Bunny's Reviews: Witches

Showing posts with label Witches. Show all posts

Thursday, July 25, 2024

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

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Amoura Awakened Spotlight

One girl’s quest for belonging leads to perilous secrets. Will she uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Amoura Awakened

Publication Date: October 6, 2023

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Amoura Renly is anything but average, much to her dismay. When a violent confrontation with a bully awakens her connection to magic, Amoura struggles with the realization she’s farther from fitting in than she ever imagined.

Desperate for a fresh start, Amoura enrolls at Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined, tucked beneath the streets of San Francisco. But with a unique connection to magic seemingly different from her peers and a secret police force “disappearing” anyone deemed a magical abnormality, fitting in is the least of her troubles. As Amoura navigates the dangers of a society that fears what it doesn’t understand, she uncovers the truth about her connection to magic and the dark secrets that threaten her very existence.

Meg Kramer’s enchanting debut YA urban fantasy “Amoura Awakened” imagines a world where witches and humans coexist. Where ordinary teenagers–with all their desires, jealousies, and insecurities—wield magic. This gripping tale of friendship, danger, and self-discovery will keep you questioning what’s true until the final page. Buy “Amoura Awakened” today and begin uncovering the untold stories and secrets of the magical world.

Available Here

About the Author

Meg spent ten years working as an elementary educator, inspiring kids to explore their unique creativity and view themselves as writers. One day, she decided to take her own advice and wrote her book. Meg is a mother, an LGBTQIA+ ally, and an indie music enthusiast. When she’s not writing or “momming”, you can find Meg wandering the streets of San Francisco, hunting for magic in the cobwebs of the city’s oldest Victorians.

Meg Kramer

Book Tour Schedule

November 27^th

http://www.rrbooktours.com Landing Page

https://www.instagram.com/amysbookshelf82 – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/elizabethranne1217_lovestoread/ – Feature

https://www.facebook.com/CocktailsFairytales – Fe““ature

November 28^th

https://www.instagram.com/gothgirlonthetrain/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/ashtonsbookworld/ – Feature

https://www.tiktok.com/@megsbookishworld – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/megsbookishworld/

November 29^th

https://themommaspot.home.blog – Review

https://lshadowlynauthor.com/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish.cheryl/ – Feature

https://instagram.com/cozymindful – Feature

November 30^th

https://www.instagram.com/shanabooknerd76 – Review

https://www.instagram.com/redreviews4you/ – Feature

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ – Feature

December 1^st

https://www.instagram.com/thatbookishteach/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/amanda_coffee_books/ – Feature

https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/ – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/kellyatx/ – Feature

Book Tour Organized by

R&R Book Tours

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Woodborn Review Spotlight

Woodborn by Heather Nix is finally on tour and we're thrilled to share it today! Read on for details and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end - A book box containing the book and other bookish goodies!

Prepare yourself as you dive into Woodborn and experience an engaging cast of characters that will keep you page-turning as you read about a variety of characters. Woodborn takes into a fantasy world where a young witch is born never knowing the truth about her birth. A young faun faces a heartbreaking tragedy at the hands of someone who would profess themselves to be "virtuous." Something dark is looming over the horizon and these two will cross paths. Can they come together to survive the evil that is coming?

This book isn't for everyone, but it is an amazing story. There is a nice amount of detail without the author going overboard with it and making readers uncomfortable. I enjoyed a lot of this book and found the characters to be truly fascinating.

My heart broke for Maelwen as she endures so much in the beginning of this book. But boy did I cheer when she finds her strength and takes her life back into her own hands. It's a great thing to witness. She begins to truly realize who and what she is. It's so good to watch her grow and develop and become more secure in her heritage. She still has her "fragile" moments, but they aren't to be misconstrued as moments of weakness. She is stronger than she appears and showcases just that at the moments when it's most needed.

Cicerine is such a sweet character in this book, but she too ends up dealing with a lot of heartbreak and loss. She has moments of happiness with her mother and her best friend, but you're going to be quick to see that there is one character ...who just doesn't fit in here. My biggest outrage for her is when this particular character has the audacity to call her friend an "outsider."

I was literally like...excuse me?! But you're an outsider, too! So get off your "pious" high horse and grovel in the mud where you belong! LOL! Too much? I doubt it. Trust me, when you read this book you will 100% agree with me on this one. The man is trash. Period.

There is a lot going on in this book and it is broken up into parts. You will travel with the characters to different places, meeting new people, making new friends, and yes, new enemies. There is danger around, but they preserve.

There are dark elements and moments in this book, hence why I said it might not be for everyone. The author does give a statement at the beginning of the book, so please read that before you dive into this book fully. For those who choose t read this book, you will absolutely enjoy it. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I'm rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the author, Heather Nix, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Woodborn (Song of Gods #1)

Expected Publication Date: January 21, 2023

Genre: Sapphic Fantasy/ High Fantasy

“I do not know how I lived in darkness for so many years with this bright world just waiting for me to grasp it.”

Maelwen is a young witch trapped in a harsh and unforgiving life. Friendless and alone, she endures terrible abuse in order to survive in the desolate land of Iowain.

Across the continent, Cicerine, a virtuous young faun, lives in the idyllic glade of Kanitosh Woods. Alongside her mother and closest friend, she is raised with dutiful reverence for the god, Idyth—led by the mysterious Father Farragen.

After escaping her tormentor and seeking a new life of her own, Maelwen finds a fresh start in the seedy trade city of Konidas. Meanwhile, a terrible tragedy befalls the glade, and Cicerine must flee to the same seaside town, leaving behind all she has ever known.

As a dark and menacing force spreads across Idythia, can Maelwen’s gifts and Cicerine’s developing power stand against the threat which faces them all? Alongside found family, new friends, and a crew of sapphic pirates, the line between good and evil is tested as the continent prepares for an epic battle.

CW: This is a sapphic fantasy novel, featuring a great deal of blood. Full list here

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

My bare feet pad along the floor of my small apartment as I head toward the bedroom. The desolate and stark journey from Iowain to Konidas took three days’ time, and I arrived two months ago today. I slept on the open ground, wrapped in my cloak beneath the wide sky, full of stars. I did not encounter a single living creature as I flew. The nights were silent but for the whistle of the wind and the soft rustle of my cloak, becoming as familiar to me as a part of my ‌body. Tiny pinprick scars now run along my arms and back from wrist to wrist, where it stitches to my skin for flight, looking like a seam pulled undone. They are the only wounds which my body has not healed. It feels odd, like finding something I did not know belonged to me. The cloak currently lies draped over a chair in my sitting room, humming softly to me as I sit on my bed. Months ago, I only dreamed of freedom. Now, I have it.

This apartment sits over a tavern in Konidas. The owners are human, plump, and kind-hearted. The night I arrived here, the tavern was the first open business I found, and I shook off the chill at a barstool with a tankard of frothy ale. The barkeep made small talk, and after the ale loosened my tongue, I let slip that I had just arrived and had made no arrangements for housing. I had planned on renting a room at the inn by the docks, despite the cost—rooms were rented by the day or the hour, not monthly. Without renting one of the rickety, dilapidated homes in town or an apartment above one of the small businesses, the cost of living in a transient city like Konidas is high. However, by the end of the night, I had made my first friend, the barkeep, Shell. She is the daughter of the tavern owners who coincidentally, and conveniently, had an empty apartment upstairs. I can’t help but feel like this is all too easy, too good. I have never had a home or a friend, and this comfort is unnerving. Some god or goddess must have been on my shoulder, guiding me toward complete strangers who somehow trusted me enough to offer up an apartment within hours of my arrival. I would say thanks if we still recalled the names of the gods. I paid them upfront for three months, a show of good faith that I can at least be counted on in that regard. I am not a friendly face, but money is just as good when it comes to trust. For the second time today, I pull out my sack of coin from beneath my mattress and count it. Jarrus’s savings and my meager hoard made a fair sum, and I have a decent amount left, but soon I will need to come up with a way to make more. I slide beneath my blankets and with a small smile allow myself to drift to sleep—almost happy for the first time in my life.

I wake with the dawn, the pale pink light of sunrise filtering through my small window. There is a marked quiet to the morning and my brow furrows as I look around. My cloak has gone quiet. The persistent hum has stopped, and my senses feel dulled. I am tired, despite my night of sleep, and my body aches. Hunger grabs onto the pit of my stomach with a twisting cramp and I stand, unsteady on my feet. I dress in a pair of charcoal gray pants and a silk blouse, and I pull my long hair back into a leather tie. The staircase down to the tavern seems to shift beneath my feet, and I grip the railing to keep from falling. Shell is busy wiping down the bar, and I can smell something cooking in the kitchen, but it makes my stomach turn. Nearly gagging, I push my way through the door and out into the morning bustle.

Pre-Order Here

*Cover Art by Anna Doušová

About the Author

Heather Nix is the debut author of Woodborn, the first book in the Song of Gods series. Born and raised in sunny San Diego, CA she longs to return to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. She is the mother of two human and three cat children, and enjoys tattoos, tabletop RPGs, and creating feminist art in her limited spare time. Heather is passionate about writing queer fantasy and strives to create nuanced characters who resonate with underserved communities.

Books by Nix | Instagram | TikTok

Book Tour Schedule

January 16^th

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

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

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

Gwendalyn’s Books - https://gwendalynbooks.blog/

@books.and.salt (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/books.and.salt/

Books Blog (Spotlight) https://www.booksblog.co.uk/

January 17^th

@fantastic__fiction (Review) https://www.tiktok.com/@fantastic__fiction

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

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

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

Stine Writing (Spotlight) https://christinebialczak.com/

January 18^th

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

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

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

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

Lady Hawkeye (Spotlight) https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/

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

January 19^th

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

@laras.litreads (Review) https://www.tiktok.com/@laras.litreads

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

@r.c.thomson (Review) https://www.instagram.com/r.c.thomson/

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

January 20^th

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

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

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

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

@booksdogsandcoffee (Review) https://www.tiktok.com/@booksdogsandcoffee

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

Win a Woodborn book box that includes the book and other goodies (US only)

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Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

The Black Diamond and the Witch's Curse Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for The Black Diamond and the Witch's Curse by Terrence Potter!

The Black Diamond and the Witch’s Curse

Publication Date: October 27, 2021

Genre: Urban Fantasy/ Fantasy/ BIPOC

To most people, it appears as if Derek James is a typical college freshman. Yes, he is on a football scholarship at one of the most prestigious universities in the country, but other than that, he appears quite ordinary. But there is an extraordinary secret that Derek is harboring: he is a warlock! When he runs into fellow freshmen Matthias, Omar, and Tre’Vell, he is surprised to learn that they are also warlocks! Shortly after they all meet, however, the freshmen start getting attacked by terrifying monsters. Now, the four fast friends must overcome doubts and disagreements in order to discover the source of the attacks. But it may go deeper than any of them realize.

Arrival

It was hot. This had to be the hottest day of the summer. Even though Move-In Day for the rest of the students was still two weeks away, Derek James was moving into his dorm early, as was the case with the rest of the football team.

He was excited to be starting his first year of college at Word University, especially because he was finally getting out from under his mother’s overprotective eye.

“Mom, I really didn’t need you to help me move in. I got it,” Derek said. “Boy, if I let you move in by yourself, who knows what your room’s gonna look like? Besides, I want to meet your roommate,” his mother, Valerie James, responded.

“Dad trusted me. I asked him not to come, and he didn’t.”

“Well, I’m not your dad,” Valerie said. “And I gotta make sure that my baby is all right.”

“Mom, I’m eighteen. Can you not call me ‘baby’?” Derek sighed.

“I’m your mother. You will always be my baby, no matter how old you get.” “That don’t mean you gotta call me that,” Derek grumbled.

“Whatever. Don’t back talk. Now, are we gonna put these things in your room or are we gonna stand here at the car talking all day?”

Derek’s room was on the fifth f loor, the highest f loor in the dorm. Derek looked up at the stately building, with the sun glistening off the windows, and thought that maybe he could use the help. “Okay, I’ll carry the minifridge up. You can take that trunk of clothes. I’ll meet you up there. Remember, it’s room 510B,” Derek decided. As he watched his mom carry the trunk into the building, he wiped the sweat from his brow. Man, he just couldn’t believe how hot it was!

Just as he was about to pick up the fridge, he noticed a couple of girls watching him, probably cheerleaders, also moving in that day. He took his shirt off, which by now was drenched, and revealed his impressive athlete’s physique. He heard the girls start to giggle. Satisfied, he smirked, tossed the shirt into the car, picked up the minifridge, and made his way up the steps to meet his mom at his room.

As he made his way up to the top of the stairs, Derek could see his mom standing at the door of what he could only presume was his room. As he walked down the hallway, he saw his mom give him a look that made him feel this big. When he got to his room, Derek dropped the fridge with a thud! and glanced up at his mom.

“Derek, what are you doing with your shirt off?” Valerie admonished. “Man, it’s burning up outside! My shirt felt like I just took it out the washing machine!” Derek said.

“It ain’t that hot outside. You know I ain’t raise you like that. You ain’t the only person out here!”

“Mom, it’s like one hundred degrees outside and I ain’t want my shirt to be sticking to me. It’s not that big a deal,” Derek pleaded.

She sighed. “Just open the door,” Valerie said as she shook her head in disapproval.

Derek took the key from his pocket and opened the door to his dorm. Inside the room were two wooden desks, two dressers, and two closets. The walls were stark white. It was plain, but Derek had to admit that it was bigger than he had expected. It was bigger than his room at home. He had to keep in mind, though, that unlike at home, he had to share this with another person.

“How much more stuff do you have to bring up?” Valerie asked.

“Well, I got my TV, book bag, the rest of my clothes, and the book,” answered Derek.

“Oh my god! I don’t feel like going back up and down those steps,” exclaimed Valerie.

“Look, you the one that wanted to help me move in. Besides, I could be up and back by myself real quick,” suggested Derek.

“No.”

“But since I been up here, I can do it. It’s not that far and—” Derek started. “No, Derek! What if somebody saw you? Don’t risk it. It’s just one more trip.

I’m just getting old, is all. Don’t mind my complaining,” Valerie said. “Come on.” After bringing up the rest of Derek’s stuff, it was time for Valerie to go. “Okay, are you sure you got everything?” “Yes, Mom.”

“Laptop? Toothpaste? Deodorant?” “Yes, Mom.”

“Razor?”

“Yes.” “Condoms?”

“What? Come on, Mom!”

“Well, like you said, you’re eighteen. I went to college. I know what’s up,” Valerie said.

“I’m gonna act like we ain’t really talking about this,” said Derek, desperately wishing his mom would change the subject.

“Okay, I can take a hint. And you’re sure you have the book? And anything else you would need?” Valerie inquired.

“Yeah. Positive.”

“I still can’t believe your dad let you take it with you,” Valerie said.

“I guess he figured that I’m old enough for the responsibility,” said Derek. “Guess so,” Valerie said as her eyes began to well up with tears.

“Aw come on, Mom, don’t start crying.”

“I can’t help it. My baby is all grown up and leaving me.”

“Mom, it’s not that far away. And you know I can always pop in whenever I want. It’s close enough for me to make the trip.”

“I know. Okay, give me a hug before I go.” Derek gave his mom a big warm hug. She got into her car and Derek waved as her car slowly faded into the distance.

Derek turned to go back up to his room. As he began to make his way up the steps leading to the front entrance, a black Nissan Altima rolled past a couple of cars filled with other students in the process of moving in and pulled up in the fire lane in front of the building. What was intriguing to Derek about this car was that the driver had Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle” blasting from the speakers. Derek could appreciate this guy’s taste in music! He walked up to the car as the driver, a stocky-looking guy, got out.

“Ay yo, you ride with Kendrick Lamar?” Derek asked, impressed. “Of course, my brotha. You a fan?” the driver asked.

“Man, I got Good Kid, M.A.A.D City in heavy rotation on my iPod,” Derek responded.

“Oh a’ight. I been a fan of Kendrick since Section.80,” the guy said. “I assume you’re on the football team.”

“Yeah, wide receiver. You?” “Running back.”

“Cool, cool. I’m Derek, by the way,” Derek said as he introduced himself. “I think my roommate’s name is Derek. My name is Bruce. Bruce Graves.” “Yup, I’m definitely your roommate. Well, I just got done putting my stuff up in the room. If you want, I can help you carry some stuff up,” Derek offered. “Okay, good looking out,” Bruce said, relieved he had some help.

After Derek and Bruce were finished unloading Bruce’s car, they decided to arrange the room to their liking. Bruce said, “Let’s put my bed on that wall and yours on the opposite one. That way, we could put the desks right near the windows and the TV can go on the refrigerator in the corner.”

“Okay, I’m good with that. I’ll put my dresser by my bed. I kind of figured that these walls were gonna be bare so I brought us some posters to liven up the place,” Derek said. He threw up some posters of scantily clad chocolate-skinned models and celebrity females.

“Definitely better,” Bruce said approvingly. Derek laughed. “I thought you’d approve.”

As the two started to unpack their belongings, Bruce noticed a strange- looking book that fell out of Derek’s backpack. “What type of classes are you taking?” Bruce asked. “You already got some of your books?”

“Why?” Derek turned and asked.

Bruce pointed to Derek’s backpack. “Did you get to register early? What class takes that book? That jawn looks cool,” Bruce said. The book was large and looked about four inches thick. It was a hardback, yet bound in black leather. On the cover was a picture of a majestic roaring golden lion, with a clawed paw raised toward the sky. Bruce thought the book looked old.

Derek quickly moved to pick up the book and put it back in the backpack. “Nah, this book is mine. My dad gave it to me. It’s kind of a family heirloom,” Derek nervously said.

“Heirloom?” Bruce asked perplexingly.

“Yeah,” Derek responded. “It’s been passed down in my family since we was brought over from Africa. It means a lot.”

“Yo, that’s cool. Can I see?” Bruce asked.

“Um,” Derek hesitated. “It’s just my dad has this thing about nobody else handling it. Like I said, it’s real old and real important.”

Bruce looked slightly disappointed. “Oh. No problem. I understand.” An uncomfortable and awkward silence settled between the two.

“So where you from?” Derek asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“I was born in Pittsburg,” Bruce answered. “I’ve lived in Philly for the past twelve years though. You?”

“Oh, I’m from right here, Pottington. I actually live, like, a couple miles from here.”

“Oh, so you know your way around this city. Know all the places to go where all the honeys at, am I right?” Bruce joked.

“Of course. This is my city. I got you covered,” Derek said. “But I got a feeling that you won’t have to go far to find a lot of bad chicks, if you know what I’m saying,” Derek suggestively offered.

“You think the girls at this school got it like that?” Bruce asked.

“Look, dawg. Not only do they look good, but you gotta remember that Word U is the best HBCU in the nation. These chicks got their heads on straight and the looks to match,” said Derek.

“Shit, well, if that’s the case, I think I’m gonna have a very fun year,” Bruce said.

Bruce’s stomach began to growl. “I’m about to go get something to eat,” he said.

“Okay, I already ate. I’ll holla at you later,” Derek said.

As soon as Bruce left the room, Derek booted up his laptop. Once he was logged on, he opened a Skype chat; and soon enough, a man appeared on the screen on the other end of the call. In the background were a few portraits and a TV. It appeared to be a living room. The chocolate-skinned man, the same complexion as Derek himself, was wearing a white undershirt and looked to be in his mid-forties. He had sprinkles of gray in his hair and a neatly trimmed goatee. A thin pair of reading glasses covered a pair of eyes that would lead someone to believe that this man had seen a lot in life.

The man smiled. “I was wondering when you would finally get around to calling me,” he said.

Derek laughed. “What’s up, Dad?”

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About the Author

Terrence, born to Shawn and Clarence Potter in 1990, lived in Wilmington, Delaware, until the age of seven, when he moved to New Castle. He graduated from Howard High School before moving on the University of Delaware, graduating in 2012. He decided to begin his writing career a year after that. He chose to create fantasy stories featuring characters from under-represented and minority populations. His first book in the Black Diamond series, The Black Diamond and the Witch’s Curse, was published in 2016. The second, The Black Diamond and the Magic box, was published in 2019.

The Black Diamond Series

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Monday, April 18, 2022

Magic Touch Review Spotlight

Such a beautiful cover!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magic Touch (Witches of Windsor #1)

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

Genre: Paranormal/ Historical Romance/ Witches

ESME

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

WILLIAM

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

ESME

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

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About the Author

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

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

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

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

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