Cover Reveal: Brimstone & Blades by Maria Alexander

Brimstone & Blades
by Maria Alexander
June 3rd 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult
It’s 1689. Sixteen-year-old Julie de Maupin is on the run with her boyfriend, a young swordmaster named Sérannes. They perform sword fights and songs in taverns to survive. But when a diabolical creature kills Sérannes, it also injures Julie in the attack. Plunged into the dangerous world of French magic, Julie needs to return to Paris to find the great magician that can heal her devastating wound so she can avenge Sérannes’s death. On the way, she finds the creature is controlled by a necromantic coven called the Shadow Holders. Defeated during the Affair of the Poisons, they’ve returned but this time with traitors in the royal court to crush Louis XIV and terrorize France. With her found family of magical and moggie misfits, Julie must use her sword, wits, and gender-bending wiles to send the threat back to Hell. But will they be enough? Magic is illegal, and so is dueling. But that won’t stop La Maupin.

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About the Author:

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Maria Alexander is an Amazon #1 Bestseller of Young Adult Horror. Her short stories and nonfiction essays have appeared in numerous publications and acclaimed anthologies alongside living legends such as David Morrell and Heather Graham.

Her debut novel, MR. WICKER, won the 2014 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her first YA novel, SNOWED, won the 2016 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel, and was nominated for the 2017 Anthony Award for Best Children's/YA Novel.

She lives in Los Angeles with two ungrateful cats, a Jewish Christmas caroler, and a purse called Trog.

Excerpt: Stone Guardian (Masonry, Magic, and Love, #1) Gayle Katz + giveaway

Stone Guardian (Masonry, Magic, and Love, #1)
Gayle Katz
March 4th 2022
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
No Steam! No Spice! Gargoyles are immovable statues of stone. Lifeless, the librarian thought, until one of them takes flight to save her from an untimely demise.

A kindhearted but lonely librarian. Nancy is drowning under the weight of an abusive boyfriend, failing grades, and looming unemployment. While at work, she confides her deepest, darkest secrets to the gargoyle perched near her desk. But she’s unprepared when the strange stone statue comes to life.

A gentle gargoyle born under a curse. Treyton can’t believe it. In the past century that he’s been guarding the beloved Victorian library he calls home, the lonesome man never had anyone notice him until now. And he’s enchanted by the beautiful woman yearning for true love under his watchful gaze. But the witch who gave him life wants him back. And she’s willing to kill anyone who stands in her way.

As his vile witch plots against them, will Nancy and Treyton be torn apart forever, or can they overcome the evil threatening their love — and their lives?

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Get the complete series HERE!

EXCERPT:
It was the screams that woke Nancy.

They were bloodcurdling, gut-wrenching howls filled with nothing but pain. It was unlike anything Nancy had ever heard before.

Gasping for breath, Nancy’s eyes flew open. She pitched forward and peered around her with bleary eyes, trying to figure out which of her neighbors must have been shrieking … but instead of her ceiling and her warm blankets, she found herself lying in a heap on the side of a dirt road.

Above her, gray clouds swirled through the frigid night. Snowflakes drifted down and clung to her lashes and her hair.

Why was she outside? The last thing she remembered was diving into bed after Diana left.

Panic filled her as she rolled clumsily onto her arms and knees, finding her legs twisted and tangled in endless yards of fabric. It was only when she managed to drag herself to her feet by gripping a lantern-lit street post that she realized she was no longer in her Wonder Woman pajamas. She was dressed in a long-sleeved frock that swirled around her ankles. She grabbed at the thick fabric, tugging and pulling at it, until she realized that she was wearing some sort of antiquated dress and a petticoat.

“I must be dreaming,” Nancy whimpered, but she was hardly able to hear herself over the screams still echoing around her.

Her chest heaving, Nancy stumbled down the dirt road. She had to find someone, anyone, to tell her where she was and what was going on. This place was unrecognizable to her. There were only ten houses on this small road, as well as a building Nancy assumed was some sort of general store. There was also something almost familiar about the budding town, though Nancy could not put her finger on what it was—especially when she realized that flames licked up toward the sky from most of the buildings. Heat emanated from them, battling with the wintry chill of the air.

Nancy froze. She could only stare as the townspeople ran around wildly and begged for help. Suddenly, men on horses charged through the village, some swinging swords and guns while others aimed flaming arrows at people and homes.

“The outsiders are attacking!” someone screamed before getting cut down before Nancy’s very eyes.

“No … no!” shrieked Nancy. “Wake up, please! I don’t want to be here anymore!”

About the Author:
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Daring Women. Dangerous Worlds.

Gayle is a fan of zombies, sci-fi fantasy romance, and psychological horror—though not necessarily in that order. She writes the kinds of books she wants to read but often can’t find. Hoping to scare you, make you swoon, and root for her characters, her love of kick-butt heroines and sassy snark shines through in her work.

Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gayle lives with her husband and they are currently working on their own happily ever after.

GIVEAWAY!
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Strange New Moons (Werewolf Anthology)

STRANGE NEW MOONS: A NEW PACK IS RUNNING WILD!

Hi everyone (or should I say ‘Awhhoooo!!!’?), I’m Kayleigh, co-editor of a brand new werewolf themed anthology called Strange New Moons. I guess that also makes me co-pack leader…although, don’t get the wrong idea. These are just stories, we’re not werewolves. We’re definitely not werewolves, because werewolves aren’t even re…

SQUIRREL!

….Ahem, sorry, got distracted there for a second. Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah, no werewolves here. Especially not Somer Canon.

So now that we’ve got all that straightened out, I’d love to tell you a little about the anthology and what it contains. Our main goal was to release a collection of werewolf stories that were more on the unconventional side. We all know and love a “standard” werewolf story (someone is attacked by a beast – oh no! – and then they grapple with the changes that start to happen to them as they go wolfside). We didn’t want to give you that. We aimed to give you subverted themes, new and twisted lore, and fresh takes on old tropes. So here’s what we have for you!

Vargsangen – by Mary SanGiovanni

A cold mountain, an especially strong mother, and something unexpected lurking outside in the dark (maybe there are scarier things than werewolves roaming around out there…).

Mary SanGiovanni is the award-winning author of over twenty books, including an Alien tie-in and a Wonder Woman story for DC Comics. And yes, if you stab her with silver, her flesh might hiss, but she’s not a werewolf.

Seamus – by Keawe Melina Patrick
Ever wondered what it’s like to be caged by a deranged scientist, trapped in a particular side of your own body? Wonder no more, because you can read it here.

This author is relatively new to the scene because she only just got bitt…er….recently started publishing. Watch this space because she’s awesome.

Agonies of the Flesh – by Ej Sidle
Where do you turn for particular medical procedures if you’re both woman and wolf? A socially relevant and current story thematically.

Ej Sidle is a writer of short fiction, a horror talent, and loves hunting down prey. Wait…scrap that last part. I mean “going out for a nice meal.”

That Time of the Month – by Kayleigh Dobbs
What if every single woman in the world was a werewolf but none of the men were? What are the rules of society, and what happens on the night of the full moon, exactly?

Kayleigh Dobbs (hello, that’s me!) writes short horror and horror/comedy fiction, and runs a horror review site called Happy Goat Horror. Sometimes it’s hard not eating the other goats, on account of being a werewo…on account of…of hearing that goats are delicious. And for no other reason.

It’s All for the Best, Sweetie – by Rose Strickman
There must be a thousand retellings of Little Red Riding Hood but I guarantee you’ve never read one like this.

This author can be found penning tales of horror, scifi, and fantasy, when her claws aren’t too long and she can type. Huh? What? Oh…by that I mean when her nails are nice and manicured. Her normal human nails.

The Pit – by John Durgin
The first rule of Fight Club is…

John Durgin is the co-founder of Livid Comics, a novelist, and particularly fast when running through the woods. On his human legs, obviously.

Expose the Fur Below – by Rebbeca Rowland
If you like a good sandwich, this story might make you squeamish about adding cold cuts to it…

Rebecca Rowland is a Bram Stoker Award, and a Shirley Jackson Award nominee, and a Godless Award winner. She’s very approachable and easy to contact. Unless it’s the night of the full moon. There’s no reason for that or anything, it’s just coincidence that she tends to be unreachable only on that night of the month.

Who Keeps Shitting on the Memorial Fire Tower? – by Somer Canon
What kind of maniac would do such a thing? Two security guards hang back after their shift to find out…and maybe regret it.

Somer Canon is an award winning author and never ever ever leaves her clothes in a neat pile at the edge of the forest and disappears on hours for end, only to return covered in blood. So don’t even worry about it.

Lark – by Amanda Headlee
One of the most emotional and definitely the most unconventional story in the anthology. Is there anything a parent wouldn’t do for their child?

Amanda Headlee is an author, athlete, and lover of ice cream, the latter of which is amazing actually because canines tend to be lactose intolerant. I mean…a lot of people can’t have dairy and….oh look something shiny over there!

March of Night, Scratch of Claw – by Tim Lebbon
Tim Lebbon is an award winning pillar of the horror community, with a couple of his books making it to the screen (most recently, The Silence). He spends his time up mountains and on nature trails in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes swims in open water. As a human, of course.

Blackfish – by Stephen Kozeniewski
Have you ever seen werewolves in space?

Stephen Kozeniewski is an award winning author and also co-pack leader and editor. He runs an indie publishing company called French Press Publishing, which is weird because I didn’t think werewolves liked coffee.

Wait, what?

Bit Part – by Matthew R. Davis
What if werewolves were wolves all month and only human on the night of the full moon? And what if they were more dangerous in human form?

Matthew R. Davis is an award winning author and a musician, and I always wonder if his fur gets in the way when he’s using instruments. I MEAN HIS HUMAN HAIR, HIS LOVELY HUMAN HAIR.

Red in Tooth and Law – by Simon Clark
You’ve seen the end of the world a thousand times in fiction, but have you ever seen a werewolf apocalypse?

Simon Clark is an award winning author that’s been entertaining us for decades, and is a staple of the horror world. We don’t know how he finds the time to write so much when he’s always busy hiding the bodies he shredded during the…er…I mean, busy with other things. Normal human things.

We’d like to think we’ve covered something for everyone with this anthology, and eagerly welcome you, lovely readers, to the wolfpack with open paws!

Strange New Moons
by Stephen Kozeniewski

January 15, 2025
You can hardly swing a dismembered deer carcass these days without hitting a “No vampires, no zombies, and no werewolves” sign on an anthology.

Well, to that we say “Pshaw!” And also, “Awooo!”

Because what readers really don’t like are dull werewolf stories. So, we tasked the horror community with writing the weirdest, wildest, most creative, utterly bonkers tails (ha!) of lycanthropic lunacy possible.

And did they ever deliver! Wait until you read:

- a brutal, boneshattering peek at the kind of “dogfights” the super-wealthy watch to amuse themselves

- a story of two inquisitive city employees trying to find out who (or what!) keeps pooping on a local landmark

- a ride along with a delusional cop trying to prevent the total werewolf apocalypse. Werepocalypse!

Plus werewolf Frankenstein! And werewolves in space! This book is all gore and no bore.

With a lineup running the gamut from brand, spanking new cubs to heavyweight timber alphas, you’d have to be the weakest elk in the herd not to slobber all over…

Featuring:
Somer Canon
Simon Clark
Matthew R. Davis
Kayleigh Dobbs
John Durgin
Amanda Headlee
Stephen Kozeniewski
Tim Lebbon
Keawe Melina Patrick
Rebecca Rowland
Mary SanGiovanni
EJ Sidle
Rose Strickman 

Amazon

YA Epic Fantasy: The General (Heroes of the Empire Book 2) by Israh Azizi

We are thrilled to share the second epic installment in the Heroes of the Empire series, The General by Israh Azizi!

The General (Heroes of the Empire Book 2)
by Israh Azizi
November 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy
THE EMPIRE IS CRUMBLING, AND THE FATE OF A KINGDOM RESTS IN THEIR HANDS.
Tropes:
Morally Grey Characters, Mistaken Identity, Royal Intrigue, Multiple POV, Chosen One, Slow Burn Romance, Found Family, Warring Kingdoms, Forbidden Love, Hidden Powers, Character Driven

Mordon dedicated his life to his father; his only dream was to prove himself worthy of Verin’s general. But with the ruthless Tariqin attack comes a brutal awakening. Captured by enemy forces and dragged into a war camp full of the people he was trained to kill, his hopes of proving himself worthy are dashed to pieces. When the enemy offers him a chance for a grand future, he’s faced with a test that stretches him beyond his limits.

Coralie’s burden has never been heavier. After the Dark Lord Prolus’s recent assault and her uncle’s declining health, it is up to her to keep her kingdom together. The inevitable return of the Tariqin army lurks at their doorstep and her time is running short. Coralie turns to the newest residents of Verintown for assistance. Branded traitors and hated by many in the castle, they may very well be her downfall. Using their pledge for change in her favor, she tasks them with a mission most would consider a death sentence.

Two determined warriors separated by a river of blood. Mordon must risk everything to become the man he yearns to be, and Coralie must fight to become the queen she was born to be.

GET IT HERE

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Weird Wilderness: A Cryptid Bestiary Anthology from Wordfire Press

This captivating anthology explores the hidden world of cryptids. From Bigfoot to Nessie, Mothman to chupacabras, this collection features twenty short stories that bring legendary creatures to life, blending genres like fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Edited by seasoned professionals Lisa Mangum and Jessica Guernsey, Weird Wilderness is packed with creative storytelling, using unique formats such as text messages, journal entries, and podcast transcripts to unravel the mysteries of cryptids.

Weird Wilderness: A Cryptid Bestiary
by Lisa Mangum, Jessica Guernsey, CL Fors, Azure Arther, Kate Dane, Julia Vee, Rebecca J. Carlson, Jason Kristopher, Jamie Sonderman, Bonnie Elizabeth
February 4, 2025
Genre: Fantasy Anthologies & Short Stories
You may not have ever seen them, but you know them: Bigfoot, Mothman, chupacabras, the Jersey Devil, and Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Cryptids exist everywhere around the world on land, in the air, and under the water. Some creatures are recent discoveries; others date back centuries. But where did they come from? What is their hidden history?

Collected in this anthology are twenty short stories featuring a wide variety of cryptids as well as the cryptozoologists who discover them, hunt them, study them, or shelter them. 

Alongside the classic creatures of legend and lore are pixies, aliens, lizard-men, and dopplegängers—plus a few original and newly discovered cryptids that will capture your curiosity. With genres ranging from fantasy and science fiction to historical fiction and romance, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As an added twist, each story utilizes at least one form of epistolary writing to help tell the story, including text messages, podcast interviews, newspaper articles, and journal entries.

So, tune in to Bigfoot’s podcast, write a love letter to Nessie, and then pick up a pair of tickets to the grand opening of the Cryptid Zoo. The world around us is full of the weird and the wonderful, and the creatures that were once long hidden are ready to come out of the woods.

Weird Wilderness: A Cryptid Bestiary is the tenth anthology edited by Lisa Mangum and Jessica Guernsey and published by WordFire Press. Profits support the various endowment and scholarship funds for the Superstars Writing Seminars.

Amazon

About the editors:
Lisa Mangum has worked in publishing since 1997. She has been the Managing Editor for Shadow Mountain since 2014 and has worked with several New York Times best-selling authors. While fiction is her first love, she also has experience working with nonfiction projects.

Lisa is also the author of four national best-selling YA novels (The Hourglass Door trilogy and After Hello), several short stories and novellas, and a nonfiction book about the craft of writing based on the TV show Supernatural. Her upcoming book Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. will be released November 2024.

She has edited several anthologies about various magical creatures, pirates, and food for WordFire Press. She regularly teaches at writing conferences, including hosting a writing weekend in Capitol Reef National Park through UVU. She lives in Taylorsville, Utah, with her husband, Tracy.

Jessica Guernsey writes fantasy and sci-fi short stories. With a BA in Journalism from Brigham Young University and a MA in Publishing from Western Colorado University, her work has been published in magazines and anthologies. By day, she crushes dreams as a slush pile reader for multiple publishers. Frequently, she can be found at writing conferences. She isn’t difficult to spot; just look for the extrovert. While she spent her teenage angst in Texas, she now lives on a mountain in Utah with her family and a bossy mini schnauzer. Discover more stories at jessicaguernsey.com. 

 

 https://www.superstarswriting.com/

The Book Marketing Tips & Author Success Podcast

What kinds of authors are tuning in?
Honestly, authors in all stages of book publishing and promotion - and it’s actually really exciting (and sometimes surprising) to see who’s listening. We mostly get this info from our reviews and authors who write in with feedback. But we have authors who rely on our show while looking for agents and or publishers, authors who are finishing up their books and thinking ahead about releases, and then on the other end of the spectrum we have authors tuning in that feel stuck and don’t know what they’re doing wrong, or the opportunities they may be missing.

Is the show for marketing DIYers or for finding the right people to hire?
It’s applicable to both, and even authors that fall somewhere in between. Some authors seem to tune in assuming they’ll handle everything themselves, and then they realize they need more support, maybe in very specific areas. We get a lot of authors contacting us about a collaboration after listening to the show, but you’ll also see from our reviews that there are a lot of DIYers out there just looking to do all the right things.

What if I’m still writing my first book?
Take notes! There’s no such thing as being too prepared, and we’d encourage you to zero in on shows that are clearly about production choices, like editing, covers, publishing options, etc. And then the branding shows too, plan ahead for what your goals are as an author brand, because it will only lighten the load as you get closer to publishing that first book.

I’ve been publishing books for a while, can I still learn something?
Absolutely. We have plenty of shows for newbie authors, but things are constantly evolving in publishing and book marketing, and how to best connect with readers, that veteran authors need to stay on top of to ensure the upward momentum continues. We like to think our shows are also really great for authors who feel they’ve plateaued a bit and are looking for new ways to generate quality exposure.

How do you come up with ideas for the show?
We rely a lot on listener requests. We also pull a lot of ideas from the calls Penny does with prospective clients. And Amy likes to add in show topics based on the day-to-day challenges she knows AME clients are having. Publishing is complex, it’s very, very hard to know it all while also writing your next book, and working your everyday job, and giving much needed attention to family and friends, and other commitments, so we aim to be the insurance most authors need to check all the boxes along the way.

Do you ever do author interviews?
We don’t do author interviews, but we definitely encourage authors to send in show ideas, questions, and challenges they’re having. And please send in any successful promotions you’ve done, or let us know if you’re doing something super unique and exciting that’s working for your brand, because we’ve definitely mentioned authors that are doing positive things and will link to their Amazon Author pages in our show notes to give them some love and send traffic their way!

The Book Marketing Tips & Author Success Podcast is a game-changer for authors who want to thrive in today’s publishing landscape.

Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell 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.

Listen to the podcast
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Author Marketing Experts:
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YA Romantasy: Frost Bound (Entangled with Trickery Book 1) by Frost Kay

Frost Bound (Entangled with Trickery Book 1)
by Frost Kay
February 13, 2025
Book 1 of 2: Entangled with Trickery
Genre: Teen & Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance
Dahlia Skysinger has managed to survive the underworld of Astera her whole life through clever deals, selling her voice, and never staying in one place too long. When her little brother is caught stealing from the crown, Lia is forced to make a cruel bargain with the royals.

Her life for his.

To regain her freedom, Lia must impersonate the princess, marry the monstrous frost giant king, then spy on and . . . kill him.

Taking a human bride is King Neve’s last chance to secure peace for his people. Promised a frail mortal princess he could lock away and forget about, the last thing he expects is a woman with a sharp tongue and a reckless amount of courage. Lia might be the key to avoiding war, but he doesn’t trust a single word that falls from her pretty lips.

And so the wicked game of trickery and survival begins.

But what happens when an assassin starts to have feelings for her target, and a king's icy heart begins to melt for his little human bride?

Book One of The Entangled in Trickery Series

Perfect for romantasy readers who enjoy fiery enemies to lovers romance, arranged marriage, learning to love yourself, epic fantasy adventure, sexy monster villains, slow burn with ALL the tension and angst, and mythical sidekicks.

✓ Monster love interest who hates humans
✓ Imposter princess who will do anything to protect her family
✓ Enemies to lovers within an arranged marriage
✓ Size difference
✓ Pining/angst 

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About the Author:
website
FROST KAY is a USA Today bestselling author and a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR.

She adores telling stories of strong women, diverse cultures, and epic fantasy worlds filled with relatable characters and true love. She lives in the United States and when not immersed in her newest book, you can find her free diving in her mermaid tail, rock climbing, camping, or soaking up the sun with her cat.

Fans of Frost Kay love her epic fantasy and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."

You can find signed books on her website: www.frostkay.net

The Baritone’s Rival (The Vampire Impresario Book 2) by J.B. Warrick + giveaway

Two rival opera singers.
One vampire, one human.
Both running from the past. 

The Baritone’s Rival (The Vampire Impresario Book 2)
by J.B. Warrick
Genre: M/M LGBTQ Paranormal Romance
Two rival opera singers. One vampire, one human. Both running from the past.
Oscar Acosta’s abusive ex-boyfriend is dead, and his old vampire coven is gone. Now all he cares about is winning a coveted spot with the prestigious local opera company. His stiffest competition is Trent, an adorable fellow grad student with a linebacker’s build who he is definitely not crushing on.

When Oscar’s ex turns out to be not-so-deceased, sending several vampires to kidnap him, Oscar is forced to reveal his own vampire identity to his classmate. Can he trust Trent or should he keep him at a safe distance?

Trent Erickson is on his own with no safety net. He doesn’t have time for partying, especially not with a privileged trust fund nepo baby like Oscar. Trent’s not going to let some rich flake steal his star spot onstage, even if the guy stirs up feelings in him that he doesn’t understand.

But when he witnesses three savage vamps attacking Oscar, Trent’s own hidden history rears its ugly head. After all, he knows more about fighting vampires than any human should.

The Baritone’s Rival is a 60,000-word rivals to lovers, bi-awakening, fated mates vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains an ambitious opera singer and the closed-off vampire who falls for him in spite of himself. It also has steamy scenes and the violence you might expect from a vampire story. It is a standalone novel in an interconnected series. Not suitable for readers under 18.

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The Baritone’s Rival by J.B. Warrick Excerpt
Oscar retrieved a plastic bottle of alcohol and gauze pads from the island. He crouched down next to Trent. His cheek was right by the man’s broad chest.

 
“I don’t think you need stitches, but this is going to hurt a little.” 

Trent nodded, although Oscar thought he might be drifting off. He poured a few drops of alcohol on a pad and touched it to the topmost cut.

Trent breathed in sharply, his hands gripping at the sides of the chair and his eyes snapping open. 

“Fuck.” 

Well, he was awake now. Oscar worked as fast as he could, but he wouldn’t risk infection. His fingers made their way across the damaged skin tenderly. Tenderness was not something Oscar had known much of, or something he trafficked in, but seeing Trent there brought it out in him. 

He just wanted his classmate to be okay, for his smooth, pale skin to be unmarred by scars and injury. He had to reverse the wound, to make it as if it had never been. He didn’t know why it was so important. Trent had said he’d been in vampire fights before. Still, something about touching him like this made Oscar’s chest open up. It felt raw, unprotected, to be caring for Trent in this way.

When he hit one particularly tender area, Trent yelped in pain, and Oscar’s heart leapt into his throat. Why was he having this reaction? He wasn’t squeamish. He’d killed vampire and human alike. Was it just that he was responsible because Trent had saved his life? Every sigh and moan caused another crack in Oscar’s cool facade. 

When the cuts were clean, he covered the area with a large piece of cotton gauze, holding it in place with medical tape. Oscar stepped back to admire his handiwork. Trent looked almost rugged with the bandage. It was a contrast to his innocent, midwestern face and sun-kissed skin. And it was sexy as hell. 

Oscar forced away the thought. This man despised him and clearly had a thing against vampires in general. He was straight! Yet Oscar couldn’t help drinking in the sight of Trent as he relaxed against the wooden chair with his eyes closed.

“How are you feeling, Trent?” Anthony asked, startling Oscar. He hoped he hadn’t been staring for too long. 

Trent’s eyes fluttered open. “Okay. The sting is duller.”
Anthony stepped toward him, reaching out to help him up. 

“Good. Let’s go sit you down in the common area. I can get some ibuprofen for the pain.”
Trent grabbed Anthony’s hand and heaved himself up. As they moved to the door, Trent looked over at Oscar with a strange look on his face. A question. Did he not want to leave Oscar?
“I’ll be right there,” Oscar said. A smile sprang up unbidden at Trent’s expression. “I just need to wash your blood off my hands.”
“That is a weird thing to hear,” Trent said, chuckling low. A spark of electricity ran up Oscar’s spine at the deep, rich sound.
What was wrong with him? 

As Trent and Anthony left, Oscar went over to the porcelain farmhouse sink, tossing the scraps of gauze and medical tape in the trash as he passed it. He turned on the water and held out his hands.

There wasn’t too much to wash off. The wound had dried, other than a few drips when the t-shirt was removed. A quick rinse and he was clean. 

Except for the single droplet of Trent’s blood that sat on the side of the knuckle of Oscar’s right pointer finger.
He didn’t know why he did it. It was an impulse, a sudden desire with no logic or reason. After staring at the burgundy bead for a long moment, he brought his hand to his face and licked it off.

His vision blew out in a bright rainbow of color. The taste of it exploded his senses, and a thrilling tingle ran from his tongue, down his throat, and spread to every inch of his body. He was overwhelmed with the sensation.
Never mind the sweet, perfect flavor of it. Honey and clove. It was all Oscar wanted to taste for the rest of his life. The intense, thrilling assault on his senses could only mean one thing. 

No. He couldn’t be Trent’s mate. Would the universe do this to him? Would fate give him a mate who despised the very idea of it? A man who wanted nothing to do with vampires? Who wanted nothing to do with him? Who probably hated him?

The Tenor’s Shadow (The Vampire Impresario Book 1)
One temperamental opera singer. One vampire bodyguard. Let the sparks and secrets fly.

Anthony wouldn’t let anything stand in his way.

His career as an operatic tenor was finally taking off, and he would be damned if he let some stalker keep him from his globe-hopping musical dreams. But he had made the mistake of telling his uncle about the threatening letters the creep had been leaving in his hotel room.

Now he was saddled with a muscle-bound bodyguard who was seriously cramping his love life, even if the guy did have a swoony accent and the perfect number of freckles. No matter what Anthony did, he couldn’t get rid of the stubborn redheaded Brit. Freddie just didn’t fit in with his glamorous life of encores and galas and schmoozing. And how did the man never sleep?

Freddie was there to do a job.

Or maybe a few. He had been content as head of security for the Hughes vampire coven in London. But now he’d been sent to America to keep his coven master’s nephew safe from the threat of a rival coven. He knew the rules. Anthony couldn’t find out about the existence of vampires, and he certainly couldn’t find out that Freddie was one. Plus, he had to manage Anthony’s demanding personality, and Freddie was painfully bad with people. And he absolutely one-hundred-percent had to keep himself from hooking up with the overbearing American.

When friction erupts into steamy passion, can Freddie and Anthony forge a relationship together? Or will Freddie’s secrets and the deadly vampires of the Azarian coven tear them apart?

The Tenor's Shadow is a 50,000-word MM vampire romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a strong-but-silent vampire bodyguard and the high strung opera singer that falls fast for him. It also contains steamy scenes and the violence you might expect from a vampire story. Not suitable for readers under 18.

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About the Author:
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J.B. is a writer of MM paranormal and fantasy romance. They live in New York City, and when they're not writing they spend their time eating delicious snacks and listening to opera. If you're looking for fast-moving open door romance, fun and magic, and just a touch of darkness, J.B.'s books are for you!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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99 Cent Pre-order: Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen by KC Grifant

Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen
by KC Grifant
May 29, 2025
Genre: Western Horror Fiction, U.S. Horror Fiction, Westerns
In an alternate Old West, monsters rule the land—but one deadly duo is humanity’s last hope.

Melinda West is a sharpshooter with a steady hand, a cool head and a no-nonsense attitude. Her partner, Lance, brings the charm—and the firepower. Together, they’ve made a living hunting supernatural threats. But when a strange illness leaves a trail of corpses in its wake, they realize they’re about to face their greatest challenge yet.

As the bodies pile up, a swarm of gremlins—smarter, faster and deadlier than anything they’ve encountered before—are hellbent on destruction. Unless Melinda and Lance can uncover the truth behind these mysterious creatures, everything they know will be torn apart.

Fast-paced, gritty, and packed with supernatural thrills, Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen blends the rebellious charm of Bonnie and Clyde with the high-stakes action of Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

This is book two in a standalone interconnected series—ideal for both new readers and returning fans looking for dark fantastical westerns with a twist. 

$.99 pre-order

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Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger
by KC Grifant

February 2, 2023

“KC Grifant comes out guns blazing with Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger—a devious action-packed adventure set in a very weird version of the Old West. Fast, furious, and a hell of a lot of fun!”
—Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Son of the Poison Rose and Relentless

"Melinda West is the hero I've been waiting for as long as I can remember. The world and characters are vivid and magical. This story is a delight."—Kate Jonez, Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author

“KC Grifant’s horror western hits the road at top speed and never takes its foot off the accelerator, making the book a perfect fit for readers who like their horror weird and their action plentiful … [Melinda West] is a delicious amalgamation of Ash Williams in wise-cracking bravado and Ellen Ripley in triumphant fearlessness.”
—Ginger Nuts of Horror

In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.

Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth.

The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.

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About the Author:
website
KC Grifant is a New England-to-SoCal transplant who writes internationally published horror, fantasy, science fiction and weird western stories for collectible card games, podcasts, anthologies and magazines. Her writings have appeared in Andromeda Spaceways Magazine, Aurealis Magazine, Unnerving Magazine, Frozen Wavelets, Tales to Terrify, The Macabre Museum and Colp Magazine. Her short stories have haunted dozens of collections, including We Shall Be Monsters, Beyond the Infinite: Tales from the Outer Reaches, Shadowy Natures, Six Guns Straight From Hell, and the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror.

In addition, she is the co-founder of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego chapter, an organization that helps to connect writers and fans of horror literature.

Classic Monster Movie Valentines!

 

Excerpt: Bright Midnights (The Limerent Series) by LS Delorme

Bright Midnights (The Limerent Series)
by LS Delorme
September 29, 2023
Genre: Coming of age, teen, urban fantasy
Amelie has always been different.

Most high school students find life challenging, but 17-year old Amelie has a lot more to contend with than typical teenage angst. Ever since she turned 11, others have been irresistibly drawn to her—with tragic consequences.
Her only escape is at night when she flies to different times and places through her “dreams”. Her life begins to change when, on one of her flights, she meets Clovis, an alluring and mysterious young man who hides a secret.
As Amelie finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she learns his story, how it intertwines with her own and finally discovers how to live her life in the real world. Until her own secrets are revealed to the wrong people and that world turns upside down.

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EXCERPT
Lying outstretched on a smooth portion of the rock, head resting upon a lazy arm, was a young man. He was dark haired and lean, dressed in the tattered remains of what was a probably once-white shirt and black trousers. His black hair fell to the nape of his neck and was probably straight, but wildly unkempt.

His skin was pale but not sickly so. She would have guessed him to be about her age, or at most a couple of years older, but it was hard to tell because he was so beautiful as to seem ageless. So beautiful that Amelie found herself holding her breath. He looked more like a painting or a mythological being than a real human. In fact, with goat legs he could have been a satyr. He rolled over in his sleep, throwing his arm over his eyes. He had a heart-shaped face with just a slight amount of scruff to it, like he was too young to grow a proper beard. Amelie smiled at that. She moved to the water's edge and sank into a crouching position.

The boy was motionless now, having fallen back into a deep sleep. Overhead, the wind rustled in the trees, and golden leaves danced in the air around her. The sunlight that was able to pierce the trees made dappled patterns on the boy's pale skin. She watched his chest move up and down. Her own breath was coming faster, and as it did, she became aware that she was feeling something, something strong.

Feeling much of anything besides caution was an anomaly for her but feeling thing this strong happened... never. Just to watch this boy was more engrossing that any play she had seen, any song she had heard, any book she had read. He did nothing but breathe and occasionally move his head ever so slightly-and she was riveted.
Amelie was startled out of this reverie by the sound of a twig snapping. Starting, she found herself not ten feet from a stag, staring back at her with wide black eyes.

She heard a splash, and the stag was gone. When she turned, so was the boy.

A cloud covered the sun, and the wind came up. The air around her crackled with energy. Something felt wrong. She scrambled to her feet and was beginning to back away when the boy leaped from the water and onto the bank just a few feet in front of her. He was crouched and when his black eyes met hers, she felt her blood run cold. His form was human, but there was nothing human about his movements, or what was behind those eyes. He smiled and uttered a low growl.

About the Author:
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Lexy Delorme is a wanderer and storyteller at heart. Raised as a “military brat” by United States Navy Captain, she has lived on three continents, across four countries, nine states, and 21 cities. Now based in Paris with her charming French husband and two very cool sons, she is a full-time author—a journey that has taken her from being a rock musician to a science graduate to an attorney at law.
A passionate fan of fantasy and science fiction, Lexy created the Limerence universe, which includes Caio, Bright Midnights, Fanning Fireflies, and Ghosting Academy. Her book Bright Midnights was named a Publishers Weekly (BookLife) “Editors’ Choice Pick” and was a finalist Golden Wizard Award Competition in 2024. She is currently working on the latest instalment in the series.
Lexy is an active member of the British Fantasy Society, the Science Fiction Writers Association, the Horror Writers Association, IBPA, and ALLi.

New Release: The Bombshell Devil's Advocate: An October Winters Novel (The Hellion Harlot Collection) by Nikkita Bell

The Bombshell Devil's Advocate: An October Winters Novel (The Hellion Harlot Collection)
by Nikkita Bell
February 6, 2025
Genre: Neo-Gothic Noir/Urban Fantasy w/ Horror and Romance Forbidden romance
Touch HIM and
Work Rivals to Lovers
Angels & Demons
Deadly ultimatums and dark twists and turns
Late 90’s-Early 2000’s nostalgia
Alt Rock/Goth vibes

Comps: Constantine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Supernatural, AND my youth apparently

Six sunrises. Six sunsets.

Six days. That’s how long October Winters has to collect and deliver a thousand souls.

After a year on the run, Lucifer’s right-hand-witch finds herself knee-deep in the tawdry trenches of Hollywood, seeking refuge in the neon-lit chaos to escape the consequences of her actions. But her immortality comes with a price, and the Devil has come to collect: one soul for every year she has taken breath. Anything less and she can kiss this world goodbye.

With monsters lurking around every corner, October finds herself in a high-stakes race against time. As the deadline looms, her past comes crashing back in the form of Declan Lovejoy, a demon hunter who is as formidable as he is handsome. Driven by his own vendetta against the forces of evil, Declan enlists her help in a covert mission, one that complicates her impossible task and may soil her reputation within the Underworld.

In a city where danger and desire intertwine, October faces the battle of a millennium to save her soul. Will she manage to outwit the Devil and reclaim her life, or will her forbidden love be her undoing?

All artwork & Illustrations done by Nikkita Bell.

This novel was developed from Nikkita Bell’s novella ‘Bound in Pincers,’ originally published in 2024.

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About the Author:
website
From the mystical land of Los Angeles, California, Nikkita Bell seeks to welcome readers to dynamic worlds, exciting characters, and captivating stories. An artist by day and writer by night, Nikkita enjoys creating something from nothing. From a pen and paper to the keys of a computer, she has shined in the genre of dark romantasy and writes short stories, novellas, and trilogies. When she isn’t world-building or finding ways to convince her characters to ‘do the right thing,’ Nikkita enjoys orchestral music, pretending to sing opera, and snuggling her husband and two cats, Ciri and Yennefer.

Looking for more bookish updates, adventures, and kitty escapades? Follow Nikkita on Instagram, Tiktok, and Threads @authornikkitabell!

One Last Wish : The Elder World Series by B.L. Wilde

One Last Wish : The Elder World Series
by B.L. Wilde
February 7, 2025
Genre: paranormal romance
In a world where I’ve worked hard to be invisible, something is stalking me. Shadows are lurking in the strangest of places, and peculiar things are beginning to happen that I can’t explain.

If that isn’t enough, an attractive guy called Darce, has started working with me at the bookshop, Bookends. I swear he’s been sent to test my last nerve, but I can’t deny the sexual tension between us. The more time we spend together, the more I feel oddly connected to him. Why does it feel like I have known him my whole life, and why won’t he let me touch him?

This can only end badly. What if I lose my mind, or something even worse… my heart?

About the Author:
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B.L. Wilde (Bee) writes many genres, including Contemporary, Rom Com and Fantasy. All have one thing in common… love!

Romance is always her go to, whether she is writing or reading.

Her love of words began at a very young age. Now, living in Worcestershire, UK, with her amazingly supportive husband, and two spotty dogs, she has finally started to write full time. A dream that finally became possible when she met the love of her life.

She adores nothing more than creating page turning reads, but beware, Bee will always make her characters work for their happy ending.

Let your imagination run ‘Wilde’ with one of her books today.

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror & Asteroid 6 and Other Tales of Cosmic Horror by R. David Fulcher + Giveaway

 Step into a world where the Pumpkin King reigns supreme, and other tales haunt your every thought.
Or step out of this world into the sheer terror of the unknowable and incomprehensible deep space.

​The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror
by R. David Fulcher
August 19, 2023
Genre: Horror Short Stories
Gravelight is pleased to present the first volume in a two-book series collecting the horror fiction of R. David Fulcher!

THE PUMPKIN KING AND OTHER TALES OF TERROR offers up 20 works by Fulcher, each updated and revised by the author. Each tale has been fully revised by the author, making these the definitive versions of the stories.

The collection Includes
*Eulogy to E.A. Poe
*Marienburg Castle
*The Pumpkin King
*Heavenly Strains
*A Matter of Taste
*My Days With Mahalia
*A Night Out With Mr. Bones
*Merry Are We of the Lake
*The Night Flyer
*Pumpkin Seed Spit
*A Night for Animals
*The Man Next Door
*Extra! Extra!
*The Flight Dummy
*For the Children
*The Watcher’s Web
*Dreaming, The Copper City
*The Huntress
*The Faerie Lights
*The October Man

Features a wrap-around cover and contemporary design. Perfect for Halloween or dark, rainy nights.

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Asteroid 6 and Other Tales of Cosmic Horror
by R. David Fulcher
October 31, 2024

Genre: Science Fiction Horror Short Stories
Introducing ASTEROID 6 AND OTHER TALES OF COSMIC HORROR! The companion book to R. David Fulcher's 2023 indie horror hit, THE PUMPKIN KING AND OTHER TALES OF TERROR!

In this newest collection, Fulcher explores concepts of the insignificance of human existence, terror of the unknowable and incomprehensible, and more motifs found in edlritch horror. Fulcher draws his influence from a wide assortment of authors ranging from Poe and Fritz Leiber to Stephen King and Dean Koontz.

The title story features an astronaut named Jones who, while on asteroid-clearing duty, crash lands onto a massive asteroid where he is drawn to an alien monolith and discovering an ancient race trapped in stasis. Does he dare set it free?

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind collection!

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About the Author:
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R. DAVID FULCHER is an author of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and poetry. Major literary influences include H.P. Lovecraft, Dean Koontz, Edgar Allen Poe, Fritz Lieber, and Stephen King. Fulcher’s first novel, a historical drama set in World War II, Trains to Nowhere, and his second novel, a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories, Blood Spiders and Dark Moon, are both available from authorhouse.com and  Amazon.

FULCHER’S work has appeared in numerous small press publications including Lovecraft’s Mystery Magazine, Black Satellite, The Martian Wave, Burning Sky, Shadowlands, Twilight Showcase, Heliocentric Net, Gateways, Weird Times, Freaky Frights and the anthologies Dimensions and Silken Ropes. Fulcher’s work can also be found in the DPP collection Halloween Party 2019, available at Amazon and at the DPP online store. A passion for the written word has also inspired Fulcher to edit and publish the literary magazine, Samsara (samsaramagazine.net), which has showcased writers and poets for over a decade. Fulcher resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his wife Lisa, and their rambunctious cats.

Giveaway
$50 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway