Tag Archives: fantasy

Song of The Shadow Prince by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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Song of The Shadow Prince (Dragon’s Ballad 1) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 25, 2025

My name’s Cat, and boy, do I have a tale for you. Imagine waking up to find yourself in a world utterly devoid of life’s essentials—no Netflix, no Wi-Fi, and, brace yourself, not a single Starbucks in sight. Where, you ask? Well, that’s a nightmare I’m still unraveling.

Here’s the scoop: one moment I’m pulling off a daring stunt on a Hollywood set, and the next, I’m gasping for air in a realm that’s straight out of a fantasy novel. This place? It’s overrun with werewolves, vampires, warlocks, fae and, to top it off, dragons. Yes, actual fire-breathing dragons!

But wait, there’s more—I’ve somehow taken the place of my doppelgänger Lady Arya Ryder, a noblewoman whose reputation is as tarnished as an old sword. Now, caught in the mess she left behind, I’ve got no choice but to navigate this medieval minefield. And then there’s Damien Drakonar, the third prince. He’s a dragon, yes, but not the knight-in-shining-armor type.

No, Damien is the sort who would sooner burn you alive than glance your way. He’s a perilous enigma, straddling the line between savior and destroyer. Despite our mutual contempt, our fates are ominously intertwined as we face the devastation Arya’s actions have unleashed.

Now my only option is to find my way back home and fast, but many obstacles stand in my way—including Damien. Will I ever make it back home? Only the shadows hold the answers.

•••••

REVIEW:This author can always be relied upon to deliver a detailed and amazing story. It’s got some graphic fight scenes. Yes it has a mild cliffhanger (next book not out till April!) But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this read.

Cat is a stunt artist, she loves her job. But on a shoot she’s transported to another world (literally!) This one has dragons/witches/vampires and real werewolves! She’s got a temper, but also a wicked sense of humour, and I feel she’s going to need it.

Damien starts this book off, he’s a dragon shifter about to shift for the first time…. But that’s not allowed! Why? Well…. Apparently he killed his mother in childbirth 😞 and his father hears of a prophecy and locks down his dragon and his son! He allows him to leave his cage to look for his mate, then he will be free to claim his throne.

Lady Arya has been replaced by Cat. But what of her story? Apparently she’s not a nice person (which given Cat looks/sounds and acts different from Lady Arya how does no one spot she’s missing?)

So many other characters in this book will either help or hinder our reluctance heroine.
A warlock (Garrick) who wants to help her return to her world (hmm, why do I think there is more to it than meets the eye!) Maeve (Arya’s servant) could she be friend or foe? She seems to want to help Cat find a way home. And the lovely Gianna, who is in love with Damien (that’s got to cause waves somewhere along the line!)

And the ending? Well! I wasn’t sure how it would end, but I didn’t think it would end that way! 🫣

Don’t think Cat is going home anytime soon!

If your in the mood for a world of doppelgängers/dragons/warlocks/witches and fae, then I’m going to recommend this book, I was captured from the first word.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
A treacherous bride.

A heartbroken groom.

Is their marriage over before it’s begun?

Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.

But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.

With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?

When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.

Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?

 

 

Review:

Vow of the Shadow King is the 2nd book in her Bride of the Shadow King series. The story picks up as the first book ended, with Faraine’s deceit, which was done by her father. Vor having been poisoned, was able to stop himself from having Faraine killed.  She is now trapped in the Shadow Realm, at the mercy of Vor; surrounded by enemies in the Trolde kingdom. Fariane hopes to convince Vor to send her home, but he knows that he cannot give up the alliance from Fariane’s father, which will spell disaster for his people. With tremors, poison, creatures spreading in the realm he needs to find a solution to save his people.

The tension between Vor and Faraine has so much angst between them.  Vor wants nothing to do with her, and he assigns Captain Hael to watch over Faraine; especially since he thought Hael should have been able to reveal Faraine’s disguise.  Faraine truly did not deserve all the hatred and criticism, as her father was the one who forced the disguise, as both sisters were killed. 

Vor struggles with the tremors getting worse, and the poison spreading through the realm, desperate to find a solution. He also struggles with his feelings for Faraine, which continues to get stronger, as he tries to mask his true feelings.  Faraine’s powers begin to grow, especially in the Trolde Kingdom, and their magic; her abilities also cause her pain. Faraine begins to openly speak her mind, growing a backbone, as she tries figure out her abilities.

I really liked the change in Faraine; especially when she learns that Vor is in danger. She does everything in her power to find a way to save Trolde Kingdom and Vor.  I loved Hael, who was always great in helping Vor or even Faraine.

Vow of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal and sacrifice.  The finale was a was a terrific ending, with Faraine using her powers to save the kingdom, and their true feelings for each other escalate. Vow of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes. I cannot wait for the final book in this series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology 2) by Donna Grant-review

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The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology 2) by Donna Grant-review

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I would burn the world for him…

My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.

Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us. Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.

And I fell hard.

My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence.

My one and only.

Until our forever was violently snatched away. Now, I’m hunted, once more.

But I’m not running this time. I’m fighting for love.

For him.

A hellhound facing her past. A dragon reclaiming his throne. Forbidden lovers will face the ultimate test.

••••••

REVIEW:THE UNCROWNED KING is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult THE BASTARD paranormal, fantasy duology set in the author’s Dragon Kings world. This is the continuing story of Dragon Derek, and hellhound Kora. THE UNCROWNED KING should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of THE BASTARD KING. I recommend reading the Dragon King series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.

SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine, the people of Stonemore, and a woman known as Villette

Told from omniscient third person perspectives including Derek and Kora THE UNCROWNED KING continues to focus on the search for Derek-who is the mate to Kora, and under the control of Miena, a powerful Star Person who is taking aim at the dragons and Dragon Kings but Derek, and his brother ‘Gordon’ are unfamiliar to the Dragon Kings, and Con, unfamiliar in a way that is unnatural and wrong. Having found then once again lost the man that she loves, Kora must go in search of our hero, a dragon who has target Kora and the Kings.

The world building is, once again, complex and detailed, following several paths, several fights and battles, and a layer of mistrust that runs dangerous and deep.

The relationship between Derek and Kora is tempestuous throughout the series as Derek is lead to believe Kora is the enemy; that the Kings killed his mate; and his obedience has been commanded by the only woman he has ever known. Often times left to his own devices, Derek struggles with the memories that may or may not be real but memories that threaten his future with the woman he once loved. The lone $ex scene is passionate.

Once again, there Is a large ensemble cast of powerful, magical and supernatural beings, all of whom we have met in the numerous interconnected series. Con and Rhi return, as well as their children Brandr and Eurwen; and Villette, Eurielle and their sister Miena.

THE UNCROWNED KING reveals a potentially new path and new ARC with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and the new clan of dragons under Derek’s command. The premise is intricate and thorough; the romance struggles in the face of lies and mistrust; the characters are desperate and magical.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BASTARD KING

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan – a Review

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Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan – a Review

 

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Description:
“What the gods did not give us, I would take.”

As the heir to Tianxia, Liyen knows she must ascend the throne and renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals who once protected them from a vicious enemy. But when she is poisoned, Liyen’s grandfather steals an enchanted lotus to save her life. Enraged at his betrayal, the immortal queen commands the powerful God of War to attack Tianxia.

Upon her grandfather’s death, Liyen ascends a precarious throne, vowing to end her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. When she is summoned to the Immortal Realm, she seizes the opportunity to learn their secrets and to form a tenuous alliance to safeguard her people, all with the one she should fear and mistrust the most: the ruthless God of War. As they are drawn together, a treacherous attraction ignites between them—one she has to resist, to not endanger all she is fighting for.

But with darker forces closing in around them, and her kingdom plunged into peril, Liyen must risk everything to save her people from an unspeakable fate, even if it means forging a dangerous bond with the immortal… even if it means losing her heart.

 

 

Review:

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone romantic fantasy. Liyen, our heroine, is the heir to the throne of Tianxia (Mortal Realm); she suffers from a near-fatal poisoning. Her grandfather, who runs Tianxia, gives Liyen something he holds for the Immortal Queen; as he gives her the Divine Pearl Lotus, which will save her life, healing her of the poison.  Liyen is now at full health; but her grandfather dies, and now Liyan ascends to the Tianxia throne. Liyan knows that she needs to renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals, who always protected them from vicious enemies.

The Immortal Queen is angry, with the Pearl Lotus is missing; she sends the God of War to find the Lotus.  Zhangwei, our hero, who is known as the God of War, has a reputation of being a bloodthirsty warrior. He is the strongest immortal, bred and raised for war. He also has his own motivations regarding the Lotus pearl for himself.

Liyan is summoned to the Immortal Realm, where she is determined to learn the secrets of the Immortal Realm; in order to safeguard her people. Liyan finds herself spending time with the God of War, a man she was meant to fear, which slowly changes.  They are drawn together, igniting their attraction, with their chemistry rising; the banter between them was amazing.

Zhangwei was devoted, witty and truly in love with Liyan; especially when she saw her past life and learned the truths.  Liyan was a terrific heroine, a bit stubborn, difficult, flawed, and a brave leader; but once she learned the secret truths that allowed her to know Zhangwei, as well as the Queen.  I liked a few of other characters, but I really loved Zhangwei and Liyan together. The last quarter of the book was mindboggling.

Immortal was a great romantic fantasy, with lots of twists, exciting action, captivating, emotional, danger and magical throughout. Immortal was so very well written by Sue Lynn Tan. I was unable to put the book down, and I suggest you read this wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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Description:
To save the realm from eternal darkness, she’ll have to choose between the truth and the lie—stand and fight or kneel and die.

“His Imperial Majesty, King Zarek requests your presence as his esteemed guest.”

When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.

But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who draws her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the starbringer—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.

When the rebels carry out a brutal strike, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the starbringer. But Roshan is hiding secrets of his own. And with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of the old gods themselves…and the interest of one dark god in particular might be the biggest threat of all.

 

Review:

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is an adult romantasy. Suraya Saab, our heroine, lives with her family, and to her shock, she receives an invitation to participate in a selection to become the Crown Prince’s Bride. Suraya is a self-taught smith on making powerful blades, using ‘Jadu”.  Little do the selected girls know that they are searching for a woman who is supposed to have an ability of great power that would change the world. A veiled hunt for the starbringer; a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood.  Suraya decides to accept the invitation, looking forward to visit the capital city her late mother loved.

All the women who arrive are quickly put to the test of cruel trials, with many getting killed.  During the trials, Suraya meets Javed’s distant brother, Roshan, and immediately both of them enjoy their banter, and the chemistry between is strong.  In a short time, Javed discovers that Suraya is the girl he is seeking, who will be forced to marry him.  Before the crown prince can push for the marriage, an attack comes from a group trying to fight the prince and his mother.  Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, especially now that Roshan knows she might be the starkeeper, and is determined to keep her safe. The journey together is action filled and a magical adventure, with Sura discovers her powerful abilities, as well as her falling in love with Roshan.

I really like both Sura and Roshan together, as we can feel their strong bond.  It was also nice to see the  female friendships along the way; Laleh, Clem, Amma and her memories of her mother. Roshan was charismatic, and he truly loved Sura; but he also held a number of secrets.  Sura had many dreams, with the shadow god connecting to her visions; with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her.

The Starlight Heir is a fast-packed mythology, epic fantasy, romance, betrayal, love, deceit, with a Persian/Indian inspired theme. The Starlight Heir was a very good story, that kept my attention throughout.  The Starlight Heir was very well written by Amalie Howard.  I suggest you read this book, as it looks like more books to come for this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT by MJ Sweets-a review

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VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT by MJ Sweets-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

With loved ones exiled to memory, the three species were left with strained relations and an ever-growing hatred. For over a century, Humans, Vampires, and Lycans remained isolated from one another. Only the occasional meeting of the three leaders brought any sort of interaction between the species. That was, until one night…

With the horrors of her past descending upon her, Livia finds herself face-to-face with the castle of the vampire king, Orion. Despite the king’s desire to rid his castle of this human intruder, something compels him to keep her close, no matter what. Unfortunately, whereas fate can bring two souls together, it can also force them apart, but a forbidden love will not be broken so easily.

••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is the first instalment in MJ Sweets’ adult, paranormal, fantasy series focusing on the three kingdoms- Humans, Vampires, and Lycan. This is vampire King Orion, and human Livia’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Orion and Livia) VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT follows the building relationship between our story line couple as Livia struggles to survive as human in a world dominated by lycans and vampires. Livia lived most of her life within the lycan compound but was forced to run to save her own life. Tossed between the vampire kingdom and the human kingdom. On the run from the lycans who have targeted our story line heroine, Livia found herself the consort to the vampire king, the soulmate of a man who spent most of his time staving off war and the advancement of his enemies.

The relationship between Orion and Livia is one of fated mated. Livia is a human living in a world of the supernatural but a world in which she grew. Orion knows immediately that Livia is his soulmate but Orion takes his time claiming the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous including vampires, lycans, humans, elves,fairies and pixies. From royalty (King Reon, , Crown Prince Cesteil, Prince William, King Darian) to merchants, security and specialities ( Caelestis the healer), and the mundane, everyone becomes suspect in the wake of the number of threats and attempts against our heroine’s life.

VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is a slow building story, with a few familiar plot-points similar to a now famous trilogy made into a four-part movie series. There is some redundancy; and some aspects that I have questioned including whether or not the worlds had experienced an industrial revolution; there is a mention of only one motor vehicle on the road, and a clock, yet everyone else rides horses, in carriages, carry swords and daggers etc. There is no worldly reference to any other automation or timeframe. The villages and towns have no names other then the kingdom of lycans, kingdom of vampires, yet the human kingdom where the Elves have now laid claim to land, were once filled with electronics and technology, yet no history is revealed as to the loss of available automation and machinery.

VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, racism and speciesism, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed and dramatic but did suffer with some issues; the romance struggles with time spent apart; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris) by Blair M Shadows-review & interview

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris 1) by Blair M  Shadows -review and interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

Get ready to lose yourself in a world where art and magic intertwine with a blistering hot romance.

Crystal Iris: Book I is the beginning of a tantalizing magical romance series brimming with mystery, modern conflicts, and a love story that will leave you aching for more. A sexy, addictive mystical fantasy with a strong female lead, swoon-worthy book boyfriends, and plenty of spice—perfect for fans of books featured on BookTok.

Professor Iris De Loughery’s life changes on the night of her thirtieth birthday. The gift she receives from her distant father defies reality as she knows it, launching her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. Shaken by her relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s struggles intensify when she meets Hoyt, another prism possessor. Controlling her feelings will be her first challenge in this wicked spicy series.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler”

I love the cover. Definitely in my discreet era 😜

I wasn’t to enamoured by the blurb if I’m honest. And maybe I should have gone in blind. Sometime you are pleasantly surprised.

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” – Robert Hughes”

But the book, the book had a few issues, but I couldn’t put it down until the last page was done. It was a little slow in places, and a few discrepancies, but it didn’t take away from the drama and storytelling.

I also liked the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter, I’m not a big lover of history (although I do read historical romance 😉) but I found the snippets the author gave us really fascinating, I felt it added something extra to the story. The MFC is a history professor, so it was a good idea that she could actually tell us a little a little it.)

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci”

MFC is an older character (which I always like, love isn’t just for the young you know 😉) and with an established career and life already. But life isn’t always played out the way you plan it……

Iris is given a gift from an absent father (we get to find out more through the book.) At first Iris wants nothing to with her father or the gift, but curiosity wins out…..

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” – Paul Strand”

What I liked was this book didn’t info dump on you, it gave it in easy segments, so that it didn’t overwhelm or confuse the reader. (I don’t need confusing thanks 😉)

Hoyt is also a prism holder. And that’s what connects them at first. The friendship grows and venues something more….

But we also have mystery and drama. And that’s the bit I loved. It keeps you wondering how this will turn out

There are so many questions that need answering in the book …..

What’s a prism? What’s its purpose? How does it involve Iris and Hoyt?

And do her mother’s letters hold more clues or questions?

You will have to read the book to find out if my questions are answered.

And the ending!! What a way to leave it open for the next book (which i hope is soon 🤞)

SO if you ignore the blurb and dive straight in I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Plenty of intrigue and mystery. A puzzle that needs solving (I did guess a few things pretty quick, but others completely surprised me.) it says a spicy romance, and then someone describes it as a slow burn 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

TRC: .Hi Blair and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of Crystal Iris. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Blair: I’m a mom first and foremost, and a nostalgic at heart. I love researching and reading about history and art. Having lived in a few exciting places and traveled extensively for work, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the world.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing? 

Blair: My background is in film and TV, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved in telling stories. Coming from a creative family, I was always encouraged to pursue this path.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Blair: I wish I could say the path has been smooth, but I’ve had to battle self-doubt on a daily basis—something that’s probably common when writing a debut novel. Publishing is an entirely different beast, one I’m still navigating. My mantra has always been: ‘One day at a time.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of   CRYSTAL IRIS?

Blair: Crystal Iris is a story about love—primarily self-love. It weaves in magical elements, spice, betrayals, and art, but at its core, it’s about discovering who we truly are when faced with life’s challenges.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning CRYSTAL IRIS

BLAIR: I started writing Crystal Iris about seven years ago, and the research has been my favorite part. I loved diving deeper into art history, which was my minor in college.

TRC: Is CRYSTAL IRIS part of a series? A stand alone?

Blair: It’s the first book of a series.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series/ or story for any of the secondary characters?

Blair: All the characters play an important role in the overall story, but as of now, there isn’t a specific book planned for any of them.

TRC: Do you have any interest in writing, or have you ever written for another genre?

Blair: I can see myself writing something in the horror genre.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines .How do you keep the fantasy  story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Blair: Since Crystal Iris isn’t high fantasy, I was careful about how I introduced magical elements, especially since the story is set in the real world. I wanted to bring in the supernatural gradually, building on it with each book. I think it could lose its impact if those elements were revealed too quickly or out of context.”

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Blair: Yes, packaging matters in all products, and books are no exception.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Blair: In my case, the characters make their own choices—I’m just along for the ride.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Blair: I think when the character drives the story, it’s much easier to connect with their emotions. When an author tries to restrain the narrative, things can feel forced.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Blair: I need complete silence when writing, but I love listening to music while going for walks and thinking about the story. I see my characters as real people—they have hobbies, tastes in food, and, of course, their own music preferences. There’s a playlist on Spotify for Crystal Iris Book One, in case anyone’s curious about the music vibes.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Blair: People often think being an author must be very relaxing, but I’ve found the opposite to be true.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Blair: I’m a bit of a neat freak—things only bring me stress if they’re not in the way I think they should be.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards a young adult, paranormal story line.

Blair: I write what I want to read; I’m basically my own audience.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Blair: Crystal Iris book two.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Blair: Thank you so much for this opportunity, I really appreciate the support.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- Italian

Favorite Dessert– Ice cream

Favorite TV Show -Lost

Last Movie You Saw- Home alone (my son’s first time)

Dark or Milk Chocolate– Milk chocolate 

Secret Celebrity Crush -Justin Timberlake 

Last Vacation –Destination Rio, Brazil summer 2024

Do you have any pets? -Not currently 

Last book you read -Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Carl Newport

TRC: Thank you Blair for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Death was never supposed to fall in love…

Fenn had long given up on knowing the warmth of another by the day he met her.
Sienna Jacobsen.

A woman who was somehow immune to the touch of Death.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sienna was once again desperate to find someone she could bring home for the weekend.

Talk about the perfect time to finally meet the very literal man of her dreams.

He was supposed to be investigating Sienna’s death-touch immunity, but the only touch on either of their minds was the kind he’d so long been denied. And he couldn’t keep his hands off.

Her sisters had their reservations about Fenn, but it was his personal stalker that threatened to ruin the holiday

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is the first instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult APOCALYPTIC LOVE erotic, paranormal, fantasy, mythology series. This is Death aka Fenn, and Sienna Jacobsen’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sienna and Fenn) CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER focuses on the building relationship between Sienna Jacobsen, a woman with the ability to see the future, and Fenn, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Fenn has never known human touch or otherwise, and as one of the Four Horsemen, never expected to fall in love but the touch of a woman with powers of her own gives Fenn thoughts for a future even if only for a limited time. Sienna Jacobsen is a clairvoyant, one of three sisters with supernatural powers, and thought to be blessed by the gods, the Jacobsen sisters try to keep to themselves but a Christmas reunion forces Sienna to look for a plus-one, and Fenn is perfect for the time. Meanwhile Fenn has a stalker, a stalker who takes aim at our story line heroine, using her sisters as collateral damage.

The world building reveals some of Fenn’s history, and the introduction of the other Horsemen, as well as the deities and demi-gods seeking revenge or the ultimate prize.

The relationship between Fenn and Sienna begins by accident when Sienna touches a man who has never been touched.For years, Sienna, as a clairvoyant, has witnessed a stranger in her dreams, a stranger who is about to become her happily ever after. Falling in love was never meant to be, Sienna suspects her relationship with Fenn comes with an expiry date. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sienna’s ‘magical’ sisters: Maya and Piper, and her best friend Sherri; as well as the other Horsemen: Cassian aka Famine, Sulien aka War, Rajan aka Famine; Florence Dossit; and Moirai Lauryn, aka Fate, and a demi-god with ulterior motives.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is enchanting and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are magical and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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