Book Blitz of The Chained Prince by Becca Calder(#contests- Enter to win a signed copy of the book)

The Chained Prince
Becca Calder
(The Eldergreen Series, #1)
Publication date: June 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The chained prince haunting her dreams isn’t a nightmare.

He’s real—and fate won’t let either of them go.

Fae mage Araya Starwind has survived the New Dominion’s brutal rule by keeping her head down and her magic leashed. To stay safe, she binds herself to a powerful human mage—Jaxon Shaw—whose protection comes at a steep and controlling cost.

But when the fae male from her dreams turns out to be the missing prince, Araya is drawn into a conflict she never asked for—and a connection she can’t escape.

Now, she’s caught between two impossible choices: obey the laws that keep her caged, or risk everything for a freedom she never believed in.

A dark fae romantasy full of forbidden magic, twisted loyalties, and slow-burning tension. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, The Prison Healer, and From Blood and Ash.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“You can, of course, decline,” Garrick said when she just stared at him, the silence stretching a moment too long. He smiled—almost kindly. “If you do, there will be no consequences. No one will punish you. I’ll simply tell Jaxon it was my decision.”

His fingers drummed idly on the stack of papers. “The Magisters are very aware of how some of our mages abuse their power, pressuring our fae wards into… arrangements. This is your choice—we would never condone coercion.”

Araya swallowed hard, her pulse thundering in her ears. It was a trap—laid with silk instead of steel, but a trap all the same. This was the price of escaping the fate that other females suffered.

“No,” she said. “I—I’m accepting. I was just… surprised. Jaxon and I haven’t spoken since he left for Elvanfal.”

“I’m afraid that may have been my fault,” Garrick’s expression softened, and for a heartbeat Araya saw a flash of Jaxon in him.

“I’ll admit, I was less than thrilled by his interest in you during his apprenticeship.” Garrick’s lips twitched, leaving no doubt in Araya’s mind that he knew exactly what that interest had entailed. “I had him assigned to Elvanfal to give you the chance to make your own decision. It was the fairest thing to do, given the circumstances.”

Araya stared at him, words failing her. He said it like breaking her heart had been some sort of calculated kindness. Did he know how lost she had been? How hurt? She didn’t doubt it—after all, he knew everything else about her.

“But he was determined, so I followed your career—You’ve truly proven yourself these past years, Araya.” Garrick smiled, ignoring her turmoil. “It’s an excellent match for you. Jaxon is a highly regarded Commander, on track to become a Magister himself. His children will have position—power. Names that open doors you’ve never even seen.”

Araya nodded numbly, biting the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood.

“You will, of course, cease visiting the fae slums,” Garrick continued, picking his papers back up and shuffling through them. “Your duties to Jaxon come first. Your place is by his side. In his bed. Not tending to the less fortunate.”

“Of course, sir,” she said, her voice wooden as the words settled over her like chains. “I understand.”

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Book Blitz of The Lightslayer (Book 1 of Everdusk)by Jack Townson(#contests- Enter to win A $25 Amazon Gift Card)

The Lightslayer: The Vampire Jack Townson
Jack Townson
(Everdusk, #1)
Publication date: June 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy epic that will consume your imagination.

Welcome to Draconia, a realm cloaked in shadows and intrigue, where ancient power struggles simmer beneath the surface. When the enigmatic Vampire Lord, Jack Townson, master of the Manor of Mystery, uncovers a sinister conspiracy threatening to ignite a supernatural war, he and his eclectic band of misfits-the Degenerates-must rise to the challenge. Together, they will navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous secrets, and a world filled with breathtaking magic and monsters.

Immerse yourself in a tale of supernatural action, dark romance, and fantasy adventure, where every page brims with danger, desire, and destiny. From spine-chilling battles to forbidden love, this novel takes you on a journey through a richly imagined universe where power comes at a price, and loyalty is tested at every turn.

Fans of spicy dark romance, vampire lore, and epic fantasy will be spellbound by Draconia’s intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, or Deborah Harkness, this is your next must-read.

Step into the shadows. Welcome to Draconia. Your adventure awaits. Mind your throat.

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“A darkly Gothic romp through a dense and sinister world with the compelling and mysterious Jack Townson.” — Laurell K. Hamilton, New York Times Bestselling Author of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

“They want a fight,” Townson growls, his voice steady but burning with conviction, “so we’ll give them one— but not

because we crave revenge!” His face contorts with emotion, locking eyes with his people. “Not because we thirst for blood!”

He raises a talon high into the air, his black claws curling into a fist with a loud, menacing crack. “But because we are family, and we stand together against any foe!”

Tears well in the eyes of many in the crowd, stirred by a fierce mix of fear and inspiration.

“BECAUSE WE ARE ALL DEGENERATES!” His voice erupts, a flash of fury in his eyes, as a supernatural wind howls from his aura. “WANTED BY NONE—” he roars, his words shaking the room, “AT HOME WITH EACH OTHER!”

Author Bio:

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.

Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one's humanity.

Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok

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Interview of the Author Joanne Kukanza Easley Author of Higher Love (#adult fiction, #contests- Enter to Win a Signed Copy of the Book.)

 

I want to welcome Joanne K. Easley to Books R Us. The Author has provided an interview just for my readers. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to enter the contest below.

Book Details:

Book Title:  HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 360 pages
Genre:  Women's Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Red Boots Press
Release date:   May 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Adult themes of alcoholism, underage drinking, underage sex

Book Description: 

In 1986 Austin, Texas, sixteen-year-old Stephanie steps into sixty-two-year-old Lauren’s life, her uncanny resemblance cracking open a buried past. Claiming to be the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption forty-five years ago, Stephanie upends Lauren’s life—already complicated by her remarriage to Brett after thirty-three years apart. Stung by her adoptive grandmother’s deception, Stephanie stays, her past of tragedy and self-harm forging a fragile bond with Lauren and Brett. When Stephanie’s trust fund evaporates, crushing her college dreams, Lauren sacrifices all to give her a future—only to face a bittersweet twist that echoes the past and changes everything. This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads

INTERVIEW:

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired nurse, writes fiction about complex twentieth-century women from her Texas Hill Country home. Her debut, Sweet Jane, won multiple awards. She authored Just One Look and I’ll Be Seeing You, with Higher Love forthcoming on May 12, 2025.

What do you consider the most essential elements of great writing?

Great writing is a craft honed through practice and passion. While proper grammar and punctuation are non-negotiable foundations, the heart of a story lies in its ability to connect with readers. I believe fully realized characters—that readers can root for or relate to—are crucial, as is a gripping plot with high stakes that keep the main character’s journey compelling. Authentic dialogue that mirrors how people actually speak breathes life into the narrative, making the story feel real and immersive.

How important is a book cover in your view?

A cover is the book’s introduction to readers, and research shows people absolutely judge a book by its appearance. I’ve worked hard to create a signature look for my novels: each cover features an impressionistic portrait of the main character, a cohesive color palette, and a bold, consistent font for my name and title. This unified aesthetic not only catches the eye but also makes my books instantly recognizable, inviting readers into the heartfelt stories I tell.

You’ve written four novels—can you share more about them and their themes?

I set my novels in the twentieth century, in the era before cell phones, when human connections were deeper and more intentional. They center on resilient women who face and overcome profound challenges, tackling heavy themes like alcoholism, suicide, self-harm, miscarriage, divorce, and teenage pregnancy with honesty and hope.

Sweet Jane, my debut, follows Jane as she returns to the troubled hometown she fled at sixteen, seeking to heal old wounds. It’s a story of redemption that won multiple awards and holds a special place in my heart. Just One Look, a standalone set in 1960s and 70s Chicago, traces Dani Marek’s journey through grief after losing her fiancé in the Vietnam War, her descent into destructive choices, and her chance at love again. I’ll Be Seeing You revisits characters from Sweet Jane, chronicling five decades in the turbulent life of Lauren Eaton, Jane’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, with unflinching depth.

My latest, Higher Love, set for release on May 12, 2025, is a sequel to I’ll Be Seeing You. It’s my first novel with dual perspectives: sixty-two-year-old Lauren and Stephanie, a teenager who is

the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption. This poignant family drama explores the ripple effects of secrets, the healing power of unconditional love, and the courage to confront the past.

How do you go about developing your plots and characters?

My stories begin with the character, not the plot. I take my time—sometimes weeks or months—getting to know my protagonist, dreaming about her, and uncovering every detail: her appearance, quirks, relationships, and inner world. Only when she feels vivid and real do I craft her journey and the challenges she’ll face. I don’t map out the entire plot beforehand; instead, I let the character lead, allowing surprises to unfold as I write.

Has your upcoming novel, Higher Love, evolved significantly since its first draft?

Absolutely. The first draft was written in third person, but I realized it felt too distant from the raw emotions driving Lauren’s story. Since each of my novels has a unique structure, I reimagined Higher Love with alternating first-person chapters from Lauren and Stephanie’s perspectives. This shift amplified the emotional intensity of the family drama, letting readers feel the weight of their secrets and the depth of their connection. The change was a challenge but made the story far more intimate and powerful.

Thank you for this chance to share my writing journey and the stories that mean so much to me. For those eager to explore my novels further, you can find them at my bookstore: Book Store - Joanne Kukanza Easley

 

Meet the Author:

 

Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired registered nurse who worked in the cold, stark environment of operating rooms and the highly charged setting of psychiatric facilities, now resides in the Texas Hill Country. There, she crafts fiction centered on complex women of the twentieth century. Her debut novel, Sweet Jane, garnered multiple accolades, including the adult fiction prize at the Texas Author Project, and was a finalist for prestigious honors like the Sarton Award and the Eric Hoffer Award, among others. Her second book, Just One Look, was selected as a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick. Her third novel, I’ll Be Seeing You, revisits characters from Sweet Jane. Her fourth novel, Higher Love, a continuation of her third, is slated for release in Spring 2025. Easley’s award-winning short stories and poetry have been featured in various anthologies. 

Connect with the author:

website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Enter the Giveaway:

HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley Book Tour Giveaway

Guest Post by Desiree Moodie -The Real-Life Inspirations Behind The Book The Perfect Mother (#contests- Enter to Win a Book Club in a Box)

 

I want to welcome Desiree Moodie to Books R Us. The author has provided a guest post just for my readers. Thanks for stopping by and please enter the contest below.
 

Book Title:  THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few "f" words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

Book Trailer:

Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)

GUEST POST:

 

The Real-Life Inspirations Behind The Perfect Mother

When I first started writing The Perfect Mother, I had no idea just how personal this story would become. At its core, it’s a psychological thriller—a tale of secrets, obsession, and the devastating consequences of a single choice. But beneath the suspense, it’s also a story about motherhood in all its messy, complicated, and deeply emotional forms. And in many ways, writing it forced me to confront my own evolving relationship with motherhood.

Dawn: The Mother Who Lost Dawn’s story is, without question, the emotional backbone of this book. The pain of losing a child, of not knowing where they are, if they’re safe, or if you’ll ever see them again, is a nightmare no parent should ever have to face. And while Dawn’s experience is extreme, the themes of loss, guilt, and relentless determination were ones I found myself deeply connected to.

For a long time, I wasn’t sure if motherhood was for me. I spent years convincing myself that I didn’t need it, that I was perfectly happy without it. But deep down, that wasn’t the full truth. My fears of not being enough, of repeating generational cycles, of wanting something I might never have, shaped how I viewed motherhood. And when I finally did become a mother, it shattered me and remade me in ways I never expected.

Dawn’s grief, her rage, and her refusal to let go of her son? Those emotions came from a very real place. I understand what it means to hold onto something so tightly, to fight against forces that feel impossibly big. Because even though my story is different, that need to love, to protect, to find a way forward no matter what, was something I poured into every page of Dawn’s journey.

Evelyn: The Mother Who Took Evelyn was a fascinating character to write because, in her mind, she isn’t a villain; she’s a savior. She truly believes that she did the right thing. That Daniel was meant to be hers. That she gave him the life he deserved.

Her character was inspired by real-life cases of long-term child abductions, particularly those where the kidnapper managed to convince themselves (and sometimes even the child) that they were the true parent. There’s something chilling about that level of self-delusion, about the way a person can rewrite reality to fit their own desires. And yet, Evelyn’s fears of losing control, of being exposed, of having everything she built fall apart… they’re all deeply human.

I also pulled from my own experiences of stepping into motherhood later in life. The fears Evelyn has about being judged, about not being seen as a “real” mother, about the crushing weight of expectation are ones I understand, though in a very different context. Evelyn is an extreme case, but the fear of not measuring up as a mother is something so many of us can relate to.

Daniel: The Child Caught in the Middle Daniel’s story was, in many ways, the hardest to write. The idea of having your entire reality ripped away from you—the people you trust, the history you believe is yours, the truth about who you are—is terrifying. And while I personally haven’t experienced anything like Daniel’s ordeal, I thought a lot about identity while writing him.

What happens when those narratives are disrupted? When everything you thought was true turns out to be a lie? 

That’s the core of Daniel’s journey, and it’s something I think so many of us, in one way or another, can understand.

I love thrillers. I love stories that keep you on edge, that make you second-guess everything. But I also love stories with emotional depth, ones that don’t just entertain but make you feel. With The Perfect Mother, I wanted to craft a page-turner that also explored the deep, raw complexities of motherhood. The love, the fear, the sacrifice, and the desperate, all-consuming need to hold on.

This book may be fiction, but the emotions? The struggles? The questions it raises about what it really means to be a mother?

Those are real.

And I hope that as readers turn the pages, they feel that too

 

Meet the Author:

 

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she's not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com

connect with the author: Website Twitter-X, Facebook, Goodreads, bookbud, instagram, pinterest,

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THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway

Book Blitz of Sarah by Shanna Hatfield (#contests-Enter to win An Amazon Gift Card)

Sarah
Shanna Hatfield
Publication date: May 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

She desires his heart.
He longs for her love.
Can they find common ground when he returns forever altered by the war.

In a world turned upside down by World War I, all Sarah Richards desires is to love Brett Rawlings and build a future together. After graduating high school a year early, she’s ready to dive into her dreams of college and a home filled with laughter and love. But one impulsive decision threatens all her aspirations—as well as her relationship with Brett.

As the war rages on and men head off to fight, sixteen-year-old Brett reluctantly follows his twin brother, Ben, sneaking off to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces. As the months pass, Ben thrives amidst the chaos of battle, while Brett finds himself haunted by the girl he left behind and the uncertainty of his own heart. When Ben reveals a life-altering secret, the bond between the brothers is shattered, forcing Brett to grapple with betrayal as he faces the brutal realities of war.

Brett returns home a changed man, burdened with memories too heavy to bear, yet yearning to mend the fractures of the past. Will Sarah still be waiting for him, or have time and truth forged an unbridgeable chasm between them?

Find out in this heartfelt historical romance that weaves a tale of hope, grace, forgiveness, and sweet, enduring love.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“You have feathers for brains,” Sarah berated herself as Brett closed the distance between them. She accepted the hug he gave her as the impact of how deeply Ben—and inadvertently she—had betrayed him abruptly hit her. The realization of what she’d done made her head begin to pound.

“I’m so glad you came, Sarah. I stopped by to see you earlier, but your mother said you were out, although she didn’t seem to know where. I looked around town and in our usual spots but couldn’t find you,” Brett said, pulling back and giving her a curious glance.

“I’m sorry. I had a busy day,” she said. It had been busy. Sneaking around, being deceived, and making the biggest mistake of her life had taken the entire day.

Brett offered her a smile of such tender warmth, she wanted to burst into tears and confess what had happened. Only she couldn’t. It would ruin the trip, if not cancel it, and Brett had been excited about spending the summer with his grandparents. There would be time enough to sort out all the complicated details when the twins returned in August.

Three months away from Ben might be long enough for her raging wrath to reach a simmering point instead of teetering on the edge of it boiling over at any second.

“I couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye. I hope you,” she emphasized the word and cast a withering glare at Ben before looking back at Brett, “enjoy your time with your grandparents this summer.”

A shadow passed over Brett’s face, but it was there and gone so quickly, she began to wonder if she’d simply imagined it.

“I’m sure we will. I hope you have a wonderful summer, Sarah Beth.” Brett was the only one who called her that, and every time he said it, her insides felt warm. He leaned down and placed his lips close to Sarah’s ear, making her heart pound in her chest. “No matter what happens, don’t ever forget how much I love you.”

“I won’t. Remember I love you, Brett,” she said, speaking around the sudden tightness in her throat. How could she profess her love to him after what she’d done with Ben? If a bolt of lightning shot out of the sky to strike her down where she stood, she knew she deserved it.

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Pinterest / Newsletter

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Book Blitz of Legend of the Forest by Raquel Gabrielle (#contests- Enter to win A signed copy + Swag and Ecopy of the book- 3 winners)

Legend of the Forest
Raquel Gabrielle
Publication date: April 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Mia has always been drawn to the unusual, a fascination that’s made her an outcast. The world beyond their wall is shrouded in mystery, with few stories to go on—mostly fairy tales or fragments about the Old Ones. No one other than the guards dare to venture into the woods, and those who have don’t return the same, if at all.

When a creature is captured in town, it sparks a chain of events that brings more dangers from the edges of the forest—some friendly, some not. As Mia helps the creature escape, she never expects to journey into the dark woods and unravel secrets beyond her wildest imagination.

There, she meets Haddox, a golden, irresistible man who offers passion and freedom like she’s never known. Then there’s Grey, his polar opposite—stoic, mysterious, and a constant thorn in her side. The tension between them boils over, until they can no longer ignore the undeniable connection between them.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Mia’s POV

Mia scrunched up the paper in her fist. She stared at the beige wall. She could not believe what she had read. Thoughts raced through her mind, and her throat tightened with emotion. The urge to scream was so strong she took a huge bite of bread, stuffing her face. The bread tasted like burned ash. As she swallowed the bread, her stomach turned sour at the thought of taking another bite. She then turned the light down low, making it more difficult to read the letter. The letters on the paper blurred together as tears filled her eyes.

“She will never accept me. Never accept anything I try or do. She will force my hand into the pictures she has chosen for me.” Tears fell down her cheeks, stifling her cry with her hands over her mouth.

A scratch at the back door caught her attention, stopping her hot tears and sniffles. Everything froze and was quiet for a moment before another scratch. The letter fell from her fingers as she went to the door. Giving the door a curious look, she loosened the tie to move the cloth and look out the window. The darkness made it hard to see what was out there. Cracking it open, icy rain pelted her bare hand. The water was cool against the heat that radiated from her.

A snout pushed hard against the opening. A body wriggled in and slid through before she could close it. Mia jumped back, surprised that the creature from earlier came barreling in, sniffing the ground. Electric blue fur with black stripes streak across the kitchen, heading back to her. Powerful limbs scrambled across the wood as his eyes feast on the hand still holding the bread. Pulling a chair out, she blocked the beast, guarding herself from being attacked.

“You hungry?” she questioned. Wanting to calm the creature long enough to settle down.

Jumping up, its hindquarters remained on the ground; its front paws landed on the chair seat. It used its front two paws to lift itself closer, reaching for the bread that was just out of grasp.

Lifting her hand up, she kept it away. “Food, you want?” She broke off a small piece, placing it right through the back bars of the chair furthest from its teeth. She pulled her hand back through the bars quickly, not wanting to get her fingers bitten off.

With a sniff of the food, a long tongue came out, licked it, and then gobbled it up. Its eyes were dark as it waited there patiently for more.

“Food?” It croaked out when neither one moved for a while.

Dropping the bread all together, Mia’s eyes go wide. “Did you just talk?”

“Food!” it said louder, giving a happy howl of excitement as it jumped down, attacking the food that had rolled. The bread disappeared in a matter of minutes. “More?” The creature cocked its head to the side and gave sad eyes.

“Oh, umm. You want more?” Her eyes searched the kitchen. She had not seen any more bread. “Are you a boy or a girl?”

“Boy.” He shuffled, coming up behind her.

“Do you have a name?”

“Bloo.” He hopped up and down, his nails clicking on the floor.

“Blue, oh, because of your coloring?”

Shaking his head. “Bloooo,” he enunciated.

“Bloo?” She shrugged her shoulders, going along with it. Opening a cabinet, she took out some plain cereal and grabbed a handful. She kneeled on the ground, holding her palm out to him. “Can I pet you? Don’t eat me, okay?”

“Food?”

“No, I’m not food. But yes, food is here.” She placed it on the ground beside her. Bloo’s steps were unsure and wary of her movements.

Author Bio:

Raquel Gabrielle resides in Oklahoma with her husband, dogs and cat. She grew up loving stories so much that she even made up her own tales. Writing has helped her in many ways and continues to do so. Writing has always been there for her and something she will always fall back to when things get tough.

If she isn’t writing or telling stories, you can find her hanging out with friends or traveling. She loves to see the world and all its wonders.

She mostly dabbles in Urban Fantasy but has been known to go outside the box from time to time. 

Join Raquel's mailing list: https://tinyurl.com/33rs8hs8

To follow her on social media and learn more about her books, visit her online!

 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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Book Blitz of Her Darkest Hour by Suzy Henderson (#contests- Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift Card.

Her Darkest Hour
Suzy Henderson
Publication date: May 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

In the shadow of war, a young woman must choose: deny her magic or wield it to stop a traitor before Britain falls.

England, 1939. A young witch. A nation at war. A spy hiding in plain sight.

As war looms over Britain, Eliza MacLean wants nothing more than an ordinary life. Raised on the Isle of Mull, she’s spent years denying her gifts—just as her mother insisted. But her grandmother taught her differently, whispering ancient knowledge of herbs, charms, and spells.

When her grandmother dies, Eliza seeks refuge in Cambridge with her cousin and the women of the WVS. But beneath its spires and blacked-out streets, Cambridge hides more than just scholars and soldiers. A secret network of witches is working to protect Britain from an enemy who knows magic is real—and seeks to weaponise it.

Drawn into the fight, Eliza is thrust into a world of espionage, deception, and occult warfare. Her rare abilities catch the attention of MI5 agent Alex Fletcher, who needs her help to unmask a deadly spy before it’s too late.

As she learns to harness her power, Eliza finds herself torn between duty and love, risking everything for Jim, a fighter pilot whose fate seems written in the stars. But war is ruthless, and magic has a price.

With the spy closing in and the war reaching new heights of peril, Eliza’s only hope of saving those she loves is to embrace the very magic she’s spent a lifetime hiding—no matter the cost.

But some powers were never meant to be used.

Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Rose Code, Her Darkest Hour blends historical fiction with supernatural intrigue in a gripping tale of war, witchcraft, and sacrifice.

Goodreads / Amazon

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The Witches Who Went to War: The Real History Behind Her Darkest Hour

When I started writing Her Darkest Hour, I wasn’t just inspired by the idea of witches in wartime—I was captivated by the real, historical belief that magic could be used to defend Britain.

In researching the book, I discovered a lineage of magical resistance stretching back centuries. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada threatened England, tales emerged of magical circles cast to summon storms. During the Napoleonic Wars, rural communities quietly turned to cunning folk—herbalists, charmers, and wise women—to protect them from invasion.

But perhaps most fascinating of all is the rumour that during WWII, a group of witches gathered in the New Forest to perform a ritual known as the Cone of Power. Their aim? To stop Hitler from setting foot on British soil. It sounds like folklore—but it’s part of Britain’s strange, often forgotten magical undercurrent. The war wasn’t just fought on beaches and battlefields. It was fought, too, in glades and gardens, by those who believed the spiritual realm had a part to play.

That hidden history became the beating heart of Her Darkest Hour. Eliza Maclean, a young Scottish witch, is drawn from her quiet life on the Isle of Mull into a war she never expected to fight. Recruited by MI5, she finds herself hunting a German spy in Cambridge—but with magic, not guns.

I wanted to honour both the women who stepped into wartime roles and the lesser-known stories of those who used ancient knowledge to protect what they loved. Eliza’s magic is not flashy or cinematic—it’s rooted in emotion, empathy, and intuition. And that, perhaps, is what made it so powerful.

In the end, this book is a tribute to the quiet guardians of our past—those who lit candles, traced symbols, whispered prayers to old gods, and believed, fiercely, in their country’s protection.

What if those rituals worked?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy discovering Eliza’s journey in Her Darkest Hour.

Suzy Henderson
Author of Her Darkest Hour
#HerDarkestHour #HistoricalFantasy #WartimeWitches

Author Bio:

Suzy Henderson is the author of The Beauty Shop, Madame Fiocca, and SPITFIRE, novels which are set during the turbulent times of World War Two. She also writes romance and recently released a novella, Christmas in the Highlands, a best seller on Amazon UK.

Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of pioneering plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe, and the Guinea Pig Club – an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander.

Madame Fiocca is also based on a true story. This gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of SOE heroine, Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.

Suzy lives with her family on the edge of the Lake District, where she can be found rambling around lakes, country lanes or roaming the fells. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, she is often lost in the 1940s, writing historical fiction.

To receive all Suzy's latest book news, do join her reading group here & claim a free story: https://www.suzyhenderson.com

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Book Blitz of Finding Charlie by Jess Allen (#Contests- Win an Amazon Gift Card)

Finding Charlie
Jess Allen
Publication date: May 6th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Charlotte Evans has never belonged. Her entire existence has been one wrong turn after another. When faced with a hard look at her future, she decides to change her fate. Desperate to not be the reason her boyfriend doesn’t pursue his dreams, she takes off in search of her own.

Ten years later, at the height of his baseball career, Liam “The Rocket” Hayes has it all. Fame, fortune, and he’s finally stopped pining for the lost girlfriend from his youth. But when coincidence leads him straight to her, Liam gets more than he bargained for, including a ten-year-old son.

In a story about first loves and second chances, follow Charlotte and Liam as they find their way back to each other, one pitch at a time.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

For the rest of her life, whenever she closed her eyes, she’d see Liam’s face at that moment. Hurt and fury blended into anguish, his face twisted and eyes cold. Eyebrows narrowed in disdain.

“Hey there,” Jack said from behind her. He stuck his hand out to Liam. “I’m Jack, and you are?”

Liam didn’t acknowledge him or his offer of a handshake. Instead, he turned and walked away from Charlie. She watched as he got into his car and peeled out of the parking lot, disappearing from sight. She watched the space where he stood, as if watching would bring him back.

“Charlie, you look like you saw a ghost.” Jack moved in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “You all right? Who was that?”

Her face fell, the weight of what she’d done bearing down on her. She wanted to crash to her knees and let the heaviness blanket her until she couldn’t feel it anymore.

“Hey, let’s get home,” Jack pleaded gently.

“Go ahead,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ll meet you there. I just …I need a minute.”

Questions plagued Jack’s face, but he didn’t object.

The stars kept shining; the crickets continued to chirp. Families hugged their kids for a job well done and piled into cars to go home. Time passed, crowds dispersed. She waved off the coach when he told her he was shutting down the lights. The world moved on unaffected while Charlie’s carefully built life crashed and burned around her. She found herself on the pitcher’s mound, her bare legs covered in goosebumps despite the late summer heat.

She screamed into the night sky. She stomped and kicked at the dirt. Dust billowed around her like a tornado. She flailed her arms and pounded her feet while ugly tears slid down her cheeks. Why? What will happen now? Bile rose in her throat, and her heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst.

Impossible questions throttled her, which only made her cry harder. What-ifs circled her like vultures. She thought of Matty and their wonderful life with Ada and Sam. What would she tell them? She plopped to the ground and pulled her knees to her chest. She wanted to curl into a ball and sleep. Every muscle in her body ached with exhaustion. The emotional turmoil of the evening finally catching up to her. She longed to be held, to smell Rachel’s lavender perfume as she held her close.

Tires in the gravel lot startled her out of her misery, and she watched as Liam climbed out of the driver’s seat and strode toward her.

Author Bio:

Jess Allen is an avid reader and has been writing since she was a child. She loves romance novels and psychological thrillers. She loves to talk books, Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars. You can find her on instagram: jesswritesromance

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