A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 13

February 8, 2025

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

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Published on February 08, 2025 01:00

February 4, 2025

Winter Games Book Event 2025

Winter Games is almost here! Opening Ceremonies happen on Feb 24 followed by a full month of Winter Games fun!

Join the Winter Games Facebook event page. Opening Ceremonies happen on Feb 24 followed by a full month of Winter Games fun!

For readers, this means free books to read and review, RAVES, meeting new authors, fun, games and prizes!

Authors, join the fun and get to know more readers and let them get to know who you are and about your books! Message me if you have any questions. All you have to do is fill out the form below to sign up and then show up! By posting daily and participating in the RAVES, games and interactive posts; you give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your books while having fun. 

Author sign up 

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Published on February 04, 2025 11:11

February 3, 2025

Falcon Saga Blog Tour and Giveaway #Fantasy

 


An elf afraid of opening his heart, and a human who is heirto an awesome power: 

Only by embracing their shared destiny can they saveIceland…and each other.


FalconSaga

by Robert Winter

Genre: Epic Fantasy 



In modern-day Iceland, a place of glaciers, volcanoes, andlegends, the Norns have foretold a sorcerous invasion that could destroyeverything.
Magnús, an elf of the huldufólk, is driven by the murder of his human lover acentury ago to save those humans he can, and to figure out what is behindrecent troll attacks on tourists. But the Norns have spoken. He must protectAltair, a young human from Boston, who is bringing a dangerous magical force toIceland. If Magnús fails to keep Altair safe, the country will fall to asorcerer called the Black Priest. Yet if Altair lives, Magnús will meet hisdoom.
For his part, Altair is a graduate student bullied to visit Iceland by mentorswho seem to have their own agenda. He knows nothing of elves, sorcerers orprophecies. Suddenly, the handsome, mysterious Magnús is guiding Altair aroundReykjavik and into danger. A witch, a berserker, and more elves are along forthe quest across Iceland’s forbidding landscape. And why does everyone keepscalling Altair “the Falcon”?
An elf and a human with a shared destiny. Will they solve the mystery linkingtheir fates before it is too late for all Iceland?

 

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Robert Winter is a recovering lawyer who likes writing aboutlove and adventure much more than drafting a legal brief. Once upon a time, hewent to Georgetown University law school. Upon graduation, he moved to New Yorkto work in a large law firm, but later returned to Washington, DC. The legalwork was entertaining and Robert spent a lot of time in bankruptcy court,usually representing either groups of creditor or the debtors themselves. Butlegal work didn’t satisfy the urge Robert felt to tell stories.

When he turned 50, Robert left behind the (allegedly)glamorous world of international law firms and bankruptcy court to pursue hisreal passion. Now he lives in Montreal with his husband, studying Frenchbetween trips to exotic locations.

When Robert isn’t writing, he loves to cook Indian food. Thearomas of the spice blends excite and challenge him. Although he’s never beento India, the food seems comforting and home-like. Add a trip to the GoldenTriangle to the bucket list!

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special content and agiveaway!

$ 30 Amazon


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Published on February 03, 2025 01:59

January 30, 2025

The Light Beyond The Storm Chronicles Collection

In a dark fantasy world of forbidden magic and tyranny, freedom is bought with blood and vengeance. Join the mages as they fight to survive in a land where their existence is illegal, elves are slaves and monsters come in many forms.

Only 9.99 for all three novels plus bonus material.

https://books2read.com/LightBeyondCollection

In a land of forbidden magic dare you adventure with the mages?

Three adult dark fantasy/fantasy romance novels, with exclusive bonus content.

(Note – adult-rated for violence, sexy scenes and themes.

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

In a dark world where magic is illegal, and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.

The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden, and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome, and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy.

The Stolen Tower – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III

What stalks the land cannot be, but is.

Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from foe, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds, she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails, there will be no tribe to lead.

Bonus material included:

Welcome to the World of Erana

The People of Erana

‘Casts of Characters’

Five Questions With…Meet My Character Interviews

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Published on January 30, 2025 10:37

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

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Published on January 30, 2025 01:00

January 25, 2025

The Watcher – Spotlight #Horror #JackTheRipper #HistoricalFiction

Title: The Watcher: A Jack the Ripper Story

Author: A. L. Butcher

Genre: Short Historical fiction/horror

Publisher, if applicable

Book Blurb: The year is 1888, and the place is Whitechapel, in the very heart of London. But the heart is bleeding. A mysterious killer is stalking women of the streets – his true name is unknown, but his legend will go down in history. This is a short tale of Jack the Ripper.

18 rated for scenes of violence.

Excerpt (up to 500 words – if it is longer, I will edit)

There she was, that whore. Once more. There she was.

Beneath the flickering gas lamp at the corner of Dorset Street, Whitechapel, she strode, grinning a seductive smile at a passing sailor, just ashore and looking for company. He, as bad as the bitch whose breasts he felt and whose ear he nipped with yellowing teeth, the unseen Watcher thought. With eyes burning hatred and a menace previously unseen and misunderstood. It was, he thought, a righteous hatred, and they blaze all the brighter for it. The beast within told him so. For he was the beast and he was its creature, at once the same.

She could have been twenty or forty; the Watcher neither knew nor cared. She’d not see another year, another week, another night. The dim streets grew ever wickeder to those of her sort spreading around their sin, their poison. Defiling this town, this land, defiling HER. The Watcher shook his head; no more whores and this place would rise like the jewel it was. Not jaded and dull but glorious and fit for a queen. The beast within whispered in his head. “Cleanse this town, make it fit again.” And so he did. A knife in the darkness, once more.

Geneva liquor and poverty aged a person far better than mere passing of the years. In the greatest Empire on Earth, they blighted the land. Gin palaces, opium dens, and hash houses aplenty gave heaven and hell to those with money, and those without. Life was cheap, and oblivion cheaper. The Watcher knew these unfortunates dropped their drawers for a taste of it, panting and moaning beneath the bridges and in the alleys, with their grunting men, and their penny a tumble.

The sailor moved on. He’d had his pleasure with another of her kind and spent his last pennies in the tavern, and she was here to work.  Nothing was free in her line of employment. Except for death.

So there she was, alone. Death walked these streets – and tonight it watched the red-haired whore, who sang and smiled and patted her new bonnet. There she was. The whore. Alone.

The minutes passed, creeping towards death; ebbing away from heaven and him ever closer to immortality. The whore did not know it. Of course, she’d heard the tales, everyone had. Screamed by newsboys on every corner “another ‘orrible murder” but rent still needed to be paid. And so she plied her trade. Afraid. Denying it would be her turn this night. A whore, alone.

Another night, another customer. Fear curled in her belly; these streets were streets of blood, four of her sisters slain in just a few weeks. But hunger was the greater force. Desperation made Mary-Jane brave – so she walked the streets, as she had often done. It wouldn’t be her, she thought. As they had. It couldn’t be her. Besides the police watched the alleys and the thoroughfares. The streets were largely empty, save the desperate and the foolhardy, and those too much in drink or lust to know or care.

The Watcher stood, beyond the pool of light from the gas lamp. This night was his. She would be his. This woman wasn’t as much a drab as some of her sisters-in-sin. Lust rose, entwined with his loathing. Two joined as one, desire and disgust, powerful and compelling. He’d never understood why they went together, but then he was a simple man, not one of the mind-doctors who had been so influential of late. The beast within did not care. Lust and hatred, pain and desire…bound so close he could experience little else when the darkness overtook him. Now, however, he watched.

Buy Links Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2xdkprc

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2v6EUsb

Smashwords  http://bit.ly/2xtps6k

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2v6xDZs

Kobo http://bit.ly/2v6zoG6

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-watcher-a-jack-the-ripper-story/id1273647143?mt=11

Audio

Amazon UK audio

https://amzn.to/2xxI86q

Amazon Audio

https://amzn.to/2DpJSoGhttps://www.audible.com/pd/B07HGKCBN7/https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B07HGGHB6Z/

Author Biography and links

 British-born A. L. Butcher is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as ‘evocative’.  She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.

Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror, including the Legacy of the Mask series. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavour in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life.

She also curates for a number of speculative fiction themed book bundles on BundleRabbit.

Her short novella Outside the Walls, co-written with Diana L. Wicker received a Chill with a Book Reader’s Award in 2017 and The Kitchen Imps won best fantasy for 2018 on NN Light Book Heaven.

Alex is also proud to be a writer for Perseid Press where her work features in Heroika: Dragon Eaters; and Lovers in Hell – part of the acclaimed Heroes in Hell series. http://www.theperseidpress.com/

Social Media links

Websitehttp://www.libraryoferana.co.uk/books.html

Blog https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/about-a-l-butcher-fantasy-author-poet-author-promotion/

Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/2hK33OM

Smashwords Author Page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ALB123

Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/LightBeyondtheStorm/

Indiebound Author Page https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=author%3AButcher%2C%20A.%20L.

Twitter http://bit.ly/Twi2hJZ3h9

Goodreads http://bit.ly/GR2iqokvK

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-butcher-8342ab13b/

Tumblr https://www.tumblr.com/blog/libraryoferana

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/abmonkey/

Books2Read newsletter sign up

https://books2read.com/author/a-l-butcher/subscribe/1/97541/

Social Media Links

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Published on January 25, 2025 01:48

January 22, 2025

Candle in the Wind – Blog Tour #Dystopian #Thriller

 


Betrayed…Banished…Alone


Candle in the Wind

by Kim Baccellia

Genre: Diverse Dystopian Thriller 


What if you discovered everything you’ve been taught is alie?

For most of her life, seventeen-year-old Espie Hernandez’sworld revolved around the Branch of Thomas, a cult-like haven in what’s left ofa war-ravaged America. Their ruler, Reverent Father, keeps them safe from theOthers, those outside the compound who wish to harm them.

Espie questions what she’s been taught and finds herselfbanished from the compound. She’s thrust into the harsh world beyond theirwalls with the mission to prove the Others actually have a plot against them.When tensions escalate, Espie must figure out who to trust before everythingshe loves is torn apart.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads


Award-winning author Kim Baccellia grew up in Sacramento,California, the oldest of seven. She has a business associate degree fromSacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham YoungUniversity, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.

She’s been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B.Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher,and homeschool mother. Currently the author of four YA novels with another onecoming out soon!

Author of YA paranormal CROSSED OUT and CROSSED FIRE. YAdystopia CANDLE IN THE WIND. Also the author of the urban diverse fantasyEARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Short Christmas Magic in the Holiday analogy MISTLETOE ANDMAGIC. Re-releasing YA fantasy series under new titles in 2026! Currentlyworking on a historical romance set in Tuscany.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$ 20 Amazon


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

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Published on January 22, 2025 22:50

January 21, 2025

The Marriage Agreement – Blog Tour #Romance #Secondchances #AgeGapRomance

 

The best laid plans sometimes crumble,but fate has the perfect detour.

 

The Marriage Agreement

The Agreement Series Book 2

by A. Akinosho

Genre: Age Gap, Second Chance Contemporary Romance 

 



The best laid plans sometimes crumble,
but fate has the perfect detour.


Ayodele

In desperate need of a solution, I’m about to loseeverything—my education, my future—if I’m deported before finishing school.Osei, bless his heart, is willing to marry me, but his wandering eye would onlybring more trouble than we need.

Enter Luke, my best friend’s brother, with a shockingproposal: a marriage agreement. A simple arrangement that could save us both.

He needs to escape the forced marriage his father’s pushingon him, and I need to stay in the country to finish school.

It’s a deal that works for both of us.

But neither of us expected that living together, pretendingto be husband and wife, would blur the lines between what’s real and what’sjust part of our agreement.

I didn’t plan on falling in love with Luke, but sometimesthe heart doesn’t care about the plan.


Luke

There was always a girl—a girl I couldn’t get out of myhead. When I finally find her, she’s with the one person I could neverbetray—my brother.

I’ve kept my distance, believing that Ayodele wasoff-limits, only to learn she’s only my brother’s best friend. But crossingthat line still felt forbidden. So, I’ve watched her quietly, wanting what Ithought I could never have.

Now, she desperately needs help, and I see a way to helpher—and myself. A fake marriage would solve both our problems. She stays tofinish school, and I escape the loveless match my father is forcing me into.

It’s the perfect solution.

Or so I thought. What was supposed to be just an agreementis becoming something else entirely. The connection I’ve tried to deny isimpossible to ignore, and keeping my distance is no longer an option.

Maybe this was never supposed to be a plan, because, neitherof us is sticking to the plan.

No problem, right?

 

Amazon* Bookbub* Goodreads



The Handshake Agreement

The Agreement Series Book 1 



He promised her the world,
Then, abandoned her at the altar.

Anne

I’m a realist, cynical about falling in love. Until I met Declan – the rich andpowerful player. With his quiet determination, he dismantled my cynicism andmade me believe.
Before I know it, I’m flashing a radiant smile, dressed, and eagerly awaitinghim at the altar.
Only, I got the text – “I’m not coming” – shattering my world.
Regret is a waste of time; I stand by my original convictions.
Years later, he’s back demanding a second chance, how dare he?

Declan
I shook on the agreement without hesitation because I had zero plans to marryfor love. Ever.
Years later, Anne crashed into my life. I find myself craving what I thought Ididn’t need or want.
Unexpectedly, the agreement I made resurfaced, presenting me with a dilemma:

Marry as agreed or
Lose Anne forever.

Deal accepted, regardless of hurting Anne.
When I find Anne again, she’s engaged, far as I’m concerned, she’s still mine.
I’ll cheat, steal, and fight before I let Anne marry another.
All is fair in love and war. And this is war…hope he’s ready to fight?

The Handshake agreement is a contemporary an age gap, second chance romancewith a Possessive MMC

 

Amazon* Bookbub* Goodreads


A. Akinosho lives in her own little nest in Illinois. Anavid reader and enjoy reading thrillers, suspense and romance novels (partialto romance genre). When, She’s not reading or keeping up with life. She enjoyswriting and creating twist to stories. She loves writing about diversecharacters, friendship and overcoming challenges through, what is perceived asa weakness.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special contentand a giveaway!

$20 Amazon


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


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Published on January 21, 2025 10:55

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

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Published on January 21, 2025 01:00

January 20, 2025

The Empress’ Palace – Blog Tour #Fantasy

 

What is yourstance?


The Empress’Palace

The Nehel SeriesBook 2

By Joseph Kopel

Genre: EpicFantasy Adventure

 


Four yearsfollowing the first book’s events.

Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war —the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseencircumstances.

The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent ofRyza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within theKingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’saftermath.

A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping talewill leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a worldof magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.

Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access ondifferent devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contentsremain unchanged from the printed version.


Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads


The Empress’Journey

The Nehel SeriesBook 1 



Amid turmoiland despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.

The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka,triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madnessplague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.

A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her riseto power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawningof a new era.

Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balanceto Sankaris?

Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and thesearch for truths in a world gripped by darkness.

Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access ondifferent devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contentsremain unchanged from the printed version.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads




Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who hastransitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm ofFantasy with his debut in the genre.

What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-fiveyears of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. Thegreatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’slibraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.

When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in theworld of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his twopets.

Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in asmall peaceful country town of only 250 people.

 

Facebook * Instagram * TikTok * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon


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Published on January 20, 2025 02:04