Category: LGBTQ YA Fiction

Review: Rise of the False King: An Epic Dragon Fantasy Saga (The Crystalline Dragons Saga Book 3) by Eoghan R. Cunningham

Rating: 4🌈

The Rise of the False King is the third book in Eoghan R. Cunningham’s YA epic fantasy adventure and it’s one I highly enjoyed. I was happy to have the fourth novel released so I could go quickly onto the next section, as this flows smoothly through one novel into the next.

It’s also definitely geared towards a younger reader. While there’s a romance brewing and romantic elements among other characters, there is still no rawly sexual scenes but kissing and anything else is “off page” or left to the imagination. And that main romance is most definitely a slow burn type of relationship, frankly due to the naïveté of the one character and the hidden secrets of the other.

The characters are very relatable and well defined, if not a certain type of epic character. Dusk, the escaped slave, has undergone the biggest challenges and changes in his life. Magic has come to him in the form of a crystal and a White Dragon. Now he’s hunted by several villainous factions, one lead by an evil man so deadly it might threaten the entire world. Also with him is Tara, a warrior formerly of the King’s Guards, and Lex, a young man of hidden background but clearly wealthy and not used to being on his own.

The author has a real knack for writing exciting action sequences, which is great because Dusk and his friends, but mostly Dusk, fall into trouble frequently.

The many storylines weave together a growing mythology of dragons, humanity, and magic undone that’s tragic for many and is still being played out. I’m throughly invested in this rich tale and the how the author is going to bring the stories that have been “told” in the narrative alive through the adventures of his characters.

One aspect that pops out, at least for me, is that certain actions or events are “telegraphed” in the story much like you’d see it in a movie like Scary Story. Where you yell at the screen, the villain is in the closet because, obviously that’s what’s going to happen. Here, if the dragon says don’t go in the bog. Or wherever. You just know the gang is heading to the bog.

Did narrative stuff like this ruin my enjoyment? No. I just wish I had “narrative” popcorn to throw and I merrily read right along.

Each book ends on a cliffhanger so having all but the last book released is great. One more to go.

This series was previously published under the title “The Crystalline Dragon saga” by Blake R. Wolfe. Although the title and cover are different, the content remains the same.

The Crystalline Dragons Saga-5 books:

✓ Curse of the Dragon’s Eye #1

✓ Mist, Shadow, and Deep #2

✓ Rise of the False King #3

✓ The Queen of Darkness #4

◦ Fall of the Crystal Moon #5-June 6,2024

Buy Link:

Rise of the False King: An Epic Dragon Fantasy Saga (The Crystalline Dragons Saga Book 3)

Blurb

Trapped and alone, Dusk must watch as his greatest enemy ascends the throne, using the stolen magic of the dragons to claim it. Suddenly, the world is thrust into an all-out war.

Will Dusk be able to stop the new king before he lays waste to the world?

I never thought my friends would betray me. After weeks of traveling together and bonds formed in the heat of battle, I thought I knew them. But the moment I arrive at Emerald Deep, everything begins to unravel.

And danger is coming.

Then, just when we’re close to our goal, my friends hesitate. Tired of them stopping me from reaching my goal, I send them away. However, no sooner had I sent them away than I found myself captured and imprisoned.

The False King stands before me and I can see the world burning to ash in his eyes. If he takes over Alamond, the world will fall.

• Publication date: April 11, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 247 pages

young adult fantasy/ epic fantasy adventure

Review: Curse of the Dragon’s Eye: An Epic Dragon Fantasy Saga (The Crystalline Dragons Saga) by Eoghan R. Cunningham

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Crystalline Dragons Saga by Eoghan R Cunningham (also released by the same author writing as Blake R. Wolfe) is new to me.

I’m so happy to have found this as a lover of fantasy novels and epic YA adventure series, as this one has the elements of all those stories done so well.

The character of Dusk is incredibly well written. Dusk’s is a haunting story, a young man captured at the age of 11 or 12, and brought to the infamous deadly mines as a slave for the next 10 perilous, darkened years of his life. If slaves survive to a certain point, they “age” out of the mines, in a worst case scenario. And we live in the moment with Dusk.

Of course, so many things happen. Horrible and magical things. Simple moments like a shining light that stuns a youth that’s been buried in darkness to magical scenes that’s clouded by a lack of knowledge.

Along the path to a new life, Dusk gathers a few friends, a lot more enemies, some astonishing new powers, and his journey becomes a rollicking adventure, sometimes nightmare, on the path to enlightenment and self discovery.

It’s a fascinating story. I’m onto book two and recommending this as a highly entertaining take on fantasy adventure.

Plus. There be dragons.

The Crystalline Dragons Saga-5 books:

✓ Curse of the Dragon’s Eye #1

◦ Mist, Shadow, and Deep #2

◦ Rise of the False King #3

◦ The Queen of Darkness #4 -May 9,2024

◦ Fall of the Crystal Moon #5-June 6,2024

Buy link:

Curse of the Dragon’s Eye: An Epic Dragon Fantasy Saga (The Crystalline Dragons Saga)

Blurb:

When the last dragon died over a thousand years ago, magic disappeared along with them. Alone and powerless, humanity was left to pick up the pieces of their once magnificent world.

But now magic returns in the hands of a young slave.

Ever since slave traders captured me as a small boy, I’ve worked in the salt mines. My destiny is hard labor and an early death. There is no escape.

Until I found the dragon.

Inside a natural cavern, I discovered an ancient dragon skeleton made entirely of crystal. Whispers in my mind told me to steal the gem from its eye. And I did, thinking I could use it to buy my freedom.

However, the moment it touches me, it fuses to my skin, and my entire world is turned upside down. Magic isn’t supposed to exist, but fire erupts from my hands every time someone tries to harm me.

Escaped from the mines at last, I form a shaky alliance when I encounter another traveler down on his luck. We are both determined to make it to the neighboring country, although we keep our reasons secret. Once there, I’ll be free. Then I can get rid of this cursed gem once and for all.

However, a mysterious sorcerer nips at our heels as we reach the final mountain pass. With a hired guide, we try to make it through without being detected. The magic of the dragon’s eye has saved us more than once, but this time, it might just be our downfall.

Curse of the Dragon’s Eye contains a diverse cast of characters and queer themes. It was previously published under the title “The Crystal Eye” by Blake R. Wolfe. Although the title and cover are different, the content remains the same.

• Publication date: February 1, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 299 pages

Check out the latest tour and giveaway for The Hencha Queen by J. Scott Coatsworth

The Hencha Queen - J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer sci-fantasy book out, Tales from Tharassas book 3: The Hencha Queen.

“A richly painted world that is both beautiful and sinister, evoking landscapes that are as much science fiction as Tolkiensian fantasy. 5 stars.” –Ulysses, Paranormal Romance Guild

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She’s the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can’t convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she’s ever cared about.

As she uses her magic-like abilities, wit and sheer determination to try to save the city, she’s joined by Raven and his new friends. Will their help tip the scales? And will they finally find out what happened to Aik as a dark storm threatens to sweep them all away?

Forget messy. Things just got apocalyptic.

Universal Buy Link

About the Series

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

Tharassas Cycle Sales

Books 1 & 2 are on sale through March 31st for just 99¢ each (eBooks, all vendors). And if you buy one (or all three) of the main series books, email scott@jscottcoatsworth.com and let him know and he’ll send you a free copy of Tales From Tharassas, the prequel.

See All the Pre-Release Deals

Giveaway

Scott is giving away an eBook copy of Tales from Tharassas, the prequel, to everyone who enters the sweepstakes:

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47308/?

Excerpt

The Hencha Queen meme

A sharp crack filled the wine cellar. Kerrick swung the heavy mallet back and then assailed the flopwood boards that blocked the tunnel entrance again. The ancient wood splintered under the blow, sending shards clattering across the stone-paved floor.

It felt good to work out his frustrations. Still, the stubborn wood held out against his assault.

He rested the mallet on the black-tiled stone floor, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. Even after a hundred years, the barrier was strong. He’d tried to pry the boards out of the solid stone, but they’d been fastened in too tightly. Brute force it is.

“You’re doing great!” Cor’Lea’s voice was artificially bright, and she was as tall as he was, maybe a little taller, peering over his shoulder at the sealed tunnel entrance.

Silya had tasked her with bringing him down here to check out these hidden caverns under the Temple, in preparation for the coming war. Important, sure, but also clearly an excuse to get him out from underfoot while she prepared for her official Raising.

He grunted. “Thanks. These boards are hard as iron.” And hard as Silya’s will.

One day things would be different between them, once this crisis was over. I just have to be patient.

Coral laughed. “I’m sure a big, strong man like you can break through them easily.” She squeezed his bicep appreciatively.

He shrugged her off. He wasn’t sure if the gawky initiate was flirting with him or just trying to encourage him to get on with it, but either way, he wasn’t interested. “Stand back.” He hefted the hammer again, and she scurried out of his way.

He suppressed a smile, swinging the mallet around for another heavy blow.

Craack.

This time the board buckled inward visibly. Another few hits should do it.

He pulled back the heavy iron hammer again and hit the same spot with blow after blow. Craack. Craack. Craack.

The mallet broke through and a board fell away into splinters, clattering across the stone floor. One down, three more to go. “Why did they seal this cavern up?”

Cor’Lea gestured at the natural chamber. “There was a winery here before the Temple. Sister Dor said they used to use it for extra wine storage.” She looked around the natural chamber, which was now filled with wooden shelving holding a variety of bottled food stores. “When Jas ordered the Temple to be constructed, they kept this wide cavern and blocked off the rest of the tunnels.”

“Just in case the gully rats got in?” That thief Raven had apparently made his home in one of the underground tunnels. Who knew who else—or what else—lived down there?

Cor’Lea snorted. “Maybe.”

Are tunnels all connected, somehow? That was one of Silya’s most urgent projects, to map out the network of caverns beneath the city. Another reason she sent me down here—to get me out from under her robes.

A few more whacks at the next board served to both break it and let out his frustrations at the situation preventing him from doing his sworn job and keeping them apart. And at what she said was coming.

Craack. Craack. Craack.

The board snapped in half, and he judged that he’d cleared enough space to step through into the blocked-off tunnel. “Hand me that lantern?

Cor’Lea complied, taking the opportunity to brush his hand.

He rolled his eyes. I should be flattered. But his heart was already taken.

It was times like these he wished his brother Enrick were still alive. He’d know what to do. He’d been absurdly confident about everything, even though he’d been younger than Kerrick.

Kerrick wasn’t great with women.

He took the lantern and stepped over the bottom board, holding it in front of him. The bright light temporarily blinded him as he sought to get his bearings.

“What do you see?” Cor’Lea peered through the hole behind him.

His sight adjusted, and the tunnel’s walls came into focus.

He whistled. Stacked along the side of the tunnel were hundreds of crates, all strapped together in groups and sealed. “It’s… I don’t know what it is. But I’ll bet Silya will be surprised.” They’d have to find a place to put all this stuff—whatever it was, it was likely rotten after all this time. Silya needed somewhere to store people, not ancient goods.

Cor’Lea stepped carefully over the splintered boards to join him. “What do you think’s inside them?”

The long row of crates disappeared into the darkness. Who knew what the ancients had considered valuable enough to stash down here. Coin? Lost treasure? “One way to find out. Does the Temple have a crowbar?”

Author Bio

J. Scott Coatsworth

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, Liminal Fiction, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworthauthor

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@jscottcoatsworth

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392709.J_Scott_Coatsworth

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ

Other Worlds Ink logo

Review: On Thin Ice: A Young Adult Gay Romance Series (Chesterford Coyotes Book 2) by RJ Scott and V.L. Locey

Rating: 5🌈

Chesterfield Coyotes is an excellent YA LGBTQIA hockey series from R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey. A YA spinoff from the original ‘Harrisburg Railers’ hockey series, the Chesterfield Coyotes continues to be very successful at bringing the reader into a high school environment. One acknowledged as competitive, often stressful, whether that world is a private or public high school. Each comes jammed packed with its layers of niches created by parental expectations, sports, societal layers, whims, and oftentimes race and sexuality.

That bullies and bullying is a problem and hot topic should surprise no one. That addressed in an impactful, emotionally charged storyline that’s a carryover from the first book, Off The Ice.

Why someone would bully another person, the backstory and character of the person or person’s behavior figures in a realistic, honest manner.

Jonah Robinson was a part of a group of young men that targeted/bullied a certain group of people in their school. Made their lives a misery. Which as a biracial young man with a background of struggling in schools and having a loving family, made his involvement with this group incomprehensible to his parents.

Scott and Locey not only give us an excellent character in Jonah but provide an emotional intimate window into Jonah’s story. His stumbling around his fears, facing his family, confronting the people he’s hurt. And his shaky journey to forgiveness , redemption, and a new future.

That means facing Tyler, of the pink hair, makeup, hockey playing Tyler. Who is also one of the worst of those that group bullied, and Jonah’s growing crush. Tyler’s character is one of depth and a crushing backstory.

That’s where I really appreciate the layers the authors took care to build into their narrative. Each boy, each family has its strengths and struggles, each is undergoing growth that will support their sons emotionally as they go through their own journey with their problems at school, the issues of bullying, and the issues of self esteem.

The relationships between the boys, their friends and families all feel very grounded in reality and real life issues. Their lives are recognizable.

I loved them and this story. The series is shaping up to be one of their best. And I can’t wait for the next.

I’m highly recommending this, even to those who normally don’t read YA (like me). I think you’ll find it entertaining and relatable.

Chesterford Coyotes:

✓ Off The Ice #1

✓ On Thin Ice #2

Buy link:

On Thin Ice: A Young Adult Gay Romance Series (Chesterford Coyotes Book 2)

Blurb

A young adult hockey romance filled with making amends, family, friends, and discovering the real person inside while juggling the crazy, upside-down world of high school.

Jonah Robinson has really messed up. He’s spent the last year hanging out with someone who wasn’t leading him in a good direction. Now that Felix has seen the light, perhaps it’s time for Jonah to do the same.

Making amends is not going to be easy when he’s not exactly been the nicest guy at Chesterford. With the help of his family and a special friend at the school, Jonah is ready to try to make things right with those he wronged. The first person on that long redemption list is Tyler, the brightest player on the Coyotes, at least in Jonah’s eyes. He’s taken a thousand pictures of Tyler for the school paper, but he’s going to have to learn how to develop more than just negatives if he wants to grow close to Tyler.

Tyler Corrigan’s dad has left, his mom is terrified he’ll come back, and it’s Tyler who’s left to keep his little family in one piece. The only respite from real life is playing hockey, and he’s an important part of the Chesterford Coyotes. Despite not being the biggest person on the ice, speed is his superpower, and the team has his back during the worst of the bullying he’s had to endure. His friends make him feel safe when his real world is full of fear, but no one can protect his heart when an awkward and messed up Jonah—one of the worst of his bullies—is suddenly around every corner, wanting to make things right.

Sorry can be a difficult word to believe, but trusting your heart is everything.

• Publisher: Love Lane Books Ltd; 1st edition (October 20, 2023)

• Publication date: October 20, 2023

• Print length: 274 pages

On Thin Ice (Chesterford Coyotes 2) A Young Adult Hockey Romance Copyright © 2023 RJ Scott, Copyright © 2023 V.L. Locey Cover design by Sarah Chreene, Edited by Sue Laybourn”

— On Thin Ice: A Young Adult Gay Romance Series (Chesterford Coyotes Book 2) by RJ Scott, V.L. Locey

Review: Off The Ice (Chesterfield Coyotes Book 1) by R.J. Scott and V. L. Locey

Rating: 4.75🌈

I rarely read YA books anymore these days as the age time isn’t that great an interest for me now. But this book has multiple factors going for it that make it a must read.

The authors (a must) R.J. Scott and V. L. Locey, have collaborated again on a hockey series, a subject they are both knowledgeable and passionate about. Additionally, the Chesterfield Coyotes have familiar characters, starting with Soren Madden-Rowe, adopted son of Jared and Ten Madden-Rowe of the Harrisburg Railers NHL team and series ( if you know , you know ). So already the readers have a firm understanding of one half of the main characters involved, their backgrounds, and the supporting cast.

We have a private school, a school hockey team, with the adoptive son of favorite married hockey player and coach from another popular series, and woven into a great storyline, several serious issues, along with a complicated relationship that turns into a romance.

Felix is a character who is not easy to understand at first, there’s so many barriers written into him. Which, I think, makes him more realistic as the facts of his life are revealed. His anger and resentment , a main personality trait, become heartbreaking.

I often find it so hard for authors to write a potentially alienating character yet be able to let the reader see what’s the underlying issue behind the behavior. Yet it happens here with Felix.

A big aspect of this story includes a character, Tyler, who’s bullied by Felix, as well as others in the school. The next story is his. Tyler is on the Coyotes as well. The fact that Tyler is out, wears makeup and hair dye, makes him a target and up for discussion on bullying.

Elements threaded through the story here include bullying , parental abandonment (through divorce), extreme emotional stress over dysfunctional family parenting/relationships, and coming out. Most of that centered in and reflecting out of the character of Felix.

Soren, his brother Milo, sister Lottie, Ten and Jared, even Ryker briefly, everyone on the Madden-Rowe side that we’ve come to love through several series, are present here. Soren, growing up, trying to decide his path, content within his new, loving family, is a joy to read. I loved reconnecting with him and Milo again.

Off The Ice (Chesterfield Coyotes Book 1) by R.J. Scott and V. L. Locey is such a layered, believable coming of age YA story. While it doesn’t hurt to not have read the connecting series, knowing the characters that surround Soren gives this an extra layer and happy emotional boost when reading it.

If I had a tiny bit of grumbling, it was that the coming out scenes was a minor aspect here not a big deal. But maybe that’s a really good idea. That coming out shouldn’t be a problem anymore, that it should be more acceptable and less a fear laden situation.

Either way, that’s my view of the thread and wishful thinking as well.

I’m looking forward to Tyler’s novel and highly recommending this one to all readers, if they love YA novels or whether they , like me, have relegated YA books to the bottom of the list to read next. Shoot this back to the top!

Chesterfield Coyotes:

✓ Off The Ice #1

◦ On Thin Ice #2 – TBD

Buy Link:

Off The Ice: Young Adult Gay Romance (Chesterford Coyotes Book 1)

Description:

A coming-of-age love story with high school, hockey rivalry, friendship, family, and coming out.

Soren’s life changes in an instant when he and his younger brother are adopted by hockey royalty. Making sense of his new life is hard enough, but when he’s enrolled in a private school it means facing a whole new set of problems. Navigating friendship, family, and hockey is one thing, but being attracted to the boy who vexes him is a whole new thing..

Felix has a reputation to protect. He’s the kid who seems to have everything but looks can be deceiving. Spinning lies about his perfect life, he’s created a fantasy world that even he has started to believe. Only, it’s not long before everything crumbles, all of his pretty lies are revealed, and only his closest rival sees through his pain and stands by him.

Fighting is easy, friendship is hard, but love is everything.

Happy Holidays from Scattered Thoughts to You!

 

 

 

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is wishing you and yours

a wonderful and happy Holiday, whatever you may celebrate.

From all of us to all of you  Happy Holidays!

 

 

Scattered November Thoughts and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Scattered November Thoughts

November is a month of many things…to many people.  Some are busy writing away as it’s still NaNoWriMo and those words and stories won’t write themselves as the deadline nears.   For those of us in the US and expats abroad its Thanksgiving next week so travel plans are being made, menus being planned, and for those well organized individuals, early holiday shopping lists coming into play for the sales that will be launched right after Thanksgiving is over and the turkey leftovers are handed out.

For us Hockey fans, we are enjoying our teams games, at home and on the road, Ditto for all you football fans.  Tis the season for our sports teams to go forth and rise and fall and for us to cheer them on regardless.  And because I wallow in my boys on the ice, I’m diving back into STRW hockey recommendations and those stories I missed the first time around.  One of those is the Hot Off The Ice series by A.E. Wasp, which I am enjoying immensely.  Look for my reviews of some of those stories starting this week.  I have also returned to one of my all time comfort series, NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart stories, this time in audio format.  Oh my Joel Leslie has that Aussie accent down perfect!  And yes, more holiday stories are coming your way from all our reviewers here, including from Sophia Soames, a author on my must read list.

At any rate, things are hectic here, schedule are full, I have one small dog who has gotten very good at dodging her pills, and there is still so much to plan for as Thanksgiving looms large.  And yes, we saw our first glimpses of snow too.  Tis the season for so many things and it seems so little time to take it all in.

So it’s brief today…but here is our schedule for the coming week.  Lovely books ahead and great tours too.  Something for everyone.  Happy reading and listening.  Now I have some lists to make.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 17:

  • November Thoughts and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
  • A Stella Review: In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames

Monday, November 18:

  • Review Tour – Across The Pond (Raptors #2) – RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • Release Blitz The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings by Lily Morton
  • A MelanieM Review : Across The Pond (Arizona Raptors #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • A Lucy Audio Review: Finders Keepers by N.R. Walker, Joel Leslie (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Review: Slow Birth (Heat of Love #2.5) by Leta Blake

Tuesday, November 19:

  • Release Blitz – A Christmas Wedding by A E Ryecart
  • A Stella Review The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Red Dirt Heart 1 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie Narrator
  • A Free Dreamer Review: For Sam, times infinity by Suki Fleet
  • A Lucy Review: A Christmas Wedding: A snowy London love story (Rory & Jack #3) by A.E. Ryecart

Wednesday, November 20:

  • Review Tour – Nothing Special V – AE Via
  • A MelanieM Review: 717 miles Christmas Special by Sophia Soames
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Mr. Naughty List (Home for the Holidays #2) by Leta Blake
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Red Dirt Heart 2 by NR Walker and Joel Leslie Narrator
  • An Alisa Audio Review Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via and Aiden Snow (Narrator)

Thursday, November 21:

  • Release Blitz Roxy’s Recovery by Kim Breyon
  • Release Blitz – Against All Odds (Eternal Soulmates, Book 2) by Elle W Silver
  • BLOG TOUR Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel by Jodi Payne
  • A MelanieM Review A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne
  • A Lucy Review Inn Love by Lucy Lennox

Friday, November 22:

  • COVER REVEAL Ablaze by Elvira Bell
  • Release Blitz – Promise (Single Dads #3) – RJ Scott
  • Release Blitz for Garrett Leigh – Hometown Christmas
  • A MelanieM Review: Country Boy (Hot Off the Ice #2) by A.E. Wasp
  • A Stella Review:  Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel) by  Sally Malcolm

Saturday, November 23:

  • A MelanieM Review: Boy Toys (Hot Off the Ice #2.5) by A.E. Wasp

Happy Halloween and It’s Into November! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Happy Halloween and It’s Into November!

 

Yes,it’s almost Halloween.  Pumpkins are out, so are the decorations.  How is your house and neighborhood looking?  Spooky?  Chilling and trendy enough for all the trick or treaters that will be calling this week?  

I have been busy getting in my treats while reading SJ Himes marvelous Beacon Hills Sorcerer series, perfect for Halloween.  Full of vampires, sorcerers, ghouls, ghosts, lichs, and everything else you can think of.  Even hellhounds.  I’m loving it and will be reviewing every book in the series starting on Saturday.  More holiday books are coming your way as well, so be on the look out. Til the season….and we are hopping right in.

But I’m leaving you with the most fun traditions…pumpkin carving.  Here are some of the 2019 pumpkin designs.  Any here you would like to try ?  Check them out…

 

Yep, that’s one for ages! lol  Here is another.

A Landtern fish pumpkin.  I need that.  Next to Dory!

Eye see you!

 

There you go…..a smattering, a gathering of gross, silly, wonderful ideas of all things pumpkin.  How did your pumpkins turn out this year?   Let me know!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 27:

  • Happy Halloween and It’s Into November!
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 28:

  • Review Tour – Anna Martin – Something Wild
  • BLITZ Sons of Rome by Karrie Roman
  • Blog Tour for HIVE OF SECRETS AND SPELLS by Ellen Jane
  • A MelanieM Review Something Wild by Anna Martin
  • A Lila Review A Long Road to Love by Dakota Storm
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: A Faerie Story by Barbara Elsborg

Tuesday, October 29:

  • BLITZ for He Dreams Magic by Emme C. Taylor
  • Blog Tour Nuts by SE Jakes
  • Tour for The Dragon CEO’s Assistant by Jenn Burke
  • A Stella Review Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds by Kris T. Bethke
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Nuts  (Ace’s Wild #2) by S.E. Jakes
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Nova Praetorian  by NR Walker and Joel Leslie (narrator)

Wednesday, October 30:

  • Review Tour – Rain Carrington – 33 Degrees of Separation
  • Audio Blitz – Nothing Special V – AE Via
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Natural Disaster (Storm Chasers #1) by Erin McLellan
  • A MelanieM Review: The Dragon CEO’s Assistant by Jenn Burke
  • An Alisa Review: The Boyfriend Trap by J.B. Buell
  • A MelanieM Review:33 Degrees of Separation (Legacy Book 3) by Rain Carrington

Thursday, October 31:

  • That Time I… Survived My Teens by Craig Barker Michelle, Blog Tour
  • BLITZ Claiming Marcus by Jocelynn Drake
  • Book Blast – Memoirs of the Human Wraiths Box Set and Omnibus by F.E. Feeley Jr.
  • An Ashez Review: Doctor’s Orders (Paint #3.5) by Emma Jaye
  • A Lila Audio Review: One-Eyed Royals (Seven of Spades #4) by Cordelia Kingsbridge, Wyatt Baker (Narrator)
  • A Lucy Review: Clueless Cabot by André D. Michaels

Friday, November 1:

  • Review Tour – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Release Blitz Stocking Stuffers by Erin McLellan
  • Release Blitz Rules for Santa by Susan Hawke
  • Audio Review Tour – Two Man Advantage – V.L. Locey
  • An Alisa review : Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale by V.L. Locey
  • A Melanie Review Insatiable (Witches of the Big Easy 0.5) by Shannon West and T.S. McKinney

Saturday, November 2:

  • A MelanieM Review: The Necromancer’s Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations

As we head toward Hallows Eve and the pumpkins and decorations are out in full display of one of my favorite holidays, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words’ stories are trending towards the paranormal, the supernatural, and yes, the downright spooky!

From vampires to werewolves to other things that go bump in the night and are still seeking their own versions of HEA or HFN, I thought I would start sorting through some of our more chilling recommendations!  More to come next week and chime in if we have missed some of the new stories!

Story Recommendations for All Hallows Eve!

  • A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelly York
  • Spirits series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Tyack & Frayne series by Harper Fox
  • P.S. I Spook You by SE Harmon
  • A Frost of Cares by Amy Rae Durreson
  • Whyborne & Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Motel Pool by Kim Fielding
  • “Winter” by Josh Lanyon
  • The Tourist by Clare London
  • Lesser-Bred series by Adrienne Wilder
  • THE GERMAN by Lee Thomas
  • COWBOYS & VAMPIRES by Hank Edwards
  • MONSTER (Vertex #1) by Soren Summers
  • MAN & MONSTER (The Savage Land #2) by Michael Jensen
  • In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon
  • Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon
  • All In Fear: A Collection of Six Horror Tales by Steve Berman, et al
  • Unhinged by Rick R. Reed
  • A CHARM OF MAGPIES series by K.J. Charles
  • FALLOCAUST series by Quil Carter
  • COLD FINGERS by Amy Spector
  • THE BOOKS OF BLOOD Vols. 1-6 by Clive Barker
  • INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice
  • A DENSITY OF SOULS by Christopher Rice
  • DUST OF WONDERLAND by Lee Thomas
  • THE WOLF AT THE DOOR by Jameson Currier 
  • LOST SOULS, & DRAWING BLOOD, by Poppy Z. Brite
  • Ally Blue Down
  • Sarah Waters Affinity (f/f)
  • Bump In the Night series from Riptide
  • Jacqueline Rohrbach Speak With the Dead
  • The Werewolf on Lowre Few Lane by Bryce Bentley-Tales
  • Green Death by Madeleine Ribbon!
  • Ground of Insurrection (Wizard Wars, #1) by Mell Eight

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Word

Sunday, October 20:

  • Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations.
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 21:

  • Spotlight Tour and Giveaway for Dancing with the Lion: Rise by Jeanne Reames
  • Release Blitz – LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2
  • Blog Tour Minuet” by A.M. Leibowitz
  • A Stella Review All at Sea by JL Merrow
  • An Alisa Review: For a Unicorn’s Happiness (Legendary Shifters #2) by Catherine Lievens
  • A Caryn Review: Rise (Dancing with the Lion #2) by Jeanne Reames
  • A Lucy Review LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2 (In My Arms Again by Nell Iris The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright)

Tuesday, October 22:

  • Convicted” by Kim Fielding Cover Reveal
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Release Blitz for Anna Martin – Something Wild
  • A MelanieM Review Pine Tree Mary by Ofelia Gränd
  • A Lucy Review : Wrangling a Groom (Marital Bliss #2) by D.J. Jamison
  • A Lila Audio Review: Their Bounty (Four Mercenaries #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Wednesday, October 23:

  • Release Blitz – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Book Blitz – Adira August – Psychic Men
  • First Priority by Este Holland Blog Tour
  • An Alisa Review :All or Nothing by Riina Y.T
  • A Lila Review: Bishop  by A.E. Via
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review Best Man (Close Proximity #1) by Lily Morton

Thursday, October 24:

  • Release Blitz – Their Special Agent (Thistle Hearts #1) by Mel Gough
  • POST The Captain’s Flighty Fireworks by Eleanor Harkstead and Catherine Curzon
  • Blog Tour Second Song by Edie Danford
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Shot in the Dark (New Amsterdam #3) by Kelly Wyre
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Friday, October 25:

  • Release Blitz – Precariously Mated (D’Vaire, Book 14) by Jessamyn
  • BLOG TOUR Wrestling With Hope by DH Starr
  • An Alisa Review Wolf, en Garde by A.F. Henley
  • A Stella Review What We May Be by Vivien Dean

Saturday, October 26:

  • A MelanieM Audio Review:  Spencer Cohen 2 by NR Walker and Narrated by Joel Leslie

 

National Coming Out Day..a bit late. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

National Coming Out Day….a bit late.

 

National Coming Out Day was Friday, October 11, the 31st such coming out celebration and I didn’t want such a wonderful event to pass by without Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words making note of just how special and wondrous this occasion is. Our Twitter feed is full of stories, poignant, funny, accepting, sad, hilarious, and heartbreaking.  They have been running the full gamut of emotions, and histories, up to and including the advice that not everyone is ready to come out.  That they will know when, and if, that time comes that they feel safe and ready to make that step, a step only they should make for themselves.

As I said Friday, October 11, marked the 31st Anniversary of National Coming Out Day, a landmark in and of itself. Here are some special links, courtesy of HRC:

A Resource Guide to Coming Out

Transgender Visibility: A Guide to Being You

History of National Coming Out Day : started in October 11, 1987

 

For many more links (coming out at school, at work, inspiring stories, and helpful links, please check out HRC’s full link

National Coming Out Day | Human Rights Campaign |   https://www.hrc.org 

 

No matter the age when someone realized “who” they were and stated it out loud, from the earliest of ages to later in life, the ability to be i your truest self , whatever that may be, is a right everyone should have.  Here are some stories. Happy National Coming Out Day….a bit late.

National Coming Out Day: 2019’s top LGBTQ coming out stories

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 13:

  • National Coming Out Day..a bit late.
  • This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 14:

  • Review Tour – Ruby Moone – Loving Daniel (MC Securities #3)
  • Review Tour – Beth Laycock – Guarding His Heart
  • AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR – DARK RIVERS by Morgan Brice
  • A Stella Review: Things Happen That Way (Mann of My Dreams #2) by Tinnean
  • An Alisa Review : Loving Daniel (MC Securities #3) by  Ruby Moone
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Dark Rivers (Witchbane #2) by Morgan Brice and Kale Williams (Narrator)

Tuesday, October 15:

  • Cover Reveal, – Sally Malcom – Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel)
  • BLOG TOUR Master of Restless Shadows by Ginn Hale
  • Blog Post The Twelfth Knight (Guardians of Camelot #1) by Victoria Sue
  • BLITZ for Natural Disaster by Erin McLellan
  • A MelanieM Review: Wrecked by Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga
  • A Lila Review The Spymaster’s Secret By Antonia Aquilante
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Master of Restless Shadows (Master of Restless Shadows #1) by Ginn Hale

Wednesday, October 16:

  • Review Tour Bishop: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via
  • Blog Post – DJ Jamison”
  • The Shoreless Sea (Liminal Sky Book 3) by J. Scott Coatsworth Tour
  • An Alisa Review: Bishop: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Deosil (Whyborne & Griffin #11) by Jordan L. Hawk
  • A MelanieM Review:The Shoreless Sea (Liminal Sky Book 3) by J. Scott Coatsworth

Thursday, October 17:

  • Post CONFESSIONS OF A GAY CURMUDGEON by Andy V. Ambrose
  • Release Blitz – Slow Birth (Heat of Love 2.5) – Leta Blake
  • BLITZ Starting from Scratch by Lane Hayes
  • An Alisa Review: Blood Wine (The Blood Bond Series Book 2) by Aimer Boyz
  • A Stella Review: Love on the Hudson by KD Fisher
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Ghost House by Jacqueline Grey

Friday, October 18:

  • Release Blitz  – Doctor’s Orders by Emma Jay
  • Release Blitz – Felice Stevens – Running From My Heart
  • Review Tour – Con Riley – After Ben (Seattle Stories #1)
  • A Stella Review : The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Rule Breaker (Mixed Messages #1) by Lily Morton and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
  • A Stella Review: After Ben (Seattle Stories #1) by Con Riley

Saturday, October 19:

  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Lucky Break (Clean Slate Ranch #4) by A.M. Arthur
  • A MelanieM Review: The Necromancer’s Reckoning (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #3) by S.J. Himes