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

 

Soul Cage Review Spotlight

 

Soul Cage is the newest book and the first in a new series by L.R. Shulz. This fantasy novel? Yeah, you’re not going to want to miss it. It is going to grab you, grip you, and keep you page-turning to the very end.

Soul Cage is book one in author Shulz’s Soulbreaker series. We think you’ll agree that author Shulz has struck gold with this book. You’re going to get danger, epic fights, tons of magic, dynamic characters, and twists that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Readers who enjoy flawed characters will absolutely devour this book as it is packed with characters who struggle with who they are, what they are, and the power that weighs on them. Literally. Carrying the souls of thousands is no easy thing, and if you’re not strong enough? They will break you...and destroy everything you love.

The first thing that readers are going to notice is this book’s cover. Depicted on the cover is a character on a swirling green background, clothes tattered, chest cracked and broken open with souls appearing to pour out. This book’s cover gives readers just a glimpse of what awaits them in this book. It’s enough to whet the appetite and have you eager for more. With the lines “Souls are the currency. Death is the price.” That’s sure to spur more than a reader or two to go and grabthis book.

When you dive into this book author Shulz drops readers into a scenario already rife with danger. An attack is being launched, fear is rampant, and death appears to be knocking on their door. You will meet Myddrin, one of the main characters in this story will follow. Myddrin is a humble teacher at this point in the story, but all of that is about to change. Lives are under threat. Their souls are at risk of being lost and absorbed by their killers. But if those sworn to protect, the Knights of Aen, can hold off the threat sweeping down on them, the Skullsworn, they just might stand a chance.

Unfortunately, while Myddrin makes it out alive, it’s in this fight he loses something important to him. In the process, he is also burdened with a huge amount of power. It’s a twist of fate that this power should become his, but his it does become, and while it may not be immediate he will one day be called upon to utilize that power to help save a kingdom.

Soul Cage gives readers multiple POV from several different characters. Don’t worry it won’t be a huge number of characters that you cycle through as you read this novel. You’re going to get Myddrin, a young boy you’ll meet at the beginning by the name of Will and a young woman who is struggling with her quest for power, Tvora.

Will reads like a boy on the spectrum. We won’t classify him as anything specific, but that’s how he reads. Will is a character who struggles. From the way this book unfolds, the fight that he survived really took a toll on him, but there’s more going on than meets the eye. Just wait for it though, because more will be revealed about Will as the story unfolds.

As Soul Cage unfolds Will will prove to be a challenging character. He has lots of struggles. He wants to be a Knight of Aen, but because of his differences he’s looked down upon. Will is even bullied by some of his own peers because of his differences. It’s sad to see. Though, he doesn’t make it easy for himself either. The fact that he takes things so literally makes it a challenge for people to talk to him.

The beauty of Soul Cage is that as the book unfolds and the story progresses, Will gradually grows as a character. It’s not something that will happen quickly, so be prepared to exercise some patience with him. It may get a touch frustrating at times, but that’s one way of knowing that you’ve got yourself a good book.

Tvora is another interesting character. She’s soul-broken. What does that mean you ask? Well, we could tell you, but where would the fun be in that when you could simply grab this book and dive in? It’ll be more enthralling to discover the truth behind her for yourself. Her magic is truly strong, but with the amount of souls she carries...it’s not surprising.

What makes Tvora truly unique are the fact that she carries three companions with her. You’ll meet two of them rather quickly as part of Tvora’s quest is to gain enough power to allow them to “exist” for longer outside of herself. Tvora isn’t a “black” character to be deemed “evil” or a “white” character to be deemed “good.” No, Tvora is more of a gray character. Flawed, struggling even, but she still has some morals.

Soul Cage is packed with tension, drama, and danger. You get chapters that shift between the three main characters and each lends their various perspectives. You’ll see the danger unfolding not just in the camp of the enemy, but even at home where you’d think some should be safe.

Author Shulz creates a dynamic tapestry of a storyline that will keep readers page-turning to find out what happens next. Hoping for some epic battle scenes? Get excited, because those are definitely included in this book.

As Soul Cage draws to a close, don’t let the final chapters fool you. While things may unfold a particular way, don’t allow author Shulz lull you into a state of complacency. Remember, Soul Cage is just the beginning. Of course, there are going to be a couple final surprises, and the ending? Brace yourself. Trust us on this one. As we were reading the final paragraphs of this book...our final thought was “Oh shit.” LOL! One thing is for sure...you’re going to be looking forward to book two.

Readers who enjoy a gripping fantasy novel then you’re not going to want to miss out on checking out Soul Cage. You’re going to get a dynamic cast of characters, epic drama, and so much more. For us? This book is a must read and earns a place in our top 10 for 2024.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Dynamic cast of characters
• Epic drama
• Page-turner
• Plenty of twists & surprises

Cons:

• None of merit

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author L.R. Shulz for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next in book two!  

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

 

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

 

Dirty Spirits Review Spotlight

"The Fall of the House of Usher meets Evil Dead 2. Experience an offbeat occult ghost story from the twisted mind of Sawney Hatton." With that...welcome to the book tour for Dirty Spirits by Sawney Halton in association with Black Tide Book Tours.

 Looking for a twisted paranormal packed horror story? Well, here’s some good news...Sawney Hatton has a book that will draw you in and have you page-turning to find out how it all ends. Dirty Spirits is a book that is not to be missed for fans of novels that are twisted and more than a little bit of horrific.

Dirty Spirits is a standalone horror novel with paranormal elements written by Sawney Hatton. This author moves to draw readers in with a cover that really makes you stop and take a second look. What do you see? What makes you pause and do a double take? The sight of a head coming out of a woman’s torso? The fact that she’s holding a bottle of whiskey and pouring it into his mouth? Or is it the cut that mars her flesh and where the head appears to be erupting from? Regardless of what makes you pause, it’ll be enough to tempt you to pick this book up and see where the storyline leads you.

Dirty Spirits is a story that is heavily focused on drug addiction and alcoholism. Two of the characters – Liam and Michelle, have struggled for years with these two particular substance abuse demons. It destroyed their careers and relationships with other people. But one day, push came to shove and Michelle made a decision for herself. But at what cost?

Dirty Spirits starts off by depicting a news story about an ancestor of Liam’s who passed away by fire on his ship. He was called a “professed necromancer.” Typically that means that people feared him and would have eventually taken steps to see his demise. This is just the beginning of this story, and promises much more to come.

Author Hatton paints a story where Michelle breaks away from her toxic relationship with Liam. Things weren’t always bad, but one day...things escalated from bad to worse and things just kept going downhill. Ultimately, if she hadn’t made a choice, she would have inevitably followed him down a very dark path. But because she chose differently, her path took a different course than Liam’s.

Dirty Spirits runs the race of happening in “present” time for the main line of the story. But author Hatton also takes time to send readers back in time to when Liam and Michelle met and how their lives intermingled. Author Hatton shows readers that Michelle and Liam met at rehab. They both got clean together, they established a romance, and things looked good. But then it begs the question...what happened? Where did things go wrong? Well, hold on to your butts because that particular element? It’s coming. Boy is it coming! Prepare for some seriously interesting elements that even YOU, the reader, won’t see coming. Who would?! Honestly...only author Hatton, and that makes this a delicious twisted element to behold.

Michelle is a troubled soul. That much is apparent, but you get to see that she has people who care about her – Doug, and her father are two such characters. Yes, Liam loved her, but in his own way. You’ll see that Liam, after a particular scene in this book, became Michelle’s enabler. He encouraged and pushed her to surrender to the vices that originally plagued them both and ultimately led to his untimely death.

But while Liam may be dead...that doesn’t mean that he’s gone. Nooo...Liam still lingers, and he has no intent to let Michelle go. In his mind, she belongs to him, and he means to have her. Do her feelings matter? Not a bit. Liam and his family have plans put in place and they are determined to make sure that Michelle helps them fulfill each and every one of them regardless of her feelings. These people will manipulate her any way they can to make sure that Liam has her...even in the afterlife.

Dirty Spirits has a slightly rocky beginning of where it seems like the story is trying to find it’s footing. The story shifts back and forth in the narrative from being present day to the past at random moments. Once you gain your footing with this story, it’s going to engage you and pull you to delve deeper. You’ll be compelled to learn more about Michelle’s and Liam’s toxic relationship. You’ll see how it evolves and ultimately devolves. Hate to say it, but you can thank Liam’s parents. Yeah, we said what we said – sorry not sorry. LOL!

One thing that can be safely said about Dirty Spirits is that there are going to be a lot of elements and scenes that you’re simply not going to see coming. Author Hatton is going to make sure you keep coming back for more when it comes to this book. You’re going to want to know what happens next. What is going to happen to Doug? What is going to happen to Michelle? Are either one of them going to survive the drama, the danger and ultimately the fall out of what takes place in this book? You’re going to want to know – does the image on the cover become depicted in the story itself? Want a spoiler? Well, whether you do or not...we’re not giving you one. LOL! Not this time anyways.

As stated in the trigger warnings there is a lot of focus on alcoholism in this book. It is a primary point of the storyline and isn’t overdone. Author Hatton creates characters who are struggling with real issues and their struggles make them seem all the more realistic. Is there sex in this book? Yes, there is. Technically it can be classified as R-rated, but it’s far from being graphic in anyway. There aren’t heavy details, it’s just enough for you to know that either characters are having sex or there is something sexual in nature taking place.

As a standalone novel, Dirty Spirits has an interesting ending. The final chapters work to ramp up the drama and take the story in an unexpected direction. Author Hatton takes two particular characters and lets them have some unexpected breakout moments that lend them toward the light of...dare we say...hero? Shocking, right? But it’s definitely unexpected and does the job of keeping you on your toes.

Dirty Spirits is an interesting novel that will grip you and intrigue you to the very end.

Pros:

• Gripping storyline
• Realistic characters
• Twists
• Page-turner
• Nice amount of horror

Cons:

• Rocky beginning

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Sawney Hatton, and Black Tide Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Dirty Spirits

by Sawney Hatton

 The Fall of the House of Usher meets Evil Dead 2. Experience an offbeat occult ghost story from the twisted mind of Sawney Hatton.

They say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, and Doug believed it.

He didn’t expect to fall in love with an addict. Once he did, he knew the relationship would be challenging. He knew sometimes it would blow chunks and rain shit. He expected it. He prepared for it. But there are some things you can never imagine happening, crazy stuff you can never prepare for no matter how hard you try. All Doug can do now is hang on and hope the love of his life isn’t dragged back into hell by her ex-fiancé who can’t move on.

Because while Liam Fowlington may be dead… he’s far from departed.

Trigger warnings:
Drug & alcohol addiction plays a large part in the story. R-rated sex and violence.

About the Author

Sawney Hatton is an author, editor, and screenwriter who has long loved taking trips to the dark side.

Weaned on a steady diet of paranormal horror and creature features, he quickly developed an appetite for all things macabre and monstrous. With early literary influences as tonally disparate as Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, Evelyn Waugh’s The Loved One, and Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom, he enjoys fusing the sinister with the satirical, the abominable with the absurd.

Other incarnations (reincarnations?) of Sawney have produced marketing videos, attended all-night film fests, and played the banjo and sousaphone (not at the same time).

As of this writing he is still very much alive.

https://www.sawneyhatton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sawney.hatton
https://www.instagram.com/sawneyhatton

  

 

Of Blood and Aether Review Spotlight

We're celebrating the release of stunning new dark fantasy novel, Of Blood and Aether by Harper Hawthorne! Read on for more details!

Of Blood and Aether is the latest book with engaging characters and a wicked storyline that is going to keep you coming back for more. Understand, when you start reading the prologue alone...author Harper Hawthorne's intent is to keep you glued to the pages to learn what unfolds next. 

Of Blood and Aether will first captivate your attention with its gorgeous cover. Beautiful colors that immediately catch the eye. A skull of what appears to be a bird with embellishment on the tip with gorgeous flowers blooming all around with a dagger discreetly placed behind the skull. This book's cover alone is a feast for the eyes and makes you want to know more about what is contained inside. 

As you proceed into the actual novel the prologue is going leave you begging for more and for answers. You get a king, a queen and their son proceeding to a particular place. They are seeking a test for the boy to see if the prophecy that has been spoken is to be found in him. The answer that they find there? It's an interesting one, especially when it comes to what plays out next. 

We'll leave you in a twist of mystery and curiosity because well...that's where we left as well. LOL! As the story proceeds it moves to one of the main characters - Arken Asher. Arken is on her way to Sophrosyne: the City of the Gods. She's hoping to find answers here and at the same time keep the secret(s) that she harbors deep inside. 

Now, when Arken meets with a group of specific characters we were literally on the edge of our seat. Why? Because when you're asked a specific question we want to know...are you going to lie? Or tell the truth? Well, Arken lies and so then we were like...will the lie be detected? Or will things go the way of the character for the sake of the storyline. Well...what do you think happens? It's mildly disappointing, but there's always the hope that there will be a twist later on in the story. 

This book has a dual POV between Arken and Kieran, Captain of the Elder Guard. He bears the scars of his past. But he's good at his job and it shows. He commands the shadows and utilizes them at will when he deems the need to do so. He's clever, handsome, and a ton of trouble. But right now? He's on the case for multiple abductions. Conduits have been and are being kidnapped. What is happening to them is the question. 

Of course, things take a turn when our two MCs cross paths and cue attraction in less than 3 seconds. Yep, no countdown allowed! LOL! It's just BAM! Of course there is the chase and that definitely adds to the slow-burn because you just sit there and wonder...okay when are they going to unleash that steamy connection brewing between them? LOL!

We don't know about you but we do love ourselves a good slow-burn novel and this book fits that. The tension just grows and grows heating up with each turn of the page. Arker makes it known to Kieran that she is not going to fall easily for him. But the steamy moments are coming. You'll have to wait, but they are coming. The big question becomes...what happens next? The prophecy is coming into play, but at what cost? What will it cost them in the end? Or can they survive together what is coming?

Of Blood and Aether is a page-turner of a novel, and for readers of engaging fantasy novels it's one that will not disappoint. We can't wait to find out what happens next. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author Harper Hawthorne, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what happens next! 

Of Blood and Aether (Harbingers #1)

Publication Date: April 17, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

• Shadow Daddy MMC

• Dual POV

• Dark Prophecy/Dangerous Secrets

• Tension/Angst/So Much Yearning

• Slow Burn/ Scorching Spice

• Addictive Banter

• Arcane University

• Increasingly Questionable Interpretations of the Word "Platonic"

A rare conduit of Light, drawn to the Shadows. A spymaster who can’t seem to stay away.

For as long as she can remember, Arken Asher has been searching for answers—driven by an insatiable hunger, a need to understand the meaning behind her dangerous arcane secrets. She’s finally taken that leap into the unknown, leaving her simple life behind to attend the Arcane Studium: a prestigious college of magickal arts & sciences nestled in the heart of Sophrosyne: the City of the Gods.

As the Scouting & Reconnaissance Captain of the Elder Guard, Kieran Vistarii deals in Shadows, blood and subterfuge. Scarred by his past but dedicated to safeguarding Sophrosyne’s future, Kieran’s self-imposed isolation is easily masked by charm and cocksure energy. Strange disappearances have kept his cadre busy as of late, and yet the captain finds himself sidetracked, distracted by the inexplicable allure of a certain golden-eyed Conduit and her curious mind.

They both know better than to get involved, but the Fates have other plans. The dark threads of prophecy were woven long ago, and the ties that bind just might be what it takes to mend these broken, star-crossed souls… or what forges a deadly bond that could damn them all.

Of Blood & Aether is the first book in the Harbingers series, a captivating and character-driven dark romantasy saga. Rife with sizzling tension, gut-wrenching angst, addictive banter and ever-growing stakes, the Harbingers series is perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wing and From Blood & Ash.

CW: This book is intended for adults only, and contains subject matter that may be difficult or disturbing for some readers. Sensitive material includes, but is not limited to: frequent profanity, violence, torture, murder, child abduction, the tattooing of a child without consent (on-page), emotional abuse, explorations of implied mental illness (depression, anxiety) & neurodivergency (adhd, autism), socio-economic power imbalances, frequent mentions of blood, references to cults and sex work. 

Of Blood & Aether also contains explicit, open-door sexual content, as well as explorations of kink and BDSM themes that will escalate over the course of the series. 

Reader discretion is advised. 

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Harper Hawthorne is an adult fantasy, romance & speculative fiction author in love with telling dark, emotionally evocative, and character-driven tales. Her stories feature neurodivergent experiences, honest explorations of mental health, and queer-normative worlds in her favored realms of fantasy.

Though she was born and raised on the beaches of Los Angeles, CA, she currently resides in the forests of the East Coast with her husband, her collie, and a demonic entity disguised in the form of a very large tuxedo cat.

When not lost in the throes of drafting one to three novels simultaneously, she can be found wandering the woods, hunting for mushrooms, befriending local frogs, practicing witchcraft and screaming into the void.

Harper Hawthorne

 

Tour organized by @rrbooktours

 

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit Review Spotlight

We're so excited for this tour! If you enjoy dark fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers, and a good anti-hero this book is a must read!

Author Lucinda Dark has brought readers quite the treat in A Sword of Shadow and Deceit and you are not going to want to miss out on this book. Looking for your next dark fantasy romance novel? Grab. This. Book! Now!!

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit is going to immediately lure you in once you pick this book up, so be forewarned, clear your schedule, get comfortable and be prepared to put up a Do Not Disturb sign almost immediately. 

Meet Kiera. She's the morally gray FMC and you're honestly going to love her. She's a calm under fire type of character and she brings just enough attitude to make you smirk. Plus, she works with spiders! Cue excited squeals! LOL! Hey, she's awesome, and the spiders are like...her extra sets of eyes. You'll see what we mean when you start reading this book. 

Kiera has a secret, it's a known secret by a few, but a secret none the less. She's a Mortal God. She has god powers, but she's still mortal. What does that mean exactly? It means that she shouldn't be a member of the Underworld Assasin Guild. But when she is offered a job that pays in the millions...well, her handler is hard-pressed to say no. However, it's a high risk job. Few details, and potentially multiple targets. Whoe exactly are the targets? Well, you'll have to wait to find out those answers. 

This is a multi-POV novel, and you're going to get Kiera and then you are going to get the three brothers that she gets assigned to when she joins the Academy. These guys are dark, and darkly delicious. The dynamics between them is really interesting and keeps you engaged in the story. Of course, they look down on "regular" humans and think very little of them. But our girl Kiera is going to push their boundaries...and their buttons. 

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit is a truly intriguing novel as Kiera has to walk a fine line to remain undiscovered as to what she truly is. Because if she's found out...it won't be just her neck on the line. It will be anyone and everyone she has ever met or known. 

This book is packed with drama, steamy scenes, great characters, and a storyline that just won't quit. When you reach the end, you'll be eagerly anticipating what comes next. And we can't wait to find out where things go from here!

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, Lucinda Dark, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

                                        A Sword of Shadow and Deceit (Mortal Gods #1)

Publication Date: March 21, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Why Choose

🖤Dark Fantasy Romance
🗡️Assassin FMC
☠️Anti-Hero
🚫Forbidden Existence
❤️Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥Why Choose

Desperation makes warriors of captives.

The Gods split the skies and rained down tyranny upon the mortal realm long ago. Ever since then, the only thing worse than being human is being of Divine Blood.

For someone like me—an undocumented God child, indebted to the Underworld Assassination Guild—that means only one thing: A life in the shadows.

Or so it should have been … until Mortal Gods Academy. Until them.

The Darkhaven Brothers are truly the worst of all the Gods’ spawn. Arrogant. Wicked. Violent.

To them, I’m nothing more than a human plaything meant for torment. For me … they’re the path and the key to my freedom.

But if any of them find out who I am, what I am … even the shadows won’t be able to save me.

*Please note this is a DARK Fantasy Romance with themes of a dark nature, death of loved ones, and other various themes that may be triggering. Please check trigger warnings and read responsibly*

GET IT HERE

About the Author

Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.

When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.

Lucy Smoke/ Lucinda Dark