Nibble Nibble – One Night With A Vampire by Katya Ensmore @KatyaEnsmore @booksprout

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Ashleigh and Marci are chatting. You know…girl talk. Marci has her sights set on the bartender, so she slips Ashleigh a card, insisting she call the exclusive escort agency. Maybe she can end her dry spell.

When Ashleigh talks about her vibrator, she had me cracking up, as did the dialogue between the two girls. I am always up for some laughs.

I had a fabulous time hanging out with the girls and the Monster Escort Agency has me intrigued. Sure, we had hot, steamy, instalove, but that’s okay. I expected no less with a story told in 52 pages. I loved the idea of requesting a ‘book boyfriend’ and Ashleigh’s was a vampire. No surprises, but lots of fun. I think I will enjoy making a return visit and see who does what to who.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

After a considerably long dry spell, Ashleigh finally succumbs to peer pressure and does the unimaginable.

She contacts an exclusive escort agency.

To her astonishment, they unveil a unique service catering to her preferred literary realm: paranormal romance. Yet, what she could never have foreseen was the agency’s arrangement for a night of passion with a creature straight out of her beloved books—an actual, bona fide vampire.

  • Genre: Fiction, Novella, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampires
  • 52 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication October 13, 2023
  • Series: Monster Escort Agency, Book I

ABOUT KATYA ENSMORE

Katya Ensmore resides in rural Saskatchewan with her #writingbuddy a Great Dane aptly named Khaos. When she is not spending time with Khaos, she can be found writing or hiding behind her iPad buried in the digital pages of a book.

When it comes to literature and film, she enjoys all things supernatural. She has been writing since she was a child. She currently has several works in progress with hopes to publish more in the near future.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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Giveaway – Balancing Entropy by M H Calli @GoddessFish @mhcaliwrites

Balancing Entropy by M.H. Cali

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

BLURB

When life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.

Or is it really?

He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.

To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can’t get out of his head completely even years after having met her.

As the race to keep him out of harm’s ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.

When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?

Can one’s principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

EXCERPT

“Some people do tend to become other versions of themselves when they are away from home.” He presses their foreheads together while dropping his tone to a murmur. “I don’t do that. What you saw is all me.”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Likewise.”

“We could’ve been a phenomenal match, Rae.”

A breath catches in her throat. His voice is laced with sincerity. It sends her mind spinning.

He dangerously feels as if he could fit in her routine. His personality is magnificently complex, and strangely both fits with and complements her own. She hasn’t had that sentiment toward anyone in her life up to this point.

But she’s only in her early twenties. She has her whole life in front of her. Her future is actively being written. Whatever happened between them here was definitely a fling.

A beautifully intense, and delightfully intoxicating fling.

She has to remember their pledge. This is insignificant.

She relishes in the cool seaside breeze and Lucas’ applying entrancing pressure on her lower back vertebrae for a moment.

Existence is full of fleeting instants and inconsequential events while some others open doors to infinite possibilities. She willingly classified this hook up in the former category as soon as they first kissed.

They’ll go back to their occupations, to their social circles, and to constructing their destinies. This ephemeral liaison will become a distant memory. It was solely a bridge between phases of their respective purposes.

This is what counts.

This is what she has to keep in mind.

However, she still can’t shake the thought that they could’ve been legendary together totally out of her brain, so she offers him the closest truth she can think of.

“Maybe in another life, Luke,” she whispers against his lips.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It’s my motto.

If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.

If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!

Links

  • Master link for all socials, website & more:  http://bio.site/MHCali
  • Website: http://mhcaliwrites.com
  • Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40661999.M_H_Cali
  • Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C9LB1FC7/about 
  • Link to buy the book on all platforms (ebook or paperback available): https://books2read.com/BalancingEntropy
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhcaliwrites/
  • Twitter (mostly inactive nowadays): https://www.twitter.com/mhcaliwrites
  • Bluesky handle (for those over there): mhcaliwrites.bsky.social
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Short Horror Stories Anthology – Night Terrors #26 – #ScareStreet

I’m not sure how I got my hands on this, other than through Book Funnel, but someone must have sent me the link. Whoever you are…thanks.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Night Terrors has to be one of, if not the, best horror anthology I have read. Eighteen stories that had something frightful to offer. Some were down right terrifying. Most of the time I can pick a favorite, but not this time. We have horrific creatures of all kinds, some supernatural, others of the human persuasion.

We have the Mother Thing, mirrors, missing children, a cannibal witch, human reanimation, vampires, a lycanthrope, unique marine critters, a neighborhood watch, the throb in the back of his head was super gruesome and it even made me shiver a little.

At times I cringed and look around, making sure I was alone. At times, I laughed…well, because I just had to. And my love of trees…well, I might need to rethink that.

If you ever wanted a horror anthology filled with short stories sure to make you pucker up, this may be the one. It sure was for me.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Prepare for a crash course in terror…

Maternal love takes a sinister turn, when a young man discovers that his mother is not quite what she seems. An ancient legend looms over a local street, as the neighborhood children search for their missing friends. And a woman awakens to the ultimate nightmare, after her bad taste in men leads to a horrifying predicament…

Scare Street is proud to present this monstrous new collection of macabre tales. Eighteen stories torn from the shadows, filled with bone-chilling fiends, skin-crawling monsters, and malevolent spirits.

As you lose yourself in the dark depths of another diabolical tale, a school bell rings in the darkness… You look around, shocked to find yourself chained to a school desk. As the teacher’s eyes glow red, she rakes her nails across the chalkboard.

The other students glare at you with hungry eyes and dripping fangs. Their claws scrape the floor as they surround you.

Class is in session. And today’s lesson is human anatomy.

Let the dissection begin…

Night Terrors Vol. 26 features the following
1. Mother Thing by Mathew L. Reyes
2. The Bar Visitor by Travis Lee
3. The Suicide Dead by Mason Gallaway
4. Eternally Yours by Jesse Rosenbaum
5. All the Children of Lesnaya Street by Sabrina Howard
6. The Wrong Kind of Attention by Angela Sylvaine
7. Neighborhood Watch by John Gallant
8. Snow by Edmund Stone
9. The Creek by Joshua Orr
10. Spooks by Christopher J. Nardone
11. B2 by David Barclay
12. My Wife Is Having an Affair by J. M. White
13. High Tension by Justin Boote
14. The Ghosts of Paris by C. A. Verstraete
15. Mark Breaks Up the Band by Ethan Robles
16. The Pitch Pine Witch by E. J. Werrlein
17. An Ocean Black by Stacey Dighton
18. Just Passing Through by Ron Ripley and Kevin Saito

  • Genre: Anthology, Fiction, Horror
  • Format: 267 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published: May 15, 2023 by Scare Street
  • Language: English
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Giveaway – Living With Depression by Deborah Serani #ireadbooktours @DeborahSerani


 

Book Details:
Book Title:  Living with Depression by Deborah Serani
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 254 pages
Genre:  Self-Help, Psychology
Publisher:  Rowman & Littlefield
Release date:   September 11, 2023
Content Rating:  PG: Trigger issues like suicide and non suicidal self injury. Choice words used but rarely.
Book Description:

In the fully updated second edition of Living with Depression, Serani outlines the various forms of depression, describes the different treatments, and outlines methods for living with depression and getting the help you or a loved one needs. However, since the first edition was published, much has changed in the landscape of depression including diagnostic aspects, new disorders, treatments and research, and Deborah Serani covers it all. Tips on how to choose a good therapist, negotiate the labyrinth of healthcare, and minimize stigma are addressed, as is learning how to use biology and biography as tools of empowerment. There is no other book that offers what Living with Depression – giving readers a dual perspective of what it’s like to know depression as a clinician and as a patient.

Meet the Author:  

Dr. Deborah Serani is a psychologist, professor and an award-winning author, writing about psychological issues. Serani has books published in several genres including non-fiction, self-help, children’s picture books and fiction.

Connect with the author:  website ~twitter ~facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads




Enter the Giveaway:
LIVING WITH DEPRESSION by Deborah Serani Book Tour Giveaway



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Review – The Nightlife San Antonio by Travis Luedke @TWLuedke NightlifeNovels

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October has set me in the mood for some vampires. I had added The NIghtlife San Antonio by Nathan Squiers to my TBR on 2.16.20, so I hit two goals in one. Knocking a book off my TBR and sharing some Halloween Horror.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

“I’m never going to be the good guy. She told me to accept who I am, and she was right.”

Oh yeah, I am on a vampire kick and The Nightlife San Antonio by Travis Luedke is next on the list. Some steamy romance is on the agenda and I’m sure there will be some danger from the Mexican Mafia.

Picking her up in the hospital parking lot, in a hospital gown, couldn’t be a warning to him could it? Add the fact she has amnesia and has no idea why someone is after her, wanting her dead, we are sure to have a dangerous adventure in store for us.

They both did everything they could to deny the immediate attraction, but I think we all know it is undeniable and, sooner or later, they will act upon it. Won’t they?

I couldn’t help but laugh as I read his thoughts. Not psychically, but through the written word. Travis Luedke adds humor to the danger, as does the fact that Adrian is a sociopath that is a germaphobe. He wants to be normal and tries to act the part, but slips up…a lot.

The Nightlife San Antonio by Travis Luedke is an action packed supernatural thriller filled with steamy sex, dangerous mafioso, and betrayal. What a fun ride it was and I look forward to reading more of the The NIghtlife series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Vampires, Mafia & Mayhem: The Nightlife San Antonio is violent, sexy, and occasionally violently sexy.

All she wanted was to escape the police. All he wanted was to get laid. They both got more than they bargained for.

EMT on call, Adrian Faulkner resuscitates a beautiful woman after a Mexican mafia shootout. He can’t explain why he picks her up in the hospital parking lot three days later and then ducks the San Antonio police and the Feds. Well, the hot sex might have something to do with it.

She needed to hide. With no memory of even her name, she didn’t know from who. She only knew she wasn’t safe.

Adrian soon learns she is much more than a damsel in distress, and he’s stuck with her. It isn’t long before the past she cannot remember begins to catch up with them both… THE NIGHTLIFE SAN ANTONIO is a non-stop thrill ride through the shadowy borderworld of mafia politics and vampires – and sex.

ABOUT TRAVIS LUEDKE

Grab free ebooks from Travis Luedke and enter to win a Kindle Paperwhite!
Just copy and paste: http://twluedke.com/join-mailing-list…

Travis Luedke is a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romance, best known for his violently sexy NIGHTLIFE SERIES. Find Travis catching a third degree sunburn with his wife and children in San Antonio, Texas, while plotting world domination through erotic paranormal badassery.

Most famous for his Nightlife Series novels, Travis lives vicariously through his writings. He invites you to enjoy his macabre flights of fancy, but be warned: The Nightlife Series is violent, sexy, and occasionally violently sexy.

Feel free to stalk Travis:

Social Media Hub https://www.rebelmouse.com/TravisLuedke/
The Nightlife Blog http://thenightlifeseries.blogspot.com/
Emagazine http://paper.li/f-1389316274
Website http://www.twluedke.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/TWLuedke or @TWLuedke
Twitter https://twitter.com/NightlifeNovels or @NightlifeNovels
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TravisLuedke…
Facebook Nightlife Series https://www.facebook.com/TheNightlife…
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-PH…
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/twluedke/
Booklikes http://twluedke.booklikes.com/
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TravisLu…

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Giveaway – The Adventures Of Captain Jimmy Jams by Summerton Thompson Connor @GoddessFish



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Summerton Thompson Connor will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



 

A bedtime storybook for parents to read to their children, depicting the excitement for possible adventures in dreams and the sensation of letting thoughts wander as you drift off to sleep. Meant to invoke soft imagery and imaginative thoughts of adventure and fun, it’s a relaxing read for pleasant sleep.



About the Author: I am a father to a baby girl and hope to read to her just like I was read to when I was little. I grew up with a love of stories and creative settings and views. This gave me a love of adventure and appreciation for great imagery that I hope can be experienced by many parents and their children someday. It gave me a lot of happy memories and I hope to give the same happy memories to at least one child.

Buy Links:

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-adventures-of-captain-jimmy-jams-summerton-thompson-connor/1143262205
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0228880785/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Captain-Jimmy-Jams/dp/0228880793

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Apocalyptic Excellence – Descension by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

Descension top
Descension middle
Descension bottom

Olivia Boothe found me through Book Sirens and I cannot stress how happy I am that she approached me. Her Hell’s Angels series is MIND BLOWING! I can’t get enough of it!

https://amzn.to/3PjRVVI

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I LOVED this book soooo much I am sitting here, trying to think of a quick hook to share with you to express how much I loved it. I looked for synonyms for excellent: very good, outstanding, magnificent, exceptional. and fantastic are only some of them…and they still don’t fit the bill.

Descension: Knights Of The Serphim by Olivia Boothe is the second book of the Hell’s Angel series. I gave the first book, Afterworld: Road To Redemption 5 stars. I did the same for Descension, but if there were more stars, I would have given them. This may be my favorite book of the year, but you do need to start with Book I. It will be so hard to not spoil anything for you, so I can only tell you my feelings as I read.

It’s five months later. As Jax and the others are out scavenging, thoughts of The Walking Dead enter my mind. They need gas for the next push to Sanctuary. They don’t even know if it exists, but it is their best hope. They have gotten too comfortable in the quiet town…

The demons that attack are constantly changing, as Olivia Boothe uses her creative imagination to bring forth the creatures from Hell. Angels battle angels. I love that Samael holds a prominent place in Descension. So much is easier to visualize because I have watched Lucifer.

The action was at a fast pace, never letting me catch my breath. The danger surrounds us, I mean them. The characters will put their lives on the line, repeatedly, never wanting to lose one of their ‘family’. The romantic scenes were sizzling hot…adults only please.

Want to know why Samael fell? Has God forsaken them? Who will survive?

At page 2223 on my ereader, when the beast is stalking Jax, the descriptive writing of the step by step stalking, painted such a vivid picture, it was imprinted on my mind. Another outstanding moment was at 2254 when…well, I can’t tell you. It would spoil such a fantastic part of the story that caught me so off guard.

Fuck this. Sometimes when you needed to get shit done, you’re better off doing it yourself. Tightening my ponytail…

It’s writing like this that adds those personal realistic touches, that makes me love this book so much. That, and Kate is such a badass warrior.

I was a woman…..And the cursed demons who took my family were going to hear my roar.

That is the last line and it has me salivating…wanting the next book. I HAVE TO KNOW. I sure hope Olivia is writing fast.

BUT, there is a bonus chapter. I do love that. It tells Samael’s story.

Descension has all the good bits and pieces of novels I love. Add Supernatural, The Walking Dead and Lucifer together, do a little tweaking here and there, with Olivia Boothe laying her personal mark on it with her excellent writing and storytelling, and consider my MIND BLOWN!

I don’t think this review came close to telling you how much I love this story, this series. If fantasy, angels and demons, paranormal and supernatural, and apocalyptic, dystopian books are your jam, you gotta grab this series!!!!!!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

WE BELIEVED THE APOCALYPSE WAS THE END. WE WERE DEAD WRONG.
THE WAR FOR MANKIND HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN.

Five months ago, we won the battle for New York City, but the streets are once again overrun with the Damned, the zombie-like creatures carrying the deadly virus meant to wipe-out the world’s population. Except this time, they have evolved. They are no longer the mindless husks left behind by the infection.

Hungry, depleted of resources, and believing Mikha’el and his legion of angelic warriors have forsaken us, Jax and I lead a group of survivors to Albany in search of The Sanctuary, a community that promises protection and the hope for a new future.

But things quickly tip south when our group is ambushed by a brand-new enemy, and Jax and I are once again thrust into the fight to save humanity.

We may have defeated three of the four Horsemen and delayed Samael’s escape from his fiery prison, but Beleth, the Horseman of Death and the Devil’s mightiest lieutenant, is still at large, and he’s amassing an army far more dangerous than anything we could have conceived.

With a bounty on my back and a cadre of holy assassins on my tail, Jax and I are running out of time. We must collect all four Creation Stones and close the Gates before Samael escapes Hell and completely rips open the veil between our worlds, obliterating what remains of Earth’s last survivors.

Get ready for another action packed ride full of thrills and steamy romance as Kate, Jax, and their canine companion, Hank, return in this post-apocalyptic tale.

*For audiences 18 years+ Please check author’s website for full list of CW/TW

  • Genre: Adult, Angels and Demons, Apocalyptic, Dark Romance, Dystopian, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural
  • Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication October 10, 2023
  • Series: Hell’s Angels, Book II

ABOUT OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Born in Colombia and raised in New Jersey since the age of eight, Olivia always dreamed of becoming a story teller.

If you enjoy deadly-hot romance novels with deep, layered plots, she’s your gal. Because it’s not just about the first kiss and the happily ever after, it’s about everything in between.

In addition to writing contemporary and paranormal romance, Olivia is currently working on an adult contemporary fantasy.

Fun Facts: When not locked away in her writing tower at the wee hours of the night, Olivia works a government 9-5 job and manages a house full of males (a husband, three sons, and a doggo named Hunter). On occasion, she summons her tribe for a night of wine and shenanigans. Dark chocolate is her kryptonite, she hates/loves to ugly cry during movies, and is a die-hard Bon Jovi fan.

Don’t forget to subscribe to her newsletter to receive exclusive news and updates such as book releases, giveaways, sales, events, sneak peeks and bonus material for upcoming projects.

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

MY OLIVIA BOOTHE REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Forevermore: A Romance Anthology @XpressoTours

Forevermore: A Romance Anthology
Publication date: October 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

You are cordially invited.

The Moore family requests the pleasure of your company on a starry harvest night, rich with tales of passion, magic, and love.

Our beloved Filipino American family hosts a gathering at Hacienda Luz this autumn for another grand celebration – Vida and Rafa’s long-anticipated wedding. As promises of fidelity and infinity fill the air, ten couples live and relive intimate stories that attest to the true meaning of happily ever after.

Acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors – Aurora Paige, Elle Cruz, June Gray, Kaye Rockwell, Liz Durano, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Tif Marcelo – bring you Forevermore, a romance collection celebrating love everlasting.

~ * ~

Forevermore, A Romance Anthology is a collection of new and never-been-published stories by the authors that brought you Pasko Na, My Love, A Holiday Romance Anthology and from exciting voices in Filipino American Romantic Fiction. Lola Naty is back along with her sprawling multicultural family, friends from all over the world, and a gatecrasher or two.

  • Moments In The Vineyard by Aurora Paige
  • The Memory of You by Elle Cruz
  • Double Exposure by June Gray
  • Maybe This Time by Kaye Rockwell
  • Stay With Me by Liz Durano
  • Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye by Maan Gabriel
  • Now That I Have You by Maida Malby
  • Moonlight Serenade by Mia Hopkins
  • The Stand-In by Sarah Smith
  • Win Your Love by Tif Marcelo

Add to Goodreads / Purchase

—

BLURBS:

Moonlight Serenade – Mia Hopkins

After surviving the war, Natividad Moore, her husband Robert and their three young children move from the Philippines to Robert’s family home in Napa, California. There, instead of a peaceful refuge, they discover isolation, a failing vineyard and Robert’s cold, disapproving mother. In the face of these obstacles, Naty yearns to reconnect with Robert. But has the war changed him, and their love, forever?

The Memory of You – Elle Cruz

Once upon a time, a terrible mistake sparked the vengeful heart of a witch. Over sixty years later, the curse strikes its mark. Not only is Eli Amaro doomed to repeat the same day over and over again, but he is also forced to re-live the same excruciating sacrifice forever. To break the evil spell, he must give up what he loves the most, and he’s not sure he has the heart to do it.

Maybe This Time – Kaye Rockwell

Gabriella Alonso and Cole Williams used to be best friends who were secretly in love with each other. Until one night changed the course of their lives forever. Now ten years later, Gabriella, who is hiding a dark secret, is surprised to find out she will be working with the guy who ghosted and abandoned her when she needed him the most. Cole is determined to make things right. He spent the last two years looking for her but he’s shocked to find a complete stranger instead of the girl he used to know. Can Cole win Gabriella over? Or will the ghosts of their past destroy any chance he ever had?

Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye – Maan Gabriel

As a bestselling romance author, Carisa “Carrie” Bloom knows the formula for happily ever after. It’s the reason she is living one of her own. But when her beautifully crafted fairy tale ends tragically, she is left both fragile and broken.

For years, Carrie stays away from the limelight, abandoning her career to live a quiet life, until she receives a proposal from a British film producer, Joshua Grant, to turn one of her books into a movie. It only takes one day and a night in London for this opportunity of a lifetime to change their lives forever.

But is Joshua ready for this? And is Carrie brave enough to take a chance again? She must choose to stop believing that in her life, Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye.

Moments In the Vineyard – Aurora Paige

Ava

The Russos are ruthless and want my vineyard. No amount of money can buy what’s mine. I’m making sure of it. Until I run into Sebastian Russo. My enemy. I’m supposed to stay away from him. What happens when the moment we have in my vineyard changes all that?

Sebastian

I have one task—take Maldonado Vineyard. It’ll be easy. I’m irresistible. Ava Maldonado will hand it right over.

I’m wrong– Ava makes me forget why I initially approached her. I’m forced to choose between my love and my family. Whatever I choose, I’m losing someone I love.

Double Exposure – June Gray

When twenty-seven-year-old Roxie flew to California to photograph the Moore-Balmaseda wedding, the last person she expected to see among the guests was AJ, the man who broke her heart almost a decade ago.

The moment AJ saw Roxie again, he knew she hadn’t forgiven him. But he was determined not to waste this second chance. This time, he would prove that he was no longer that same kid who made foolish but well-meaning mistakes.

But can AJ earn her trust again? And can Roxie find it in her heart to forgive?

Stay With Me – Liz Durano

It’s been three years since landscape painter Tallie Vicente walled off her heart after losing her husband and the scandal that followed. But when car trouble while driving from New Mexico to Napa Valley to attend her best friend’s wedding ends up having her sharing a room—and a bed—with a young gorgeous doctor, unexpected sparks fly between them, proving that it’s never too late to fall in love again.

The Stand-In – Sarah Smith

When florist Violet sees her cheating ex at the wedding she’s working, she panics and asks Toby, her ruggedly handsome and tatted up coworker, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Together they make the perfect fake couple, but when Toby accidentally lets it slip that he’s been hiding a crush on Violet, it throws their entire friendship for a loop…in the hottest way.

Win Your Love – Tif Marcelo

After being unceremoniously stood up by her fake date to her cousin’s wedding, Alexandra Moore’s day goes from bad to worse when she has to fight over the last gift of the wedding registry with former neighbor and all-around rival, Jordan Franco. But as the wedding and reception minutes click by, along with their constant bickering and mini-competitions, Alex and Jordan reignite the spark that almost brought them together years ago. Will they let their ambition reign? Or will they finally concede that love wins above all?

Now That I Have You – Maida Malby

One year after they met, Vida and Rafa are engaged. Soon, plans for a grand Filipino Cuban American wedding in the fall are underway. As the countdown winds down, things go smoothly … maybe too smoothly. Will their special day go off without a hitch, or will disaster strike before they can promise to love now and forevermore?


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Giveaway – Guardian Monsters by Catherine Stine @RoxanneRhoads



Witchy and Supernatural Power of the Feminine Fun Facts!
Compiled by Author Catherine Stine

Before people had hospitals and surgeons to fix people, they had midwives and herbalists. When babies or moms died in childbirth, or the herbal fix was insufficient to cure what we would now know was a fatal disease, who do you think was blamed? The same women who delivered babies and gave expert herbal remedies! In a fearful and ignorant world, they were labeled as witches, or agents of the devil.
***
Ironically, in ancient Rome even though women were housebound with zero political power, the most revered, influential people were the high priestesses presiding over the oracles, such as the one at Delphi. These women were said to be able to predict the future, wield supernatural powers and have innate knowledge of the divine realms. Greek citizens would go on pilgrimages to seek out their womanly wisdom. 
***
In Chaucer’s and Boccaccio’s European middle ages (mid 1300s) people were expected to be devout in their Christianity. Many believed literally in the devil and the power of witches. Interestingly, as devout as they were to the going religion, they also prayed to the sprites and night nymphs of their recently dropped Pagan beliefs. They also believed in Fortuna, or the wheel of Fortune: that fortunes rose and fell by the whirl of a wheel, often portrayed by a beautiful woman, Fortuna. How’s that for supernatural female power!
***
During the Victorian Era in 1899 Charles Godfrey Leland published a book called Aradia or Gospel of the Witches. This Aradia goddess, the incarnation of Diana/Artemis was going to bring magic to the Victorians and hopefully free women from the oppression of the times. 
***
Tamsin Blight 1798-1856 was a famous English witch healer, able to remove curses or spells from a person. She was also said to have put spells on those who displeased her. She was also known as Tammy Blee and Tamson.
***
In the 1920s and 30s there was a craze for psychics, card readers, and mediums who claimed they could communicate with people’s dead relatives. Harry Houdini, the famous magician, ironically made it his life’s work to try and debunk these folks. Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the Sherlock Holmes series was a huge believer in the supernatural. He had heated debates with Houdini.
***
The Tarot fascinates me. I collect cards for their variety and amazing images. They are thought to have originated all the way back in ancient Egypt, as a cosmic source of wisdom and divination of the future. The Egyptian word TAR means royal and ROmeans royal – thus the royal road to wisdom. Later, in northern Italy, a complete deck for card playing and gambling was devised. In France in the 1700s, a “cartomancer” named Jean Baptiste-Alliette created the imagery in the decks we often see today. There are cups, swords, wands, and pentacles. And the Major Arcana cards that hold great symbolism, such as the hermit, the world and the death card (which can also mean rebirth!)



Guardian of Monsters 
Sleuths of Shadow Salon
Book One
Catherine Stine

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Private Investigation Thriller
Publisher: Konjur Road Press
Date of Publication: August 6, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-7333901-7-0
ASIN: B0CD9VP4NS
Number of pages: 236
Word Count: 65k
Cover Artist: Christian Bentulan

Tagline: Supernaturally on the case! Celestine LeBlanc and Luna Finley are the Sleuths of Shadow Salon.

Book Description:

Celestine, witch and wolf shifter has a talent for prophetic drawings. She’s shocked when she draws her landlord Ray with his eyes gouged out and a strange winged-mermaid leaning over him. Later she finds an eyeless Ray dead on the sidewalk. All she wanted to do was open a gallery, but first she must apprehend his killer. In a note she found after he died, Ray revealed he wasn’t just a leather-smith but a supernatural pirate mage. Years back, his Jekyll crew trapped the evil Demon Three Eyes clan. Ray had feared they’d escaped, were stalking him, and would soon wreak havoc on Savannah.

Oryn, a fellow student in Celestine’s continuing ed art class, is a fae and a thorn in her side, when he asks nosy questions about the case. Yet, she’s drawn to him when he’s her masseur at the spa she frequents, and he’s clever at brainstorming leads regarding Ray’s case. He insists his air magic could come in handy.

When pirates in Ray’s old crew are murdered, their body parts stolen, Celestine puts more horrifying clues together. She’ll need everyone on board, including Oryn and Luna, a mermaid asking to show her sea-glass sculptures at Celestine’s new gallery—the very same mermaid in Celestine’s tragic drawing of Ray. Otherwise, the lethal monstrosity Demon Three Eyes is unleashing on Savannah will destroy the city and everyone in it. 

This series may appeal to fans of Kim Harrison and Charlaine Harris.

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Mics were thrust in her face as she stepped toward the front stairs.

“How do you feel about Ray Bartello’s murder?”

“Do you have a statement for the press?”

“Is it true that your drawing predicted Bartello’s death?”

“Why would you draw him eyeless?”

“Are you the murderer?”

She waited until that last crappy question—more an accusation—to say anything. Then she stared at the reporter. With scalding rage contained in a deceptively quiet hiss, she said, “Ray Bartello was a good friend of mine. I’m heartbroken by his passing.”

She glanced at Oryn for moral support. His slightly narrowed eyes seemed to say, Go slow, you don’t owe them. She agreed. After the supernatural attacks, she was not going to hint that she knew a damn thing, because the more that bad entities knew she was trying to figure out the case, the more they would try to maul, even kill her. Oryn gave a faint nod, his eyes tinting green. She went on.

“I know nothing about how this happened. You could camp here for days, and I still couldn’t tell you more. The proper place to provide any tips or leads is to the Savannah Police.”

As she pushed through the group, Oryn walked slightly behind her, since the reporters were busy photographing them together, no doubt fuel for salacious media.

“How do you know Miss LeBlanc? Are you dating her?” some ballsy reporter asked Oryn. He didn’t answer.

“Did you know Ray Bartello? Did you or Miss LeBlanc have a fight earlier on the day he was found?” asked another.

“Can you tell us anything more about the case?” asked a third.

Oryn face wrinkled in disgust. “Look, Miss LeBlanc needs peace. She’s said what she can. Yes, we’re friends, not that it’s your business,” he added sharply. “You may as well go get some sleep. Camping out here won’t get you what you seek.” He swept his arm around

Celestine, and they hurried up the stone stairs leading to her place.

Oryn stopped on the stoop while Celestine unlocked the door. “So, I’ll see you at class tomorrow? Will you be okay?” he asked. “If you want, I can cast a few air wards around the house so you can get a worry-free night’s sleep. Otherwise—”

“It’s not your job to protect me,” she said, gazing up at him and realizing how very much taller he was, next to her five-foot, seven-inch frame. Good goddess, the man must be six and a half feet tall if he’s an inch.




About the Author: 

Catherine Stine is a USA Today bestselling author of paranormal, urban and historical fantasy, all with romance and suspense. Witch of the Wild Beasts won a second prize in the Romance Writers of America’s Sheila Contest. Other novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books. She lives in New York State and grew up in Philadelphia. Before writing novels, she was a painter and fabric designer. She’s a visual author and sees writing as painting with words. Catherine loves spending time with her beagle Benny, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening and meeting readers at book fests. Learn more at catherinestine.com










 


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Living Zombies? River Of Souls by T L Bodine @glassratmedia

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Looking for a ‘fresh’ and original take on zombies? Look no further than River Of Souls by T L Bodine. I am so happy that T contacted me about her Neverest story. I knew then that I would read anything she writes. The depth and details of her stories have me engulfed in her novels, not wanting to put them down for anything.

River Of Souls, the first book of the Lazarus series by T L Bodine, was so intriguing that I began reading almost as soon as I received it. I mean, considering Undeath a manageable condition as long as they have Lazarus, a life extension drug?

…the zombies are here, but instead of tearing down civilization, they’re standing in line at the Social Security office, waiting for their checks like everyone else.

In the small, sleepy town of Los Ojos, New Mexico, Davin Montoya struggles to care for his zombie father and his teenage sister. When a car accident turns him into one of the Undead, he hides it to keep his sister, Zoe, from being sent into foster care.

Davin begins to discover that things are not as they seem. He is unregistered, so getting access to Lazarus becomes a black market misadventure. Now he is dealing with dangerous drug dealers. The supply dries up, Davin becomes desperate, and questions arise.

I would share something in this review, then delete it. I don’t know how to say what I want without giving away too much. Are there lies? Sure. Is there a conspiracy? Probably. Is there more to the story? Absolutely. And, one thing sticks in my mind and makes me laugh…can zombies get it up? I mean…I get shivers and my mind just won’t let me go there. LOL

River Of Souls by T L Bodine is such a unique take on zombies, I couldn’t stop reading and am (im)patiently waiting for what comes next.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS

Undeath is a manageable condition.

That’s what the media says, anyway: with the help of the miracle life-extension drug, Lazarus, the Undead can retain their humanity and live normal, happy lives. Without it, they become violent, mindless walking corpses.

Davin Montoya was eager to believe all of that. Forced to drop out of college to take care of his teenage sister, Zoe, after their father drank himself to death, he was more than happy to sign the no-good alcoholic over to the government’s Lazarus House for treatment. That was one less thing for him to worry about.

Until an accident left him joining the ranks of the freshly deceased himself.

Now, keeping his death a secret is the only way to keep his sister out of foster care. But to do so, he must venture into the underground society of Unregistered Undead – a dangerous world of drug deals and government resistance. But when their access to Lazarus begins to run dry, the truth starts to unravel…and it’s not what anyone expected.

ABOUT T L BODINE

T.L. Bodine writes dark fantasy and horror. She’s interested in uncanny, fantastic things, and the way real people with real problems interact with them.

You can also read up-and-coming stories on Wattpad, or check out her Tumblr for writing advice, creepypasta, and more.

When not writing, she can usually be found watching horror movies, playing story-heavy video games, or experimenting in the kitchen.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, David, and two small dogs.

View content warnings for her books here: http://www.tlbodine.com/p/read-my-sto…

MY T L BODINE REVIEWS

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