Happy Release Day to The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic #SupernaturalMystery #SerialKillerThriller

A hypnotic, sinister debut mystery about a seemingly good cop who is secretly the daughter of a notorious serial killer.

The Hunter's Daughter 

Nicola Solvinic 

Genre: Supernatural Mystery, Serial Killer Thriller

Publisher: ‎Berkley 

Release Date: May 14, 2024

Hardcover: ‎ 384 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0593639723

ISBN-13: ‎978-0593639726

Book Description:

Anna Koray escaped her father’s darkness long ago. When she was a girl, her childhood memories were sealed away from her conscious mind by a controversial hypnosis treatment. She’s now a decorated sheriff’s lieutenant serving a rural county, conducting an ordinary life far from her father’s shadow. 

When Anna kills a man in the line of duty, her suppressed memories return. She dreams of her beloved father, his hands red with blood, surrounded by flower-decked corpses he had sacrificed to the god of the forest. 

To Anna’s horror, a serial killer emerges who is copying her father – and who knows who she really is. Is her father still alive, or is this the work of another? Will the killer expose her, destroying everything she has built for herself? Does she want him to?

But as she haunts the forest, using her father’s tricks to the hunt the killer, will she find what she needs most…or lose herself in the gathering darkness? 

https://bit.ly/3YDcQHB

https://amzn.to/3tJ0keg

Editorial Reviews

“The Hunter’s Daughter is a genuinely creepy, atmospheric debut. Solvinic has crafted a propulsive story of crimes old and new, the power of memory and the darkness that dwells inside us all. You’ll be turning pages all night and searching the woods for dark shadows (which just might be the Forest God….)”

—Jennifer McMahon, author of My Darling Girl

“Original and compulsively readable, The Hunter’s Daughter is a pagan treasure; dark, memorable and ultimately satisfying. Vivid and fast-paced, the story draws you in from the first page and never lets go.”

—Scott Hawkins, author of The Library at Mount Char

“Deliciously unpredictable and absolutely engrossing, Nicola Solvinic’s The Hunter’s Daughter is one of the best debuts I’ve read in a very long time. With a dash of magical realism and the kind of complicated, conflicted heroine I love, Solvinic pulls off a nearly impossible feat: making the reader care about a woman who may well be following in her serial killer father’s footsteps. Put The Hunter’s Daughter at the top of your TBR list—I loved this book!”

—Karen Dionne, bestselling author The Marsh King's Daughter

“Adept depictions of childhood trauma and the power of legacy drive this story about the daughter of a serial killer who must now investigate her father’s copycat. Atmospheric, taut and haunting, The Hunter’s Daughter is a thoroughly compelling read!” 

—Wendy Walker, bestselling author of What Remains

“An engrossing, hallucinogenic read that vibrates with increasing tension.”

—BookPage (starred review)

“This atmospheric and haunting mystery will keep the reader guessing to the very last page. A must-read for lovers of serial-killer thrillers and mysteries with a darker edge.”

—Booklist

"Solvinic is remarkably assured for a first-timer, lacing the action with elegant descriptions of the rural landscape and enough valid suspects to keep the pot boiling. Readers will look forward to this promising suspense author’s next outing.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Solvinic delivers a terrific thriller that readers will find hard to believe is her first novel. … A mix of Karen Dionne’s The Marsh King’s Daughter and Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs, this impressive novel spotlights the difficulty of escaping a troubling past. Add some supernatural elements, and the result is a tale to remember.”

—Library Journal (starred review)

“A tense psychological thriller, terse plotting, and Anna’s own uncertainty about who she is, what acts she’s committed, and whether she can trust her own thoughts, feelings, and actions, keeps this book a page-turner.”

—New York Journal of Books

"In The Hunter’s Daughter Nicola Solvinic pulls off a neat trick—getting us to sympathize with the daughter of a serial killer who might just be responsible for a series of murders that closely track her father’s M.O. With a deep sense of place, and enough things to go bump in the night to keep you on the edge of your toes, I was guessing who done it until the final pages."

—Catherine McKenzie, USA Today bestselling author of I’ll Never Tell

“I loved this story and our fearless heroine, Anna Koray. She's my favorite kind of protagonist—complicated, daring, and determined to unearth long-buried secrets, even if her search for the truth puts everything she's built at risk. Nicola Solvinic has crafted a story equal parts horror and fairy tale, where dark forests harbor evil beings, and it is up to the reader to decide whether these creatures are monsters or men. Both disturbing and redemptive, The Hunter's Daughter is a page-turning tale of the pasts that haunt and the ties that bind us. A propulsive and captivating debut.”

—Lauren Nossett, author of The Resemblance

“Mystical and entrancing, The Hunter's Daughter plunges you into the deepest, darkest woods to uncover a family's sinister secrets with the one woman brave enough to look evil in the eyes.”

—Georgina Cross, author of Nanny Needed

"The Hunter’s Daughter is a raw, gritty, all-consuming psychological thriller that is masterfully rendered – a unique jewel in the genre."

—Mystery and Suspense Magazine

"Subterfuge and supernatural elements infuse this dark, absorbing debut."

—firstCLUE

Interview - The Heart of Chenoa by Creole Noir #MagicalRealism

*Do you write in different genres? If yes which is your favorite genre to write?

Absolutely! Writing in different genres lets me explore various storytelling styles. Weird fiction mixes supernatural elements and eerie vibes, letting me dive into surreal worlds. Horror taps into primal fears, making stories that keep you on edge. Southern Gothic, with its rich culture and haunting landscapes, is perfect for exploring decay, redemption, and the eerie. Each genre has its own challenges and rewards, and I enjoy crafting unique tales in each one.

*Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?

Jerald, the character in my book "The Heart of Chenoa," reflects parts of my own life. Like me, Jerald faces situations where guys he's involved with aren't open about their sexuality. It's tough dealing with the heartbreak when they're afraid to be themselves because of how others might judge them. It's hard when someone you care about can't be open about who they are, and it hurts even more when the person you have feelings for disowns you just for the sake of their peers. Jerald's struggles mirror my own experiences, adding real emotions to his character in the story.

*If this book is part of a series…what is the next book? Any details you can share?

This book is actually part of a three-book series called The Black Dove Legacy. "The Heart of Chenoa" is book 1, followed by "The Cry of the Black Doves" as book 2, and "Redemption of the Black Dove" as book 3. You can find all of them available on Amazon.

*Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I'm in the process of creating a horror anthology called "Series of the Bizarre," deeply rooted in African American culture and ancestral lore. Each story draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African American folklore, traditions, and myths, weaving together tales that reflect the essence of our heritage. Through this anthology, I seek to explore the depths of our cultural roots while delving into the eerie and mysterious. These tales dive into our rich traditions and myths, exploring our ancestral roots in a spooky way. 

*Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?

Yes! Here's The Heart of Chenoa Playlist

*Nine Inch Nails-34 ghost IV           *Camila Cabello- psycho freak

*Rihanna ft SZA-Consideration        *lil Uzi Vert- xo tour life

*Miley Cyrus- edge of midnight       *Billie Eilish, Khalid- lovely

*Willow-meet me at your spot         *Kelis- caught out there

*Post Malone- go flex              *Shouse- love tonight

*Kodie Shane- dont worry about it       *Scarlxrd- hxw they judge

*Rico Nasty-turn it up                  *Raury-gods whisper

When you’re not writing what do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty pleasures?

When I'm not writing, I enjoy exotic dancing. I used to dance for private events and parties, which brought in quite a bit of cash (ha-ha-ha), and I also did hair on the side. I'm also working on starting an indoor garden, and it's coming along nicely.

*What is next for you? Do you have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in progress?

I'm currently putting together a horror anthology titled "Series of the Bizarre." It features short stories inspired by African American folklore, culture, and myths. I aim to launch the first two volumes in September 2024 and January 2025.

The Heart of Chenoa

The Black Dove Legacy 

Book One

Creole Noir 

Genre: Magical Realism, YA, Coming of Age

Date of Publication: June 2, 2023

ISBN:  979-8396415935

ASIN: B0C6VYSPF1

Number of pages: 275 pages

Word Count:  44,953

Cover Artist: Creole Noir 

Tagline: Everyone knew she was the belle of the ball, and it was hard to imagine anyone ever taking her crown away from her.

Book Description:

The Heart of Chenoa is a heartwarming tale about a young woman's courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life in a new town. Along the way, she finds a group of misfit friends who become like family to her, including the inseparable siblings Brooke and Jerald, and the popular but conflicted JC, who harbors a secret love for Jerald. As they navigate high school drama and personal trauma, they come together to seek revenge against a conniving classmate, and ultimately learn to embrace their unique gifts and find strength in their bond.

The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through the ups and downs of life. Brooke's premonitions and Lucille's powers add a touch of magic to the story, while Jerald learns to control his trauma-induced alter ego. Ultimately, they discover that they have grown and evolved in unexpected ways and that their bond is stronger than anything life can throw at them.

Amazon

Excerpt:

Amidst the sprawling fields of Chenoa, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas, a tale of resilience and friendship unfolds. At its core lies the story of a young woman named Indigo, whose journey from darkness to light weaves a tapestry of courage, love, and the transformative power of friendship.

Indigo had known no other reality than the one she shared with her abusive boyfriend, Troy. The shackles of fear bound her tightly, choking the life out of her dreams. But one fateful night, fueled by a flicker of courage ignited deep within her heart, she made the decision to break free.

With nothing but a few belongings and a trembling resolve, Indigo set out on a journey to start anew in a town where nobody knew her name. Chenoa welcomed her with open arms, offering sanctuary from the storm that had raged within her for far too long.

As Indigo tentatively navigated the unfamiliar school of her new home, she stumbled upon a group of misfits whose warmth and acceptance enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Among them were Brooke and Jerald, inseparable siblings whose laughter echoed through the halls of Chenoa High School, and JC, whose inner turmoil simmered beneath his charming exterior.

Together, they formed an unlikely family, bound not by blood but by the unbreakable ties of friendship and shared experiences. Each member of their motley crew bore scars of their own, but together, they found solace in the company of kindred spirits.

As high school dramas unfolded and personal traumas resurfaced, Indigo and her newfound companions stood united against the tide of adversity. They rallied together to seek justice against a conniving classmate, their bonds growing stronger with each shared victory.

But beneath the surface of their idyllic friendship lay secrets waiting to be unearthed. JC harbored a love for Jerald that dared not speak its name, while Brooke's premonitions whispered of futures yet to unfold. And in the shadows, Jerald battled with the demons of his past, struggling to tame the beast within.

Yet through it all, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of love and loyalty. As they confronted their deepest fears and embraced their unique gifts, they discovered that strength lies not in solitude but in the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

In The Heart of Chenoa, amidst the Spanish moss trees and the whispering winds, Indigo and her friends learned that the greatest battles are fought not with fists but with hearts open wide. And as they embraced the magic woven into the fabric of their lives, they found redemption in the unlikeliest of places: within themselves, and within the hearts of those they held dear.

About the Author:

Creole Noir is an author who has a passion for writing stories that not only bring suspense, but also delve into deeper themes of social justice and class disparities. His debut novel Cry of the Black Dove follows London and her friends as they embark on a mission to get revenge after being wronged by those in power. Creole hopes his work will help readers think about these issues and the marginalization that often follows. Outside of writing, he enjoys hosting a podcast with Kinky Boots. Creole currently lives in Tyler, Texas where he obtained an Associates degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College before engaging in healthcare labor such as caregiving and teaching life skills. He now writes full-time.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir's work by following him on Instagram or checking out his podcast. He loves hearing from readers about their favorite stories and characters. With Creole Noir’s vivid imagination and captivating voice, each of his novels will keep you hooked until the very end.

Keep in touch with Creole Noir via the web:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creole.noir

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lafrance.johnson.144 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creolenoir8 

Bound Across Time by Annie R McEwen #ParanormalRomance

Bound Across Time

Book One

Annie R McEwen 

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Ghost Romance

Publisher: Harbor Lane Books

Date of Publication: May 7, 2024

ASIN: B0CV4RPDDX

Number of pages: 324

Tagline: In a castle on the shores of the Irish Sea, she’s met the love of her life. Clever, witty, strong, fiercely attractive.  What’s the catch? He’s a ghost.

Book Description:

Historian CeCe’s dream job in a Welsh castle goes sideways when she’s ordered to ditch the history and lead ghost walks. That’s the worst of her worries until she meets Patrick: strong, handsome, irresistible…and dead since 1761.

Desire and hope flare in Patrick’s heart when CeCe touches him while, for CeCe, Patrick is everything. But she’s in the bright world of the living while he’s trapped in the shadows. 

Loving a ghost is deadly business. Patrick and CeCe struggle to outrace fate as it hurtles them toward disaster. Can the ancient riddle of an Irish seer save them? The spells of Welsh witches? 

Or can powers CeCe didn’t even know she possessed bridge time and defeat death?

Amazon     Books2Read

Book Trailer: https://shorturl.at/ajuE0

Excerpt from Bound Across Time, by Annie R McEwen

You’re an idjit, Patrick. Death was always too good for you.

He should have gone slower with her, no doubt about it. He was a lout, a brute, to startle her so thoroughly, and that was never his intent. He could have—no, he should have—whispered, or moaned, or shimmered from a distance. Instead, he was hasty.

Hasty? He was a burning brand of desire. Who could blame him after two hundred-fifty…how long had it been? He’d lost count of the years.

That was still no reason to be an imbecilic knave, popping up like codswalloping Punch on a puppet stage while wearing the same filthy linen he was tipped overboard in when the Earl didn’t have the decency to give him a proper burial. At least the sea water had washed away the blood.

His honor, his common sense—perhaps they’d washed away as well. Within reach of this woman, he could remember nothing he’d learned of subtle romance and courtly manners. All he could think of was making her his, now until the end of time.

What an embarrassment he was, to his sainted mother, to his upbringing, to the gentleman he was reared to be. An embarrassment to every Irish bard who ever sang songs or wrote poems about women who were doves, and lilies, and other things he couldn’t remember.

He did remember that they were fragile and easily startled. Easily driven away.
Next time, I will be slow. I will slowly and gently explain things to her. Unusual things. Highly unusual, uncanny, frightening, nigh incomprehensible things.

Sure, now, Patrick, me boyo, that’ll be a stroll along the banks of the Shannon.

By the right hand of God, but she was beautiful. Slumbering on the stone floor, her skin smooth ivory but gilded, as though the sun had kissed her once and then fallen in love, unable to leave. She’d lost her cap, and her hair—rich, deep brown and burnished with red, like brandy—tumbled around her neck and shoulders. Her sun-brushed skin, high and perfect cheekbones, the delicate slant of her eyes, the plump swell of her breasts above the top edge of her bodice, the curves of the body he could imagine pressed to his own aching and lonely one…

Beauty itself, she was, not only of body but of mind. In the weeks before she’d seen him, he’d watched her exercise that beautiful mind among the slower thinkers of the Castle, who doubtless envied her. She was stubborn, spirited, and quick-witted—he liked that.
He crouched over her crumpled form, not touching, only taking in her scent. Rose attar and mint—he liked that, too.

The only thing he didn’t care for was the name she went by, See-see. What sort of name was that? It was something you called a canary. He would never call her that, not when the French name with which she’d been christened was just like her.

Céleste, meaning heavenly.

She was waking now. He rose and backed away. Time for him to depart, as he must, and breathe a prayer. Not for himself, there was no point to that. If God had ever listened to him, he wouldn’t be where he was, and he deserved no better. His prayer would be for her, the angel who defied or escaped God’s curse to light his endless night.

Come back, Céleste Gowdie. Please come back.

About the Author:

Annie R McEwen is a career historian who’s lived in six countries, under every roof from a canvas tent to a Georgian Era manor house and driven herself to work in everything from a donkey cart to a vintage Peugeot. For her, it feels perfectly natural to create stories of desperate love and powerful secrets in faraway times and places.

Winner of the 2022 Page Turners Award, Genre (Romance) Category, Annie also garnered the First Place 2022 RTTA (Romance Through Ages Award from Romance Writers of America; Post-Victorian to WWI Category), the 2023 MAGGIE Award, and the 2023 Daphne du Maurier Award. Her Regency murder mystery “Death at Dunarven” appears in the 2024 Murder Most International Anthology. 

Annie’s books are published by Harbor Lane Books (US), Bloodhound Books (UK), and The Wild Rose Press. When she’s not in her 1920s bungalow in Florida, Annie lives, writes, and explores castles in Wales. 

www.anniermcewen.com

https://facebook.com/Quillist/

https://www.instagram.com/anniermcewen 

https://www.amazon.com/author/anniewritin 

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annie-r-mcewen

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview- Unbalanced Ph by J.M. Scarlet

What inspired you to become an author?

The inspiration behind becoming an author is a kind of funny story. I was hanging out with a few of my writing friends and one of them challenged me to write and publish a book.  I am the kind of woman who never turns down a challenge!  Therefore I started writing, and my friend helped me through the self publishing process, and here I am with my first work—so excited!

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

Science has always been a big love for me. It’s a hard subject to study and understand but I enjoy the challenge.  So I started studying about ph balance and how it affects people and other things in nature.  I also understand that bodies have to be in balance.  I started thinking about how my characters are all unbalanced in some way or another; everyone for that matter. Three is an odd number, my characters are flawed, so the idea of ‘unbalanced ph’ started to form.  I felt that it would be a good enough teaser to peak readers' interest.

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

I started out with completely different titles. The first one was ‘Journey of D’, which was ok, but it just didn’t fit.  Then I switched over to ‘The Neighbor Lady’, but that too felt off because of PJ and her contribution to the arc of the story.  As I began to reread the story over and over I landed on ‘Unbalanced Ph’.  The book wasn’t complete, but after I found the title, I was able to really dig in, and complete the story.

Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?

Doug is loosely based on a co-worker who’s a single dad and imaginations I have of my father who I never knew.  He and my mother split either before I was born or when I was a baby. My mother has never given me the absolute truth, and I have yet to meet my father to get the whole story.  So writing Doug was cathartic for me. My co-worker who’s a single dad gave me some concrete situations to write from.  From both of those experiences Doug and the novella were born.

Is there a genre(s) that you’d like to write that you haven’t tackled yet?

I think I’d like to write some science fiction. I really love writing characters and crazy sensual situations, but I also would love to send them into space, or write about another planet. If I could make a sequel with these three characters going to another planet would be great.  However I really want to find a core audience first and maybe sell some books! But rest assured, if they do go to another planet there will be some spicy scenes with some sexy aliens! (lol)

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading “The Dare” by Harley Laroux. I found this author through a friend who told me to read her because she is an excellent story-teller.  I have found this to be so true!  It’s a short read, but I’ve really gotten sucked into the story, so sexy, so many twists, I love it!

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The most challenging part of the writing was definitely writing the sex scenes. It is tough! Since this is all new to me, I didn’t want to offend people, but at the same time I wanted the experiences to be authentic. I’m a fan of sex, let’s be clear! I also understand some readers want specific words to give specific feelings etc.  So I struggled with giving the right words for certain body parts, and dialog. I hope to get some feedback on this part of my writing the most, this way I can adjust what I give to the people.

When you’re not writing what do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty

pleasures?

When I’m not writing, or hanging out with friends my true guilty pleasure is roller skating. It’s a physical activity that keeps me in shape. Now I also enjoy other physical activities that make me quiver, sweat and squirm, but we’ll save those for another post.  However, skating allows me to be free. Feeling the wind rush through my hair, or spinning around and around on the skates is absolute dizzying joy. 

What is next for you? Do you have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in

progress?

Well, there are a few things I’m working/toying with.  The first is a sequel to Unbalanced Ph. I really want to dive in with my lady co-stars. This book is definitely Doug centered, but the sequel(s) would swoop into the stories of these intriguing women. I’m also thinking of creating an audio book. Friends have told me that audio books can create a whole new fan base for me. So I’ve been kicking that around, but once again, it’s something I know nothing about. And, it’s a challenge, and we know how I feel about challenges! 

 

Unbalanced Ph

J.M. Scarlet

Genre: Romance/Erotica 

Date of Publication: May 1st 

Number of pages:  57 

Word Count: 17,686

Cover Artist:  King of Designer 

Book Description:

In "Unbalanced pH," Doug finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates the complexities of family, desire, and self-discovery amidst a tumultuous transition.

Struggling through a custody battle for his two young children, Doug seeks stability and solace in the form of a larger home, hoping it will bolster his chances of securing custody. However, amidst the chaos of legal proceedings, he finds himself drawn into a web of temptation and desire.

His attractive neighbor, Nene, begins to show romantic interest in him.  Their initial encounters are innocent enough, but soon evolve into a passionate and clandestine affair. Entranced by Nene's charm and allure, Doug is torn between the heat of their connection and the responsibilities weighing heavily upon him.

Meanwhile, Doug's routine visits to the local bar provide him with an escape from the pressures of his life. It is here that he encounters PJ, a seductive and captivating woman whose presence ignites a spark within him. Despite his initial reservations, Doug finds himself entangled in a whirlwind romance with PJ, further complicating his already tumultuous situation.

As Doug navigates the complexities of his budding relationships with Nene and PJ, he grapples with the weight of the secrets that have fractured his family, he must also confront the harsh realities of his custody battle. Despite the allure of his newfound romantic prospects, Doug finds himself haunted by the absence of his children, yearning for their presence in his life.

Doug embarks on a journey of self-discovery, searching for the balance that will bring him the happiness he seeks. He must confront his own vulnerabilities and uncertainties in order to find the balance he so desperately seeks.

Unbalanced pH is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness, as one man grapples with the complexities of family, romance, and the secrets that threaten to unravel his world.

Excerpt

As he drove up and pulled into his spot he noticed Nene getting out of her car with two arms full of groceries.  Doug parked his car, and quickly got out to help.  

“Hey Nene, do you need some help?”

“Heeyyy Doug, of course I could use a hand,” she replied as he grabbed a bag that was slipping out her hand.  “Thanks so much!  These groceries are a mess, but I gotta feed these kids.  And while I’m here gettin’ these groceries, the kids ain’t never around to help!” As she chuckled, Doug nodded.  He’d passed Nene a few days back and met her briefly, but this was their first real interaction.

“Yeah, that’s the thing about kids, I get that.  But you gotta be glad you had ‘em right?”

“Well I guess Doug, I have second thoughts from time to time,” she said as she laughed again.

 “Hey Doug, I noticed you working on that house next door, and was wondering are you fixing it up, or are you moving in?”  They both gathered their grip on their respective groceries and paused.  Doug shifted around a bit.

“Uh...well, you know Nene, since you like asked and all, I’m pretty much doing both.  I bought the property, and it needed a bit of work so I’m working on it too.”

“Ohhh, ok, ok Dougie, I see you, I see you.  Well since I got this moment with you, if you don’t mind me askin’ and all,” she started while looking up at him, “what you going to do with all that space? I’ve been here seven years, and all these houses are the same.  They’re all three bedrooms.  And from what I’ve noticed, it don’t seem like you have any family.  Am I correct in that?”  She motioned her torso in a shy but sultry fashion.  Doug felt slightly warm; the sun was out, but that was not the origin of his temperature rise.  He looked her up and down faintly, and noticed her nicely painted toes poking out from her sandals, her shape, void of hips, but trim waistline, her full bosom, and long pink nails contrasting her beautiful dark skin.  Doug glanced deeply at her face, and focused on her provocative brown eyes.

“Well Nene,” he stuttered, “since you asked, I’m sing–...I mean I have two girls.  And yeah, I’m single, I mean I’m a single dad,” he replied, mopping his answer up at the end.  

“OK!” she exclaimed, making space and walking toward the door.  “I wasn’t trying to get all in your business, but we’re neighbors you know.  So I just wanted to let you know, if you ever needed a cup of sugar or some flour or something like that, I’m here.  Right next door, I’m your neighbor.”  Doug helped her to the door, and handed her the load of groceries he held.

“I got you Nene, I got you.  But let me ask you something?”  She nodded in acceptance to his question.  “How do you know I can cook?”  She smiled and gazed at him.

“Well, any man who is single, appears to be responsible, is a homeowner, and has a smile like yours…I’m just betting you can.  Sooo, if you need a little sugar to make something sweet, I’m the neighbor lady you should call on.  I’m only a few feet away.”

“Ok,” Doug replied, smiling at her, “If I’m ever in need of some sugar, you’ll be the first neighbor I’ll call.”  Doug backed off her doorstep and started to walk away.  He looked back to see Nene gripping her finger in her mouth eyeing him. She quickly waved, and Doug waved back, smiling.

Single dad…single, I’m single, thought Doug as he walked the pathway to his house.  I’m single, I don’t need permission to talk to my neighbors.  I’m single.  No one will say anything about how you handle your life; you don’t have a woman right now.  You’re single.  Be ok with that.

About the Author: 

JM Scarlet is a burgeoning talent in the literary world, making her mark with captivating Urban Fiction and Erotica tales. With her debut book, "Unbalanced Ph," slated for release early this summer, Scarlet is poised to enthrall readers with her provocative storytelling.

Despite being a newcomer to the industry, Scarlet's passion for crafting compelling narratives shines through in her work. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of urban life and the complexities of human desire, she weaves tales that resonate deeply with readers.

Beyond her writing endeavors, Scarlet is known for her affinity for cats and an appreciation for all things sexy. However, she remains steadfast in her belief that the story itself is paramount, striving to create narratives that captivate and inspire.

As she embarks on her journey as an author, JM Scarlet invites readers to join her in exploring the rich tapestry of human experience through the lens of passion, intrigue, and unbridled desire.

Blog: https://jmscarlet00.wixsite.com/jms-urban-tales 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JmScarlet97028

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmscarlet00/  

The Divine and Deadly by Taylen Carver #ContemporaryFantasy

The Divine and Deadly

Magorian and Jones

Book Five 

Taylen Carver

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Publisher:  Stories Rule Press

Date of Publication:  April 18, 2024

ISBN: Amazon 9781779432049

ASIN: B0CQ98S9GK

Number of pages:  220 

Word Count:  81,000 words

Cover Artist:  Dar Albert

Book Description:

The old gods have arrived, ready to punish humans and Old Ones with tribulations that resemble hell on Earth.  

Magorian, the world’s first modern wizard, and Dr. Michael Jones, failed to stop the Siren, Aurelius, from summoning the old gods.  Now the world is reeling from the destruction that Agrona, God of Slaughter and Carnage, is hailing down upon every mortal, no matter what their race.

Magorian and Jones must find a way to send the old gods back to where they came from before their ways crack open the world and destroy everyone upon it, both human and Old Ones.

The Divine and Deadly is the final book in the urban fantasy series, Magorian & Jones, by Taylen Carver.

Amazon     Books2Read     Stories Rule Press

Praise for the Magorian & Jones Series:

1.0: The Memory of Water

2.0: The Triumph of Felix

3.0: The Shield of Agrona

3.1: The Wizard Must be Stopped!

4.0: The Rivers Ran Red

5.0: The Divine and Deadly

Plenty of exciting twists and turns.

Feel the tingling of danger, the aha's of escaping death, and the excitement of magic.

I loved this and will continue on with the series.

I’m a sucker for wounded, conflicted heroes, and Jones was just that.

I loved it; a magnificent first book in this really different new series.

Will definitely look for further books by this author and series.

Fast paced, exciting reads you won't want to put down!

I'm overjoyed to be back in this amazing world building series

I highly recommend this series to all who love fantasy with a twist, adventure, surprises, and the occasional human, aside from one of our human heroes of course

story manages to be more intimate than ever

This book gets dark and gritty right from the beginning and does not shy away

the kind of story that will drag you in and keep you reading

Well paced, good balance between action and character development

Such is the joy of reading the works of an excellent writer with a great imagination and the ability to tell an absolutely fascinating story.

Excerpt: Chapter One

I have watched hundreds of humans suffer through their transformation from human to Old One.  Some say I am an expert in this, but I would dispute that.  I don’t think there are any experts.  Too little is known about the transformation process for anyone to claim the status.  The experience I have lets me ease my patients’ agony a little, and avoids harming them in the process. But no skill of mine changes the course of the transformation by a single micron.

I watched Henry Magorian writhe and twist on the bed I stood beside, reviewing my uselessness, and finding it ironic that I was so helpless.  Henry was Benjamin Magorian’s older brother, and a slimey wretch of a man.  Yet he was my patient. I was required to give him the best care possible.  His family had flown us out to Montreal from Toledo, Spain, on a private and very expensive jet, for this purpose.

Pain is pain.  I hated seeing the man claw at the expensive sheets, the tendons in his neck and wrists standing out like ships’ hawsers.   He wore only boxer briefs and his entire body was bathed in sweat.  He had been sweating for hours, now.  We had changed the sheets twice.
I made myself look away.  Watching him helped no one.  I put the stethascope on the tray table the family had thoughtfully provided and looked at Jaimie.

She held her hands out over Henry’s body, just above the thrashing shoulders, concentrating on whatever information travelled through her palms.  I wasn’t certain what she could detect, for the mystery of fae magic was not readily shared by any of them.  

Jaimie wore her thick pale hair up in a pony tail at the back of her head, which allowed her pointed ears to be seen.  Normally, she was careful to drape her hair over her ears when among humans, but we’d long since passed that consideration.  We’d been in this room for nearly thirty hours, and members of the family had stopped stepping in to check on their cousin/uncle.  

She held her flawless face in a stiff, neutral expression.  She was not allowing herself to show how worried she was.  But I’d had seen too many transitions.  I was worried myself.

“He’s fighting it,” I said.

Jaimie looked up, then back down at her patient.  “Yes.”  

It was the first time either of us had said it, although I think we’d both guessed as soon as we’d walked into the elegant pale blue and cream room.  The family had bundled all three of us, including Ben, onto a jet on standby at Toledo’s small private landing field, the moment Henry Magorian had shown the first signs of transition.  It had taken nine hours to reach Montreal, plus an hour at either end for local travel and ten minutes of lightning-speed packing.  

So we had first seen Henry over eleven hours after he had begun transitioning, and we’d been here, save for small cat naps in the bedroom next door, for thirty hours.  

Forty hours, more or less, and he still showed no physical changes.  

Henry kicked and moaned, then curled up into a tight ball.

“I can take away the pain. A little, at least,” Jaimie said.  Her voice was strained.  She had slept less than I.  Fae could reduce pain by breathing in bad humours—which was not a medieval conceit for them.  It wasn’t as effective as an angel breathing on the patient, but it did work.
“You know the danger in that.”  We’d both learned that reducing the pain too much let the patient relax.  The transition required that they move, so that the metabolism was elevated, allowing the organs to evolve.  The extreme fever was another function of the transition. It was the mechanism that changed the patient’s DNA expression, the key to the transition.  Lowering the body temperature could suspend the transition, too.  

Jaimie put her fingers to her temples.  She had no medical training in her human history. She had been a soldier in the British army.  It was only her transition to a fae that made health work feasible.  She was less used to watching a patient suffer than I, although she would always find it stressful, no matter how used to it she became.  We all did, despite a hardening of one’s empathy once exposed to too much of it.

“He should have changed by now.”  Her voice wavered.  “I don’t know of anyone taking this long.”

“I have seen some cases last this long,” I said grimly.  I didn’t add the remainder of that statement—that everyone who had fought their transition for this long did not survive.  Jaimie didn’t need that additional worry.   It was quite likely she was well aware of this statistic.  I just didn’t want to bring it to the forefront of her thoughts.

“Is there anything else we can do?” Her wonderful silvery eyes were red-rimmed, but still worth staring into.  Even after thirty hours of hard work and worry, even wearing the travel creased clothing she’d arrived in and slept in, she looked wonderful.  

I pushed away the betraying thought and tried to find an answer to her question, for the fear in her voice was real.  It wasn’t fear of death.  She had been a soldier and now was a fae who dispensed magical healing.  She was accustomed to death.

I knew the source of her fear.   This was Henry Magorian.  Ben’s brother.  Jaimie did not want to let Ben down.  She wanted to save Henry for him.  

So did I, even though I had learned to loathe Henry not long after meeting him.  

I’d sent Ben out of the room hours ago.  His pacing and his unhelpful suggestions, along with his anxious questions every time Henry moaned or moved, had not helped either Jaimie or I concentrate.  As far as I knew, Ben was in the next room and, as it was two in the morning, Toledo time, he was probably sleeping, even though bright summer sunlight streamed through the windows.  

It was eight in the evening, Quebec time, on a blazingly hot day, but none of the external weather reached us, for this house had a controlled environment kept at a pleasant twenty-three degrees with just the right degree of humidity.  The window of the room we were in had remained closed and sealed against the heat outside. The view from the window was magnificent, for the house stood high upon the exlsuive Summit area, with a jaw-dropping view of the Old City and the St. Lawrence river twinkling on the horizon.

The Magorian family could afford the luxury of whole-house environmental controls, just as they could afford private transatlantic flights, and bribes to ease an Old One through two nations’ customs and immigration border checks.

Ben had insisted that they make the arrangements to bring Jaimie into the country.  He had argued that Jaimie could help Henry as much as I could. The family, desparate as they were, had complied, although I had no idea what it had taken to make it happen.  Canada was particular about who they let into their country, especially when it came to the Old Ones.  Unlike Spain, Canada had so far refused refugees, although there were many unofficial refugees flooding across the Canada/United Stated border.  Canada was not xenophobic, though.  It was the first country in the world to acknowledge the Old Ones legally.  

Here, Old Ones were not automatically considered “dead” after turning.  They were in a legal limbo, still, but the assets they’d held as a human, and might acquire as an Old One, were also held in legal stasis, rather than passed onto heirs.  It was a half-step toward giving Old Ones full citizenship, or at least residency, and the rights and obligations that came with it.  The government was still arguing the point in Ottawa.

 But Jaimie, despite a lack of indentity documentation, had merely received a nod of acknowledgement from the customs official who had stamped Ben’s and my passports.  I had spotted a photograph of Jaimie attached to his clipboard.

She stared at me now, hope showing in her eyes, as I appeared to be thinking of another way to save Henry Magorian.  

I desparately wanted to come up with a solution.  I wanted her to look at me with relief and gratitude.  I wanted her to….well, that was never going to happen.  But still, I wanted to please her.

So I made myself consider every single possibility.  What had we not done for this horrible man?  What else could we try?

I stared down at his curled up body.  If he continued to fight the transition, it would not end well.  Did he know that?  Did he resent the idea of becoming an Old One so passionately, that he was putting up this marathon resistance?

That gave me an idea.  I looked at Jaimie.  “It’s a long shot.”

“I don’t care.”

That was exactly what I had expected her to say.   “That thing Ben did, in New York, with the proto-wizard?”

“The mind meld?” She didn’t smile at the pop culture name we’d adopted for whatever it was that Ben had done to the man, as she usually did.  She was a huge Star Trek fan, which I found, well, illlogical, given her former profession.  Or perhaps that was exactly why she liked the show so much.  A professional soldier would appreciate a peaceful utopia.   “What of it?” she added.

“If he could reach Henry, he could tell him to stop fighting the transition.”
Jaimie looked down at Henry, who certainly couldn’t hear us now.  “Do you think he doesn’t already know that?”

“He quite likely does know that.  But Henry likes to get his own way.”  He’d fooled Ben into signing over his portion of the family inheritence because he didn’t like Ben’s choice of lifestyle.  “If Ben could appeal to him, let him see…”  I made myself say it.  “Let him see that if he doesn’t let this happen, he’ll die.  Henry’s sense of self-preservation might kick in.”

Jaimie pressed her lips together.  She hadn’t met Henry, but I’m sure Ben had shared with her the reason why he had to rely on his income as a wizard, when his family was so well off.

“I’ll go and get him,” she said.  “A long shot is better than the nothing we’ve got without it.”

About the Author:

Taylen Carver is the pen name used by best-selling author Tracy Cooper-Posey. 

As Taylen Carver, she writes contemporary, epic and urban fantasy stories and novels.  As Tracy Cooper-Posey, she writes romantic suspense, historical, paranormal, fantasy and science fiction romance, plus women’s fiction. She also writes science fiction, including best-selling space opera, under the pen name of Cameron Cooper. 

 

She has published over 180 titles under all pen names since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award. She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book of The Year. Tracy won the award in 2012, a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 and came fourth in Hugh Howey’s SPSFC#2 in 2023. She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University. 

She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and fantasy and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.

Web: https://TaylenCarver.com

Blog: https://taylencarver.com/blog/

Discord:  https://discord.gg/jRddb7Gy3q

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TaylenCarverAuthor

Newsletter:  https://storiesrulepress.ck.page/193c871dbc

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - Indian Burial GroundIndian Burial Ground by Nick Medina

Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book weaves together elements of dysfunctional family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, desolate reservation life, Native folklore, and supernatural elements to create a horror tapestry that will disturb you in the way only a good book can.

The book bounces back and forth between Louie's life as a 17-year-old on the res, and modern-day when he returns to the res for a Pow Wow. Sadly he arrives right after his 38-year-old niece Noemi's boyfriend has been killed.

The circumstances of his death lead him down a rabbit hole into the past making him fear the horrors of that time are now repeating in the present. The hellscape he survived in the 80s centered around his family and members of his tribe, all connected by strange supernatural elements. He followed the string that tied all the events together. But it left him scarred to this day. Now he fears the terror is back to claim Noemi like it threatened to do when she was a child.

Excellent read. I will be reading more of Medina's work.

Received an ARC from NetGalley

View all my reviews

Cover Reveal Marked Under the Midnight Sun by Susanna Strom #CoverReveal

Marked Under the Midnight Sun

Black Rock Guardians 

Book Three

Susanna Strom

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Cougar Creek Publishing, LLC

Date of Publication: May 21, 2024

ISBN: 9781960382092

ASIN: B0CKKXFYFC

Cover Artist: Lori Jackson 

Tagline: He was loaded for bear. And he still wasn’t ready for her… 

Book Description:

Viggo

I do jobs no one else in my pack can do. Dirty jobs.

Like kidnapping Liv Hagen.

I didn’t want to do it. I was just following my alpha’s orders.

I never thought my bear would think she’s ours.

But there’s no way I can keep her. The consequences are too dire.

So, when the time comes, I’ll have no choice but to surrender her to fate.

Even if it kills me…

Liv

Kidnapped, held captive, and used as a bargaining chip against the Black Rock Guardians.

Yeah. Seems about right for my luck.

But if the big, bad bear shifter thinks I’m going to submit to his—or anyone’s—will, he’s got another thing coming.

Which is why I’ll just have to ignore my attraction to the sexy jerk. It’s probably Stockholm syndrome, anyway.

I mean, it’s not like he’s my fated mate or anything… right?

Marked Under the Midnight Sun, Book 3 in the Black Rock Guardians Series, is a lightly angsty, enemies to lovers paranormal romance with plenty of spice and tense moments, and just the right amount of suspense, action, and adventure. Download today and get ready for the supernatural romance you didn’t know you needed.

Amazon     Kobo     Apple     BN     Books2Read      

About the Author:

Susanna loves to read―and write―stories full of complex characters who find love, hope, and connection while navigating through an exciting and dangerous world. Susanna lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two very spoiled cats.

Website: https://susannastrom.com/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h6WRRb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannastrom.author/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susanna-strom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannastromauthor

Susanna’s Stormers, Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1572291033136914 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20463245.Susanna_Strom