Tag Archives: Paranormal

Ancient Guardian(Ancients Rising 9) by Katie Reus-review

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ANCIENT GUARDIAN (Ancients Rising 9) by Katie Reus-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27, 2023

He lost everyone he ever loved before…

Alpha dragon shifter Orion woke from his millennia-long hibernation into a different world-and found a band of humans struggling to survive. He’s been living among them, secretly keeping the predators away, but he’s hidden his true identity from everyone. Until an enemy threatens everything he’s come to love, including the human female he’s obsessed with. The female he can never have but will sacrifice everything for.

Now he has to step up and be the Alpha they all need…

Violet fell hard and fast for the stranger who joined their small farming community after The Fall. He lives with them, works alongside them, but there’s something different about him that she can’t quite put her finger on. When a group of visiting supernaturals upends everything in her community, she discovers he’s been hiding a huge secret. But that’s the least of their issues. If they don’t claim their territory and eliminate the growing threat outside their borders, there won’t be anything left to fight for.

•••••

REVIEW:ANCIENT GUARDIAN is the ninth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ANCIENTS RISING erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is ancient dragon shifter Orion, and doctor Violet Robichaux’s story line. ANCIENT GUARDIAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.

Told from omniscient third person perspective ANCIENT GUARDIAN follows several paths including the building romance and relationship between ancient dragon shifter Orion, and doctor Violet Robichaux. Approximately one year earlier Orion, an ancient dragon arose from a milenia of sleep unaware of the world around him. Fast forward to present day, Orion now lives and works in a small farming community but most of the people are unaware of Orion’s powers but the humans are in danger from the marauding vampires, and Orion has taken on the responsibility of protecting the people he now calls his own. Enter Dr. Violet Robichaux, and the woman with whom Orion will fall in love. Orion has not revealed his identity to Violet Robichaux but Orion’s dragon knows that the woman is his mate. What ensues is the building relationship between Orion and Violet, and the potential fall-out when our heroine is targeted in the hopes of taking down our story line hero.

Meanwhile, Violet’s sister Laurel may have found her mate in the dragon shifter Cale, and their sister Rose may or may not be attracted to Baris, a panda shifter with the ability to heal. As Violet and Orion’s territory struggles without a claim, it is suggested to Orion that he step up as Alpha in an effort to protect both the humans and the supernatural.

The relationship between Violet and Orion begins as a friendship but Orion knows that Violet is his mate. Biding his time in the face of the unknown, Orion struggles with demons from the past, memories of pain and heart break, and a personal belief that he is unworthy of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Violet’s sisters: Laure (Cale), Rose (Baris) and their mysterious sister Mari, who may or may not have some military experience no one knows anything about. The return of Darius and his mate Hazel, as well as ancient female dragon shifter Prima add some cohesion and familiarity.

ANCIENT GUARDIAN is a story of power and control, betrayal and retribution, desperation and determination, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and edgy; the romance is spicy and provocative; the characters are spirited, encouraging and animated.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Ancient Protector
Ancient Enemy
Ancient Enforcer
Ancient Vendetta
Ancient Retribution
Ancient Vengeance
Ancient Sentinel
Ancient Warrior

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

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Hawk (Devil’s Murder MC 3) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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Hawk (Devil’s Murder MC 3) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 23, 2023

Hawk, Sergeant at Arms of the Devil’s Murder MC, is loyal and cutthroat when it comes to his club. As a protector of his brothers, enforcer of the bylaws, and security, Hawk takes his position seriously, especially now that his president has been murdered by the Dirty Death MC. He won’t rest until the blood of his enemies has been spilled, and justice served. He’ll make damn sure that Rook is avenged and his son Crow doesn’t meet the same fate.

But Hawk didn’t count on the feisty, outspoken, desperate girl needing to rescue her sister from the dirty politician wreaking havoc in Nevada and the escort service that trafficked her out of the city. Callie is willing to do anything to bring her sibling home—even offer herself to a playboy biker who refuses to be shackled with an ol’ lady.

Hawk never gave a damn about anything other than his club and brothers. Living free and wild without attachment kept his life simple and easy. Now, he’s falling for this sweet girl and willing to invest in more than one night in his bed. Callie has him twisted up, ready to go to war to save her family and hoping to claim the innocent, curvy blonde he can’t get out of his head. When she disappears, he knows he’s the only one able to save her. Can Hawk protect her when everything comes crashing down, or will his need for vengeance risk both their lives?

•••••

REVIEW: HAWK is the third instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary, adult DEVIL’S MURDER MC dark, erotic paranormal, MC romance series. This is Sargent at Arms Renner ‘Hawk’ James, and Callie Withers’ story line. HAWK can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book two as most of the events in HAWK are as of a direct result from the events RAVEN. There is a slight cross over with the multi-authored RBMC series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. Some of the events of HAWK cross over with, and run parallel to the events of RAVEN. The Devil’s Murder is an MC made up of avian shape shifting crows.

Told from three first person perspectives (Hawk, Callie, Undertaker) covering several timelines, HAWK follows in the aftermath of the abduction of Callie’s sister Sadie. Years earlier Hawk rescued an abused and battered woman, and five years later, upon his release from prison for assaulting the man responsible, fate would cross paths when Hawk would come face to face with the battered woman’s sister Callie, the young woman who is desperately seeking her missing sister. Another abduction, a near fatal assault on Hawk’s brother Raven, and the ongoing attacks by the Dirty Death MC find Callie and Hawk struggling in their search for the people involved. As Callie and Hawk’s relationship becomes personal, someone else is targeting our story line heroine.

The relationship between Callie and Hawk is one of immediate attraction. Hawk’s crow knows that Callie is their mate but Callie is unaware of the supernatural aspect of the Devil’s Murder MC. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to the Devil’s Murder MC: President Crow and his old lady Bella, Raven and Bree, Cuckoo, Talon, Carrion, Claw, their healer Falcon, and IT specialist Eagle Eye, as well as Mayor Elliott, and Dirty Death MC president Undertaker.

HAWK is a fast paced story of power and control, madness and mayhem, abuse and terror, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, dramatic and intense; the romance is a fated insta-lust to love ; the characters are dynamic, determined and energetic. The conflict has yet to be resolved-Callie’s sister’s whereabouts are unknown.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Crow
Raven

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There’s heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.

Sign up for Nikki’s Newsletter and get a FREE book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tlr47up53q

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Dragon Arisen (Dragons Kings 6) by Donna Grant-review & tour

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DRAGON ARISEN (Dragon Kings 6) by Donna Grant-a review & tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 13, 2023

You have to burn before you can rise.

Handsome. Commanding. Powerful. Alasdair isn’t a Dragon King to sit and wait. His carefully laid plans dissolve when he comes upon an enchanting woman. Lotti’s beauty beguiles him, her spirit intrigues him. The longer he’s with her, the more mysteries he uncovers. And the more his passion grows. He never expects she will lead him into the heart of Stonemore —while ensnaring his at the same time. With their enemies closing in, Alasdair will do anything to protect the woman he’s destined to love.

If there’s one thing Lotti knows, it’s that she’s a danger to others. She keeps her distance. Always. But all that changes when she lands in a difficult situation…with a gorgeous, seductive man. Every choice somehow leads her straight back to Alasdair. She can’t ignore his sexual magnetism or the undeniable desire between them. Their journey unravels everything she knew about herself to reveal a carefully constructed fallacy. Yet, she discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had. But is her yearning for Alasdair worth the risk for them both?

•••••••

REVIEW: DRAGON ARISEN is the sixth instalment in Donna Grant’s adult DRAGON KINGS fantasy / paranormal romance series-a spin off from the author’s Dark Kings, which in turn is a spin off from several other fantasy series by the same author. This is Amethyst King Alasdair, and Lotti’s storyline. DRAGON ARISEN can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the 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 and the people of Stonemore.

Told from third person perspective following several intersecting pathways, DRAGON ARISEN focuses on the continuing search for a missing King. Merrill went in search for answers as to why the dragons have been attacked by an unknown entity but has not been seen for several weeks. Desperate to find his ‘brother’, Alasdair volunteers to hunt for the missing King only to discover a young woman and baby, that is not her own. Struggling with the right thing to do in an effort to save the young child, Lotti offers the baby to Alasdair having no idea as to his true identity. Alasdair believes he has discovered his fated mate but the ‘humans’ have been taught to fear the dragons, and once revealed, the truth is about to pull our couple apart but all is not well, and Lotti unearths a possible location for Alasdair’s missing friend, a location that is about to reveal more than anyone could have every imagined. What ensues is the search for Merrill, and the potential fall-out as a new enemy is on the hunt for our heroine, and in doing so, reveals the true nature of the existence of dragons.

The relationship between Lotti and Alasdair begins acrimoniously. Lotti has lived most of her life as an outcast, alone, and without the love of family and friends. Meeting Alasdair gives Lotti a hope for the future but the truth about her life and her story reveals that Lotti is something more than human, something more than the dragons had known. Alasdair is desperate to find his missing ‘brother’ but secrets reveal that Merrill may not be missing at all. Someone is controlling the people of Stonemore, and Merrill may be caught in the middle of the war. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, magical and familiar secondary and supporting characters as well as the introduction of several new supernatural powers, powers that reveal the history of man and dragonkind. Merrill has been discovered but refuses to return believing his mission has yet to be accomplished.

DRAGON ARISEN is a multi-faceted story with several intersecting plot lines, and the introduction of something new. The history of the dragons as had been previously revealed goes deeper and darker with a connection to the creator, who goes by many names, a creator that reveals itself to our story line couple. The premise is detailed, complex and intriguing; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dragon Revealed
Dragon Mine
Dragon Unbound
Dragon Eternal
Dragon Lover

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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Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
A new town, new friends, new challenges…. And a new heart-stopping adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ilona Andrews. Kate, Curran, and Conlan may have left Atlanta for Wilmington, but the usual magic mayhem has also hitched a ride!

Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their ‘low prolife,’ when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The ‘due date’ is rapidly approaching.

It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail…well, fail is a four-letter word.

Nothing comes without a price. Now Kate must decide if she has what it takes to pay it.

 

 

Review:

Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews is the 2nd book (long novella) in her wonderful Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years series. I was once again thrilled and happy to learn that Magic Claims would continue to be about our favorite heroine, Kate Daniels, and look forward to more to come. Kate and Curran, and their son, Conlan are living in Wilmington, having left Atlanta to keep a low profile and privacy.  Conlan is now 8 years old, but he is big for his age, and becoming very strong, as he will be like his father. I have always loved Kate and Curran together, and in Magic Claims, they were fantastic.

Things have been quiet for Kate and Curran, living a peaceful life in Wilmington; then Conlan brings a local businessman to their home.  The businessman explains that he needs help in their town, with a dangerous evil holding their town as hostage.  Though Kate and Curran seem happy in their new environment, they also know that when danger comes, they need to be protectors to help those in need, which will bring them back into the violent and dangerous path they cannot resist.

Curran pulls together a new group to become part of his new pack, with Curran being the leader, and Kate ready to use her amazing powers.  They learn that the town has been forced to offer every year, a tribute, to be killed, and no one can escape from the town. Kate and Curran are determined to fight the evil in the forest, and protect the town.  I loved meeting all the new members of Curran & Kate’s team, as they were all so great.

What follows is a wild adventure, with many huge ice age animals that threaten all their lives; will the team be able to defeat the enemies? Kate is always up to the challenge, but she will need to pull out every possible bit of her powerful magic to fight this enemy; I loved seeing see how magnificent Kate was throughout. I will not tell too much more, as you need to read this from start to finish.

Magic Claims was a fantastic, exciting, intense story, with lots of action and magic.  I have continued to hope we would get more Kate and Curran, as well as see more of young Conlan; and my wishes have come true.  The new secondary characters on Curran’s team were great, which will hopefully lead to a new home base for the new Wilmington Pack . Magic Claims was so addicting, and I cannot wait for more.

Magic Claims was so very well written by Ilona Andrews.  I have read every single series by Andrews, and have absolutely loved them all. If you have not read this illustrious duo (Ilona and Gordon Andrews), you need to start reading them now.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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LOVE AND VIOLENCE (Sins of the Father)by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox

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LOVE AND VIOLENCE (Sins of the Father 1) by Jade Marshall and Lila Fox-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 13, 2023

The Esposito crime family and the Fallen Legion MC have been at war for as long as anyone can remember. Violence and bloodshed are all that anyone has ever known. But a run-in between the perfect mafia princess and the psychotic club enforcer is about to change all that.

Fate has given them a chance at happiness outside of their families, but nothing is ever as simple as it sounds. These mates will have to end the war, survive trials and tribulations, and find a way to get their loved ones on board before they can live out their happily ever after.

Is there any way for love to flourish where death thrives? Or will it all be over before it even begins?

••••••

REVIEW: LOVE AND VIOLENCE is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult SINS OF THE FATHER erotic, paranormal, MC/Mafia romance series. This is panther shifter Draven West aka Psych, and cougar shifter Aryanna Esposito’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Psych and Aryanna) LOVE AND VIOLENCE follows the fated relationship between is panther shifter Draven West aka Psych, and cougar shifter Aryanna Esposito. Draven West aka Psych is a member of the Fallen Legion MC, and the MC are enemies of the Esposito Crime Family but to Draven’s surprise he will find his fated mate in the guise of Mafia princess Aryanna Esposito, but Draven and Aryanna are not the only shifters to find their fate with the declared enemy, and a potential war may end them all.

The relationship between Aryanna and Draven is one of fated mates. Draven knows immediately Aryanna is the one but the sins of the father run dangerous and deep, and both must be prepared to sacrifice for love and honor. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

We are introduced to several member of the Fallen Legion MC including Draven’s sister Rylee, as well as Aryanna’s brother, and the new head of the Esposito family Dominico.

LOVE AND VIOLENCE is a fated mates story of insta-lust to love, power and control, vengeance and acceptance. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is limited to fate; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

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Of Thieves and Shadows (The Heart of Quinaria) by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 1, 2023

Some secrets are best left to the shadows. But shadows have a mind of their own.

The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.

Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain’s only surviving heir, she’s thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve—and her suspicion that her parents’ murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.

With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.

Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world—if their conflicting ambitions don’t destroy them first.

•••••••

REVIEW:Elaysia is the Main Female Character(FMC) and I found her a joy to read. Her journey is a hazardous one, and at times she definitely has to step up and be the leader, through the book she grows up and I can’t wait to see her again in book two.

Secondary characters are interesting and they all get a say on this book, there is a little confusion as the characters multiply and split off into adventures of their own, but it soon settles back down.

The descriptions in this book captivate and transport to this new world with ease, you immerse yourself in the lives of the characters, you feel their pain, you hold your breath as each story unfolds.The smallest of detail wasn’t missed, gods had names, weather and villages were described, the journey to stop the chaos was tough going, you actually felt every step they took.

It is a little political and topical for what’s going on on the world at the moment, but it doesn’t detract from the story at all (I never got that the author was on a political podium).

The battle scenes are intense, the action doesn’t stop until the last page. If this were a rollercoaster, it would have left you breathless with the twists and turns…..

I’d call this a dystopian adventure with a murder/mystery vibe.
I throughly enjoyed this book, and although this author is a new one for me, I’m definitely going to be reading the next book.

It doesn’t leave a cliffhanger ending, the story is wrapped up pretty well. But it does leave a few questions that I’m hoping book two will clear up.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

The Role of Setting in Storytelling: Creating Vivid Worlds
Close your eyes. Imagine your favorite story, recall a cherished fable from childhood, or replay a scene from a top-five film in your mind.
Chances are high that the setting or world-building of that story was one of the first things to take shape in your memory, if not the very first thing. Not only does setting make up the building blocks of any great story or character, it is also what shapes them, sets the tone, and often what makes them unique. Imagine Star Wars without the desert waste of Tatooine, or Lord of the Rings without the enchanting paradise that is Rivendell. How could we properly appreciate the stakes in Dune or Game of Thrones without the historical implications driving the narrative?
The world-building of a story shapes its characters, the plot, and conveys the culture intertwined through it all. It’s as subtle as a meal, and as glaringly obvious as a mythological being spewing prophecies. A story without a clearly defined setting is like a crew without a ship. All the players are there (the crew) ready to sail the ocean (the plot), but without a vessel (the world-building), they are going to flounder, and many will drown. But if your ship is too big and flashy, if it dwarfs the ocean and swallows your characters, that’s not much of a story either. Like most things, crafting a solid setting and weaving the right amount of it into the story is a precarious process. But when done right, it yields excellent results.
Now, I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Tolkien or one of my modern-day favorites, N.K. Jemisin, but I spent a great deal of time crafting the land of Quinaria until I could taste the Beridian Moonlight and dip my toes in the Khitamic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Neharem. I then spent even more time dropping in bits of it here in there, allowing it to shape the narrative, the characters, all while avoiding info-dump mode (or so I hope). What follows is a brief overview of my process and how it shaped my narrative and characters.
The world-building comes first. Now, this is partially a lie because, ultimately, the story idea itself comes first, doesn’t it? That burning question, that spark of a conflict, that character that just won’t leave you alone. However, once I embraced my story idea and sat down to work through it, the first thing I tackled was the world. Without knowing the societal norms and expectations, I couldn’t assess my characters’ dreams and fears. Without understanding the world’s history, I couldn’t determine sources of conflict. Without mapping out the terrain, I couldn’t understand what people ate, how they dressed, how they acted.
I began my process with simple questionnaires I found online, cherry-picking my favorites and throwing them together in a giant Word Doc. Some were as simple as, “are all the inhabitants in your world human?”, while others delved into matters of religion and history. From there, I expanded my brief answers, turning them into essay-style responses that eventually grew into a document the size of a novella. I spent nearly two months world-building alone, and only once I felt comfortable with the world I created did I dare to delve into the story itself. Everyone uses their own approach, but for me, I would’ve never done my story justice without this step.
What I found fascinating, however, is how my world-building continues to grow and change throughout drafts. Even now, as I work on book two, I find myself learning even more about the world. It drives the narrative, and the narrative enriches the world-building. The setting helps me better understand my characters, and my characters teach me more about their world. In a way, world-building is fluid for me. While I must strive to ensure it never contradicts itself, everything within those boundaries is fair game. Every question from a beta reader, every interesting tidbit I read in a non-fiction book or catch in a documentary, adds more depth and more believability. It’s a never-ending process, at least until the series ends. And by doing it organically and allowing it to play off the other storytelling aspects, I believe it inserts itself organically. I didn’t need a prologue dedicated to the history or setting because the story itself is those things, woven into the tapestry of the tale.
But you be the judge. Take a stroll through Quinaria sometime and let me know if you find yourself lost in her. If, for even a moment, I can transport you to an alternative reality, then I’ve done my job. I’ve given you escape from this world so you can better process it through the lens of another.
Until then, farewell.

B. S. H. Garcia is the author of the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. A household manager by day, writer by night, she graduated with honors from The University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. To get into character for her stories, she trudges through the woods in cosplay with a mead-filled drinking horn and has traveled from Oregon to New Zealand seeking inspiration. Visit her online at www.bshgarcia.com. There, you can get your hands on a FREE copy of The Heart of Quinaria prequel novelette, From the Ashes. All she asks for in exchange is your soul.

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Waking the Dragon (RBMC:Cedar Creek TX) by Liberty Parker-review

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Waking the Dragon (RBMC: Cedar Creek TX 3) by Liberty Parker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2023

Dragon is on a mission, one with lives at stake and one he’s taken on with the intention to bring down an organization of wannabe bible thumper’s who should’ve been decimated and disassembled years ago. But as always, the government’s turned a blind eye to their devious activity, so it’s up to him to get the job done. Usually, he can keep his emotions in check when he takes on tasks such as this, but this is connected to one of his own, and he will eliminate his brother’s demons and make sure he lives the rest of his days without looking over his shoulder.

Laney was sold by her father and then was traded like merchandise by that man. Now she’s under the ruling of a cult, they own her in a way no woman should ever be. She’s been given the role of caretaker for the children, she protects them the best she can, but even her best isn’t always good enough. Now the tides have changed and they’ve given her a new assignment, one that makes her sick to her stomach, but if she fights or refuses, they’ll eliminate her, then who will watch over the welfare of the kids?

Both of them are determined to release the horde of unwilling captives whether or not they themselves make it out alive. Will they be successful, or will all of their sacrifices be for nothing?

••••••

REVIEW: WAKING THE DRAGON is the third instalment in Liberty Parker’s contemporary, adult RBMC: CEDAR CREEK dark, erotic, paranormal romance series-a part of the multi-authored RBMC series. This is RBMC Cedar Creek president Keith ‘Dragon’ Muldoon, and Laney’s story line. WAKING THE DRAGON can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one PROPERTY OF WRECKER. Laney is the sister of Harper (books 1 & 2).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dragon and Laney) WAKING THE DRAGON follows in the wake of the rescue of Harper, and the realization all was not well within the ‘religious cult’ known as The Fundamentalists of The Communion. RBMC president Keith ‘Dragon’ Muldoon has gone inside the cult in the hopes of rescuing Harper’s sister Laney but finds himself as part of the breeding program with our story line heroine. Laney knows her time has come, but her ‘spiritual connection’ to Dragon gives Laney a hope for the future. With their ability to talk psychically, Dragon’s ability to stop time and control minds, and Laney’s power to enhance, our couple are determined to forge their own happily ever after but Dragon is desperate for help, and Wrecker is pulling in several members from the other RBMC chapters, in an effort to take down The Fundamentalists of The Communion. What ensues is the building relationship between Dragon and Laney, and the potential fall-out as the cult has several members with psychic powers, and Laney is trapped behind both a physical and a mental wall.

The relationship between Laney and Dragon begins when Laney is ‘assigned’ to breed with our story line hero. Dragon is disgusted with everything The Fundamentalists of The Communion represents but there is a personal connection for the RBMC: Cedar Creek. With the hope of freeing Laney, and the other men, women and children who have been kept prisoner, Dragon must work together with a potential enemy, an enemy who is aware of everything going on. The $ex scenes are dark and raw, as our couple must ‘fake’ taking our heroine by force.

The secondary and supporting characters include fellow MC member Wrecker, as well as the ultimate evil in a supervisor called Driva, as well as security, medical personnel, and several members of The Fundamentalists of The Communion.

WAKING THE DRAGON is a story of power and control, madness and obsession, magic and the supernatural, acceptance, trust and love. The premise is dark, gritty, raw and dramatic-reads a little bit like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’™ with women used for breeding purposes, and nothing more. The characters are desperate and dynamic; the romance is limited to the couple’s psychic connection between forced sexual assaults.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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The Demon’s Fire (Blood Coven 2) by TM Smith-a review

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The Demon’s Fire (Blood Coven 2) by TM Smith-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26, 2023

He’s not her type at all…

He’s a barbarian. Despite his sexy smile and hot body, nothing can smooth the brutish man’s ragged edges. Besides, demons need a daily dose of sex to live. Skyler Maxwell has no intention of becoming his food source.

She’s not his type at all…

She’s a buttoned-up, prissy human with frost in her veins. But Kole is stuck playing tour guide for the chief legal officer while she’s on Scath as a representative of the Alliance. He was told to “play nice.”

They are fire and ice…

With a bullseye on Skyler’s back, Kole is her best chance to stay alive. Trapped in a hostile environment, they survive mystical monsters and treacherous attacks. Despite the perils and their differences, their romance ignites, proving fire and ice are perfect together.

•••••

REVIEW:THE DEMON’S FIRE is the second instalment in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult THE BLOOD COVEN erotic, paranormal/fantasy series. This is human and Chief Legal Officer for the Alliance Skyler Maxwell, and demon Commander Kole’s story line. THE DEMON’S FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds physically separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to control one or all. The Aeternals are the overarching collection of breeds and supernatural species that inhabit the Scath and Darque realms, and the Alliance are the group of humans that monitor all supernatural activity on Earth.

Told from third person perspective, following several paths, and a recitation of journal entries, THE DEMON’S FIRE follows Skyler Maxwell, the Chief Legal Officer for the Alliance since the death of her father, a woman who wants to trace her late father’s journey between Earth and Scath. Requiring a ‘guide’, Skyler is assigned a reluctant male, Commander Kole, the man with whom Skyler will fall in love but a missing page from her father’s journals reveals a questionable journey in the Darque, a journey that will threaten our story line couple.

Meanwhile, the Alliance is continuing to search for any and all descendants of the Blood Coven Ancestry in the hopes of protecting those who may be targeted for their untapped powers. Someone is hoping to use the Blood Coven ancestors to open the portals between Scath and Earth, while someone else is hoping to destroy the Aeternals (the supernaturals) using the powers of the human hybrids. What ensues is the building but contemptuous relationship between Skyler and Kole, and the potential fall-out as betrayal and manipulation place Skyler and Kole in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Skyler and Kole begins acrimoniously as Kole doesn’t want to play tour guide, and Skyler believes she is capable of journeying on her own but Skyler is completely oblivious to the rules, regulations and laws of the supernatural realms, laws that Skyler is often too quick to disobey. As Skyler and Kole begin their journey through Scath and the Dargue, someone else is hunting for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

Like the first book, THE FIREBRAND, there is a large and inordinate number of named and titled secondary and supporting characters: each realm has their own cast of creatures and breeds: vampires, harpies, nymphs, Amazons, witches, warlocks, elves, shifters, beserkers, demons, satyrs, djinn , humans and those humans who have descended from the original Blood Coven. An excel spreadsheet would be required to keep track of the names, character types, titles, and geographical areas.

THE DEMON’S FIRE is another complex, multi-levelled and layered storyline wherein the reader is pulled into a complicated world, divided by magic, portals and creatures of all sorts. The premise is detailed, elaborate, and intricate-the copious number of powerful and dynamic characters, geographical places and titles is often confusing; the romance is dramatic and provocative.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE FIREBRAND

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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