Tag: fantasy

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: Until the Last – Mike Shackle

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THE TIME HAS COME.
SEKINOWARI – THE LAST WAR – HAS ARRIVED.

The breakneck conclusion to the trilogy that started with We Are the Dead. To beat the ultimate evil, sometimes the price is more than you can pay . . .

The war with the Egril has changed Tinnstra forever. A coward no more, she’ll go to any length to defeat every last one of her enemies.

Zorique has grown into her powers. It’s time for her to lead her army into Jia and spearhead the fight for her homeland.

But at what cost? The Egril emperor Raaku – the Son of Kage himself – is waiting for them. And he intends to destroy Zorique, Tinnstra and all their allies.

They will need to put everything on the line if Jia hopes to see the dawn.

My thoughts: Fantasy fans, where are you? I cannot believe you’ve been sleeping on this series! Yes, this book is chunky, but we like a hefty tome around here. So, what are you doing? Do you like action, adventure, good triumphing over evil, strong characters, great world building, sarcastic sailors, women with power, magic, intrigue, monsters and ordinary people doing extraordinary things? You do? Then get copies of this whole series – there’s 3 books, and get reading.

Until The Last chronicles the final war – Sekinowari – when the armies of Egril and Jia will meet for the last time, when heroes will rise and monsters will walk among people, mostly killing them. But even ordinary Jians will stand against the Skulls, will fight back to protect their lives and save their home from the Great Darkness. Raaku, as Tinnstra keeps saying, is just a man, not a God, after all.

Ralasis remains possibly my favourite character, knowing full well he’s an idiot, he keeps running into danger and somehow, even after buildings literally fall on him, still survives to run into more danger. I also love Ange, another person who knows they’re being stupid, who should have left when they had the chance, but still there, fighting.

Honestly, I don’t understand why this series isn’t huge, inspired in part by the author’s time living in Japan, it’s cracking, and should definitely be on your tbr if you like a bit of epic fantasy blended with down to earth, every day issues like getting enough food in a country at war. Most of the heroes of the book, and series, are ordinary people caught up in something so much bigger than them. Highly recommended reading.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: Come True – Brindi Quinn

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ComeTrue copy

I’m so excited to share this amazing book with you today! Read on for more details about Come True: A Bomb-Ass Genie Romance by Brindi Quinn! You’re going to want to read this one!

COMETRUEgoodreads

Come True: A Bomb-Ass Genie Romance

Publication Date: April 27th, 2022

Genre: New Adult/ Paranormal Romance/ Comedy

Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing

★A jaded girl. A persistent genie. A contest of souls.★

Recent college graduate Dolly Jones has spent the last year stubbornly trying to atone for a mistake that cost her everything. She doesn’t go out, she doesn’t make new friends and she sure as hell doesn’t treat herself to things she hasn’t earned, but when her most recent thrift store purchase proves home to a hot, magical genie determined to draw out her darkest desires in exchange for a taste of her soul, Dolly’s restraint, and patience, will be put to the test.

Newbie genie Velis Reilhander will do anything to beat his older half-brothers in a soul-collecting contest that will determine the next heir to their family estate, even if it means coaxing desire out of the least palatable human he’s ever contracted. As a djinn from a ‘polluted’ bloodline, Velis knows what it’s like to work twice as hard as everyone else, and he won’t let anyone—not even Dolly f*cking Jones—stand in the way of his birthright. He just needs to figure out her heart’s greatest desire before his asshole brothers can get to her first.

COME TRUE: A BOMB-ASS GENIE ROMANCE is the romantic, fantastic second-coming-of-age story of two flawed twenty-somethings from different realms battling their inner demons, and each other, one wish at a time.

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Excerpt

I’ve been poisoned? I’ve had an allergic reaction? There are toxins held within that ancient turquoise glass?

These are the thoughts racing through me as I blink open my eyes and find my face planted on the kitchen floor. Never a good idea to get eye-level with your kitchen floor. One finds all sorts of treasures hiding out under crannies and betwixt nooks. I see an eraser, a spill mark, a hair cluster and . . . feet.

FEET?

There are most certainly bare feet standing on the other side of my open fridge door! At least I got my wish. A burglar came for me instead of fire. I reach for a gun, but I have no gun. I don’t even like guns. So what do I grab? A fucking glue gun from the craft bin beside my kitchen table. And I hold it with all the confidence it hasn’t earned.

“L-Larry?” I venture. “Is that you?”

Larry’s the name of the super. The only one that should have keys to my apartment.

The fridge door slams, and feet much too tan to be Larry’s begin closing in on me. Not to mention, Larry always, always, always wears socks. One time, I saw him wear them under flip-flops. That toe-separator was working overtime.

I digress, and the feet are nearly upon me, soon accompanied by a head dropping into frame; the intruder has just crouched. Definitely not Larry. Larry’s incapable of smirking like that.

WHAT THE FUCK?

It’s a guy and, let’s be real, it’s a guy of higher than average features, with dusk-blue hair tossed effortlessly with product and eyes a paler shade of blue than I thought possible on a person. Sharp, the centers pierce like turrets through a blizzard while the corners taper with smug amusement.

Oh, yeah, and did I mention he’s NAKED? All but for a pair of gray sweatpants low around his waist and rolled up at the ankles.

“Hello, Master,” he says with undue familiarity. “Sorry for invading your refrigerator. You were taking your time, and I was getting hungry.” He makes a chomping noise with his teeth.

“Stay back!” I scamper into a sitting position and steadily crab crawl away from him, holding the glue gun like it might fool him into thinking I’m armed.

“No use pulling the trigger,” he counters, straightening to reveal a body that’s lean. “Your bullets will miss me every time.”

He . . . thinks it’s a real gun?

But it has a cord!

No matter.

“I have a very steady hand,” I assert, knowing my hand is anything but. “You have three seconds to get out of here or I’ll shoot!” It sounds like something someone would say in a movie—from what I remember of movies.

“I don’t doubt your hand, Master,” he says and takes a step closer. “But you’re incapable of hurting me physically. It won’t work, even if you try.”

Again, this is clearly a glue gun.

“How did you get in here?” I demand. “We’re on the third floor, and I know I locked the door.”

He tips his head. “Really? You’re the one that brought me in. You said I could spend the night. And then you sealed it with a kiss.”

Blinks befall me—One. Two. Three.

“You were in my apartment the whole time?!” I jab the glue gun in his direction and notice for the first time that it has a half-used stick of glue butting out the ass of it. “You were watching when I kissed that—that vase?!”

And, oh, dear lord, now we’ve admitted to another living person that we kissed a vase.

“Vase?” He shakes his head comically as though this is all a big misunderstanding. “No, no. That’s not a vase. It is my holding vessel. I’d invite you in for a tour, but it’s a bit cramped.”

“Your holding vessel? As in something that contains you?” I look between the shirtless, blue-haired guy, eyes trailing over the tight chest of him before flicking to the bottle on the counter in all its arcane wonder. “As in, you expect me to believe you came out of it? Like you’re a . . . a genie or something?”

“To be honest, genie is kind of a derogatory term where I come from, but—”

“Get out.” I prod the glue gun at him with new vigor. “Get out, get out, get out!”

For a moment, it’s as if a shadow settles over his brow as a shimmer from some nonexistent light source catches his eye. “Is that a wish?”

Purchase a copy here!

About the Author

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Brindi Quinn is a fangirling fantasy author from Minnesota specializing in world-building and romance. She is an advocate of quirky love and firmly believes that banter makes the heart grow fonder. Her main ingredients for a great read are spice, sparkle, and SWOON.

Since 2011, Brindi has written over a dozen young adult and new adult novels beginning with her debut epic fantasy series, Heart of Farellah. Her works often blur the lines between paranormal romance, science fiction, and fantasy, and her series have been hailed as unique, addictive reads by reviewers.

Brindi is an IT Project Manager by day and has a bachelor’s in communication-based studies from Southern New Hampshire University. She lives in suburban Minnesota where she likes to bike, indulge in video game lore, and spend time with her life partner, Kent, the world’s cutest pup, Burton, and the fluffle of cantankerous rabbits that hop around her house.

Brindi is published through Never & Ever Publishing and Midnight Tide Publishing.

Brindi Quinn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Goodreads

Click the link below for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of the book!

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My thoughts: this was a funny, entertaining read, I liked Dolly and her sarcastic, slightly hostile world view, and how naive Velis was about humans and the world we live in. Not everyone wants to be an influencer!

Their adventures take in other worlds, time travel, obnoxious siblings, falling in love with the wrong person and a lot more kissing than I Dream of Jeannie would dare.

Are genies, genii, djinn, about to be the next big thing in fantasy romance after vampires, werewolves and fairies? I don’t know but this a fun start.

Book Tour Schedule

July 25th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

Riss Reviews (Review) https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website

@rissreviews_xx – https://www.instagram.com/rissreviews_xx/

@the_pageling (Review) https://www.instagram.com/the_pageling/

Rambling Mads (Review) http://ramblingmads.com

@junk.journal.librarian (Review) https://www.instagram.com/junk.journal.librarian

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

July 26th

@dany.alvy (Review) https://www.instagram.com/dany.alvy/

@wraithreads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/wraithreads/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/

Ecce.Libri (Review) https://eccelibri702630676.wordpress.com/

@ecce.libri – https://www.instagram.com/ecce.libri/

Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/

July 27th

@aliciareviewsbook (Review) https://www.instagram.com/Aliciareviewsbooks/

Cheryl’s Book Nook (Review) https://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/

@beastreader – https://www.instagram.com/beastreader/

@by_hckilgour (Review) https://www.instagram.com/by_hckilgour/

@stepintothepages (Review) www.instagram.com/stepintothepages

@bhaneereads_ (Review) https://www.instagram.com/bhaneereads_/

I Love Books & Stuff (Spotlight) https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com

July 28th

Balancing Books and Beauties (Review) https://balancingbooksandbeauties.wordpress.com/

@balancing_books_and_beauties – https://www.instagram.com/balancing_books_and_beauties/

Misty’s Book Space (Review) http://mistysbookspace.wordpress.com

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

See Sadie Read (Review) http://sadieforsythe.com/wp/

Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

July 29th

@itsabookthing2021 (Spotlight) http://www.instagram.com/itsabookthing2021

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/

@tm_ghent (Review) https://www.instagram.com/tm_ghent/

Book Tour Organized By:

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R&R Book Tours

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Cover Reveal: The Gifts – Liz Hyder

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The paperback edition of The Gifts is out 1st September in all good bookshops. And I’m sharing the beautiful cover today. So get your orders in!

Waterstones

In an age defined by men, it will take something extraordinary to show four women who they truly are . . .

October 1840. A young woman staggers alone through a forest in Shropshire as a huge pair of impossible wings rip themselves from her shoulders.

Meanwhile, when rumours of a ‘fallen angel’ cause a frenzy across London, a surgeon desperate for fame and fortune finds himself in the grips of a dangerous obsession, one that will place the women he seeks in the most terrible danger . . .

THE GIFTS is the astonishing debut adult novel from the lauded author of BEARMOUTH. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.

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Blog Tour: Heroes and Harbingers – ARK Horton

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Welcome to the tour for Heroes and Harbingers, the first book in ARK Horton’s Secrets of Pantheons series! Read on for more info and a chance to win a great giveaway!

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Secret of Pantheons (Heroes & Harbingers #1)

Publication Date: June 11th, 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy Academia

Food fights. Detention. Dissecting fairies for science class. Just another day for teachers at a Magical Public School.

Ms. Sirin’s fate as a death harbinger has ruined her life. She longs to be more than a herald of doom, aspiring to impact lives in her teaching career. But when a new student with bold dreams joins her class and is picked as this century’s Chosen One, Ms. Sirin’s dark power senses a terrible sacrifice to come.

Finn MacCool’s warrior past didn’t prepare him for a hundred years of teaching for his community service. Spending the last decade of his sentence at a new school, the immortal develops a crush on his tempting but aloof coworker. The Irish legend blows his chance when he butts heads with the Council of Pantheons’ latest brave heroine—who also happens to be Ms. Sirin’s favorite pupil.

However, the Chosen One’s quest isn’t all it seems. Pavlina’s lethal prophecies come to pass, and her gift warns of more to come. Will this daring trio of heroes have what it takes to make the grade, or will they fail before they even make it to Summer Break?

Set in an alternate reality of Jacksonville, Florida, this adult urban fantasy is the first book in the Secret of Pantheons series. If you enjoy a hearty helping of mythology, found family, and unbreakable bonds, this book is for you. Class is in session with Heroes & Harbingers—delve in now before the bell rings!

Meet the Characters

CONTENT WARNING:

This is a book written by an adult mostly about adults and for an adult audience. While many teenagers may appreciate this book and even learn positive things from it, please read ahead if you intend to gift it to anyone under 18. It may contain some content you deem inappropriate for them. Consider the following content before purchase.

  • Grief
  • Death
  • Kidnapping
  • Pregnancy Loss
  • Substance Abuse
  • Life-Threatening Situations

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EBook Available on Amazon

Paperback Available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

About the Author

AaI8NPek_400x400

A.R.K. Horton is a small woman made of round shapes and long sighs. Children and animals surround her in her Florida home. Her vice is hoarding responsibilities, and she has the tired eyes to prove it. They still have a sparkle, though, seeing the next project ahead.

She began writing as a child when she became obsessed with learning about the most obscure fairytales, folktales, and myths. Now, as a Pagan Witch, she uses the stories she loved growing up with, as well as her own spiritual journey, to inspire her blogs and novels.

ARK Horton | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Giveaway

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For a chance to win this tee and a $20 Amazon e-gift card, click the link below!

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Book Tour Schedule

July 18th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/

@loki_and_lore (Review) https://www.instagram.com/loki_and_lore

@readwithemstar (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/readwithemstar/

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

July 19th

Balancing Books and Beauties (Review) https://www.instagram.com/balancing_books_and_beauties/

@balancing_books_and_beauties – https://www.instagram.com/balancing_books_and_beauties/

@fariha_binte_islam (Review) https://www.instagram.com/fariha_binte_islam/

@mels_booksandhooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/mels_booksandhooks/

Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

Cocktails & Fairytales (Spotlight) https://www.facebook.com/CocktailsFairytales

July 20th

@theenchantedshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/theenchantedshelf/

@over.on.my.bookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/over.on.my.bookshelf/?hl=en

@genoviareadingco (Review) https://www.instagram.com/genoviareadingco/

better_0ff_read (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/better_0ff_read

@dany.alvy (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/dany.alvy/

July 21st

@amanda_coffee_books (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amanda_coffee_books/

@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/

Ecce.Libri (Review) https://eccelibri702630676.wordpress.com/

@ecce.libri – https://www.instagram.com/ecce.libri/

@takealookatmybookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/takealookatmybookshelf/

@elinasbookstagram (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/elinasbookstagram/

Freelance Writer, Janny C (Spotlight) https://freelancewriterjannyc.com/

July 22nd

Nica’s Bookish Diary (Review) www.nicasbookishdiary.Wordpress.com

@nicasbooksta – https://www.instagram.com/nicasbooksta

@what.kerry.reads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/what.kerry.reads

Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

Sadie’s Spotlight (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/sadiesspotlight/

Book Tour Organized By:

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Pre-order Event: Invitation to Hell – Amber Bunch

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Invitation to hell copy

Welcome to the pre-order event for Invitation to Hell, a dark romantic fantasy by Amber Bunch! Read on for details, pre-order a copy, and enter the giveaway ($25 Amazon e-gift card – open to everyone)!

When you pre-order you get a few extras when your book arrives:

2 Stickers (Including Chibi Sticker of Asmo and Kali) 

2 Bookmarks

Art Print of Asmodeus

Signed Book Plate 

Casebound Cover ITH sample

Invitation to Hell (Goddess of Death #1)

Publication Date: September 22, 2022 (First Edition)

Genre: Dark Romance/ Dark Fantasy/ Mythology

What if, all you’ve ever known was ripped away from you…

You were thrown into a world full of the same creatures that have haunted your nightmares for years. Magic, and the Gods are no longer a myth, but a part of your destiny. 

Now, you’re about to lose everything and everyone you love to an evil King known as the Devourer of Souls. 

Then, there’s Hades son…

The ruthless Prince that drives you crazy and thinks you are a waste of his time. 

You can’t stand him, but he has been instructed to protect you, so now you have to deal with his arrogance on top of everything else. 

The two of you must travel across the Realms to find a way to stop King Lucius before all is lost and you still don’t even know how to use your newly awakened power. 

Well, this should be fun. 

Pre-Order Here and at B&N!

About the Author

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Amber is an author of spicy romance with a twist…
She isn’t committed to any one genre. She lives in Ohio with her family and her dog. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, playing guitar, and loves to stay active. She is a mother of three and her family is her biggest support group. She has also written a children’s book series that was inspired by her children and their play adventures together.

Amber Bunch | Facebook |  Twitter | Instagram

Pre-Order Incentive:

Must sign up for newsletter via website for shipping updates

Must be ok with sharing mailing address with Amber Bunch for shipping book swag

Must have proof of purchase to receive Pre-Order Incentive (Either Print or Digital and sent to R&R Book Tours or Amber Bunch)

For a chance to win a $25 Amazon e-gift card, click the link below!

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Book Blitz Organized By:

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Blog Tour: Prince of Midwest – Abigail Linhardt

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princeofmidwest-copy

Welcome to my stop on the Prince of MidWest tour. This vampy tale is by Abigail Linhardt and is available July 15th! Read on for details and a chance to win a fantastic giveaway!

The author will be hosting a live-stream event on publication day so be sure to check that out!

POMW Front Cover

Prince of MidWest 

Expected Publication Date: July 15th, 2022

Genre: Low Magic/ Alternate History/Steampunk

Cecil is a vampire desperate to find a way to redeem his soul so he can finally rest in peace. He’s told the way to redemption is to save the American Empire by finding the prince and putting him on the throne. The only problem? That prince was murdered eight years ago. Upon mentioning the dead prince to the royal court, Cecil is swiftly accused of being a spy and sentenced to an underground prison.

Ezekiel, a prisoner of the Château d’Oubli, has been merely surviving through the torturous politics of the prison. When an over-fashionable vampire appears amongst the tunnels and mines with a plan to find the dead prince, escape, and put that prince on the throne, Ezekiel sees his chance and volunteers to help Cecil escape the underground bastille.

Eager to get above ground and get back to his redemption, Cecil reluctantly joins forces with the sleazy Ezekiel. Together, with a team of convicts, and using mysterious earth magic found in the mines, they plot a breakout like none before them. No one has ever escaped the Château d’Oubli. Even if they did, revenge is a prison that follows its captives.

Add to Goodreads

Pre-Order Here or on Amazon

Giveaway

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Enter Here!

About the Author

Author Pic

Abi has been a writer all her life, but is a mentor at heart. When she is not writing, you can find her slaying enemies online or hunting for the next bohemian adventure. She has published works of fiction, poetry, academia, and even won awards for her short stories in science fiction and horror.

Abi is also a proud mom of two…ferrets! She live streams on Twitch where you can enjoy her terrible gaming skills and join the live discussion. She works part-time as a freelance ghostwriter, editor, and audiobook narrator, hoping to one day make these passions her full-time job. She currently resides in Kansas.

She is one of nine children–all who share the creative spark.

Abigail Linhardt | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok 

Book Tour Schedule

July 11th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

@readwithemstar (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/readwithemstar/

Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

July 12th

@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/

Riss Reviews (Review) https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website

@rissreviews_xx – https://www.instagram.com/rissreviews_xx/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/

July 13th

@gin_books_crochethooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gin_books_crochethooks/

@mels_booksandhooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/mels_booksandhooks/

@brandidanielledavis (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/brandidanielledavis/

@thrillersandcoffee (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/thrillersandcoffee/

Sadie’s Spotlights (Spotlight) http://sadiesspotlight.com/

 July 14th

Bunny’s Reviews (Spotlight) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

On the Shelf Reviews (Spotlight) https://ontheshelfreviews.wordpress.com

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

July 15th

The Faerie Review (Review) http://www.thefaeriereview.com

Sophril Reads (Spotlight) http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com

Cocktails & Fairytales (Spotlight) https://www.facebook.com/CocktailsFairytales

Book Tour Organized By:

R&amp;R Button

R&R Book Tours

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Blog Tour: The Ghost of Ivy Barn – Mark Stay

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August, 1940.

As the Battle of Britain rages overhead, a warlock leader from the Council of High Witches comes to Woodville with a ritual to repel the imminent Nazi invasion. The only catch is it involves full-frontal nudity on the White Cliffs of Dover. The Witches of Woodville are having none of it, but when more witches arrive they realise they might have a spy in their midst, and it’s up to Faye Bright to uncover the traitor. But she’s got enough on her plate already with the ghost of a Polish Hurricane pilot who may hold the key to the truth.

Mark Stay co-wrote the screenplay for Robot Overlords which became a movie with Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson, and premiered at the 58th London Film Festival. He is co­presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast and has worked in bookselling and publishing for over twenty-five years. He lives in Kent, England, with his family and a trio of retired chickens. He blogs and humblebrags over at markstaywrites.com.

My thoughts: I do enjoy this series and Faye gets more and more interesting with each book. I still have many questions about Miss Charlotte and Mrs Teach but perhaps the mystery makes it better?

This time they’re fending off an aerial invasion with magic – or are they? Bellamy is very enthusiastic but the Woodville witches don’t seem too keen and Faye’s distracted by her life and the ghostly Polish pilot in the barn. Otto Kopp – who continues to be deeply annoying, is still hanging about, and causing trouble. There’s a spy in their midst and no one’s quite sure who it is.

Bits are very funny and the ending is very moving and sweet, there’s a lot of toing and froing to Dover for the ritual, including a very funny scene with a tweed clad dogwalker, and at some point Bertie and Faye might get around to some proper canoodling (without a witchy emergency or half the village as audience).

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my

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On Bookstagram Today: The Reluctant Vampire Queen – Jo Simmons

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Head over to Instagram today to see my thoughts on new book The Reluctant Vampire Queen – info on the book and author below.

Meet Mo Merrydrew – independent young woman, Mini Battenberg fan, president of the debating society – and reluctant vampire queen …

Fifteen-year-old Mo Merrydrew isn’t exactly expecting to be asked to be Vampire Queen of Great Britain when she’s cycling home from school one wet Tuesday evening. Apparently, she is ‘the Chosen One’. Aside from being uncomfortable with the idea of unelected power (not very democratic), there’s the blood drinking to consider (Mo is a vegetarian), and frankly it’s just not really the sort of role Mo’s looking for (she wants to aim for a real job in politics). But – if you’re Vampire Queen, you probably don’t have to do PE any more, and when the dreamy Luca, a vampire familiar, turns up, it all suddenly starts to look a bit more appealing …

Jo Simmons is an author of funny fiction. I Swapped My Brother on the Internet was shortlisted for the Lollies Book Awards 2020 and was translated into several languages. Jo began her working life as a sub editor on magazines in London and later became a freelance journalist. She started writing for children when her two boys were young and hungry for daft and silly stories to make bedtime more fun. She lives in Brighton with her family and a small, scruffy dog who leaves hair absolutely everywhere. THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE QUEEN is her first novel for teenagers. Twitter

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Cover Reveal: The Syren’s Mutiny – Jessica S. Taylor

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Check out this cover!!! Syren’s Mutiny by Jessica S. Taylor, will be released this fall and I can’t wait!

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The Syren’s Mutiny

Expected Publication Date: November 9th, 2022

“It’s frightful bad luck to have a woman aboard.”

Brigid knew the superstition, but when her father tried to marry her off, she had no choice but to stowaway on a ship bound for Bhodheas. When she’s discovered and discarded, her fate seems sealed…until she’s saved by the ocean and its queen.

Transformed into a syren and given new life, Brigid now has the power to seek revenge on those who wronged her.

Caelum has spent his entire life trying to help those who couldn’t help themselves. After years suffering the cruelty of his pirate father, saving others from a similar fate was ingrained in him. But when he’s unable to save a young girl from being thrown overboard for hiding away, he’s devastated.

Until one day, when he’s thrown into the water by unforeseen forces, he comes face to face with the past, and maybe, with his future.

But there’s a darkness lurking on the seas they both call home. And Caelum and Brigid have no idea just how intertwined their stories really are.

Content Warning:

This book contains dark and adult themes. Possible trigger warnings include: violence, drowning, death, dismemberment, torture, brief/non-explicit references to child kidnapping and deaths, mentions of past domestic violence, mild sexual content, and mentions of arranged marriages. 

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​About the Author

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Jessica was born and raised in Kentucky, but has been moving with the waves and is currently residing in southern Maine with her husband and cat, Nebula. Jessica’s love of reading and writing began at a young age with the help of her grandmother and her local library, and she hasn’t looked back since. Similarly, her love for pirates, mermaids, and all things fantasy have only grown more intense with time.

Author Jessica Taylor | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Pinterest 

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Cover Reveal: House of Badawi – C.J. Khemi

ramblingmads

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I am thrilled to share this gorgeous cover for an upcoming release called House of Badawi by C.J. Khemi! This beauty will be gracing shelves this October!

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House of Badawi

Expected Publication Date: October 14, 2022

Genre: NA Fantasy

Publisher: Bowne Street Press

Rumors about women are rarely true, but should whispers about powerful men be adhered to?

Valxina Kulrani wants nothing more than to join the Keepers, an all women legion that protects the House of Badawi’s spring of immortality. The Keepers prevent rival kingdoms from using the spring to create immortal armies—an undertaking forbidden by the King, for only he and his chosen are allowed to use the spring’s waters.

When Valxina finally achieves her dreams, she expects safety and protection after a life of poverty. But Valxina soon discovers that her new existence isn’t what she thought. Keepers are vanishing in the dead of night—including Valxina’s superior, Sera.

Worried that her status won’t keep her safe and that she and the other new Keepers could be the next to disappear, Valxina devises a plan: seduce the Lord of Badawi, Zessfar, into telling her what he knows about the disappearances. As she grows closer to Zessfar and they put together the pieces of Sera’s disappearance, Valxina realizes she might be falling for him.

But things in the House of Badawi are never as they seem. Whispers spread like wildfire behind the marble walls—about the true cost of the spring’s waters, and the lengths that the House of Badawi is willing to go to keep those secrets quiet. Valxina must learn to separate truth from deception in a court where the truth could get her killed.

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About the Author

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C.J. Khemi is the debut author of House of Badawi. She’s Indo-Trinidadian-American, a native New Yorker, and is currently living out her cottage-core dreams in a home outside of NYC.

Khemi holds a M.A. in International Affairs and a B.A. in Psychology. She is a content writer by day, covering current affairs and politics in the United States.

When C.J. is not working or writing, she is out walking at her local nature preserve, trying to perfect her mom’s curry chicken recipe (which she has yet to get just right), and binging her latest obsession with her cat, Moon.

C.J. Khemi | Instagram | TikTok 

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