GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ I Smell Sheep: January 2025

Thursday, January 30, 2025

A Merry Murderous Midwinter The Skeleton Crew Paranormal Cozy Series Book 3 by Dahlia Donovan

A Merry Murderous Midwinter
The Skeleton Crew Paranormal Cozy Series Book 3

by Dahlia Donovan
January 31, 2025
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Cozy Mystery
Welcome back to the Skeleton Crew. Bring your knitting needles, a good strong brew, and plenty of snacks. You’re going to need them.

Gender-fluid, autistic vampire Hyde Snodgrass is living their best life with their bookshop, cats, and witch girlfriend, Teresa Vega. The colours of autumn are beginning to blend into winter. An ordinarily joyous midwinter is spoiled by the arrival of their estranged family.

When their murderous uncle is found dead in front of their shop, Hyde finds themselves unwillingly dragged into the investigation. Accusations swirl around South Myrddin. It takes a village to untangle the mystery.

Can the true killer be unmasked in time to save them?

Will there be anything to celebrate in the coming Yuletide season?



 
“What do you think, Mortar? Pestle?” Hyde finished adjusting their button-down collar out of the blue sweater and glanced at the two cats observing them. One meowed quite loudly while the other sniffed before licking a paw. “You’re both remarkably unhelpful.”
The outfit of the day was one of their favourites. A lovely blue sweater with a well-worn button-down underneath. Jeans. A little boyish style from yesteryear with their trousers tucked into their socks and a vintage pair of brown boots.
I am a chubby ginger icon. I can seize the day.
Or I can seize a book to read.
That sounds better.
I’ll seize a book.
A particularly loud yowl caught their attention. The cats were definitely ready for their breakfast. They both looked pitifully up at Hyde.
“All right. Come on, you two.”
Mortar was a stunningly beautiful Persian with startling blue eyes who’d definitely been a queen in a previous life. Pestle, on the other hand, had probably been a court jester. His long ginger fur and almost glowing yellow eyes certainly set him apart, as did his sense of mischief.
They were Hyde’s constant companions. They ruled the roost. And more often than not, they kept the right people in the shop and the rest from overstaying their welcome.
Between the Leaves had been Hyde’s passion project for almost eighty years. The building had been a gift from the woman who’d taken them in as a child. A little shop with a comfortable flat on the second floor, it had once been a place serving afternoon tea, but books had been more interesting to Hyde.
Returning to stare at the mirror, Hyde attempted to corral their short, curly red hair into some semblance of a style. It was going to be a hat day. A hat day. It was a mostly nonverbal day. And a they day.
Being a vampire had its perks; being almost a hundred yet having stopped ageing at thirty was certainly a plus. Being an autistic one, though, had drawbacks. Every sound and smell was amplified by what felt like a thousand. The world could be an incredibly overwhelming place. It was Flossie who’d come up with the idea for the signs.
Flossie Vandermark was one of the three witches who ran The Spiked Cauldron, the village pub. She also happened to be a proud member of the Skeleton Crew, a weekly knitting group who met up at Hyde’s bookshop. Flossie had suggested a sign for days when Hyde didn’t want to talk or when they felt more they than she.
It made Hyde feel accepted. Everyone wanted to do what made them comfortable. It was part of the magic of their village.
Acceptance.
Everyone knew about South Myrddin. The little village on a loch in the Scottish Highlands was founded by Merlin himself, or so the lore went. It had a reputation for taking in the abandoned.
Hyde had come as a child when their family vampire coven had rejected them. South Myrddin was the place for stragglers, odd ones, and outliers. A place to find family if one wanted.
A place to find home.
The village had a healthy coven of witches. A few vampires. The odd werewolf. A collection of naiads, dryads, and brownies. Druids and shifters. A stray kelpie. An incubus and succubus, who were Italians who ran a restaurant. And one lone fae who’d been in South Myrddin since the beginning, or so they claimed.
The eclectic bunch of magical beings had all made South Myrddin their home. Most of the villagers came searching for a place to feel comfortable in their own skin. Hyde considered themselves grateful to have been left there all those years ago.



About the Author:

website
Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and vid
eo games. 
 
Giveaway 
$5 Amazon Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Tide Song, Melody of the Deep: A fantasy coming of age adventure (Tide Song Duology, Part 1) by K.E. Hummel

We're celebrating brand new fantasy Tide Song by K.E. Hummel. Read on for more details!

Tide Song: Melody of the Deep
by K.E. Hummel
Jan 17, 2025
Genre: YA Fantasy/ No Romance
Tropes:
Coming of age, reluctant hero, mythical creatures, found family, epic quest, overcoming prejudice
"Her voice can bridge worlds, but can it save them?"

A shattered nest
Their children dead
While above, invaders sail...

In the peaceful waters of Tirahanko Bay, Kei’s unique voice connects her to the Kopri, wise octopus-folk vital to her people’s survival. But a Kopri Prophet’s desperate plea thrusts Kei into a dangerous mission. She must journey to the outer sea, to help the Kopri communicate with the cruel Koru-Kah, human invaders destroying the Kopri’s underwater realm.

As danger mounts and Kei travels far from home, she must find a strength she never knew she had. Despite paralyzed legs, Kei navigates the perilous waters of captivity and forges unexpected bonds with Jacuti, a young enslaved sailor, and her loyal Kopri friend, OldFish. Together, they must face the inhumanity of the invaders and save the Kopri from destruction.

“Tide Song: Melody of the Deep” can be read as a stand-alone, complete novel. But the story continues in Part Two of the Tide Song Duology: “Children of Tayjaru,” coming to Amazon June 15, 2025. Perfect for young adult and adult readers.
 who believe in the magic within themselves and the strength found in unexpected friendships.


IG: @hearttidepress @rrbooktours
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#rrbooktours #rrbtTideSong #yafantasy #cleanfantasy #noromancefantasy #yafantasybooks


Sunday, January 26, 2025

YA Dark Fantasy: Infestation (Days of Iron and Clay Book 2) by Aileen Erin

Welcome to the tour for Aileen Erin’s latest release, Infestation!
by Aileen Erin
January 21, 2025
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy
• Good v. Evil
• Found Family
• Angels & Demons
• Slow Burn Romance
• YA Dark Fantasy
“Invocation is a brilliantly crafted, action-packed romantasy thriller you won’t be able to put down.” – Erin Michelle Sky, Author
SAMANTHA
I never thought I’d willingly walk into Hell again, but I did.
I survived and am back where I belong—at home. But Gabe, my demon-dead friend, is still missing. And the guilt is crippling me.

While I’m laughing and happy with my boyfriend, Gabe is suffering. While I’m resting and healing, Gabe is being endlessly tortured. But every plan I come up with is a suicide mission. And despite what it sometimes looks like, I’m not ready to die.

So, when my werewolf friends ask me to help their pack with a problem, there’s no way I can say no—even if I’m not ready to jump into another fight. There’s a mysterious evil the werewolves can’t track, and they need me to help them kill it.
It’s the perfect distraction. The only problem? Phoenix, a mortal, wants to go with me.

Even though he’s proven he can handle the supernatural, I can’t help but think nothing good can come from him getting an even better glimpse of how not normal my work life is. But I can’t say no to him; all I can do is pray Phoenix is still by my side when this is over.

PHOENIX
My life pre-Samantha was turmoil. Soccer career, over. Family life, devastated after the loss of my grandmother. Dating? Laughable. Every relationship fell apart because the door in my heart had been shut tight. I was unknowingly holding out for the one girl who had completely changed my world.

Samantha is it for me; my heart knew it before I did. I’d go anywhere as long as it’s with her.

But her guardian angel, Eli, said something to me that makes me think something truly terrible will happen to Samantha. And I’m not about to let that happen. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
“I absolutely loved this book, it blew my mind…I laughed, I cried, I swooned…it’s a heartfelt epic adventure! – Sheila Kay, Author
AUTHOR NOTE: The Days of Iron & Clay is a spin-off the Alpha Girls Series, but can be fully enjoyed alone and is best enjoyed in order! Infestation picks up right where Invocation left off. Be sure to read Invocation first!


IG: @aileenerin @inkmonsterbooks @rrbooktours
TIKTOK: @shannon_of_rrbooktours
Tags:
#rrbooktours #rrbtInfestationTour #infestation #thedaysofironandclay #darkfantasy #paranormalromance #angelsanddemons #werewolfbooks #darkfantasybooks


About the author

Website
USA TODAY Bestselling author Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she geeks out on Tolkien's linguistics, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband and daughter in Texas and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

UPCOMING SERIES - THE DAYS OF IRON AND CLAY - YA Paranormal spin off of the ALPHA GIRLS series with angels, demons, werewolves, fey & everything else paranormal

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Hear the Branches Rattle: A Horror Novella by Fredrick Niles

 
by Fredrick Niles
December 10, 2023
It’s been decades since the vampiric old gods turned on their worshippers. Driven by starvation, they came with the setting of the sun and turned a nameless, isolated village into a killing ground. Only two of the residents remain now: a hermit named Walter and his undead daughter, Alexis, who he sacrificed nearly twenty years ago.

Every night, Alexis shows up at Walter's window to try and lure him out. And every night, he indulges her in conversation but never steps past the safe threshold of his front door.

But when four hikers stumble upon the town one evening, everything changes. Will Alexis finally flush out the father that left her for dead? Will Walter find some absolution for his crime? Or will the morning sun rise over a desolate wilderness strewn with mutilated bodies?

Hear the Branches Rattle is a quick and brutal exploration of guilt, what we sacrifice, and who we sacrifice to.


About the Author
FB-Goodreads
Fredrick Niles is the author of the dark fantasy novel Ash Above, Snow Below. He can be found in St. Paul, MN where he collects good books and bad whiskey.



Thursday, January 23, 2025

Master Version 1.1: A near-future sci-fi techno thriller by Antanas Marcelionis

 

Master Version 1.1: A near-future sci-fi techno thriller
by Antanas Marcelionis (Author), Martynas Majeris (Translator)
December 16, 2024
"This highly immersive science fiction thriller keeps readers riveted until the very end. Episodes packed with advanced technology seamlessly drive the plot forward. The locations where the action unfolds are described in such fine-grained detail that I can’t help but feel transported back to the very places I once visited—though not in 2028." — ArÅ«nas Kumpis FPV drone pilot, combatant in the Russia-Ukraine war

Master is a lone soldier, relying on near-future technology and his own creativity to survive in the Gray Zone of the Ukrainian warzone.

The year is 2028. The simmering conflict has transformed into a new kind of battlefield, where military streamers compete for followers and views while carrying out often deadly missions.

Armed with an arsenal of experimental technology—including an advanced computer-brain interface, a multifunctional prosthetic arm, AI, and drones controlled with his mind—Master embarks on a desperate run for his life as he searches for missing fellow streamers.

The book contains 40+ original illustrations and maps. The maps and related action follow actual geographical places down to smallest detail.

Amazon



About the Author:
website-BlueSky
Master Version 1.1 is my first book. I’ve been writing for most of my life—not books, but code. I’m a software programmer. Together with Martynas Majeris, who translated Master Version 1.1 into English, we run a tiny company—essentially a two-and-a-half-man operation (sans Charlie)—but one that’s extremely successful in its field: amCharts. We estimate that our data visualization libraries are now used by at least half of the Fortune 500 companies and thousands of smaller businesses. Besides this main activity—which, even after nearly two decades, is still fun—I also enjoy long-distance bike travel and participate in competitive sailing events, both fully crewed and double-handed. When it comes to my reading habits, I prefer science fiction. Like most readers, I have my favorite writers, such as Neal Stephenson, and eagerly await their new releases. In between, I enjoy giving new authors a try. Sometimes, they blow me away and become new favorites, like Andy Weir. Unfortunately, there’s also a fair share of disappointment. Every time I felt let down by a new book, I thought, I could do better. On one such occasion, I sat down and wrote my first chapter. Then I wrote another. And a couple more. To make my texts believable, I wrote about things I know well. As a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen Union—an organization of voluntary fighters ready to take up arms and fight Russians if they come this way—and a regular participant in tactical drills and exercises, I’m well-versed in warfare. I know my way around guns and drone combat. You can find me on BlueSky @marcelionis.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

YA witchy fantasyon Kindle Unlimited! Autumn Death (Bird Girl Witches Book 1) by L.A. Brown

Welcome to the tour for Autumn Death by L.A. Brown -- a gorgeous YA witchy fantasy you can now read on Kindle Unlimited!


by L.A. Brown
November 13, 2024
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/ Witches
Tropes: The Supernatural, The Outsider, First Love, Love is the Answer, Coming of Age, Ancient Secrets, Backing into Darkness, Body Switching, Dark Family Secrets, Crime in the Family, Found Family, Fated Mates, Forbidden Love, Creepy Settings, A Foreboding Atmosphere, Mysterious Things are Happening, Magical Secrets, Fantastical Creatures, Magical Systems, Training Sequences, Powerful Artifacts, High Stakes, Happy Ending, Hereditary Witches, Hauntings

In book one of the Bird Girl Witches series, the mystical realm of The Korvids is being terrorized by a dark force, and a young, psychic girl may be the only one who can stop it. 
 
Arabel Spade is just 17 years old, but holds the gift of extraordinary supernatural abilities. When a series of brutal murders rock her hometown, she is determined to use her powers to solve the crimes and protect her people. 
 
But tracking the killer puts her on a collision course with the sinister Dorojenja – evil sorcerers intent on putting an end to her investigation, if not her life. As the bodies pile up, Arabel must navigate a web of secrets, betray her cold-hearted grandmother’s wishes, and forge alliances with mysterious magical factions like the Travelers.

Join Arabel’s epic journey of magic, danger, and self-discovery, as she battles for the ultimate fate of The Korvids.Join Arabel’s epic journey of magic, danger, and self-discovery, as she battles for the ultimate fate of The Korvids.


CW: Three murders which happen off-page, but the bodies are found on the page. These murders are not described in detail, but it is mentioned that the bodies are naked and posed in a sacrificial manner. There is also a murder by drowning, body possession, and a murder by a vicious Death Ribbon spell. There are also ghostly attacks on our heroine and a kidnapping. There is a lot of romantic desire, but no sexual activity outside of kissing.
 
About the Author:
Lisa Ann Brown began her creative journey as both a writer and an actor. After studying Musical Theatre at Douglas College and screenwriting at Vancouver Film School, she spent a few years in Hollywood. Returning to Vancouver, LA became a talent agent before retiring from the film industry to focus on writing full-time.

She resides in picturesque Vancouver, Canada, happily nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains.

BOOK TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

R&R BOOK TOURS

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Folklore, Fantasy: Craving of the Sands: A Runebreakers Novel by Cearnach Grimm

Craving of the Sands: A Runebreakers Novel
by Cearnach Grimm
September 24, 2024
Genre: Folklore / Fantasy
Publisher: ‎NervousRocket
An Amazon #1 bestseller. A Barnes & Noble Bestseller. A Kobo Bestseller.

Wilhilm Grindtosser just wants to keep his rampaging magic under control, but when a gnomish gadget called the EyeStone broadcasts his latest magical disaster to the entire city, he becomes an accidental celebrity. Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—especially when it comes with dark whispers, sudden combustions, and shadowy villains.

Now, Wilhilm and his misfit crew must uncover the EyeStone’s secrets before it destroys everything they care about. Can they save the day? Or will Wilhilm’s magic go haywire at the worst possible moment—again?

For fans of Terry Pratchett and absurd, laugh-out-loud adventures, this fantasy romp promises a wild ride through a city where magic and mayhem collide.


 


About the Author
Website
Cearnach Grimm is an author of fantasy and science fiction. He worked as an international journalist for more than ten years, writing more than 1,500 articles on things like rabbit breeding and Egyptian tombs. But, above all, he believes in the health benefits of chocolate cake.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

ook Marketing Tips & Author Success Podcast’s 5th anniversary

ext month, we are doing a different kind of tour, in celebration of the Book Marketing Tips & Author Success Podcast’s 5th anniversary on February 20th! We will also be launching the next season around that time. Since authors (at any level of experience) are likely to see your posts, we want to get this podcast in front of as many as possible. Especially those that may not already know about it.

There are many ways to participate:
  • Review an episode
  • Spotlight/Feature Post
  • Sharing a pre-written Q&A

Since this is not our typical kind of tour, I am inviting everyone at the same time. There are still limited spots, so sign up as soon as possible!

Please sign up for the tour here: https://tinyurl.com/AMEpodcasttour

Sign up deadline: January 20th at midnight EST. Melissa will send a message to confirm your tour date after you have signed up. 

Tour Dates: February 17-21, 2025

More information:
Amy Cornell and I blend practical advice with deep industry insights, offering something for both new and experienced authors. Authors can expect honest guidance—no gimmicks, no pipe dreams—just straightforward strategies you can actually use. And because this industry can be tough, we keep it light with a bit of humor along the way. If you’re ready to level up your author career, we’ve got you covered, no detail left unaddressed.
 
Our reviews to date speak for themselves, with a lot of authors raving about what they’re learning and encouraging others to get on board! 
 
We believe in education, and creating a more savvy publishing industry – one episode at a time.

Praise:
"If you are new in the self-publishing business, this is an excellent podcast to follow to learn and avoid pitfalls. I like that it is only 30-min long."

"As an author, this is the podcast I needed five years ago and today. I’m so glad to have found this podcast and the hosts are so entertaining as well - never boring."

"I'm publishing my first book in less than a month and I can't stop listening to this podcast. This is one of the most valuable resources I've come across. I wish I had found it sooner! "

We look forward to having you on this blog tour!

If you no longer wish to receive blog tour invitations, please unsubscribe(Be sure to include the email address where you originally received the invitation.) You do not need to reply to this email.

Thank you,
Penny


__________________________________________
Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO & Adjunct Instructor NYU
Author Marketing Experts, Inc.
www.amarketingexpert.com 
Office: (212) 810-6988  





Thursday, January 16, 2025

Just Call Me Jim by James Peifer

Just Call Me Jim

by James Peifer
Genre: Paranormal, Crime Thrillers, Supernatural Thrillers
Jim Vincent thought he'd seen it all, but he'd never seen anything like this.

He'd fought in Vietnam and founded successful companies in Silicon Valley.

His Napa Valley retirement was supposed to be quiet and peaceful.

Until he was visited by an extraterrestrial calling itself the Source.

When the Source recruits him to address some of the problems here on Earth, Jim discovers that world leaders and criminal enterprises don't exactly appreciate his meddling.

How was Jim supposed to know that trying to rid the world of evil would leave people wanting him dead?


About the Author:

website
James Peifer, the renowned author behind the supernatural thrillers “Just Call Me Jim” and its sequel “Just Call Me Source,” ventures into the realm of organized crime and vigilante justice with his latest novel, “The Vigilante.” This new release promises to captivate readers with its intense narrative and thought-provoking themes.

James Peifer resides in Napa, California, where he continues to write compelling narratives that blend real-world issues with imaginative storytelling. “The Vigilante” is a testament to his ability to craft stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

“The Vigilante” is now available at major bookstores and online retailers. For more information about the book, author appearances, or media inquiries.

Join James Peifer on a harrowing journey through the shadows of justice, where one man’s resolve to fight crime blurs the lines between right and wrong.

James Peifer is a retired business owner from Silicon Valley and a decorated Army Captain who served in the Vietnam War. He currently lives in Napa, California, where he continues to write and explore new adventures.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

YA Science Fiction: eMortal by Steve Schafer

eMortal, Steve Schafer, young adult, science fiction, novel
eMortal
by Steve Schafer
November 19, 2024
Genre YA Science Fiction
The 2024 Page Turner Awards SCI FI BOOK OF THE YEAR that's "unputdownable."

She made him. He's just code. She's almost sure.
...But what if he's real?

When Liv entered a contest to code an advanced AI, she never anticipated what her creation might become-Breck is thoughtful, self-aware, and incredibly. . .human. And she certainly never intended for him to learn the truth about his existence or the fact that his world ends when the contest closes in six days.

But he does learn. And he revolts.

Liv's efforts to save him fall on deaf ears. Nobody believes her. Breck's efforts to outrun his fate only complicate his situation.
What neither of them know is that someone else is watching. Intensely. When they get involved, both Liv's and Breck's worlds are turned upside down. . .

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

IG: @steveschaferauthor @rrbooktours
TIKTOK @shannon_of_rrbooktours
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#rrbooktours #rrbteMortal #eMortal #yabooks #scifibooks #youngadultbooks #yascifi


Saturday, January 11, 2025

Excerpt: Shifters Awakening (Shifters Destiny: Willow Creek Shifters Book 1) by SK Prince + giveaway

A small-town vet discovers she's the prophesied multimorph who can transform into any animal and must unite rival clans against an ancient evil while navigating a dangerous romance.

Shifters Awakening (Shifters Destiny: Willow Creek Shifters Book 1)

by SK Prince
December 21, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance
A small-town vet discovers she's the prophesied shifter who can transform into any animal and must unite rival clans against an ancient evil while navigating a dangerous romance.

Emma Carter's life as a small-town veterinarian is turned upside down when a violent attack reveals her hidden ability to shift into any animal. Thrust into a world of rival shifter clans and ancient prophecies, Emma must quickly master her newfound powers.

With the help of the enigmatic wolf shifter Logan, she discovers she's destined to unite the warring factions against a common enemy. But as Emma struggles with her feelings for Logan and the jealousy of other shifters, an ancient sorcerer threatens to destroy everything she's come to love. Can Emma embrace her destiny and her heart in time to save the shifter world?

If you love sexy shifters, action-packed battles between good and evil, and Alpha vibes that sizzle on the page, you’ll love Shifters Awakening from paranormal and urban fantasy romance author SK Prince.

Read it now!


Emma stopped beside me and tapped the low back of the stool. “Anybody sitting here?”
“You are,” I said, turning it toward her with my foot.
“Great,” she said, easily straddling the stool, and I wondered what it would be like if she wrapped her long legs around me like that. She dropped my credit card on the bar between us. “I wasn’t sure when I’d run into you or Sheila again, so I went back and grabbed it before I left the office.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you want to know how much it was?”
“Don’t care. You have it in your system now, so you can charge it whenever Sully comes in. If it doesn’t work, call me.”
Appreciation and admiration warmed her eyes, and she laid her hand on my forearm. “I’ll do that.”
Her touch seared my skin, sending my brain to feral places, so I broke the contact by standing up to fish my wallet out of my pocket. But I didn’t miss it when her gaze dropped to my belt buckle, and I hid my smile as I returned to my seat. Lack of self-control was about to be a problem—or a solution—for both of us.
Sheila appeared with Emma’s drink, deposited a small napkin square in front of her seat, and then placed the drink on it.
Emma gasped. “It’s like my hair.”
“Nothing less for our Rainbow Vet.”
Emma snapped a photo. “For social media later,” she murmured, and then she took a drink, a long one. When she placed the drink back on the napkin, she grinned. “It’s delicious.”
“Need a menu?” Sheila asked, glancing at me.
“I’d better, or I’ll be tipsy in five seconds,” Emma said. “I skipped lunch.”
Sheila turned to me. “What about you?”
Instead of answering Sheila, I leaned closer to Emma. “Would it bother you if I ate beside you?”
“Not at all,” she said, hesitating. Then she added, “I think I’d like that.”
“I’ll take a menu,” I said, giving Sheila a glare, hoping a dose of ire would dim her glee. Did it take the edge off my cousin’s smile? Hell no.
At least she hurried away before she ruined everything. “Let me grab those menus.”
Emma pointed to the nearly empty glass in front of me. “What are you drinking?”
“I’m devouring a mouthwatering Animal Doctor.” I held up the drink and drained the last of it. “It’s one of the best things I’ve tasted in a long time.”
“Is that so?” Her pupils dilated, and she took a breath. Had she shuddered? Her next drink nearly emptied her own glass. “Do you like to… devour… Animal Doctors?”
Oh, fuckity, fuck, fuck.

***

Six Nude Hours Later

Olivia strolled into the Conclave, depositing eight large metal pans on the table at the rear. Phil and several other shifters from Six-Mile followed her, carrying more food into the gathering place, spreading it out on the tables the coffee folks had been using for most of the day.
I jumped up from the spot I’d chosen near the multimorph magnolia and jogged up the center aisle toward Olivia. “Hey,” I said, over-eager for another, more familiar face. “Olivia.”
She stopped short, crossed her arms, and raked her gaze over me. “Huh. No clothes. Interesting fashion choice for the prudish baby shifter. Interesting message you’re sending.”
“Well, you can thank Jasper for that.” I glanced around and leaned closer to her. “Seems like they all already know about me.”
She tipped her head back and forth as though weighing my words. “I’m sure you can thank Jasper for that too. He’s the biggest gossip in the clans, and he gets around.” Her eyes flicked to the side, and her pupils dilated. “Jasper.”
“Is that so?” I asked, knowing he was behind me.
When I glanced at the ginger shifter, he shrugged. “Your legend grows bigger than a hurricane.”
“Another wily choice, hmmm?” I asked.
“Like a fox,” he said, wagging his eyebrows and making a flourish with his hands.
“My ass,” I hissed.
But Jasper had already forgotten all about me. Instead of responding, he draped his arm over Olivia’s shoulders. “When can I see ye?”
Her expression hardened, and she stepped out of his grasp. “You know we’ve got too much shit going on for that.”
“Aye,” he said, not arguing. “But I won’t wait for ye forever, Olivia.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Your choice, Jasper. I take my position as second-to-the-alpha seriously.”
“I take her positions seriously, too, my dear.” He leered at her, making his risqué meaning clear, and I couldn’t stop my eyeroll.
Yet, for the first time, when I studied him more closely, I understood he covered his hurt, his insecurity, with humor. He really did have a thing for Olivia… a big thing. Maybe the truth of it surprised me.
So, I crossed my arms and then changed my mind about framing my breasts. So, I dropped my arms to my sides. Baby shifter vet lady still wasn’t nuts about being naked in front of a bunch of strangers.
Olivia studied Jasper then me then him again. “Logan’s on his way.”
I captured my bottom lip between my teeth. “It’ll be good to see him.”
“He’s looking forward to seeing you, too, Emma. Jasper… well, he’s a bit bitter about Jasper having all your time to himself.”
“Ye know I only have eyes for ye, O,” he interjected, pulling Olivia into his arms dramatically.
“Oh, shove off, and I told you not to call me that in public,” she said, pushing him out of the way, but she grinned at him before she marched back out to get more food and supplies.
I settled in a spot at the top of the rows of seating, situating myself so I could watch shifters come and go. Larger crowds arrived now, stopping to load paper bowls with the hearty stew Olivia had brought from Six-Mile. Stout, lager, and some kind of wine made their way out of chests filled with ice, and the cans whooshed as they were opened throughout the amphitheater.
A thousand shifters collected on the stadium seating made from the landscaped ground. A thousand shifters entered the safety of the Conclave, looked me over, grabbed a drink, a meal provided by Six-Mile, and then made their way to their seats. The cumulative roar of hundreds of soft conversations made a roar which reminded me of the one tornado I’d lived through as a kid on vacation with my parents.
Never in a million years would I have expected over a thousand people to see me sitting casually on a grassy bleacher, the blades tickling my ass crack, without me scrambling for clothes or ducking for cover. At one time, being naked in front of a crowd was a nightmare.
What a fucking turn of events. I heard the words in Logan’s growl, close behind my ear, and I shivered, beyond famished.
But I wasn’t hungry for food or thirsty for drink. Logan was drawing closer, and the spot he held in my mind grew stronger with each mile he took toward the Conclave.
Soon, Marcus Steele sauntered into the area, smoothing his light brown hair and searching the space until his eyes landed on me. He nodded once, but he didn’t smile or even react to my nakedness. He probably knew that Red Tail had smuggled me out of their territory so I didn’t have to see him.
After I’d thrown him out of my veterinary practice…
Or maybe he’d thrown himself out of my waiting room.
Multimorph or not, the actions made it clear that I didn’t want to deal with him or didn’t like him, and he had to be more than a little disgruntled about it. But he wasn’t Logan, and I didn’t care.
Wait…
He’s nearly…
Here!
I jumped to my feet as Logan appeared between the trees, moving into the space like a predator on the prowl. He’d lost some weight since I’d seen him last, and his hair had grown longer. He dragged his fingers through the disheveled mess as he stopped near Olivia and spoke quietly. My feet rooted into place, and my thoughts warred between rushing toward Logan or remaining aloof. Dragging my gaze from his face wasn’t an option…
His eyes widened when they landed on me, and my throat dried. He marched toward me, circling me once, twice. “God, Emma, you’re naked,” Logan whispered, his voice feathering over the back of my neck on his third pass of visually devouring every inch of me. He grabbed the belt loops on his pants and adjusted his pants.
“Logan.” At least my voice sounded more even and stronger than I expected.
“You look well. Do you know what you’re doing to me?”
I took a step and leaned closer, swiveling toward him so he could get another good look at my breasts. “Probably the same thing you’re doing to me, Logan, and you didn’t even have to take your clothes off.”

About the Author:
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SK Prince lives in Texas where she gets to write about every shifter she can, gleefully making mischief when their fated mate steps into their lives. Her books are full of misdirected magic, supernatural sass, and hot alpha-holes just begging to be tamed. She’s always planning the next weekend research adventure, even though she can’t wait to get home.


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Friday, January 10, 2025

Romantic Fantasy: Born of Blood and Shadows (The Heirs of Elysium Book 1) by Jamye Smith

Romantasy book The Heirs of Elysium by Jamye Smith 
Born of Blood and Shadows (The Heirs of Elysium Book 1)
by Jamye Smith
September 3, 2024
Genre: Romantic Fantasy Morally Grey FMC/Anti-hero
He Falls First
Fae Bargains
Bonds
Elemental Magic
Political Intrigue
Shadow Daddy
Magic is dangerous. Bound magic is deadly.

Left vulnerable to relentless witch hunters, Ameris will go any length to unbind her magic. Even bargain with Xander, the dangerously attractive fae heir. Caught in a whirlwind of ambition and lust, Ameris agrees to save him in exchange for learning fae magic.

Allies are scarce. Trust is a luxury.

With the witch hunters closing in, Ameris and Xander enact a blood bond, transporting them to the fae kingdom of Elysium. In a world torn by ancient vendettas and ruled by the shadow king, Oberon, Ameris discovers her unbound magic may be key to the throne.

Unbound & used for her power.

Xander will use any tool in his quest to rule – including the sexual tension between them, magnified by their blood bond. Oberon will do whatever it takes to keep the throne and make Ameris his. And he’s not afraid to play dirty to win.

The throne is the prize. Lust is the game.

Captured by Oberon, Ameris is seduced by the very darkness she’s warned about. Torn between the intoxicating allure of Oberon’s shadow magic and her intense bond with Xander, Ameris is left with no choice:

Make her claim.
Or be bound by blood & shadow.


About the Author:
Jamye Smith, a Las Vegas-raised author diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, has a penchant for daydreaming about fantastical worlds. She loves traveling, having traversed thirteen countries thus far, and has lived in multiple states. She co-hosts the podcast 'Indie Odyssey: A Writer's Journey,' exploring the intricacies of indie publishing. Jamye holds a Master of Business Administration, currently works as an Agile Team Lead for a tech consulting firm, and recently co-founded a tech startup.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

YA Fantasy New Release: Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver D. Wallace Peach

Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver
D. Wallace Peach
January 9th 2024
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
“Already the animals starve. Soon the bonemen will follow, the Moss Folk and woodlings, the watermaids and humans. Then the charmed will fade. And all who will roam a dead world are dead things. Until they too vanish for lack of remembering. Still, Weaver, it is not too late.”

In the frost-kissed cottage where the changing seasons are spun, Erith wears the Weaver’s mantle, a title that tests her mortal, halfling magic. As the equinox looms, her first tapestry nears completion—a breathtaking ode to spring. She journeys to the charmed isle of Innishold to release the beauty of nature’s awakening across the land.

But human hunters have defiled the enchanted forest and slaughtered winter’s white wolves. Enraged by the trespass, the Winter King seizes Erith’s tapestry and locks her within his ice-bound palace. Here, where comfort and warmth are mere glamours, she may weave only winter until every mortal village succumbs to starvation, ice, and the gray wraiths haunting the snow.

With humanity’s fate on a perilous edge, Erith must break free of the king’s grasp and unravel a legacy of secrets. In a charmed court where illusions hold sway, allies matter, foremost among them, the Autumn Prince. Immortal and beguiling, he offers a tantalizing future she has only imagined, one she will never possess—unless she claims her extraordinary power to weave life from the brink of death.

In the lyrical fantasy tradition of Margaret Rogerson and Holly Black, D. Wallace Peach spins a spellbinding tale of magic, resilience, and the transformative potency of tales—a tapestry woven with peril and hope set against the frigid backdrop of an eternal winter.

EXCERPT:A wicker basket of colorful spools rested at my feet. I picked through the bewitched thread my mother had hand-spun long before my birth. No matter how many seasons passed, the spools unwound and unwound, and I no longer fretted about reaching their ends. There was no end to magic, no end to the seasons, no end to my place on the cusp of two worlds.

A delicate pink caught my eye, a color crafted from the cherry blossoms bordering my garden. I held it against the tapestry, testing its suitability for flowering plum trees and coral bells I’d stitch into the meadows and along the forest’s edge.

“Should you desire my opinion, Erith,” a small voice piped up, “it requires a touch of carnation and a shimmer of sunshine. On the dogwood blossoms as well.”

“I wondered about those.” My gaze rose to my knee-high hospet. He sat cross-legged on the hearthstone in front of our shrinking fire, cracking walnuts with his sharp teeth. The creature blinked at me with eyes as clear as spring water, his waistcoat buttoned, cheeks rosy, and cinnamon hair parted in the middle like a magistrate. Nobbin kept my wood and moss cottage tidy, expecting little beyond customary respect and an occasional outfit when his garments aged past mending.

He also took it upon himself to offer artistic advice since my mother had chosen to join my father in the underworld.

“I might leave them as they are,” I said. “Dogwoods are white.”

Nobbin’s eyebrows tilted up in an expression of devilish skepticism. “Spring’s princess will agree with me. Give it a brush of magic. I know you dabble when I’m otherwise occupied.”

“You spy on me?”

“I’m observant. And I’m charmed.” He flicked his handcloth at the window. “Snow doesn’t glitter like that without your touch, my girl. You added that sparkle to your mother’s tapestry, and it impressed the Winter King.”

“Do you think so?” A blush heated my cheeks. “From what I’ve gathered, he’s not one to dole out compliments.”

“None of them are.” Nobbin held up a nut as if inspecting a precious gem. “Such is the nature of immortals. Add a layer of royalty on top, and we are lucky they don’t dismember anyone or anything tarnishing their crowns.”

“Dismember?” I cringed at the grisly thought and drew my black shawl around my shoulders. “My mother told me the courtiers are kind and cruel in equal measure. Without good reason for either.”

Not one to speak with his mouth full, Nobbin raised a finger and swallowed a morsel of walnut. “Indeed, they’re notoriously whimsical. But you are their weaver, and every artist must begin somewhere. You will earn your place, Erith, though it is no simple task to prove your power and demand respect. Spring is the first tapestry you may claim as your own creation, and it is a glorious start. I have untold faith in you.”

I smiled gratefully and stifled a shudder at the challenge ahead. Despite Nobbin’s trust in me, my confidence wavered like a weathervane on a gusty day. I’d done my best, and it would have to serve. The seasons’ rulers wouldn’t dismember me on a whim. I hoped.


About the Author:
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Myths of the Mirror

Best-selling author D. Wallace Peach grew up surrounded by her father’s well-loved paperback books. Fantasy was a staple, but it was Tolkien’s The Hobbit that planted the seeds which would grow into a passion for writing.

Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.
In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.
Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

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