Thursday, March 21, 2024

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff


From holy cup comes holy light;
The faithful hand sets world aright.
And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight,
Mere man shall end this endless night.


It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness.

Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order could not stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains.

Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:

The Holy Grail.

From author Jay Kristoff comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

Goodreads    Amazon (KU)

My Review- 5 stars

I was reading a review on Goodreads that had given this book a 1.5* review, and all of her points are legit. HOWEVER, they are also the reason this book is what it is and why I thought it was an intense (and great) read.

In this story there is a made-up religion with an Icon at the top of it that really hits home to the current largest religion on this planet and it's very popular head of it.

Within that religion it is run in a very patriarchal sort of way, so this story shines a light on all of that, giving it a feeling of realness.

She also refers to a lot of the characters being underage, etc... It is a dystopian story. 
You don't live very long. Almost all stories of this genre are this way, this author is just a bit more explicit in all the ways with it. If you were going to die young, you would probably do the same thing. To be honest, kids of this age these days do these things anyways, it just isn't talked about in polite society. This book isn't polite. 


She had 4 points, I am only giving my thoughts on these 2 points.

This book is NOT for children. This book IS fiction. It is in a fake time and place with a lot of vampires and no sun. It is dark indeed, so enter at your own risk.

This is why I say it is a cross between Interview with a Vampire, Constantine and Van Helsing. The vampire/religious/slayer aspects.

Aside from the awesome world building & the amazing graphics within the novel,  I enjoyed how he story jumped from end, to beginning to end, etc.. and then met in the middle. It kept me on my toes and made me keep coming back for more. 

Art by Bon Orthwick
Artwork by Bon Orthwork

Thursday, March 14, 2024

RELEASE DAY BLITZ! The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond Portland Protectors- EHM Security Series, Book 2


The Linebacker RB Banner

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Linebacker
By Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond

The Linebacker

Portland Protectors- EHM Security Series,
Book 2

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old?

Patrick Griffin

I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.

Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.

As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would.

But now, with Cole's band, Fallen Angel, in the spotlight along with my team, the pressure is mounting. Everyone thinks we're just best friends, but the weight of my secret is tearing us apart.

And it just might be too late to save us when I can.

Cole Bradley

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old?

He is the love of my life, but it’s been years of waiting and excuses.

All our friends, even his teammates, have a public life. So why can’t we?

He promised it would be different in Portland.

But then he tells yet another reporter he’s single. I need a break. It’s perfect timing since our band is heading out on tour.

I don’t know if I can live without him. But I don’t think I can do forever in the closet.

It’s always been Patrick for me, but is it too much to ask for the world to know he’s mine too?

The Linebacker is a secret romance and childhood best friends-to-lovers MM Romance. It is book two in the Portland Protectors-EHM Security Series and the eleventh book in the Package Deal World.

To maximize reader enjoyment, it is highly recommended to read the other books in the Package Deal Series, as well as book one, The Rockstar. Series reading order can be found at the beginning of each book.

Content Warning: Referenced off the page homophobic violence toward an off the page character, and an automobile accident.

Universal Link

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IG Linebacker Teaser 2

IG Linebacker Teaser 3


Excerpt:

The luxury suite in our high-rise hotel was dark as I stood looking out the window. The only light that crept in was from the lights shining over San Francisco. It had a magnificent view of the water during the day that was dark and moody now. It was really kind of prophetic.

I heard the door lock disengage in the silence as Patrick entered the room. The air stirred around him and brought the smell of his cologne and body wash to my nose. My heart throbbed at the thought of leaving him tomorrow, but I knew in my gut that it was what we needed if we had a hope of surviving.

Strong, warm arms wrapped around me and pulled me back into his chest. “Babe, why are you standing here in the dark?”

There were so many things I wanted to say but chose not to. “Just looking at the city. It’s really beautiful from up here.”

I tilted my head to the side as Patrick placed kisses down the side of my neck and onto my shoulder. His familiar hardness pressed against my ass and made me long for him, even though I was standing right here, wrapped in his arms.

“I need you,” he murmured against my skin. There was an unmistakable edge to his voice. His big hand went to my middle and held me in place against him.

“Patrick, we need to talk.” I was fighting to keep my emotions down, but I knew I was going to lose.

He loosened his hold just enough to turn me around to face him. Warm caramel eyes met my blue ones as the smile slipped from his face.

“What’s wrong? You feeling okay?”

I slipped from his arms and went to sit on the sofa. Patrick followed me, his handsome face now missing the smile I loved.

“We need to talk about the tour.”

Patrick unfolded his six-foot-five body from the sofa and got on his knees in front of me. He wedged himself between my thighs and took my face in his hands. Looking into them, he pulled my face to his.

“I know things are strained between us, but can we please have tonight to celebrate and just be you and me? Forget the world and everyone in it. Just me and you, like we’ve always been.”

“Patrick,” I whispered, the emotion thick in my throat before he sealed his mouth over mine. His tongue slipped past my lips, and I sank into his warmth, wrapping my arms around him. I wanted to stay like this forever.

IG Linebacker Teaser 4


Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Linebacker, Rheland & Emerson are giving away 2 e-books of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: https://bit.ly/PPEHM2Giveaway

IG Linebacker Teaser 1


Check out Book 1 in the Portland Protectors- EHM Security Series: The Rockstar

The Rockstar (2)

The first book in the sexy new bodyguard series set in the Package Deal World.

Adam Spencer – “The Rockstar”

Here’s what I know -- some people aren’t meant to find love.

And as much as I want to be someone’s everything, that’s not meant for me.

After a painful breakup, I channeled all my hurt into a song that has skyrocketed my band, Fallen Angel, to the top of the charts.

Now I need protection from the one person who was supposed to love me no matter what—my mother.

Whether I want him or not, I now have a sexy, silver-tongued southern charmer as my 24/7 bodyguard.

I’ve tried not to fall for him, because I don’t do relationships. They hurt too much.

But Michael has me thinking I could take one more chance to find love.

Or was I meant to be alone like I thought all along?

Michael Coleman – “Phantom”

I’ve always been a protector. During my career as a Navy SEAL, my duty was to protect my four best friends.

Now I need to protect the sexy rock star I love flirting with every time he walks in the door to our EHM office.

Adam Spencer lights me up like no one ever has. And that’s saying something.

I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him, even from himself.

Have I finally found the love I’ve been hoping for with the Rockstar?

The Rockstar is a flirty, friends-to-lovers, bodyguard and rockstar MM Romance that takes place in the Package Deal Series World. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

Trigger Warning: There is off the page reference to physical abuse to a minor. Off the page domestic violence and death of a mentioned character.

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I don't know anything...


About the Authors

Emerson Beckett:

Emerson Beckett is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author. It gets even better when she can combine the two. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series and The Portland Protectors: EHM Security Series with Rheland Richmond. The We Could Do This Duet is her first solo project.

Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 34 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance.

Emerson is now mom to an Australian Shepherd, four cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Emerson-Beckett/author/B0B456CD9S?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emerson-beckett


Rheland Richmond:

For as long as she can remember, Rheland's had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else's creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She's just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y'all. So if you get a chance... Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland:
www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rheland-richmond


grr-tours-promo


Wednesday, October 25, 2023

New Release & Review- Prince & Betrothed (Perilous Courts #5) by Tavia Lark

 

Prince and Betrothed (Perilous Courts #5)Prince and Betrothed by Tavia Lark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

There's some really likeable characters in this series, some really unlikable ones and unassuming ones.

I really like Marek and Sei. I think they're sweet and cute and even a little stubborn, or maybe just "too careful" with each other is the correct term. I like them together though, and their extra bond with Loska the dragon. Their nicknames for each other are funny and fitting, seeing as how they're opposites, but work well together. The many, many weddings is adorable.

If you're looking for hot and spicy, this isn't really the story. The parts that could have been more steamy, seemed to have been glossed over. Maybe it was perfect for them as a couple, but it didn't really add or take away from the story for me, personally.

I'm not sure if she made this one extra sweet, because I have a feeling the next one absolutely will not be. At least not through most of it, and I'm excited for that.

While this story is about Marek and Sei, there's also a huge set up for the next story and a lot of intrigue around Kazia, who I cannot wait to read about.

I love living within these worlds and seeing the many sides of each character from different perspectives. Tavia is one of my favorite authors. 

Also, I hope Clem gets some more book action. (coughs)

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The Emperor's Bone Palace

 

The Emperor's Bone Palace (Infernal War Saga #2)The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you thought the first one was good and were able to keep up with all the characters, then you're in for a real ride in this one. Quite literally.

There are new characters, new backstabbing, new drama, new dangers and a whole lot of suspense, and a bit of heartbreak.

The build up in this book is absolutely perfect. Book 3 is going to be even more epic.

I love the world and character building Hailey has done with this one. All the Clockwork, not just the brigade, the different cogs and pieces of stories happening all over the world to end up coming together in one big climax for the final installment. The intensity and excitement just might kill me while I wait.

I will say this book took me a month to read. That is a bit unusual for me, especially one I'm invested in like this. That's because there's a LOT happening. And I do feel like I was really savoring the story instead of flying through it.

If you're a fan though, you're seriously going to enjoy this one. There's LOTS of action.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

COVER REVEAL- The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner

 




Hailey Turner has revealed the gorgeous cover for The Emperor's Bone Palace!


Releasing: April 10, 2023

Cover Design: James T. Egan, www.bookflydesign.com


Every heart is meant to break.

THE NAMELESS. As a warden, Soren's duty is to guard against the dead, but he was never trained to guard against his heart. Drawn into a web of Solarian politics, Soren finds himself at the center of a storm of his own making, unwilling to break free if it means losing the man he loves. But even the darkest secrets cannot remain hidden forever, and when lies come to light, the price he pays for his silence may very well be his undoing.

THE EMPEROR. When his claim to the Imperial throne is challenged by a traitorous House, Vanya Sa'Liandel must adhere to the ancient tradition of the Conclave to stay in power. Refusing to face his peers alone, Vanya will stand before the Houses of Solaria with Soren by his side, a decision that risks his heart when an unspeakable betrayal threatens everything he's fought for.

THE REBEL. With her entire world upended, Caris Dhemlan is on the run, struggling to come to terms with the truth of her heritage. As the Clockwork Brigade is targeted by Daijal, she must fight to save the people she cares about. Every rebellion needs a figurehead, but Caris is determined not to become a martyr.

THE QUEEN. With a crown claimed, Eimarille Rourke sets her sights on Ashion and the continent beyond her country's borders. Promised a world by a star god, Eimarille sets into motion the gears of war and launches the opening salvo of a battle whose repercussions will ripple across the whole of Maricol.




Pre-order your copy today!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tm26da

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TheEmperorsBonePalace


Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Scljws



Meet Hailey



Hailey Turner is a big city girl who likes to spoil her cats rotten. She writes science fiction and fantasy with lots of action, epic plots, and romantic relationships that satisfy the heart. Hailey lives in sunny California when she isn't adding stamps to her passport.

 

Connect with Hailey


Website: www.haileyturner.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16473068.Hailey_Turner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hailey-Turner/e/B06W9NGTB5/

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/haileyshellions/

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/hailey-turner

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/haileyturnerwriter/

Thursday, May 19, 2022

The Prince's Poisoned Vow (Infernal War Saga #1) by Hailey Turner

 



Every country is built on revolution.


THE WARDEN. Soren is a nameless, stateless man, tasked with keeping watch over Maricol’s borders. He isn’t meant for politics, only dealing with the dead. His past was buried in the poison fields, but after a fateful encounter with a prince, Soren comes to realize he can’t keep what magic burns inside him hidden forever.

THE PRINCE. Vanya Sa’Liandel was the spare who survived the Houses’ murderous games to become the Imperial crown prince of Solaria. He has a duty to his country, but he’ll owe his life to the wardens. Payment of any kind is costly, especially when he’s at risk of losing his heart to the man who saved his life.

THE COG. Caris Dhemlan hears the siren song of clarion crystals better than anyone in Ashion. That skill for inventing has enriched her bloodline, but it’s who she can become that will ultimately entangle her with the Clockwork Brigade.

THE PRINCESS. Eimarille Rourke should have been raised to be queen of one country; instead, she is prisoner of another. Guided by a star god, Eimarille bides her time in a gilded cage, spinning a political web to gain a throne and start a war the world isn’t ready for.

From the author who brought you the Soulbound series comes a queer steampunk-inspired epic fantasy.






4 Stars for The Prince's Poisoned Vow

I know why this is called "Prince's Poisoned Vow", but they really aren't the "main" characters. The story definitely has way more to it than a vow, or at least just the Prince's vow.
 It should have been called like The Cogs or something about the Star Gods, would have made a bit more sense to me. 
Alas, it's not my book or my decision, I am only bringing it up because it is a little deceiving as there are SO many other stories happening at the same time.
 Not to mention the details of the Star Gods and their constellations are bad*ss and so much cool artwork could have been done for that :)

There are literally so many wheels turning and so many components in this book, kind of like the steampunk and magic that fuels some of the metal hearts and machines.

Of course Soren and Vanya are great, but I wouldn't say they're my favorite couple. 
I love me some Honovi and Blaine. 
Caris is an awesome character and I can't wait until she comes into her own.
 I am not sure how to feel about the Princess and her Blade assassin, but the Blade is still pretty bad*ss. I can't tell if their "good" or "bad" yet. I guess we'll find out when she comes more into her power. 

It's a great read, but you MUST be patient. 
It took me almost 4 weeks to finish! 
Sometimes you really have to think about the characters when you hit a new chapter and try to remember who they are.
Really paying attention to the names in the very first part of the book is key, I think.


I wished it didn't end where it did. 
But with how long it already is, it was probably a good idea.
I can't wait to see where all these stories lead in book 2. 

I definitely recommend the glossary.

All in all this is a well written epic, steampunk, zombie, fantasy book. 
Just be aware of having to pay attention and having patience. 
It will definitely leave you gripping your seat!!!

*******************************************





Monday, May 2, 2022

Release Day! The Prince's Poisoned Vow by Hailey Turner

 

The Prince's Poisoned Vow by Hailey Turner is now live!

 

Every country is built on revolution.

THE WARDEN. Soren is a nameless, stateless man, tasked with keeping watch over Maricol's borders. He isn't meant for politics, only dealing with the dead. His past was buried in the poison fields, but after a fateful encounter with a prince, Soren comes to realize he can't keep what magic burns inside him hidden forever.

THE PRINCE. Vanya Sa'Liandel was the spare who survived the Houses' murderous games to become the Imperial crown prince of Solaria. He has a duty to his country, but he'll owe his life to the wardens. Payment of any kind is costly, especially when he's at risk of losing his heart to the man who saved his life.

THE COG. Caris Dhemlan hears the siren song of clarion crystals better than anyone in Ashion. That skill for inventing has enriched her bloodline, but it's who she can become that will ultimately entangle her with the Clockwork Brigade.

THE PRINCESS. Eimarille Rourke should have been raised to be queen of one country; instead, she is prisoner of another. Guided by a star god, Eimarille bides her time in a gilded cage, spinning a political web to gain a throne and start a war the world isn't ready for.

From the author who brought you the Amazon best-selling Soulbound series comes a queer steampunk-inspired epic fantasy.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DZV30Z

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/ThePrincesPV

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3EUW5Nm

 

Meet Hailey

Hailey Turner is a big city girl who likes to spoil her cats rotten. She writes science fiction and fantasy with lots of action, epic plots, and romantic relationships that satisfy the heart. Hailey lives in sunny California when she isn't adding stamps to her passport.

Connect with Hailey

Website: www.haileyturner.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16473068.Hailey_Turner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hailey-Turner/e/B06W9NGTB5/

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/haileyshellions/

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/hailey-turner

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/haileyturnerwriter/

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT

RELEASE DAY BLITZ- The Queen's Starfire Throne (Infernal War Saga III) by Hailey Turner

  The Queen's Starfire Throne by Hailey Turner is now live!   Every road must come to an end. THE DEAD. Facing a war where revenants out...