Review – The Convergence: Broken Magic by Richard French #richardfrench #theconvergence #brokenmagic

Emenies to Lovers

Amazon / Goodreads

The Convergence: Broken Magic by Richard French is about fated mates, enemies to lovers, second chance and forbidden romance. Samantha Reed is tasked by the Federation with finding and destroying Connor Blake. but when she meets him…again…her soul cries out to his. She has been lied to and what she does next could either save their world or destroy it.

The story is fast paced with lots of action. Circumstances bring together an unlikely group of characters that will do what is necessary, what is right, to save their world, no matter the consequences. I was wrapped up the danger that surrounded them…and that ending. It was a blow that I wasn’t prepared for, but, there is Book II, The Convergence: Restoration, so we shall see what comes next.

I have read some of Richard French’s work and felt it was very likely that The Convergence series would be a good one, and I wasn’t wrong.

4 Stars

Federation Enforcer Samantha Reed has orders to kill Connor Blake—the one person whose soul was torn from hers when the Federation shattered magic itself.Enemies to lovers. Fated mates. A bond the universe refuses to let die.

Reality is fracturing across the galaxy as the Convergence approaches—a cosmic force trying to heal what was broken. The Federation claims Connor’s rebellion is causing the breakdown, but when Samantha confronts the man she’s been sent to destroy, stolen memories their connection isn’t coincidence. It’s the echo of a soulmate bond artificially severed centuries ago.

What begins as a mission to capture a traitor becomes a forbidden second chance neither expected. Their unified magic doesn’t combine separate powers—it remembers what they were before the Federation broke everything apart. But every moment they spend reconnected awakens the truth the Federation desperately the artificial separation is failing, and only their restored unity can stabilize reality’s collapse.

With a band of unlikely allies who become family, Samantha and Connor must outrun the Federation’s hunters while unraveling centuries of lies. As the cosmos continues to unravel, the Federation’s leader plans to weaponize the Convergence’s healing energy to make the separation permanent—even if it destroys existence in the process.

The choice isn’t between order and chaos, but between artificial control and natural wholeness.

For readers who devoured Shadow and Bone, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and A Court of Mist and Fury, this is star-crossed lovers, forbidden magic, and found family—with the fate of reality hanging in the balance.

When remembering their true connection means choosing between Federation loyalty and cosmic healing, will Samantha embrace what was stolen from them—or let the universe fracture forever to preserve a lie?

Get your copy now and discover why some bonds refuse to stay broken.

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Military
  • 184 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published March 1, 2025 by Indie Pen Press
  • Series: The Convergence #1

Richard French writes at the intersection of technology, transformation, and storytelling. A former executive at Oracle and Nokia, and a serial startup leader, Richard brings decades of leadership experience to his books.

His non-fiction works include Daniel as a Blueprint for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas, The Journaling Mastery Series, and The Journaling Prompts Series. In fiction, his Convergence Series explores quantum physics, high fantasy, and human connection in richly imagined worlds.

Richard lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he writes full time and races GT cars on weekends. He believes in challenging limits—on the track, in business, and on the page.

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Review – Caged In Desire by Sadie Winchester #sadiewinchester #cagedindesire

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I will start off by saying that Caged In Desire by Sadie Winchester is recommended for those eighteen and over. When you read the sexy scenes, you will know why.

Caged In Desire by Sadie Winchester is a story about gods and godesses and I loved it. It has a very pretty cover. We meet Charlee Amoretti, who is better known as Cupid. It’s Valentine’s Day, so she is happily delivering the Double Tap, where two hearts will beat as one. She knows it will never happen for her…When she meets a grouchy Eryx Nightvale, the God of Discord, both their lives will be changed forever.

The story may be a quick read, but it is full of love and laughs. That twist at the end…I love it! Makes me want more of Sadie Winchester’s world of gods and godesses.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Born among the gods and bound for eternity as a matchmaker to the mortals, my life has been dedicated to pairing hearts and souls. But these powers come at a high cost. By bonding couples together, I’ve been robbed of having that same connection with another.

Valentine’s Day has come around, as it always does, filling people with a deep desire to find true love. And just when I think this will be another successful year, I find myself on the doorstep of a man whose heart and life have been cast in darkness.

Eryx Nightvale isn’t just any man—he’s the god of discord, everything I’m not, and he’s determined to break everything I represent.

Now I’m caged, my heart and body trapped behind bars. Will I be able to charm my captor into opening the lock keeping me prisoner? Or will we both be lost to the shattered remains of our own making?

*This book is intended for mature audiences 18+ years. Please check the trigger and content warnings on the author’s website.*

  • Genre: Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Romance
  • 162 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published February 2, 2026

A dark romance author, Sadie Winchester is looking forward to sharing the stories living in her head rent-free with the rest of the world. She writes across a variety of sub-genres, including mafia romance and paranormal romance.

During her high school years, she fell in love with writing short stories which continued on/off into adulthood. Finally, she decided to pursue her dream in 2023, and the rest is history.

Sadie lives in the Pine Barrens with her husband and son. When she’s not reading and writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors, sipping local brews, and binge-watching her favorite shows.

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Review – Detour by Jeff Rake & Rob Hart #jeffrake #robhart #detour

Earth is not the home they left behind.

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Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart is the first book in the science fiction Detour series.

Ryan, a Washington DC policeman, was in the right place at the right time to save John Ward, a billionaire, from assassination. Because of that, John has offered him a chance in a lifetime, to go into space. Myself, I would have said thanks, but no thanks. I can’t imagine being trapped in a tin can, floating through space, hoping nothing goes wrong.

Ryan Crane, Padma Singh, Alonso Cardona, Della Jameson, and Mike Seaver will share their points of view, as they struggle from the aftermath of their trip. Lies and betrayal flow smoothly throughout the story. None of them know what is really going on, so that puts them in danger. Secrets are to be kept…and John Ward will do anything to keep them.

I do have a problem with all the series I get caught up in. Now, I’m hooked and I really want to now what comes next. The suspense and danger increased as the story unfolded, making me curious about where the authors will take the next book in the series. Is it a cliffhanger? Not in an urgent sense of the word, but I will still need to read the next book to find out how the character’s stories end. And, I do want to know. My mind is already running through scenarios. So, Jake and Rob, I hope you are writing fast.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

A space shuttle flight crew discovers that the Earth they’ve returned to is not the home they left behind in this emotional, mind-bending thriller from the creator of the hit Netflix series Manifest and the bestselling author of The Warehouse.

“If The Martian and The Twilight Zone had a baby, it would be Detour—a thriller that messes with your head as you scramble to piece together what’s really going on.”—Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books

Ryan Crane wasn’t looking for trouble—just a cup of coffee. But when this cop spots a gunman emerging from an unmarked van, he leaps into action and unknowingly saves John Ward, a billionaire with presidential aspirations, from an assassination attempt.

As thanks for Ryan’s quick thinking, Ward offers him the chance of a lifetime: to join a group of lucky civilians chosen to accompany three veteran astronauts on the first manned mission to ******’s moon Titan.

A devoted family man, Ryan is reluctant to leave on this two-year expedition, yet with the encouragement of his loving wife—and an exorbitant paycheck guaranteeing lifetime care for their disabled son—he crews up and ventures into a new frontier.

But as the ship is circling Titan, it is rocked by an unexplained series of explosions. The crew works together to get back on course, and they return to Earth as heroes.

When the fanfare dies down, Ryan and his fellow astronauts notice that things are different. Some changes are good, such as lavish upgrades to their homes, but others are more disconcerting. Before the group can connect, mysterious figures start tailing them, and their communications are scrambled.

Separated and suspicious, the crew must uncover the truth and decide how far they’re willing to go to return to their normal lives. Just when their space adventure seemingly ends, it shockingly begins.

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
  • 290 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication January 13, 2026 by Random House Worlds

Jeff Rake recently served as creator, executive producer, writer, and showrunner for NBC/Netflix’s Manifest. He previously developed and Executive Produced The Mysteries of Laura, which aired for multiple seasons on NBC and in more than 100 countries. His past credits include consulting producer on The CW’s Beauty and the Beast, TNT’s Franklin & Bash and Hawthorne, and Fox’s Bones. Jeff also executive produced ABC’s Cashmere Mafia and Boston Legal. On the feature side, he has written screenplays for MGM and Disney. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and many children.

Rob Hart is the author of the USA TODAY bestseller ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS. He also wrote THE PARADOX HOTEL, which was nominated for. Lambda Literary Award, as well as THE WAREHOUSE, which has been sold in more than 20 countries. He also wrote the Ash McKenna crime series, the short story collection TAKE-OUT, the novella SCOTT FREE with James Patterson, and, with Alex Segura, the comic book BLOOD OATH and the novel DARK SPACE.

His short stories have been published widely, including “Due on Batuu,” set in the Star Wars universe, which appeared in FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and “Take-Out,” which appeared in BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2018.

He’s worked as a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the former publisher at MysteriousPress.com and class director at LitReactor. He lives in Jersey City. Website: http://robwhart.com/

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Review – The Emotion Collector: Awakening by Richard French #richardfrench #indiepenpress #theemotioncollector

Introduce book and heroine
She collects emotions from others

 

Amazon / Goodreads

In The Emotional Collector: Awakening by Richard French, we meet Senior Collector Emma Thorne. Emma is the state’s most powerful weapon…until she opens herself up to a four year old’s feelings of love. She has been conditioned to collect feelings, which are considered waste, not to empathize or sympathize. Now she was beginning to question her purpose.

Evan Cross is part of the resistance. These are the kind of characters I find most interesting. They come across as real, fighting against suppression, wearing a white hat. He is immune to the dampening technology. And, of course, anyone that knows me, knows I love a good villain and I was surprised that it was Emma’s mother that surprised me the most.

The state had been updating the dampening technology, increasing the efficiency, causing the planet to die at a faster rate. Emma begins to think that her real purpose was not to destroy the planet, but to save it.

The Emotional Collector made me think of Avatar, how everything was connected. By killing emotions, they were killing the planet.

The state wants to study Emma, and we know what that means…nothing good for her. And…it’s her mother leading the way. She can save the people and the planet, but at what cost to her? Is the Awakening a good thing, or will it doom the planet and everyone on it? Doesn’t really matter because the state had begun Project Terminus and it would permanently cut out human feeling within hours, killing the plane anyway.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Emotion Collector, but I loved it. The more characters I met, the more characters there were to love and others to try to understand their motivations. It’s one of those things, just because you can do something, should you?

I love this thought provoking novel. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I love novels that surprise me, and I was surprised at the twists and turns that Richard French threw my way.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

In a world where emotions are harvested as hazardous waste, an elite Collector absorbs a child’s love—and awakens.Senior Collector Emma Thorne is the state’s most precise weapon until a four-year-old’s pure love fractures her conditioning. When her collection field fails on an immune stranger, everything she believes crumbles.

Emma discovers the brutal emotions aren’t waste—they’re living energy linked to planetary health, and the Council’s “peace” is killing the world. Her mother is the architect of suppression. Project Terminus will permanently sever human feeling within hours.

For readers who devoured Delirium and The Giver, but crave the hard science and hope of Nexus.

To save humanity, she must sacrifice everything she is to restore the world’s heart.

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Fantasy, Fiction, Metaphysical, Science Fiction
  • 393 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication November 17, 2025 by Indie Pen Press

Richard French writes at the intersection of technology, transformation, and storytelling. A former executive at Oracle and Nokia, and a serial startup leader, Richard brings decades of leadership experience to his books.

His non-fiction works include Daniel as a Blueprint for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas, The Journaling Mastery Series, and The Journaling Prompts Series. In fiction, his Convergence Series explores quantum physics, high fantasy, and human connection in richly imagined worlds.

Richard lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he writes full time and races GT cars on weekends. He believes in challenging limits—on the track, in business, and on the page.

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Review – Eternal Beauty by Ashley Fontainne & Andrea Emmes #ashleyfontainne #eternalbeauty #AndreaEmmes

EB1
EB2
EB3

 

Amazon / Goodreads

Eternal Beauty by Ashley Fontainne & Andrea Emmes is a little bit horror, a little bit supernatural and a whole lot of twisting and turning thrills told by three characters. We have Bridget Higgins, a young girl who wants to write and share horror stories online. Bridget is bewitched by Barbara, an online wellness influencer and Claire is Barbara’s resentful assistant.

All the reasons that you should be careful when placing your trust in a person’s online presence come to mind. The masks people wear can more easily present a false front.

Ashley Fontainne & Andrea Emmes has created a psychological horror story with a pace that had me glued to the pages, unable to look away. The more I read, the more I had to know what comes next. The suspense and anticipation had me shaking my head, wondering how Ashley came up with so many moments of unease, knowing something wicked this way comes. I love when an author can blend fact with fiction so seamlessly. That ending…Excellent!

My thanks go out to Ashley Fontainne & Andrea Emmes for the opportunity to read and review Eternal Beauty.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

“…a psychological horror story that keeps you flipping pages frantically to see what will happen next…the parallels and horror elements reshaped from mythology were impressively shifted into new contexts and put to great use in this timely exploration of online personas and buried trauma, making everything fresh and relevant for teenagers now.” –K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“What sets this book apart is its refusal to conform to easy it’s messy, raw, and unapologetically horrifying…a spectacular, genre-blurring novel…fiercely original and hauntingly beautiful read.” –Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

“The plot is completely unpredictable, as wild twists and turns pull the rug out from under your feet…This book is a masterpiece, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like supernatural thrillers, I highly recommend this one!” –Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

A supernatural thriller told in first person by three main characters over the course of eleven years, Eternal Beauty explores the lives of Bridget Higgins, a young girl grappling with grief, Claire Foster, a woman seeking physical perfection while battling her own inner demons, and Barbara O’Malley, a charismatic wellness influencer.

Fueled by her trauma of mysteriously losing her loved ones, Bridget connects deeply with Barbara as she devours her online videos looking for her own place in the world.

Claire, Barbara’s assistant, obsessed with physical beauty, seeks revenge for past tragedies, and her misguided actions affect the lives of others in unexpected ways.

The story explores the masks people wear, both online and in real life, blurring the lines between truth and illusion, and the lies we tell ourselves to justify wrong choices. Claire’s pursuit of beauty masks her inner turmoil. Bridget copes with her pain by creating an online alter ego. Barbara’s carefully crafted public persona hides the excruciating pain of past traumatic events.

Elements of Celtic mythology and folklore abound, adding a layer of mystery and otherworldly danger and creating a sense of uneasiness and impending doom, leading to a chilling climax that will leave readers breathless.

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural, Teen, Young Adult
  • 299 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication October 31, 2025 by RMSW Press
Ashley Fontainne

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne enjoys stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters lurking within each of us. She writes in numerous genres including mystery, suspense, horror, sci-fi and sometimes poetry.

Ashley lives in Arkansas with her husband and is the proud mother of one son and grateful daughter of co-author, Lillian Hansen. To learn more about her books please visit https://ashleyfontainne.net/

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Review The Witches Of Hant Hollow by D F Jones @Author_DFJones #thewitchesofhanthollow

Fantasy Romance YA Fantasy Witches Wizards Time Travel Romance Magic Paranormal Bestseller ebook
Fantasy Romance YA Fantasy Witches Wizards Time Travel Romance Magic Paranormal Bestseller ebook
Fantasy Romance YA Fantasy Witches Wizards Time Travel Romance Magic Paranormal Bestseller ebook

 

 

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

I love the wonderful cover for The Witches Of Hant Hollow: Jonathon’s Curse by D F Jones. I also like the cute witch that’s at the head of each chapter. I picked it up on a free day, which I discovered through her newsletter. A perfect book for the upcoming Spooktacular season.

The characters run the gamut, from the best of the best, to the worst of the worst. It has an especially intriguing villain in Iris, the matriarch of the Doanhart Coven. We have poor Jonathon, who D F Jones puts through the wringer, and Jasmine, who’s heart is so big, she will sacrifice herself for the good of all. AND, there are a lot of peripheral characters that have an important part to play. We, also, have many supernatural characters that make an appearance.

The story begins in 1915 Rockvale, Tennessee. The action moves the story along, sometimes at a fast pace, other times the characters have a chance to treasure a moment in time. There is plenty of romance to go around, as the characters struggle to find their soul mates and overcome the obstacles put in front of them.

D F Jones has crafted a fantastic tale of magic and mayhem and I definitely want to continue my journey with The Witches Of Hant Hollow.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Wickedly thrilling fast-paced tale of a family of witches power struggles over light and dark magic, and how one mortal man gets caught in the crosshairs of the feud causing upheaval in not only Jasmine’s love life but rife within the American Mage Alliance.

Will Jasmine save Jonathan at the risk of losing the one she loves most?

  • Genre: Fae, Fantasy, Fiction, Halloween, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Wizards, Young Adult

USA Today Bestselling Author, D. F. Jones began her career as a broadcast consultant at the ABC Affiliate in Nashville, which led her to open an advertising agency. Over the years, she’s created many campaigns for clients but fell in love with writing fiction.

Writing is a source of creative expression for DF. Jones, but it also releases stress. Writing takes D.F. Jones to a place where anything is possible, and fiction takes her to a place made of dreams..

Whether it’s angels or demons, time travel adventures, witches and wizards, mystery suspense, or ghosts, her books are action-packed with supernatural and romantic elements.

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Review – Cry Of Blood And Joy by M Guida #mguida #cryofbloodandjoy

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M Guida had put out a call through her newsletter for ARC readers, for Cry Of Blood And Joy. When I read the blurb and saw the eye catching cover, I knew it was for me. That prompted me to buy the first book in the series, Oath Of Blood And Joy. I didn’t hesitate at the $.99 price. A steal, because Joy’s story just keeps getting better and better. The big thing is to not spoil anything for you. I am sure you will want to discover all the goodness between the pages for yourself.

Cry Of Blood And Joy by M Guida picks up where Oath Of Blood And Joy left off. Joy has no control over her powers, and when she hurts her best friend because of it, the vampire mafia king goes on a rampage . Serenity may be her best friend, but she is the vampire king’s wife. Joy, Enzo, and Joy’s brother, Steve, are running for their lives.

We have alternating points of view with Joy and Enzo.

There is nonstop action. The story unfolded at a rapid pace. The danger and suspense is off the charts, filled with nail biting moments, and times where I felt like yelling at the characters, don’t go there, don’t do that. Unputdownable. Amazing story with a fast tempo. Once it grabbed me, it never let me go.

I had saved the man I loved by potentially dooming the entire world.

We end with another cliffhanger, of sorts. If we have to have a stopping point, this is a good spot. BUT, when do we get a glimpse of Pride Of Blood And Joy? I do see it coming soon and I can hardly wait to get my hands on it.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

He fell first. She fell harder. Now they’re both falling into hell.
When Joy’s powers exploded and wounded the vampire mafia king’s mate, she signed their death warrant. Now she and her ruthless enforcer protector are the most hunted fugitives in New Orleans—and he’d burn the world down before letting anyone touch her.

Desperate, he makes a deal with the Dark Fae Mafia king. But when the fae’s prized stone disappears, every bloody death gets pinned on the enforcer. Someone’s playing puppet master, and they’re the perfect fall guys.

Then they take Joy’s brother.

Come alone or he dies.

She runs. He follows. They both get captured.

Big mistake.

Because now they’ve uncovered a conspiracy that makes vampire mafia politics look like child’s play—and the enemy has been pulling their strings from the very beginning.
Touch her and die was never just a threat. It was a promise.

Cry of Blood and Joy is the explosive second book in the French Quarter Vampire Enforcer series. A forbidden romance where star-crossed lovers collide with vampire mafia vendettas in a deadly game that will leave you breathless and craving more.

  • Genre: Angels And Demons, Fantasy, Louisiana, Nephilim, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Vampires, Werewolves
  • 334 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published September 3, 2025
  • Series: French Quarter Vampire Enforcer #2

M Guida has always loved fantasy and romance, especially dragons. Growing up, she devoured fantasy books and all kinds of young adult books. And then she found romance and a whole new world opened up to her.

Now as an adult, she fell in love with academy romance and has blended all of her past loves into one compelling series. Dragons, vampires, elves, demons, and shifters all attend Legacy Academy.

When she’s not writing, she lives in the colorful Rocky Mountains with her fur baby, Raven, and enjoys taking her for walks.

Would you like to become a Legacy? Sign up for her mailing list and enter a world of the supernatural. https://geni.us/akJn

You can also join her private Facebook page-Legacy Academy https://geni.us/aksDhUZ You’ll become a legacy and find out about your special power and maybe even find some romance!

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Review – Oath Of Blood And Joy by M Guida #mguida #oathofbloodandjoy

plan
changed
mistake

 

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

I am so happy I am following M Guida, because she put out a call for ARC readers for Cry Of Blood And Joy. I jumped all over it…because, I love vampires! Seeing it’s Book II in the series, I had to see about Book I, Oath Of Blood And Joy. It was on sale for $.99. Yeah.

I love books that take place in familiar places and I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans. Sorry to say, I haven’t run across any supernatural creatures…yet. I do have my fingers crossed.

Girls are going missing in New Orleans and when Joy’s best friend, Stephanie was kidnapped, she made it her personal mission to find her. Unfortunately, during the process, she, herself, was kidnapped. Enzo is the vampire mafia’s most feared enforcer and he knows he has to save her. She doesn’t realize why, but he will burn everything down if he must.

For Joy I would burn the world to ashes.

The vivid, detailed descriptions had shivers crawling up and down my spine. The battles were ferocious and bloody and I loved it, but we do have moments of light and laughter. We have all kinds of creatures: vampires, dark demons, golden demons, werewolves, nephilim, angels, unseelie, dark fae….

I love everything about Oath Of Blood And Joy. I was so engrossed, I zipped through the pages. Before I knew it, I reached the end. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it was a good stoppping place. I’m not sweating it, because I have Book II, Cry Of Blood And Joy at hand.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Missing girls in New Orleans have one they’re never found alive. I’m about to join their ranks. Unless the vampire enforcer tracking me can shatter every rule—and every precedent.My name is Joy, and I’ve always lived up to it—smiling through problems, finding silver linings, believing tomorrow will be better. But over a month ago, my optimism met its match when I was kidnapped while searching for my missing best friend.

Now I’m a prisoner of New Orleans’ most dangerous crime lord, thrust into a world I never knew existed. Vampires are real. Vampire mafia? Also real. And something is stirring inside me—a power I can’t explain that’s the only reason I’m still alive.

They say he’s coming for me. Enzo. The vampire mafia’s most feared enforcer. Cold. Ruthless. Merciless. The man leaves a trail of bodies wherever he goes. The whispers about him terrify even my captors.

But when his dark eyes find mine in the chaos of my prison, I see something impossible. Recognition. Possession. As if I belong to him. As if I’ve always belonged to him.

I don’t know this vampire. Don’t trust him. And I absolutely refuse to accept his ridiculous claim that I’m his “fated mate”—whatever that means. I didn’t even believe vampires existed, and now this terrifying man with perpetually furrowed brows thinks he owns me? I’ve spent weeks fighting my captors at every turn—I’m not about to stop now.

But when his cold eyes find mine, something deep inside me responds. No matter how loudly I tell myself this brooding, dangerous creature is my enemy, my stubborn heart won’t listen. And as my mysterious powers grow stronger, I’m running out of options for allies in a world I never knew was real.

The human mafia won’t let me go without bloodshed. And as ancient power awakens within me, I find myself caught between two worlds with ties to both.

My captor thinks I’m leverage. My would-be savior thinks I’m his. But neither of them knows what I’m becoming—or how my relentless optimism and newfound power might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Oath of Blood and Joy is a steamy enemies-to-lovers vampire mafia romance featuring a joyful but fierce heroine and a gorgeous, grumpy vampire enforcer. Get ready for intense action, mind blowing plot twists, sizzling forbidden romance, and dark supernatural fireworks that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Vampires
  • 360 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published June 11, 2025
  • Series: French Quarter Vampire Enforcer #1

M Guida has always loved fantasy and romance, especially dragons. Growing up, she devoured fantasy books and all kinds of young adult books. And then she found romance and a whole new world opened up to her.

Now as an adult, she fell in love with academy romance and has blended all of her past loves into one compelling series. Dragons, vampires, elves, demons, and shifters all attend Legacy Academy.

When she’s not writing, she lives in the colorful Rocky Mountains with her fur baby, Raven, and enjoys taking her for walks.

Would you like to become a Legacy? Sign up for her mailing list and enter a world of the supernatural. https://geni.us/akJn

You can also join her private Facebook page-Legacy Academy https://geni.us/aksDhUZ You’ll become a legacy and find out about your special power and maybe even find some romance!

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Review – The Human Hybrid Odyssey by A McDonald, K Witt, K Jarta #aaronmcdonald #kimathiwitt #kawsajatta

Amazon / Goodreads

Did you see the cover for The Human Hybrid Odyssey: Forever Changed written by Aaron McDonald and Kimathi Witt, and illustrated by Kawsa Jatta? It sure did make me curious about what I would find inside. I was not disappointed. There are some wonderful illustrations, and I love them. They add a little something extra to the novel.

I love apocalyptic/dystopian novels and The Human Hybrid Odyssey is a fresh take on a familiar genre. Catastrophic storms wiped out humanity as we knew it. A new breed of genetically altered hybrids arise from the aftermath.

Forever Changed is the first volume in the series, an introduction to a world in which the survivors struggle to create a life for themselves and are forced to leave their home and set off on a journey to the safety of the kingdom. I love all the creatures.

Nosoo is an intriguing character. His one moment of cowardice sets him off on an adventure that will test him and could cost him his life. His bravery may be spurred on because of his cowardice, his need to redeem himself in the eyes of his village.

I bounced between a 3 and 4 star rating because I wanted more depth and detail. The book is 170 pages of goodness, but I wasn’t able to get lost, though I did read straight through. I had to know what was going to happen next and I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

The Human Hybrid Odyssey: From Inspiration to Imagination

Every great story begins with a spark—and for The Human Hybrid Odyssey, that spark came from a set of stunning illustrations. Coauthor Aaron McDonald first shared the extraordinary images of half-human, half-animal hybrids, created by illustrator Kawsu Jatta, with coauthor Kimathi Witt. Immediately, the two began imagining the origins of such beings. How did they come to exist? What kind of world would they inhabit? Those questions set the stage for what would become an ever-expanding creative journey.

From a Single Idea to a Growing Saga

What started as a vivid “what if” quickly grew into a fully developed series. Today, The Human Hybrid Odyssey is available as a paperback, eBook, and audiobook—with a graphic novel adaptation in production right now. Each format lets fans experience the hybrids’ world in a new dimension, ensuring that every type of reader can step into the odyssey.

Beyond the Page: Immersive Creations

The vision didn’t stop at books. Our team has brought these characters to life in posters, 3D-printed statues, and even a custom chess game, each piece connecting fans more deeply with the story’s universe. And the adventure is only beginning—we are preparing to bring the hybrids to the big screen and, eventually, to your favorite streaming platforms.

A Platform by Authors, for Authors

Alongside our creative projects, we’re passionate about empowering other storytellers. That’s why we launched MWJ Books, a cost-sharing platform that allows authors to advertise their work at an extremely affordable price. Built by authors who understand the challenges of publishing, the platform helps writers overcome one of the most difficult—and expensive—parts of the journey: consistent, effective promotion.

Powered by Readers Like You

Perhaps the most rewarding part of this odyssey has been you, our readers. Hearing fans recite scenes and favorite moments from memory—completely unprompted—reminds us why we write. Your enthusiasm, questions, and theories fuel our creativity. And we want you to be part of the process: you can even suggest new characters or plot twists for us to explore in future volumes.

Join the Journey

We invite you to visit us at MWJBooks.com to:

  • Sign up for exclusive notifications about new releases.
  • Get updates on book signings, merchandise drops, and special events.
  • Share your ideas to help us craft the next chapter in The Human Hybrid Odyssey.

After all, we’re not just writing these stories for you—we’re writing them with you.

Best,
Aaron McDonald, Kimathi Witt, and Kawsu Jatta
MWJBooks.com

When the world as we know it crumbles beneath catastrophic storms and ancient forces reawaken, humanity is forever changed.

In the aftermath of global ruin, a new breed rises-genetically altered hybrids forged by chaos and instinct. Part human, part beast, they struggle to survive in a land reshaped by destruction, mystery, and myth. Tribes form, power shifts, and trust are a rare commodity in this brutal new order.

Among the survivors, unlikely alliances form as hybrid warriors embark on a harrowing journey through treacherous terrain, both physical and spiritual. Hunted by enemies, haunted by memories, and driven by a primal call they barely understand, they must uncover the truth about their transformation-and what it means for the future of their kind.

Forever Changed is the explosive first volume in The Human Hybrid Odyssey, a cinematic sci-fi saga blending action, ancient legends, and speculative evolution. This is not just a battle for survival. It’s the origin of a new species-and the beginning of an unforgettable odyssey.

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural
  • 170 pages, Paperback
  • Published January 1, 2024
  • Series: The Human Hybrid Odeyssey #1
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Scrumdiddlyumptious – Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger @kait_ballenger #wickedbeliever

Amazon / Goodreads

I am super excited to be back in Charlotte and Lucifer’s world in the Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger, the sequel to Original Sinner. Let’s do a recap. God brought Lucifer and the seven deadly sins to New York City…and vanished. A celestial war is on the horizon. Charlotte is no longer the good little Christian. Not since Lucifer got his hands on her. She is walking on the dark side, growing and learning to stand on her own. The sex is sizzling hot. He is the dominant and she is the submissive, but…

Queen of my own damned life. Queen of my own goddamn choices.

“Not a fallen angel. Not a demon. Not a human, but something else in between.”

There are a lot of triggers in Charlotte and Lucifer’s erotic world, so be sure you are ready to walk on the dark side. I was lost in it. The darker it got, the more intense it felt. I loved all the changes that Charlotte is going through. I loved being on the sidelines and watching sides being taken as the apocalypse approaches. Charlotte is not going to stand behind Lucifer and let him drive the boat,. She’s going to be front and center. The kink level rises, and Charlotte does not shy away from it. She embraces it. I was reading along, white knuckled, eager to read the next word, the next sentence, the next chapter, and then….it came to an end.

I love everything about Wicked Believer and I want to thank Kait Ballenger and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review it. I can hardly wait for the next book, seeing there is war on the horizon.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

Author Kait Ballenger whips up a spicy sequel to Original Sinner, a no-holds-barred dark romance where the devil and his queen-to-be explore the bounds of kink, even as they stand on the brink of war.

I wasn’t always immortal. And I’m not sure I’ll ever get the hang of it. Not like Lucifer, a.k.a. Pride. He and the other seven deadly sins, the high-profile billionaires who run this city, make the divine life look easy.

I came to New York a good, if damaged, Christian girl. Then Lucifer opened my eyes to the darkness. To the hunger burning inside me. To a world of pain and pleasure like nothing I’ve ever known. Now it’s all I crave. He’s all I crave.

But as I grapple with this new existence—and the events that led me to it—unseen forces push me and Lucifer apart. Paparazzi track my every move, Lucifer’s family plays their wicked games, and I hardly know who I am anymore. Or who I’m meant to be.

A celestial war is brewing, and Lucifer’s siblings are out for blood—and the dark power inside me calls me to join the fight.

  • Genre: Dark Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
  • 453 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication September 9, 2025 by Montlake
  • Series: Original Sinners #2
Evoto

    Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her husband and two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

    For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

    You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

    • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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    • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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    • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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    • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!