A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 40
July 30, 2023
Blame It On Midnight – Blog Tour and Guest Post #Paranormal #Women’s Fiction
I saved my daughter. But how do I save myself when I have a secret that is going to turn the entire werewolf world upside down?
Blame It On Midnight
A Midnight Madness Nightcreature Novel Book 2
by Lori Handeland
Genre: Paranormal Women’s Fiction
I saved my daughter. But how do I save myself?
I did what I had to. Try and kill my girl? I will end you faster than you can say have mercy. Sure I broke a cardinal pack rule, which will get me executed by my mate. If they find out. If they find me.
Saved from capture by Zane, the sexiest of sexy werewolves, my rescue comes with a price. Zane wants a favor, one that could cause an all-out pack war. The last thing I need is to make more enemies, but lives are at stake if I don’t make a stand.
Not only that, but I have a secret. An impossible secret that is going to turn the entire werewolf world upside down.
From the voice of New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland, a new volume in her Nightcreature world, complete with the humor, depth of characterization and fast-paced plot lines she is known for while showcasing the author’s incredible range.
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Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
A Midnight Madness Nightcreature Novel Book 1
They say a mother will do anything for her child . . . I’m living proof
This nightmare began when I got the call every parent dreads. My daughter, Jenna, was missing from her college campus. Of course, my mind went to the worst place. After all, my late husband was a powerful senator. Was this some political payback?
I call in a favor and soon I’m partnered with an FBI sex trafficking agent. He tells me local girls have been disappearing for some time now, and he finally has a lead. But what we find at that abandoned warehouse is something out of a horror movie.
Werewolves! Two rival packs, their alphas fighting, winner take all––the pack and the trafficked girls. The werewolves must replenish their breeders, recently decimated by a virus that killed only the females.
But Jenna’s been keeping a secret, which only makes two of us. Though I should be angry, I know the lies I’ve told play a huge role in why we’re here. I’ll do anything to make it right. No way is my girl going to become a sacrificial mate for the greater good––even if she is the ‘chosen one.’ So, I do what any mother would do, I take her place, offering myself to Gideon, the winning alpha, as his mate.
Gideon’s goal is to live in harmony with the human world, but there are others who exist for the power, for the violence, and they don’t plan to let peace prevail.
There’s a civil werewolf war brewing and I am right in the middle of it.
From the voice of New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland, a new volume in her Nightcreature world, complete with the humor, depth of characterization and fast-paced plot lines she is known for while showcasing the author’s incredible range.
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Lori Handeland is a five-time nominee and two-time winner of the prestigious RITA
Award from Romance Writers of America, as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels spanning the genres of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, contemporary romance, historical romance, historical fantasy and women’s fiction. Her novel Just Once received a coveted, starred review from Library Journal and was optioned as a feature film by Catalyst Global Media.
Lori set her sight on being an author at the age of ten. She remembers sitting at a typewriter before she knew how to type, pecking out a story about a family who went into space. As an only child her summers were spent with that typewriter, television, and, above all, books. As a young adult, she got sidetracked by the need to make a living. She worked as a waitress and later enrolled in college to become a teacher.
Lori lives in Southern Wisconsin with her husband of over thirty-five years. In between writing and reading, she enjoys long walks with their rescue mutt, Arnold, and visits from her two grown sons, awesome daughter-in-law and perfectly adorable grandchildren.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Stuffed Wolf Plush,
$20 Amazon giftcard
– 1 winner each!
Interview with the Author
Describe your writing style.
Fast paced plot and true to life characters dealing with astounding situations.
What makes a good story?
Great characterization, structure and pacing.
What are you currently reading?
Elin Hilderbrand’s THE FIVE-STAR WEEKEND.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
I’m a pantser all the way. I’ve tried to outline and find I get bored with the story, which means I don’t continue with it.
Sometimes I will write the first chapter or two, then sketch an overview of the turning points and the ending, though all that is subject to change along the way.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Editing the beginning over and over, which means never reaching “the end.” Push through. The number of people who start a book, then don’t finish a book is epic. Anything can be fixed but a blank page.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start self-publishing the instant you hear about it.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from other genders?
There is always the temptation to create men the way you want men to be. And, to an extent, this is what writing romance is about. However they need to be realistic too. It’s a balancing act.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I used to be able to write a 90,000+ word book in 3-4 months. Now it would take me 9-12 months. It is what it is.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I do, I do, I do believe in writer’s block. The only way I’ve found to cure it, and sometimes only for a little while, is to push through the book I’m working on, don’t look back. Eyes on the prize of “the end.”
Then edit, edit, edit.
July 20, 2023
When Cardinals Appear – Cover Reveal and Giveaway #Romance #Women’s Fiction
** Check out the cover reveal! **
Is the cardinal a clue Lanie’s true happiness is hiding in plain sight?
When Cardinals Appear
The Love Birds Book 1
by Katie Eagan Schenck
Genre: Women’s Romance Fiction
She has a promise to keep. But when her plans are thrown into a tailspin, will a persistent red bird show her how to let her dreams take flight?
Lanie McAllister is ready to move on. Wrestling with her mom’s death, the young woman just wants to settle the estate and soar off for good to her boyfriend in California—far away from painful memories. But she suspects the lucky cardinal she keeps seeing is trying to send a message when a flat tire puts her back in the path of the man who broke her heart.
With fate constantly throwing the man her mother always hated in her way, Lanie can’t seem to shake the wounds of the past. And when her current love makes a serious misstep and she discovers her ex harbors a secret, she starts to rethink what will make her truly happy.
Questioning her vow to her mother to never look back, is the cardinal a clue Lanie’s true happiness is hiding in plain sight?
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Katie Eagan Schenck writes sweet romance and women’s fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. She has an MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte and her debut novel, A Home for Christmas, was released in October of 2022. When she’s not writing she’s either drafting regulations for the federal government, baking delicious treats, or binging Hallmark movies. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and their three cats.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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Heroika – Dragon Eaters Blog Tour and Giveaway
The art of dragon killing.
Seventeen writers bring you so close to dragons you can smell their fetid breath.
Heroika: Dragon Eaters
Heroika Volume 1
Edited by Janet Morris
Genre: Epic Historical Fantasy Adventure Anthology
The art of dragon killing: Dragons have been eating humans for centuries. Now heroes throughout history stalk their legendary foe. Learn how to hunt, kill, and eat the wild dragon. Never before has revenge tasted so good. A literary feast for the bloody-minded. In Janet Morris’ anthology on the art of dragon killing, seventeen writers bring you so close to dragons you can smell their fetid breath. Tales for the bold among you. HEROIKA 1 — DRAGON EATERS, an anthology of heroic fiction edited by Janet Morris, features original stories by
Janet Morris and Chris Morris, The First Dragon Eater
S.E. Lindberg, Legacy of the Great Dragon
Janet Morris and Chris Morris, Bring Your Rage
Walter Rhein, Aquila of Oyos
Cas Peace, The Wyght Wyrm
Jack William Finley, The Old Man on a Mountain
A.L. Butcher, Of Blood and Scales
Travis Ludvigson, Night Stalkers
Tom Barczak, Forged
JP Wilder, Rhyme of the Dragon Queen
Joe Bonadonna, The Dragon’s Horde
Milton Davis, Wawindaji Joka (The Dragon Hunters)
M Harold Page, Sky Tomb of the Earth Kings
William Hiles, Red Rain
Beth W. Patterson, La Bétaille
Bruce Durham, Arctic Rage
Mark Finn, Sic Semper Draconis
**Heroika: Dragon Eaters is Perseid Press’ featured series for July and is on sale for Only $2.99 on Kindle!!**
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Book Trailer:
Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. She has contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, in which she created the Sacred Band of Stepsons, a mythical unit of ancient fighters modeled on the Sacred Band of Thebes. She created, orchestrated, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell, writing stories for the series as well as co-writing the related novel, The Little Helliad, with Chris Morris. She wrote the bestselling Silistra Quartet in the 1970s, including High Couch of Silistra, The Golden Sword, Wind from the Abyss, and The Carnelian Throne. This quartet had more than four million copies in Bantam print alone, and was translated into German, French, Italian, Russian and other languages. In the 1980s, Baen Books released a second edition of this landmark series. The third edition is the Author’s Cut edition, newly revised by the author for Perseid Press. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.
Janet says: ‘People often ask what book to read first. I recommend “I, the Sun” if you like ancient history; “The Sacred Band,” a novel, if you like heroic fantasy; “Lawyers in Hell” if you like historical fantasy set in hell; “Outpassage” if you like hard science fiction; “High Couch of Silistra” if you like far-future dystopian or philosophical novels. I am most enthusiastic about the definitive Perseid Press Author’s Cut editions, which I revised and expanded.’
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Guest Post with Joe Bonadonna
In Janet Morris’ anthology on the art of dragon killing, seventeen writers bring you so close to dragons you can smell their fetid breath. Tale for the bold among you. Joe Bonadonna is one of the authors who contributed to Heroika: Dragon Eaters. Here are Joe’s responses to various questions.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I don’t think there’s really anything unique about me, although my teenage years and early adulthood were more like an old Warner-Brothers gangster flick than most authors I know. Lots of violence and nasty encounters with the police, which was normal in the neighborhood where I grew up, and for those times. Quirky? Well, I’ve always liked monster flicks, going back to my kindergarten years, and I read comics and books and collected monster trading cards, which made me a “weirdo,” according to a lot of the guys and gals with whom I grew up. Then, when I started playing guitar, I was considered “cool,” and I spent 20 years playing in rock bands, until I retired to concentrate full-time on writing. I did have a great childhood, though. However, high school was one of the most miserable times of my life. Being an only child, I naturally spent a lot of time alone, playing with toy soldiers, drawing, watching movies, building monster models, and reading comic books. Later I set aside the toys, comic books and model-building and replaced those with reading novels and playing guitar.
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Well, the place where my Dad worked shared a “floor” with a book bindery. They did not do the book covers, just the binding. So my Dad was always bringing home books for me to read when I was a kid. He and my Mom taught me how to read and always championed my writing. One day, when I was in 4th or 5th grade, I decided I wanted to tell stories. So I sat down and started writing cheesy sci-fi stories and monster theatrical plays. My Catholic grade school nuns, who were always very supportive and encouraging, didn’t think my little plays were appropriate for kids to perform for the “PTA.” So that never happened. I also wanted to be like Mickey Rooney in all those films he made with Judy Garland: “Hey, kids! My folks have a garage. Let’s put on a play.” But that never happened, either. Sports and girls were the only thing my friends were interested in. Rock and roll, films, reading, writing, and girls, of course, are what interested me.
Who is your hero and why?
My Dad and my Mom, both heroes in their own right. Two of the kindest, most loving, honest, and supportive people I’ve ever known. My friends would agree to that. Our house was the party house, where my bands rehearsed and my friends came to dance.
Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?
All of them, really. But my three Mad Shadows books, featuring Dorgo the Dowser as a sort of a Philip Marlowe or Sam Spade type of gumshoe in an alternate 15th century; he uses a special dowsing rod as an investigative and forensic tool. These books would make a decent TV series, if done right. If I could pick the cast, the director, the producer, and have final say in the scripts. Not too many film-makers really understand the Heroic Fantasy and Sword & Sorcery genres, in my humble opinion. Peter Jackson gets it. So does Guillermo del Toro. Those two guys I would love to work with. Many of the people behind the Game of Thrones series, too. Since working with people like that is highly unlikely, there’s no amount of money that could make me “sell out,” so to speak, to the Hollywood Establishment. I’m too old now to care about money; not that hungry and driven anymore. Even now my energy is starting to wane, ideas and enthusiasm is slipping away, and my ability to focus and concentrate are ready to retire. My legacy is all that’s important to me, now. Hopefully I can finish a fourth and final Mad Shadows volume before my time on this planet comes to an end. Aging totally sucks, and ill health makes me feel much older than my 71 years. As the French would say, C’est la vie.
What inspired you to write The Dragon’s Horde for Heroika?
First of all, Dragon Eaters, the book’s “subtitle,” was very much the key to what I wanted to write. The Dragon’s Horde takes place in the world of my Mad Shadows series, but centuries before the birth of Dorgo the Dowser, that series’ main character. Heroika: Dragon Eaters, promised to be a very different and unique volume of Heroic Fantasy, for it would (and does) contain so many great stories written in other genres and set in many different eras and worlds. It’s a truly diverse set of stories about killing and eating dragons which, for this book, have been restored to their former stature as monsters; you won’t find any loveable dragons here. Now, while planning my story, I started thinking of vampires, werewolves and zombies, who become “creatures of the night” through a virus or bacterial infection, I wanted to use that angle. Since we were writing about dragons and I knew most of the stories in the book would feature dragons and dragon-slaying, I wanted to approach my story from a different avenue. There would be no dragons in my story, only their “horde,” their half-human offspring. These hybrids were spawned centuries ago by dragon venom, which gave them the ability to infect other humans with a bite or a scratch, which is enough to make them turn into Homo Reptilia or Homo Drakōn — dragonmen, whom I call the Draakonim or Draaks: these are the dragon’s horde of the title. For 500 years no dragons have been seen, but the warriors of Klibberhelm Keep, descendants of the original Dragon Eaters, have been guarding Klibber Pass against incursions by the Draakonim in a never-ending battle to keep the Draaks from invading the lands of men.
Convince us why you feel your story is a must read.
Although The Dragon’s Horde is a character-driven story, it opens with a battle scene and has plenty of swordplay and bloodletting throughout. It has a sense of humor, as well, which comes from the characters themselves, the warriors, in how they speak and interact with one another. There are a few surprises along the way: a warrior-priestess named Shadumé arrives at the Keep on a mission from her goddess; she is accompanied by two wolverines that are not what they appear to be. There’s a connection between her and Vadreo, the main male character, going back many years earlier, when they first met and became lovers. There are a number of twists, turns, surprises and revelations sprinkled throughout the story, as Shadumé brings with her lost knowledge, dire warnings and some answers for the descendants of the Dragon Eaters. Shadumé reveals to the warriors of Klibberhelm Keep that the egg of a Queen Dragon has been laid and is ready to hatch: the first dragon’s egg in five centuries. Her mission is to destroy the egg or the dragon herself while it’s still a hatchling, before the Queen and the Draaks can begin to breed. Of course, there’s another creature involved — a Spiderworm who is one more key to this story. Shadumé then chooses one warrior to accompany her and her wolverines through the desert, to find the lair of the Spiderworm, and she chooses the man from her past . . . Vadreo, the leader and Warhand of Thoon Wolf, which is his clan and his tribe. What we learn about Vadreo, Shadumé and her two wolverines is at the heart of this story.
What is your advice to new authors?
Study and get to know the genre in which you plan to write. Read other genres, as well: romance, horror, sci-fi, biographies, history . . . you can learn something from every genre. Don’t limit yourself by boxing yourself in. Sure, you may have read Edgar Rice Burroughs, J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Robert E. Howard and H. P. Lovecraft, and other well known authors of the fantasy and horror genres. But it doesn’t hurt to read Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner, Jack London, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and other, more mainstream authors like Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and others. Read the classics of the 18th and 19th centuries, too. You can learn something from every writer, if you study how and why they did things a certain way. Most of all, interact with other writers. Study and know the markets you wish to write for, but also write what you want, the way you want, and then be open to suggestions by editors and publishers. Be flexible. Know not only the art and craft of writing, but the mechanics of it, too: proper formatting is the mark of a professional, although in this day and age there is no one standard anymore. Some publishers will want a different font style and size, certain types of scene and chapter breaks, etc. And just keep writing, whether it’s 400 words a day or 4000 words a day. Just keep writing and never stop learning. Never stop experimenting with different styles or playing with words. Use humor to make your characters more 3-dimensional, and keep your dialog crisp and not stilted: remember, dialog is action, and a lot of info can be told through dialog, through the characters, rather than through narration. Let your characters tell the story. Characters are the heart and soul of literature, and dialog that moves the story along and reveals the “inner-workings” of characters is, in my opinion, a must: without dialog, we’d have no stage plays. Without dialog, we’d still be watching silent films. Without dialog, there’d be no history of great radio drama and TV shows. Without characters and dialog all you’re left with is narration and description. But that’s okay, too, if that’s the way you want to tell your stories. Most of all . . . Show, don’t tell — and that’s a balancing act because narration and description can slow down a story just as much as it can propel a story forward, if handled correctly. And as Alfred Hitchcock once said, and I paraphrase here: “If you put a gun on the mantlepiece in Act I, that gun better be used by Act III.” But as I said, this is just my opinion. Writing is a lonely profession and many of us have to make our way alone through the tangled undergrowth and all the pitfalls. Just sit down and write.
July 18, 2023
Das Geheimnis von Blossom Rise
Eine junge Krankenschwester beschließt, eine Stelle in einem ehemaligen Militärkrankenhaus anzunehmen und stößt dabei auf ein Familiengeheimnis. Als sie sich näher mit dem Thema beschäftigt, merkt sie, dass ihr die geisterhaften Bewohner irgendwie ziemlich vertraut sind…
Eine kurze Geistergeschichte.
https://books2read.com/BlossomRise-German
#geister, #paranormal, #horror, #kurzgeschichte
July 16, 2023
Excerpt Sunday – The Stolen Tower
Welcome to Excerpt Sunday – here’s a little teaser from The Stolen Tower (c) A. L. Butcher
Holding the Heart of the Mountain at arm’s length Mirandra watched it spin on its cord.
“This is home, take us, and lead us! I am Mirandra Var, daughter of Kherak and my blood has been called to right a wrong.” There was no trace of fear in her voice, but to whom she spoke the others weren’t entirely sure. It was a challenge, a challenge of her Power and her right to lead to whatever resided here.
As they watched the spirals on the stone shifted, spinning and whirling, Mirandra heard the deep resonance in her head, the song of the mountain and she followed, only now half aware of those about her. “Down, we need to go down,” she managed, although her voice was low and her eyes distant.
They crept past arches, in which lingered bones and piles of rags. Talfor eyed the remains, he alone of the adventurers had fought with the undead of the Temple of the Sky and knew that bones need not be idle. The air was heavy with the foul stench of death, and they tried not to gag. Some of the bodies were nought but bones, dry and brown; others were stinking, with maggots squirming. Grimly they searched those they could, seeking answers and finding only questions and sad remains.
“This is not a labyrinth – it’s a mausoleum!” M’alia said.
More than one corpse was Trollish in form, the large size and horns, making it clear, but most could not be identified. In the crumbling remains, M’alia saw a thin copper tube, such as would be used to transport a scroll. Curious she slid it open, hoping to find a spell to help them, and fragile parchment slithered out. In the flickering light of her wisp, the young mage squinted at the faint and desperate hand.
Father, this must be my goodbye. This is all a lie, he has gone insane. There are monsters here, summoned by his hand. There is death here, there is anger and fear. The Lady may she protect you, we are beyond her now.
Universal Link https://www.books2read.com/StolenTower
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.
July 15, 2023
Check out this Awesome Review
Check out this awesome review for the audiobook edition of The Stolen Tower.
July 13, 2023
Changing Tide Blog Tour #Sci-fi #Romance
Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.
Changing Tide
by Robert Joncas
Genre: YA SciFi Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror
I had to do it.
I wouldn’t let anyone else I love die.
What did I do …
A wild adventure that takes you on a journey from the California coast to the depths of the Grand Canyon. Dive into this fast-paced, suspenseful Sci-Fi fantasy novel that melds sizzling romance, action, heart-stopping horror, and a high-stakes battle to save humanity.
After her father’s tragic death, eighteen-year-old Skye Conner and her mom visit her Nana on the California coast. There, Skye stumbles across a mystical conch shell in the surf. Suddenly her dull, empty life takes on a thrilling and terrifying turn.
Skye has had to endure a despondent mother drowning in grief, living in a private world of darkness. Nana is a feisty, intelligent, take-no-bull grandmother with a flaming sense of pride and heart of gold. Then comes a handsome, mesmerizing alien on a mission to save the Earth. But are his intentions sincere, or does he have another agenda?
Skye has finally found someone to love, but can he be trusted? Changing Tide is a witty, original page-turning thriller that will make you look at First Contact in a whole new way.
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–snippet of a review from OnlineBookClub.org–
“Robert Joncas has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is commendable. Skye’s character development is particularly noteworthy, as readers witness her transformation from a grieving and vulnerable girl into a brave and determined young woman.
….Changing Tide is a remarkable book that grabs the reader’s attention from the very first page. With its compelling characters, intriguing plot twists, and seamless blending of genres, it is a true page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book and was genuinely sad when it came to an end. Without a doubt, I highly recommend picking up Changing Tide by Robert Joncas and awarding it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars .
–snippet of a Review from Literary Titan–
In “Changing Tide,” Robert Joncas masterfully entwines an evocative narrative of a young girl, Skye, wrestling with her personal turmoil while being swept into a journey far beyond her understanding. Haunted by cryptic dreams and grappling with the tragic loss of her father and her mother’s spiraling depression, Skye’s world is painted with a brush of melancholy. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as she rekindles a connection with Paul, an alluring figure from her past, previously known for his childhood mischief.
Robert Joncas showcases an exceptional ability to portray raw emotions and delicate sentiments. His narrative is an intricate tapestry of romance, familial bonds, suspense, and an unmistakably human touch enveloped in a mantle of science fiction. The characters are vividly constructed, each contributing a unique hue to the narrative palette. Nana, Skye’s vivacious and fearless grandmother, was a particular standout, embodying a captivating blend of loyalty and audacious spirit.
The narrative is particularly successful in illustrating Skye’s internal struggle – her battle against emotional turmoil and her hesitant forays into new friendships. The character development of the alien entity is equally commendable, with its adaptation and backstory revealed in a layered, compelling manner.
“Changing Tide” is a warmly recommended read, particularly for young adults who yearn for a slice of relatable, yet enchantingly fantastic, reality. This novel embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling interlaced with an adventurous spirit, ensuring a riveting reading experience.
Robert grew up in Southern California and has worked as a Real Estate Broker in Flagstaff, AZ, for many years. He has a BS in Health Science and graduated with Distinction from the prestigious UCLA Writers’ Program, where he studied under Author Lynn Hightower in her Master Novel Classes. He is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Horror Writers Association.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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ebook of Changing Tide – 2 winners!
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July 11, 2023
A Cryptic Clue – Blog Tour and Giveaway #Mystery
A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case
A Cryptic Clue
A Hunter & Clewe Mystery Book 1
by Victoria Gilbert
Genre: Mystery
A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.
Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.
Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.
Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?
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Raised in a historic small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. Now retired, she’s worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and university library director.
Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series, and the Hunter and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching TV and films, gardening, or traveling. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Victoria lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and two very spoiled cats.
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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon – 1 winner
Hardcover of A Cryptic Clue – 2 winners!
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July 10, 2023
Love and Other Disasters – Release Blitz #Historical #Regency #Romance
Their disdain for each other is strong…but not nearly so much as their unexpected passion.
Love and Other Disasters
Scandalous Brides Book 3
by Heather Boyd
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Lord Jasper Sweet, the often overlooked third son of a duke, is used to disappointment, and learned to rely on no one but himself. Forced to endure a summer at his family’s estate, he’s planning a little party to pass the time and refill his empty pockets. But his nephew’s and their prickly governess, Sophie Radcliffe, remain at the estate too, and he’s expecting vast disapproval. He never imagined he’d need the governess’ help—and not just because someone left an infant screaming on his bed. Sophie prefers to keep a distance from her employer’s rakish brother because it’s clear he doesn’t like her. But with one glimpse of the shoddy way he’s running his secret, scandalous house party—and the child screaming on his bed—it’s clear he needs her expertise for both. Sophie never meant to trust another rake with her reputation or the secrets of her past, but Jasper has snuck under her defenses and could steal her heart—if he ever saw her as more than a means to a scandalous end. Love and Other Disasters is a steamy regency romance novel
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Don’t miss the other books in the series!
Wicked With Him
Scandalous Brides Book 1
Desperately Seeking Seduction
Scandalous Brides Book 2
USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning.
Heather has published over fifty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a fluffy four-legged overlord.
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July 9, 2023
Guest Post – My 5 Favorite Fantasy Tropes 一 and Why They Work So Well – Rose Atkinson-Carter
My 5 Favorite Fantasy Tropes 一 and Why They Work So Well
Fantasy novels have long captivated readers with their fascinating worlds, mythical creatures, and heroic quests. It is a genre that expands our imagination and, in doing so, plays an important role in our society.
One of the reasons why so many readers are drawn to it is because of the many tropes it often includes. And while some have been certainly overused, others still powerfully impact the narrative. So, in this post I’m going to share my own 5 favorite fantasy tropes and why I think they’re so effective.
Let’s get right into it.
1. The Reverse Chosen OneOne of the most common tropes is that of the Chosen One, in which the main character is destined to fulfill a higher purpose, like saving the world from evil. While this trope can be done well (and will continue to exist as long as we continue to tell stories,) subverting it can make for a more engaging read.
There are different ways to go about it, from having multiple Chosen One characters, to self-declared ones, to Chosen One wannabe, but my personal favorite is the Reverse Chosen One.
In this trope, the protagonist lives in a world where everyone (or some people or creatures) has magical powers except for them. So when facing challenges in their journey, they have to rely on traits like ingenuity or resilience, which are more relatable. An example is Joel in Brandon Sanderson’s The Rithmatist. Despite his dream of becoming a Rithmatist himself, and controlling wild chalklings with magic, his “superpower” is that he has a sharp mind and a burning desire to understand their strategies 一 which is what empowers him to solve problems along the way.
2. Wise MentorsThe mentor archetype in storytelling is a timeless one, and to be honest, I never get bored of it. The mentor is that good friend every hero needs in their journey. It may offer words of wisdom, practical training, or other forms of guidance. More than anything, a mentor helps the protagonist to access their Higher Self when faced with difficult situations, and, ultimately, stand up for themselves.
In storytelling, and especially in Western narratives, the wise mentor is often linked to a revered old wizard-like figure. Think of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, or even Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda. But mentors don’t have to bewrinkled old men (or, in Oogway’s case, old tortoises). In contemporary fantasy, mentors take many forms: they can be female (think powerful witches like Tissaia in The Witcher), exist as an animal companion, a fairy guide, or even a ghost existing solely in dreams (unlike ghostwriters, who help authors in the real world.)
The key thing is that they are interesting characters and that their interaction with the protagonist is fun and unique. Bonus points if they also have some real flaws instead of simply being all-knowing!
3. High-Stakes MagicMagic is perhaps the distinctive feature of fantasy novels, a genre in which 一 unlike literary fiction 一 everything is possible. However, the best magic trope, for me, is one in which the magic has real consequences for its use, and is therefore not limitless. The character who uses the magic has to pay a price for it, to compensate for its powers. The stronger the magic, the heftiest the price.
In The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, Dii has to be very careful using magic spells, because if the Order of Witch-Hunters finds out, she is in real trouble. In the 12th book of Robert Jordan’s series The Wheel of Time, Rand al’Thor struggles with his mental sanity as the corruption of using the male half of the One Power starts to compound. And in The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, Eragon must draw energy from the gems in his sword, or, when that runs out, expend his own physical energy to perform magic, risking exhaustion or death.
Overall, the limitations of magic can be just as interesting, if not more, than the power it provides. Real consequences force the character to make a big moral decision every time they use magic, which generally leads to more nuanced and interesting stories.
4. The Powerful ArtifactThere is something curious about transforming ordinary objects into mysterious and powerful tools that can alter a character’s journey. Whether that’s a cloak granting invisibility, a horn summoning great heroes to battle, or a wardrobe that gives you access to a parallel world, these magical objects help to activate the imagination.
Sometimes they simply add depth and enrich the narrative, but other times they can be primary catalysts for adventure and conflict. The object must be used, retrieved, or destroyed for the greater good, but the character must learn not to become corrupted by it. For example, the Auryn medallion in The Neverending Story by Michael Ende grants its wearer the power to do what they wish, at the cost of losing their memories. This turns the loving Bastian into a much colder and more calculated version of himself, on the brink of forgetting his own name, though he manages to find salvation in the end.
As a whole, artifacts represent our innate desire for the extraordinary and offer a way to explore morality, destiny, and the effects of great power.
5. Complex VillainsSimilarly to the Chosen One, another classic trope in fantasy is the evil villain 一 one that just acts as evil apparently for the sake of it. While this figure can serve a purpose in some stories (like morality tales or fables for children), I prefer more morally complex villains that allow for a better exploration of certain themes and dilemmas.
Instead of a power-obsessed actor that only acts out of selfish interest and fear, it’s nice to read about villains with some room for change and redemption. For example, Jaime Lannister starts on a terrible foot in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, but as the story progresses, we see him evolve from a bad actor to one burdened by his choices and seeking redemption. Another famous example is Severus Snape, from the Harry Potter world. While initially portrayed as cruel and insensitive to Harry, we later discover his backstory and understand that he was protecting him all along. And in Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, it’s hard to judge the Darkling’s theoretical mission to protect the Grisha — except in practice, he goes too far.
Even in a fantasy world where everything is possible, I feel that multifaceted antagonists are generally more interesting, as they better represent the gray (as opposed to the black and white) of the human psyche and experience.
So there you have them, my 5 favorite fantasy tropes 一 what are yours and why? Leave your reply below.
Rose Atkinson-Carter is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace and blog that helps authors with everything from finding the best writing software to how to make an audiobook and everything in between.
