Bunny's Reviews: April 2022

Friday, April 29, 2022

Invitation to Hell Cover Reveal Spotlight

Welcome to the reveal of this stunning special edition dust jacket for Invitation to Hell by Amber Bunch! This new edition will be available soon!

Invitation to Hell (Goddess of Death #1)

Publication Date: September 22, 2022 (First Edition)

Genre: Dark Romance/ Dark Fantasy/ Mythology

From the moment I found out there are other realms outside the only one I have ever known; I knew my life would be changed forever…

Demons, magic, Gods… They’re all real.
As it turns out Lucius, King of Tartarus wants to harness my powers for his own.
And if he does, he’ll become an Immortal God, bringing ruin to all six realms.

The best part is… I’m destined to save us all.

But how can I fight an evil that I’ve never even seen?
Because no matter what I do, he always seems to be one step ahead of me.

Asmodeus has been sent to protect me, to train me to use my powers.
So far, the only thing he’s good at doing, is being an arrogant prick and driving me insane.
I’m not sure if I want to throat punch him or kiss him.

Or maybe both.

But he’s my only chance at learning how to control my newly awakened power, save my family, and stop Lucius’s plans before it’s too late.

I just hope the prophecy is right and being the “Destined one” is enough.
Because if it’s wrong… I’ve doomed us all to Hell.

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon

About the Author

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

Dust Jacket Reveal Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

From the Ashes Book Review Spotlight

Welcome to the 3rd exciting installment in the Birth of the Fae series, From the Ashes by Danielle M. Orsino. Read on for my review, more details, and a chance to win a fantastic giveaway!

From the Ashes is the third book in the Birth of the Fae series, and this book does a fantastic job grabbing my attention from the very beginning. Things pick up where book two left off and move forward swiftly, so be sure to keep up!

From the Ashes has the two monarchs finally beginning to come to an understanding between themselves. Queen Aurora gains King Jarvok's respect in a few ways when he finds some things that he never knew were in the Light Faes' realm. I found these moments to be both interesting and a bit heartbreaking at the same time. I couldn't help but wonder...how is it that he never noticed that this particular thing was gone? Did he stop returning to it?

I have to say that I absolutely love the number of different characters that the author gives me in this series. While the story focuses primarily on Aurora and Jarvok it isn't just solely about them. Where the fun be in that, right? Of course, the danger that was previously brewing is back with a vengeance and I'm more than a little concerned for Queen Aurora. I feel that she's a really naive character, and it bothers me a bit. I don't want her to necessarily be jaded and skeptical of people, but I think that she has too high a faith in people to be good. I want her to exercise more caution, especially seeing as she has come close to danger before.

This book is a bit shorter than previous books, but it is still a truly delightful read from beginning to end. I love the descriptions that truly bring this story to life. The detail is so well done that I can literally envision the different locations described in this book. I simply wish that I could explore these beautiful places myself and experience the beauty first hand.

There are a couple of situations in this book that I feel come out of left field (don't worry, I won't drop any spoilers. LOL). I was literally like...where did this come from?? I wanted things to develop a little bit more organically, but seeing particular characters step in to...give them guidance...it's everything. LOL! I loved it so much, and I'm sure that you will, too.

This book from prologue to the end is enjoyable and I'm looking forward to what comes next for these characters. As this story continues to grow and develop it just keeps getting better and better. It's great to see the two factions coming together, but the question is - how long will peace last? With evil brewing in the darkness, danger is coming. I'm choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

From the Ashes

Genre: Fantasy/ Fae

Publication Date: January 20th, 2022

Queen Aurora and King Jarvok are finding that there is a thin line between love, hate, and Oblivion.

The war between the Court of Light and Dark has finally ended, and peace reigns. The Court of Light continued advising the human monarchs of Europe while the Court of Dark kept to themselves, intervening only to act as the humans Dark Gods and Goddesses.
The two Courts were both upholding their respective duties as written by the Treaty of Bodhicitta until Queen Mary the first of England reneges on a Changeling contract with the Court of Light. This unfortunate act puts events in motion which led to the last Fire Drake, Bishop Awynn, making the ultimate sacrifice. Awynn loses his light while saving The Dark Fae King during a tense standoff with Queen Aurora.
Queen Aurora swears revenge upon Mary for Awynn’s death and issues the same warning she gave her Father, King Henry the Eighth, so many years ago. However, King Jarvok had his own point of view on Queen Aurora’s vengeance and pays Aurora a visit to deliver his critique of her technique, leading to a knock-down-drag-out fight between the two Fae monarchs.

Both Leaders refuse to bow even if it means certain Oblivion…

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the Bookshop.org

About the Author

Danielle M. Orsino is a fantasy novelist whose lifelong vision to create whimsical realms that her readers can escape to. Her compelling word-weaving pays homage to a multitude of personal muses, from Chris Claremont and George Pérez (both famous comic book writers), to Anne Rice and Wonder Woman.

The creative spark of storytelling has been with Danielle ever since she was a child, but martial arts and her nursing career took center stage into adulthood. Then, on a day like any other, it was reignited during the most unexpected of moments: while treating one of her patients. Seeing that they longed for a distraction during their arduous treatments, the floodgates of inspiration soon burst forth. So, Danielle took it upon herself to tell them a story; a fantastical narrative that would leave the confines of that IV room’s walls and land upon a page. Before she knew it, what started as an imaginative tale to pass the time, turned into book, followed by an entire series: The Birth of Fae. This awe-inspiring series includes Locked out of Heaven (Book One), Thine Eyes of Mercy (Book Two), and From The Ashes (Book Three), all of which are published by 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc. And with an unwavering passion for cosplay and comics, it was a unanimous decision to place her on the cover of each book in all her Fae cosplay glory. The Birth of Fae also features Los, an affable chameleon dragon inspired by her fun-loving Yorkie named Carlos.

When writing wasn’t at the forefront of her mind, Danielle was a successful Martial Artist. Some of her achievements include “1999 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee”, “Female Martial Artist of the Year”, “WKA World Champion Silver Medalist 2008”, and numerous more. She has also garnered hundreds of martial art tournament wins, various other national and world titles, and features on big-name channels like TLC and CBS. She even had the rare opportunity to perform for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and collaborate alongside Vincent Lyn and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. From there, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and she is now a Licensed Practical Nurse who focuses on Lyme disease research.

This “New Queen of the Fae’s” unmatched world-building and masterful Fae-origin retellings have led to an ever-growing queendom of “Fae-natics”. To begin embarking upon a quest in an epic world unlike any other, visit Danielle M. Orsino’s official website at http://www.BirthOfTheFae.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram (@BirthOfTheFae_Novel) and Twitter (@BirthOfTheFae).

“After summoning this world into existence through an imaginative force of will, Danielle has scoured every inch of the landscape several times over. Critics often praise a story’s world building by saying that it feels “lived in.” Well, the world of the Fae certainly seems like that because Danielle herself has happily lived there for years as she worked to put all of this together… My favorite part of this story is that it is gloriously depicted in vibrant images.”

-Clete Barrett Smith, New York Times Bestselling Author of If We Were Giants, Aliens on Vacation series, and Magic Delivery

The Birth of the Fae | Instagram | Twitter

Giveaway! Entire series-three books all personally autographed and some extra special secret bookish surprises for the winner.

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e7c6a8f357/

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Intra-Earth Chronicles Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for The Two Sisters by Kara Jacobson. Read on for my review, more info about the first installment from the Intra-Earth Chronicles, and a chance to win some fantastic giveaways!

The Intra-Earth Chronicles Book 1: The Two Sisters by Kara Jacobson is the first book in this new children's book series and it is a fast-paced fantasy novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Two sisters separated by a break in the earth. One sister is intent on finding and saving her sister, but what dangers face these two girls? There is much to come, and they must be strong to face them and come out the other side.

The Intra-Earth Chronicles is the first book that I have read by this author, but I was immediately drawn in by this book's gorgeous cover. Fantastically done, and definitely appealing in sight alone I knew that this was a book I wanted to check out. Now, when the author says this book is fast-paced, they aren't kidding. LOL! Things move pretty quickly, and while I would have loved more details in key areas, I enjoyed this book overall. I like that the girls have a good relationship with each other, and there is that desire to find and help the sister who gets lost.

This book really is a page-turner, and I like that there are secrets, surprises, twists and so much more. If you're wondering if the cover actually ties into the book - i.e. the tiger...yes! I began to question this at one point and time, but just hang in there! It will be worth the wait, I promise! I can't say too much because I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but this is a good book for those who have young children. I would even say that children around 8 or 9 would enjoy reading this book. There isn't anything too complex in there, but for sure it'd make a fun bedtime story.

I'm eager for the next book in this series and I'm really hopeful that maybe some more detail will be added to the books as they come along. I truly enjoyed reading this short story, and I absolutely recommend this to young readers, parents and even those who work with young children - librarians, teachers, etc. I'm rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Intra-Earth Chronicles: The Two Sisters #1

Publication Date: January 25th, 2022

Genre: Children’s Fantasy/ Sci-Fi (Reader’s Age: 8 to 11)

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

In the year 2444, two noble sisters, Sasha (15) and Adrianne (11), have survived a nuclear fallout, only to be torn apart.

The ground splits open and Adrianne is thrown from her horse, plummeting into the ravine. Spurned on by the hope that Adrianne lives, Sasha embarks on a journey through the desert to face the ravine that claimed her only sister. Meanwhile, deep within the earth, Adrianne is running for her life. She took something that did not belong to her.

In The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book I: The Two Sisters by Kara Jacobson we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure woven within the earth, and the unshakeable bond between two sisters.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Kara Jacobson resides in the beautiful, rolling hills of Red Wing, MN with her husband and young son, Logan. She and her husband both work at the local hospital, where they first met. Born with an insatiable appetite for science fiction, Kara has always been intrigued with the notion of entire civilizations existing within the earth. She was a New Media Film Festival (2021) nominee for The Intra-Earth Chronicles, Book I: The Two Sisters.

Kara Jacobson

Giveaway: 5 signed copies of The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book I: The Two Sisters to give away, and two $25 Visa Gift Cards!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

It Never Occurred to Her Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for It Never Occurred to Her by Michelle Jester! Read on for more info!

It Never Occurred to Her

Publication Date: November 28th, 2021

Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Christian Fiction

For two years Gabriel has followed every lead, no matter how small, in the hope of finding his wife who has been kidnapped. He and the police always seem to be one step behind, until investigators give him information that helps him launch the plan to find her.

When Lena looks up into the eyes of her husband, who she hasn’t seen in two years, she is humiliated and wants nothing more than to run before he recognizes her. And so she does. It’s only when she faces a desperate situation that she is forced to return and ask for his help.

As fate twists its way through both of their lives, they realize it doesn’t matter how much they have prepared to face the realities of losing someone, or finding them again, redemption is in letting go of the past and finding a future just off the beaten path.

TW: Kidnapping/ Torture (Not Explicit)

Available on Amazon

Book Trailer

https://www.youtu.be/qT2KBZHD_kQ

About the Author

Michelle Jester lives in Louisiana with her husband, high school sweetheart and retired Master Sergeant. She is contributing author to the #1 bestseller My Labor Pains Were Worse than Yours, and has been writing poems and stories for as long as she can remember. Michelle is a hopeless romantic who wears a bracelet with a single yellow, rubber duckie charm on it to remind her to enjoy the fun and happy things of life!

Michelle Jester | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Book Tour Schedule

April 18^th

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

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

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

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

April 19^th

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

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

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

April 20^th

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

FUONLYKNEW (Spotlight) http://fuonlyknew.com/

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

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

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

The Book Review Crew (Review) https://thebookreviewcrew.com/

April 21^st

Bonnie Reads & Writes (Spotlight) https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpress.com

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

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

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

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

April 22^nd

@infinite.readlist (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/infinite.readlist/

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

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

@jacleomik33 (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/

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

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Monday, April 18, 2022

Magic Touch Review Spotlight

Such a beautiful cover!

Welcome to the book tour for Magic Touch by A.S. Fenichel. Read on for my review, more info, and a chance to win a signed copy of the book!

Magic Touch is the first book in A.S. Fenichel’s Witches of Windsor Series. Prepare to be taken back in this historical fiction paranormal romance novel. Evil is coming to Windsor, and it is seeking revenge. Esme is a young witch operating a curatives shop. She has no way of knowing that she is about to be visited by the war hero, William Meriwether, as he seeks help for a lingering pain that plagues him. When Esme finds the source of his discomfort she does something else entirely unintentionally. She unlocks something in him that has been locked away for generations. While neither understands why this is happening now, one thing is for certain – William will be needed to fight against what is to come.

Magic Touch is the first book that I have read by A.S. Fenichel, and when I started reading this book I had mixed feelings concerning the story. I wasn’t too keen on the almost instant attraction between Esme and William. It both is and isn’t lust based between the two characters, but it’s also something more. This intrigues me, but then it also makes me feel that the romance angle is trying to be rushed/pushed through so quickly to establish a connection between the two characters. I wanted things to grow a bit more naturally between them, because initially the attraction is primarily physical.

As the story moves along, it ebbs and flows like the tide. There are interesting moments in the story, and then the story slows down and in some instances is less interesting. I like that Esme is an independent woman, and not necessarily a shrinking violet either. I appreciate that the author holds to Emse being a demure lady as it calls for in that time period. She’s strong, but she knows not to push the boundaries and not be snarky. I just wish that she wasn’t so jaded. Her holding someone responsible for their relatives choices is just wrong. I prefer my characters to be tolerable and she is definitely that. I find William to be a bit bland at times though, but I think that as he grows and develops as a character in the story he gets better.

Now, while the first half of the story is a bit sluggish in spots, the second half is another story all together. The storyline eventually really gets moving and engaging. I like the variety of characters in this story and that both of the main characters have individuals that they can count on. Esme doesn’t have as many as William, but as things move forward it’s not that big of a deal. I love Esme’s little familiar Simon. He’s honestly the most faceted of the characters...and he’s a cat. LOL!

Here and there sprinkled throughout the story are backstory concerning things that have happened in the past for both Esme and William. I loved those backstory moments. For me, they really bring the story to life and help the characters gain more dimension. It also explains a few things concerning both William and Esme. While it helps to explain a few things concerning Esme, my opinion remains the same. She should know to separate between one person and their relative who made particular choices. I mean, how would she feel if she was judged based on her mother’s choices and shunned because of them? She wouldn’t think that they were fair – same principle applied.

This book has some good qualities to it, but the beginning chapters were a bit dull for me, but pushing through them was worth it. I just wish that the author had mentioned how much time has passed when it comes to the epilogue. Yes, there are clues to give readers an idea of how much time has passed, but inputting this mentions of time throughout the book in key places would really benefit the story. I’m choosing to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series though to learn exactly what challenges the characters must face.

Magic Touch (Witches of Windsor #1)

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

Genre: Paranormal/ Historical Romance/ Witches

ESME

I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I’m a witch and a healer, and he’s a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what’s begun, I’m forced to seek assistance from the coven I’ve sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William’s sake, I put my family’s hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM

I’m mesmerized by Esme O’Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs, and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch’s touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven’s leaders insist magic never make mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I’ve never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME

Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

Add to Goodreads

Now Available

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

About the Author

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance, she also writes Contemporary Instalove as Andie Fenichel. A.S. is the author of the several series, including Forever Brides, Everton Domestic Society, Wallflowers of West Lane and more. Strong, empowered heroines from Regency London to modern-day New Jersey are what really excites her, and that’s what you’ll find in all her books.

A Jersey Girl at heart, she now makes her home in Southern Missouri with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, travel, history, puttering in her garden and spoiling her fussy cat.

A.S. Fenichel | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram | TikTok | Amazon | YouTube