Archive for the ‘Paranormal or fantasy’ Category

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Deep beneath the desert town of Peridot, something evil lurks. 

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The Man Who Dealt in Death

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The Colton Fen Series Book 1

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by Marlena Frank

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Genre: Paranormal Weird Western

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Deep beneath the desert town of Peridot, something evil lurks.

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Werewolf detective Colton Fen is used to strange mysteries, but when he
arrives in Peridot on his latest assignment, he’s less than pleased
to be assigned a partner. Rennick Dalton is a blood-drinking,
illusion-wielding card shark who doesn’t have the best reputation.
The two unlikely partners will have to put aside their differences if
they hope to stop the horrible acts taking place beneath the streets
of Peridot.

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Together with the help of sharp-shooting
actress Mary Silva, they’ll track the demonic creature that
slithers beneath the desert. But the demon is waiting for them. It
wants to turn them into one of its many disturbing minions — or add
them to its grotesque collection.

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Step into a dangerous
and fantastic world set in the old west of 1893, where supernatural
creatures and unexplainables live alongside cowboys and gunslingers.
THE MAN WHO DEALT IN DEATH is Book One of the COLTON FEN series.

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Colton hated waiting rooms. He didn’t enjoy sitting in a cage while someone more important carved out time to see him. It always rubbed him the wrong way and made him feel unimportant. It didn’t help that waiting rooms were for things he didn’t enjoy, such as seeing a doctor, being suspected of a robbery, or, in this case, meeting his new boss.

He drummed his fingers on the edge of the table beside him, ignoring the sweat marks left behind on the thick varnish. The room was full of chestnut furniture that smelled freshly polished. The oily scent clung to the back of his throat. It wasn’t that strong to humans, but to werewolves, it was a mild form of torture. He tried to keep his leg from bouncing.

The heavy door at the end of the room opened and a tall man with dark, umber skin emerged. He wore an immaculate tan suit, quite rich, which was strange for someone who worked at the Agency.

“Mr. Fen,” he said with a wide smile, “sorry to keep you waiting. Come on in. I just have a few more things to finish before we can talk.”

Colton rolled to his feet, removed his Stetson hat, and wiped his sweaty hand on his duster coat before shaking the man’s hand. His new boss’s wealth had taken him off guard, but it was Colton’s inability to figure out what he was that made him uncomfortable. Almost every member of the Agency was some kind of supernatural being. He wasn’t a werewolf, and he didn’t smell like a vampire. Colton didn’t have an inexplicable sense of dread come over him, so he couldn’t be a wendigo, either. Nothing about him seemed unusual, and that normality made Colton uneasy. He was just a rich human who was far more put together than Colton.

“Not a problem, sir. I’ve got nowhere to be,” he said.

His new boss chuckled. “It’s good to meet you in person. Grady speaks highly of you.”

“I’m surprised. Grady doesn’t speak highly of anyone. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Tep.”

“Please, call me Mekhu.” He gestured into his office. “Why don’t you come in and take a seat?”

Colton had the strange sensation of walking into a sacred space when he stepped through the threshold. While the waiting room smelled of buffed oils, this place was the exact opposite. The window was open, letting in the sounds of the bustling city below along with all the scents that came with it. Beneath the city smells of horses and the occasional automobile, some unusual ones lay just below the surface. It was difficult to resist openly sniffing the air. He wandered away from the open window and toward the bookshelves. There were some books, but what caught his eye were the trinkets sitting on a low shelf, intended to be missed by casual guests.

Little jars stood with various animal heads on top used as lids. One was a cat, another might have been a bird with a long beak. Colton was no historian, but he could tell they were ancient. He squatted down to look more closely at an ornamental human skull in the back, but he suspected there was more to it.

“Are you an anthropologist, Mr. Tep?” Colton asked.

Mr. Tep sat at his desk rifling through paperwork, and looked up to give a wide smile. “I see you’ve found my collection.”

Colton stood up straight and put his hands into the pockets of his coat. “I guess that’s where you got the money from, selling off whatever you stole from those tombs in Egypt?”

He laughed. “You’re mistaken, Mr. Fen. I’ve never stolen once in my life, merely claimed what was mine.”

Colton smirked. “I guess one man’s otherworldly riches are another man’s property.”

Mekhu pursed his lips. “The Agency for the Betterment of Supernatural Creatures: we employ the skills and knowledge of many shades of the supernatural, as you know, Mr. Fen. That also means that it doesn’t take much to offend.”

It took Colton a minute to realize he had said something wrong, and he hadn’t even sat down yet. “Sorry, sir.”

Mekhu smiled again. “Why don’t we just do what’s best for both of us and start over? How does that sound?”

He swallowed down the lump in his throat and settled down in the seat opposite his new boss. “My apologies. I have a bad habit of poking around too much.”

Mehku laced his fingers together. “Always the detective, I see. I understand your compulsion, Mr. Fen, but it’s that attitude that will end up getting you killed on assignment in the Agency. You need more tact.”

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

 

I started where so many authors start, with fanfiction. I wrote a bunch in junior high, high school, and into college. It was an escape from my rigorous degree program and a fun way to make friends. In 2010, I had the idea for a standalone short story, so I wrote it and tried to get it published. I didn’t really expect anything to come of it, but it was picked up by a small press called Short-Story.Me and was even included in their paperback collection. It was the first time I was paid for plucking a story out of my head and putting it down on paper. My friends had always told me I was a good writer, but it was in that moment that I thought maybe, just maybe, I could write books.

 

Invigorated, I tried my hand at writing novel-length pieces. I enjoyed fanfiction competitions that aimed at long stories. So, I tried doing NaNoWriMo and ended up finishing with a 50,000-word book. It was a rough draft and has never seen the light of day, but it was the impetus I needed. From there, I started writing regularly. I continued to find homes for my short stories and kept trying to write longer pieces. I eventually got picked up by Radiant Crown Publishing, now known as Aurelia Leo, for my novella, The She-Wolf of Kanta. It was an amazing experience.

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Back when I was writing fanfiction, I really didn’t consider myself a writer. I wrote for fun. Even when I first published a short story, I knew I was a writer, but I didn’t really feel like it. It wasn’t until I had my novella published by Radiant Crown Publishing in 2018 that I felt like a writer. There was something about seeing a book with only my name on it as the author that really made it feel real. That is an awesome feeling every single time I get a book of mine in my hands.

 

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I’ve been told that a lot of my books have a cinematic quality to them! The Man Who Dealt in Death is one that has frequently gotten that commentary from early reviewers. There’s something about the Old West in 1893 with werewolves, vampires, and gunslingers that really lends itself to film.

 

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

The literary pilgrimages I’ve made were never intentional. I was visiting with family in Austin, Texas when I came across the tiny home of O. Henry. I was amazed because I used to love his short stories when I was in school, and it was remarkable to see it in real life. More recently I got to visit Peggy’s Cove up in Canada and was inspired to write a book about a lone lighthouse. I had no idea that inspiration would happen when I visited, but the story idea bit me and wouldn’t let go. I’m hoping that will be a novel that comes out sometime in 2025.

What inspired you to write this book?

I first wrote Night Feeders, the novella prequel to The Man Who Dealt in Death, back in 2011. The westerns I loved growing up included The Quick and the Dead, Wild, Wild West, and Maverick. I had this image of a werewolf detective roaming the Old West with a mission: to solve the case he was handed. After I wrote that short, this story came to me in a rush. I could clearly see the characters, the big baddie, and the world spread out, and I hammered out the first draft in a month. It was amazing, I’ve never written so intensely before. It’s so exciting to finally see it out in the world.

 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I just love how fun it is! The characters crack jokes even when the situation is dire, the world is always packed full of danger and interesting turns. The story is just an entertaining, romantic, and exciting page-turner from start to finish. It’s a blast to read and it was pure fun to write.

 

Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

I tend to have story beats that I follow as I write stories, but mostly I let the characters lead the way. They choose the dialogue, they come up with the romantic interests, and they ultimately decide how we get to those main story beats. It feels like a more fluid way of letting the story come to me. Of course, it does require me getting a good handle of the characters first, and that can sometimes take time. But once I get that part figured out, the story tends to flow.

 

What are some of the exciting aspects of The Man Who Dealt in Death?

My main protagonist is Colton Fen, a detective working for the Agency for the Betterment of Supernatural Creatures, or ABOSC. He’s a reluctant werewolf and although he’s in his 40s and has been through some tough cases, he’s still relatively new to being part of the agency. Meanwhile, his new partner, Rennick Dalton, is a vampire illusionist and a card shark. He is way more outgoing than Colton and he’s more comfortable in his supernatural skin. They have a rocky start working together and it takes them time to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They have a “buddy cop” relationship that evolves throughout the book. It’s a lot of fun to see how they start to respect each other and rely on each other more as the stakes get higher.

 

Have you written anything else in this world?

You can find the novella, Night Feeders, that’s in this same world. It’s the prequel to this novel. It’s a glimpse into Colton working on his own with a vicious sheriff in an Old West town. He makes some big mistakes and you really see how he would be helped with a partner, even if it’s a reluctant one. Night Feeders is a great way to get introduced to the world, the supernatural elements, and step into the Old West of the Colton Fen series. During the release of The Man Who Dealt in Death, you can pick up Night Feeders for a limited time at a discount. So if this sounds like a fun read, go grab your copy and dive into the story that inspired this book.

 

Do you have any fun facts about this book?

I have a whole series of books planned for this world. I see these books as comic book style adventures that can be read on their own or read in a series. You’ll get to see the characters progress by reading them in order, but you can also read them on their own for individual adventures. Readers I’ve described this series to have said it sounds a lot like The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher as well, which was high praise to me.

 

What kind of research did you do while writing this book?

While this series isn’t purely historical, I’ve done a lot of research to ensure it’s as accurate as possible for the Old West. I’ve found a lot of interesting facts about what clothing was worn, the way women were treated, and the way gun holsters were worn. I even found old train maps, city maps, and estimates of travel time back then. So while this series isn’t what I would call historically accurate, there are werewolves and vampires for example, it’s got a lot of historical flavoring. I worked hard to create that historical immersion with a supernatural flair.

 

What are your favorite genres to read?

I read a bunch of different genres including biographies, popular science, fantasy, horror, fantasy romance, mysteries, women’s literature, true crime, comic books, and graphic novels. I have a hard time settling down to specific genres. I want to read all of them. I tend to read a bunch of different books at once too, hopping between each one.

 

Do you write one book at a time, or do you have several going at a time?

I wish I could say that I focus on writing a single book and that’s all I put my focus on. I would probably be a faster writer if I did that. However, I don’t. I tend to have a main book that I’m working on, but I’ll also be working on some short stories, or working on writing a novel on my phone while on the go. I’ll get an idea and jot it down in my notes app or in my notebook so I don’t lose it. I’ll be brainstorming the world for a new book while working on actively writing a current one. I don’t have a reason for it, it’s just how my creative brain works.

 

Pen or typewriter or computer?

My preferred writing method is with a fountain pen and a nice lined journal. I have a few Metropolitan fountain pens that I love and a variety of inks. I try to use different color inks for different novels and worlds because it helps me since I write across so many novels at once. I feel like writing by hand forces me to get the story down, to create the dialogue, and not get caught up in scenes I want to add in later or anything like that. Especially on a rough draft. It helps me get the story down on paper, and even if it needs a lot of work, it at least gets the story started.

 

I tend to flush that out a bunch when I transcribe it onto a computer. I use Scrivener so I can easily add new scenes and keep track of shifting POVs. But having that first draft written by hand really helps me focus on just getting the story down. I do write some directly into Scrivener or when I’m travelling on my phone, but those tend to be more snippets than full-length novels. I have to turn those into more fleshed out stories later, but it’s great to have that flexibility when I don’t have the time or the ability to write long-hand.

Describe your writing style.

Character-driven stories are my favorites. I love seeing how characters evolve and where they take the story. I focus on fluid dialogue and realistic actions for the characters. I also tend to really have immersive world-building. In my fantasy books, the world-building is one of my favorite aspects, and of course even in the Old West fantasy world of The Man Who Dealt in Death, I can’t help but keep some very detailed world-building.

 

What advice would you give new authors?

There are a ton of ways to get discouraged when you’re first starting out as an author. Between all the rejections and the steep climb to get noticed by readers, there are a bunch of times you’ll want to give up. That’s perfectly normal, and I also got beaten down by that for a couple of years where I questioned if I wanted to continue my journey to become an author. I realized the stories kept coming even if I doubted myself.  Even if gatekeepers have you questioning yourself, don’t give up. Keep writing. There are so many ways to get your work into the world today. Find what works best for you and your writing. Hold on to that. Don’t let go and don’t give up. The world needs your writing.

 

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading several books right now (which is no surprise to anyone). I’m reading Malorie by Josh Malerman, The Story Girl by L.M. Montgomery, the Batman Arkham: Scarecrow comic book, and I’m re-reading Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. That last one is a slow read for me since I haven’t read it since I was in Junior High. I also loved Bird Box by Josh Malerman when it came out years ago and Malorie is fantastic so far. I have to pace myself with it because it’s an intense read.

 

How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends. Sometimes I can knock out a rough draft really quick, and sometimes it takes years. While I knocked out the first draft of The Man Who Dealt in Death in a month, it’s taken me over a decade before it will see the light of day. Some books I can draft and finish up in six months or so. I try to have around two books come out every year, but sometimes that’s just not possible due to personal things going on in my life. Like this year, The Man Who Dealt in Death is my only book release, which is fine for me. It really just depends.

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Marlena Frank is the author of young adult fantasy and horror novels, short
stories, novellas, and book series. Many of her books have hit the
bestseller charts, including her debut novel, Stolen.
Readers’ Favorite has praised several of her books with 5-star
reviews. Reader’s House awarded her book, The Seeking,
with the Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence in May 2024.
De Mode of Literature Magazine featured her in November 2021. Her
stories have appeared in anthologies such as The Darkest Lullaby,
Emporium of Superstition, Heroic Fantasy Quarterly, Georgia Gothic,
and The Librarian Reshelved.

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Although born in Tennessee, Marlena has spent most of her life in Georgia. She
has various professional memberships, including the Atlanta chapter
of the Horror Writers Association and the Science Fiction and Fantasy
Writers Association. She enjoys cosplaying, gaming, and spoiling her
adopted cats. Her drink of choice is a dairy-free chai latte. As a
wildlife enthusiast, she can share a plethora of weird animal facts
and talk about her favorite cryptids.

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$10 Amazon gift card.

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ebook of Night Feeders by Marlena Frank.

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Maya’s tale is not one for the faint of heart.

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The Forgotten

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The White Wolf Saga Book 1

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by Christine Barker

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Genre: Epic Paranormal Fantasy Romance

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 Maya’s tale is not one for the faint of heart. Her people are ripped
from their homes on their island and thus become refugees on their
land. This tale talks about the brutal truths about being a prisoner
of war. This tale has helped those who have difficulties facing their
trauma and can slowly start their healing process due to the
monstrosities Maya has gone through at the hands of a madman,
Jericho.

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A voice cried out for his warriors to be silent, and that was when I noticed the man on the horse was the same one who pleaded for his life in front of me moments ago. He rode out several paces into the battlefield.

“Intruder….” he cried out. “Won’t you give me the same courtesy I have given you? Meet me in the middle of the battlefield to discuss your surrender. A woman is not fit to fight in a war.” Phoenix said.

“I will not surrender to you… or any other human.” I spat.

I scanned the lines of his army. Only men were amongst them, not a single woman was there on the battlefield. I never understood why their kind treated women differently like they were lesser than men. A slight growl escaped my lips.

“Such a pity, wasting a great-looking specimen like yourself on something as ugly as death.” Phoenix paused. “No matter… I would have killed you myself had you surrendered. I do not pity your kind.”

“That’s funny. That’s not what Jericho would have said,” I countered.

“Soldiers! Take arms.” He cried out. He unsheathed his sword and raised it to the sky. With a kick to his horse, Phoenix headed to the end of his army’s line and clashed his sword against their spears.

The Hunters dropped their shields to form a shield wall for the ones who carried spears and swords. I saw the archers lined up behind the weapon holders as they drew their bows and awaited the final command for the battle to begin.

I turned my head towards my people and nodded, then averted my gaze back towards the enemy. My soldiers began to take their armor off. This caused a stir amongst his men. I could hear laughing from the other side, with shouts of “What is she thinking?” “if she wants an easy battle, so be it.” They had no idea what was in store for them. They didn’t know it was hard to shift in armor. Clothes we could easily destroy, but metal hindered our shift.

“Start the march slowly, and once you hear my call, shift.” I prompted.

I looked down at Ahar, right into his smoky gray eyes, and nodded my approval to begin the battle. My front line bent down in a slow arch in what looked like a sprinter’s starting position. There wasn’t fear on their faces; their lips curled in disgust as they snarled and snapped in their human forms, and their wolf spirits were ready to let loose.

Ahar began a battle cry that rattled the Earth. It made my heart swell with pride, knowing I had him and others like him who wouldn’t question me. In unison, my front line started to trot towards the onslaught that was about to begin. The Hunters tightened their lines, with their shields up and spears out. Archers were still at the ready.

I closed my eyes and looked to find the heated core within me. A slight burning sensation spread to my toes. I smiled; I knew what was about to happen next.

With my eyes still closed, I could feel the freezing air trying to prick at my body. Nothing could stop what would happen next as I found this burning desire within my soul to find my other half. My snow-white wolf looked at me with bliss on her face. She had waited for me to finally release her. She was ready. I caressed her muzzle, and it began. My body was set ablaze, with a fire that burned every inch of me. But this time, I let every inch slowly give in to my indomitable wolf.

I looked out with my wolf sight and saw my front line start their advance faster. With everybody’s eyes on me, I opened my mouth and howled so deafeningly that the enemy dropped most of their formation, along with their weapons, to cover their ears.

With the archers disarmed, my front line shifted, one after the other, into a multitude of colored wolves and struck the enemy line with full force.

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The Awakening

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The White Wolf Saga Book 2

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Maya’s tale is not one for the faint of heart. This is the second book in
the series, showing how she has changed from the battered person she
needed to be to stay alive and into a warrior for her people. She
travels across the island in search of her people in the refugee camp
and, along the way, discovers her soul mate, who helps her with her
PTSS episodes. She has more to face before the Humans are rid of
Nagule Island.

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Kings, Queens, & Kingdoms,
the Nagule Wolves led a prosperous life until one unfateful day, it
all came crashing down, leaving the human wolf-shifters on the brink
of extinction. Nagules are at war with Hunters, humans who want total
domination of their kind.

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A looming threat of Hunters
awaits them, and it is up to one queen to fight and lead her people
to survival.

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Book One of The White Wolf
Saga: The Forgotten begins the fantastical epic of love, war,
betrayal, and survival.

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The Retaliation

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The White Wolf Saga Book 3

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Maya’s back with her final adventure. Rouge refugees have entered the
fortified Fortress and have brought havoc and chaos to the growing
population. Maya must do whatever is necessary to protect herself and
her people from extinction, even if that means accepting Niju’s help
and possibly causing harm to her future lineage.

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Meanwhile, the Hunters are
plotting against the Nagules and will do anything to ensure they wipe
out the Nagule population.

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This is the final tale upon
Maya’s island in the White Wolf Saga. There are trials and desparate
moves needed to keep their people alive. Does Maya have what it takes
to keep her reign alive?

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 Christine Barker is a Christian, full time mom, a medical prior
authorization specialist, and best friend of a fully supportive
husband. Currently living in rural Ohio, her husband and two children
help assist in taking care of the animals on their small farm. With
her love of the outdoors, she always tries to find new ways to engage
her children in playing in the dirt and making memories.

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She grew up being told to pursue a career towards cooking, but ventured
towards the love of reading anywhere she was able. During the
elementary years, there was a section carved out for creative
writing, and it was her favorite part of the day. A blank slate was
carved each day for her imagination to grow in unexpected ways. When
not writing, her favorite pastime is watching her children become
more independent and learning new skills.

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Website
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Matchmaking monsters, one heart at a time.

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A Stunner For the Sasquatch

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Monster Match Book 2

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by Rose Kent

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Genre: Paranormal Romance

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In the
enchanted Arcane Forest, Wilder Thornheart, Sasquatch king, seeks a
bride through Kate Halloway’s Monster Match agency. But his heart
belongs to Cassie, Kate’s assistant, and their love grows despite his
impending marriage to someone else.

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But when Cassie puts herself in
harm’s way, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens not only
their business but Wilder’s entire kingdom. As tensions rise and
danger looms, Kate, Trent, and Wilder must work together to unravel
the mystery and save Cassie.

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As they race against time, they
discover the dark secrets of the Arcane Forest and the peril it
holds. Will they be able to uncover the truth and protect the kingdom
before it’s too late?

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Excerpt from Chapter 2:

 

The sasquatch kept his promise, and he returned as the sun began to cast tall shadows over the city. “Good evening, ladies. Please call me Renault, I’m the King’s personal attendant.” His bushy eyebrows arched over his amber eyes as he spoke. He was much less menacing without his mysterious air. However, he still stood at least two feet taller than us, his fur a chestnut brown that covered his head and neck dipping below his shirt. “Follow me. The king is eager to meet with you.”

“My business partner, Cassie, is coming along as well. Will that be okay with you and the king?”

He nodded his head and took off down the street. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, trying to boost my confidence as it wavered. Cassie slipped her hand into mine and we followed.

I was Kate Halloway, potion master and entrepreneur. I could handle one Sasquatch king. Couldn’t I?

Renault guided us through a magical labyrinth of secret passageways and alleys, turning in impossible ways. The buildings around us shifted into fantastical shapes, as if enchanted by an unseen force. Cassie gasped behind me. It was clear she was equally as shocked, but from the smile on her face, I knew she was enjoying every moment, as was I.

After padding through a narrowing dark tunnel, we emerged into the Arcane Forest illuminated by the moon’s soft glow. It was much later in the woods than it was in Denny Bay. Some sort of shift in time, which didn’t surprise me I’ve read of such differences in the witch handbook outlining the realms.

Cassie’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Wow. This is really something.” She said while taking in our surroundings. Trees as tall as twenty-story buildings were woven with vines, olive-colored moss and limbs which sagged with white flowers that made the tree appear like it was wearing a skirt. The castle itself resembled an old, Victorian-style home we were used to seeing near along the coast. But this one was enormous. Each window was black-rimmed, with light flickering behind the panes. It would be a bit eerie if I stumbled upon this location alone, but instead I found it beautiful.

Our path led us to a set of steep granite stairs. We followed Renault as his boots clapped against the steps. As we approached the entrance, a set of tall, heavy-looking doors swung open on their own, enticing us to enter.

Renault gallantly bowed his head, extending his hand to lead us through the palace’s threshold, with a courteous invitation of, “After you, ladies.”

The grand entrance was furnished with shimmering crystals that refracted the moonlight, casting a rainbow of colors across the smooth surfaces of the room. Renault led us down a hallway to a room where the king sat, his silver crown glistening as he raised a hand in greeting.

Cassie gulped as she took in the room, her eyes landing on the king. “Wow,” she whispered. For the first time since I’d known Cassie, I would say the sight of the king had her momentarily speechless.

 

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A Wife for the Werewolf

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Monster Match Book 1

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 After inheriting her grandmother’s business, Potion Palace, witch
Kate Halloway struggles to keep it afloat. In a bold move inspired by
the booming world of online matchmaking, she and her best friend
Cassie launch Monster Match, a dating service for supernatural
beings, hoping to boost sales.

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But when their first
client, alpha werewolf Trent Everwood, finds success with their help,
a rival coven creates their own competing service using Kate’s potion
recipes. To make matters worse, a death occurs at one of their
events. Kate becomes a prime suspect and must fight to clear Monster
Match’s name.

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Trent also has his hands full as humans
start breaking treaty laws and trespassing on pack lands. And just
when things couldn’t get any more complicated, a match between him
and Kate threatens the stability of their lives. Can they save
Monster Match from scandal and protect the Potion Palace?

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**Get it FREE 8/6 & 8/7 !!**

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Chapter 1

Kate

 

Adulting… the bane of my existence. I didn’t imagine myself saddled with so much financial responsibility before thirty. I pondered my current situation while seated at the small desk in the back of the Potion Palace, my grandmother’s shop, surrounded by stacks of bills and a calculator perched precariously atop them. This was my least favorite part of running a business—the constant battle of making ends meet and trying to stay afloat. I vowed when I inherited this business, I’d do everything in my power to make it succeed.

 

I groaned into my lukewarm tea as the bell above the door jangled, making me jump. Looking up from the ledger where I keep all my expenses, I watched Cassie burst into the shop with far too much energy for this early in the morning. Waving my fingers above my cup, I chanted a warming spell to add some oomph to my morning pick-me-up.

 

Dust swirled in the air behind Cassie’s hurried movements. Her dark hair was pulled back in a hasty ponytail, strands escaping to frame her face. “You didn’t call me on the way into work this morning. What’s wrong?”

I watched in awe as Cassie pinned me with an intense stare, all while pulling the dusting cloth from under the register and wiping down the ancient bottles that lined the shelves. Cobwebs stuck to her cloth, but she kept moving. Cassie was a hurricane, an unstoppable force, especially when she fretted over things, which was often.

“Cassie, what are you doing?” I asked, taking another sip of my morning tea.

“Inventory,” she answered without pausing, her tone clipped. Another bottle, another swipe of the cloth. Her movements were mechanical, almost robotic. “If you’re mad at me, just tell me, Kate.”

I stepped around the corner and placed my hand on her shoulder. “Cassie, I’m not mad at you. I’m also not giving you the silent treatment,” I smirked, trying to hide my grin. “I’m conflicted.”

“Conflicted about what? I know when you are off, and it’s obvious.” Her blue eyes scanned the room like she was looking for a clue.

“Cass,” I finally said, trying to force a smile. “Business has been slow, as you know. The reason I didn’t call this morning is because I was occupied with the bank. I currently owe them two months’ rent.”

Cassie raised an eyebrow as she leaned against the counter, her posture relaxing but her gaze sharp. “It’s the weather. Spring in this area is drab at best. Who would want to shop?” Cassie continued to ramble on. “Summer is our busy season. We should prepare for that.”

I smiled, appreciating Cassie’s interpretation of the situation. But even her attempt at explaining away the lack of business fell flat as she resumed dusting and organizing, moving a jar of eye of newt a fraction to the left.

She wasn’t wrong. This lazy, coastal New England beach town was always busier in the summer and fall. Before long, tourists would come strolling in, talking animatedly about the lighthouse and the delicious lobster rolls they had for lunch. In the meantime, I needed to be patient and find a way to make some money.

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Step into the supernatural
world crafted by Rose Kent, me, the daring alter ego of a passionate
science teacher, devoted mom, and proud pet owner. Within my
paranormal, fantasy romance stories you will find a fiery mix of
lust, love, and magic. I work hard to weave vivid tales of forbidden
love, uncomfortable angst, pulse-pounding action, and otherworldly
creatures that will keep you hooked from the very first page. Come
join me on a wild ride through the realm of the supernatural, where
passion and the unknown collide to create a truly magical reading
experience.

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Website
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

.

 

Meet Rue Channing. She’s just the witch to finish what her ancestors started.

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Rue the Slay

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Laurel Haven Witches Book 1

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by ReGina Welling

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Genre: Paranormal Women’s Fiction

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.

 

 Three hundred years ago, four

.
witches went into the forest to cast a spell of protection against

.
the evil creeping into their town but they were too late.

.

Today, Rue Channing never sees it coming, and she should because seeing is
her special power. Still, who would have expected to be kidnapped and
hauled off to a small coastal town in Maine?

.

But that is exactly what happened. Now, Rue, a lover of order and strict
routines, is dragged out of her comfort zone and into a new life in
the small, coastal town of Laurel Haven.

.

Things could not be worse, she thinks, until she meets the man next door and decides
they could. Ry McFadden is the most infuriating man on the planet.
He’s a study in contrasts; grumpy yet generous, intensely private,
but somehow open. Rue can’t think what to do with him, except she
can, and that just makes things worse.

.

The problem is, Ry McFadden just might be part of Rue’s destiny as she learns she’s
been brought to Laurel Haven to finish what her ancestors started.

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Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Google
* Kobo *
Bookbub
* Goodreads

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“Excuse me. I don’t think that area’s for paying customers.”

The man’s voice sounded like Alan Rickman and Benedict Cumberbatch had a baby but without the British accent. He could read me a bedtime story, Rue thought as the deep tones shivered across the air.

“No worries. I’m not planning to pay for anything.”

“Get back here,” he called out when she took another step.

Dismissing that, Rue waggled her fingers over one shoulder but kept going and caught Tansy pulling another sheet of cookies out of a professional oven that Rue knew damn well she couldn’t afford. How much debt had Tansy racked up in a single morning?

Still, the scents of sugar and butter set Rue’s stomach grumbling. “You’re hired if you want the job. I have no idea how to run a bookstore, but if you stay on, I guess we’ll figure it out between us, so I’d like to make it official. Providing we don’t go out of business in a week because I can’t afford the stock or that stove. Or the ingredients in those cookies come to that.”

Grinning—did the woman ever not smile?—Tansy did a little two-step, bobbled the cookie sheet, then set it on the stainless worktable. “Not to worry. We’ll talk about the finances later.” With practiced speed, she transferred warm cookies to a lined display tray. “I have a customer waiting for these.” Picking up the tray, Tansy headed out, leaving Rue to follow.

“You mean Mr. Grumpy?” She kept her voice low since Tansy was nearly out of hearing distance anyway. The woman moved like lightning.

“They’re still warm,” Tansy was saying when Rue came up behind her. “You came in at just the right time.”

Mr. Grumpy turned a million-watt smile on her and accepted the cookie Tansy offered, but his expression hardened when he turned toward Rue. “I’m not sure how they do things where you’re from, but in Laurel Haven, customers know enough to stay on this side of the counter.”

“Oh, but—“

Rue cut Tansy off. “I’m glad to hear it, but I believe I’ve already mentioned I’m not a customer. My name is Rue, and this is my shop, so if it’s okay with you, I’ll go anywhere I please.”

“You’re one of…them.” He nodded toward Tansy. “That explains some things.” His hazel eyes searched her face as if looking for validation of something she didn’t quite understand. He offered his hand when she came out from behind the pastry case. Steeling herself for what she might see, Rue took it. It wouldn’t bode well for her business if she ran off potential customers. Even ones like him.

The vision of him armed with a sword, his eyes blazing black, and riding a dark horse through misty woods slid across Rue’s mind, bringing with it a bone-deep sense of recognition. Here was the figure that had haunted her most romantic dreams come to life.

“I suppose I am,” she said.

“Then, I guess I’m your new neighbor. I live upstairs.”

“You have more than that in common.” After popping two cookies in a bag, Tansy joined them.

“I can’t imagine what,” Rue muttered. This man was clearly an outlaw of some sort. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have seen what she’d seen. He certainly looked the part with dark hair falling recklessly over his furrowed brow, eyes narrowed, and lips that might have been kissable if they weren’t set in a stern line. Even annoyed, Rue had to admit, he packed a hell of a punch.

He wasn’t Rue’s type at all. Not one little bit.

Grinning, Tansy made the introductions by pointing and naming them in turn. “Ry. Rue.”

Okay, now Rue understood. They lived in the same building and had names that sounded sort of similar. As far as common ground went, she figured theirs was roughly the size of a postage stamp. The man put her hackles up even when he wasn’t talking.

“Ry?” she said, unable to help herself. “What’s that short for? Wait, let me guess. It’s Ryder, right?” A wicked smile tugged at her lips. “Ryder…Storm. That’s it, isn’t it? Or maybe it’s Ryder Strong. Either one sounds like the perfect name for an urban cowboy with a hero complex.”

Where had that come from? Rue considered herself a circumspect woman, but everything about this day brought out the worst side of her tongue.

“The name’s McFadden, ma’am,” he drawled and tucked his thumbs into his belt. “Ryland McFadden at your service, but you can go ahead and call me Ryder if it helps you feel better.” He cocked his head to the side. “What’s Rue short for? Wait. Let me guess. It’s Rudella, isn’t it? Like Cinderella, only meaner.”

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.

.

ReGina Welling prefers not to talk about herself in the third person so…

.

I live in Maine with my husband, a silly flufferpup named Dash, and a
crazy cat named Cricket. I write full time and also create mixed
media artwork when I get the chance.

.

When I was three, my mom brought home a new book and when she went to read
it to me, I read it to her instead. That was when she realized I’d
learned to read. Since then I couldn’t even estimate the number of
books I’ve read. It’s a lot!

.

I love talking to other readers so please visit me in any one of these
various places and don’t forget to let me know you stopped by!

.

Website
* Facebook
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* Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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~~~~~

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

.

 His inheritance may lead to his death, unless a magical caretaker can save them both.

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Cordelia Manor

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A Haunted Hearts Series Book

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by Adam J. Ridley

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Genre: LGBTQ M/M Paranormal Romance

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His inheritance may lead to his death, unless a magical caretaker can
save them both.

.

Evan inherits a mysterious manor house that’s filled with restless spirits and Cary is the
manor’s magical caretaker charged with managing them.

.

When the two meet, they unwittingly become the target of one of the manor’s most vengeful
ghosts.

.

Despite the dangers, a passionate and deep love blossoms between them. Will that love be
enough to protect them as they unravel Cordelia Manor’s secrets, or
will the past repeat itself, destroying them and all they’ve built
together?

.

Cordelia Manor is part of the Haunted Hearts series.

.

Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance
Series about love and the things go boo in the night. Join us on our
romantic journeys over 10 books from some of your favorite authors!
Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of
falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life!
Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone
deserves the HEA!

.

Amazon
* Goodreads

.

**Check out the rest of the Haunted Hearts Series!**

.

 

.

Find them on Amazon

.

 

 

After years of writing romance under the pen name Blake Allwood, I decided
to pursue my other genre passion, fantasy and science fiction. Adam
J. Ridley is the reality of that pursuit.
.

My husband of 28 years and I have had an adventurous life. We’ve had many businesses, we’ve
raised over twelve foster children, two of which we adopted, and had
at least two professional careers.

.

To say we are people who seek experiences is an understatement.

.

As I’ve grown older, my passions seem to be better reflected in my imagination. Fantasy,
urban fantasy, and science fiction all allow me to escape into
worlds that transcend life. I’ve always been a major lover of
fantasy writing and started reading it at a rather young age.

.

My husband and I travel full-time now in our RV (caravan for those not in the United States.)
We’ve been doing this since 2017 and y’all, we love it.

.

Please join me on Facebook, and other social media sites. I work hard to be easily accessible to my
readers, cause you all are the reason for all the lovely work!

.

Website
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Amazon
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Follow the reveal HERE  for special content and a giveaway!

.

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

.

The Gods may think they own the fire soldiers, but they have no idea of
the inferno that’s coming.

.

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Fire Soldier

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Throne of Gods Book 1

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by J.A. Culican

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Genre: Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

.

The
Gods may think they own the fire soldiers, but they have no idea of
the inferno that’s coming.

I was born from Ares with the
fire given to him from his one true love. Though the Gods imprisoned
him as punishment for loving a woman that wasn’t his, he forged a
kingdom from the flames and made his children his soldiers.

Now that Ares is gone, the Gods
will stop at nothing to control the Kingdom of Fire and all who
inhabit it. But I was created to fight, so, in Ares name I’ll avenge
his murder and reduce them all to ashes for what they have done to my
family.

The only problem is, my
brethren don’t fully understand what’s at stake, so I’m on my
own fighting a battle with a cursed trait no one knows about. When
Karim, a half centaur/half siren and my sworn enemy since birth takes
my side as I stand up to the Gods, I’m torn, but without anyone
else to help save the fire soldiers, I have to accept help from my
age old rival, with secrets of his own.

I might not like it, but he’s
the only thing between my eternal servitude and scorching the earth
with the bones of the Gods that enslave us. We are coming for the
thrones of the Gods, and I’m not going to let anything stand in my
way. Between us, we’ll set the heavens ablaze and watch the ashes
fall.

If you love Game of Thrones,
Greek mythology and enemies to lovers romance that’s guaranteed to
have your heart set to slow burn, grab book one of this sizzling
fantasy series now.

Bonus anime character art included in all formats.

.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

.

.

God Slayer

.

Throne of Gods Book 2

.

The gods have reigned in wickedness for too long. My brethren and
I will take their thrones—even if it means tearing everything
apart.

.

No one said that saving the world from the evil
Olympians would be easy. Our losses are beyond number, and our
peoples have been forced to endure unimaginable suffering. Every day,
it becomes harder for the common folk to hold on, to envision a
brighter future.

And to make matters worse, the evil gods
show no signs of backing down. The Olympians are converging on a new
vacuum of power, and the stage has been set for a massive battle in
the fortified city of Caepernus—a battle that will take everything
we’ve got. Will the walls of the city hold? Can we muster up the
manpower to drive back the mighty armies of Olympus?

Truth
is, we don’t have a choice but to succeed. If we fail, all will be
lost.

Even in the destruction and chaos, I’m finding more
and more to love and defend, though. Battle has a way of drawing
people together, and close-knit friendships are budding even as we
face these incredible odds. Strange as it may seem, in times of war
love may grow between former enemies…

Fans of Game of
Thrones, Greek mythology and love against all odds are sure to devour
God Slayer! If you’ve been looking for an action-packed,
enemies-to-lovers romance, you won’t want to miss this sizzling
tale!

Bonus anime character art in every format!

.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

.

.

Cursed Warrior

.

Throne of Gods Book 3

.

The war is coming to a close. But who will prevail?

.

My
brethren and I have given everything to destroy the rule of the old
gods, but the victory is not yet won. The remaining powers of Olympus
have their sights set on us, and the clash we’re preparing for will
shake the world to its very foundations.

And just when
things couldn’t get any more dangerous, our efforts are interrupted
by a vile betrayal.

The traitor in our midst threatens to
destroy the powerful bond between me and my brethren, and to give
scheming Apollo exactly what he needs to ruin us. More than that,
this betrayal could lead to the death of the one I love most before
our romance even has a chance to take root.

Dispirited and
exhausted, we have no choice but to pull through, and to prepare for
the largest battle the world has ever seen. Snatching the thrones
from the remaining Olympians will take us to the very limits of our
strength, and it’s possible that we won’t make it out alive. There
are no guarantees, even for a daughter of Ares…

If we
don’t do it, no one will. And if we can’t succeed, then no one
can.

Cursed Warrior is sure to thrill and delight readers
looking for a simmering enemies-to-friends romance. Fans of Game of
Thrones and Greek myths won’t want to miss the pulse-pounding action
and mind-blowing twists of this third installment!

Bonus anime character art in every format!

.

.

Captured King

.

Throne of Gods Book 4

.

The war may be over, but the struggle has only just begun…

.

With
numerous Olympians out of the picture, my brethren and I will have a
chance to pick up the pieces and enjoy our new positions,
right?

Wrong. Dead wrong.

In the
aftermath of a long and grueling campaign, the world is thrust once
more into darkness. The peace and healing we’d all hoped for is
threatened by a dark presence from the past—one who will bring our
war-weary world to the brink of conflict once again.

And
it gets worse. No one tells you what it’s like to wield real power,
to occupy the throne of a major kingdom. To say that my friends and I
will have to go through some growing pains and put our real desires
on the back-burner is an understatement. Old wounds still need
healing and old treacheries continue to bring pain into the
present.

We gave our all to bring hope to the people of
the world, but holding onto our new thrones is going to prove more
difficult than gaining them ever was.

Fans of Game of
Thrones and Greek mythology will love Captured King, the fourth
installment in the exciting Throne of Gods series! If you’ve been
looking for a slow-burning friends-to-enemies romance with a generous
helping of action, look no further!

Bonus anime character art available in all formats!

.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

.

 

.

Eternal Kingdoms

.

Throne of Gods Book 5

.

Peace was almost in our grasp. Now, it couldn’t be further out of
reach…

.

A war-shattered world. The bonds of love and
friendship strained to the breaking point. A colossal evil
threatening to sow chaos.

When my brethren and I stepped
up to build a new world and challenged the corrupt Olympians, we
never expected that filling their thrones would be easy. Being forced
from one struggle to the next and made to shoulder great tensions has
been more punishing than expected, though. Worse, it’s only driven
some of us apart.

Stresses run high and relationships have
become choppy. The love I’d once pursued has been forced into the
background as more profound challenges loom ahead. A fight unlike
anything we’ve ever seen is brewing—a clash that threatens to
destroy everything we’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

So,
what do we have left now that the end draws near? At this pivotal
moment, what can we rely upon?

As always, we only have
each other. Friends new and old will have to assemble to meet this
threat head-on.

The stakes have never been higher. If our
reign is to be eternal and the peaceful world we’ve dreamt of a
reality, then we have to come together and win.

Eternal
Kingdoms marks the stunning finale of the Throne of Gods series! Fans
of Greek myths and Game of Thrones will find nail-biting twists,
ample action and a riveting slow-burn romance in its pages!

Anime character art included in every format!

.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

.

 

.

Hades Oath

Throne of Gods Prequel

.

The king of the underworld has been taken by surprise.

Since time immemorial, the
gods of Olympus have ruled. Now, a mysterious challenger emerges,
seeking their thrones…

Ares, god of war and ruler of
the powerful Fire Kingdom, discovers a threat to his empire. Arising
from obscurity, a maverick king of the eastern territories has
launched an attack in the valley of Hades. This enigmatic king,
Sisyphus, wields a mythical blade and begins to set his sights on
other Olympian strongholds, with plans to unite them all under his
rule.

When his requests for help fall
on deaf ears, the god of war takes matters into his own hands.

Eager to stamp out Sisyphus’
ambitions, Ares puts together a strike force, comprised of his most
promising Fire Kingdom warriors. Among them is Xira, a talented young
recruit and descendant of Ares. Relatively inexperienced, will the
fiery young warrior prove herself, or will she fail the god of war in
his hour of need?

This pulse-pounding prequel
novella sets the stage for the Throne of Gods series. Fans of Greek
mythology and blistering fantasy action won’t want to miss it!

.

Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

.

 

**Check out the companion Coloring Book!**

.

.

Throne of Gods Series:

.

The Official Coloring Book

.

 Dive into the captivating world of the “Throne of Gods”
series with this companion coloring book! Spanning all six books,
this collection brings to life the epic journey of Xira, a warrior
forged from fire and destined to challenge the gods. Relive the
adventures, battles, and romances from the series while adding your
own touch of color to the intricately designed illustrations.

Perfect for fans of Game of
Thrones and Greek mythology, this coloring book offers a new way to
experience the saga where forbidden love, vengeance, and power
collide. From fiery battles against the Olympians to heartwarming
moments of camaraderie, every page invites you to unleash your
creativity.

Included Titles:

1.Fire
Soldier

2.God
Slayer

3.Cursed
Warrior

4.Captured
King

5.Eternal
Kingdoms

6.Hades
Oath (Prequel)

Whether you’re a seasoned
reader or new to the world of “Throne of Gods,” this
coloring book is a must-have addition to your collection. Grab your
favorite coloring tools and embark on a mythical adventure where you
control the hues of heroism and divinity.

.

Amazon
* Goodreads

.

 

.

J.A. Culican is a USA Today Bestselling author of the middle grade
fantasy series Keeper of Dragons. Her first novel in the fictional
series catapulted a trajectory of titles and awards, including top
selling author on the USA Today bestsellers list and Amazon, and a
rightfully earned spot as an international best seller. Additional
accolades include Best Fantasy Book of 2016, Runner-up in Reality
Bites Book Awards, and 1st place for Best Coming of Age Book from the
Indie book Awards.

J.A. Culican holds a Master’s
degree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she has
been teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also the
president of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United.
J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and four
young children.

.

Website
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Instagram * Bookbub
* Amazon
* Goodreads

.

 

.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.



.

 

The Accidental Sereph

 by Maci Aurora

 

(Carran Hollow Fated Mate, #1)
Publication date: June 25th 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

.
When Atlas Black, a bad boy with a reputation in Carran Hollow, walks into The Hole-in-the-Wall bar investigating a demon sighting, it’s mostly business as usual until he comes face-to-face with his calix—his fated-mate. Except Ivy Day, oblivious to the world of seraphs and demons, thinks she’s stranded in Carran Hollow because a stupid bus has broken down. She just needs a ride to get to the next bus in order to get to her sister across the country. While the guy in the bar hitting on her is hotter than any human has the right to be, unless he’ll give her a lift, she doesn’t have any patience for anything else. But little does she know, Atlas is about to take her on the ride of her life—that is, as long as they can get through the demons.

Goodreads / Amazon

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

[Rome] pulls his phone from his pocket and glances at it. “Bus coming into the Hollow.”

Samson and I groan. Buses mean tourists. Obnoxious tourists drag in the demon riff-raff hiding among them, and they aren’t usually the organized kind, but rather the fledgling demons or the deserters attached to the taedae, unsighted humans.

“Not it,” Samson says.

“How’s that injury?” Rome asks me.

“Not an injury,” I repeat. “How many times do I have to say it?”

Rome looks me over, eyes narrowed, as if he can see beyond my skin and bones. “Fine,” he relents. “You go into town. Wait for the bus to roll in, see if any demons have hitched a ride.” He points at me. “But don’t engage, not without backup.”

I’m already walking over to the cabinet, pulling on my harness, sliding a sharpened dagger into a sheath, along with another into my boot. “Me? Engage?” I glance at my bow but leave it, knowing I probably won’t need it. Those off the bus are rarely difficult to dispatch. I glance at Rome with a smile. “Never.”

Samson laughs.

I shrug into my black leather jacket and grab my helmet before I’m out the door, headed for the heart of town. After driving past Lowry’s Gas and Sundries, where the bus stops, and seeing the hulking, metal can is already empty, I ride down Main. I park my bike, cross to the other side, and duck into The Hole in the Wall, a small bar sandwiched between a diner called The Getaway, and a witchy souvenir shop that sells Carran Hollow guidebooks. One of these three establishments is often the first stop for tourists, and thereby their parasitic demons, when they reach town.

My eyes adjust to the dark. There’s an older guy playing guitar near the door. The shiny wooden bar is on the left and runs the length of the room. There are a few people lined up along the counter, atop barstools. Booths—mostly empty—line the right wall, and in between is a stretch of space big enough to walk between the two. I’ve been here before. I have been in every single shop in Carran Hollow, every single home—though the owners haven’t known I was there. The Hollow is my town.

The locals glance at me then look away, giving me a wide berth. They might know me. They might know I’m a Black. If they don’t, they feel it—that sensation skittering across their skin telling them danger is near. That’s all that’s needed.

.

About Author Maci Aurora:

Romance author.

Lover of stories.

Maci Aurora has been writing stories since she was a child. When she was eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. In high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and from there, her writing journey was cemented in telling stories about love. Having already published many novels (all of which are threaded with romance as upper YA and New Adult titles) under the pen name, CL Walters, Maci Aurora wanted to write stories that offered the same attention to story and characters but with additional steam.

Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies.

Website / Instagram / Newsletter

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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Dark and Lovely Mermaids

by Julie Catherine

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(Broken Mermaids, #2)
Publication date: June 11th 2024
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Mermen. Monsters. And a lot of Manipulation. An at-odds prisoner (merman) and warden (mermaid) are about to set off to cross the deep ocean and end up running for their lives. Dive into the twisted waters of Dark and Lovely Mermaids, a forced proximity, enemies to lovers paranormal romance where the love is deep and the ocean is wild.

Ellara Merme made a bad deal. To save her friends and human sweetheart, she agreed to become a sea-slave, the lowest class in the mermaid world. It’s hell on earth, at the bottom of the ocean. A terrible choice. The only decision that’s worse, is the choice she’s about to make.

The leader of the mermaids has offered her an out: Deliver the merman prisoner to Neptune’s army and all will be forgiven. No problem. Should be an easy mission. Except…

… the deep ocean is full of sea monsters itching to make the mermaid their next meal.

… plus she might be catching feelings for the merman she’s supposed to be delivering. Could he possibly be so charming? Or are there other manipulations at play?

With danger crashing with every wave, Ellara has to decide: should she stick to the plan and save herself from sea-slavery? Or dive headfirst into the waters of romance? Can she outsmart the ocean and resist the merman’s charms? Or will she end up making an even worse bargain to survive?

Dark and Lovely Mermaids is a thrilling, loyalty-testing, romantic underwater adventure full of monsters, natural disasters and an army of mermen—an underwater story so enchanting you won’t want to come up for air!

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Who should go? Among us, there is a mermaid brave enough, wise enough, and strong enough to do this task? To journey alone. To finish what must be done. To save our kingdom from Poseidon’s spy work. Ellara Merme.”

Petra thrust me forward and lifted the hand she still held in a victorious pose.

All of Merme erupted in whoops and cries.

I plastered a foolish smile upon my cheeks.

All this adoration was for me? What a joke.

I was a hoax standing here, paraded out to the town, in my new silver hair. They were acting like I was some sort of savior, but in reality I was just a jerk they could blackmail into completing the task. So desperate to become a Fert, I’d risk my life.

“Smile,” Petra hissed.

“I am smiling.”

“Bigger.”

A hollow grin pushed up the corners of my lips. I tried to hide the terror behind my eyes. Petra swooped me forward ’til I was side-by-side with Quinn. The leader held up my other arm. I tried not to faint.

“Ellara Merme is our courageous warrior, our mighty Merme.” Quinn said. “She brought the terrible merman’s presence to the attention of the Pause. Ellara brought him down in the fight during the storm. She has killed a Portrayan Kingfisher Crab, manipulated human women into becoming her friends, and she has bedded hundreds of men.”

How about one. The day after my transition was over.

I wanted to vomit in my own mouth.

At best, these claims were a wild twisting of the truth. At worst, the city of Merme had just been pacified with lies. And promises that couldn’t come true. Somewhere in the crowd, I imagined Blonde craning her neck, rolling her eyes. Quinn was making me out to be some sort of super woman. It couldn’t have been farther from the truth. But the women of Merme didn’t care. They just wanted to be safe.

“Ellara Merme was blessed by Abigailya, the sea witch. In fact, the sorceress bestowed on her the magical third eye.”

Which I still didnt know how to use.

“She defeated a clever water nymph. All by herself.”

I couldn’t stand it anymore. My eyes searched for Blonde. I started to shake my head, no. Petra’s fingernails dug into my palm.

“Play along,” the rainbow-woman hissed. I tightened my smile.

“Ellara Merme is the perfect woman for this mission. A vital soldier. A master mermaid. A linchpin in the success of Neptune’s war. And we will win.” A less experienced orator might have shouted that from the rafters and beaches, but Quinn knew better than that. “We will win,” she whispered, it came out like a shiver. An ear-worm in the brain of every young mermaid. “We will win.” She repeated. Then, finally, she brought the mighty point home. “We. Will. Win!”

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About Author Julie Catherine:

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Julie Catherine is an author, screenwriter and playwright.

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 Matchmaking monsters, one heart at a time.

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A Wife for the Werewolf

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Monster Match Book 1

by Rose Kent

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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 After inheriting her grandmother’s business, Potion Palace, witch
Kate Halloway struggles to keep it afloat. In a bold move inspired by
the booming world of online matchmaking, she and her best friend
Cassie launch Monster Match, a dating service for supernatural
beings, hoping to boost sales.

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But when their first
client, alpha werewolf Trent Everwood, finds success with their help,
a rival coven creates their own competing service using Kate’s potion
recipes. To make matters worse, a death occurs at one of their
events. Kate becomes a prime suspect and must fight to clear Monster
Match’s name.

Trent also has his hands full as humans
start breaking treaty laws and trespassing on pack lands. And just
when things couldn’t get any more complicated, a match between him
and Kate threatens the stability of their lives. Can they save
Monster Match from scandal and protect the Potion Palace?

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Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

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Chapter 1

Kate

 

Adulting… the bane of my existence. I didn’t imagine myself saddled with so much financial responsibility before thirty. I pondered my current situation while seated at the small desk in the back of the Potion Palace, my grandmother’s shop, surrounded by stacks of bills and a calculator perched precariously atop them. This was my least favorite part of running a business—the constant battle of making ends meet and trying to stay afloat. I vowed when I inherited this business, I’d do everything in my power to make it succeed.

 

I groaned into my lukewarm tea as the bell above the door jangled, making me jump. Looking up from the ledger where I keep all my expenses, I watched Cassie burst into the shop with far too much energy for this early in the morning. Waving my fingers above my cup, I chanted a warming spell to add some oomph to my morning pick-me-up.

 

Dust swirled in the air behind Cassie’s hurried movements. Her dark hair was pulled back in a hasty ponytail, strands escaping to frame her face. “You didn’t call me on the way into work this morning. What’s wrong?”

I watched in awe as Cassie pinned me with an intense stare, all while pulling the dusting cloth from under the register and wiping down the ancient bottles that lined the shelves. Cobwebs stuck to her cloth, but she kept moving. Cassie was a hurricane, an unstoppable force, especially when she fretted over things, which was often.

“Cassie, what are you doing?” I asked, taking another sip of my morning tea.

“Inventory,” she answered without pausing, her tone clipped. Another bottle, another swipe of the cloth. Her movements were mechanical, almost robotic. “If you’re mad at me, just tell me, Kate.”

I stepped around the corner and placed my hand on her shoulder. “Cassie, I’m not mad at you. I’m also not giving you the silent treatment,” I smirked, trying to hide my grin. “I’m conflicted.”

“Conflicted about what? I know when you are off, and it’s obvious.” Her blue eyes scanned the room like she was looking for a clue.

“Cass,” I finally said, trying to force a smile. “Business has been slow, as you know. The reason I didn’t call this morning is because I was occupied with the bank. I currently owe them two months’ rent.”

Cassie raised an eyebrow as she leaned against the counter, her posture relaxing but her gaze sharp. “It’s the weather. Spring in this area is drab at best. Who would want to shop?” Cassie continued to ramble on. “Summer is our busy season. We should prepare for that.”

I smiled, appreciating Cassie’s interpretation of the situation. But even her attempt at explaining away the lack of business fell flat as she resumed dusting and organizing, moving a jar of eye of newt a fraction to the left.

She wasn’t wrong. This lazy, coastal New England beach town was always busier in the summer and fall. Before long, tourists would come strolling in, talking animatedly about the lighthouse and the delicious lobster rolls they had for lunch. In the meantime, I needed to be patient and find a way to make some money.

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Step into the supernatural
world crafted by Rose Kent, me, the daring alter ego of a passionate
science teacher, devoted mom, and proud pet owner. Within my
paranormal, fantasy romance stories you will find a fiery mix of
lust, love, and magic. I work hard to weave vivid tales of forbidden
love, uncomfortable angst, pulse-pounding action, and otherworldly
creatures that will keep you hooked from the very first page. Come
join me on a wild ride through the realm of the supernatural, where
passion and the unknown collide to create a truly magical reading
experience.

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Website
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Amazon
* Bookbub
* Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Witchy Bad Blood: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
(Midlife Potions) by C. A. Phipps

 


Witchy Bad Blood: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Midlife Potions)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Good Fortune – Oregon
Independently Published (June 1, 2024)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 169 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C892X1PL

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Family can be deadly!

No one, including Jess, had any idea she was anything exceptional. Until she began solving crimes.

The trouble is, she’d rather be waving a spatula than a wand and her snarky cat familiar isn’t happy about it.

She’s listed her priorities:
1 Bring her mom back from the ghostly realm.
2 Open a bakery.
3 Try to keep her mouth shut about her secret sister—who she has to work with.
4 Don’t ask questions about her father.

Having a plan will make life bearable-as long as there isn’t another murder and she doesn’t mess anything up!

This paranormal cozy mystery will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about magic and murder.

Midlife Potions
Witchy Awakening
Witchy Hot Spells
Witchy Flash Back
Witchy Bad Blood

About C. A. Phipps

C. A. Phipps is a USA Today best-selling author from beautiful New Zealand. Cheryl is an empty nester living in a quiet suburb alongside her wonderful husband, ‘himself’. With an extended family to keep her busy when she’s not writing, there is just enough space for a crazy mixed breed dog who stole her heart! She enjoys family times, baking, and her quest for the perfect latte.

You can find me via my website and pick up the book at the same time HERE.

Author Links: Facebook / BookBub / GoodReads / Twitter/X / Instagram

Enjoy this peek inside:

Maestro must trust her enough to agree to finally let her have the one thing she’d dreamed of since she was a child. Not a bakery to work in—her bakery. “You won’t be sorry, Maestro. I’ll work as hard as you need me to.”

“I’m counting on it,” the cat said dryly. “Now, perhaps you should test our theory and go bake something that you might encourage someone to eat.”

While Jess pondered how his mind had changed so fast, even though he hated the idea, she was ridiculously happy and couldn’t help showing it. “Actually, that could be an issue.”

His eyes narrowed. “In what way?”

“People want to eat my food,” she teased. “I certainly don’t need to push them to do it with a spell.”

He snorted and the crabby cat disappeared for a brief moment so that he looked adorably cute, making her want to hug him. She refrained. Ever since he revealed he was a talking cat and she discovered she was a witch, displays of affection became off-limits. She’d owned him for five years before that incredible day changed her life and her mom had had him before that. Five years of snuggles, kisses, and pats. Then, nothing.

Maestro eyed her for a moment, his expression uncharacteristically confused. Then he coughed and continued along the path. “We should get back. Your sister still needs supervision most of the time.”

Secret sister, she corrected in her head, as a wave of coldness ran over her body. “Maestro…”

Turning quickly at her tone, he raced back to her side. “What is it?”

“Something smells wrong. There’s something in the woods that doesn’t feel right.”

His ears flick left and right. “Something—or someone?”

They peered through the trees, her nose searching for the source of the smell, trying to discern its meaning. It couldn’t be deemed as friendly. Was it a warning? Danger or perhaps death?

She shivered. To know what death smelled like was all kinds of wrong.

Purchase Links – Amazon    B&N    Kobo 

You can find me via my website and pick up the book at the same time HERE.

Or get your copy via any other platform HERE.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 3 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – RECIPE POST

June 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 5 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

June 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 10 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

June 13 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 14 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

June 15 – fundinmental – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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