and self-discovery, as she battles for the ultimate fate of The Korvids.
Three murders which happen off-page, but the bodies are found on the page. These murders are not described in detail, but it is mentioned that the bodies are naked and posed in a sacrificial manner. There is also a murder by drowning, body possession, and a murder by a vicious Death Ribbon spell. There are also ghostly attacks on our heroine and a kidnapping. There is a lot of romantic desire, but no sexual activity outside of kissing.
When the murdered body of a woman is found in a Sheffield carpark, former cop turned private investigator Matt Forrester finds himself embroiled in the case, because the last call the victim made was to him…
But the case isn’t as simple as the drug theft it looks like, and – when a young boy becomes the next victim – Matt and his life partner, DI Karen Nelson, realise they’re investigating a terrifying series of revenge killings.
Arrests start to be made, but enemies are being made. And, as the killings continue, nobody is safe…
A totally unputdownable crime novel, from bestselling author Anita Waller, guaranteed to keep readers up all night.
Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. With many books to her name, she feels she has finally realised her dream. In 2021 Waller signed a five book deal with Boldwood Books, and currently has six published books with them: One Hot Summer, The Family at No.12, Fatal Secrets (the first in a new series set in Sheffield), The Couple Across the Street, Fatal Lies, the second in the Forrester series and The Girls Next Door. The Family at No.12 reached #2 in the Amazon Kindle charts. The final book in the Forrester series, Fatal Endings, is to be launched on 13 November 2024.
My thoughts: the final book in the trilogy about former DI Matt Forrester turned PI brings various cases to their end and has a big shock twist that alters the lives of the characters forever.
A young boy is murdered and his older brother vows revenge, the police are keen to talk to him but he’s disappeared, could his drug trafficking grandfather be helping him stay out of sight? Karen and her team are tracking him down after the chief suspect in the younger brother’s murder is killed, when tragedy strikes.
Meanwhile Matt is looking into a wealthy woman’s husband after he starts taking sums of money out of their joint account and making her suspicious. He’s also looking after Harry, who’s returned to school after his running away, and needs some gentle support.
This series has been really enjoyable, the author’s books are always engaging and clever, with well written and interesting characters. This is a big case, with lots of complications and ends the series dramatically.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
After learning of a suspicious attempt to burn down a beloved old pub, The Crooked Horse, Libby Sarjeant and her friend Fran reluctantly agree to investigate. But when a local antiques dealer mysteriously disappears after apparently taking out his boat, it appears there are dark and sinister forces at play.
Can Libby and Fran uncover a connection between the fire and the missing man? And will unravelling a deadly case put them in terrible danger?
Lesley Cookman writes the Libby Sarjeant Murder Mysteries and the The Alexandrians, an Edwardian Mystery Series. She lives on the south east coast of England, and is a former model, actor, and journalist. Her four adult children are all musicians and writers.
My thoughts: I really like this series, Libby and her “Loonies” as her friends call themselves. Solving crimes involves a lot of time spent in pubs it seems as Libby and Fran do some digging into the attempted destruction of the titular Crooked Horse and a missing local antique dealer.
Ian, Libby’s police detective friend, asks her to ask around about the incidents, but she uncovers a conspiracy involving stolen Anglo-Saxon treasure, a local building contractor, and some rather nasty criminals.
This was another excellent addition to the series, with Libby pursuing possibly her most dangerous case yet.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Purple must be the color for books coming out in 2025 and we are here for out! Masquerade of Bones comes out on February 25, 2025 and it’s not just a pretty face– Check out this blurb!
Masquerade of Bones
Expected Publication Date: February 25, 2025 (Print, ebook and audio)
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, villain gets the girl, shadow daddy, heists, royalty, found family, quest, only one bed/horse/tent, magic, outlaws, dragons.
Vibes:
Six of Crows (but make it spicy) x Beneath Black Sails (but wild west outlaws instead of pirates)
A Blood Oath ~ A Botched Heist ~ A Dangerous Deal with the Enemy
Everly Thorn knew she was doomed when she came down with witch fever. She’s spent the last ten years hiding her symptoms and will do anything to keep her cursed gift a secret for fear of being conscripted into the military and used as a weapon to hunt others like her.
Reeling from the death of her parents and a broken betrothal, she’s racked up a fortune in gambling debts. Her job at the Menagerie of Magical Beasts doesn’t pay enough to keep the collectors from threatening to take her home—the only thing she and her brother have left.
Silas Drake is an infamous outlaw in need of a witch with a unique set of skills and exactly the kind of man Everly has vowed to stay away from—tall, dark, and deadly. He’s determined to steal a powerful dragon relic being held in the Menagerie’s vault.
When he discovers Everly’s secret, the ruthless shadow summoner presents her with an impossible choice—swear a blood oath to him and help his crew steal the relic in exchange for paying off her debts, or be handed over to the crown.
Everly, however, is done with men who want to control her and refuses to accept her fate without a fight.
Content Warning: graphic violence, blood and gore, public executions by hanging, injury and death on page, named character death on page, alcohol and drug use, drugging of others, bondage, military conscription, hazing, explicit language, explicit sex, public sex, use of magic during sex, chronic illness and references to mental illness.
Welcome to the book tour for Hers to Claim by Coral Alejandra Moore. Read on for more details!
Hers to Claim (Scorching in Sin City Book 2)
Publication Date: October 30, 2024
Genre: Monster Romance/ PNR/ Urban Fantasy
Soulbonds ⛓️
Polyamory 💞
Emotional Scars 💔
Healing Together 🩹
Forbidden Love 💗
Grumpy/Sunshines ☀️
Touch Them and Die 💀
Found Family 😊
Sword Crossing ⚔️
Spicy, Fast Burn 🌶️
Discovering Her Power ✨
Secrets and Intrigue 🔍
It’s Good To Be Queen
Embracing Femdom
Shadow Daddy
A Little Light Stalking
She Likes It When He Watches
He’d Burn the World for Her
Breeding Kink (no pregnancy)
The Hottest Unicorn You Have Ever Met
Something ancient slumbers under Las Vegas.
After Mari’s cruel father was killed by her gargoyle crush, she thought the takeover of his criminal empire would be easy, but she was wrong.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Mari and her monster boyfriends discover that the true threat has been lurking under the city all along, and that Mari has been feeding him with her magic for years. Calling out to the creature in her moment of need might have been the only way to escape, but it also might have been a mistake.
Because he says he’d burn the world for her and that rings true.
His disturbing visits happen with increasing frequency and during her most private moments with her lovers—but she can’t deny her attraction to the danger he poses, even when he threatens the city and with it the people who work for her that she’s sworn to protect.
The mysterious figure tempts her toward the darker side of desire, calling to something primal and hidden within her that she doesn’t understand. How long can she resist his tantalizing offers? More than anything, she fears starting down the same path of brutality and violence that her father once walked.
Hers to Claim is the scorching second book in 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 discovering her power, and partners who love to share, this book is for you.
We regret to announce the tragic death of Phoebe Fredericks…
When crime novelist Phoebe opens the post and receives an invitation to her own funeral, she’s horrified. Not least because the date of her death is marked as tomorrow. Deciding it’s nothing more than a prank from an enemy from her past, she determines to put it to the back of her mind.
But the next morning, when her completely infuriating postman (who likes to think himself her no.1 literary critic) rings her doorbell, a parcel of poisoned pen-nibs explodes in his face. Forced to confront the fact her correspondence is more RIP than RSVP, Phoeve realises someone must want her dead.
Together with the newly-formed Village Detectives – Juno, Mil and Felix – Phoebe resolves to find out who is behind the poison pen letters before they strike again and her fate is signed, sealed and delivered!
A totally hilarious, modern cozy crime mystery, from million-copy bestselling author Fiona Walker, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janet Evanovich and Janice Hallett.
Fiona Walker is the million copy bestselling author of joyously funny romantic comedies. Most recently published by Head of Zeus, she will be turning to cozy crime for Boldwood. The first in her new Village Detectives series, The Art of Murder, will be published in May 2024.
My thoughts: This is such a fun series, I love Juno and her determination to be a detective, despite not always getting it right. She wants to help Phoebe so much, but her instincts are not always spot on. As she and Felix hurtle around in her mother’s rather battered old car, including a jaunt to Paris, Phoebe herself is looking a little closer to home.
The Twitter accounts that harassed her once before might be connected to the shocking death of the postman on the doorstep and the horrible things she’s been receiving in the post, but Phoebe reckons it’s someone in the village, it doesn’t feel quite the same to her. What she uncovers is a sad and rather different story than the one Juno and Felix are following.
Lots of fun and all carried out in Juno’s unique chaotic style, with help from her son Eric, and of course the delightful Mil, pub landlord and protector of potential murder suspects.
*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 