Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Spellcaster Wild Card by Nikki Jefford

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Spellcaster Wild Card
Nikki Jefford
Publication date: October 1st 2024
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Win the game. Change the world.

Winning the show means living forever. It is the golden ticket to fame, fortune, and a place among the vampire elite.

Being remade isn’t on my wish list. I like being me, and with nearly a million online followers, it’s working. My parents and big sister are the do-gooders in our family who want to make the world a fair and just place for all humans and paranormal creatures. I just want to finish high school and keep doing what I do best—sharing hair and beauty tips while discussing Spellcaster and how the show’s vampire judge Malachi Rayne is the hottest male on the planet.

Then, life as I know it ends. There are evil forces who will stop at nothing to maintain world dominance—indefinitely.

It’s hard to care when I’ve become dead inside and out.

After my family is violently attacked, the host of Spellcaster insists I audition for Season 13. For the first time in the show’s history, they want to represent every species of paranormals. That’s me now. Not human. Not vampire. Not the class of creature anyone EVER cheers for.

This season’s prize is power beyond anyone’s imagination. It is the kind of reward that contestants and their sponsors would kill to possess.

Let the other contestants and judges underestimate me. They can gossip all they want about the hotshot wizard and the alpha werewolf behaving as though I’m another prize to be won. And if Coach Malachi can’t handle a bold influencer with abilities, then he can suck it. I preferred watching him from the other side of the screen. He’s about to discover that Haylee Hutchins is a force to be reckoned with. The whole world will.

Someone thought they could silence my family for good. Instead, they created a monster. I’m still here, and I am much harder to kill.

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EXCERPT:

Everything is spinning. My body. My vision. My brain. I clamp my mouth shut to keep from vomiting. The cleaning crew just got the stage cleaned. Then there’s the second reason I keep my lips pressed tight. I refuse to beg Malachi for mercy.

My hands flail and grasp for something to hold on to, but the wind rushing between my fingers is no help. If this is what flying feels like, then it’s highly overrated. I lean forward in an attempt to go vertical, which has the ill effect of pitching me forward so I catch a brief view of how far I am from the stage. My body flips around another time. I don’t want to land on my feet and crush my ankles. I certainly don’t want to land on my head and shatter my skull. I don’t want to break anything on my body!

If I won this season’s prize, I could defend myself instead of swirling helplessly like the roof of a house caught in a tornado.

The wind rips out my hair tie and blows my braid out in an instant. Blond hair whips me in the eyes. My body begins to descend slowly, while the spinning continues in full force. The tornado fades little by little into the stage until I am set down gently and it disappears altogether. I try to remain standing while the theater seats and stage continue to spin, but I tilt to one side and misstep. Thump. I fall to the stage, sprawled out on my side. It could have been worse, though. Way, way worse.

It’s a little hard to feel grateful as partially digested lunch rushes up my throat. I swallow it down.

Malachi stomps over. “What the hell was that, Hutchins?”

Great. He’s using my last name. The coaches never use contestants’ last names. I must be in trouble.

It’s a serious effort to get to my feet, which takes outstretched arms to keep my balance, but I’m not about to listen to this lecture in a crumpled heap on the stage.

My loose hair tickles my cheeks. I swallow again and cover my mouth with my hand. Malachi’s not in my face, but I don’t want him scenting my vomit breath. Well, not technically breath, but whatever foul waft might originate from the leftover taste on my tongue.

Malachi doesn’t wait for me to answer his question before drilling into me. “First rule of magical combat—never lose hold of your wand.”

“You lost yours,” I mutter, which is the wrong thing to say.

Author Bio:

Nikki Jefford is a third-generation Alaskan nomad married to an amazing Frenchman. She loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt! Books, travel, TV series, hiking, writing, and motorcycle riding are her favorite escapes. The dark side of human nature fascinates her, so long as it’s balanced by humor and romance.

To get in on the fun and adventure, visit Nikki at her website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you subscribe to her newsletter: https://nikkijefford.com/newsletter/

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PREORDER BLITZ: Tamra by Alice Gene

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Familiar Training Academy, Book 1

 

Urban Fantasy Romantic Comedy

Date Published: August 9, 2024

Publisher: Changeling Press


 

 

Jonathan comes from a long line of sorcerers, and all his ancestors
attended the Familiar Training Academy, where they were paired with
shapeshifters. All seems fine for Jonathan until he discovers his familiar
is a woman who can shift into a snake. And he’s supposed to bond with
her?

Tamra is excited she’s getting another chance to serve as a familiar,
especially because she’ll get to mate with her new master as part of
their bond. Unfortunately Tamra just can’t follow rules. Any rules.
Ever. When her rebellious nature conjures up evil from the school’s
past, she and Jonathan have to jump in to reverse the disaster her impetuous
nature’s caused this time.

 

Excerpt

Copyright ©2024 Alice Gene

 

Tamra smiled to herself as she slithered into the professor’s office.
No one ever expected a snake, and because she was small, on the floor, and
silent, her new charge — supposedly her master — hadn’t even noticed
she’d entered the room. The guy was in for a big surprise.

The professor was just finishing his spiel for rookie sorcerers.
“We’ve paired you with a familiar according to the
questionnaires you filled out. It may seem an unusual match but be assured,
you two are perfect for each other.”

“When can I meet her?”

“She’s here now,” the professor said.

Tamra took that as her cue to introduce herself. She wrapped her slender
body around the leg of the visitor’s chair, climbed onto the seat and
curled up in a perfect coil of brilliant scales.

The rookie jumped up and backed away about five feet. “It’s a
snake.”

“She,” the professor corrected again. “This is
Tamra.”

The guy obviously had a crappy attitude about snakes. This had happened
before, more than once. Her last potential master had screamed and run from
the room. The professor had been forced to assign a more placid animal to
the man. A guinea pig, for God’s sake. Word on the grapevine was both
of them were now miserable with each other. Served him right.

Anyway, this one wasn’t running, but he obviously wasn’t happy.
So, she flicked her forked tongue at him.

“I assure you, Tamra is ideal for you,” the professor said.
“We did a multivariate assessment of your personality and your
needs.”

“And it said I needed a snake?” the man asked, his voice now a
croak.

The professor folded his hands together on top of his desk.
“Absolutely.”

Of course, no one had asked Tamra what she needed. The fact was, if she
didn’t get a master soon, she might flunk out of this place, and
she’d have to find another one. Schools for sorcerers and their
familiars didn’t pop up everywhere.

The man started pacing. “There must be some mistake.”

The professor opened a computer file. “You are Jonathan Woodrow
Dillson, correct?”

“Well, yes.”

The professor squinted at the screen. “Your father, grandfather, and
uncles were all paired with familiars here, I believe.”

The man ran his fingers through short, dark hair. “Yes, yes,
but…”

“They were all excellent students and went on to contribute to the
field of arcane knowledge,” the professor said. “They all bonded
with their familiars here according to our methods.”

The man slowly approached the chair Tamra was coiled up on.
“It… she… can change into human form, can’t
she?”

Well, duh. They wouldn’t be physically compatible if she remained a
reptile. He’d never fit a huge, human cock inside her cloaca — the
one benefit of pairing with him rather than another snake. Forked penises
were cool, but doing it with a human was lit AF. Or at least, that was the
word around the familiars’ dorm.

“Of course she can change,” the professor answered. “All
our familiars are shifters.”

“Then why doesn’t she?”

They both stared at Tamra, expecting her to perform for them. The professor
had already warned her about her Bad Attitude. She was going to make nice
with the rookie eventually. She might as well start now. So, she
concentrated on her human form — size, arms and legs, hair, her face — and
in a moment, she was sitting, naked, in the chair next to the one the man
had jumped out of.

He jumped again, though not as far this time. “She’s
naked.”

She wasn’t going to explain the obvious to him, so she gave the
professor an expression that said, “Really? This guy?”

The professor ignored her. “She has clothing waiting in your
rooms.”

“Of course.” The man sat back down and avoided looking at
her.

“Introduce yourself, Tamra,” the professor said.

“I’m Tamra. I’ll be your familiar today,” she
said.

The professor lifted an eyebrow in warning, so she extended a hand toward
the man. “I’m Tamra.”

The man shook her hand but avoided looking directly at her.
“I’m Jonathan. Good to meet you.”

“Splendid.” The professor clapped his hands together. “I
just knew you two would get along swimmingly.”

 

 

About the Author

Alice Gene likes her romance hot.  She writes in a number of different
genres, including paranormal, historical, and contemporary.  As Alice
Gaines, she’s a USA Today bestselling author.

Alice has a PhD from UC Berkeley and lives in an apartment the size of a
postage stamp in Oakland.  She loves knitting, singing in her church
choir, and funking out with Tower of Power. She also loves hearing from her
readers!

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress

 

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TEASER TUESDAY: Taken by the Satyr by Megan Slayer

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(Taken 5): A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novella

Paranormal Women’s Fiction / Urban Fantasy

Date to be Published: February 16, 2024

Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC


 

Preston, son of Hermes, has a secret. He’s been cursed to live as a
satyr — a monster with a dubious job he hates. He knows love is not in his
future. Can’t be.

Then he meets Lulu — the daughter of a witch and Elf. A woman unsure of
her place in the world. Luna has come back to Eerie to hide and heal, but a
chance meeting with sorcerers and being thrown together with Preston changes
everything. Love may be possible if only Luna can open her heart and change
Preston’s mind.

 

 

EXCERPT

Copyright ©2024 Megan Slayer

 

Back to the old homestead. Lulu snorted and pulled onto the dirt road
leading to the witch enclave. She wasn’t a witch herself. Hell, she
wasn’t even sure what she was — the daughter of a witch and an elf.
Did that make her a Wilf? An Elch? She had magic, but she wasn’t good
with spells. She couldn’t bake for shit and refused to live in a
tree.

She drove the mucky path passing for a street to the house she’d
grown up in. When she’d left for college, she’d been so
wide-eyed and excited. So ready to embrace the world.

Then Tom happened. He’d consumed her life. He made her feel things.
Showed her there was more to life, but most of it wasn’t good. He
needed control.

Of course, he did.

Being a sorcerer, he lived for control.

Every time she looked back on her last few years, she winced. She’d
been so naive. She’d let him do all the things he’d done because
she thought she loved him.

He’d never loved her.

But that didn’t matter now. She’d broken free from his control,
and he’d moved on to his next victim.

She stopped in her parents’ driveway, but her thoughts clogged her
mind. She’d considered his next girlfriend a victim. God. What a piece
of work Tom was!

That didn’t matter. She’d come home. She’d gone back to
what she knew so she could heal her heart.

She left the car and strode over to the barn. Poofs of colored smoke shot
from the chimney. Her mother must be creating.

She spied the plants in the field. Her father had finally got the crops out
on time. Good for him. A smile pulled at her lips. At least someone had
their life going in the right direction.

She’d figure hers out soon enough.

She diverted from the barn and made her way over to the field. She breathed
in the clean scent of the crops. Eerie was a hot mess at times, but it was
also the place for paranormals to be themselves. It was a safe place.

She’d thought she needed a place to run away to, but not when home
called. It wasn’t like she had a lost love back home. She’d
never had a boyfriend when she’d been in Eerie. She hadn’t been
enough of a paranormal — not looking like an elf or witch. She’d been
too normal and teased for her appearance. Being different hadn’t
bothered her, though. She shook her head. She’d pulled herself up and
grown. She wasn’t the same girl who’d left town.

“You made it.” Daff, her father, bounded up to her. “Got
a lot to move in?”

“I’m not moving in, Daddy.” She’d found an
apartment on March Avenue, above a bakery. Sue her for liking the
smells.

“I didn’t think you would be, but I cleaned up the second floor
just in case.” He wiped his hands on a towel hanging from his pocket.
“What are you planning to do?”

“I’m living in the Towers. Fourth floor. I’ll get the
keys this evening. It’s furnished so I don’t have to move
anything but my clothes.” She’d worked out a deal with Marina,
her second cousin, to get the last furnished unit.

“Good. I’m glad.” Her father hesitated. “Are you
having a roommate?”

“No.”

“Are you sure? A witch alone?” Her father shook his head.
“We have room.”

“You do, but I need to do this on my own.” She hugged him.
“But I appreciate the concern. I’m only a call
away.”

“I know,” her father said. “Got a job yet?”

“At Linc’s.” She wasn’t sure working at a bar was
smart, but it was a job.

“The bar?”

“In the restaurant. I head there next.” She stepped back.
“Just wanted to see you and Mom. I can use all the anchors I can
get.” She needed them.

“You’re always welcome here.”

“I know. Is Mom around?” She hadn’t seen her and her
mother tended to be the center of attention.

“She’s mixing spells with Grinella.”

She should’ve guessed. “She spends a lot of time there with
her.”

“She does.”

Sadness tinged his voice and she hesitated. “To the exclusion of
you?”

“A bit.”

“Daddy.” She wasn’t sure what to do to help him.

“She needs to find herself, so I’m letting her.”

“But you’re unhappy.” She would be, too.

“I am, but I’ll be here for her.”

“What do you want? For you? Not for Mom?”

He stared at her. “I never thought about it.”

“I know.” She sat beside him on the fence. “What do you
want?”

“To farm. To have my animals and work the land. To feel the earth in
my hands. To be loved,” he said. “All those things.”

“Then that’s what you should do. All of those things. Have you
told Mom you don’t feel loved?”

“She’s never home and when she is, she’s drifting.
It’s like I can’t reach her.”

“You need to try and tell her.” She hugged him. “I
didn’t tell Reuben how I felt and it made life miserable. It
would’ve changed so much and might have kept me from dating
Tom.” Might have made her life better.

“I will.”

“You need to.” She sighed. “I’ll check on you, but
I need to get to work.”

“Go ahead. I’ll be okay.” He nodded. “It’ll
always be okay.”

“You’re sure?”

“I am.” He offered a sad smile. “Go. Get your life
going.”

“I will.” She hesitated before heading to her car. She wanted
to be there for her dad. To help him have the best. For both him and her
mother. She loved them and they did love each other, but they weren’t
good at communicating. Right now, they seemed pulled apart. Sort of like her
situation with Reuben. He’d felt abandoned and used that feeling to
walk away. He claimed he had to find his happiness. He hadn’t cared
that she was confused by her own feelings and overwhelmed. He didn’t
care that she wasn’t sure how to deal with stress, but he wanted what
he wanted when he wanted it, and if someone argued, they were wrong. Not
him.

She’d been wrong often. But she hadn’t told him how she’d
felt.

She slid behind the wheel, then left the farm. Dust swirled in her wake.
Gravel crunched under her tires. A sense of freedom washed over her. She was
her own woman. No Tom or Reuben to stand in her way. A single lady. And it
was time she found her own happy.

Not at a bar, but that was a job. She drove across Eerie, passing the
woods, the lake with light sparkling on the water and so peaceful.
She’d never been much of a nature lover, but she appreciated the
solitude and ability to get lost in the woods to center herself.

She continued to the east end of town. Most residents hated the east end
because of the rough crowd that tended to frequent the area. The bars and
dance halls were there. So was the bail bondsman’s office.

She parked in the lot behind the bar in the staff area. The hotel stood
behind the bar and seemed to groan in the late afternoon sun. She
didn’t know many of the vehicles, but she hadn’t worked there
yet. She hadn’t met the gang. Being hired the day before made knowing
people difficult. She left her car and locked it, then ventured into the
building.

“Hi.” A blond man with a dirty T-shirt stood by the kitchen
sink. “First day?”

“It is.” She recognized the man. The satyr. She thought his
name was Stav. Or something like that. “You’re here
today?” She’d been warned against him.

“Always.” He grinned and dried his hands. “My brother
owns the bar. I’m sure Lance hired you.”

“He did.” The easy conversation reassured her. “He
mentioned his baby brother.”

“Good or bad?” A wicked glimmer filled his eyes.

“A little bit of both.”

About the Author

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author
of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing
since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary
and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her
works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her
characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s
been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best
Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the
bestseller lists on various e-tailer sites.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as
well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but
football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends
of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

 

Author Contact Links

Author on Facebook

Author on Twitter

Author on Instagram

 

Publisher on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @changelingpress

 

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BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Nicholas Eternal by Kim Conrey #ParanormalRomance #UrbanFantasy

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Nicholas Eternal
Kim Conrey
(The Wayward Saviors, #1)
Publication date: June 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

“The diverse cast of characters…will impress fans of paranormal fantasy sagas, such as Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, as the potential for future storylines seems virtually limitless.” —Kirkus Reviews

Nicholas Theodoulos is an immortal savior in desperate need of saving. All the power, wisdom, and even the favor of the gods is not enough when 1,700 years of heartache have left marks on his soul. But Noory Abramson, a streetwise woman with a sacred tattoo and a touch of grace, steps from the shadows, not knowing if she’s arrived in time to save him or end him for good. With a heart grown as heavy as his, either fate might do.

When Noory observes Nick grieving over the body of a young girl in a deserted Atlanta alley, she isn’t sure whether he is friend or foe. However, she quickly realizes his special powers to rescue children and rain down vengeance on those that harm them may be the only thing that can help her when one of her charges, sixteen-year-old Grace, goes missing from the local homeless shelter. Soon, Nick discovers Noory has secrets of her own: one that might lead him to redemption, and possibly love, for the first time in his painful existence.

In their world, a gift looks a lot like a curse, and Noory must reach Nick before his gift consumes him.

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EXCERPT:

Nick leaned on Noory as alcohol emanated from every pore. “It’s gone on forever, you know.”

“What has?” Noory asked.

“Me, saving them. Sometimes not. I’m exhausted, Light.” He looked at her with a sad smile.

“Light? You know my name means light.”

“I do. I can see it, too. It’s like a soft glow,” Nick said, passing a hand over her head to indicate an aura around her. Noory wondered if he could see anything else about her but didn’t dare ask. She was suddenly afraid to know.

“Now,” she said, “how could it have gone on forever? You don’t look like you’re much older than me. You’re what? Thirty?”

Nick laughed as he failed typing the pass code to get into his penthouse. “Third time’s a charm,” he said. The door gave a soft click, and Noory helped him inside.

She looked around at the open space and large windows framing the Atlanta skyline as the city lights twinkled in the night. The place was all polished dark wood floors and leather furniture, but she didn’t see any pictures of family or friends. She led Nick to the couch, and he fell onto it as she sat down beside him. He looked at her.

“Do you hear them, too?” he asked.

“Who?” Noory thought she saw a glimmer of hope in his whiskey-brown eyes.

He placed his hand on the top of her head, warm and strong, if a little clumsy. He ran his fingers down the length of her hair, past her cheek, her neck, and dangerously close to her breast. The look of hope was replaced by desire for the briefest of moments before she marked the instant he withdrew back into himself. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Nick exhaled and sank deeper into the couch. She watched as his eyelids grew heavier.

“You’d be surprised what I’d believe, Nick.” She leaned over and gently brushed the thick brown hair from his forehead. As she did, her sleeve fell back from her wrist, revealing a small tattoo of an “X” with a tiny hook on the top right corner. Nick’s eyes opened wider in recognition before they rolled back into his head, and he began to softly snore.

Noory passed her fingers across the tiny hooked “X” and wondered if he had really known what it meant but doubted he would remember seeing it in the morning.

Author Bio:

Kim Conrey is the author of the sci-fi romance series Ares Ascending and the urban fantasy series The Wayward Saviors. She’s also the recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award for Romance. When she’s not working on her next book, you can find her trail running or cosplaying as a Box Hero Wonder Woman in Atlanta’s Dragon Con Parade. She also writes about living with the misunderstood condition of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her stories and essays have been published in regional and local press as well. In addition, she serves as VP of Operations for the Atlanta Writers Club and collaborates on the Wild Women Who Write Take Flight podcast. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

To learn more about my books (including trigger warnings under “Kim’s Books”) signup for my newsletter, and more, visit: Kimconrey.com

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COVER REVEAL: Synth by P.J. Marie #UrbanFantasy #DarkSuspense #CoverReveal @RRBookTours1 @AuthorPJMarie

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We’re thrilled to share the cover of Synth, the start of a brand-new series called The Reborn by P.J. Marie! Preorder a copy today!

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Synth (The Reborn #1)

Expected Publication Date: July 11th, 2023

Genre: Dark Suspense/ Urban Fantasy

A rookie detective and a case that could redefine history… Some truths are hard to swallow.

Vampire—a taboo slur from childhood tales, reserved for degenerate Reborn and outcasts of society.

Dedicated officer of the law Valya Gorski strives to be an example of perfection within the Carneth Police Department. Granted the rare opportunity to join the Detective Unit, Gorski is determined to prove her worth. But when she is partnered with a ruthless senior detective known for pushing the limits and ruining his partners’ careers, what Gorski uncovers shakes her to the core.

Her first investigation brings her face to face with a human—and he’s nothing like the ones at the farm. He’s taller. Smarter. Stronger. Angry. And more capable than Gorski could have ever imagined.

Confronted with the horrifying reality of how her society sustains itself, Gorski’s sense of duty and morality collide. As she races to determine who can be trusted, she must make an impossible decision: uphold the law or pursue a truth that leaves her wondering if her own people, the Reborn, are closer to the monsters from childhood folktales than she realized.

Unravel the truth in a world of deception with Synth, the dark detective novel with an imaginative fantasy twist. From the author that brought you the dystopian adventure Veles comes a page-turning tale of crime, romance, and betrayal that will leave you craving more!

Preorder Here

About the Author

Author_Picture

Engineer by trade, P. J. Marie has always been a storyteller at heart. Inspired by the captivating tales that her Ukrainian grandfather used to tell about settling the Canadian prairies, P. J. has always looked at life through a narrative lens.

An avid creator, P. J. loves the design process from start to finish and is always working on projects that meld the structured world of engineering with her creative passions. Whether through world-building, crafting cosplays, or building custom bookshelves for her ever-growing collection of novels, manga, and terrible monster movies, P. J. is always working on something.

In her spare time, she enjoys collecting new skills, drinking copious amounts of tea, and spending time with her family and adorable doggo.

P.J. Marie | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Spotlight: Maid for the Mermen (Mermen 1) by Ashlynn Monroe #PNR #UrbanFantasy @ashlynn_monroe

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Couch surfing and temp jobs were a way of life for Daisy Daniels after she aged out of the foster care system. She’s always taken life one day at a time and gone with the flow. What she never expected is that flow would lead her down a raging current of uncertainty about her life and the world she knows.

River, Ocean, and Bayou Waterson need someone to keep their island home neat and tidy, but they have a problem. They can’t trust any old cleaning service. They need to find someone who will be willing to overlook their differences. What they never expected was to find a live-in maid they would all love.

When Daisy discovers the celebrity treasure hunters are really mermen, will she be able to keep her head above water? An ancient prophecy brings danger to their doorstep. Forces she never imagined are conspiring to destroy everything that matters to her. The only thing that can save her is a bond she can’t break. Saving the world definitely wasn’t in the job description.

Available from Changeling Press

EXCERPT

All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2022 Ashlynn Monroe

Daisy had slept — more like tossed and turned — at Sally’s the previous night. It felt weird leaving her vehicle behind at the harbor, the rusty hunk of junk being her most valuable possession. She’d been told to bring a bag in case this worked out and she could spend the night settling in. Everything she owned fit into a large suitcase and overnight bag, so she decided to bring it all. After grabbing her pillow, she looked at the small pile on the ground. So little to show for twenty-one years of life. It caused a wave of melancholy to wash over her while locking the car.

She’d looked for the boat called Siren. It didn’t take long. The huge thing was no boat. This was a yacht. “Wow,” she muttered to herself.

“Do you like her?” a male said from behind her.

Daisy jumped, but she didn’t look to see who’d asked. “It’s pretty. I’ve never been on a boat before.”

“Are you Daisy Daniels?”

When she heard her name, she turned. Her mouth went dry. She’d seen an episode of his TV show with Sally here and there, but she’d always been more interested in playing with her phone than the program. She vaguely recognized this guy as one of the hotties Sally drooled over. He wasn’t just TV pretty. This guy was hot. A total hunk. His long black hair, casually tied back in a ponytail, made her a bit envious. He had a black goatee and eyes so brown they could have been black. His skin, tanned, and his upper body, powerful. His arms looked like they belonged to a body builder. She opened her mouth, at a loss for words.

He grinned, as if amused. “You do realize this job is on an island. The only way off and on is by boat. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

Mort’s had already replaced her with another temp. She needed this job. Nodding, Daisy dropped her overnight bag and stuck out her hand. “I’m up for it.”

“River Waterson.” He shook her hand firmly.

Daisy picked up her bag. She couldn’t help wondering if it was actually his name or a stage name for his reality show.

“Let me take something for you,” River offered. He gave her a tight smile.

“You don’t have to do that, Mr. Waterson. It’s not heavy.” Years of having things stolen made Daisy nervous to hand off her belongings.

“Don’t worry, I won’t run off with it.” He held out his hand. “And please, it’s River. Three Mr. Watersons could get a bit confusing.”

Daisy nodded. Wanting to seem cooperative and make a good impression, she reluctantly let him take the handle of her suitcase. He rolled it behind him as they approached the boat.

They walked to the dock and then up a wobbly metal ramp. Daisy took hold of the railing, feeling a little woozy.

“Careful. You’ll need to get those sea legs if we all agree you’re a good fit,” River said.

Worry nibbled at the back of her mind. His words reminded her this wasn’t a sure thing, but an interview. Whatever happened, she’d just have to figure things out. Silently, she cursed Sally’s idea. It wasn’t as if Daisy qualified as maid material. These guys would probably see that. At least Sally would be obligated to let Daisy crash at her place.

“Do you have time left on a lease somewhere?” River asked.

Daisy mentally cursed. She still wasn’t totally sure how to frame her lack of permanent address, so she didn’t sound flighty. And was this guy some kind of mind reader or just super perceptive?

ABOUT ASHLYNN MONROE

Ashlynn Monroe is a busy working mom. She loves her kids and family. Her greatest joy is creating stories to entertain others, and she hopes they bring a little more romance into the world. She’s been writing since her teens for her own enjoyment but decided in her thirties to share her imagination with readers. Ashlynn enjoys biking, camping, reading, video games, and filling her home and life with love. If she’s not working or chasing children, you can find her daydreaming up her next tale of romance.

Find her online: Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook

BOOK BLITZ: Dead and Buried by Annie Anderson #Paranormal #UrbanFantasy @XpressoTours @annieande

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Dead and Buried
Annie Anderson
(Grave Talker, #7)
Publication date: February 28th 2023
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Darby Adler is done.

Done with the Council. Done with ancient evils popping up every five seconds. And especially done with her ex-boyfriend, Bishop. On the hunt for the slippery mage, she has teamed up with an unlikely ally in a Prince of Hell. The same prince that invades her thoughts, her space, and maybe her heart.

But when the dreaded ex starts targeting those closest to Darby, all deals–demon or otherwise–are off.

Darby’s going to bury Bishop La Roux… one way or another.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

I should have taken the trip to the Underworld.

That thought had plagued me since I agreed to this damn adventure. Mainly because I was not a good flyer.

There were too many people in the airport and what if you didn’t get there in time and what if they searched your luggage and decided to confiscate everything. There were far too many variables when it came to air travel, and I was in charge of none of them.

Not. A. Fan.

But when we arrived at the airport, it was not on the super commercial side. When the smoke from Aemon’s power faded, we were outside a giant hangar with a few people milling about like little worker bees. An airplane sat just off the tarmac with a red carpet leading to the boarding stairs.

“Umm…” I said nervously, staring at a suit-clad flight attendant who just seemed to notice us standing there.

I had never flown private in my life, but it seemed that streak was about to end.

“Did you honestly think I was going to make you fly commercial?” Aemon scoffed, shaking his head as he pulled his hands away from my hips. “After the Orlando trip? Never.”

He was referring to my senior trip when my plane nearly went down after an electrical disturbance. I hadn’t flown since, and I was pretty sure I would need pharmaceuticals to do it this time. But there was only one way Aemon knew about my flying trauma because Jay and I refused to talk about it ever.

It was the same reason he knew every other corner of my brain. Because he had seen it in my memories when he invaded my mind during his possession.

“What are the odds that flight attendant has Xanax in his pocket?” I asked, choosing to ignore the reminder of Aemon’s possession completely.

He seemed to consider my question as he ushered us forward. “I’d say pretty good, but I wouldn’t take them. He’d likely confuse them for the Molly in his other pocket and then you’d really be in trouble.

My feet nearly stuttered to a stop as my tongue felt heavy in my mouth and a sweat broke out all over my skin. I did not want to get into that plane. Not at all.

“Come on, Flower. I’ll hold your hand the whole time.”

Now I was hot, but it was due to anger rather than anything else. “I’m not a child. I don’t need you to hold anything for me.”

Choking down my fear, I marched to the plane, handed off my suitcase, and made it up the steps before the fear took root again.

“You can sit anywhere. Would you like something to drink?” The attendant was my height with a shock of ginger hair and a jaw you could sharpen blades on.

The hum of the engine started, and it took everything in me not to climb out of my skin, holding onto the chaos magic like it was my job. I chose a seat and waved him off.

“I’m fine.” I was not fine, but I would grit my teeth and make it so. Closing my eyes, I let my head fall back to the cushion.

Eight hours. Just eight tiny hours and you will be there. You’ll get answers. This is fine.

“You’re such a little liar,” Aemon whispered in my ear, his approach completely undetected.

I cracked an eyelid, cutting my gaze to him with a glare that should have roasted him on the spot.

“You couldn’t be less fine if you tried. Now, I can help calm you down, or you can sit there and pray you don’t blow this plane up mid-flight. Your choice, Flower.”

Aemon had a habit of making me sleep when I needed it. There had been a few instances where I had gone days without even so much as a wink of it until he took the decision out of my hands.

Him actually asking this time was new.

“I could have sworn I had a name, and it wasn’t anything even remotely resembling ‘Flower’ or anything close to it.”

Aemon’s petulant sigh practically rattled my bones. “Ms. Darby Adler, will you pretty please with sugar on top hold my hand so I may calm you down on this very treacherous flight over an ocean of salt that will surely kill me dead should you explode this plane and dunk me in it?”

That had my breath hitching in my chest as acid churned in my gut. Exploding this plane had been a real concern, but now? Now I was holding onto the armrests for dear life, and we hadn’t left the tarmac yet.

Aemon’s face got right in mine so all I could see were those pretty blue eyes and too-full lips.

“You’d better answer me, Flower, or I’ll have to think of other ways to distract you.”

Author Bio:

Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she’ll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup that makes life… interesting.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!

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BOOK TOUR: After Midnight by Shari Nichols #UrbanFantasy #NewRelease @RRBookTours1  @Shari_Nich

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Happy publication day to author Shari Nichols! Today marks the release of After Midnight, the next exciting book in the Raven’s Hollow Coven series!

After Midnight DIGITAL cover

After Midnight (Raven’s Hollow Coven #4)

Publication Date: February 7th, 2023

Genre: Urban Fantasy

An ancient curse has prevented astrologer Brooke Howe from finding true love. She hides her longing by matching others, hoping to change her fate. When Nico Denopoulos, the gorgeous younger brother of a friend, struts into her shop seeking a soulmate, she’s immediately drawn to his magnetic presence and his romantic heart. She can’t deny the intense sensation that she knows the sexy-as- sin chef, but can’t figure out why.

An ugly divorce has kept Nico laser-focused on the opening of his new restaurant. He’s been single for years, but now loneliness has crept into the cracks of his heart. Fearing that he‘s grown bitter, he has high hopes that Brooke can help him with his problem, except for one thing— the more time he spends with her, the more he wants her—in every possible way.

As much as Brooke wants to believe Nico is the real deal, she fears that when the seasons change, so will his feelings. She’s terrified of falling for him, and despite her best efforts to resist him, they’re inexorably drawn together. She can’t help but wonder if he may hold the secret to reversing the curse and changing her destiny. A secret from their shared past life will either bring them closer, or tear them apart forever.

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Available on Amazon

About the Author

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Shari grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or sharing a meal, and a glass of wine, with her family and friends.

Shari Nichols shakes up the ultimate supernatural cocktail, combining witchcraft, vampires, suspense, and spice into an irresistible paranormal potion.” (InD’Tale Magazine) “Amazing characters, romance, and suspense what more can a lover of paranormal romance hope for?” (Linda Tonis-Paranormal Romance Guild.)

Her newest book, MIDNIGHT CRAVING, book three in the Raven’s Hollow Coven series is available for preorder. Her novels have won the following awards: The Beverley Award, New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, Reviewers Choice Best Book, Reviewers Choice Best Series, Golden Leaf Finalist Best Book, Golden Leaf Finalist by a New Jersey Author, HOLT Medallion Finalist. Literary Titan Silver Medal Winner.

Shari Nichols | Instagram | Twitter

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SPOTLIGHT – Taken by the Cyclops by Megan Slayer #UrbanFantasy #NewAdult @MeganSlayer @changelingpress

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Piper wanted nothing more than to escape the life she’d come to know, full of abuse and danger — certainly not love. When she drives to Eerie, she’s convinced she’ll get a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is Diesel.

Diesel believes he’s not worthy of love, but when he looks at Piper, he wants more than to protect her. He wants to own her — body and soul. There’s just one problem. He’s a cyclops — dangerous, destructive and hated. He’s done things he knows are unforgivable.

Will the sweet runaway find the love she deserves in the monster she’s found? Or will the monster from her past catch up and ruin her chances at the future she craves?

Now available at Changeling Press

EXCERPT

All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2023 Megan Slayer

Just let me get there. Piper sped through the night, checking the rearview mirror every few seconds just in case he’d followed her. She’d tossed her phone a hundred miles ago, but her wad of cash wouldn’t hold out forever. He’d see she’d taken her life savings — a whopping thousand dollars — and run. She had to get to Eerie. Anything was better than where she’d come from.

Her life wouldn’t get much better in the new town, but she’d get away from John. He was a bully, and she’d been a fool to hook up with him.

She sped on, blowing past the posted speed limit sign and praying the cops hadn’t seen her. Then again, a night in jail would be better than being with John.

She tugged her sleeve down to hide her bruises. God. She was a smart person and strong, but she’d allowed him to put his hands on her. He’d convinced her she deserved the treatment.

Even alone in the car, she could hear his voice in her mind.

Never going to do better than me.

You don’t deserve anyone else.

You’re bringing me down to be with you, but no one wants you.

You’re a waste of a person.

You’re a piece of shit.

Worthless.

Whore.

Her tears clogged in her throat. Her sex life hadn’t been his business before she’d met him and had gone to nothing once she’d become his punching bag. She’d only ever had three lovers before she met John.

He’d been her undoing. He’d convinced her to quit her studies and change her appearance, and he’d hurt her. What kind of man did that?

John did.

She spotted the village limit sign and gunned the engine.

Eerie was the place for paranormal creatures to belong — so she’d been told. She’d heard stories of having Faerie blood. Did she? She hoped so. If she truly did, she’d be able to pass the village limit into Eerie. If not, then she’d been lied to, and she’d have to find somewhere else to hide.

Right now, she had to focus on the sign. She sped forward and held her breath.

The second she passed the yellow line on the road, she expected to be in the middle of a field or bland road. Instead, she rolled down the quaint street filled with closed shops, a restaurant, and even a drive-in theater. The place was cute — in a dark and slightly scary fashion.

At least she was here. That rumor about Faerie blood must’ve been true.

She didn’t hit the accelerator and instead coasted along the main drag through the village.

The place sort of reminded her of photos she’d seen of the 1950s small towns with lots of little businesses, neon signs, wide sidewalks, and eclectic names on the buildings — Nan’s Nothings, Curiosity Closet, Hot Dogs Dog Wash, Witch’s Brew Coffee… She’d bet the place was pretty in the light of day.

But no one who wasn’t a paranormal creature would be able to see it.

She spotted a hotel on the city square and pulled into one of the parking spots. She’d tucked what was left of her hair into a baseball cap and wore thick gloves — anything to disguise her appearance. If John found her now, then she’d have to find another safe place and work out another disguise.

She tossed the gloves and hat onto the passenger seat, then grabbed her purse. For all she knew, she’d be turned away at the front desk. She didn’t exactly look like someone who could afford a night at the posh hotel.

Being new in town, she might stick out too much, too.

She braced herself and headed into the hotel. She had a backup plan in case she got tossed but hoped that wouldn’t happen.

A woman with flame-red hair and faint, actual wings stood behind the counter. “Welcome to Eerie. How can I help you?”

“I need a room for the night, please?” She signed, then rummaged through her purse for some money and her ID. “I mean, I’d like a room, please?”

“Sure.” The woman swept her gaze over Piper. “You’re not from around here. How’d you find us?”

“My great-grandmother married a Fae. I never met either one of them, but I’ve been told stories.” She produced her ID card and fisted the small wad of cash.

“Do you have a credit card?” The woman eyed Piper’s ID. “We prefer a card to hold the room — that and in the event you destroy the property.”

“I don’t have a credit card.” She’d left hers at the apartment and tossed her phone along the road, hoping it’d be smashed by a passing car. Besides, she hadn’t wanted John to find her, and the quickest way to track someone outside of their phone was their use of a credit card.

“Just a moment.” The woman spoke softly into a tiny mic clipped to her shiny blue blouse.

The longer Piper had to wait, the lower her heart sank. She truly doubted she’d ever get away from John, but the odds he’d find her here had to be just about nil. He could be persistent, and if he thought he’d been shafted, he’d be tenacious. Nothing about him surprised her any longer, either.

She put her money back into her purse and held onto her ID.

“Okay.” The woman nodded and produced a swipe card. “I’ll give you a room for the night.”

“Thank you.” She had no idea how happy she’d made Piper. A place to stay that wasn’t the lumpy front seat of the shit car she’d bought for five hundred dollars.

“Don’t thank me yet.” The redhead crooked her over-drawn eyebrow. “You’re a stranger in town.”

“I know.” Piper squirmed under her gaze. Jesus. She hated being nervous.

“And we don’t always take to strangers. You never know why they’re here,” the woman said. “So for now, you’ll have a handler.”

ABOUT MEGAN SLAYER

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on various e-tailer sites.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Megan’s Website | Facebook | BookBub

Snowbound (Box Set) – Multi-authorMulti-author #PNR #UrbanFantasy #LGBTQ

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Winter storms and seduction go hand in hand…

Distraction by Elizabeth Jewell
Alaska seems like a winter haven for vampires Glynna and Brandt and their companion Erik — until the snow starts.

Bear Hug by Tuesday Morrigan
Snowstorm or not, Alyssa wants out of Devlin’s cabin — and his life. He’d rather give her reasons to stay.

Night Shift by Lacey Savage
Spending her Friday night running surveillance on a shadow stalker in the dead of winter isn’t Samantha’s idea of a good time. But doing it with a sexy partner… now that could be fun.

Lunar Seduction by Kira Stone
Gideon on a trip to a remote stellar observatory in Alaska. Winter storms make stargazing impossible, but Roth, the observatory’s resident vampire, is a master at seduction…

Melting Snowflake by Camille Anthony
Winter’s throne awaits her. Snowflake’s three consorts must burn hot enough to melt her haughtiness. Watch Fire and Ice steam!

Saved by a Vampire by Silvia Violet
A young woman becomes stranded in a blizzard, and her only hope is a stranger with fangs.

Publisher’s Note: Snowbound (Box Set) contains the previously published novellas Distraction, Night Shift, Lunar Seduction, Melting Snowflake, Snow Angel, and Saved by a Vampire.

Now Available at Changeling Press

EXCERPT

Copyright ©2021 Changeling Press LLC
Excerpt from Distraction by Elizabeth Jewell

“Who the hell’s lame-ass idea was this, anyway?”

Glynna eyed Brandt narrowly. “I believe it was yours, dear.”

Less diplomatic, Erik added, “Yep. Totally your lame-ass idea.” He flopped onto the couch, grinning at his companions.

It hadn’t been an entirely lame-assed idea to start with. Even in the midst of her complaining, Glynna could admit that much. A trip to Anchorage in the middle of winter should have been a stroke of genius. A fairly large population they could disappear into, an active nightlife where they could mingle, and nearly twenty plus hours of darkness — it should have been a vampire’s paradise.

And then the snow started. And didn’t stop. Three inches, then six, then twelve. And it was still snowing. “Somebody should have stopped me,” Brandt grumbled.

“I tried.” Glynna gave him a long-suffering sigh, then kissed him on the forehead. “How are you holding up, Erik?” She was more concerned about him than about herself or Brandt. They were vampires — they could get by if they had to. If getting food for Erik became problematic, he’d be in much more serious trouble than they would.

“So far, so good,” Erik said. “As long as this doesn’t go on for weeks, I should be okay.”

“It was so much cooler in the comic books,” Brandt moaned, peering out the window at the still-falling snow.

“You’re hopeless,” Glynna told him, though she found him endearing most of the time.

Erik stretched out on the couch, folding his hands behind his head. “Well, if I get too hungry, you’ll just have to distract me.” He added an eyebrow wiggle to punctuate his sentence, directed at Brandt, who caught the gesture and smirked, his mouth twitching in a way Glynna knew meant he wasn’t aware he was doing it.

“Are you hungry?” she asked Erik. Just watching the two of them look at each other like that made heat curl low in her belly. She wanted to touch herself.

Erik gave her a puzzled look. “Um. I don’t know. Maybe a little.”

“Distract him.” She leveled the order at Brandt, delivered it in the sharp, crisp tone she knew would make him obey. Brandt answered with an eyebrow tilt that made her want to drop her panties to the floor then and there.

Well, if she ever wore panties.

“And how do you propose I do that?” Brandt asked.

Box Set includes Authors: Camille Anthony, Elizabeth Jewell, Kira Stone, Lacey Savage, Silvia Violet, and Tuesday Morrigan