Double Grudge Donuts Review Spotlight

 

The latest book in the deliciously delightful Deputy Donut Mystery series is here! The 8^th book in this long running series by Ginger Bolton is sure to be a crowd pleaser as amateur sleuth and Deputy Donut Cafe owner, Emily Westhill, returns with a wedding on the horizon, and all while a murder is brewing.

True to form the Deputy Donut Mystery series graces Double Grudge Donuts with a delightful cover that showcases the storefront of Deputy Donuts and their patio area. Dep sits adorably at one of the patio tables with a paw outstretched towards a plate of double fudge donuts. Makes you wish you could be there to share in one, too. Right? The cover definitely sets a scene that is sure to draw in fans of the series and new readers alike. Eye-catching, delicious elements, and an adorable kitty that surely will pique the interest of adoring cat lovers.

Double Grudge Donuts picks up with the Fallingbrook’s Art Festival week. What should be a joyous time for the town isn’t exactly going too well for one particular performer. A cornet performer seems to be struggling with their performance. Is this a case of stage-fright? Loss of concentration?

Well, when a bagpiper decides to let out a series of “squawks” and “wheezes” from their own instrument, it is definitely with the intent of lending a “helping hand” or any sense of “encouragement.” What those dreadful sounds end up doing is turning heads, drawing the ire of many and setting the stage….for murder.

Kirk, the bagpiper, is would appear is out to make more enemies than friends with his behavior. He’s a recent transplant to Fallingbrooks and works as a janitor at the local school. You’re quickly going to get the sense that he’s one of the least liked individuals in town. Kirk’s attitude and irritating behavior quickly create a list of people who like to see him silenced. But when he turns up dead, does that mean that someone he annoyed with his raucous late night playing and rudeness did him in?

With Emily and Dep discovering the body, and all signs pointing to a clear case of murder, the question arises...who did the deed? Was it someone he upset with his rudeness? Was the murder weapon a Deputy Donut mug that was stolen?

Settle in, because Double Grudge Donuts is going to immerse you in a delightful cozy mystery that details Emily’s drive to solve this mystery and not end up the murderer’s next victim in the process. This won’t be easy as the air of suspicion has been cast upon Emily and her family. Who would dare to suspect Emily and her parents? Well, you can bet that it’s not the local police force. That’s for sure!

Emily is definitely going to have her hands full in Double Grudge Donuts! She’s got the business to run, customers to keep happy, events to participate in, and a wedding to plan! Throw in a murder, and boy does she have an overflowing plate! Can she do it all and stay one step ahead of a dangerous murderer? You bet!

Of course, things get complicated when the list of suspects just keeps growing and growing. Why did Kirk have to go and make so many people mad?! Let’s be real though...if someone was walking around at night playing their bagpipes and disturbing people’s sleep...you’d be mad, too. LOL! Add in him interrupting performances with his rude playing...you’re going to be hard pressed to feel much sympathy for him.

Emily stays true to form to the Deputy Donut series with her desire to figure out the truth. She’s shown a lot of development through the series with her learning to share any information she gathers with her soon to be husband, Brent. Of course, she’s constantly going to be warned along the way by many a character to “let the police handle things.” Not an easy thing to do when it appears that someone is trying to frame you for murder.

Double Grudge Donuts is packed with delicious donutty treats that will leave you drooling and wishing you could have one...or two...or more! LOL! Engaging characters that will keep you engaged in the story as it all unfolds. The back and forth between Emily and a variety of characters keeps you wondering...”Who is the killer and what would their motive be?”

Author Bolton drops little hints along the way throughout the book like crumbs from a donut. Can you piece together who would have motive, means and opportunity to end Kirk’s haunting tunes? For this reader, author Bolton managed to keep that particular mystery buried deep until the final lead-up to the fateful reveal. A unique turn of events will show you that this particular case goes well beyond Fallingbrook, and ties to something else from the past.

While this book is the lead-up to Emily’s wedding, we don’t get a lot of the wedding planning itself. Author Bolton throws in a few mentions here and there, along with some fun playful banter. However, if you’re hoping for more...you may be a touch disappointed. Double GrudgeDonuts focuses more on the mystery and the solving of it. You get swirls around the town, but the story stays focused on the characters, the festival, and uncovering hidden secrets and potential motives.

Double Grudge Donuts is an average paced cozy mystery novel. The characters come off as realistic and overall engaging. Dep gets to play a pretty important part of the story, but you’ll have to pay attention to what that element particularly is. Of course, you’re going to tempted with some tantalizingly delicious donuts, and as with every book in this series, you’ll find a couple delicious recipes in the back.

The book gives readers Emily’s big day, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens next with Emily and Dep as they continue their path in this next chapter of their lives.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Twists and intrigue
• Well developed characters
• Tons of mystery

Cons:

• Little focus on the wedding planning, since this is the book with a wedding in it.

Cover Score: 9.6/10

4.5 out of 5 stars

Blending of the Sands Review Spotlight

 

Blending of the Sands continues the story of Harmen and Imani as the quest to bring change continues. Blending of the Sands continues where Sands of Ruin left off, moving forward with our two main characters striving to not just survive all that the world is throwing at them but to make it back to each other. This will be no easy task, especially for Harmen, but it’s something that must be done...for the sake of all.

Blending of theSands’ cover continues with the primary image of the sands and dunes that defined book one. Where book one had the compass, an heirloom from Harmen’s family, book two has an array of items that will be familiar to most readers of the series. The blue scarf that Harm gifted to Imani, the blending pendant he intends to give her, and a pair of crossed daggers. The first two items will be familiar, but the last? Not so much. It all simply comes together to draw readers into diving into this book to discover what hides inside.

Blending of theSands is the second book in R.M. Muller’s Sands of Ruin series. Sands of Ruin, book one, left readers with the question of what happens next to our heroes? Both Harmen and Imani have been taken captive by the Guardians. Charlie is a captive as well, held by own his own brother, the Chancellor. Now what? Imani was on the verge of being hanged, but with the capture of Harm everything shifted.

Now, this book picks up over a month after we were left with the ending of book one. Harm is being held in the prison. Every day he must endure what the Guardians put him through. The questioning. The abuse. The demands for answers of what he knows concerning the device. No matter how honest he is with them, they extract pain and suffering from him. His only hope? That somewhere out there...Imani is still alive.

The first time Harmen landed in prison, he had help getting out. This time? It appears that there will be no help coming for him. It would seem that he’s on his own. The hits don’t just come physically though. The Guardians are seeking to break his spirit...and that comes in a heartbreaking blow when they tell him the last thing that he’d ever want to hear.

Imani is going through her own personal hell. She’s no longer being subjected to the prison, but one can hardly say that her “accommodations” are much better. One would hardly want to find themselves in the “care” of their enemy. Granted, this particular captor is better than her father, but not by much. Can you guess who?

Blending of theSands continues with the quest to fix what the Chancellor has broken. The people are suffering and dying and the time for change must come soon. But this book takes readers deeper. We explored the sands in the Sands of Ruin. Now, Blending of the Sands is going to introduce readers to a new area – the forest/jungle area. Cue jaw-drop, right?! LOL!

What do you mean there’s more out there than just the sands and dunes? What do you mean that there is something separating everything into “sections” and people are living uniquely in them!?! Yeah, prepare to delve deeper as our characters discover the truth that is out there, and then come to being able to explore the forest area for themselves.

It’s a nice element of enticement to draw readers deeper into this book. Imani and Harm continue to face a variety of challenges. They find help along their separate journeys. Harm reconnects with Jonah and Enid. Imani finds some unexpected help from a kind villager, whom she repays with a dark service.

All the while Harm is still being hunted, probably more viciously now than before. Fletcher really has a been in his “bonnet” when it comes to Harm. But is there something more to it than meets the eye?

Where Sands of Ruin played jump rope with the line between YA and Upper YA/New Adult, Blending of the Sands takes that step and shifts fully into New Adult territory with multiple sex scenes between the new couple. The scenes aren’t overly graphic and steamy, so readers who prefer just the “basic” of elements, no more and no less, will be pleased.

Wondering if there is any character development? The answer is yes. There are new characters introduced into the story with the “discovery” of a new area. Secrets are coming to light, and Harmen and Imani are learning new things. But as they are learning new things, and discovering themselves, th taint of the Chancellor and Fletcher is reaching further and further in an attempt to draw Harmen back out and extinguish the hope that his very existence threatens to bring.

The closer this story comes to a close, the more the author begins to set the stage for a shake-up in the story. You’re going to get little clues here and there, but apparently, the characters won’t be in on what’s to come. Of course, neither will you, the reader, but we think you’ll handle things better than they will when it all plays out.

Just as book one ended on a cliffhanger with a twist, Blending of the Sands will be no exception. Thanks to some of the clues and hints dropped we weren’t as tormented with this ending, but that doesn’t mean that the characters aren’t impacted negatively. We’ll have to wait and see what comes next for Harmen and Imani. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be really interesting.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Twists and turns
• Introduction of new characters
• Page-turner

Cons:

• None of merit

Cover Score: 9.8/10

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, R.M. Muller, for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds Review Spotlight

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is the first book in K.R. Gastreich's Soul Masters series. Prepare to embark on a world-blending novel as Mayela comes to learn more about who she is and the dangers that she unwittingly embarked upon. Now, she must face the consequences of her actions and work to come out the other side alive. 

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds piques readers' interest with a forest-style cover with what appears to be a portal. Where does this portal lead to? Is it a new fantastical world? Or is there something dark and insidious on the other side? The only way to find out is to delve into this story and explore as the story unfolds.

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is the first in this new series, and it alternates between the present and the past. You get get to see some of Mayela's childhood. Mayela remembers events that happened but she thinks that they are just hallucinations from overly stressed mind. But is the truth something else? As you reflect at random moments back to her childhood you'll see that there is more going on than meets the eye. 

Is Mayela in denial as to the things that she is seeing? The answer to that question is a touch complex and one that requires you to delve deeper into the story to truly understand what is going on. 

The dynamics between Mayela and Nathan, when he enters the picture, is interesting. She's drawn to him not realizing what is actually going on. That there is already a connection between them. But what is with this other guy? The coffee shop owner's financial advisor? The way that he behaves is extremely off. Is he dangerous? Is he something like Nathan?

These questions will push at you more than once when he makes an appearance at the oddest of times. We literally reared back at one specific unexpected appearance. You get the sense that something bad is about to happen, but...she's saved by the sound of heels on flooring! Think it's Nathan coming to her rescue? You may want to guess again.

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is an interesting story, but we feel like it could have benefited from having a prologue. A prologue would have given readers a foundation to build on. As it is, Mayela remembers certain things that readers have no idea even transpired already. It's like we're rushing to play catch-up to something already in motion. 

There are other things that just hit wrong when it comes to the storyline. When the truth starts to come out Mayela gets upset and claims that Nathan has been dishonest with her. We were really thrown by this because there is no sign that they were even texting back and forth that heavily before the date. So it translates to her being over-dramatic...and for what?

The boat rocks a bit from time to time with the back and forth between the characters, but it does even out here and there. You get some questions answered, and others you're left with, but this is just the first in the series, so who knows where things will go from here. 

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, K.R. Gastreich, and Bewitching Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds

Soul Masters

Book One
K.R. Gastreich

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: February 7, 2024
ISBN: 978-1509253302
ASIN: B0CP6GMWRK
Number of pages: 320
Word Count: 90k
Cover Artist: Kristian Norris

Tagline: He wants to claim her soul. But can she capture his heart?

Book Description:

On a hike through the forest, Mayela stumbles into a terrifying world where immortals hunt souls. To survive she secures protection from a Soul Master. When he demands payment, Mayela fights back. But how can she fight the desire consuming her heart?

Every soul Nathan claims expands the power of his realm. In Mayela, he finds a rare gift that could guarantee his place among the Soul Masters. All he must do is secure her allegiance without losing his heart. And Nathan has no heart to lose. Or does he?  

With eternity at stake, Mayela and Nathan ignite a transcendent passion that breaks all the rules. Among the Soul Masters, a malevolent force awakens. The final hunt is on…

Amazon BN Bookshop

Excerpt:

Then everything froze. Joni, the customers, the cars outside. All movement simply stopped. The chime on the front door sounded. My throat went dry. Somehow, I knew what was happening. I knew who had arrived, though I didn’t understand how or why.

Twisting around, I peered over the rim of the booth. Standing in the doorway was the man from my hallucinations, a creature of the dark plains. Tall and slim, broad-shouldered, dark in aspect. That same man had beheaded a snake in my kitchen. Not my kitchen, I reminded myself. The illusion of my kitchen, part of the same hallucination of an impossible world. The Hunting Grounds, he’d called it. Where we go to hunt souls.

My mind spun with the impossibility of what I was seeing. He couldn’t be real.  Yet here he was, in Joni’s shop. Except, he looked different. His hair was peppered gray instead of black. His skin seemed a shade darker. Or maybe lighter? It was like wrapping my head around a mirage, trying to remember what he looked like in my nightmares. But the simple force of his presence, the quiet luminescence of his spirit, was unmistakable. That was him.

Without so much as a glance in my direction, the man stepped into the shop and started toward the counter. Everything stirred at once. Several people looked his way. Joni let go a long, low whistle.

“Well, I’ll be!” she exclaimed. "We haven’t had anyone that drop-dead gorgeous walk in here since…Well, ever!”

She kept staring, mouth agape, as he ordered coffee. Then her face lit up, and she jumped into action, wiping down the table next to me.

“I’ve got an idea,” she said. “I think you should go for him.”

“What?” I croaked.

“He’s totally your style.”

“I don’t date men in suits.”

“What are you talking about?” She laughed. “Look at him! It’s fate. I can feel it.”

“Joni –”

“Sir!” She called. “Sir, we’ve got an empty table right over here. Next to the windows.”

Holy crap! I sank deeper into my seat. “I’m serious, Joni! Send him somewhere else.”

“Straighten up, beautiful.” She patted me on the shoulder. “Give it a shot. What’ve you got to lose?”

Then she was gone. I cast about frantically for an escape, but there was no back exit from the booth. Unless I wanted to crash through the window. Could I do that? Crash through the window?

Yeah, I could do that. But I’d have to leave my insects behind, and –

And there he was, taking the table next to me. His chair scraped against the floor. His clothes rustled as he settled in. Minutes passed while my heart pounded inside my chest. I kept my face turned, pretended to stare out the window, wondered whether it would hurt to feel the glass shatter against my skin.

Idle talk filled the coffee shop. Customers came and went, orders were taken, steam forced through frothing milk.

Still the man said nothing.

I snuck a glance in his direction. Damn, he was handsome. Heart stoppingly so. Desire tugged at my gut, a strangely familiar sense of attraction, as if we’d known each other before this moment. As if I’d been bound to him in a time before memory.

About the Author:

K.R. Gastreich is a recipient of the OZMA Award for fantasy fiction and the Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency, as well as a winner of the Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest. Her fantasy novels feature high-stakes romance, gripping battles, and darkly lyrical prose. In addition to Soul Masters and The Silver Web trilogy, she has published short stories in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping.

A proud native of the American Midwest, K.R. Gastreich lived for many years in Texas and then in Latin America before returning to the Kansas City Metro where she grew up. When not writing she enjoys hiking, camping, studying dance, and spending time with her family.

To learn about new releases and other events, visit K.R. Gastreich’s website at krgastreich.com, or follow her on Instagram @EolynChronicles.

Website: https://www.krgastreich.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EolynChronicles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063135194840

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4431702.K_R_Gastreich

 

In the Shadows Review Spotlight

 

This week, we're celebrating the long-anticipated release of In the Shadows by L.B. August! You are going to want to add this one to your TBR!

In the Shadows is the first book in L.B. August's the Amari series. Love a good enemies-to-lovers romance novel? Are you a fan of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses? Then look no further because this book? Yeah, it's going to be your next read! 

In the Shadows starts off with a prologue that will draw you into the story. It's a children's story that is called the Threads of Amari. But is it more than it seems? Is this "children's story" a prophecy in disguise that hints at something more in the future to come? The clues are there dear reader. What do you think and what will you find hidden deep within these pages?

When the book shifts gears it moves forward to "10 years ago". Keep your footing, okay? You're in the past at this point in the book. We're with young(er) Theo during this time. You'll feel a smile creep across your face at the antics of youthful teasing between siblings. But things quickly shift in tone in less than a matter of a couple of pages. 

The shifting changes in this story come fast and fierce as it goes from playful banter between friends to full throttled danger bearing down on them threatening everything. That's just in the first chapter and in the first few pages! If that is what this book has just from the beginning, you can bet that the rest is going to be a wild ride of drama and chaos that is going to have you glued to the pages! 

But of course, this is just the beginning. In the Shadows is absolutely packed with drama, heartbreak, more drama, political intrigue that will leave you with your  jaw on the floor, and romance that promises to burn up the pages. 

While we have not yet had the privilege of reading any of these books - The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you can bet that we devoured this book, In the Shadows, like we were starving. LOL! So, we'll probably need to put those others on our lists (if they already aren't of course. LOL)

We get alternating viewpoints throughout this book between Theo and Lily. Each POV is told from the first person perspective so you get to feel like you are that particular character. The shifts between characters isn't every chapter, but it works to keep you coming back for more. 

Readers...do you hate cliffhangers? Well, let's be real, if you've read those books listed above you're more than okay with a cliffhanger...even if it makes you rage as it leaves you howling for more. LOL! Well, this book, as we're sure you've gotten the hint... is no exception. Cliffhanger? Check! LOL! Going to leave you howling for more? Double check. When is the next book coming? No. Idea. Aaaarggghhh!!! LOL! It's okay though! We'll just have to read this one in the meantime. Right? Right! 

In the Shadows is a fantastic story and we can't wait to find out what happens next. 

5 out of 5 stars

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

                                                    In the Shadows (The Amari Series #1)

Expected Publication Date: February 27, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Enemies-to-Lovers

🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Forbidden Love
🔥Found Family
🔥Political Intrigue
🔥Elemental Magic
🔥Secret Identity
🔥Soul Mates
🔥Slow Burn

Damned by gods and threaded by fates, two mortals must embrace the darkness to find their true destinies.

Lilith Clarke is supposed to be dead: murdered by the vicious King Oren, her blood staining a field of daisies. But death would have been merciful.

After years of having no name, she is finally given a title: Queen of Umbra. But it will cost her everything. Lily is now bound to King Asher, the most powerful and brutal shadow divinus in all of Omnia. Forced to rule in secret, she slowly loses herself to the darkness. She fears it will swallow her whole.

Until he arrives, tugging an ancient thread deep within her soul.
Theodore Kincaid seeks justice in Umbra but falls captive to his sworn enemy, the ruthless King Asher. Trapped in the kingdom that killed his beloved, his fate seems sealed until a chance encounter with the secret Queen of Umbra offers him an opportunity he can’t resist.
Theo and the Queen each believe that they are in full control, but neither is prepared for what the fates have in store.

Amidst a realm on the brink of chaos, two souls collide in a heart-wrenching tale of unveiling secrets, conquering the darkness, and igniting a love that could save or destroy.

In The Shadows is the first book in a new series filled with forbidden romance, enemies-to-lovers, magical powers, fated mates, and political intrigue. It’s perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

In The Shadows features mature content and themes that is not suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, please visit L.B.’s Instagram.

GET IT ON AMAZON

About the Author

Born and raised in Ohio, where she still resides with her spouse, young child, and sweet senior dog, L.B. August’s most significant memories are Cedar Point and failing Hooked on Phonics (true story). Thrill seeking and difficulty reading followed L.B. into adulthood until, in 2022, she discovered a genre that tapped into the excitement of escapism and world building while capturing her attention and turning her into a voracious reader of fantasy. As she devoured book after book, L.B. found herself desperately wanting to read more empowered female characters within the genre, so she set off to write her own. Encouraged by her best friend, she wrote her debut novel, In The Shadows. Now she can be found hyper-fixating on new projects, downing copious amounts of black coffee, and pretending to be a corporate professional, all while crafting intricate, rich stories with captivating characters that she hopes will pass on her newfound passion for reading.

L.B. August

Tour organized by @rrbooktours

A House of Fangs and Deceit Review Spotlight

We are so EXCITED to share A House of Fangs and Deceit with you this week! Everything about it is just... *Chef's Kiss

Eager for a new dark fantasy novel with "why choose" vibes? Okay, okay, it's more than just vibes. It's there in black and white, giving you steamy deliciousness that - depending on where you live - is going to have you reaching for a cool down. LOL! 

A House of Fangs and Deceit is the first book in the Lunaria Realms series, and trust us on this one, you won't want to miss out on this book! From the beginning, the author hooks you in with the prologue. This part of the story alone is so gripping and riveting that you'll be instantly glued to the pages. 

A House of Fangs and Deceit moves forward from the prologue and keeps you thoroughly engaged in the story as the author shifts their attention to one of the main characters - Samara. Life is not going well with her at her new home and it's been three years. Three years people! 

Sex life? Blah. Husband? Double blah. Okay, okay, so according to Samara he's not bad to look at, and he's got something going on downstairs but when it comes to her? He performs his "duties" but that's it. Excuse me, but what?! And his mother is even worse! Apparently Mother isn't letting go of any crumb of power unless you intend to pry it from her cold dead fingers, because he sure as hell ain't gonna do it. 

Nope! "Husband" Demetri apparently would prefer to spend time with his "friends." Yeah, "friends" with benefits. Don't worry though, it gets better. Samara works so hard and proving herself, that when certain scenes play out you're going to wish that you could jump through the pages and dole out righteous justice on her behalf. Unfortunately, we can't, so we'll just have to make do with screaming our rage out to the world. LOL!  

When Samara makes the decision to return home, things get really interesting. Crushes are reignited and new romance blooms. Things are going to get spicy steamy and fast! But the danger is there as well. The threat of the wraiths are creeping ever closer. Something strange is going on at Samara's old home, and the tables are about to turn in the most twisted way! 

Think you're going to be putting this book down? Ha! Guess again! Before you know it you'll be halfway through this book, and will only pause to do the following - get a breath of air, or to quickly scurry to refresh your COLD drink or to help you take the edge off. LOL! This book is seriously delicious.

When you get to the end of this book, and by end we mean the final two pages...you are going to be screaming!! LOL! Simply because of the twist the author throws at us readers and leaves us practically on our knees begging for more and for October to hurry up and get here. Did someone say October? Is it here yet?! OMG! We need answers! LOL! 

This is an epic book and a great start to the series. We can't wait to find out what happens next. 

5 out of 5 stars

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

A House of Fangs & Deceit: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Lunaria Realms Book 1)

Publication Date: January 23, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Why Choose

*Why Choose
*Equal Parts Plot & Spice
*Smart/ Ambitious Mid-size FMC
*Queer Rep
*Rivals-to-Lovers
*Friends-to-Lovers
*Unique Take on Vampires, Shifters, Fae, & Other Magical Creatures

The fae are gone and the monsters reign.

Lunaria was always a land full of nightmares. But when the fae vanished without a trace, we had to make sacrifices to survive.

From the ashes, the Moroi Houses rose.

As the Heir to one of the most influential Houses, I’ve always known that an arranged marriage would be part of my future. One where I ruled alongside my husband as we fought to strengthen the crumbling alliances of our people.

When I’m betrayed by my husband and his House, however, I return home to an uncertain future—and to both my childhood crush and my arch-nemesis. Kieran is even more gorgeous and clever-tongued than I remember, while Alaric is frustrating... and hotter than he has any right to be. And then there’s the taciturn librarian and their magical ropes…

Navigating politics has always come easily to me, but I don’t know how to deal with my complicated desires or whom I can trust. Because the blood wards that have kept our realm safe for over a century are failing. The monsters are drawing closer, and someone is aiding them.

This is a spicy fantasy romance with love interests who don't mind sharing. You can expect different types of relationships ranging from sweet and playful to enemies-to-lovers; set in a world full of monsters with a dark history.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

About the Author

Alex Frost is… actually Maddox Grey. Dun dun duuuuun!

Okay probably not that dramatic of a reveal since it isn’t exactly a closely guarded secret. The pen name Alex Frost was created to publish the spicier fantasy series that fall under the “Why Choose” genre.

Why Alex Frost? Because Maddox is a freaking nerd. After being trained by local baristas to respond to the name “Alex” instead of Maddox, it seemed like the perfect pen name. Half of it anyway.

Since Maddox already shares their last name with Jean Grey of the X-Men, it seemed fitting to borrow Emma Frost’s last name for their other persona.

If you know, you know. (insert smirking face)

Alex Frost

Book Tour Schedule

February 26^th

http://rrbooktours.com Landing Page

https://www.instagram.com/newre_ader/?igshid=ZDc4ODBmNjlmNQ%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/floofymoosereads/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/lit.and.Elle/ - Review

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

https://www.instagram.com/all.theprettypages - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/kass.cozyreads?igsh=MWc4MDhkaTRncTZ6Zg%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookboundwithjen/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/thepixietricks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/kmartbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsreadtoo_/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/arielrosereadsandwrites/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/hopecobbledpots/ - Feature

http://ramblingmads.com – Feature

February 27^th

https://www.instagram.com/bookishcaitt - Review

https://www.instagram.com/copyrightxcasey/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/youwontbesolly - Review

https://www.instagram.com/littleredpandareader/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/emmabeeslibrary/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/abitofthis_apinchofthat?igsh=MW8yMDRmZnBrZWZkag== - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookshelfofmydreams/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/ohshebookish?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/ - Feature

February 28^th

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com - Review

https://www.instagram.com/ilovebooksandstuffblog/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/_thebookishbesties_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/emeliaisreading/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/junebug_reads/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA – Review

https://www.instagram.com/winning.reads - Review

https://www.instagram.com/jasmineslittlebooknook?igsh=MXV0bGg0N2IybzVwag&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/mommyandherbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/theromantasybookcorner._/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/teaand_tomes - Feature

February 29^th

https://www.instagram.com/nvl_reads/ - Review

https://instagram.com/the_bookish_cave_of_wonders?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Review

https://www.instagram.com/ettaviereads?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandbookswithali - Review

https://www.instagram.com/elder_millennialnitemar_reads/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/its_b.e.l.l.e/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookswithjessss?igsh=eG50cTdzcDFuZzhp&utm_source=qr – Review

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

https://www.instagram.com/bookmarkedbymaddie/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/mia.read.it/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/niveditha_preeth/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/_toris.thoughts_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/evenromanceisnerdy/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/spiritedbookishbabe/ - Review

https://breakevenbooks.com – Review

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

https://www.instagram.com/preferbookstopeople/ - Review

March 1^st

https://www.instagram.com/ashleys.library - Review

https://www.instagram.com/horror.books.and.chill?igsh=d2wxMDV2ODNjbzF6&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/elissa_a22/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/kaileymhurley?igsh=MTZjMzVocmo0OW1ncQ&utm_source=qr – Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/kels.lovesbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/llost.in.literature/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/mandyisreading_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/sirena.knighton/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/umber.reads.1988/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/novelnchill/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/romanceinrealms?igsh=b2xtamR1aml2Nzdh&utm_source=qr – Review

https://haddieshaven.blogspot.com – Feature

http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/nenis_books_and_photos/ - Feature

Tour organized by @rrbooktours

 

Umbrate Review Spotlight

Welcome one and all to my stop on the book tour in association with Black Phoenix Book Tours for A.D. Jones's Umbrate! Are you a fan of fantasy novels? How about thrillers? Well, author A.D. Jones has got you covered! Packed with twists, turns, and so much drama, this book is sure to keep you glued!

 Something new this way comes. Wonder what it is? It’s a book called Umbrate. Umbrate is a fantasy thriller novel by A.D. Jones that will draw you in and keep you glued to the pages to the very end.

Author Jones welcomes readers to a city called Dalton. Dalton is where Detective Vanic Bradley lives and works. Vanic is dealing with some tough days ahead of him. Work is driving him hard, but when a particular sting doesn’t go as planned, it sets up a nasty situation that he will have to fight to survive. Not just for himself, but for his young son as well.

Umbrate is an intriguing novel that lures you in first with it’s unique cover. You’ll see a character glancing back over his shoulder that you can safely conclude to be Detective Vanic Bradley. Behind him, you’ll see a dark shadowy figure that appears menacing and dangerous. The cover gives readers that this may be a story of an entity out for revenge or something just as sinister.

Umbrate begins with a prologue that takes readers many centuries back in time. You get a sneak peek at a band of characters who end up fighting for their lives against creatures that seem to step out of the night itself. They are swift, dangerous, deadly, and difficult to take down – these creatures. But they are not invincible. They can be killed, but it’s a hard-fought battle, and there are no guarantees, especially in close quarters, that you’ll come out alive.

Now, fast forward to the present day and this is where Detective Vanic Bradley makes his appearance. Umbrate appears to just focus on an average everyday situation for Vanic. He wakes up, greets the day, the woman he’s in love with, and goes into the job. On his desk is a mysterious little envelope that holds within it something seemingly innocuous – tickets to a couple of upcoming events. Vanic doesn’t think much of it and for the most part...neither will you. Well, unless you’re like the few of us who are immediately suspicious of unexpected gifts. LOL! Especially when you’re a cop and as the character notes...could be viewed as a bribe.

As the story progresses you’re going to learn quite a few things about Vanic. He has some deep-seated issues towards certain citizens of Dalton. To be fair though – he’s not the only one, and this will be noted in a way that will leave readers a bit curious, and mildly confused. Don’t worry though, it will become clearer...just later on in the story. So, just keep any questions you may develop close at hand because the answers are there. You just have to wait for them.

The story takes an interesting twist that brings in the drama when a sting goes awry. While one perp is caught, another manages to escape. Yikes, right?! Honestly, it’s to be expected, but while the escapee makes a threat of revenge, it takes a minute for things to begin to fall into place. It doesn’t happen in the way that you would typically expect to see play out. We’re not complaining now mind you! We like that this is handled in such a unique fashion.

Wondering where the elves and dwarves are? They are there in the story! They’re sprinkled here and there, but the author also has a couple come in and take center stage by being helpers to our hero. You’re absolutely going to love the nod that author Jones does to one of the most epic fantasy series in history, the LOTR. It is both humorous and awesome at the same time.

The thriller aspect of this fantasy novel really ramps up when a murder is committed and “tastefully” highlighted with a nice little sign just for our detective. Cue panic amongst the masses. Fun times ahead ladies and gentlemen! Compound the situation with Vanic’s son is with him and the tension just got ratcheted up to the next level with ease. Be prepared to be kept on the edge of your seat as you wonder – “What is going to happen next?” “Who is going to be next?” “Where is the author going with this book?” “Is it possible to put thisbook down...even for a minute?” Here’s the easy answer to that last question...no. LOL! The rest? Well, you’ll have to grab a copy of Umbrate to find out for yourself.

Author Jones does a really good job of keeping a reader engaged in the storyline. You’re going to find yourself on the edge of your seat as the danger plays out on the page. While Vanic races against the odds and the clock to find a killer, he has no idea that the odds are trying to stack against him. Author Jones hides in the pages that there is more going on in this book than meets the eye. You are absolutely going to love it.

Now, as you know, this is a fantasy thriller. Emphasis on the fantasy elements, and emphasis on the thriller. A quick question we’re sure you’re having...will there be murder? Ya know, since this is a thriller? The simple answer – yes. Anything overly graphic on the page? Eh, that depends on you the reader. For us? We love a good dose of gore. LOL! So, there are some areas with finer detail, but that’s not the case with every scene depicted in this book.

Umbrate is an interesting story packed with some interesting twists. You are also going to get some flashbacks to Vanic’s youth that will help you better understand some of his personal viewpoints. Readers are definitely going to appreciate how author Jones goes on to develop Vanic’s character over the story.

Umbrate brings a lot to the reader and keeps you entertained, overall, from the first chapter all the way to the end. We wish we could say that the prologue ties into the story, but it unfortunately doesn’t. The centuries separate them, and if there was a connection meant to be made...it’s a miss.

For our first time reading a fantasy thriller, we have to say that overall… we were more than thrilled with this book and look forward to more like it in the future. For readers who love urban fantasy novels, this one is worth checking out. Enjoy a good thriller that will keep you page-turning? Then this one fits the bill just as well! Don’t miss out and grab a copy of Umbrate today!

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Unique fantasy creature
• Nice variety of characters
• Good evolution of main character
• Page-turner
• Twists and surprises

Cons

• The prologue doesn’t tie into the rest of the story
• Some terms aren’t explained until much later in the story

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, A.D. Jones, and Black Phoenix Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Umbrate

by A.D Jones

Black Phoenix Book Tours

February 27-March 01

Welcome to Dalton
Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.

Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.

After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world - but forces beyond his control have other ideas.

For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.

Umbrate is the debut Urban Fantasy crime thriller by A.D Jones, that will offer up his take on a fantasy setting that should be welcomed by many readers, regardless of their genre tastes.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

A.D Jones lives in the North of England; where he spends his time favouring books over people and can be found writing or devouring said books to review online. He loves Cola, Twin Peaks, cult movies and all things horror. He dislikes the movie ‘The Karate Kid’ with a passion that burns brighter than the sun.

You can find him on Instagram - the_evergrowing_library

https://www.instagram.com/the_evergrowing_library