A Cure for Magic Review Spotlight

We're celebrating the release of A Cure for Magic this week! Make sure you get your copy on May 28th!

A Cure for Magic is the first book in Talia Greer’s The Ardor Magic Cycle series. Author Greer will endeavor to take readers on a journey as a young woman discovers that consequences of a traumatic experience that unleashes magic in her veins. A power struggle is ensuing and it is up to Marika to not only survive, but reclaim what is rightfully hers.

A Cure for Magic will draw your attention with it’s beautiful cover. A hand, palm up with magic appearing to stream up out of it in wisps of varying colors. It’s quite beautiful to look at it and it draws you in. You can’t help but wonder what will the story held within these pages detail? What appears to be purple water drips down, and it raises the question...is the primary power of the main character water-related? Well, the only way to find out...is to take a dive into this story.

A Cure for Magic details Marika’s story. Marika is a princess living in the royal compound. Life appears to be good for her. She has her family, her privilege, and all the comforts she can benefit from. The only fly in the ointment? Her uncle Juri. You’ll witness his abuse of an ardor, a magic weilder. It seems strange, right? That a non-magic user is bringing harm to a magic weilder. It seems like it should be the exact opposite, but that is the twist that this story carries.

Immediately you’re getting red flags from Juri. He’s unsympathetic. He’s callous, and cruel. He’s not the one in charge, yet his behavior makes it seem like he holds more than power than appears on the surface. What is going on here? When Marika dares to speak up concerning the ardor’s situation and forced endurance of cruel subjugation...no one really does anything. Why? Marika’s father is the king. Is he really that powerless?

The dynamics in this story aren’t as black and white and straightforward as they might appear. You’d think that magic should rule, yet it doesn’t. You’d think that king holds the power, but it appears that the uncle is the one with the power since no one really wishes to stand up to him. Why? But even that is not the full extent of the truth. So, what is the truth concerning all of this? Well, the good news is that answers come, but they are slow in coming.

The next thing that you know in A Cure for Magic, Marika and her brother are on the run. Why? The royal compound is on fire. It is made to appear that it is a group of rebels who have instigated this attack, but the red flags still wave. Why? Well, you’ll see when a particular character joins Marika and her brother. It’s a bit too convenient that things are playing out the way that they are. But this is the flashpoint for Marika as well. This incident...the hints of loss...will be what awakens the ardor in her own blood.

The storyline for A Cure for Magic holds a many interesting elements and aspects. It’s enough to keep readers coming back for more of the storyline. However, Marika as a main character is a mixed bag. Marika is shown as a character who has been coddled  and pampered. She’s had to lack for nothing, and pretty much wait for nothing. Now, all of that has changed. Now, she is a young woman on the run, with a price on her head, and she’s having to go through an adjustment period.

It’s a tug of war to get to a place of liking her as a character. There are moments of where she shows some strength of character, and then she immediately turns around and assumes a royal’s attitude. She reflects quite often on how things were for her when she was entitled princess. She wants to fade into the background one minute, then when no one acknowledges her, she gets an attitude about it. It’s like...pick a lane princess. Either you want to be noticed and possibly exposed...or you don’t.

A Cure for Magic is fantasy storyline forward which is nice. There are hints of romance scattered here and there throughout the story, but the romance is secondary. So, for readers who want a more focused story, without all the romance muddying up the story, then this book is for you. For readers, who want more romance...well, you might find some disappointment, but you could still find that you enjoy this book.

Marika gradually develops as a character through the pages. There are some surprises mixed in here and there. Remember, this is the first book in a series, so there will be no conclusion when you come to the end of this book. Is there a major cliffhanger? No. It’s a soft ending with little tension or drama to speak of honestly. It would have been nicer to have a moment of tension or drama to leave readers eager for more, but this is what you get. But it will be interesting to see where Marika’s story goes from here.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Talia Greer, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.

A Cure for Magic (The Ardor Magic Cycle Book 1)

Publication Date: May 28, 2024

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance

💜 A Messy Bisexual Princess

👑 Black Royals

📕 Dark Academia

🔥Elemental Magic

💖 OT3/Throuple

🔮 Magic Training

🏕️ Only One Tent

🙊 Hidden Identity

Marika Cyran is destined to rule, if she survives her own power first.

When rebels attack the royal compound, Marika learns the true price of her family’s legacy. The same deadly magic her ancestors outlawed now runs in her veins, and her royal blood paints a target on her back.

Desperate to learn her powers before they destroy her, she takes shelter at Nella University, hiding her true identity. But it’s not quite the sanctuary she’s hoping for. Argent, the roommate she’s paired with, is a prickly woman who seems to despise her. The same rebels who want her family dead flourish here under the guise of a student society, and their most popular member, Harland, seems a little too interested in her dangerous power…and Marika herself.

When a spark ignites between all three of them, it complicates Marika’s quest for control. To stay is to spit upon her family’s memory. To leave is to forfeit her once chance to corral the unruly magic. And to do nothing is to risk being consumed by the very forces she seeks to understand.

A Cure for Magic is the first book in a New Adult romantic fantasy trilogy featuring dark elemental magic, hidden royals, and a medium-heat romance that is secondary to the plot. Perfect for fans of dark academia and the Netflix adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow & Bone.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

 

Way of the Wizard Review Spotlight

 

Your next fantasy read is here. 

Way of the Wizard is the first book in author Michael Michel’s newest series, and whether you are a fan of this author or not...DO. NOT. MISS. THIS. BOOK! This epic fantasy novel is just the beginning, and it is packed with a gripping storyline, fantastical creatures, and the promise of more to come.

The first thing that is going to catch your attention for the Way of the Wizard is the amazing cover. Depicted on the front is a character who appears to be a wizard. Magic flows from his hands down to the ground, and standing in front of him is...a minotaur! This is no regular minotaur. Ooooohhhh no. No, author Michel is giving readers one with four arms. Yes, people! Four!

But this is not some mindless creature people! Oh no! Don’t for one second think that. You’ll notice the lines of blue that streak across and around his body...those are the magical “chains” that bind him. As you read this book, you’ll understand exactly what this creature truly is. So get excited people! Honestly, if this cover alone doesn’t have you racing off to grab this book, I don’t know what will. Okay, well, maybe the promise of an engaging storyline. Because honestly, this book? Yeah, it’s definitely got that.

For now? Let’s go ahead and get into what you can expect from this story.

Readers who are familiar with Michael Michel know that they are going to get a fascinating story with a character who is more than likely going to have a tough road ahead. Is it a path that will be insurmountable? Well, what fun would that be if that were the case? Will the main character have a tough road ahead that will challenge them and push them to become more? Absolutely! One thing is for sure...this book will keep you page-turning to the end.

Way of the Wizard is the story of El. He’s a 16-year-old boy living in poverty with his mother in a small village. For one so young, El has already lost so much. He watched almost every one of his family members die one by one. It’s truly heartbreaking. His sister? Murdered by the Stormseye Brotherhood. The rest of his family? Starvation and disease. Only his mother is left to him, and she is slowly succumbing to disease tortuously slow. It’s heartbreaking knowing that El is having to watch his mother suffer like this and that he can do little to nothing. But does he get to be there in her final moments? No. Why? Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

All we’ll tell you is that El is forced to leave her, and when he comes back to his home...she’s gone. What happened to her? Well, that’s where author Michel allows readers to use their imagination and piece together what happened to her and what her final moments might have been like.

El crosses paths with an Elder though. Who is this strange man? What is this object that he offers El that he says will take him down a path that promises new opportunities? You must be brave if you are to succeed. But when the opportunity to become a Seeker is offered...it is one that El views has hard to pass up.

It’s no small thing to run into the wilderness, but that is the task that El is set with by the Elder. Opportunity only knocks once...but sometimes...your destiny will give you a second chance.

Way of the Wizard is a novel that moves at a pretty quick clip. You are constantly plagued with the question of “What is going to happen next?” when it comes to El’s story. When the storyline takes a certain path, you can’t help but wonder where is El’s journey going to take him.

One can easily guess that as this is book one of a new series by author Michel that El’s story will end soon in this book or anytime soon. If that were the case then we really wouldn’t have much of a story now, would we? LOL! Granted, his friend Trin could pick up his story by choosing to chase after him, but while he thinks of her often, she’s but a side character for the moment.

El is just 16, soon to be 17, but life doesn’t care. He’s going to have to work hard to prove himself if he is to achieve his dream of becoming a wizard. The object that he is given will be his guide, but only if he does EXACTLY as it says. Any deviation will lead to a destruction and there will be no coming back for him. It’s not easy to always follow what you are instructed to do, but if he can do that? Well, you can guess that success will be in his future.

Way of the Wizard has an interesting cast of characters. El is the main focus of the story as the story is told from his perspective. El shows some juvenile attributes, but in this world that author Michel has created, El is going to have to do some growing up...and quickly. The good news? He’s going to have some help along the way. El will make a friend or two along the way when he is found by and joins a cabal. You’ll find that the wizard who takes him in doesn’t expect much of him. In fact, this wizard has such low expectations of El that he doesn’t believe that El will live past 6 months. Talk about setting the bar low! LOL! Granted, El is determined to prove him wrong. #TeamEl all the way!

With some guidance and sheer determination El progressively improves a day at a time. One element that we appreciate about this book is that author Michel doesn’t rush the storyline. This isn’t a story of where one day El is struggling to throw a spear and hit a target, and then within a week he’s a “pro.” No, you get to watch as El gradually improves. Of course, that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t get thrown into the deep end a few times.

Hoping for some fantastical creatures? Be patient! They are coming! We may or may not have done a few rounds of excited bouncing when author Michel introduces certain monsters at various points throughout the story. When the minotaur featured on the cover makes an appearance we became GLUED to the pages. Honestly, it was like author Michel was reading our mind when we started to wonder “When exactly is the monster featured on the cover going to make an appearance?” Trust us...it’s worth the wait, but there will be others to draw you in in the meantime.

Way of the Wizard is a “short-ish” novel when it comes to an “epic fantasy.” But don’t let that get you down. Every page gives you another fascinating aspect of the story. There is nothing boring to be found within the pages of the Way of the Wizard. We can promise you that. Now, are you wondering if there is a cliffhanger ending? Kinda sorta? LOL! Honestly, we got in a bit of a huff when the book comes to a bit of an “abrupt” end, but it was honestly a good stopping point. We know you’ll agree when you read this book. LOL!

Look at this way though! You’ll be excited for book two! Way of the Wizard is honestly one of our top favorite books of 2024. Author Michel does an excellent job keeping readers engaged in the fate of his main character, El. Pay attention to the small details because the author is laying the groundwork and some hints for what will be to come concerning El and some individuals he may know. Things are just getting started and we can’t wait for more.

Pros:

• Great storytelling
• Engaging storyline
• Interesting characters
• Fantastic creatures
• Nice attention to detail

Cons:

• None of merit

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Michael Michel, for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

Fantasy book lovers unite and grab this book!  

The Shadows of Wren Review Spotlight

Welcome to the tour for The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bliton. Book one of The Light in the Shadows series! Read on for more details!

The Shadows of Wren is the first book in the Light in the Shadows series and this romantic fantasy promises some interesting elements and aspects along with some truly fantastic creatures. Prepare for some quick romance, but if you’re hoping for some steamy moments...that’s where the slow-burn is going to kick in. So try to exercise some patience.

The Shadows of Wren gifts readers with a gorgeous cover that teases you with the promise of an engaging storyline with beautiful flowers dripping and surrounded by shadows. Does this cover truly give readers insight in what to expect of this storyline? No, however it does draw you to the book and the promise of what it holds inside.

The Shadows of Wren is a slow to moderately paced novel. It is the first in the Light in the Shadows series and immediately introduces readers to the main character of the story, Wren. Wren is a Shadow mage. This a secret that only a handful of people in her village know about. They know that she is capable of magic, but only a few know exactly what magic she holds inside.

Wren is not comfortable with her powers, but when an attack comes to her home and witnesses the burning of her library, she knows that she must act. She’s heard of the burnings and attacks of other town’s libraries. Someone is on the hunt for something, and they don’t care how they acquire the knowledge that they after. When things come close to home before their fateful attack, Wren crosses paths with a Necromancer. Is he part of the group causing the chaos across the land? Or he is someone she can call friend and ally?

The overall storyline with The Shadows of Wren is slow-moving to moderate at times. The story focuses heavily on Wren and tells the story from the first person perspective. Wren isn’t necessarily a brash or even sassy character. She’s, kind of….bland to be honest. Yes, she has this unique and interesting magic, but she rarely has any moments that truly stand out when it comes to her character.

Wren has some moments of bravery scattered throughout the story, but she tends to come off as more of a foolish girl than a strong young woman. There are prime examples scattered throughout, but the starkest one will be when she takes it upon herself to go after the Sentinels when they are investigating something near the woods and almost gets herself killed. She has no true fighting training, but has the thought process that she can be of some help. Does she end up being helpful? Yes. Did she almost end up losing her life first? Yes.

When she decides that she wants to do something then she moves ahead with it. These decisions tend to orbit around the love interest that is quickly introduced in the form of the Necromancer, Tyran. Readers will want to hold back a touch in the event that Tyran proves to be a “devil in disguise” but Wren is quickly head over heels for the man which goes to showcase her youth and naivety. Of course, as of this book, the author allows things to go in Wren’s favor concerning the romance angle, and things appear to be “all’s well.”

As promised there are some truly unique and interesting creatures that the author gives readers throughout this book. Wren meets one, and is rescued from certain death by Tyran. This particular “monster” is a wild combination of multiple creatures. Your eyes might bug out of your head a bit, but your imagination will have a grand time as it conjures up this monster’s appearance. Then there is another later on in the story, that is allowed to escape death thanks to Wren’s soft heart. Plus, the creature is truly beautiful, and it would be a shame for it to have been slaughtered for simply following it’s nature.

There are some twists and turns and surprises scattered through The Shadows of Wren, we just would have liked more drama. More intensity, and more edge of your seat moments. There is honestly little to grab you and keep you page-turning at a rapid pace to make you eager to find out what happens next. It’s a touch disappointing. The book is interesting, but it falls short of being fantastic. There are a few explosive moments here and there, but it fails to give this book the jolt that it desperately needed in the energy department.

The Shadows of Wren is the first book in this series, however, if you’re a reader who hates cliffhangers...do not worry. There will be none of that here. In fact, the book ends with a sweet moment  between Wren and Tyran. Unfortunately, this sweet moment will do little to whet your appetite to look forward to book two. For that, you’d probably have to stop more than a few pages before the end. LOL!

This storyline and series have potential, but the characters are going to need more than a little bit of fire and drama to get there.

We’ll have to see where things unfold from here. For now, this is an okay romantic fantasy novel. It’s hit and miss in the drama department. Would we continue this series? The answer is probably as long as things pick up in book two with some serious energy.

4 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, Jen Bliton, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.

The Shadows of Wren (The Light in the Shadows)

Publication Date: August 30, 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

• Ancient Magic

• Mythical Creatures

• Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love

• Large Scale Battles

• Trauma Healing

• Mental Health Rep

May the Valiant Prevail.

After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force.

An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she's known. Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared.

Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.

SEE AUTHOR’S BIO FOR PURCHASE LINKS

 

Lightfall Review Spotlight

 ‘Tis said, if the Dragon Prince falls, so falls the kingdom.
Lucky for the kingdom, I—a nobody thief—am here to catch him.
But now he won’t let me go, and I may be the next feast of The Dreadmarked Dragon.

We're celebrating the release of Lightfall by Elsa Jade! Make sure you treat yourself to this one!

Lightfall is the first book in Elsa Jade's The Dreadmarked Dragon series, and let's just say this...this book is not fast-paced, but it has a gripping storyline that is going to keep you coming back for more. 

What does a street urchin have to lose when she finds herself with just a second's worth of an opportunity to escape her pursuers and join up with one of The Chosen? Well, let's just say...it's probably going to be better than whatever punishment they are looking to meet out on her for stealing. Feinan was abandoned as a child, and forced to grow up the streets. But things are changing. A Devouring has been called for, and one of The Chosen briefly makes an attempt at escape. You can guess that things don't go as planned. 

Feinan though takes the opportunity presented to her with the arrival of the Dragon Prince to join this particular Chosen One in the hopes that this opportunity will bring her something, anything better than her specific plight. 

Feinan is an interesting character whom the author focuses on throughout the story. She's got nothing to lose and it shows. Of course, the friends that she inevitably makes along the way try to keep her in line, but...good luck with that. She submits when she wants to and when she doesn't? Well, she doesn't. But one thing is for sure, once you have Feinan on your side...you've got yourself a good friend. 

The storyline's pace is a bit slow, but it's engaging. So, no real complaints here in that respect. You get spurts and sparks of drama and when it comes...it is intense and hard-hitting. You're going to be glued to the pages to discover how that particular scene is going to play out. 

Love it or hate, you get some "holier than thou" characters up in here, too. We particularly love to hate them. LOL! They could easily choose to sacrifice themselves to the dragon for the sake of all, but God forbid that happen, right? Because as one character so eloquently says..."there is a lot that many will give up, but power isn't one of them." Truer words were never spoken. Let me tell ya. 

This book has a lot going for it, and it will leave you eager for what comes next. So, don't miss out on this book and grab it today! 

5 out of 5 stars

Lightfall (The Dreadmarked Dragon Duology #1)

Publication Date: May 13, 2024

Genre: Romantasy/ Adventure

• Epic romantasy adventure

• Snarky heroine makes bad choices

• Doomed prince

• Found family

• We all have wounds

• You are my only light

He is the Dragon Prince, cursed and bound by sacrificed auras to a savage demon dragon. Wielding the barely tamed monster like a weapon, the prince fights the hellish horde to preserve the light of all the Living Lands.

Me… I’m nothing. Or not quite nothing. I’m a good thief, with clever fingers and a wayward tongue—which only gets me in trouble when the glowering Dragon Prince rescues me. He wasn’t rescuing just me, of course. There’s a fine lady and a brave soldier and a shy little shepherd boy, and also a holier-than-me cleric and a king.

Now, because of a mistake that was not really mine, I’m trapped in a dangerous adventure. Demonic verges are splitting across the kingdom, releasing ghastly spawn from the Lost Lands. Even worse, the enchanted chains on the dragon are fraying, and the lifetime of scars that wound the Dragon Prince are bleeding where only I can see.

We must find our way through ancient tomes and fabled talismans and terrible battles before the kingdom crumbles. But I might be falling too—falling for the dreadmarked prince. He did save me, after all, so I might just save him in return.

Enter the exciting world of the Living Lands in LIGHTFALL, book one of The Dreadmarked Dragon duology, an epic romantic fantasy, where noble intrigue and demonic war are equally fatal, where one touch in the dark may lead to desire or damnation—and love might be most lethal of all. For fans of slow-burn romantasy who thought The Lord of the Rings needed a few more kisses.

GET IT HERE

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

 

Welcome to Fae Cafe Review Spotlight

WELCOME TO FAE CAFÉ is like Holly Black’s tricky FOLK OF THE AIR schemes meeting your grandmother’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. With a sweet, comical romance and relatable slice-of-life moments colliding with manipulative fairy games and deathmatches, this book puts a spin on the typical fae stories readers know and love and aims to be the coziest rom-com fae book of all time.

 Welcome to Fae Cafe is a fantasy rom com that brings together a human and an assassin prince. Kate Kole is just simply minding her own business, scoping out the competition, when a rather aggressively rude male (turns out to be a fae) brings a dash of disorder to her day. Well, when things turn...physical, the situation goes left, and Kate is guilty of...muuuurder. *Gasp* Well, this is officially the beginning...of the end. No, we’re just kidding. This is the beginning of Kate’s and Cress’s story that buds an unlikely romance, with some rather humorous moments sprinkled throughout.

The blurb and cover for this book promise a lot of fun to be found within these pages. The book’s cover depicts a young woman, and a fae male sitting together drinking what we can assume to be coffee. The fae guy appears to be quite taken with the young woman. However, is it reciprocated? The cover definitely gives off cozy vibes, but will they be found within the pages of this story as well? Well, you’ll just have to read to find out.

Welcome to Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf is absolutely an interesting story, for the most part. As you read this book you get to learn about who Kate Kole is. Of course, you’ll have to exercise quite a healthy amount of patience since Kate flutters back and forth between interesting and just down-right annoying. Sorry not sorry but her abuse of adjectives is enough to drive a sane person to the nearest abandoned asylum. LOL! No, seriously. It’s like she doesn’t know how to simply pick up a dictionary. They still do exist in this fiction fantasy realm, right? Well, we hope they do anyways.

This story alternates between Kate and Cress. It’s easy to tell who the chapter is focusing on by the headings of each chapter that will either have a female depicted character, or a male depicted character. Though Cress’s were typically the ones we looked forward to the most since he got a sword and ivy swirls. Plus, honestly, Cress is just more interesting as a character.

As Welcome to Fae Cafe unfolds we get to learn about each of the characters in this book, but Cress’s story is more interesting. Cress’s story has more backstory and gives readers a better idea of who he is. Is he an arrogant character? Honestly, yes, he is. However, he isn’t the only one. LOL! To be honest, Kate is, too. They are the definition of two wrongs don’t make a right.

Cress has come to the human realm after one of his assassin brothers was killed. His agenda? Revenge. While Kate may be insanely incompetent, she has some helping nudges along the way that have her enslaving this fellow assassin brothers who came to the human realm with him.

There is some humor in what Kate does concerning them, but unfortunately, for this reader, it wears off rather quickly. The intended humor element we mean. Kate insists on taking things too far for our liking. She never stops to consider how she would feel if someone subjected her to the things that she forces them to do. Now, to be fair, the author does come back and have Kate express some remorse concerning her actions. But for us, it’s just too little too late.

Cress and his fellow brother assassins bring the majority of the humor to the storyline. Unfortunately, Kate just brings...more than a little annoyance. To be fair, there are moments of where we like her. But then she typically shortly there after does something that proves to be irritating and that little bit of liking we had towards her...evaporates like steam. Are we being biased against her? No, not really.

Typically with any book we come into each one with the intent to immediately like the FMC, but Kate just drives that dry pretty quickly.

Now! With that being said, Welcome to Fae Cafe honestly does have some redeeming qualities. The question begs though...why do the heavier rom com elements take place in the final 30% of the book?? We wanted more of it throughout! We wanted more give and take between the characters. As it is, it’s Kate giving in spurts, but doing most of the taking. Plus, we wanted more of her backstory. It just wasn’t enough. We also wanted more focus on her working to open the cafe. We get spurts of attention to this here and there, but it all ends up flashing by once she enslaves the assassins to do her bidding.

While this book was heading towards 4 star territory, the author probably had an idea that there would be readers like us who would be preparing a mildly scathing review. LOL! Well, this book has some major saving grace with some really well done twists, surprises and unexpected elements sprinkled thoughout this book, but especially towards the end. So just go ahead and settle in. Think that you’re getting to the point of putting this book down for whatever the reason? Just hang in there. You’ll be happy that you stuck with it.

We will warn you of this though...grab some tissues and just have them on hand. Don’t worry, nothing is going to happen for quite a while, but after the 65% - 72% mark of the story...have them nearby. You’re going to need them. This author intends to bring a tear or two to your eyes.

This book has an interesting ending, but the good news is that it seems like we’ll be returning to the Fae Cafe sometime in the near future. This is good news, because honestly, Cress has unfinished business and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Welcome to Fae Cafe is an interesting fantasy cozy rom com that despite the irritating behavior of certain characters, is a lot of fun to read. We look forward to returning to them in the future.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Jennifer Kropf, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.  

Welcome to Fae Cafe (High Court of the Coffee Bean Book 1)

Publication Date: October 2023

Genre: Cozy Romcom/ Fae Fantasy Elements

There are ten golden rules if you want to survive an encounter with a fae:

1. Don’t ask their name.

2. If they ask you what your name is, lie.

3. Avoid looking directly into their eyes.

4. Don’t invite them to your book club.

5. Don’t instigate a snowball fight.

6. Never let them burn their mouth on coffee.

7. Don’t ask them where they’re from.

8. Don’t tell them where you live.

9. Never mention their queen.

10. Don’t try to kill them with an ordinary human gun.

If you fail to do any of these things, enslave them immediately.

On a cozy fall morning, Kate Kole is nestled in a coffee shop in the city of Toronto reading her favourite novel when she accidentally kills a guy who's being rude to the coffee shop's cashier. Unfortunately for Kate, the person she killed was a fae assassin of the North Corner of Ever, visiting the human realm in secret.

From there, four deadly fae assassins come to the human realm to hunt her down for breaking a fairy law and killing one of their own. Leading them is Prince Cressica Alabastian, the most feared and deadly fae assassin of the North and heir to the North Corner of Ever.

After the assassins arrive in the human realm, things go terribly wrong. To Prince Cressica's horror, his assassins unwittingly get roped into running a cozy café on Kate Kole's behalf. To blend in, the fae assassins are forced to learn how to do basic human activities like cleaning up after themselves, driving without road rage, reading popular fantasy books at book club without getting into alpha male fights over what they’re reading, and in general, be nice, all to blend into regular human society.

With a temper like no other, and deadly power that's unmatched, Prince Cressica seeks to get revenge on Kate Kole. But as he aims to strike where it will hurt her the most, the Prince finds himself enchanted by his human target in more ways than one. And when the darkness of the Ever Corners comes knocking at the human realm's door, he needs to make a choice that could cost him everything.

With coziness for days, WELCOME TO FAE CAFÉ is a new spin on some of the most popular fae fantasy tropes, in a setting where fae most definitely don't belong. If you like fantasy and you like rom coms, this may just be your cup of tea. (Or coffee.)

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON & OTHER FINE RETAILERS

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

 

Division X Spotlight

I’m not me when I kill people. At least, that’s what I tell myself. I wake up, and I know I’ve done something horrible. My hands are covered in blood, my clothes are gone, and my stomach feels full. I don’t remember what I did. All I remember is the pain. It’s impossible to forget...

                                                                            Division X

Publication Date: October 2022 (First Edition)

Genre: Paranormal Horror

The monster killing business isn't all it's cracked up to be.

We all have a monster within... understatement of the year. For 24-year-old Randi Matheson, she quite literally does. On every full moon, it rears its hairy head. She wasn't always like this. Ever since her attack, the animal comes out to play. And on one full moon, the beast inside tries to eat her younger brother.

Division X, a paramilitary group hellbent on the eradication of monsters, intervenes and saves Randi's brother from being devoured. They take Randi far away and imprison her in a place no monster can escape. Held captive, Randi is given an ultimatum. Work for Division X as a new weapon in the fight against evil or be dissected. Without a real choice, she chooses the former and experiences the dark underbelly of reality as she faces off against vampires, demons, and redneck serial killers. Promised a cure to her condition along the way, Randi does her best to stay alive.

CW: Violence, gore, adult content

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Road Kill Texas Horror Vol 8 Anthology Review Spotlight

Looking for something darkly delicious? Well, Black Tide Book Tours and HellBound Books has got you covered! Brace yourself for a book packed with twisted horror stories from the minds of some pretty epic Texans. Read on at your own risk! Hope you enjoy! 

 Road Kill Texas Horror by Texas Writers Vol 8 is packed from stem to stern with horror novels written by...yep, you guessed it, Texas authors. So, basically what we’re getting is some of the best quality work you can find out there, right? Because Texas is just that great. LOL! Hey! Stop looking at me like that...I’m completely UNbiased here. So I claim as a Texan myself and proud of it. LOL!

But for real, for real...this anthology is packed with horrorific tales from the twisted minds of many of these authors that will leave you with a mixed bag of reactions. Some will draw you in and keep you page-turning...to the rather abrupt endings that they tease you with. While others will leave you with the macabre horrors that their characters suffered and the twisted fates that saw their ultimate downfall.

In Road Kill Texas Horror, there is a little something for everyone. You’re going to get stories that take you back in time before racism became the more “toned-down” entity that it is today. You’re going to get stories that will flick at your conscious like a snake’s tongue as it hunts for its next victim. You’re going to be treated to stories with ghosts that re-enter the world through a portal that...honestly...should not be, but hey...who cares about the “rules” when horror? Horror is meant to break them like bones and grind them into dust.

There are some seriously delicious hidden gems tucked away inside this anthology. Twisted stories that will grip you and keep you coming back for more. The desire riding you hard to find out...how does this play out for this particular character? What twisted fate does this author have in store for them? Bring on the macabre you’ll shout! But don’t say it too loud or something just might answer...and not in the way you’ll be hoping.

With the start of Road Kill Texas Horror you are gifted an introduction by Bret McCormick. This individual tells you about all the submissions that they went through to piece together this particular anthology. A lot of work and detail went into it, that’s for sure. A lot of rejections from the sounds of it as this person went to the lengths of trying to find the perfect collection to bring this anthology to life. Were they successful in their endeavors? Well, all readers are fickle creatures, and we are no exception. Some will say yes, others...eh, not so much. But all that matters at the end of the day dear reader...is you.

This collection starts things off with a story that will challenge your conscious. It will beg the moral question concerning the young character who is the focus of this story. “What would you have done, if you were in her shoes?” “Lonely Death on a Wednesday, 1 pm, at a Motel Outside Marfa, is a story that sticks with you in the most intriguing way. Is because there is a gruesome murder with blood spatter everywhere? No. Is it a tragic death of someone who has been left to rot in an abandoned motel room completely forgotten? No. It’s a tragedy that could have been avoided.

The young character who bears witness to the tragedy...is written as aloof. Like there is some form of disconnect concerning the child. But what is it exactly? You’ll find yourself questioning her behavior. You’ll honestly find yourself questioning the entire scene that unfolds. It’s a sad tale, but brings more of a horror of humanity to the forefront.

Nature lovers...or haters...LOL! Whichever end of the spectrum you may find yourself on...”Nature Calls” by E.R. Bills is going to be one that either you’re going to greedily devour...or one that will have you forever swearing off any outdoor excursions. Ya know...just in case something that is depicted in this twisted story...could actually happen. LOL!

The beginning of “Nature Calls” starts out interestingly enough. Something fast, huge, and scary is killing humans. What is it? Well, author Bills insists on keeping you in the dark. What could it be? What is it? Is there any way to escape this dangerous thing as it appears to destroy everything it crosses?

Well, we recommend that you settle in on this story, because the interesting bits? They’re scattered throughout...much like how this creature leaves it’s victims. Too soon? LOL! Though, when the revelation comes of what it is...and the acceptance of the characters...well, that’s going to take some time, but it’s worth it. The ending? Jaw-dropping.

Want to know which one pretty much blew our mind? Well, that’s easy enough...”That’s a Peculiar Stain on the Carpet.” This story...this one we should have recorded our facial reactions because...boooooy howdy! We did NOT see any of author Jae Mazer’s twisted imagination coming at us by a long shot. This book is packed with twisted elements that are NOT for the faint of heart. For some readers...it’s going to be down right cringy. So...you’ve been warned. Proceed with caution. LOL! But honestly? For us? The weirder, the better, and author Mazer delivers in spades. We didn’t like some of the elements of this book *coughs – the cat scene* especially, but this is one of the stories where you just cannot predict what is going to happen next. Honestly, those are the best kinds. LOL!

Another story that we absolutely devoured? “Sundown” by Jonathan Louis Duckworth. OMG! This is another one that just grabbed us and kept us page-turning to the end. Anything with some form of twisted lore, and the consequences in dabbling in it...we are going to eat it up. Author Duckworth takes his time laying out the foundation for what’s coming, but the wait is worth every second! While you’re waiting, you’re not bored. You’re curious about the characters. Your curiosity is going to drive you to dig deeper and to learn more. It’s absolutely riveting.

Now, we could give you a taste or glimpse about more stories in this collection, but then...what would motivate you to grab a copy and dive in yourself? So, we’ll leave things with those few that we’ve given you a tiny taste of. There is literally something for everyone in this collection. Some will keep you page-turning, while others...(for us) may end up lulling you to sleep. But one thing is for sure...Texas is beautifully represented in this collective of twisted deliciousness.

Horror lovers unite, because Road Kill Texas Horror is not be missed...or you’ll regret it.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros:

• Gripping stories
• Twisted characters
• Twisted situations
• Deliciously gorey
• Page-turners

Cons:

• None of true merit

A huge shout out thank you to all of the authors who participated in this anthology, HellBound Books, and Black Tide Book tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! It was a lot of fun! As always, I look forward to what comes next with Black Tide Book Tours and the darkly delicious books from HellBound books.  

Road Kill: Texas Horror by Texas Writers - Vol 8

by Texas Authors; Compiled & Edited by Patrick C Harrison III

Black Tide Book Tours

May 7-10

Mind the moon when you leave the theater! Road Kill: Texas Horror by Texas Writers returns, and Vol. 8 definitely goes Splatterbump in the night!

It’s a monstrous mosh of fallen angels, prepubescent prescience, tempestuous incest, intergalactic blues, a Gulliverian massacre, cynophile racists, murderous rodents, a prehistoric Devil Head, the return of Bram Stoker’s forgotten hero, and so much more...

Featuring stories from the grand master of horror himself, Joe R. Lansdale, Emma E. Murray, Jae Mazer, Bret McCormick, Madison Estes, Chris Miller, James H. Longmore, Jonathan Louis Duckworth, Robert Stahl, Matt Micheli, Elford Alley, Iphigenia Strangeworth, Jacob Austin, R. L. Olvitt, Lawrence Buentello, Tom Bont, Bev Vincent, and the incomparable E. R. Bills.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Editor

Patrick C. Harrison III (PC3, if you prefer) is an author of horror, splatterpunk, and all forms of speculative fiction. His current publications include GRANDPAPPY, 100% MATCH, A SAVAGE BREED, and VAMPIRE NUNS BEHIND BARS, among others. His works can also be found in various anthologies, including AND HELL FOLLOWED and ROAD KILL: TEXAS HORROR BY TEXAS AUTHORS VOL. 4.

PC3 is also an editor, having worked on numerous books for Death's Head Press, D&T Publishing, and Fedowar Press, as well for popular authors like Aron Beauregard and Danel J. Volpe. For editing services, feel free to contact PC3 at pc3@pc3horror.com.

Follow PC3's FREE substack—pc3horror.substack.com—for frequent horror and exploitation movie reviews, as well as updates on his fiction.

About the Publisher

HellBound Books are the veritable tour de force in the independent publishing world — for eight years and counting, they have published novels, novellas, and bestselling anthologies of exemplary horror, bizarro, and all things dark — the type of tales from exciting new authors guaranteed to keep you wide awake in the small hours and checking the inky-black, coagulating shadows beneath your bed just one last time…
They are incredibly proud to be champions of the newest, brightest upcoming authors as well as home to more established writers. Their objective is to bring to you — wonderful readers — the very best in the dark genres. They are proud to say all HellBound Books titles are available in traditional-sized paperback and ebook, along with a few very special hard cover books, too.

https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/
https://twitter.com/HellBoundBooks
https://www.instagram.com/hellboundbooks

 

City of Mirth and Malice Review Spotlight

 We are celebrating highly anticipated release of City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard! The duology is complete!

City of Mirth and Malice is here and it draws to an epic conclusion the story of Nico and Camilla. 

Readers who enjoy an engaging duology are not going to want to miss out on this amazing novel as it is going to grip you from the beginning and keep you page-turning to the very end. 

Yes, City of Mirth and Malice is part of a duology. However! The author grants readers a boon. Haven't read book one yet? Want to dive into this book so that you can eagerly devour it and find out how it all ends? Read book one a while back and can't really remember the key aspects that left you breathless for book two? Well, good news! The author gives readers a delicious synopsis at the beginning of book two that catches you up or refreshes you on what exactly went down in book one. It's fantastic.

Now! For the book itself. We absolutely loved book two more than book one. Why? Balance. Simple as that really. LOL! In book one, A House of Bane and Blood, the story was very heavy on Camilla. She was the dominant character that the author chose to focus on. We wanted more of Nico. He had the more interesting storyline, and honestly...he was more sufferable. Camilla was...a pill to be frank. 

In A City of Mirth and Malice, we get to see a different side of her. Why? Well, the simple answer is this...she's in prison. The very same prison that Nico was released from...she's been sent there. But she's not a prisoner "on the books." No, she is there being kept in secret, but she's not the only one. There are others. But you'll learn more about them later. 

Nico is playing a big part on the outside. He knows his wife is still alive, and he is going to do whatever it takes to bring her home. Cue dramatic pause...a new order is coming to town! Whoop whoop! Get excited people! Nico knows that the rules of the old world are pressing down on them, but he refuses to stand by and allow it to happen. Not here. There will be equality for all, or there will be nothing. Cue intrigue and drama! 

What is going to happen next? Lots of amazing stuff! You're not going to want to miss out on this book. Camilla and Nico show a lot of growth throughout this duology, but book two surpasses book one by leaps and bounds. You're not going to want to put this book down as Camilla battles to stay alive, and Nico fights to do whatever it takes to get her back and bring her home. 

A City of Mirth and Malice is the amazing conclusion to this duology and it has left this reader an absolute fan of this author. We can't wait to read more in the future. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Alexis L. Menard, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next! 

Eager to know what my thoughts are for book one? Stay tuned! Because that review is coming soon! 

City of Mirth and Malice (Order and Chaos #2)

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance/ Gaslamp Fantasy

Some debts are not so easily repaid—or forgiven.

Nicolai Attano finally has everything he ever wanted: control over the Iron Saint Railway, safety for his family, and not a single rival syndicate to stand in his way. Never could he have imagined he’d want anything more than power—not until Camilla Marchese.

Six weeks have passed since the disaster on the train and his wife was kidnapped, but to get her back, he’ll need help. Nico struggles to work with a city poisoned against him and is instead forced to seek the aid of a disreputable black-market dealer. A simple bargain to ensure her rescue, Nico doesn’t think twice. A bargain is struck, and the cost is higher than ever. The collateral? His life.

Meanwhile, Camilla fights to gain control over her newfound powers as the alchemist in charge of her confinement puts her to the test. Forced to free what she’s held so close, the only light in this hellish prison is the hope to see her family again, and the husband who stole her heart. Three trials and three chances to find the source of her Chaos and use it to save herself, if it doesn’t destroy her first.

Cracks in the city draw lines between loyalties, and time is running out until everything comes crashing down. Return to Lynchaven in this action-packed and swoony conclusion of Nico and Milla’s story.

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Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours