A MelanieM Review: Magic Triumphed (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #3) by Andi Van

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

The Mages’ Guild Trilogy: Book Three

Zaree Muna’s loyalty to her brother Tasis has taken her to some strange places, but she never could’ve predicted ending up where she now finds herself. The victims of a spell, Tasis and his familiar are unable to wake, leaving Zaree and her allies to face the mad king of Archai on their own. Their quest brings them face-to-face with the Maker herself, and she offers a dire prophecy: they’ll suffer three deaths as they fight for the fate of their world. They’ll lose two people close to them before the final death threatens their chance of victory.

But Zaree isn’t planning to give up—not on Tasis’s dream and not on their future. If that means staring down death, she’s ready. A thousand years is too long to let their struggles end in anything but triumph.

Magic Triumphed (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #3) by Andi Van is the exactly the right conclusion I was hoping for. It’s soaring in its imaginative qualities, full of adventure and suspense. All the characters we have come to know and love are present and fully involved in saving the world in a manner that has us cheering for more. And Andi Van gives us additional characters barely hinted at but now fully fleshed out, complete with their own relationships, and roles to play.

The only thing missing? I really wanted to see those giant dogs!

I love a saga that gives me a origin mythology and dragons too. Be still my heart. Plus Van leaves room at the end for further, if not sequels, then connected stories and hopefully more series because the world building here is exceptional. From the Grey Forest elves to the gryphons, to the Maker and all the dragons and Guilds, the continued expansion of the universe that the author is creating throughout the trilogy just cries out for more.

That goes for the relationships here too. The triad of Emlynn,Jorget, and Nabiha (with baby brother Malik of course) need their story along with Zaree and Reikos, should that be who she ends up with, you never know. There are so many powerfully conceived characters here who deserve stories all their own in this marvelous universe, empty Guilds that need to live again and a world that still needs so much healing.

Andi Van brought all these beings and this world alive to me. I sank into it for three stories. Magic Triumphed was an emotional high, It brought a complicated magically gorgeous saga to a great ending yet made me feel as though another journey could yet still be ready to start. I hope that Andi Van is listening….

Love fantasy? Here is a trilogy to dive into and become a part of. Beautifully written, fantastical creatures and wonderful characters, it will leave you both satisfied and wanting more. How great is that?

I highly recommend the entire trilogy which should be read in the order is was written.

Cover Art: Tiferet Designs. Gorgeous cover with the beautiful rendering of Zaree on the cover. Love it.

Sales Links: Harmony Ink Press | Amazon | Dreamspinner Press

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 214 pages

Published March 5th 2019 by Harmony Ink Press

ASIN B07LH1CWFM

Edition Language English

Series The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #3

Magic Fell

Magic Wept

Magic Triumphed

A MelanieM Audio Review: The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Tommy Gordon is all set for happily ever after—until heartbreak strikes when his husband-to-be leaves him at the altar. In a bid for distraction, his best friend, Grayson Phillips, suggests he takes advantage of the luxury honeymoon anyway! But the last thing Tommy wants is to go alone, so he invites Grayson and his son, Petey, along. Beautiful Bonaire lends itself to romance, and along with close quarters, relaxing on the water, and a matchmaking kid, Tommy and Grayson soon find themselves closer than ever… and considering more, much to Grayson’s delight. But before they can plan the best honeymoon ever, dark clouds descend in the form of Tommy’s ex and a sting from paradise that could ruin everything.

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a review where a wonderful narrator actually made the story worse in places instead of better but I really think that’s what happened here in The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey and as narrated by John Solo.

Don’t get me wrong, the story has many terrific elements. As a tour guide and promotional package for Bonaire? Absolutely breathtaking. Made me want to hop on a plane and take snorkeling lessons. This story really highlighted the island in the best way possible along with the environmental factors to help preserve its beauty and the safety of all the animals there. Grey used Petey, Grayson’s son, to stand in for all of us in his enthusiasm for all that he saw in and out of the water. Turtles, fish,it didn’t matter because his joy and laughter was infectious.

Truly, the character of Petey is one of my favorite things about this novel, outside of Bonaire.

His father, Grayson, is up there too, among the highlights of the story. A great dad, friend, and, apparently, someone who has long held more than friendly thoughts towards Tommy Gordon, his attitude and personality was also a positive note in the story. Thank goodness, because next to Tommy, this story really needed one.

Yes, Tommy is my issue here. I think had I just been reading the story, I might have been able to gloss over (read skim through) some of his more annoying sections. But no, I was listening to John Solo who was bringing alive Petey and Grayson and all the other people in the story, giving them each their own quirks and nuances. So yes he did the same to Tommy. Who in my opinion became almost someone I wanted to tell to “shut up and stop whining” time and again. Yes, he’d been left at the altar, by someone who then tried to steal from him. HIs behavior after inviting his best friend and son on his honeymoon? Terrible and beyond whiny into needy . Listening to him made it soooo much worse. It made it real. How I wished to tell Grayson and Petey to enjoy the vacation and then go find someone worthy of them. Luckily towards the end of the book he got better..a tad and the relationship one I could at least listen to as a friends to lovers sort.

So loved the father and son relationship, loved the son and his experiences on Bonaire, loved Bonaire. Really, I need to plan a trip there sometime. As much as I adore friends to lovers stories, this was one I had some trouble with, mostly due to Tommy. Others won’t have issues with him and will like this story better than I did. It’s all about perspective.

John Solo’s narration is wonderful as always.

Cover art: Bree Archer. Bright, happy, although I would wish for Petey to be present as well.

Sales Links; Dreamspinner Press| Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audiobook
Listening Length: 5 hours and 49 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Audible.com Release Date: January 15, 2019
Whispersync for Voice: Ready
Language: English, English
ASIN: B07MJRRGS5

A Free Dreamer Review: Severed (Precinct One #1) by Shona Husk

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Halle Ish, one of Velli’s elite police Arrows, is shot down during a Precinct One riot. Wounded and unable to fly, she tries to hide and avoid capture, knowing that if she is found by the razor gangs or Clipper Sect they will sever her wings. She needs to get out of Precinct One. Avin Lent was once a promising medical student, but he started sniffing Mumble to beat the stress and is now the doctor to one of the biggest gangs in Precinct One—while not part of the Clipper Sect, they are just as dangerous. He knows he is only as useful as his next surgery and they would have no qualms about killing him. Only Jarro is keeping him safe. Jarro Coblic is deep under cover and has been for a year. Immersed in the gang, he suspects his hands will never be clean again. When he finds the wounded Arrow, he knows he can’t turn her over even though everyone is looking for her. With his lover’s help, they hide her and heal her wing. All the while, falling for her. He prays Avin will not crumble and reveal their secret as Jarro tries to figure out a way to get them all out of Precinct One before the Sect and the gangs bring the full wrath of Velli on Precinct One. Tearing the place down can’t come soon enough, but there will be blood before the slate can be washed clean.

“Severed” marks the beginning of a new series and I liked this first part. I avoided anything with M/F in it for a while and only recently discovered that MMF is actually a relationship dynamic I could come to really enjoy.

A little trigger warning before we start: Avin is a drug addict and his struggles with his addiction and being high are a very important part of the story. There’s also quite a bit of violence and some off-screen torture going on.

It’s a bit hard to find the right genre for this book, but I guess it’s a futuristic urban fantasy, set in a completely different world. For quite a while, I thought it was set on Earth, but in the distant future, where something had happened to make women grow wings. It was all a little confusing, since I was always wondering, what could have happened to cause such a drastic change in our anatomy. I think it took too long for the author to establish that, in this world, women have always had wings. If that had been made clear from the get-go, it would have been obvious that this is a completely made-up world, inhabited by humans with a slightly different anatomy.

Once I’d realized that this was a different world, I actually started to find it quite fascinating. Women are physically superior to men, the wings giving them a definite advantage over the land-bound men. The society is essentially matriarchal, but leaning towards equality. Kind of like our own society, but also the opposite, since we come from a patriarchy. Most of the book is set in a crime-riddled slum, with not a lot of normal people left. So we don’t get to see much of the normal society, which was a bit of a shame. From the little that was shown, it seemed really interesting.

Relationships work differently in this universe. It’s perfectly normal for people to be in same-sex relationships or in poly relationships. I found the idea that there were essentially two models of poly relationships. The “famili sect” is made up of two M/F couples, who live together and watch out for each other during reproductive sex, as that can actually get dangerous for the man. Then there’s the “poli sect”, which has one woman in a relationship with two men. I’m not a fan of the “I’ll change one letter and invent a new fantasy word” thing, though. Either come up with a completely new name or leave the normal English one. But that’s just a minor niggle I’ve seen in a lot of fantasy books.

We never really learn how the women’s wings look. Are they feathered? Or skin? What colour are they? The same as the hair or the skin colour or something completely different? That was a disappointing lack of detail.

I really liked the relationship between Jarro and Avin. It’s born out of convenience and lust and has grown feelings over time, though neither is sure if he can trust the other one. That made for some great tension. I did think Avin took the revelation of Jarro being an undercover cop a little too lightly, though. I also liked them as individuals and they had some really hot sex together.

I’m not sure how I feel about Halle and her inclusion into the relationship. The feelings developed very fast and under less than ideal circumstances. I didn’t really feel the love there. But again, the sex was hot. Though there is a bit of a blood kink, which is normal in this universe. Still not necessarily one of my favourite kinks, but it worked well here.

I didn’t quite understand why Jarro was in Velli in the first place. He’s from a different city state and I found it very odd that he’d be doing official police business for a foreign country. Why would the Velli police use a foreigner? They must have their own undercover agents. I kind of missed a proper explanation for that oddity.

Overall, “Severed” was an enjoyable read and I’m definitely interested in the next part. There’s no evil cliffhanger, though the overall story arc obviously isn’t finished yet. You could read it as a stand-alone with a HEA for the triad and HFN for the rest of the world, sort of.

I really don’t like the cover by Natasha Snow. I read the book despite the cover, not because of it. I don’t get why there’s only Halle on it, with odd-looking wings. The guys are definitely missing. And the pink background implies a lighter story. Also, I just generally hate pink, but that’s just me.

Sales Links:

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

Book details:

ebook, , 281 pages

Published February 25th 2019 by NineStar Press

Tara Lain on Ten Hidden Things About Her and her new release ‘Hidden Powers (Superordinary Society #1)’ author guest blog and giveaway

Can a werewolf who makes people disappear save his world — and get the boy of his dreams?

Ten Hidden (and not so Hidden) Things About Tara

Hi! I’m so happy to be here today to celebrate the release of my new paranormal, new adult, adventure/romance, Hidden Powers. I’m Tara Lain and I write the Beautiful Boys of Romance. Often readers ask me things about myself, so I thought I’d share a few facts, some of which may be new to you.

This has been quite a year for me. After living a big percentage of my adult life in California, this year I moved to southern Oregon and I LOVE it! More trees and less cars.
As a child, I lived first in Austria and later in Japan as well as on both coasts of the US. I was in school before college for 11 years (I skipped a grade) and was in 13 different schools.
I love cats but my honey is very allergic to them so I have a Papillon dog who thinks she’s a cat. She licks her paws and washes her face with them and is totally finicky about food. I adore her.
I love snakes. When my honey and I go to the zoo, he stands outside for a long time while I commune with my slithery pals. Me and Harry Potter. We both have parseltongue.
For astrology buffs, I have 6 planets in Libra — having six of anything is called a stellium. If you’re really a buff, I’ll tell you I have 9 air signs and no earth. I also have 9 cardinal signs. Doing new stuff is fun for me.
My name is really Tara but it’s pronounced Tahra like tar on the roof not Terra. It’s a Sanskrit word meaning star or the guiding star
Like so many authors, I wrote my first book at five. The hero was (of course) a snake named Peter. Peter Pit Snake to be exact
I’m hugely claustrophobic
Two of my dearest friends growing up were gay men. I didn’t know it because they didn’t share it until years later. But they have ended up influencing so many things in my life.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I met and married my soulmate. We’ve been together over 30 years. That’s why I can say as a romance writer, I know my subject!

During my crazy, wacko year of moving to a new state, living in a hotel for two months when our escrow messed up, renovating a new house while all our belongings have been in storage, experiencing snow for the first time in our married lives and so much more, I’ve been writing. Hidden Powers is one of the books created during this exciting and crazy time. I hope you enjoy it. Hugs!

HIDDEN POWERS

(Superordinary Society Series, Bk 1)

By Tara Lain

Blurb

Jazz Vanessen is weird—and not just because he’s a werewolf. For most of his life, he’s felt different from his alpha male brothers and friends. Since he’s adopted, he can’t even blame it on family.

Now eighteen, Jazz meets his idol, the social activist Lysandra Mason, and her breathtaking nephew, Dash Mercury. When Dash is around, even stranger things start to happen, including Jazz falling hopelessly in lust. Not only is Jazz having visions, making people disappear, and somehow turning invisible, but somebody’s following him and threatening to reveal his pack’s secrets to the world.

Together with Dash and Jazz’s equally amazing friends—Carla, BeBop, Khadija, and Fatima—they discover the danger is even more lethal than they thought, and Jazz’s weirdness may save all their lives.

Available for purchase at

Excerpt

Excerpt 1 – Hidden Powers

Lysandra’s nephew escorted her to a seat at the governor’s table, then sat beside her. After he pushed her chair back in, he suddenly raised his head like a deer scenting the air and glanced around the crowd. It was kind of like when Jazz smelled danger or someone he knew, but this guy was no werewolf. He might look supernatural, but to Jazz’s nose, he came across as human.

Carla gave Jazz a rough elbow to the ribs. “Close your mouth, or better yet, stuff it with some of that outrageous pile of protein. His name’s Dashiell”—she said it like Dasheel—“as in dash-ing, but she calls him Dash. You’ll get to meet him.”

“I will? Why?” Weirdly, his heart slammed against his ribs.

“Because they’re sitting at our table, and so are you. Come on.” She grabbed his arm.

He pulled it back. Okay, too much. “Uh, I’m not so sure.”

“Why? You’re not shy.”

“She’s just my idol, you know. Sometimes idols are best seen from afar. You don’t notice the cracks.”

She smiled wryly. “You sure it’s not fear of getting a mighty erection in public over Mr. Dashing Pretty Puss?”

He lightly punched her shoulder. Of course, she was close to the truth.

“Dad says Lysandra Mason’s a love.” She hauled on his arm again.

“My food—”

“Bring it.”

He left it on the table and wiped his hands on his jeans.

She laughed.

He let himself be dragged over to where the governor and his wife were sitting with some members of his staff that Jazz mostly recognized from photos. And sure enough, the great lady herself was there, sitting beside—what had Carla called him?—Mr. Dashing Pretty Puss. The closer Jazz got, the prettier he looked. Her too. Strange. Usually humans looked more—human up close. You saw the freckles and blemishes. It made them real and charming. These two just stayed beautiful. Flawless skin, glowing hair, and luminous eyes. Lysandra’s nephew turned to look at Jazz, and Jazz saw that his eyes were some shining shade of pale green. Lysandra’s hair was brown mixed with blond, or vice versa, while the guy’s hair was actually very dark brown with deep shades of red, like fire. Jazz wanted to be invisible so he could sit down and stare at the two of them until his eyes bled.

His hands started to tingle and a quiver vibrated up his spine. Totally cray.

Carla grabbed his arm. “Hey. You okay? You got kind of pale.”

He forced a smile. “Just too much hero worship.”

She marched up to the table like the daughter of a governor—one who knew no fear—and stuck out her hand to Lysandra Mason. “Hi. I’m Carla Mendes, and I’m thrilled to meet you.”

“Delighted, Carla.” The smile Lysandra gave her was warm and genuine.

Carla reached back to Jazz. “This is my best friend, Jazz Vanessen. He’s one of your biggest fans.”

Lysandra turned her gaze to Jazz. Whoa. Where her eyes had appeared hazel at a distance, he now saw that they were gold—a pale yellow-gold like some kind of bizarre cat—but beautiful. Those eyes widened a little, probably at his adoring expression. “Hello, Jazz. How lovely to meet you.”

They weren’t words. They were music that filled his head like sweet smoke. He took her offered hand, almost scared he’d get a shock. Instead, her touch might have been more of a mist that slipped into his veins and made his blood dance like champagne.

Her eyes never left his as she shook his hand, then held it a few seconds longer. She finally blinked. “Carla and Jazz, may I present my nephew, Dashiell Mercury. We call him Dash.”

Jazz was scared to look. He might turn to stone. But when he shifted his glance, Dash was staring at him, his gaze focused.

Carla made a slight snorting sound. “Dash Mercury? Planning on giving FedEx some competition?”

Mrs. Mendes said, “Carla, enough of your smart mouth.”

Dash Mercury dragged his eyes from Jazz to look at Carla. And then he did it. He smiled. The seemingly immoveable, perfect face broke out into dimples and smile lines and crinkles.

Jazz’s mouth dropped open again, and he couldn’t get it closed.

“But I only bring the very best stuff to your door.” Dash laughed. If Jazz had expected a silky, even oily, voice, he was surprised to find Dash sounded pretty much like a regular guy. Friendly, casual, teenage. But Jazz’s wolf senses said that this dude was… something else. Human, yes, but unknown. Unexplored. Maybe dangerous

About the Author

Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters – and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn’t believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her best-selling stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes — the beautiful boys of romance — and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara’s characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara’s creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers. She also loves to hear from you.

You can find Tara at Lain

Pinterest | FB Reader Group

Giveaway

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

Presented by

Book Blitz for Chasing Eddie (Golden Gate Love Stories #3) by Frank W Butterfield (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 45,000 words

Golden Gate Love Stories

Book #1 – The One He Waited For – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – Their Own Hidden Island – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

January 29, 2019

Eddie Smith is a chubby bear of a guy who lives in Daytona Beach and doesn’t work much anymore but isn’t retired.

Whit Hall has just retired as a tight end for an NFL expansion team and lives in San Antonio.

At 52, Eddie feels at home with himself and has learned how to roll with life. He’s happy enough where he is and doesn’t expect much to happen anytime soon.

At 35, Whit is ready for a life that put less of a strain on his body. He’s banked plenty of dough but doesn’t know what to do next.

. . .

About to sit down to his favorite take-out lasagna, Eddie gets a call from a friend who wants to hire him to help Whit figure out what’s next in his life.

Eddie is a kinda, sorta life coach and might be able to help but seriously doubts it.

Reluctantly, he climbs aboard his friend’s private jet and flies to San Antonio. Once he arrives, he ends up getting a whole lot more than he bargained for. Whit Hall is aggressive, he’s angry, and he’s under a lot of pressure.

It’s a good thing Eddie (sorta) knows what he’s doing!

. . .

Now that he’s retired, Whit is looking for the next thing.

He’s set, with plenty of bank. And he’s doing what he can to deal with his parents, who are all up in his business. A lot.

Then, one Wednesday morning, he opens his front door. Before he knows it, Whit is chasing Eddie Smith out of his house, down the street, and even further.

It’s a good thing Whit is (kinda) in shape for this new type of chase!

. . .

Neither man wants to go far…

But unexpected changes are chasing them both…

Wherever they end up going, and whatever ends up happening, this will be the beginning of something new and wonderful for them both.

. . .

This 45K word stand-alone contemporary male/male (MM) romance involves a chubby bear guy and a retired professional football player.

Included:

Some tension…
Hints of a coming-out story…
Medium-heat sexual descriptions…
Slightly nerdy details…
Some metaphysics…
And a HEA (that’s a happily-ever-after)…

Not included:

Much angst…
Graphic sexual descriptions…
A cliff-hanger…

This story is the beginning of a series of contemporary romantic adventures. It ends with the start of one of those, so there are some loose plot points but no cliff-hanger.

Topics: virgin, virgin hero, out for you, first time romance, mid-life transformation, innocent first timer, late bloomer

. . .

Golden Gate Love Stories are all about the lives and loves of men who fall in love with each other and find the one they were waiting for.

Set in the same universe as the Nick Williams Mystery Series and the Daytona Beach Book Series, these love stories focus on the men who come together, find true love, and really do live happily ever after.

Excerpt

He looked at me for a long moment. His violet eyes got more focused and I wondered what was going on in that head of his with its tufted hair on top and strange gray streaks.

I could feel my attraction for him suddenly come front and center. Like always happened, my knees got a little weak and my mouth got dry.

I held his gaze for as long as I could, wondering what was really going on. I knew what I wanted to happen. I wanted something… Like a kiss or more. I was pretty sure he’d been watching me as if he was attracted to me. His eyes always went to my belly, which was a tell-tale sign. Right then, however, his violet eyes were drilling into mine.

As always, I started doubting myself. Maybe I was mis-reading him entirely. Maybe he was just a friendly straight guy. As we looked at each other, all of those thoughts, and more, ran through my head.

Of course, I’d been hired by Bob to do a job and kissing Whit wasn’t in the job description. And it wasn’t ethical for me to kiss him. Not that I adhered to some sort of written code of ethics. I just didn’t think it was respectful of Whit as a client, even though he really wasn’t my client, but that was splitting hairs.

Nevertheless, I was tempted to put my left hand around his waist, but I was afraid how he would react. It was hard to be around a big scaredy-cat who might bite, and hard, at any moment.

So, with all that going through my mind, I stood perfectly still and examined the violet in his eyes, something that was remarkable to look at.

And then, suddenly, it was over.

He turned and looked at the river. After another few seconds, he leaned against one of the trees and crossed his arms. “Knowing this is here is enough to get me to stay.”

“Oh?” I asked, wishing I had some water to drink.

He cleared his throat. “Yeah. I talked to my business manager about putting the house up for sale. He thinks I could make a profit on it, considering that I owned it.”

I looked over at the river, not wanting to show him what I thought of that idea. But, somehow, he knew I had an opinion.

“What?”

“I guess I would never think of paying a premium on a house because a football player had lived there. Not one like that one. You’ve got a historical marker, after all.”

He didn’t say anything. I looked over at him. He was staring out at the river.

“I tried to get the city to let me remove that thing—”

“What!” I couldn’t help myself.

He looked at me, frowning. Shrugging, he said, “Well, I don’t give a shit about how old it is or who lived in it.”

“Well, then, why the hell did you buy it?”

He leaned forward, aggressively. “I didn’t buy it. My mother did.”

I leaned back. “Oh.”

He took a deep breath and then said, “Sorry. I promised Ossler I wouldn’t do that again.”

I knew what he meant, but I wanted to hear him say it. “Do what?”

“Get in your face.” He did look contrite which, on him, was really cute.

“Thanks, Whit.”

He looked down at me and smiled a little. “No sweat, Coach.”

I grinned and shook my head.

He laughed and then patted his belly. “OK. Now, I’m hungry.”

“Me too.”

Author Bio

Although Frank worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast. Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983. After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he now makes his home in a hurricane-proof motel, built in 1947, with superior water pressure. While he hasn’t met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Book Blitz and Giveaway for In The Eye Of The Wind by Katherine Wyvern

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 100,000 word approx.

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb

Born in the northern wastes of Kaleva in the middle of a devastating war between light and darkness, Rikko’ has found his way south to the warm shores of the Circled Sea, the first elver to ever turn pirate.

Forbidden by the rules of the Andalouan court to pursue such an ungentlemanly career, Gael can only dream of ever becoming a doctor, and his medical studies remain unfinished until his aunt the Queen sends him on a covert mission to the pirate city of Beyas’kahl.

And here, after one night with Rikko’, all his loyalties are put to the test.

Queen Amata has reigned for three decades, and she always used her men cunningly. But even the best player can miscalculate, and her blunder places Gael first in slavery, then in a naval battle, and finally, worst of all, face to face with Rikko’s darkest and deadliest side.

From such darkness, is there any coming back? Is there any hope of love for Gael, or redemption for Rikko’?

About Katherine

I have entered that age when looking at beautiful male models in their prime makes me a cougar, ahem.

Almost all my heroines are short: that’s because I look at the world from hobbit level. Being so small I am three times more concentrated (read: obsessive) than anybody I know. I am exhaustingly creative in writing, arts, crafts… Sometimes my brain gets friction burns from hurtling at such speed from one universe to the next.

I love animals, plants, and occasionally even people.

Like the Highlander I come from a lot of different places. I was born in Italy but lived here and there and consider myself simply and deeply European. I love Europe passionately, its antiquity, its diversity, its quirkiness. All my books are set in Europe, or alternate versions of it.

I have been writing since I can remember.

Katherine’s Blog:
https://katherinewyvern.blogspot.fr/

Katherine’s Website:
http://meetingivory.wixsite.com/katherinewyvern

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

Facebook Author/artist Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/884796268383313/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KatherineWyvern

Or follow her on Instagram @katherinewyvern

Giveaway

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

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

A MelanieM Review: Magic Wept (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2) by Andi Van

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The Mages’ Guild Trilogy: Book 2

Jorget wants desperately to hone his magical abilities, but it’s almost impossible in Archai Castle, where the mad king would kill him if he caught him using his forbidden talents. But a chance presents itself when Jorget’s mentor, the royal priest Denekk, sends him on a quest in search of a magical weapon. While it seems his opportunity to make a name for himself has finally arrived, Jorget has no idea what he’s really getting himself into.

In the Mages’ Guild of the Dragon’s Claw, Kelwin Tiovolk and his beloved, guild leader Tasis Kadara, are finally enjoying a peaceful life. Unfortunately, it can’t last—the king has designs on a weapon that can destroy the guild, and in order to protect his home, Kelwin will have to leave it.

Saving the guild seems impossible with so many determined to stop them, but if Kelwin and Jorget stand together, they might find the strength to defy the odds and preserve all they hold dear.

The middle book in the trilogy is often the hardest story for the author, and perhaps the reader. It has to act as a bridge between the first story that launches the saga, where lies the power of introducing us to the characters and universe and then it has to carry us over to a third tale that will triumphantly bring all the many story threads together, answering our questions and, hopefully, giving our characters a HEA they all deserve. That’s quite a story load for any bridge to carry. Plus it has its own narrative chores to carry out. It must move a complicated plot forward, expand on existing characterizations, and, even do a little more revelations in the foundation/universe creations (here it’s in the mythology world building here that Van is creating).

Yes, that middle novel can make or break a trilogy. So I’m so happy to tell you that I was just as enthralled with Magic Wept as I was with Magic Fell. With everything this story had to accomplish, it did that and more as a compelling fantasy tale I couldn’t put down. Van enlarged on the mythology started in the first story, gave the reader many stunning twists here, introduced new characters and expanded on ones we barely met in the first novel, Magic Fell, by bringing them into the main group here. I’m loving Emlynn the giant who never grew too tall,Jorget who’s mouth runs faster than his brilliant mind, and many more. Toddlers, butterflies, and dandelions, oh my!

Andi Van is able to balance the magical, the fantastical, with the ability to horrify in a split second. And then go back again.

The characters that you find here, all of them, no matter the gender, or gender fluid, or gender identity, are all complicated, living beings. That they might happen to be dragons, magical cats of a thousand years or a baby who can make butterflies dance about your heads, you take them all into your hearts and embrace them fully. Which means you are fully invested about what happens every second of every page.

Which is a lot.

There is more world building, action and suspense, and, yes, its setting us up for the final story Magic Triumphed..

For those of you seeking heat in your fantasy, this is not the trilogy for you. This is a true YA story with no heat at all. Love, romance perhaps, but no sex. It’s a wonderfully imagined, deeply satisfying fantasy adventure with great characters and world building.

I definitely recommend Magic Wept (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2) by Andi Van and Magic Fell. Now onto the trilogy finale.

Cover Artist: AngstyG. These are just gorgeous covers, and work not only for the trilogy but for the characters as well.

Sales links: Harmony Ink | Amazon |

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 180 pages
Published September 18th 2018 by Harmony Ink Press
ASIN B07DKX7TC6
Edition Language English
Series The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2

A Vivacious Review: Controlled (Hot Flash) by J.M. Snyder

Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5

This is a short story but it is a very good short story. In fact, it is everything a short story should be.

When I came across the book, I was swamped but something about the blurb was so intriguing, that I knew I would make time for it and I am so thankful that I did. It is a short read but it is so good. It is amazing.

The concept of the story really intrigues me. The story focuses on a relationship between a couple who don’t get named throughout the story which just mystifies the intrigue. The story basically revolves around the idea of control in a relationship, is the person in control really in control or does he merely feel that way because his partner wants him to feel that way.

This story opens a whole lot of avenues and I don’t think they are very healthy ones but it makes for an amazing read. The story feels very manipulative and I really wonder about the future of this couple but the way the guy manipulates his partner is amazing in a little creepy way. I really don’t know how to feel.

In a way, I feel that people in relationships do manipulate each other to some degree to get what they want and the fact that you know the other person so well makes it easier to get what you want by pushing the right buttons. In this story, our narrator basically wants his partner’s attention and he plans everything to make sure he gets what he wants but the lengths he goes to will blow your mind.

It is a hot story with a mildly disturbing theme but it is so well written you will find yourself sucked into the story.

This is a genuinely amazing story that will blow your socks off. If that blurb intrigues you read the story it is totally worth it.

Cover Art by Written Ink Designs. Even though the cover consists of a stock photo it fits this story to the tee.

Sales Links: JMS Books LLC | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 12 pages
Published February 6th 2019 by JMS Books LLC
ASINB07N49JFZ6

An Alisa Release Day Review: Hidden Powers (Superordinary Society #1) by Tara Lain

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This was a wonderful story. I didn’t connect that this is following those from the Harker Pack series but I was so glad when I realized it as I loved that series.

Jazz has always felt different than his family and all the weird things that have been happening around him is making it worse. Dash is way more than Jazz could ever have thought but he is really a lot of help once he decides which side he is on.

I loved Jazz, he is so sweet and while there are some secrets he has to keep, he doesn’t apologize for who he is. I loved seeing him do what he does best but felt for him when he was confused and everything seemed to be going wrong. Now Dash, I didn’t like him initially when he came to stay with Carla but once he allowed himself not just follow what he is told he let the real him show and really hope he isn’t gone to his special school too long. I loved how the friends are all different and have different things that were special about them. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what these kids get up to.

I really like the cover art by Reese Dante and think it works well for the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 278 pages

Published: March 12, 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-64405-154-2

Edition Language: English

Series: Superordinary Society #1

Andrew Grey on Memories, Tours, and his new story Borrowed Heart (author guest blog)

Borrowed Heart by Andrew Grey
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas

Book Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

DreamSpinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Andrew Grey here today talking about his new release Borrowed Heart. Welcome, Andrew.

✒︎

When I started Borrowed Heart, I knew it was going to take place on a tour in Europe and since I had travelled in Germany many times, it was the natural choice. However one thing I didn’t count on, it just crept in, was the fact that much of the story mirrored Dominic and my honeymoon some 23 years ago. That was a pleasant surprise. I got to relive some of the things we did through the book and what surprised me even more was the fact that writing the book recalled things I hadn’t thought about on years. It was a great trip down memory lane.

The first stop on our trip was Freiburg in the black forest. It’s a beautiful city with a vibrant central business district. After a few days, before sunset, Dominic and I took a walk out of the town and up into the forest itself. We past small garden houses and then were engulfed in trees and an umbrella of green. We got off the beaten path to discover ruins that we climbed over and sat on for pictures. I remember it as something out of Lord of the Rings, though without the carved faces and stuff. Dominic and I never passed anyone else, it was just the two of us in the forest. Irs funny what you remember and how important these little memories become.

Blurb/Synopsis:

Robin, the recipient of a brand-new heart, knows he can’t give it to just anyone….

Robin’s been through his share of upsets recently, from heart transplant surgery to a brutal breakup. But his experiences have taught him life is short, and he’s ready to seize the day and start anew. A job at Euro Pride Tours is just the kind of adventure he’s looking for. He gets to see the world and live a little, but love isn’t on his radar screen. He isn’t sure his heart can endure that again.

Johan might’ve disappointed his family by striking out on his own, but when he meets Robin, he has no intention of letting him down. Each man is just what the other needs to feel whole again, and while Johan might not be the man Robin originally thought he was, he’s exactly what the doctor ordered to make Robin’s borrowed heart beat faster. As the tour through Germany progresses, they grow closer, but when Robin’s ex joins the tour, he could bring their blossoming love to a dramatic halt.

Excerpt:

“Guten Morgen. I’m Robin, and I’m going to be your tour guide for the next eleven days. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the itinerary, and as far as I know, there aren’t any changes that we are expecting. Our driver, Johan—” He paused, and Johan waved quickly before merging into traffic. “—and I will be here to make sure you get where you need to. At any time during the trip, I will be happy to answer questions. Now, for most of our day trips, Johan will lock the bus, so you can feel free to leave your things in the overhead compartment, or we can put them in the locked compartments.”

“Even my laptop?” Grant asked, his hand shooting in the air.

“Yes. Your laptops, sweaters, jackets… all of it. We don’t recommend that you leave things on the bus overnight, because Johan will need to park it and he’ll be at the hotel with us.” Robin gazed out at the faces all looking back at him expectantly. “The drive to Würzburg is going to take about two hours with traffic, so I thought I’d give you a little overview of the country we’re going to be seeing. The country we know as Germany didn’t always look the way it does today. Up until a hundred and fifty or so years ago, it was many different sovereign states—Prussia, Franconia, and Bavaria, to name a few of them. They each had their own rulers and royal lines. You may have heard of some of them.”

“What about East Germany? Was that one of them?” Billy asked, and Kyle nudged him sharply.

“No. That’s because of the war,” Kyle interjected.

“What we know or knew as East and West Germany resulted from World War II. East Germany was the part controlled by the Russians. Germany was reunified in 1990.” Robin took a deep breath and continued. “We are going to see palaces, castles, and Roman ruins, taste wine….”

“And get drunk…,” a couple said together, and everyone laughed.

Robin tried to laugh along with them, but failed, waiting them out instead. Kyle and Billy started talking about beer, and the conversation took off on its own. Popping and hissing sounds followed, and both Kyle and Billy sipped from cans, offering them to others as well. Soon almost everyone was drinking, and Robin wondered how they’d gotten that much beer on the bus right under his nose. He was going to have to keep an eye on those two. Giving up on imparting any more information, he sat down and let the group talk while they rode.

“It is okay,” Johan said from just in front of him. “They need to get to know one another, and this is a good time for them to do it.”

“I suppose. I usually have get-to-know-each-other games,” Robin explained, and Johan snorted. “What?”

“I remember those games. The beer is better.” He returned to his driving, chuckling under his breath. Robin wanted to smack him, but as he turned to look at the rest of the group, he had to agree that the beer was better. They were having a good time, talking and laughing. Robin faced forward, watching the road and scenery out the front window as they entered the Autobahn. He opened the file and reviewed it once again, needing something to do.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)