Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 144

Playlist for Blind Spot by Jo Richardson #PNR #Suspense #Mystery

Listen to the following playlist at YouTube
PrologueDown by the River by Truman Holland
Chapter 1 - I GiveAll these things that I've done by The Killers
Chapter 2 – Double VisionWe Are Going to be Friends by The White Stripes
Chapter 3 - Seeing ThingsBones by Little Big Town
Chapter 4 - Peripheral SightInto Dust by Mazzy Star
Chapter 5 - Strange DaysCorrupt by Depeche Mode 
Chapter 6 - HindsightIn No Time by MuteMath 
Chapter 7 - Big BrotherTyrant by One Republic 
Chapter 8 – Blurred VisionDelicate by Damien Rice
Chapter 9 - Raised RightHard Lesson by The Burned
Chapter 10 - SeeingHamburg Song by Keane
Chapter 11 - Waking UpMiss Sunflower by Ryan Adams
Chapter 12 - InsightGlory Box by Portishead
Chapter 13 - What's Needed Gravedigger by Dave Matthews
Chapter 14 - Out of sight, out of mindI won't give up by Jason Mraz
Chapter 15 - DistractionsOld Soul by Mute Math
Chapter 16 - Seeing HopeHow it Starts by The Features
Chapter 17 - RememberingLullaby by One Republic 
Chapter 18 – Blind FaithI think it's going to rain today by Randy Newman
Chapter 19 – Healing HandsLover's Eyes by Mumford and Sons
Chapter 20 – Coming into FocusPaperweight by Joshua Radin featuring Schuyler Fisk
Chapter 21 - Tequila Mockingbird99 Problems by Hugo
Chapter 22 – The RestThe Cave by Mumford and Sons
Chapter 23 - Truths Swallowed by the Sea by Coldplay
Chapter 24 – Flying BlindJust Breathe by Pearl Jam
Chapter 25 - OkayAll my Days by Alexi Murdoch
End CreditsHome by Philip Philips
Blind SpotJo Richardson
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Suspense, MysteryDate of Publication: December 15, 2020 ISBN: 9798686197770Number of pages: 498
Cover Artist: Jada D’Lee Designs
Tagline:  How do you stay out of someone’s life when it flashes before your eyes on a daily basis? 
Book Description: 
Sydney Fallon has spent her entire life seeing things before they happen. 
Tucker Chase is no exception. He’s not looking for any new friends when he rolls into town. He's not looking for anything but a way to escape his past. 
But how do you stay out of someone's life when you see it flashing before your eyes on a daily basis?

Amazon

Excerpt
At water’s edge, I try to let the cool evening breeze wash away my anxieties. I barely hear myself or understand myself as I say the words I’m asked to repeat.
Two words, for sure, I know by heart.
By my heart.
"I do."
You may now kiss your bride.
There’s a lingering kiss, a wandering hand. He’s as needy as I am and I smile against his lips for letting himself feel it.
Clapping and cheering, teasing and laughter erupt all around us as we turn and face the world together. The scattered faces of all our friends are a blur, but I can tell they’re happy to take part in the ceremony.
Happy for us.
A declaration of matrimony is made, then we’re hurrying through the small crowd.
People toss rice; they blow bubbles.
The rest of it, I hardly remember.
The dance.
The kiss.
The cake.
It’s all in fast forward. 
I hope someone’s getting it on video.
The car ride at the end of the night is as swift as it’s not even happening. 
I watch landscapes speed by, clouds swirl.
My mind wanders.
Three words bring me back to him.
"You're mine now." His voice is low and vulnerable, rough and sultry.
I always was.
A soft glow shimmers from a window as we pull up to our new home and I shiver from anticipation.
He whisks me into his arms. He carries me across the threshold. He gazes at me with nothing but adoration.
His smile is disarming. His lips even more so as they travel along my jaw, underneath the soft curls that dangle against the back of my neck, then finally, near the upward tilted corners of my mouth.
He’s everywhere.
Soft fabrics fill the bedroom. Against the windows, on the floor, in our bed. Deep purples and reds. Sheer curtains ripple from the breeze like they’re reaching out to me.
Candles flicker and dance. Their scents romanticize the mood, as though it needs any help.
"I want you,” he murmurs.
You have me. Forever.
Clothes are gone in an instant. He hovers over me, trailing soft, tender, needy kisses. He follows a map of some sort to my lips.
The backs of his fingers graze my skin. Along the dip between my breasts, then my belly, between my legs, stopping when I squirm and giggle.
Wrinkles crease at the edges of his eyes as he grins down at me. My heart wants to burst.
Oh, the intensity in that smile.
I know him.
Better than he knows himself.
"I'll always protect you,” he promises.
I believe him.
His fingers trace. They tease. They dip. They do things I’ve never known fingers can do.
I gasp from the overwhelming bliss of it all.
"So good," he whispers in my ear. The stubble from his beard scratches lightly against my cheek.
I agree. “So good.”
Soft, desperate hums raise flesh along my shoulders, down my back. Experienced hands guide my body, leaving me breathless underneath him.
"I will always love you."
I'll hold you to that.
He presses himself against me, and I meet him, hungry for more.
Then I beg him to stay.
He answers like he always does.
"I can't."
Not again.
The beginnings of loss prick at the corners of my eyes. I hold on to him for dear life. I can’t stifle the sounds that escape me as his strong arms surround me, making promises I know better than to hold true.
Colors fade.
Soft touches subside.
Scents diminish.
And then he's gone.
xxx
 My eyes flutter open. I wipe away the tears.
My thighs tighten and I throb between them as consciousness creeps back.
I breathe in and out. I roll to my side. I sigh as morning glints through the trees.
I try to recall details, but it’s useless.
I can never quite make out his face, only the sound of his voice. What I imagine it sounds like, anyway. Just thinking about it now makes me shiver underneath the covers.
It’s been haunting me for weeks.
Every time, he sweeps me off my feet. Every time, he loves me. Every time, he leaves me.
“Ugh.”
"Sydney!" Even from down the stairs and out the door, I can hear my grandmother calling me, as clear as if she’s in my room.
I force myself out of the warmth of my bed with a stretch and a yawn. No need to check the time. Gran is my alarm clock.
I peer down at her from my window and watch her for a moment. She’s always told me to listen to my subconscious, to try and hear what it’s telling me, but honestly, even I have to laugh as I think about it.
What can a reoccurring sex scene be trying to tell me other than, “you really need to get laid”?
She catches me spying down at her, and Gran summons me in her typical way. Two fingers placed strategically inside her lips, then a whistle that’s louder than those old air raid sirens from back in the fifties.
I roll my eyes but smile. I wave to her to let her know I'll be down soon to help with breakfast. Then I push the imaginary stranger out of my thoughts and head for the shower, feeling silly.
After all, it was just a dream.

About the Author:
A FanAddict of worlds inside big screens, small screens, and books.
A superhero geek who grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity – but it was too cold up North for this thin blooded girl. Today, Jo lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband who shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as they know it.
Sometimes, she even creates her own worlds.
Dabbling in both contemporary and the paranormal, Jo writes stories with mystery, suspense, humor, action, romance, and anything else she can think up.
Website: http://jowrites.weebly.com/
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2TF3JFj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jo.richardson95/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joficfreak
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jo-Richardson/e/B00GIOCXSY
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377022.J_R_Richardson




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A Bewitching Friday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

Author Interview - Release Day Blitz Daemon War by S. K. Gregory #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/dbgs50CPass

Getting Crafty with Jo Richardson #PNR #Suspense #Mystery #GettingCrafty #ArtsAndCrafts #bewitchingbooktours
https://creativelygreen.blogspot.com/...

Winter Solstice Almond Butter and Gluten Free Cookies for Dogs ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #Giveaway ~ Tail of a Feather (The Spellwood Witches, Book Three) by Melanie Snow ~ Paranormal Cozy Mystery #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/7Vha50CPblM

Interview: Daemon War Daemon Persuasion Series Book Four by S. K. Gregory - Urban Fantasy - They survived the battle, can they win the war? #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/vHYr50CPa5s

Crow's Curse Series by Laura Bickle #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/dF0o50CP9Rl

Mystic UnRealized by S. Peters-Davis #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/66JH50CPbhr

RELEASE DAY! DAEMON WAR by S.K. GREGORY #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/nmxN50CPaAp

A Demon’s Witch by Tena Stetler ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/zWBu50CPaEK

Queen’s Ascension Blood Prophecy Book Three by Barb Jones ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/XBOK50CPaiU

My Sweet Vampire by Arabella Holmes #bewitchingbooktours
https://midnightmusingswithbertena.bl...

THE CONTINUING JOURNEYS of a DIFFERENT NECROMANCER by James J. Crofoot #bewitchingbooktours
https://supernaturalcentral.blogspot....

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE HOLIDAY RECIPE WITH KIM RICHARDS (DEATH MASKS) #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/jmVH50CPb7D

Spotlight & Excerpt: Mystic UnRealized + Giveaway #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/lbG250CPaf8

Fighting for Home by Kim Richards - Book Tour + Giveaway #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/sCNH50CPaaB

Release Day Blitz & #Giveaway ~ Daemon War: Daemon Persuasion Series, Book Four by S. K. Gregory @sam_skgregory ~ #UF Urban Fantasy #bewitchingbooktours https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2020/...

Full Moon in Leo by Brooklyn Ray ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/969T50CP9MJ

My Sweet Vampire by Arabella Holmes #PNR #ParanormalErotica #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/i0zM50CP9CR

Release Day Blitz Daemon War by S. K. Gregory

My Top Ten Favorite Urban Fantasy TV Series
1) Wynonna Earp2) Charmed3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer4) Witches of East End5) Lucifer6) Grimm7) Vampire Diaries8) Supernatural9) Teen Wolf10) Sleepy Hollow
Daemon WarDaemon Persuasion Series Book FourS. K. Gregory 
Genre: Urban Fantasy Publisher: SK GregoryDate of Publication: 18/12/2020ASIN: B088F68JJ1Word Count: 46k approxCover Artist: SKGregory
Tagline: They survived the battle, can they win the war?
Book Description: 
From USA Today Bestselling Author S.K. Gregory the Final Book of the Daemon Persuasion Series
The battle is over, but can they win the war?
The battle changed everything. Mackenzie finds herself with new responsibilities and a war heading her way. Her relationship with Taryn is tested as the bodies begin to fall.
An end to the war...
As they try to beat back the enemy, a prophecy might hold the key to end the war for good. It will take all of her power to keep the ones she loves safe. Time to kick some ass.
An urban fantasy novel

Amazon

Excerpt:

“Why won’t you ever listen!” Taryn screamed. He turned away from Mackenzie, his shoulders set with rage.

Before she knew what she was doing, Mackenzie picked up a heavy plant pot from a nearby table and brought it down on the back of Taryn’s head. His body crumpled to the floor.

Dropping the remains of the plant pot, she stood over him, waiting for him to get up and start screaming at her again. When she saw the blood pool out onto the carpet, that’s when she knew how serious it was.

“Taryn?” She dropped to the floor beside him, reaching out to check for a pulse. Nothing.

“No, this isn’t happening,” she whispered. She turned him over, stifling a scream when she saw his eyes open and staring back at her. “Taryn.”

She shook him, willing him to respond, but he didn’t. He couldn’t.

Oh God, I killed him.

This couldn’t be happening, she didn’t mean to get so mad, she just lost control for a moment.

Sobbing, she rested her head on his chest. Her whole life was over now. Taryn was gone, their life together, their home, their future. She would go to prison for sure and then...She sobbed harder.

“Mackenzie?”

She turned to find Annie standing at the top of the stairs. How did she get in?

“What’s happened? Is he okay?” Annie asked, taking a step toward her.

“No. He’s dead.”

Annie kneeled down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her back. “Oh my poor girl.”

“I need to call the police,” Mackenzie said, wiping her face.

“There’ll be time for that. You need to focus on what is important.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I need you to tell me who you are,” Annie said.

Mackenzie stared at her. “What?”

“You heard me. Tell me who you are.”

Mackenzie shook her head in confusion. “You know who I am, Annie. Are you okay?”

Maybe Annie had hit her head or something.

“I know your name, but I need to know who you are and why you are here.”

Mackenzie got to her feet, eager to put some space between herself and Annie. Annie’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist.

“Answer the question!” she barked.

“Get off me,” Mackenzie said. She pried Annie’s fingers off her wrist and hurried downstairs. She would call the police and maybe a doctor for Annie.

Before she could reach the phone, Annie caught up to her. “You can’t escape me. Answer the damn question.”

Mackenzie whirled to face her. “Enough. I don’t understand your damn question. You know me. My name is Mackenzie. I’m here because I bought a damn house.”

Annie’s face twisted into a snarl. “Not good enough.”

There was a flash and for a moment, the entire room changed. The furniture vanished and she was sitting in a chair with a strange man standing over her. She blinked and she was back in the room.

This isn’t real.

Annie advanced on her.

 

About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling Author S. K. Gregory writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance and horror novels. She currently resides in Northern Ireland where she works as an editor.
In her spare time, she helps indie authors by promoting them through her website and on social media.
https://www.skgregory.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorskgregory
https://www.twitter.com/sam_skgregory
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6574558.S_K_Gregory
http://eepurl.com/cVADcr 


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A Bewitching Thursday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

Blind Spot by Jo Richardson #PNR #Suspense #Mystery #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/m9Fo50CO2wG

Spotlight & Excerpt: My Sweet Vampire + Giveaway #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/v52v50CO2Pq

DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - DARK FANTASY - CROW'S CURSE SERIES by Laura Bickle #bewitchingbooktours https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blog...

Spotlight & Excerpt: Queen’s Ascension + Giveaway
http://sadiesspotlight.com/blood-prop...

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA RECIPE with BROOKLYN RAY (Full Moon in Leo)
http://supernaturalcentral.blogspot.c...

The Continuing Journeys of a Different Necromancer by James J Crofoot #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/YScM50CO3gI

DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - NA FANTASY ROMANCE - MYSTIC UNREALIZED by S. Peters-Davis #bewitchingbooktours
https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blog...

Fighting for Home by Kim Richards ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Dxkb50CO2IK

Death Masks, Author’s New Updated Edition by Kim Richards #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/4vw550CO2Fy

Please Welcome Laura Bickle as She Tells Us About Her Urban, Dark Fantasy Series, Morrigan’s Blood, Morrigan's Bite, and Morrigan's Bond , Crow’s Curse, Books 1-3 #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/iLqW50CO2zo

SPOTLIGHT - PNR - BLIND SPOT by Jo Richardson #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Itst50CO2mr

DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - PNR - A DEMON'S WITCH (Demon's Witch, #1) by Tena Stetler #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/d0O650CO2rG

Mystic UnRealized by S. Peters-Davis ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza https://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com...

Full Moon in Leo by Brooklyn Ray ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com...

Mystic UnRealized by S. Peters-Davis ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

Christmas Interview with Sky Brooks and Rune McRagon – story-stars of Mystic UnRealized

Hello, Everyone! Hope you’re enjoying this Christmas season, even with the limits we might be dealing with at this time from the pandemic, may the warm joy of family and friends resonate within and carry you and yours through the New Year and beyond:)

So glad you stopped in because I’d like to introduce the stars of Mystic UnRealized at this time – Sky Brooks, the Mystic whose magick helped save our world from a Troll take-over, and her partner, Rune McRagon, the Dragon changeling who also played a large part in saving the world from an apocalyptic event.

Welcome Sky and Rune, so happy you could join us today. Here’s my first question, and all of them will be for both of you – How will you celebrate Christmas this year?

*Sky and Rune gaze at each other for several heartbeats and nod as if they’ve telepathically communicated*

Sky – We will be celebrating in the Sanctum Realm at Mythic Mountain, Azuron’s home. My whole family will join us there, along with the Fey from the Fern & Fauna Colony and from the Glade & Grass Colony. I’ve never attended a celebration of this magnitude before, Rune will have to fill us in on the details.

Rune – Not sure if everyone knows about the Sanctum Realm, so let me explain. It’s only for beings of magick as the realm exists on magick. Some without magick may be invited in, but those would require protection from the overwhelming energy there. Azuron, the presiding Dragon, is acting King of the realm and has held that position for at least one hundred years or more.

We always celebrate inside his mountain lair with all sorts of delicious eats, a crackling fire in his humongous hearth built of gemstones, and the place is filled with Fey music and dancing. The celebration goes on for several days in human time, but in Sanctum time, it lasts about twenty-four hours.

Wow, that sounds like a dream, celebrating with Dragon and Fey. I’d love magick surrounded me. How do you get into the Sanctum Realm?

Sky – *Sky smiles at Rune* You better take this one, Rune. I’m not sure what’s allowed to share with humans.

Rune – *He winks at Sky* There’s a hidden portal on the Hermit’s property that opens for Light Energy Magicks. It’s protected by wards, so will never be discovered by anyone else.

What do you mean by Light Energy Magicks? 

*Sky nods at Rune*

Rune – Looks like I get to respond again. *He kisses Sky’s forehead* Light Magickals are embodied with pure Divine energy, maybe think of it like Angel energy—good fighting evil. It’s the energy that binds with our personal magick.

I know you’re both busy building your new store and focusing on your gardens, so I’ll wrap this up with one more question – When’s the big date for you two, I heard there’s a wedding in your near future?

*Rune leans over and kisses Sky, when they come up for breath…*

Rune and Sky – Christmas Day!  *said in unison*

Thank you for stopping by, we all wish you a very Merry Christmas…and we also wish you luck on the raffle drawing – don’t forget to enter on your way out:)

Mystic UnRealizedS. Peters-Davis
Genre: Fantasy Romance, New Adult Publisher:  BWL Publishing, Inc.Date of Publication:  November 2020Cover Artist:  Michelle Lee
Tagline:  To save humankind from an apocalyptic Troll take-over, an unrealized Mystic and a brand-new Dragon changeling must bond and share their Magick.   
Book Description: 
To save humankind from an apocalyptic Troll take-over, Sky, an unrealized Mystic, and Rune, a brand-new Dragon changeling, must bond and share their Magick. 
An adult fantasy romance of a present-day tale with Mystics, Dragons, Fey, Trolls, and Magick, and the prophecy that draws them all together.

Amazon     Books2Read

Excerpt:

Rune’s Point of View

“She drank from the Pool of Wellness,” I announced and stepped closer to the pearly-scaled giant. The magick of Azuron’s breath slithered inside my nostrils and mouth, leaving me light-headed.

“And?” Azuron’s deep, raspy voice, sharp and impatient, rumbled off the stone walls.

His cave had become my home away from the Shadowed Realm, but it always took a few minutes for me to absorb his magick. I shook my head in an attempt to gain balance, the tip of Azuron’s tail wrapped around my waist, holding me steady. Moments passed until my world righted itself. Maybe this dizziness had something to do with the addition of Sky’s energy. Her natural beauty had stunned me at first with those startling blue eyes, long lashes, full lips, and that head of soft, dark, unruly curls she’d attempted to tame in a ponytail but cascaded like a waterfall to her shoulders.

“Well?” Azuron studied me, drawing me closer with his tail. Moistened heat from his breath coated my face. Its magick ignited my voice.

I hoped he hadn’t just read my mind, assessing Sky’s beauty. “As you said it would happen, her eyes glowed, silver blue, like yours. The moment I saw them, I knew she was our Mystic and had arrived just like you and Mother claimed would happen. The time must be right for the prophecy to unfold, but I can’t help questioning it.”

“How so?”

“She’s clueless to her power, doesn’t trust me, and she closed her eyes when Mayapple appeared on my shoulder. She’s not ready, which makes me unsure of my ability to get her there.”

“I never said it would be easy, and I never said it would be up to you alone. Lucy’s ability to mentor Sky became limited due to interference from Sky’s mother, Jeana. And then Sky’s been away for the past four years gaining academic knowledge. I spoke with Lucy last night, in the UnShadowed Realm. Lucy said Sky’s father had stayed with her while she attended college.  It seems Sky arrived here heavily burdened not wanting to leave her father alone.”

“I noticed she has trust issues. She kept looking around as if expecting someone to jump out or something. I barely retained her attention.”

“You’ll figure it out. If anyone can help Sky gain trust, it’s you, my young protégée.” Azuron coiled his bulk and lowered his head over his forearms. “Time for meditation, which means it’s time for you to go explain things to Myarna. Your mother will be anxious to know what you’ve discovered.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

I left Azuron and clung to his confidence in me. After all of the prophecy preparation, will the world of humans even come to an apocalypse? I couldn’t imagine what would create the end of humanity. 

 

About the Author:
S. Peters-Davis writes multi-genre stories but loves penning a good page-turning suspense-thriller, especially when it’s a ghost story and a romance. Paranormal suspense-thriller romances are her favorites. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she’s hiking, RV’ing, fishing, playing with grandchildren, or enjoying time with her favorite muse (her husband) in Southwest Michigan. 
For a current listing of her books and buy links, check her author page below.
BWL Author Page: https://www.bookswelove.net/davis-s-peters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/spdavis788        
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/susan.petersdavis     
BWL Author Page: https://www.bookswelove.net/davis-s-peters/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-davis-8660542/         
BWL Publishing Inc.: https://bookswelove.net/   
BWL Blog: https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/          





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Full Moon in Leo by Brooklyn Ray ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

Victor Lewellyn’s Honey Cakes

Honey Cakes are the perfect anytime treat, but are best served in the cooler months!

What You’ll Need:

½ Cup of Almond Milk

1 Egg

2/3 Cup of Flour

½ Tablespoon of Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon of Salt

2 Tablespoons of Sugar

1 Cup of Honey

¼ Tablespoon of Nutmeg

Vegetable Oil for Frying

What You’ll Do:

Beat the almond milk and egg in a medium sized bowl

Stir the flour, cinnamon, salt, sugar and nutmeg together in a separate, larger bowl

Add the almond milk-egg mixture to the spiced flour

Pour your vegetable oil into a frying pan (½ inch deep!) and heat to 350°F

Drop the batter into the oil one tablespoon at a time and fry until golden brown

Drain on paper towels

Coat your Honey Cakes in honey and sprinkle with sugar

Full Moon in Leo

Brooklyn Ray

Genre: Queer Holiday Romance

Date of Publication: October 1, 2020

ISBN: 9798681122579

ASIN: B08H1P6X2R

Number of pages: 210

Word Count: 65,000

Cover Artist: BookCoverZone

Tagline: Small-town magic, two heavy hearts—one unforgettable winter solstice

Book Description:

Cole Morrison left Jewel's snow-covered fir trees ten years ago. But after a disastrous family Thanksgiving, Jewel seems like the only place left to go. When a run-in with a gorgeous stranger leaves him with debt to pay, Cole’s escape from his past turns out to be much more than a lonely Christmas vacation.

Jesse Carroway, the local Jewel witch, has been running his family's successful, small-town Apothecary ever since his grandmother passed away. When Cole stumbles into his shop and accidentally wrecks a good portion of his inventory, Jesse does the only thing he can possibly think of—offers Cole a job and himself some help for the upcoming holiday rush.

Cole’s clumsy with candles and doesn't trust easily, but soon Jesse gets a peek at the guy behind his bad-boy reputation. As the nights lengthen toward Yule, Jesse wonders if magic is to blame or if Cole might've fallen into his life for a reason…

Amazon

Excerpt

Honeycomb littered the counter.

Jesse sprinkled golden shards into the scrub and closed his eyes, imagining prosperity and hope and truth, the ingredients needed to solidify the spell, cocooning around each piece of salt. The spell shifted. Strengthened. Like a lock, the honeycomb sealed everything in place.

“Will that work?” Cole asked. He crouched next to the reassembled shelf, scratching idly behind Waffles’ ear.

A smile pulled his mouth upright. “Yeah, it’ll work.”

“What happens now?”

“We package everything, tie a pretty bow around the jars, and put them out. Here, I’ll show you how to shelve product. Use the wooden spoons and scoop the salt into the jar. Fill it to…right about”—Jesse tapped the jar an inch below the top—“there.”

Cole followed directions easily. Every movement was slow, deliberate and precise, mirroring Jesse as best he could. Once they’d finished, Jesse showed him how to tie a bow around the lid with thin-cut burlap.

“I’m not great at this,” Cole said through a grimace, fiddling with a sad, droopy bow.

“Don’t think too much.” Jesse batted his hands away and undid the bow, retying it with practiced ease. “If you try to make it perfect it’ll look forced and…” He smoothed out the burlap, tipping his head back and forth as he searched for the right words. “Disingenuous. I mean, that’s pretty solid advice around here. Magic is messy and weird, but it’s honest. It never tries to be something it isn’t. Same with candle making and bath bombs and everything else. Don’t dwell on making your gift wrap look exactly like mine, just do your best to make it pretty.”

“I don’t exactly know how to make things pretty, Jesse.”

Jesse tied a bow, a little crooked, but good enough. He untied it again and handed the burlap to Cole. “Try again.” Cole held the ribbon so tight his hands quivered. Jesse could almost feel it—bones apprehended, too tense and strained to do any good. “Okay, hold on. You’re, like, ridiculously tense.” He heaved a sigh. “Can I try something?”

Cole’s flighty gaze swept to Jesse’s face. “Something?”

Jesse pushed the packaged jars aside and placed the stone bowl on the counter between them. He glanced over one shoulder. Then the other. There. He snatched the water bottle. “Can I see your hands?”

Cole didn’t move at first. His jaw flexed. Caution flared behind his eyes. Jesse waited, nodding from his open palm, dangling over the bowl, to Cole’s, twitching on the counter. His hesitation remained, even as he unbuttoned his cuffs and let Jesse take his hand.

Carefully, Jesse smoothed the leftover salt scrub over Cole’s knuckles, pulled one hand closer and pressed his thumbs to the center of Cole’s palm. Like this, guarded and entirely human, Cole gentled. His shoulders relaxed. Tension drained from his fingertips. Jesse focused on his hands, each one, pushing and kneading while Cole stood entirely too still, attention fixed on him.

The apothecary went quiet. Sometimes pressing trust through skin held more power than smiles or stories. As he worked the salt into Cole’s calloused hands, Jesse realized he probably hadn’t been touched this tenderly in a long, long time.

“Do these mean anything?” Jesse traced the edge of the koi fish tattoo on his left hand. Laced their fingers. Squeezed.

Cole’s throat bobbed when he swallowed. “Apparently they bring good fortune. Figured I could use some of that.”

“And this one?” He took Cole’s other hand, touched the wolf on his forearm, then went back to massaging the base of his fingers.

“I’ve been a lone wolf since I was young.”

“Wolves usually run in packs, right?”

“Usually,” Cole said, voice hushed and low.

Jesse wanted to read his palm. He wanted to map Cole’s past and future, find where his heart line met his destiny, just to test the universe. Is this a coincidence, he wanted to ask. Is there even such thing? He poured water over Cole’s hands and washed the scrub away.

“Better?”

Cole wrung his hands. “Yeah, much better.”

“Try again.”

This time, Cole’s hands moved fluidly, pulling a pretty bow into place. He smiled at the jar. Pride looked good on him. “Did you cast a spell on me?” he asked, grinning.

Jesse’s stomach fluttered. Don’t blush. He aimed his laughter at the ceiling and shook his head. Don’t you dare. “Not yet.” He reached for the keys in the drawer below the cash wrap and twirled them around his finger. “See you tomorrow?”

Cole’s brows twitched and his lips parted, but he cleared his throat and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jesse wanted to ask him what he’d planned to say—what he wanted to say. “Goodnight, Cole.”

Cole knelt to pet Waffles before he shrugged on his jacket. He tossed a smile over his shoulder, footsteps crunching through snow on the sidewalk.

Jesse let out a deep breath. He glanced at Waffles, who sat on her haunches, staring back at him.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he whispered, and rolled leftover salt between his fingers.

 

 

About the Author:

Brooklyn Ray (they/them) is a fan of fresh brewed tea, long walks through the woods, and evenings spent reading sexy books. They write Queer Paranormal Romance and Erotica about witches, necromancers, and other magical creatures, and moonlight as a tarot and palm reader in the Pacific Northwest.

Find them on Instagram @brooklynrayauthor

https://www.instagram.com/brooklynrayauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16971356.Brooklyn_Ray

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New Covers for the Morgan and Grant Series by Adrienne Wilder

***** New Covers *****

In The Absence Of LightAdrienne Wilder
For years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of.
Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.
While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors
Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.
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By The Light of DawnMorgan and Grant SequelAdrienne Wilder
This is a follow up to the novel In the Absence of Light. You must read the first book to fully understand/enjoy this one.
A handmade sailboat helped bring Morgan back to Grant but he never imagined they would put it in the water.
Then Morgan sees something in the light that sets Grant on a mission to get them to the middle of the ocean. An unknown destination they have to be when the sun rises.
It’s important enough that Morgan is willing to leave Durstrand. Important enough that he’ll face the challenges of his autism.
So important, it could even be a matter of life and death.
By the Light of Dawn happens at the same time The Darkest Hour (Jeff’s story) takes place and contains mild spoilers as well as teasers. The plot points revealed in By the Light of Dawn are the same ones that were revealed at the end of In the Absence of Light.
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***** New Covers *****

Cover Reveals for Morgan and Grant Series by Adrienne Wilder

In The Absence Of Light
Adrienne Wilder

For years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of.

Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.

While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors

Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.

https://amzn.to/3m1O52B

By The Light of Dawn
Morgan and Grant Sequel
Adrienne Wilder

This is a follow up to the novel In the Absence of Light. You must read the first book to fully understand/enjoy this one.

A handmade sailboat helped bring Morgan back to Grant but he never imagined they would put it in the water.

Then Morgan sees something in the light that sets Grant on a mission to get them to the middle of the ocean. An unknown destination they have to be when the sun rises.

It’s important enough that Morgan is willing to leave Durstrand. Important enough that he’ll face the challenges of his autism.

So important, it could even be a matter of life and death.

By the Light of Dawn happens at the same time The Darkest Hour (Jeff’s story) takes place and contains mild spoilers as well as teasers. The plot points revealed in By the Light of Dawn are the same ones that were revealed at the end of In the Absence of Light.

https://amzn.to/33Yu72Q

#CoverReReveal #MMRomance #MM #romance #AbsenceOfLight #NewCovers #CoverReveals

A Bewitching Wednesday

A Round-Up of Daily Tour Stops

Winter Solstice Almond Butter and Gluten Free Cookies for Dogs
Tail of a Feather by Melanie Snow ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours
https://creativelygreen.blogspot.com/...

Blind Spot by Jo Richardson - Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Mystery - How do you stay out of someone’s life when it flashes before your eyes on a daily basis? #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/9UFz50CMVt3

Death Masks [Book Tour with Excerpt] #bewitchingbooktours https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...

SPOTLIGHT - FANTASY - THE CONTINUING JOURNEYS OF A DIFFERENT NECROMANCER (Locked Door, #2) by James J Crofoot #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Ak5R50CMWbp

Queen’s Ascension Blood Prophecy Book Three by Barb Jones ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/TUj550CMVUV

My Sweet Vampire [Book Tour with Excerpt] #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/84f150CMVF5

Crow's Curse Series by Laura Bickle #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/Ge3450CMVAZ

Spotlight & Excerpt: Blind Spot + Giveaway
Blind spot Jo Richardson Banner #bewitchingbooktours http://ow.ly/e8vV50CMVuT

Join us today to chat with authors, learn about books, play games, win prizes, and have holiday fun.
Here's our schedule in EST
1-2 pm Roxanne Rhoads
2-3pm Laura Bickle
3-4pm Celia Breslin
4-5pm Holiday Happy Hour
5-6pm Kim Richards
6-7pm Tena Stetler
7-8pm Brooklyn Ray
https://www.facebook.com/events/10346...

Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza: A Demon’s Witch by Tena Stetler
https://mommasaystoreadornottoread.bl...

Fighting for Home by Kim Richards ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza
https://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com...

Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza: Mystic UnRealized by S. Peters-Davis
https://mommasaystoreadornottoread.bl...

Fighting for Home by Kim Richards ~ Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza

 

Fighting for Home

Descendants of the Amazoi

Book One

Kim Richards

Genre: fantasy/historical fantasy

Publisher: Kim Gilchrist

Date of Publication: July 2020

Print ISBN: 978-1-952564-00-0

Digital ISBN: 978-1-952564-02-4

Number of pages: 241

Word Count: 87,616

Cover Artist: Dawné Dominique DusktilDawn  Designs

Book Description:

In 300 B.C.—the Greco-Roman Age—tribes of warrior women thrived near the Black Sea. The area is now modern-day Turkey. The Greeks called them Amazoi (meaning Mankiller).

Inspired by their story, Fighting for Home sings the tale of one tribe as they battle to save their way of life. Healing magic is real! Ilenea and Saphira, the wolf sisters, battle close to home with others of their generation. A healer priestess named Essla travels to a temple of Artemis at Anthela with her male slave, bringing a call to arms for the pending war. She meets and falls in love with a Roman General.

Whatever the outcome, this war changes everyone.

Amazon        Kobo         BN         Smashwords

Excerpt:

Thup. Thup. The second archer cried out as two of Xanthi’s arrows buried themselves into his thigh and hip. He let his own arrow fly. Leaves rustled where his arrows disappeared among the tree branches. He fumbled with an arrow, trying to notch it quickly when he heard the rustle again.

The archer looked up as Xanthi leaped from the bushes with her spear in hand. There was no time for him to raise his bow before the bronze point burrowed its way through his leather cuirass, seeking the tender flesh beneath.

At his wretched cry, the shield man to the left took a wild swing with his sword. He caught Xanthi just below the left collarbone. It sliced through her leather jerkin, taking breast flesh with it.

Crying out from the pain, she fell to her knees as blood poured from the gash. One hand pressed against the wound as her other fumbled for her knife.

Xanthi’s man turned his attention from her. He should’ve advanced. Celete used it to her advantage and swung her axe up the inside of his shield. It’s blade cleaved his stomach wide open. His guts spilled out over her hand—hot and sticky. He toppled sideways, landing in the dirt before Xanthi. With a roar befitting any lioness, she clawed at his face for what he did to her.

 

About the Author:
Kim Richards lives in Northern California with her husband and pets. She loves the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Her hobbies include reading, writing, sewing, LARPing, and listening to music.

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00APPEHK4

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kim_richards

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimrichards5576/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kim_richards

Website:  www.kim-richards.com

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