MYSTERIES OF THE SOUTHERN GOTHIC

Mysteries of the Southern Gothic by Jessica Carrasquillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me take you on a moonlit journey through the pages of "Mysteries of the Southern Gothic" by Jessica Carrasquillo. This tale weaves magic, romance, and secrets into an intoxicating blend.

In the haunting shadows of the South, where Spanish moss drapes ancient oaks and whispers of forgotten tragedies linger, we meet Ulysses Katsaros—a mental health counselor grappling with his demons. But the unexplained disappearance of his sister, Calliope, sets the stage for this dark and beguiling mystery. Enter Rosario Martinez, co-host of the popular "Mysteries of the Southern Gothic" true crime podcast. Rosario is daring, relentless, and drawn to the sinister Church of the Ninth Order, where shadows deepen and secrets fester. As their paths intersect, Ulysses and Rosario embark on a quest for truth, unraveling threads of betrayal, loss, and forbidden love. This isn't just a mystery—it's a reckoning with the past, a dance with darkness, and a love story that blooms like a blood-red rose.

As I turned the pages, I felt the oppressive heat of the South, heard the mournful notes of a blues guitar, and glimpsed the flicker of candlelight in a crumbling plantation house. Carrasquillo's prose is like a spell—a conjuring of emotions that lingers long after the final chapter. Ulysses and Rosario are flawed, magnetic, and achingly real. Their chemistry sizzles, but it's the secrets they keep that truly ignite the pages.

View all my reviews

The dream of roses

Dreams of Roses: A Romantasy Beauty and the Beast Re-telling by Kenzie Skye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Allow me to share my thoughts on Dream of Roses by Kenzie Sky—a novella that blooms with secrets, passion, and a touch of enchantment.

The Premise: In the heart of Thornfield Manor, where shadows whisper and roses hold ancient secrets, a florist with an affinity for blooms, stumbles upon a grand mansion that defies reality. But this is no ordinary manor. Her curiosity leads her into the arms of a darkly handsome man—a captor with secrets as thorny as the roses that haunt her dreams. As she unravels the mysteries of Thornfield, she discovers that love and danger entwine like ivy.

Why You’ll Love It:

🌹 Dream of Roses is a bite-sized escape—a tantalizing blend of romance and mystery.
🌹 The Beauty's vulnerability and the Beast's enigmatic allure create a magnetic pull.
🌹 The dreamlike quality of the prose mirrors the elusive beauty of roses.

My Take: Kenzie Sky’s writing is like a whispered promise—a delicate balance of tension and tenderness. As our heroine navigates the labyrinthine corridors, I felt the weight of secrets pressing against my skin. The scent of roses lingered, and I wondered if love could bloom even in captivity.

So, dear readers, if you seek a brief escape into a world where roses conceal more than petals, let Dream of Roses unfurl its petals in your imagination. May it leave you with a lingering fragrance of mystery and longing.

Happy reading!

View all my reviews

THE MISTRESS OF HOURS

Mistress of Hours by Emma Elizabeth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Allow me to whisk you away to a world where magic pulses beneath the surface, secrets unravel like spun silk and love blooms against the backdrop of danger. Welcome to the enchanting realm of The Mistress of Hours by Emma Elizabeth.

Within the gilded walls of Ichorna, blood mages weave their spells, and ancient mysteries lie dormant. Evienne, the highest-ranking blood mage, is living her dream—until two unexpected visitors arrive from the elusive northern neighbor of shifters, Beitar. Among them is Orion, a striking academic with piercing green eyes. His purpose? To uncover answers about his people’s dwindling magic. But as Evienne and Orion delve into secrets, an even greater magic awakens—one that binds their fates and threatens nations.

Why You’ll Love It:

🌟 The Mistress of Hours blends fantasy and romance seamlessly. Blood magic crackles, and the allure of forbidden love simmers.
🌟 Evienne, a powerful blood mage, defies conventions. Orion, with his own secrets, is equally captivating.
🌟 The lush world-building and LGBTQIA+ representation add depth to this tale.

Emma Elizabeth’s debut weaves a spell of intrigue and unexpected love. Evienne’s journey—from curious dalliance to unraveling ancient secrets—is both thrilling and heartwrenching. Orion’s quest for answers mirrors our own hunger for magic. As war looms, they must choose between loyalty and integrity. The stakes are high, and the pages turn swiftly.

So, dear readers, if you seek a fantasy romance that dances on the edge of danger, embrace The Mistress of Hours. Let its magic seep into your soul, and may you find unexpected love in the most dangerous of times.

View all my reviews

RAVAGE

This week, we're celebrating the release of Ravage! The first book in Raegan of Ruin series by A.L. Rook!

Ravage (Raegan of Ruin Book 1)

Publication Date: September 1, 2024

• Strong heroine
• Found family
• He falls first
• Enemies to lovers (childhood friends > enemies > lovers)
• Touch her and d!3
• Stalker MMC
• Possessive MMCs
• Morally gray MCs

We promised to stick together. And then they betrayed me.

In a world where more children are being born with special abilities, we were six of the ones kidnapped and hidden away for testing and training.

We banded together and became a family…until one of us was killed.

The others turned on me and left me for dead.

Five years later, and I’m on a hunt for vengeance against the organization that’s still stealing and brainwashing gifted kids in secret. It’s all I have left; to rid the world of this evil. Until I realize that they are in this city with the same goal.

Aiden. Kellan. Jackson. Dane.

Now I need to decide. Do I work with the ones who abandoned me five years ago, or walk away from this city and finish the war by myself?

But once they discover I’m here, I learn they have their own plans for me.

Ravage is a full length why choose dark paranormal romance novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It is book 1 in the Raegan of Ruin series that will be completed in 2025. If you like plot, banter, steam, a strong heroine, and multiple alpha-holes that you don't have to choose between, then this is for you. It is recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

GET IT ON AMAZON

Triggers included but not limited to:

• Explicit sex
• Violence
• Frequent language
• Mention of prior physical/mental abuse (age 16)
• Mention of prior SA (not on page)
• Physical / mental /emotional abuse (not by MCs) in future books in the series

Other Notes:

• Paranormal romance (gifted humans)
• Why choose (4 MMCs)
• Medium burn (varies by MMC)
• Dark themes
• Multi POV (primarily FMC)
• Cliffhanger in Book 1 (not terrible)
• No MM
• Plot-heavy storyline
• Banter

BOOK TOUR ORGANIZED BY:

R&R BOOK TOURS

JULU BY JAN ANDEREGG

Julu by Jan Anderegg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to Jirvania, the enchanting realm of Julu's by Jan Anderegg, where stories flourish like precious "story pearls."

In Jirvania, muse faeries gather these pearls and deliver them to writers, musicians, and poets in our world. At the center lies The Great Library, a portal to different times and places, allowing you to step into stories and experience them firsthand. Here, homework transforms into adventure, and imagination knows no limits.

Meet Jack Lemoine, an eleven-year-old from Mystic, Connecticut, who discovers an opal dragon egg, revealing a world filled with dragons, unicorns, and faeries—alongside witches, ogres, and monsters who want him dead. He is prophesied to save Jirvania with the help of a magical opal dragon named Julu.

As Julu hatches, Jack and his friend Mia are sent back in time. Through Julu’s stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love connect us all, and that hope often hides in unexpected places.

Why You’ll Love It:

🐉 Julu blends magic, adventure, and heartwarming moments effortlessly.
🐉 The opal dragon symbolizes resilience and hope.
🐉 Jan Anderegg’s vivid writing brings Jirvania to life.

My Take: Reading Julu filled me with enchantment. The mix of fantasy and timeless themes—friendship, courage, and storytelling—left me in awe. And Julu? She’s not just a dragon; she’s a symbol of endless possibilities.

View all my reviews

Painting with Blood

Painting with Blood by Dolores Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first cracked open Painting with Blood by Dolores Lane, I had no idea I was about to plunge headlong into a world of twisted desire, dangerous secrets, and forbidden love. But oh, what a thrilling descent it turned out to be.

The Premise: Jane Meyer, a sweet and talented professional painter, escapes a dark and poisonous past, only to cross paths with James Ambrose, a charming and smart Homicide sergeant for the Hunterville Police Department. Their connection is instant—an attraction written in the stars. James is everything you’d want in a hero: mature, understanding, dominant, and, kinky. The chemistry between them? Scorching hot.

Enter Alex Walker: Fate isn’t content with a straightforward love story. Enter Alex Walker—an ex-Marine sketch artist for the police. On the surface, he’s just a composite sketch artist, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Much more. He’s also a vicious serial killer.

A Bloody Mix of Lust and Devotion: As Jane’s friendship with Alex blossoms, the notion that he understands her in ways James never could, becomes as destructive as a blade. And when a traumatic event shatters Jane’s world, she desires only one thing: revenge. Alex, with murder on his mind, is the only one who truly comprehends her need for blood. Together, they embark on a violent killing spree—a dance of lust and dangerous devotion that neither can resist.

My Thoughts: Dolores Lane has crafted a dark romance that pushes boundaries. Jane’s fierceness, James’s allure, and Alex’s chilling complexity collide in a narrative that grips you by the throat. The tension between love and violence is palpable, and Lane doesn’t shy away from exploring the darkest corners of desire

View all my reviews

Vale of Dreams

Vale of Dreams by Alex Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I recently explored Vale of Dreams by C.N. Crawford, immersing myself in a world where danger and desire collide.

Summary: The tale follows a daring heroine caught in the alluring yet perilous realm of the Fey. Unintentionally becoming the mistress of the fearsome Fey prince, the Dream Stalker, her quest to save her lover, Raphael, draws her into a web of fate. Captured, she learns he embodies a beautiful nightmare. With her hidden mind control powers, she navigates the perilous Fey palace, hiding secrets from all, including the Dream Stalker, who schemes against his father and humanity.

Review: Vale of Dreams captivated me from the start, showcasing C.N. Crawford's rich, immersive world. The gothic atmosphere of the Fey palace sets an enchanting scene filled with intrigue and romance.

The protagonist is a strong, relatable character confronting daunting challenges. Her journey, enhanced by her mind manipulation ability, adds a fascinating dimension. The Dream Stalker, both complex and intriguing, is a compelling antagonist, keeping readers guessing.

The book's complex plot stands out, weaving layers of courtly intrigue and the protagonist’s secret mission, creating a thrilling narrative that kept me engaged. Each chapter heightens tension and deepens mystery.

The romance between her and Raphael is beautifully illustrated, filled with tension and longing. Their relationship adds emotional weight, intensifying the stakes against a backdrop of danger.

Crawford’s lyrical writing vividly brings the Fey world to life with detailed descriptions, immersing readers in the protagonist's journey.

Vale of Dreams is the second book in the Fey Spy Academy series, following Avalon Tower, which introduces the Fey world.

View all my reviews

FIRST CLASS ROMANCE

First Class Romance by Camille Hope
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First Class Romance by Camille Hope is a delightful contemporary romance that takes readers on a high-flying journey of love and discovery. The story centers around Emy Nichols, a seasoned flight attendant with Infinite Airlines, who encounters a grumpy passenger in the first-class cabin during a transatlantic flight. This chance meeting sets off a series of unexpected romantic developments at 30,000 feet.

Emy, who has sworn off dating passengers due to a past bad experience, finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic man in seat 1A. As their interactions unfold amidst the backdrop of the bustling airline industry, Emy navigates the highs and lows of newfound love, laughter, and the turbulence of unexpected emotions.

Camille Hope’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, capturing the essence of romance in the skies. The characters are well-developed, with Emy’s adventurous spirit and the passenger’s mysterious charm creating a compelling dynamic. The story is a perfect blend of lighthearted moments and emotional depth, making it a feel-good read that leaves you rooting for the characters.

View all my reviews

RIPPED APART By Geoffrey Arnold

Ripped Apart: Quantum Twins – Adventures On Two Worlds by Geoffrey Arnold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Ripped Apart: Quantum Twins - Adventures On Two Worlds" by Geoffrey Arnold is a captivating science fiction novel. Here’s a brief overview:

Summary:
The story follows Qwelby and Tullia, teenage aliens known as Quantum Twins. They accidentally become involved in a forbidden experiment and are transported to Earth—Qwelby lands in Finland and Tullia in Africa. Separated and struggling to re-establish their telepathic connection, they must navigate the challenges of Earth, evade capture, and find a way back home. Their journey uncovers that their people arrived on Earth 75,000 years ago and played a significant role in the development of the human race. Now, they need the help of humans for their race to survive.

Review:
Ripped Apart is an enthralling page-turner that explores the unseen realms of quantum science and alternative states of consciousness. The concept of Quantum Twins is unique and thought-provoking, providing a fresh perspective on the classic alien storyline. Arnold’s writing is engaging, featuring well-developed characters and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Qwelby and Tullia’s struggle to reconnect and return home is filled with tension and emotional depth. Their experiences on Earth, from Finland's icy landscapes to Africa's vibrant cultures, are vividly described, immersing the reader in the journey. The book also delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of advanced civilizations on human history.

One remarkable aspect of the novel is its ability to blend scientific concepts with a compelling narrative. The revelation that the Quantum Twins’ people influenced human evolution adds complexity and intrigue to the story. The challenges they face, both external and internal, are well-crafted, keeping the reader invested in their fate.

In conclusion, "Ripped Apart" is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts. Its blend of adventure, science, and emotional storytelling makes it a standout in the genre. If you’re seeking a book that will take you on a thrilling journey across the world, this is it.


View all my reviews

The Art of Time

The Art of Time by Quinn Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"In a world where time is but a canvas, Lavinia’s touch on a painting sends her spiraling into 1847 Italy. There, amidst danger and romance, she must navigate a love that defies centuries. Welcome to The Art of Time, where history and heartbeats intertwine.”

I recently had the pleasure of reading The Art of Time by Quinn Jamison, and it was an enchanting journey that left me both breathless and contemplative.

The story follows nineteen-year-old Lavinia Melrose, who, while on a trip to Rome, stumbles upon a captivating painting in her dream museum. Little does she know; this painting will change her life forever. One touch, and Lavinia is transported back to 1847 Italy, where she meets Armond, a knight with a familiar face. Their romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of historical intrigue and personal challenges, making for a thrilling and heartwarming adventure

From the moment Lavinia touched that painting, I was hooked. The concept of time travel through art is both unique and fascinating. Jamison’s writing is vivid and immersive, painting a rich tapestry of 19th-century Italy that feels both authentic and magical. The historical details are meticulously woven into the narrative, making the setting come alive.

Lavinia is a relatable and strong protagonist. Her journey from a modern-day tourist to a woman navigating the complexities of the past is compelling. Her relationship with Armond is beautifully developed, filled with tender moments and palpable chemistry. Armond, with his chivalrous demeanor and hidden depths, is the perfect counterpart to Lavinia’s independent spirit.

The plot is a perfect blend of romance and adventure. The challenges Lavinia and Armond face—from an overbearing father to a poisonous ex and a looming war—add layers of tension and excitement. The emotional stakes are high, and I found myself rooting for them at every turn.

What I loved most about The Art of Time is its exploration of love and destiny. The idea that time cannot confine true love is a powerful theme that resonates throughout the book. Jamison’s prose is lyrical, and her storytelling is both heartfelt and engaging.

In conclusion, The Art of Time is a captivating read that will transport you to another era and make you believe in the magic of love. If you’re a fan of historical romance with a touch of fantasy, this book is must-read.


View all my reviews