The Godsblood Tragedy Review Spotlight

 The Godsblood Tragedy is a gripping fantasy novel with some sci-fi/steampunk elements that readers are not going to want to miss. The Godsblood Tragedy is Passage One of the Divine Godsqueen Coda and from page one you just know that this book and series is going to be epic.

The Godsblood Tragedy kicks things off with a cover that absolutely grabs the eye and holds your attention. A massive city dominates the cover of The Godsblood Tragedy. Everywhere you look you see lights, soaring towers, and tiers of the city on full display. Whispers of mist and clouds float all around. In the foreground, a woman stands with glowing tattoos on her left arm.

She’s standing facing this city of industry and full of danger. Soaring in the sky is dragon or vvyern. It flies unchallenged while small ships sail through the air, monitoring the populace. All of these elements come together to pique the interest of readers. To call to them to pick this book up and dive in to see what it’s all about.

The Godsblood Tragedy is the first book by Bill Adams in his Divine Godsqueen Coda. This epic fantasy novel blends together magic and technology into a unique story that will pull you in from the first chapter. Here you will meet a variety of characters who will be the focal of this book as each embarks on their own personal quests and vendettas.

The first character that you will encounter in The Godsblood Tragedy is Ashe. Of course, in this first chapter, she’s essentially nameless. She is an orphan looking to discover who she is and find her family. She goes from being called “Stray Cat” to Ashe once she lands in the desert city of Drenth. There she finds chaos is brewing and erupting. But this place will be her home, so she finds a place to call “home” and settles in.

As The Godsblood Tragedy gets underway, you “officially” meet Ashe. She’s in a bit of trouble, but she’s on a quest, so trouble tends to find you along the way. What she doesn’t expect to find is more questions than answers. Something happens on this “job” that she’s taken on and it rings the bell of trouble yet to come. Of course, the situation she’s in? It just keeps getting more complicated by the minute.

Author Adams shifts the story from Ashe to his next character in mind – Cadrianna. This character will absolutely spark readers' interest. It’s all in the eyes...same with Ashe. Same, but dynamically different. It will fuel your intrigue and have you digging deeper to learn more. But Cadrianna bears more uniqueness beyond her eyes...she carries a daemon blade. This blade is so unique it’s insanely cool. LOL! Bonded with a daemon it apparently also has a wicked sharp sense of humor and wit.

Trust us on this one...you’ll snort more than once when Stix is in a scene and has something snarky to say. Safe to say that Cadrianna isn’t always interesting in engaging with her blade. But, of course, author Adams has to make this blade something truly unique. Don’t worry, we’ll leave that tidbit for you readers to discover for yourselves.

Each chapter in The Godsblood Tragedy alternates between characters that you will be introduced to one at a time. One will be especially surprising when you learn about their past. Why do we say this? Because he’s supposed to be dead!!! Were we given a heads-up about this little tidbit of information? Honestly? Yes. Did our jaw still drop when we read the revelation? Absolutely. LOL!

The deeper readers go into The Godsblood Tragedy the more you will be drawn into the lives and fights of the main cast of characters. Each has their own agenda that they are moving towards. Lojen is one such fascinating character. A drakken without his horns he’s on a quest to reclaim what was stolen from him. A quest to reclaim tinged with a quest for revenge. Will he be able to balance the two against themselves?

Each chapter focuses on the specific character of that particular moment, but then ramping up the drama when their paths clash with the other characters. One thing you can expect from this book is a ton of drama that amplifies this book to the next level.

Wanting to know what the characters look like? Using your imagination only taking you so far? Well, you’re in luck, because author Adams gives readers images of the four main characters of this story. In the (physical) book author Adams includes character plates to give readers a better idea of what the characters look like.

The Godsblood Tragedy is an epic fantasy novel that will absolutely slam-dunk its way into your top favorite reads for 2024. Twists, dragons, drama, romance, secrets and so much more are tucked away in this novel’s pages. Once you start reading this book you’ll be hard-pressed to want to put it down. So, we recommend clearing your schedule, grabbing some snacks, and getting comfortable. This book is worth every second you will dedicate to it.

Hate cliffhangers? Well, this book ends on one, but it’s one that will have the hair on your head standing up with excitement and anticipation for where author Adams is taking this series next. We can’t wait to discover the rest of this story and where author Adams takes the characters from here!

5 out of 5 stars

The Godsblood Tragedy: Passage One of the Divine Godsqueen Coda

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence.

A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family.

A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master.

A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor.

As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

About the Author

When not writing, Bill is a product manager for a company that tests food using analytical chemistry and microbiology.

During his collegiate days at the turn of the century, he began to develop his passion for writing, especially within the epic fantasy genre about unlikely heroes. It was there, Bill began to formulate the story that would eventually become Ashe’s unwanted journey and The Divine Godsqueen Coda.

Aside from writing, Bill loves movies and reading, especially SFF B-movies. He likes to know all the useless trivia, like who played who, and what the stories were behind the curtain. He is a master at Scene It. Bill’s few other hobbies include soccer, a good whiskey, a slice of pizza, and growing a beard. It is the little things he enjoys most.

Bill currently lives in the greater Chicago, IL area with his wife and young son.

Thanks to the author, Bill Adams and Indie Book Tours for the opportunity to participate in this tour! We hope you enjoyed our stop! Be sure to grab your copy of this amazing book! We look forward to what comes next! 

 

The Collection Review Spotlight

 

We're celebrating the release of The Collection by K. Kirchberger! Grab a copy on July 23rd!

 The Collection is an adult fantasy romance that is just the beginning of author K. Kirchberger’s dynamic series. Prepare to embark on a journey into Hell as one woman’s quest to find her friend will become something much more.

The Collection intrigues readers with a beautiful cover depicting a pair of midnight black wings on display. The wings are set on a mostly black background with a golden glow illuminating them from behind. There is a lovely golden filigree design set behind them as well, giving them the sense that the wings are on display. This image absolutely builds intrigue as to what readers will discover within these pages.

The Collection focuses on Kenna, a young woman who has a sense that this year’s Collection will be different. She believes that her time has finally come to be chosen, though it’s something that she has always hoped to avoid. However, with it just being her and her horse Willow, she sees little for her to lose. Though there is her best friend Sora whom she would dearly miss.

While Keena’s senses are spot on, it’s not her name that gets called. Instead of being like most and simply weeping and mourning the loss of her friend Kenna takes action. She decides to enter Hell herself and find her friend. Whatever court her friend may end up in Kenna intends to join her. But will it be that easy?

The Collection starts out gripping and engaging. The time for the Collection is coming and readers get a sense that Kenna will be chosen. So, it will come as a surprise (for we tend to forget) that Sora’s name is called instead. The story moves rather rapidly for the next couple of chapters. Kenna determinedly sets off to catch up with her friend. But while she makes it to the gate, nothing is what it seems. She’s obviously allowed to enter, but the price? It’s her mortality, and she’s on a clock. Guess she better hurry, huh?

As The Collection moves forward author Kirchberger keeps things interesting. You’re going to be expecting Kenna to wind up in a “waiting room” area, but she finds herself quickly in one of the courts. Things start out simple enough for her. We would have liked something to truly challenge her, but when you break it down...she might have failed before her quest even truly began.

While Kenna is at a disadvantage, relatively speaking, things overall go in her favor. For immortal creatures Kenna seems to have hit the jackpot on those who are willing to be kind to her or at least just down right decent. She comes across one or two who could be viewed as “hostile” but that real drama doesn’t begin to play out until much later in the story.

The Collection is told from the first person POV. The story focuses heavily on Kenna as she joins with another immortal who agrees to help her after she does an act of kindness for him. Thanks to his taking her under his wing (so to speak) her path forward seems like it should be a pretty easy one. We appreciate that overall Kenna isn’t an overly sassy and mouthy character. Honestly, it would truly be unnecessary and rather off-putting.

Readers who are will be waiting and looking for the romance will be made to wait. Author Kirchberger chooses to build and develop this aspect of the story between the characters. This adds a nice slow-burn element to the story which will keep you coming back for more as you wonder...”When are they going to finally cross that line?” It’s worth the wait, and the burn is absolutely delicious.

Hoping for some steamy scenes? Well, there really isn’t much to be found on these pages. You’re not getting any on page steaminess to drool over. Instead you get scenes that play right up to a certain point before it’s basically a “fade to black” and you get to use your imagination instead. No fun, right? LOL!

While Kenna is busy falling in love, that doesn’t stop her from her quest of trying to find her friend. Granted she does get more than a little “distracted” but who can blame her? Of course, while all of this is going on chaos is brewing in other parts of Hell. This chaos won’t remain where it is, but has every intent on spilling over, which you’ll see the deeper you get. Watch for the clues, because they are there.

When you draw closer to the end of The Collection, author Kirchberger has more than a few surprises in store for readers. But the biggest surprise will be the closing pages. It leads readers to look forward to the next book in this series. Will it continue Kenna’s story? Or will get Sora’s and learn what all she endured during the Trials? One can only hope.

For now, if you’re looking for a delicious adult fantasy minus the steamy scenes then this is a book for you to pick up.

4.5 out of 5 stars  

The Collection

Publication Date: July 23, 2024

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance

• Loyalty

• Found love

• Protective MMC

• Strong friendships

• Hidden identities

• Immortals

Once a year, a draw is held in the capital that requires four mortals from each town be given over to Hell. The mortals are taken to Hell where they will either become an immortal in one of the four courts, or perish in the trials.
One mortal is sent to the vampire’s Court of Blood. One goes to the Court of Moon, court of the werewolves. A third is sent to the Court of Spell, with the warlocks and witches. And a final mortal, always a female, goes to the Court of Song, court of the sirens.

Twenty-three-year-old Kenna hasn’t had her name called since she became eligible five years ago. She knows in her heart that this year will be the year her world changes. But it isn’t her name that is called out for Collection, it is her best friend Sora’s.
Not willing to be without Sora, Kenna quickly follows her through the gateway to Hell before it closes. Not knowing which court Sora was Collected for, Kenna must brave all four as a mortal in order to find her friend. Lucky for her, she gains the help of an alluring stranger who holds more sway in Hell than she could have hoped for.
As their fates intertwine and her heart falls fast, Kenna learns navigating a foreign and dangerous land like Hell isn’t easy, and if she isn’t careful, it could cost her everything.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Shadows of the Kingdom Review Spotlight

To celebrate the June release, we are touring The Shadows of the Kingdom by Jen Bliton! 

 The Shadows of the Kingdom continues the series of Light in the Shadows. Author Bliton continues the journey of Wren and Tyran as they fight for the protection of their people from the threat of the Red Kingdom. Secrets have come to light concerning the Red Kingdom and just how big a threat they continue to become. The big question quickly becomes...can they stop the threat before it’s too late?

The Shadows of the Kingdom starts off similar to book one – slow, sluggish, and with little to no development between the two main characters, Wren and Tyran. This is disappointing, but at the same time understandable, since not much time has passed between books one and two.

The relationship between Wren and Tyran is going to take more of a center stage in this installment of the series. Since it was essentially an “insta-love” there is no foundation for them to build on. They’re not communicating with each other, and they don’t see eye to eye on their shadow magic capabilities. Wren sees the need to use it for the benefit and safety of the people. While Tyran, fears it. He fears the dark path that it could potentially lead them down if they are not careful. He fears it so much that he won’t even consider training with it to simply get stronger.

This aspect brings quite a heaping dose of drama to the story. However, it’s not just the relationship issues that will be taking center stage. It would appear that trouble is brewing close to home. Tyran’s council is up to something. Honestly, anyone with two eyes and a brain could see it. They are against outsiders, they express extreme sexist views, and give off the heavy sense that they fear losing their closely clutched power. What exactly are they up to? Well, we’re sure that you’ll be able to guess quicker than the characters in this story.

One of our favorite things about this book though is the backstory that we get. We’ve gotten the story of “creation” in book one, but this story gives you just a touch more. Secrets are being revealed, and the truth is coming out. Wren and Tyran are meant to play a bigger part than even they could have imagined, and if they’re not careful it could tear them apart.

The pacing of Shadows of the Kingdom is slow in the beginning, but it gradually does pick up which is really nice and greatly appreciated. We’re getting more drama with this book. There is some repetition between the two books of similar events and scenarios playing out again, but it can be forgiven this time because it pushes the story forward by giving one of the characters an inside perspective of the threat of the Red Kingdom up close and personal.

The introduction of some new monsters and the bringing back of some familiar ones from book one help to elevate the fantasy element of this story. You get some magic, but since Tyran is so reluctant to use his, you don’t get as much as you’re going to want. But with how things are ramping up, we’re hoping that magic will begin to play a bigger part in the next book in the series.

Book two brings some more energy to the series, but we’re still looking for more. Less of the two MCs “dancing” around each other’s feelings, and more of them actually talking, getting to know each other and better understanding each other, because that is severely lacking. Shadows of the Kingdom ends more on a cliffhanger, which works to lure readers forward concerning the series, so we’ll see where things go from here.

4 out of 5 stars

The Shadows of the Kingdom 

Publication Date: June 25, 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

💀Ancient evil
💀 Relationship struggles
💀 new monsters
💀 Undertaking quests
💀 Kingdom politics
💀 History revelations

After defeating the evil behind the attacks on the southern lands of Caldumn, Wren and Tyran begin to settle into their new life that begs to be calm... or so they thought.

With so many questions left unanswered about the Red Kingdom's threat, and what they'll now do after they withstood Rhonin's advance, they receive a letter from a mysterious magic kind that kept themselves in the shadows with a warning of the Red Kingdom's motives.

Now the threat won't just be to the towns, but their world as they know it. Wren and Tyran begin the journey to stop the Red Kingdom at all costs. Faced with conflicting beliefs as to what they should do, their relationship is tested in more ways than they can imagine:

Embrace the shadows or choose a path of light.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

 

Ocean Song Cover Reveal Spotlight

 We're thrilled to present the cover for Oceansong by C.W. Rose! Make sure to add it to Goodreads and get a copy on August 27th!

                                                                            Oceansong

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantasy

🧜🏼‍♂️Merfolk Mythology
🌊Ocean-based magic
⚔️Enemies-to-lovers
💘Forbidden & Slow Burn Romance
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Asian family dynamics
😒🌞Grumpy (female) x sunshine (male)
💞HEAs
🥧Cinnamon roll male LI
🤨Prickly, snarky female MC who’s a softie inside
🏘️Small-town settings (Alaska)

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

OCEANSONG is an Adult Contemporary Romantasy that is an Asian Romeo & Juliet meets The Little Mermaid, set in the grittiness of the real world.

Fish are mysteriously disappearing, starving the people in Angie Song’s Alaskan hometown. Angie, an aspiring marine biologist and dock worker, enthusiastically joins the hunt to find out where the fish are gathering. When her family and the villagers discover that merfolk are responsible, they vow to destroy every last one. In the midst of the conflict, Angie faces off with a merman and fails to pull the trigger.

Inquisitive Mer-Prince Kaden is just as snarky as Angie, but he’s willing to talk and stop the brutal massacring of his people. The two form a cautious alliance to broker peace between the humans and mer before any more of them die.

As tensions clash between the two races fighting to control the sea’s resources, Angie and Kaden’s forbidden relationship ignites. And as she learns about the mer’s mysterious world and the reason why the fish are gone, Angie starts to question who the true monster is, and where her loyalties lie. Taking the wrong side means choosing between family and her job, or the man she’s fallen for and the merfolk she’s come to respect—or losing it all.

COMING SOON!

Insatiable Hunger Review Spotlight

We are thrilled to be celebrating C. Hebert's newest release, Insatiable Hunger! This is the next book in the Living Nightmares series!

 Author C. Hebert is back with a new deliciously dark addition to their Living Nightmare series. Be forewarned, if you weren’t a raving fan of this author before this book...you will be once you finish – Insatiable Hunger.

The first thing that you’re going to notice when you see this book? The cover showcases a wendigo skull adorned with blood, and gravestones, with tree branches coming down to tangle with the antlers of the skull. Insatiable Hunger is a complete temptation for readers who are lovers of fantasy and horror simply based on the cover alone.

Insatiable Hunger is the second book in the Living Nightmares series, but this book can be read as a standalone novel. This dark romance fantasy novel is going to grip readers from the beginning and keep you page-turning eager for all the deliciously gorey and twisted details contained inside.

We will remind readers of this one simple fact – there is an appropriate caution warning in the beginning of this book for readers who are sensitive to certain subject matter. Read it. Unless you are a devourer of horror like we are. Honestly, we read caution warnings to see what tantalizing treats lie inside and nothing more. LOL! If anything they fuel us to want to dig deeper and get all the details. LOL!

Okay, moving on to the actual book, shall we? Insatiable Hunger begins the book with a prologue that sets the stage of what is currently unfolding in the story. Surprise twist...the author draws you in with the present situation of the FMC, Alaska, before boomeranging you back to the beginning to find out how it all actually unfolds.

The first chapter is definitely something truly tantalizing and will leave you...in need of a nice cool shower or a little alone time. Author Hebert takes readers from a horrific situation unfolding to the FMC getting down and dirty with her guy on the side in a cemetery.

Secret rendevous, “forbidden” love, the FMC is seemingly “trapped” in a relationship that she just doesn’t know how to get out of. Where exactly are things going from here? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. Don’t worry the author is getting there. If we just jumped off back into the chaos from the prologue then this would be one short story.

Gradually, as Insatiable Hunger unfolds author Hebert draws readers in a little at a time with the horror creeping closer a little at a time. With Alaska, her boyfriend, and three other friends going on a ghost-hunting adventure the majority of them have no idea of the danger that they are walking into.

A cemetery outside of a small town boasts of the disappearances of multiple people over the years. Will Alaska and her friends become the newest losses to come? Something sinister haunts this place, and there is a reason why no one makes it out alive.

Insatiable Hunger is packed with drama that unfolds between Alaska and her lover, Lazarus. They both want more from each other, but with Alaska being in a toxic relationship with Cain, well, that’s easier said than done for her. You get the sense that there is something darker going on that keeps her involved with Cain, but it takes time for it to truly come to the forefront.

Meanwhile, you get Alaska and Lazarus sneaking around and having lots of steamy moments together. It’s absolutely delicious, but if you think that those are the only steamy situations you’ll find in this book...guess again. What fun would that be if that were the case? All the more reason to absolutely devour this book. LOL!

Author Hebert really brings horror to this book. You get a dark twisted story with monsters, demons, zealots, and tons of unexpected moments. It is more than safe to say that author Hebert is not one to shy away from the twisted and horror.

If this book were to be made into a movie understand this – we would watch it LOTS of times in the theater, and the minute it DVD we’d have it in our greedy claws. This book is sheer perfection when it comes to the author’s storytelling, the way the drama unfolds, and the ending? OMG!! Give me more!! Please!

Insatiable Hunger will leave you a fan of this author, and keep an eye out for all of their work – past, present and future! If you are a lover of horror...do not miss out on this book! You will absolutely devour it and be begging for more. We 1000% cannot wait for author Hebert to write their next book.

Pros:

• Twisted
• Dark
• Pageturner
• Steamy
• Leaves you wanting more

Cons:

• None of merit

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, C. Hebert, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We can’t wait for what comes next!  

Insatiable Hunger (Living Nightmares Book 2)

Publication Date: June 10, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Horror/ Dark Romance

𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 + 𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖘
🩸Dark Romance
🩸Dark Fantasy
🩸Lovers to Enemies
🩸Stalking (hunter/prey)
🩸Ghosts + Creatures
🩸Cult Behavior
🩸Horror/Thriller
🩸Final Girl
🩸80's/90's Grunge

When a group of friends investigate the rumored ghost hauntings of a notorious cemetery, the band of complicated friends never expected their late night adventures would lead them to stumble into the hunting grounds of an ancient evil lurking nearby, enslaved by an unnatural fleshly craving.

Everything and everyone that they know is not as they seem...

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON & KU

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

 

A Pursuit of Madness Review Spotlight

A Pursuit of Madness is a standalone fantasy novel that takes Alice in Wonderland and gives it a brand new twist. This isn’t the Alice you remember, so brace yourself for a darker more twisted version that will keep you page-turning.

A Pursuit ofMadness’s cover cues you in on the darkness within its pages with a beautifully dark cover with elegant silver framing that is delicate, but draws the eye. In the center of this book’s cover is a keyhole with roses adorning either side of it. Below that is a beautiful crown with a silver pocket watch sitting in the very center of the crown. The cover doesn’t necessarily scream “Wonderland” but it will pique your interest in what the cover hides inside.

A Pursuit of Madness is the first book in author Amber Bunch’s A Twisted Princess Collection. As stated above, this book is a standalone novel with a nice steamy HEA at the end. Technically Alice isn’t a princess, but don’t think that that means that there aren’t any princesses in this book. There is, but you just need to wait a minute before she makes an appearance.

A Pursuit of Madness gives readers a multiple POV throughout this book. You can expect not two, not three, and definitely not four POV with this book. Nope! You get five! Yes! We’re getting spoiled with the POV in this novel. It will for sure keep you on your toes as the author takes you back and forth between the world we are familiar with, and Wonderland.

There is something interesting in how author Bunch depicts Wonderland. Wonderland mimics a lot of what is already familiar to us. They have cars, their own version of the internet, and other technological advances. What they don’t have though...is freedom. Their Queen keeps them shackled in fear. Magic is outlawed. Outrageous, right?! I mean, seriously! Come on! Is it because the Queen fears someone using magic to usurp her? (Which she totally deserves to happen.) Or is it simply so that she can keep the citizens in fear of her assassins and Jabberwocky?

One thing is for sure when it comes to A Pursuit of Madness you are getting two dynamic factors with this novel – 1) dark (which we absolutely loved) and 2)...steamy. Lots of steamy.

One of the things that we absolutely loved about this book is the level of darkness in Alice’s chapters. She’s a very dark character, but she does certain “dark” things...for good. So, she’s a dark character with the intent and plan to make the world...a better place. So, basically, you gotta love her...or she’ll kill you. LOL! Just kidding!! No, seriously, we promise….we’re kidding. LOL!

Think that Alice is the only dark character in this book? Of course, she’s not! We have the twins – Dom and Dean in Wonderland, though Hatter has some darkness in him, too. But of course, we have the assassin pair, too. Now, they are the ones that you don’t want to cross. The Queen’s assassins who do her bidding of hunting down those who are found doing magic. Merciless killers who more than enjoy what they do. You get to witness one of their hunts, but the hunt plays out quickly. We would have liked a touch more detail since they are so feared. You’d think that they’d play with their “food” more than they do. The good news is that you get some of that detail with Alice when she goes on her own “hunt.”

A Pursuit of Madness really brings the drama and the steamy. You get multiple scenes sprinkled through that will keep you entertained and coming back for more. It is a lot of no-holds-barred steamy that at times will dance the fine line of consent. But let’s be clear...consent is always given, so don’t think that anything is done against anyone’s will. Well, except for Princess Rose when she is made to use her tracking magic on the citizens of her kingdom.

A Pursuit of Madness is part of the Twisted Princess Collection. Yet, the story doesn’t give readers a lot of the princess in this story. It’s an expectation that fails to be met. Which is disappointing. You can call Alice “princess” if you want to, but it’s not truly applicable, because she’s not a princess. It would simply be just giving Alice a nickname and nothing more. We really wanted more of Rose with this story, despite the fact that this is an “Alice in Wonderland” style novel.

A Pursuit of Madness has a lot of drama, but what you also get is a lot of...things going the way for the characters. Are there some “hiccups” that force them to reassess and rethink certain situations? Yes. Could there have been more of them? Again...yes. This book honestly needed more of them. We just wanted more drama and for the characters to really have to fight to reclaim what it is that they are after.

Hoping for an epic battle that sees the Queen taken down? Perhaps an epic fight with the assassins that sees their reign of terror ended? This is a potential spoiler, so...read on at your own risk. This story is lacking in an epic fight between the primary character(s) that have been deemed the bad guy(s). It’s honestly disappointing. Th expectation is there for this big fight to come. Granted, the Queen is not depicted as a fighter, so...then that shifts the expectation to the assassins. It’s a disappointment that none of this pans out after all the hype that the characters do of shouting about “taking down the queen and restoring Wonderland.”

A Pursuit of Madness reads like a standalone novel, and so you can expect a full storyline and a HEA ending with a nice little time gap at the end. When we say “time gap” we mean that you get a little passage of time before the author revisits the characters again and shows where they are now. Get ready for one of the most deliciously steamy moments in the book. Saving the best for last. LOL!

A Pursuit of Madness is a dynamic twist on a classic story, and one thing is for sure and that is author Bunch does this story proud. Alice is a character who draws you in, but she works well together with the other characters to create a fun story that will appeal to your dark side and leave you begging for more with the steamy.

Pros:

• Engaging story
• Deliciously dark elements
• Steamy scenes
• Twisted characters

Cons:

• No epic fight between the main bad guys of the story
• Wanted more drama

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

City of Mirth and Malice Cover Reveal Spotlight

It's an exciting day book peeps! 

We are thrilled to reveal the cover and blurb for the next book in the Order and Chao series, City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard!

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

Expected Publication Date: May 1, 2024

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.

PRE-ORDER HERE

Cover Designer: @lichen_and_limestone

Cover reveal organize by @rrbooktours

About the Author

Alexis is a registered nurse based out of Louisiana where she lives with her husband, toddler, and two oversized dogs. She enjoys long walks through the Renaissance Fair, reading smutty romance into the dark hours of the night, and wine nights with her “Finer Things Club.” She hopes to enrich the lives of her readers with worlds they can both escape in and take with them long after the final chapter.

Alexis L. Menard

 

The Darkness All Around Us Review Spotlight

Resident Evil meets Zombie Land in this action-packed adventure by Megan Boley! Coming early this spring!

The author would also like to invite people to join her ARC team. All members will receive character art prints with their ARC! See author’s bio for link!

Looking for that new book that is going to have you coming back for more? Well, congratulations! You've just discovered that next book! Author Megan Boley has geared one up for you and that is especially true for fans of Resident Evil (waves hand) and Zombie Land! Okay, we've not seen Zombie Land...well, not all of it anyways, but when you say "Resident Evil" and MORE zombies? Yeah, we're on board. LOL! 

The Darkness All Around Us starts off the story with our first FMC, Stella. Stella is holed up, safe...for now, but she's dealing with some issues in her current predicament. Death. No, she's not dying, but she has an "unwelcome friend" with her. Or does she? The truth of it won't come out until a surprise appearance by another character, but it definitely builds the suspense, and your eagerness to delve deeper into this book. So, it works! LOL!

The story will then shift to another FMC, Penny. Each of these characters is dealing with their own troubles in this world torn apart by chaos, destruction, and death. The interesting thing about Penny? She's looking for our girl, Stella. The big question? Why. The good news? We don't have to wait long for that answer! But prepare to have the fires of "the need to know more" to be lit! Because once they are...you're going to DE-VOUR this book! Let the fires rage!!

This book is a page-turner. It has a gripping storyline, packed with a nice cast of characters, tons of drama, and twists that you just won't see coming. Be forewarned for those expecting a "quick" read...this book is CHONKY!! We absolutely loved it! You're simply going to want to push the world aside, say "Leave me in peace to devour this book" and go. LOL! So, be prepared for that. Of course, you could just wait until the weekend, because then you'll have every reason to shut off the phone, leave the t.v. off, and pretend the world outside doesn't exist.

What's more though is that this is just the beginning!! Yes! That's right! Just the beginning! There's more to come and we're here for it all! We can't wait to find out what comes next, because this book was so good! 

5 out of 5 stars

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

The Darkness All Around Us

Expected Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Genre: Adult Dystopian Thriller

✨️Resident Evil meets Zombieland – high stakes with moments of humor and levity️
✨️A broody general & a mysterious stranger on a motorcycle
✨️2 slow burn romance subplots feat. the gentlemen mentioned above☝️
✨️Loads of action, adventure, and twists
✨️Badas$ women literally everywhere
✨️Found family

It’s 2085 in a post-disaster America where a nefarious pharmaceutical company controls all aspects of life. A scientist on the run is ripped from her safe haven and has no choice but to surrender to the trust of a man who might as well wear a “danger” sign on his forehead.

But when she discovers she holds the key to the country’s salvation, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to destroy the company before it unleashes a nightmare army of feral creatures—even if it means teaming up with her worst enemies and dragging her darkest demons into the light.

And time is running out. The company’s plans are close to fruition…

Pre-order Here

People who pre-order will receive character art prints with their copy of the book

Order Here: https://forms.gle/WvTVxuwtSS2UoFkP8

About the Author

Megan Boley is a science fiction and urban fantasy author. She loves writing stories with badass women, grumpy men, and a healthy dose of plot twists. If she’s not plotting the triumph (or demise) of her next set of characters, you’ll find her at jiu jitsu or reading on the beach.

Megan Boley

Book tour organized by: @rrbooktours1

 

Moon Flower Review Spotlight

 

Welcome to the book tour for Moon Flower by Heather Ewen-Foster! This is the first book in her series surrounding Sonia and the Vampires of L.A. Don't miss out! 

 Moon Flower is an adult urban fantasy novel by Heather Ewen-Foster. Prepare to be swept away into an engaging vampire novel that details the lives of Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, and her friend Sunny Michaels in Hollywood, California. Life is good until its not.

Sonia has lived in Hollywood for just over three decades now, and life has been quiet. She and other vampires have been living in L.A. in relative peace and quiet. However, all of that is about to take a turn when vampires start turning up missing, with the unfortunate and dark discovery of one in particular. At the time of the horrific discovery, Sonia has no idea that a power play is currently ongoing. All she knows is that something dark, sinister, and dangerous is hunting them and that more is yet to come.

Moon Flower, Vampires of Los Angeles, is one of those books that you dive into eagerly and that by the end of the book you’re looking around for more. Like a tasty treat that quickly becomes your new favorite, you’re going to be eagerly anticipating coming back to Sonia’s world when you reach the final page of this novel.

Sonia is the main character of this story as the author focuses on detailing her story. Sonia is an interesting character as she allows us glimpses into her past, back when she was still human. Sonia is showcased as typically being very careful and aware of her surroundings. She’s taken a touch of a shine to a particular human, Alex. She’s not engaged with him, yet, but all of that is about to change when an unwanted encounter with an addict pushes them towards their first interaction.

Of course, as you can imagine, for vampires staying out of the spotlight is preferable. The less attention that they draw to themselves the better. You can, of course, understand why. They tend to be striking in some form or another and are hard to forget. So when some situations begin to arise surrounding Sonia, she starts drawing unwanted attention. This in turn puts her in the eyes of someone whom she’d prefer to not be under the microscope with.

You’re probably wondering...when does the “gripping” aspect of this story kick in? Well, honestly, it kicks in pretty quickly. Sonia’s dealings with Alex will pique your interest in “What exactly is going to happen with them?” One element that you’re going to love about this book is the elegant layering of it and how everything gradually comes together.

The dynamics between Sonia and Alex are interesting and well crafted as they shift into developing further. There is definitely an attraction between the two of them, but it isn’t long before the author decides that things are going just a touch too smoothly and throws in a neat little wrench. You’re going to love it...and maybe hate it...just a little though. LOL! Of course, nothing would be complete without some fun antics from another vampire, Sunny Michaels. He’s gorgeous, famous, funny, and a touch unpredictable, but he’s definitely someone you want on your side. Sunny definitely brings some humor and unpredictability to the story that will keep you on your toes. Of course, the little surprises that Sunny himself has up his sleeve bring a breath of freshness to this story in a particular department.

Author Heather Ewen-Foster brings a nice amount of freshness to this story. She goes so far as to “debunk” some of the “myths” that surround vampires. One aspect that I truly like is how she writes her characters. Yes, they drink blood (some human, others bovine/animal) but she makes sure to emphasize key points. One in particular is that the blood vampires drinks helps them, but it’s not an immediate fix. It doesn’t go from the mouth to the vascular system like so many other stories portray vampires. Injured? Drink some blood and cue quick healing. This particular attention to detail absolutely captured our attention and definitely made an impression on us. So, we just know that it will be with you as well.

Now, where does the real threat come in? Well, it comes in subtle ways so make sure you pay attention to certain hints that the author drops in the story. One is going to come pretty early in the book. It will be easy to dismiss it and forget it, but we’re going to warn you now...don’t do it! Hold on to that tidbit of information and cling to it! Because more is coming!

The vampiric dynamic in this book is interesting as well. You’ll get a glimpse of some of the more powerful vampires that call L.A. home. You’ll also see that they really aren’t interested in the problems of the “lowers.” This point is only emphasized when vampires start going missing. While Sonia isn’t close to any of those missing, she still feels concerned as to what has happened to them and comes to the only plausible conclusion – that they are...no more. The author points out that, like with humans, vampires are known to take out each other, but this? This is something more...something darker.

The deeper Moon Flower goes the more engaging and interesting you will find this novel. It won’t be long before you find yourself halfway through the book, and looking around trying to find out what time it is. LOL! Yes, this book is that good. The deeper the story, the more intriguing it all becomes as power plays come into focus, and the true danger is unveiled.

Hoping for some romance to heat up these pages? Well, you’re going to have to wait on that. While Sunny is more than a lady’s man the author keeps his escapades off the pages beyond a bit of hinting here and there. Sonia has some sparks swirling around her, but nothing to give the sparks some tinder to cling to. Now, that doesn’t mean that nothing could happen in the future, because that is definitely possible! For us, that’s definitely something to look forward to. Especially to see where things go between not just Sonia and Alex, but Sonia and Sunny, too. He’s pretty irresistible, so...why not? LOL!

Are you hoping that there will be more of Sonia’s story to come in the future? Well, the author does say at the end that Sonia and the vampires of L.A. will be back so…that’s good news right there! You’ll be able to tell as you read this book that Sonia’s story can’t possibly end here! There has to be more to come! There just has to be!! Power struggles? Change coming? Sparks of romance? We have to return to L.A. to find out what happens next! So, for sure, we’re going to be looking forward to reuniting with Sonia and the other vampires (and humans) in the future! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long!

Moon Flower is an engaging novel that readers who enjoy vampires, urban fantasies, drama, and a healthy dose of intrigue will surely not want to miss!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Heather Ewen-Foster, and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!  

Moonflower: Vampires of Los Angeles
by Heather Ewen-Foster
Publication date: November 7th, 2023
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.

As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?

Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FLbGks

Want more of this tour? Click the link below and check out everyone else! 

https://xpressobooktours.com/2023/11/15/tour-sign-up-moon-flower-vampires-of-los-angeles-by-heather-ewen-foster/

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• $25 giftcard and signed copy of Moon Flower

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235657/

Book Tour Organized By:

Xpresso Book Tours