Sci-Fi: Aurora Rift: A Man Out of Time by Thomas LeBrun

A Man Out of Time is an epic blend of historical adventure, science, survival, and emotional human drama. Spanning thousands of years of civilization from Stone Age Norway to the Persian Empire of Xerxes, from Viking seas to the vast Mongol world the novel asks a haunting question: 

 If time itself opened before you… Would you ever truly find your way home again?

Aurora Rift: A Man Out of Time
by Thomas LeBrun
July 18, 2026
Genre: Science Fiction
Dr. Kyle Richards thought he was chasing wonder.

An Evolutionary Anthropologist, respected lecturer, martial artist, husband, and father, Kyle journeys to Northern Norway in search of the breathtaking Aurora Borealis and the ancient petroglyphs of Alta. But beneath the dancing northern lights, something impossible happens. A violent geomagnetic phenomenon tears Kyle from the modern world and hurls him across the corridors of time.

What begins as scientific fascination quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival.

Thrown into the Stone Age among primitive hunters, Kyle unknowingly leaves behind clues that will survive for thousands of years. He battles Viking warriors, walks beside Silk Road caravans, witnesses the rise of empires, and survives civilizations most people only read about in history books. Along the way, he encounters moments that forever alter him—including an unforgettable friendship with a young boy who will one day become Genghis Khan and a journey east with Marco Polo toward the legendary court of Kublai Khan.

But every jump through time comes at a cost.

As Kyle struggles to survive brutal landscapes, ancient warfare, and the terrifying instability of the auroral corridor itself, the man he once was slowly begins to disappear beneath scars, grief, and centuries of memory. Meanwhile, back in present-day Pennsylvania, his wife Samantha refuses to give up hope. Alongside archaeologists and scientists searching for answers, she uncovers ancient carvings, unexplained historical anomalies, and evidence suggesting Kyle may still be alive somewhere… in another time.

Amazon

About the Author
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Thomas LeBrun began his martial arts training in the early 1970s, inspired by Bruce Lee and Joe Frazier. He formally studied Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Okinawan Kenpo, later expanding into Yoshitsune Ju-Jitsu under Sensei Michael DePasquale Sr. and Jr., as well as Aikido, Arnis, pressure-point applications, and boxing. His dedication earned him rank in multiple disciplines.

LeBrun’s path led him to the Close Protection field, where his martial arts knowledge evolved into specialized training in defensive arts, non-traditional weapons, and personal security. He has protected high-profile clients such as Bill Gates, Elton John, and Whitney Houston, working in more than 45 countries. In 2009, he created LeBrun’s American Combatives, a modern system bridging traditional martial arts with real-world application, later authenticated by Grand Master Ron Van Clief and Shidoshi Glen Perry.

A recognized authority in defensive arts, LeBrun earned his 10th dan in Hogoshin-Do in 2022 and has been honored with multiple awards, including Security Expert of the Year (2021) and induction into the Ultimate Warrior Class (2022). He is also a multi-award-winning, #1 international best-selling author of Hiding in Plain Sight and the Cameron Stone series, and was named Best Action & Thriller Author in Alabama, United States of 2025.

Book Review: A Crime Through Time (Miss Darcy Investigates Book 1) by Amelia Blackwell

A Crime Through Time: The Pride and Prejudice Mystery With A Time Travel Twist (Miss Darcy Investigates Book 1)
by Amelia Blackwell
July 10, 2025
Pemberley, 1799. When Miss Georgiana Darcy attempts to escape an unwanted marriage proposal, she isn’t expecting to end up quite so far from home. But after encountering a mysterious object in the nearby woods, she finds herself transported almost two hundred years into the future.

Saltram, 1995. At a grand country house where a film crew are busy shooting the latest Jane Austen adaptation, a terrible crime has been committed. And Miss Darcy – newly arrived, impeccably dressed and thoroughly confused – is the only witness.

It soon becomes clear that, somehow, Georgiana was meant to solve this riddle. With the help of a distractingly handsome Irishman named Quinn and a border collie named Watson, she sets out to stop the killer before they can strike again. But trouble is brewing back at Pemberley and time, it seems, is not on her side . . .

Amazon

June 25, 2026

I really enjoyed reading the book- it was written in the 18th century style jargon and the late 1990's. You have to read it to really get the style and language. The story was witty and fast, and I liked the short paragraphs- you had a real understanding of the switching between the time frames- never got lost in nether land. I hope George and Quinn reunite. Love the note left at the end. All in all, I will read any of Ms. Blackwell's work. It was a very fast and enjoyable read.

I am looking forward to reading the next Miss Darcy Investigates- "The Haunting of a Bronte". 

I give it 4.5 Baaarts, as I really enjoyed the original style of writing, but it may not be for everyone. But be sure to give it a chance if you come across a copy of the Miss Darcy Investigates series.

About the Author:
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Amelia Blackwell has a master’s degree in Creative Writing, a corn snake called Colin, and a deep love of the works of Jane Austen. Although the Boleyns appear in her family tree, it’s through marriage, not blood, which is probably just as well. Georgiana Darcy’s most persistent suitor, Baron John de Halighwell, takes his name from one of Amelia’s distant great-grandfathers, who lived in a mansion that even Lady Catherine de Bourgh would admire. Amelia lives with her husband and children in a tiny house by the sea in Cornwall.

In the Blink of an Eye by Yoav Blum

 

In the Blink of an Eye
by Yoav Blum (Author), Galia Vurgan (Translator)
November 24, 2025
Genre: crime, mystery, hard science fiction, time travel
A locked room. A dead scientist. A time machine.

Professor Yonatan Brand, a world-renowned physicist, amateur magician, and hot-chocolate enthusiast, dreamed of unlocking time itself. He mapped every danger, every paradox, every temptation of hubris. But when his body is discovered inside his sealed study, Brand leaves behind one impossible crime—and a machine that might have killed him.

Enter Benjamin “Bunker” Kronovic, a washed-up actor, and Abigail Canaani, a reclusive librarian. They’re not seasoned detectives; their usual cases involve lost pets and unpaid bills. Now they must face something far stranger: a corpse, a time machine, and a circle of Brand’s childhood friends, each guarding secrets darker than the past itself.

As Bunker and Abigail stumble through a mystery where time is as treacherous as truth, they discover that the question isn’t just who killed Professor Brand, but when.

In the Blink of an Eye is a locked-room mystery with a science-fiction twist, blending razor-sharp suspense, mind-bending paradoxes, and two unlikely detectives you’ll never forget.

Amazon

About the Author:
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Yoav Blum is an author known for blending high-concept speculative ideas with gripping mystery, thriller, and philosophical depth. His work explores extraordinary situations—time travel, body switching, orchestrated coincidences—while grounding them in questions of identity, perception, fate, and free will. Beneath each thriller or puzzle lies a reflection on what it means to be human. His tone is introspective, suspenseful, and often playfully self-aware.

Excerpt: Amaranthine by Delia Strange + giveaway

Eternal Life.

Endless Love.

Infinite Cost.

Amaranthine
by Delia Strange
Genre: SciFi Time Travel Historical Paranormal Vampire Romance
Eternal life comes at a cost
For centuries, Amaranthine has walked through time—an immortal bound by a gift she never asked for. From the opulent halls of the Roman Empire to the decadent jazz clubs of 1920s London, to the futuristic floating city of New Francisco, she has lived countless lives, loved deeply, and lost more than most could ever bear. With each new era comes new faces: lovers, rivals, and those drawn to the mystery of her eternal existence. But immortality comes with a price, and as the world changes, so too does the weight of the centuries she carries.

Torn between living for the future and haunted by the choices of her past, Amaranthine must confront the question that has followed her for an eternity: What does it mean to live forever when everything and everyone else fades away?

“This is the first book in a while that I have continued to mull over even after I'd finished reading it as it's definitely a story that gets you thinking.”
~ Lynne Stringer, Goodreads Review

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The olive trees stood like shadows in the distance, swaying in the night breeze. Amaranthine’s steps were cautious, her eyes scanning the darkness, but as she reached the edge of the grove, there was no sign of him. Her breath hitched in her throat, a sudden pang of doubt freezing her where she stood. Had she waited too long? Her heart sank as she looked around. She’d been foolish to think this was possible, that someone like her could step outside the boundaries of her life, if only for a moment.

But then Marcellus stepped forward, his form emerging from the darkness and appearing in front of her like a dream. His smile was slow, knowing, and when his eyes met hers, she felt that rush all over again, more powerful this time for the waiting.

“I thought you might change your mind,” he said, his voice cutting through the night.

Amaranthine exhaled, the tension leaving her body in a soft, trembling breath. “I almost did,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but then she smiled, feeling the same reckless pull that had brought her here. “But I’m here.”

Marcellus took her hand, his touch warm, and without a word he led her deeper into the olive grove. The trees closed in around them and the world outside the grove disappeared, leaving only the two of them beneath the cover of night. The air smelled faintly of the earth and the lingering sweetness of ripening fruit, but all Amaranthine could focus on was the heat of his hand against hers, the certainty in his steps as he drew her farther away from the villa, away from everything she knew.

When he stopped, she nearly stumbled, caught off guard by the sudden stillness. Marcellus turned to face her, his gaze sweeping over her with an intensity that made her catch her breath. His eyes roamed her face, her body, lingering as though his look could somehow touch her skin. It wasn’t just a glance; it was deeper, heavier.

Slowly, deliberately, Marcellus ran his fingers up her arm, light as a breeze. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, thrilling and delicate all at once. His hand traveled over her shoulder, warm and sure, before brushing against her neck, where her pulse raced beneath his fingertips. He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek as his other hand slid into her hair, gently cradling the back of her neck. The closeness of him—his soft breath against her skin, his scent unfamiliar and intoxicating—made her dizzy.

When he pressed his body against hers, she didn’t hesitate. Amaranthine’s arms wrapped around him as though it was the most natural thing in the world, her fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic. She could feel the heat of him through the thin cloth, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the thrilling, terrifying anticipation that hovered in the air between them. He leaned in, his lips so close to hers that she could feel the warmth of his breath, and her body instinctively tilted forward, closing the last distance between them.

The kiss began softly, their lips brushing with a delicate hesitance, as though both of them were testing the boundaries of something new. It was sweet, tender, like a whispered secret exchanged in the dark. Amaranthine’s heart fluttered, the warmth of his mouth against hers sending gentle waves of pleasure through her body. Her hands tightened their grip on his tunic, pulling him closer, and for a moment, everything else faded away—her worries, her fears, even the nagging sense of not belonging. Here, in this kiss, she felt connected, as though they shared something deeper than words.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the kiss deepened. Marcellus’ arms wrapped around her waist, his hands pressing her closer, and the softness between them gave way to something more intense, more urgent. Passion overtook them both, their lips moving with a fervor that surprised her. Amaranthine had never kissed anyone before, but she felt as though she’d always known how, the way their mouths fit together, the way their breaths mingled in the cool night air. Her heart pounded faster, and a strange heat pooled in her chest, spreading through her veins in a way that made her feel alive.

Then something within her awoke. At first, she didn’t recognize it, mistaking the growing intensity for the natural progression of a kiss. There was a pull, a sensation inside her, almost like the drawing of breath, but deeper, fuller. She thought it was part of the magic of kissing, the way it could make someone feel as though they were floating, untethered from everything. No wonder people kiss, she thought, her mind hazy with the thrill of it. It’s wonderful. She let the sensation sweep over her, unaware of what she was truly doing. But then, after a moment, she noticed something different. Their lips had stopped moving. The rhythm they had found, the tender push and pull, had stilled.

Amaranthine opened her eyes, confused, and pulled back. Her breath caught in her throat. Marcellus staggered away from her, his face ashen, his once bright eyes dull and clouded. He looked gaunt, hollow, as though something had been drained from him. His skin sagged against the bones of his cheeks, and before her eyes, he aged—twenty years, maybe more—his youthful vibrance withering into something frail and brittle. He gasped, his hands reaching out toward her as though for help, but no words came. Then, with a final shuddering breath, Marcellus crumpled to the ground, motionless.

The world around her seemed to tilt, the ground beneath her feet suddenly unsteady as she stared at Marcellus’ lifeless body. Her chest tightened, a wild panic rising inside her, but she couldn’t move. Her legs felt rooted to the spot, her mind unable to comprehend what had just happened. Only moments ago, they had been so close—he had been so alive. Now, the boy who had held her in his arms, who had smiled at her like she was a secret worth keeping, lay motionless at her feet, his face hollow and pale, drained of life.

About the Author:
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An only child with an active imagination, I created many stories in my head. My bookcase was overflowing, and I loved visiting the library. I'd always been a reader, but I hadn't considered writing until a childhood friend said we should write our ideas down. Once I started writing my stories, I couldn't stop.

I gravitated to stories of peculiar places and happenings. I loved twists and dark reveals, so my writing didn't stray far from that. I was a fan of fantasy—of ancient Greek myths or contemporary paranormal stories. They captured my imagination and opened me to worlds of possibilities. There were no constraints on fantasy, no wrong or right answers; anything I dreamed up was acceptable. And then came H. G. Wells and science fiction, which also opened the door to paranormal and speculative fiction, my three favourite genres.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway! Enter the Amaranthine Giveaway Here

Time-Travel SciFi Author: Kim Megahee - The Best Writing Advice I Ever Got! + excerpt

Every moment matters — and in Marc McKnight Time Travel Adventures by Kim Megahee, even the smallest choices can unravel the universe.

  

The Best Writing Advice I Ever Got!
My sister Laura invited me to her church one Sunday. To my surprise, the program that day was more secular than religious.

The speaker challenged us — “What are you doing with the time of your life? Are you spending your time doing things that improve your heart or mind or soul?”

This pushed me onto a path of thought I had never gone down before. How was I using the time of my life?

“WORKING” was my first response. I worked 60+ hours a week for a computer consulting firm. It was fun, fulfilling work, and I enjoyed it. But it occurred to me I had no social life and no outlet for pent-up energy.

Then I remembered my TIME LIMITS book. I’d worked on it for two years but completed only a few chapters — and I wasn’t satisfied with them.

“I should finish my book,” I said to Laura.

We talked about it as we drove home, and Laura suggested we stop at a local Starbucks for coffee. She didn’t have to ask me twice. If coffee is involved, I’m there!

We ordered in so we could chat and spend time together. We continued to talk about the book. In the conversation, I mentioned that I rarely have time to work on it.

Someone touched me on the shoulder. I turned, and next to me sat a man with glasses and a cane.

“Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I’m an author, and if you aren’t writing every day, then you’re kidding yourself.”

The stranger was Shane Etter, a successful horror-suspense writer.

That night, his words surfaced repeatedly in my mind. I knew they were true words, and I didn’t have the time to write.

Another piece of advice came to mind. “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

Okay, I thought … If I decided to find the time, how would I proceed?

I looked for time, and presto! — I found it. I could get up in the morning thirty minutes earlier. I could write on airplanes and at the airport. I could write in my hotel room, at the bar, or at a restaurant.

It worked! Eight weeks later, I had a final draft of TIME LIMITS, ready for editing.

The best writing advice I ever got — write at least a little every day.

Captain Marc McKnight thought he understood time. A soldier turned investigator, he leads a specialized team tasked with preserving the timeline — until their work exposes the fragile boundaries between fate and chaos. Time Limits introduces McKnight’s fateful mistake, a mission gone wrong that redefines who he is. The Time Twisters transforms politics into temporal warfare, where truth itself can be edited. Time Revolution thrusts McKnight into a world decades ahead, where the ideals he once defended have twisted into something unrecognizable. And in Time Plague, the fight becomes personal, as McKnight faces a dangerous operative from the future and the devastating possibility that love — like time — can destroy as much as it saves. With relentless pacing and emotional depth, Megahee’s series captures the human side of science fiction: courage, guilt, and the fragile hope that something broken can still be mended.

Amazon-Goodreads 

An Excerpt from Chapter 2 of TIME LIMITS
by Kim Megahee
A few minutes later, they were on a path in a pine forest. A light breeze eased the heat of the Georgia sun and the pines whispered to them as they walked further into the woods.

McKnight glanced back in the direction they had come, then at the trail ahead. There was no one in sight. He pulled a form and a pen from his pocket and handed them to Tyler.

“First, the paperwork, Lieutenant. What I’m about to tell you is top secret and cannot be shared with unauthorized personnel, regardless of whether you accept the assignment. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Sign the paper.”

Tyler signed and handed it back.

“Very good. Lieutenant, they've asked me to assemble a team to plan and execute missions using a new technology. The size of the team is fewer than ten, including two civilian scientists. I’d like you to be my exec for operations. I need a mission planner with leadership ability, and you’re it. The rest of the team’s still under construction, except for one scientist. We’ll be reporting to General Drake with oversight from Senator Lodge.”

“Working for the Dragon would be good. Oversight from Lodge? That’s not so good. He’s my Senator, but I didn’t vote for him. He’s a damned crocodile. I don’t trust him.”

“Lodge is the General’s problem. We’re the grunts. Our job is to execute.”

“So, what’ll we be doing?”

“The team is being called the HERO Project.”

Tyler rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I know. Stay with me, Lieutenant. HERO stands for Historical Event Research Organization. In a nutshell, we’re going to be researching and validating historical events. Here, let’s take a load off.”

They sat on a wood bench alongside the running trail. McKnight looked across the path at a dogwood in full bloom and a bank of azaleas in unrestrained spring glory. Bumblebees hummed in and around the flowers.

“If you’re trying to sell me on how exciting the project will be, you’re failing miserably. Sounds like we’d be spending the next few years in the library and on the net, writing papers. Doesn’t sound like fun to me. Is there something I’m missing here?”

A thin smile formed on McKnight’s face. “Well, Lieutenant, I daresay we’ll be doing paperwork. I didn’t mention libraries or the net.”

Tyler scrunched up his face. “Then how? No library, no net. Where’s that leave us? Interviewing elderly witnesses?”

McKnight shook his head, waiting for Tyler to make the leap. Tyler sat on the bench, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together and his head down. After a moment, he looked at McKnight.

“You can’t be suggesting what I’m thinking.”

He’s getting there. “And what is that, Lieutenant?”

“Nope. I’m not going to say it. I must be missing something.” He paused. “All right. How do we witness an event in the past? We don’t have the technology to…. Wait, you mentioned a new technology, didn’t you?”

“I did.” McKnight allowed himself a little smile. One last hint. “You took physics at the Point, right?”

“What? Of course.”

“Um-hmm.”

Tyler stared at him. His eyes narrowed and darted around. He resumed the position with his elbows on his knees and his eyes on the ground.

“Who’s the scientist?” he said without looking up.

“Robert Astalos. He does research at MIT–”

“I'm familiar with him. I read a white paper he and his family wrote last year about interstellar propulsion. Son and grandson, I believe, all with the same name. Let’s see… Einstein related speeds close to the speed of light with time slowing down. Nobody has proved that wrong. And gravity is not a force, but a distortion of time-space. Everitt validated that.” Tyler sat up straight and looked McKnight in the eye. “Astalos invented time travel?”

Bingo. “Well, I’ll let him share the specifics with you, but that’s the bottom line. Interested, Lieutenant?”

“Are you kidding? Who wouldn’t be? Anything else you want to tell me? Do we have aliens in Area 51?”

McKnight laughed. “Not that I know of. Want the rest of the details, Lieutenant?”

“Yes, sir. You bet I do.”

“I thought you might. Here’s the short form. We’ll operate out of the DC area. Only a few people know about this. The charter for the HERO Team is strictly research. We’re forbidden to do anything that might affect history. There’s a mandatory risk/benefit analysis and research period required before traveling to make sure we cover the bases. No options, no exceptions, unless the President issues an Executive Order to bypass the process.

“The other civilian on the team will be another planner, your civilian counterpart. He or she hasn’t been picked yet. The General’s reserved the right to pick that person. You and I get no say,” McKnight said, holding up his hand to cut off any objection. “We need a shitload of testing before we can do any work. We don’t know enough about the technology yet. Questions?”

“Ha! Only a few hundred. This is supposed to be secret? Nobody outside the organization knows about it?”

“Well, for as long as that lasts. Congress is involved, right?”

“Yeah. I’m surprised the word isn't out already.”

McKnight shrugged. “The day is young. But yes, until we hear otherwise from the General, the project doesn’t exist and we’re working on special projects for Colonel Stewart.”

“Okay. Why do we need the civilian planner?” Tyler asked.

“The official word is to balance the team. I suspect it’s because Congress doesn’t trust the military. I assume it’ll be an egghead guy with serious credentials and no government ties. Drake wants someone with no agenda.”

“Got it. Do you have anyone else in mind for the team?”

“I do,” McKnight said. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his breast pocket and handed it to Tyler. “What do you think?”

“Lieutenant Mitch Wheeler. From North Georgia College, right? Good pick. Has a degree in physics if I remember correctly.”

“Yep. That one was easy. And his buddy Hatcher, too.”

“Yes, sir. Should be a good team.” Tyler handed the list back.

“Glad you approve.” McKnight checked the time on his phone. “I need to go catch a plane, Lieutenant. Transition your work ASAP and report to me in DC Monday week. Questions?”

“Yes, sir, but they can wait until next week.”

“Very good. I have two more instructions for you.” He stood and Tyler followed.

“What’s that, sir?”

McKnight smiled at his new executive officer. “Number one, don’t bring any preconceptions about time travel with you. Doctor Astalos says most of what the science fiction writers came up with was wrong.”

“And number two?”

“The other two Robert Astalos’s? The men that coauthored that paper?”

“Yes?”

“They aren’t his son and grandson. They’re all him. They call themselves Robert, Rob and Robby, but they’re all the same guy.”

About the Author:
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 Kim Megahee’s storytelling blends the precision of science with the poetry of second chances. A teacher turned technologist turned author, he writes from experience — the lessons learned in classrooms, boardrooms, and quiet hours of reflection. His first publication, “The Camping Parachute,” in SouthernReader.com, marked the beginning of a journey that would merge intellect and imagination. From his home in Gainesville, Georgia, where he lives with his wife, Martha, and their spirited poodle, Leo, Kim continues to explore how humanity and technology intersect in unexpected ways. You can find him on his website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

YA Time Travel Romance: Where Fireflies Dwell by Samantha J. Won

How beautiful is this cover? Fans of K-Drama and time travel will love Where Fireflies Dwell by Samantha J. Won!

Where Fireflies Dwell
by Samantha J. Won
January 2025
Genre: YA Time Travel Romance/ LGBTQAI+/ K Drama Vibes Enemies to lovers
Best friends to enemies
Time travel
BL, LGBTQ Rep
Family

Time travel is not a choice. It’s a curse.

Ri Yunho and his best friend, Jo Wooju, have it all. With the immense fame and wealth that come with being two of the most popular Korean Hallyu actors in their generation, the pair jump from one wild success to another. But when Yunho’s life is shattered after a heinous allegation by Wooju leaves him in prison, he’s forced to grapple with the reasons behind his best friend’s betrayal.

As if to salvage his life from the ruin it has become, Yunho mysteriously meets a magical entity and is transported back to his teens, where he is given one chance at redemption—to reshape his future and uncover the truth behind Wooju’s backstabbing.

Caught up in a mounting conspiracy that will force Yunho to reconsider everything he knew about his former best friend, he’ll need to delve into the past and find the shadowy figure pulling the strings that led to his imprisonment.

Can Yunho unravel the web of secrets behind Wooju’s betrayal? Or has his fate already been decided?

Where Fireflies Dwell is a story about friendship, family, and youth. But most importantly, it’s about what it means to love unconditionally.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

 

About the author
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Samantha J. Won was born and raised in the Philippines. She now resides in Los Angeles, California with her family. She is a registered nurse but has always felt the urge to dive into writing. What started as a childhood hobby, sparked by her love for the classic The Baby-Sitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin—eventually turned into full length scripts, fanfictions, and children’s stories. Samantha J uses her writing to fill those literary voids she stumbles upon when struggling to find her next great read. She enjoys roller skating, spending time with her dog, and devouring her favorite shows.

 

Triggers: Abuse, attempted suicide

IG: @authorsjwon @rrbooktours

Tags:
#rrbooktours #rrbtWhereFirefliesDwellTour #wherefirefliesdwell #samanthajwon #yabook #lgbtq #contemporary #sliceoflife #kdrama #kdramavibe #asianbooks #timetravelromance #booktours

New Release: Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare

Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon
by Annie Mare
June 3, 2025
A multiverse novel about two women who fall in love despite living in worlds that are five months apart, as they try to find a timeline that doesn’t end in disaster, in this debut novel by Annie Mare.

Tressa Fay Robeson has never been shy, which is how she’s made a name for herself as an in-demand hairstylist and social media star. So she can admit that spending her days at her hair salon and her nights with her tight-knit group of friends (and one grumpy cat) is not the kind of exciting life she’d hoped for.

When a misdirected text from a stranger leads to a flirty exchange, she surprises herself by suggesting an impulsive meetup. But the woman, Meryl, never shows. Tressa Fay brushes it off—until Meryl’s sister and friend show up at the salon demanding to know what’s going on. Because, you see, there’s no way Meryl could have texted her. Meryl has been missing for a month.

Tressa Fay and her tight-knit group of friends soon discover they aren’t dealing with a catfish, but a temporal paradox. As they come to terms with the idea of parallel universes, they realize how many times their paths have crossed like this before. But even as they understand the multiverse more and more, nothing keeps Meryl from vanishing.

As it draws closer to the moment of Meryl’s disappearance, there’s only one question left: Have they done enough to change the outcome, or have they done so much that none of them will make it past that fateful day in September?

Critics are raving:
“A heartwarming multiverse tale of fated love, family, and memory.”—Publishers Weekly

“Mare successfully blends speculative fiction with sapphic romance in this well-written multiverse love story.” —Library Journal

Booksellers & early fans agree:

“Feels like Inception meets Everything Everywhere All At Once—but with more heart, humor, and hair dye.” —Kaitlin L., NetGalley reviewer

“Utter perfection… had a vice grip on my heart the entire read.” —Meghan, Lark & Owl Booksellers

From the author:
“I think queerness is a multiplier of love. It means not just loving who we want—not just learning to love parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to ignore or deny—but falling in love with the universe that made the stars we’re made of. In Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon, I imagined a story-world where the smallest acts of our love for one another replicate and expand across all of time and space. Love times infinity.”

Amazon 

About the Author:
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Annie Mare (she/they) writes queer contemporary mystery and romance. If you enjoy their books, check out the books they co-author with Ruthie Knox, including both queer romances (as Mae Marvel) and mysteries (as Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare). Annie's romances have been critically recognized and bestselling. Annie lives with her wife, two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, one cat, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden.

Image Comic Graphic Novel Love Everlasting will be adapted for film from Sony Pictures Entertainment

The epic, time-bending Eisner and Harvey Award nominated graphic novel series, Love Everlasting by Eisner Award winning writer Tom King (Batman, The Vision, Mister Miracle) and fan-favorite artist Elsa Charretier (November, The Infinite Loop) will be adapted for film from Sony Pictures Entertainment. According to last week’s exclusive scoop at DEADLINE on the news, “Room helmer Lenny Abrahamson attached to direct and Jane Goldman writing the script. Emma Watts and Element’s Ed Guiney are producing.”

Love Everlasting Volume 1 Paperback
by Tom King (Author), Elsa Charretier (Artist), Matt Hollingsworth (Artist)

Image Comics
February 14, 2023
A terrifying, time-loop. A bad romance. An unforgettable, genre-bending mashup from boundary-pushing creative duo Tom King and Elsa Charretier!

From multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Tom King and up-and-coming artist Elsa Charretier comes the first volume of a thrilling, genre-bending romance/horror mashup. Joan Peterson discovers that she is trapped in an endless, terrifying cycle of “romance”—a problem to be solved, a man to marry—and every time she falls in love she’s torn from her world and thrust into another tear-soaked tale. Her bloody, time-looping journey to freedom and revelation begins in this breathtaking, groundbreaking debut volume. Collects Love Everlasting #1-5.

Select praise for Love Everlasting:

“King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) and Charretier’s (Department of Truth, Vol. 3) gripping mystery subverts the romance-comic genre but still delivers genuine romantic melodrama.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Charretier’s thick-line cartoony character design, reminiscent of Darwyn Cooke, perfectly depicts this genre crossover, and Matt Hollingsworth’s colors capture the eeriness, avoiding primary colors with suitably subdued secondary palettes for each chapter. This series launch piles on the thrills and leaves tantalizing questions open. Readers will be eager to see the next volume.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The expressive strokes of Charretier’s art here have nostalgic warmth, but they're more connected to the retro-modern cartooning of, say, Batman Adventures than actual art from any of those doe-eyed comics of yesteryear. This feels like then, but it's deeply rooted in now, which makes it the ideal aesthetic for this meta take... King’s interest, as it’s often been, is deconstruction, and the narrative necessarily takes some repetition to achieve it. However, certain chapters function as gripping romances on their own merits, even as they advance toward a conceptual, distressing, but ultimately compelling culmination." ―Booklist

"While much of the story is told in a dead-on, entertaining style that pays homage to the romance comics of the 1950s, the elements of mystery and horror that emerge make the book much more than a nostalgic indulgence. The writing is clever and builds tension throughout, while the art is impeccable in its blend of colors, linework, and style, covering settings from World War I era France to the Old West in America well. Rich themes and deep questions underpin Joan’s adventures, as about the true nature of love, the need for it, and the desire for independence and self-realization...Love Everlasting Volume 1 is a fascinating romantic horror story about a woman who shifts between lives." ―Foreword Reviews

 

Love Everlasting, Vol. 2 trade paperback (ISBN: 9781534398481, Lunar Code 0923IM359)
 

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Love Everlasting, Vol. 3 trade paperback (ISBN: 9781534330702)

Excerpt: Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona Book 5) by Margaret Izard + giveaway

In the absence of doubt, only faith is found.

Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona Book 5)
by Margaret Izard
Genre: Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
A human with Fae powers living like an oddball has its ups and downs until Evie MacDougall’s dream Fae boy pops back into her life after she thought another was “the one.” One dark and devilish, the other her long-lost love. Evil forces trap her for a magic Fae stone, but which man can she trust?

As a teen prophesied to be Fae king, Aodhán viewed the girl of his dreams through an Eye of Ra. Once, he risked all to help Evie MacDougall find a magic Fae stone, only to end up imprisoned. Kept from his true love for years, he finds her at risk from an evil Fae hunting a magic stone.

Is a single vow strong enough to save true love, to save the human and Fae realms?

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Evie threw open Kat’s door, allowing it to bang against the wall.
Kat rolled over. “Kind of early, even for ye, Evie.”
Evie strode to Kat’s closet, flipping through each item. She didn’t say a word, fearful she’d give away something, anything that told her best friend she’d visited the Fae realm.
Kat sat up. “What are ye wearing? Yer hair’s lighter. I like it!”
Evie glanced down, forgetting the Fae gown, and shrugged. “Something for a play.” She cringed inside at lying to her friend but couldn’t tell anyone she was the one the Fae fable referred to. Not yet, at least.
Evie flipped back and forth between a crop top and a skirt. Kat’s chest was like her ma’s, larger than Evie’s, but Evie’s hips were bigger. Her clothes had to fit. Evie didn’t have time to go shopping. She wasn’t ready for the idea of selecting new clothing that she’d never bothered to glance at, let alone try on.
Grabbing the pink crop top and gray pencil skirt, Evie felt comfortable with it being long enough to cover her knees. She had to start somewhere. If she wore a miniskirt to work, ha! Evie envisioned falling, carrying ale, and flashing her personals to all of Maggie’s Bar. That’d be a hoot.
As Kat called after her, she strode from the room. “Sure, ye can borrow some of my clothes. Thanks for asking!”
In her room, Evie stripped the Fae gown and hung it, carefully placing it in the back of her closet. She slipped on a bra and undies and donned the crop top lifting her arms to ensure her boobs stayed covered. With the skirt on, she examined herself in the mirror.
“Nice. Not yer usual colors.” Kat leaned on the frame, yawning. “The form-fitting cotton looks good.”
Evie turned right, then left, checking her reflection. It needed something more. She moved to her closet, examining her belts. The skinny suspenders, that’s what it needed. Attaching those, she turned before the mirror and nodded.
As she sat to put on her black boots, Kat collapsed on her bed. “Why the change?” She rolled over. “Not that I’m complaining, but pink with light gray and form-fitting cotton isn’t yer norm.”
Kat sat up. “Manix! It has to be. Ye have the hots for Manix!”
Evie shrugged as she brushed her long hair out. This was good. If they thought she spent her time with Manix, they wouldn’t figure out she’d spent most of the evening in the Fae realm with Aodhán.
She placed her hair in pigtails and began braiding each one. She had to keep her hair up for her waitressing, but after work, when she went out with Manix, the braids would make her hair wavy when she let it out. Perfect.
Speaking of Fae realms, “Where’s Ewan and Doug?”
Kat stood and went to the door. “In bed as usual. They come back later and later each trip.” She sighed. “They should be careful.”
Evie checked the clock. Dash, it’s almost eleven am. Her shift started at noon, and Manix said he’d pick her up at nine when her shift ended.
She grabbed her leather jacket and went past Kat, who held her arm. “Do ye know what ye are doing with Manix? Ewan mentioned that some say he has a temper he can’t control.”
Evie pulled her arm away. “It’s nothing. I’m sure exaggeration.”
Evie ran to the door as Kat called after her, “Sure, don’t mind me, yer BFF. I only just arrived, and ye are off every evening with a man.” She sighed dramatically. “I’ll stay in with a movie again.”
Evie stopped at the opened door. “Soon, ye and I will go bar hopping. Introduce ye around.”
Kat chuckled, “Hold ye to it.”
Evie wasn’t certain what this day held. She’d not dated many men as none seemed to appeal to her. Ewan said it was because she compared them all to her Fae boy, and maybe she had. A human could never beat out the attraction a Fae held. It wasn’t a mere myth but the total truth.

**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**

Previous books in the series, Stone of Love, book 1, Brielle and Colin’s 18th century Scottish story. Stone of Fear, Book 2, Marie and John’s 13th century Scottish story. Stone of Lust, Book 3, Ainslie and Rannick’s Viking tale. Thistle in the Mistletoe featuring a couple in the past from Stone of Love.

Next in the series: Holly and Ivy, a Christmas companion book. Stone of Faith, book 6. Stone of Destiny, book 7. Evergreen Evermore, a Christmas companion book.

This series leads into another connected series, Dragons of Tantallon, a dragon-shapeshifter series revolving around the magic Iona Stones.

Find them HERE-Kindle

About the Author:

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Margaret Izard is a multi-award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

 Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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New Release: In Our Stars (The Doomed Earth Book 1) by Jack Campbell

Known for his bestselling Lost Fleet series, Jack Campbell is a must-read author for fans of action-packed military sci-fi and readers of Martha Wells and John Scalzi. IN OUR STARS is the first novel of Campbell’s brand-new Doomed Earth series, following a spaceship lieutenant who has one last chance to save the Earth from destruction.

In Our Stars (The Doomed Earth Book 1)
by Jack Campbell
Book 1 of 2: The Doomed Earth
May 21, 2024
Genre: science fiction, time travel
Lieutenant Selene Genji has one last chance to save the Earth from destruction in this pulse-pounding science fiction adventure, from the author of the New York Times bestselling Lost Fleet series.

Earth, 2180

Genetically engineered with partly alien DNA, Lieutenant Selene Genji is different from ordinary humans. And they hate her for it. Still, she’s spent her life trying to overcome society’s prejudice by serving in the Unified Fleet while Earth’s international order collapses into war.

Genji is stationed on a ship in orbit when humanity’s factional extremism on the planet reaches a boiling point, and she witnesses the utter annihilation of Earth. When the massive forces unleashed by Earth’s death warp space and time to hurl her forty years into the past, Genji is given a chance to try to change the future and save Earth—starting with the alien first contact only she knows will soon occur.

Earth, 2140

Lieutenant Kayl Owen’s ship is on a routine patrol when a piece of spacecraft wreckage appears out of nowhere. To his shock, there is a survivor on board: Selene Genji. Once her strange heritage is discovered, though, it becomes clear that Genji is a problem Earth Guard command wants to dispose of—quietly. After learning the horrifying truth, Owen helps her escape and joins her mission.

Together, they have a chance to change the fate of an Earth doomed to die in 2180. But altering history could put Genji’s very existence in danger, and Owen wonders if a world without her is one worth saving. . . .

Praise for the novels of Jack Campbell

“An excellent blend of real science and space action. I enjoyed myself thoroughly from first to last page.”—Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn Series

“Campbell combines the best parts of military SF and grand space opera.”—Publishers Weekly

“Campbell’s genius is action in space.”—Tor.com

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About the Author 

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Jack Campbell is the pen name of John G. Hemry, a retired naval officer who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis before serving with the surface fleet and in a variety of other assignments. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the Lost Fleet, the Lost Stars, and the Genesis Fleet series, as well as the Stark’s War, Paul Sinclair, and Pillars of Reality series. He lives with his indomitable wife and three children in Maryland.

Interview: Fantasy Author Thomas Reilly + giveaway

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
During my career as a biotechnology scientist and executive, writing was an important aspect of my responsibilities (e.g., scientific manuscripts, essays, research reports, business plans, etc.). After I retired from the industry, I wanted to challenge myself to determine if I could utilize some of those acquired skills to create an entertaining novel. So, in the final analysis, my prime motivation in becoming an author was to address my own personal challenge.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I was one of nine kids and have an identical twin. Like me he pursued a scientific career, but unlike me, he has not pursued writing.

Tell us something interesting that happened to you!
I’m going way back here. As a kid, I broke my collar bone on four separate occasions. Interesting: perhaps not. Painful: definitely.

What are some of your pet peeves?
No surprise here- endless waiting on the phone in trying to reach customer service; lines of any type (notice a pattern here); movies that make little sense- (I always tell my wife,”I can make a better movie than that.”)

Where were you born/grew up at?
I grew up in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn as the fifth of nine children in a wonderful household where my dad was everyone’s favorite pediatrician, and my mom was a real super mom. After raising four kids of our own, I can only imagine how my parents managed so well with nine. Even though we lived in the big city, our life in the Bay Ridge environment was closer to one associated with a small-town community.

If you knew you die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I think I would spend it relaxing and swimming at the beach. That’s the best way I know to clear my mind.

Who is your hero and why?
Aside from my parents and some of their unbelievable friends who treated me so kindly as a kid, I veer more towards some of the fantastic authors who wrote about historical greats rather than the historical figures themselves. After I read a compelling bio of a historical figure or event, I remain in awe of the author who not only researched the topic to such a great extent, but also had the ability to convey the immense story in such entertaining prose- true genius! Two who come to mind are Ron Chernow and Robert Caro.

"There will be a price to pay for bad medicine."

Trial and Redemption (Janus Key Series Book 2)
by Thomas Reilly
Genre: Time Travel Fantasy, Suspense
WINNER OF THE LITERARY TITAN GOLD BOOK AWARD

AMAZON BEST SELLER

SCIENCE MEETS MAGIC…

In his latest inspirational and suspenseful novel, Trial and Redemption, Reilly continues the saga of a mystical Janus key and its time-bending influence on 21st-century characters, first introduced in the award-winning Chasing Time.

Disgraced scientist Brian Ellis finds an improbable ally in Julie, a college student trying to reset her life after a family tragedy. Guided by a Janus key with magical powers to predict future events, they embark on a crusade to bring a corrupt pharmaceutical executive to justice, prevent a medical tragedy, and restore peace to their shattered lives. However, Brian guards a dark secret that may imperil both their mission and their redemption.

Filled with unexpected twists and turns, memorable characters, and heart-stopping suspense, Trial and Redemption is an emotive mix of medical and legal fiction with a touch of fantasy.

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“Sounds good,” replied Julie. “I was hoping we would have learned something about its history. Oh well, at least I enjoyed viewing the exhibits.”

As they proceeded along the crowded corridor to the museum’s cafe, Julie suddenly recoiled in surprise as a strange person bumped into her, seemingly on purpose. Before she even had a chance to speak, the stranger asked in a husky tone. “Where did you get that key?”

Looking up, Julie observed a wizened old man who seemed strangely out of place in the museum. Dressed in tattered jeans and a threadbare plaid shirt that seemed as old as some of the museum’s relics, the man bore a face weathered with wrinkles that spoke of a grueling life filled with many arduous journeys. The deep-set, ebony eyes that were focused on the key dangling from the chain around Julie’s neck gave his head the appearance of a skull. A musty odor emanating from his raggedy clothes infiltrated Julie’s senses, unfortunately serving as some type of calling card. With disheveled hair and one gnarly hand rubbing a scruffy beard in confusion, his overall appearance was a statement of desperation and deprivation.

“Excuse me?” replied Julie.

“That key around your neck. Where did you get it?”

Taken aback by the old man’s brashness, Julie responded in a petulant tone. “That’s none of your business. Now if you’ll excuse us.”

“Wait, wait. It’s just that I had that key, or at least one like it, a long time ago. It could predict the future.”

Upon hearing these provocative words, both Julie and Brian turned back to face the old man.

“What did you say?” asked Brian.

“That key gave me bad dreams. Years later, the dreams came true in a VA hospital. No matter how I tried, I couldn’t stop that vision from coming true. It has haunted me ever since.”

Julie asked in an excited tone. “What can you tell us about this key? How did it work?”

However, the old man ignored her question and rambled on. “Spent months at the VA where that doctor ruined me. He kicked me out and destroyed my life.”

Suddenly, as if in a trance, the man started to repeat a mantra, softly at first but then in an ever-louder voice, “the Janus key, the Janus key, the Janus key ….” As Julie and Brian looked on in astonishment, the old man’s yelling drew the attention of several interested onlookers who surrounded the three of them. Soon, two of the museum’s security guards burrowed their way into the center of the crowd and intervened. The taller of the two guards spoke.

“Okay, Billy. Calm down, calm down. It’s okay.”

As the old man quieted in response to the guard’s gentle prodding, the second sentry addressed Julie and Brian. “Has he been bothering you?”

Julie responded. “Not really, He was telling us a story about some bad dreams a long time ago.”

In response, the guard shrugged his shoulders. “This is Billy. He spends a lot of time here entertaining visitors with crazy stories about dreams that he claims came true. He is harmless, but excuse me for saying this, he isn’t all there, if you know what I mean. We will just quietly escort him outside.”

With that, the two guards, each supporting a scrawny shoulder, gently escorted the old codger toward the exit.

As the crowd thinned out, Brian and Julie heard many residual whisperings from witnesses of the entertaining incident, some expressing pity for the old man and others contempt for such peculiar behavior.

Julie turned to Brian and spoke in an excited voice. “Wow, did you hear what he said? That man referred to a Janus key foretelling the future, just like mine. I have to try to catch up with him. Maybe he knows something about how it works.”

She noted a troubled expression cross Brian’s face as he answered. “Julie, did you hear everything he said? He couldn’t alter the future that the key revealed to him. Does that mean our efforts to change the future about Davis and the deadly clinical trial are doomed to fail? Are we chasing a lost cause here?”

Julie shrugged her shoulders in response. “I don’t buy that. Besides, everybody’s perception of time is different, so maybe the future can be open to several possible outcomes. We can’t stop now; we’ve got to see this through. Let’s go find that strange man. Maybe we can get some answers from him.”

They exited the museum on Michigan Avenue to locate the stranger. Encountering the two guards who had ushered him out, Julie asked. “Where is that old man? I need to talk with him.”

“Sorry, Miss. That Billy is one elusive character. He just seems to shrink from view the second we release him. But he will be back here again. He always comes back.”

Brian added. “I guess he’s gone for the day. Maybe we can find him another time.”

“I hope so,” replied Julie, wondering if she had lost the opportunity to unravel secrets about the magic key.

 

Chasing Time (Janus Key Series Book 1)
A time-bending adventure like no other

A Literary Titan Gold Award winner

“A brilliant debut novel from start to finish, you won't be able to put it down.” — N.N light’s review

“It had me sitting on the edge of my seat until the conclusion.” — Reader’s Favorite

"An earnest and moving novel, Chasing Time is an emotive mixture of contemporary fiction and fantasy, for a story that reads like a potential film.” — Self-Publishing Review

Chasing Time takes the reader on a thrilling adventure as history professor Tony Lucas seeks an ancient time-bending key that may hold the secrets to a miracle cure for his beloved wife, trapped in the throes of the debilitating and deadly ALS. Racing against time as the disease extracts its unforgiving toll, Tony embarks on an amazing quest involving a series of unexpected plot twists, cryptic clues, and memorable characters.

Driven by a strong male lead, this heartwarming book combines realistic medical elements with a hint of fantasy to create a gripping, suspenseful narrative. Reilly spins a compelling tale of a devoted husband’s resilience and perseverance as he pursues a life-saving mission that extends from ancient Rome to modern-day America to the lush olive groves of Andalusia. The story takes the classic medical drama, historical fiction, and fantasy genres and turns them all completely on their heads. With its precise and witty style, Chasing Time is an engaging, must-read story like nothing you have read before.

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About the Author
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Thomas Reilly is a retired biotechnology scientist who holds a doctoral degree in microbiology. He is the author of numerous essays and articles on science and technology. TRIAL AND REDEMPTION is a story of medical suspense coupled with a hint of magical realism. His first book in the Janus Key series, the award-winning CHASING TIME, was reissued in 2023. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Linda.

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$10 Amazon
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