Category: New Release

New Release

Bitten by Trouble: a Paranormal Romance by Lizzy Gayle – New Release

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Bitten by Trouble: a Paranormal Romance by Lizzy Gayle is now available!

~Synopsis~

Dr. Charlotte Devaux’s just been through hell but taking a break from the mayhem isn’t an option.

When she’s tossed into a murder investigation more confusing than her budding relationship with her boss, the sexy, stubborn vampire, Lieutenant Julian Carver, her psychic powers provide more questions than answers. There’s a frustrating lack of evidence to explore in her lab. And since the murder was committed on the Supernatural Handling Agency’s Division of Equity’s (SHADE’s) base, Julian’s convinced there’s a mole in the organization.

As the investigation intensifies, unexpected blackmail from one of the suspects threatens the safety of Charlotte’s family. But trusting anyone else with the information could be a grave mistake—even Julian. The vamp might be amazing in bed, but that doesn’t mean she should share everything with him, considering the secrets she knows he’s keeping from her. And the fact he may very well make things worse by tearing out the blackmailer’s throat. Complicating matters are her new friends, but are they reliable or do they have agendas of their own?

If she doesn’t figure out who to trust, it could cost the lives of everyone she loves and let a murderer go free.

New Release

Carpe F*cking Diem by K.D. Miller – New Release

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Carpe F*cking Diem by K.D. Miller is now available!

~Synopsis~

A small-town girl with a traumatic past. A Hollywood heartthrob looking for more. Can they overcome all of the obstacles between them and find their happy ending? Find out in Carpe F*cking Diem, an emotional romance that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in second chances.

Savannah Riley is really tired of hearing that time heals all wounds. It’s been almost eight years and her wounds are far from healed, though she’s navigating her trauma the best she can. Despite all that, she’s decided to look for the good in the world, to take everything the universe dishes out and turn it into an opportunity to embrace. Never would she have imagined that one of those opportunities would be meeting Hollywood heartthrob Lincoln Ashmore…or falling in love with him.

In the small southern town of Sandlapper Cove to film a new movie, Link figures he’ll get a little break from his chaotic life in L.A., some stunning scenic views, and maybe a tan. But what he gets instead is so much more than he could have bargained for: the love of his life.

Will her past be too much for Lincoln to handle?

Will life in the spotlight be too much for Savannah?

Only one way to find out: Carpe f*cking diem.

New Release

Three Souls Who Break: An MMM Romance (Three Ties Book 3) by Michelle Dare – New Release

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Three Souls Who Break: An MMM Romance (Three Ties Book 3)

by Michelle Dare is now available!

~Synopsis~

The Family Man

Xaiden Dremest was in love once and lost that love before it could become forever. His dreams shattered. His world ended. Since then, he’s been going through the motions, but not truly living. Until two men enter his life who show him it’s okay to try again.

The Wild Card

Val Bowen knows what it’s like to take a hit, figuratively and literally. That’s in the past though. He wants to move forward, except he doesn’t know how. He’s happy with his job, his apartment, and his friends. Yet something is still missing.

The Doctor

Corbin Dove loves being a doctor, just not how much it takes over his life. He’s looking for something new. To branch out on his own, and maybe enter the dating world while he’s at it. He’s always found men attractive but never had the courage to flirt, let alone ask a man out.

Three ties to bind. Three hearts on the line.

Three souls who break trying to ease their ache.

They shouldn’t fit together. They shouldn’t work. For all the uncertainty, the struggle, when they’re together, everything is as it should be. Falling in love is inevitable.

The road they travel isn’t paved. There are no signs, no directions. With their destination in sight, they have to overcome the ghosts of their pasts and the fear in their hearts.

Three Souls Who Break is an MMM steamy contemporary romance and the final book in the Three Ties series. It features a lost ex-fighter who’s afraid of settling down, a virgin mechanic who can’t see what’s right in front of him, and a sweet doctor who’s never been with one, let alone two, men before. There is bi-awakening, an age gap, hurt/comfort, and a HEA. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed when read in order.

Content warning for descriptive violence, loss of a parent, off-page physical and mental abuse, homophobia, and homophobic language.

Author Spotlight · Blog Tour · Book Tour · New Release · Release Blitz

Special Feature – Ariel Dawn: Join The Hunt!

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Join The Hunt!

What do you get when you take Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and mix it with a dash of Grimm and Shadow Hunters?

Why, you get The Hunter Games by Ariel Dawn, of course!

Some of you may be familiar with Malcolm Crowley and his band of misfit hunters (including his pain in the ass sister) from the Ava Crowley, Vampire Slayer Series, and some of you may be asking who the fuck is Ava?

Well, I’m glad you asked! Ava Crowley is the perfect blend of Dean Winchester & Buffy Summers, trained by her brother Mal and his partner Jake Dallas to be a badass slayer. While she has her own series that follows her and Cassius, the vampire who saved her life, Malcolm, Jake, Tito, Hunter, and Vinny are badass slayers in their own right. When they aren’t taking down vamps and other creatures of the night, they can be found performing metal and rock covers in dive bars as the band Blood Of My Enemy. 

While the Ava Crowley, Vampire Slayer Series and The Hunter Games Series can be read together as one interconnected series, they can also be read independently of one another. Buf if you love to BINGE series in order like me, I have you covered!

You’ll want to start with Blood & Bones, Ava Crowley #1
https://books2read.com/Slayer1

Then you’ll definitely want to follow Ava & Mal to TerrorCon and  binge Blood & Lust, Ava Crowley #2
https://books2read.com/Slayer2

After that, you’ll need to follow Mal, Dallas, and the boys on a hunt in the mountains of North Carolina on a hunt in Blood Of My Enemy, The Hunter Games #1 https://books2read.com/THG1

Then the fire really starts to catch in Blood & Ash, which you should read before diving into Blood Of The Lost.
https://books2read.com/Slayer3

Then enter a world unseen- where we flip the script and follow a hunter turned monster on a journey unlike no other in Blood Of The Lost.

https://books2read.com/THG2 

Now that you know the reading order, and the gist of this addicting series, let’s get to the fun stuff!

How did you come up with the series? 

I grew up fascinated with watching shows like Supernatural, Buffy, Angel, and even Grimm. When I started writing in 2020, my second book was a vampire romance that paid homage to all of the above. It was called In The Blood, and it is still available currently as part of the Forevermore Series, which is actually the parent series to both Ava and Mal’s series. When I was writing Ava, I knew she needed a snarky, pain in the ass brother. Mal and Ava aren’t close in age, they are about eleven years apart. I am an only child, so I’ve never had siblings. The relationship between Mal and Ava is one formed out of love and trauma, as they both lost their parents and have had to endure a lot in their lives. In In The Blood, Mal isn’t the nicest brother. He’s actually a bit of an ass. But as I continued writing Ava’s books, I started to dig deeper, Mal started to really reveal himself to me, and I knew I needed to share the man beneath the mask of blood.

You mentioned fan favorite Dallas as a part of the Hunter Games Series. Does he get his own book?

Yes! When I introduced Dallas to the Ava series, I really hadn’t expected readers to fall head over heels for him. But they did! Much in the way Spike was introduced the Buffy, the writers kept him because fans loved him, I knew  as I continued to write Ava’s books and uncovered Dallas’s past traumas that he needed to have his own book. That’s really how the Hunter Games was born. Mal, Dallas, and the boys needed to tell their stories of loss, love, and hope, and Dallas’s story is full of those things. Like Mal, there is a scarred man underneath all the weapons and tattoos.

Should readers read Ava’s series first?

I recommend readers check out Ava’s series first, that way they are familiar with the characters and the world they take place in, and some of the storylines do carry over into The Hunter Games series. However, with that being said, you can read the Hunter Games by itself, as the series mostly centers around the hunters and their adventures away from Ava, Cas, and the town of Chester.

How many books do you have planned for this series?

There will be 3 more books in The Hunter Games Series, and at least 1 more book in the Ava Crowley, Vampire Slayer Series. The parent series, Forevermore will have 2 more books.

You mentioned Forevermore as a “parent” series. Can you elaborate on that?

When I started writing my first book, In The Cards (which is free on all platforms), I had no idea it was going to be a series. I wrote In The Blood shortly after that, and knew then it was going to be a series. Initially, the Forevermore Series was supposed to be a 7 book series, but somewhere along the way as I wrote these characters, readers started to really respond to Ava & Cas, and I ended up giving them their own series, and through that I ended up giving Mal and the hunters their own series and it sort of became this universe all on its own. I look at these tiered series sort of like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Marvel put out their massive storyline in “phases”, and to me, the Forevermore World is 3 Acts.

You can check out the “Acts” in their chronological order below.

What else are you working on currently? What can readers hope to see from you in the future?

I write like it’s going out of style, so currently on my schedule I have 7 or 8 more books to write and publish before the year is over! I’m currently working on some shared world projects, both paranormal. I am also working on some series continuations, such as Hell Everlasting, the second book in my Lost Souls Series, In The Night, the 6th Forevermore book, and Earth Shaker, the sequel to the first book in my Elementalist Saga, Storm Bringer. Next year I have a bit of a shorter schedule as I work on wrapping up some series and starting some new ones, so stay tuned for that! I also have more books coming in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld Series!

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Poppy Jacobson

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Poppy Jacobson! Her latest release, Lies like Rubies, Part One: A Dark, Reverse Harem, Mafia Romance (Savage Jewels Book 2) releases on April 7th 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hiiiiiiiii.  My name is Poppy Jacobson. I write dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests. My debut story, Diamond in the Dark, is a dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who takes her sister’s place in a Faustian bargain with three men to protect her family.

The sequel, Lies like Rubies, Part One, is another dark, why choose, mafia romance about a woman who’ll do anything to protect her daughter from her abusive ex.  Anything.

How long have you been writing?

I first put pen to paper in November 2021, for NaNoWriMo. I didn’t publish my first novel, or my second, but my third was Diamond in the Dark, which came out in August 2022 (get your copy here: https://geni.us/DiamondInTheDark).

Do you have a writing quirk or ritual?

I do my best writing first thing in the morning, before work.  I get up before dawn, log into discord to sprint with friends, and then get to writing. Aspirationally, I write a thousand new words a day, but I don’t often actually hit that number.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I like to joke that all of my books start out with a vibe and one scene idea, and then everything flows from there. It’s sort of true, though!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character is always the FMC I’m currently writing. Right now, that’s Morgan, an ex prom queen who’s hellbent on taking revenge on some men who wronged her. I love women who think they don’t have any power, any choices, and then slowly realize that in fact, they hold ALL of the power.

How do you deal the with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

I am a cold-ass motherfucker. Heh. I think of my stories in terms of the emotional impact they have on the reader, but I don’t tend to get so deep into my characters’ heads that their emotions affect me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Writing isn’t a solitary activity! I have been delighted to find an amazing community of readers and authors who’ve supported me every step of the way.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Hah. I haven’t written so many books yet that I even worry about keeping it fresh. Each book is new and exciting to me, and I hope it’s new and exciting to the reader too.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

YES!  I’m working on two books right now and I am so so so excited about both of them.  Queen of Vengeance is about a woman returning to her hometown for her high school reunion, who takes murderous revenge on four men who wronged her on prom night.  You can preorder it here: https://geni.us/BHSQueenOfVengeance.

I’m also working with a good friend, Willow Sinclair, to cowrite a dark cowboy romance.  She writes steamy small-town romance, and I write dark and kinky (very dark, very kinky) mafia romance.  We put our heads together and asked, what if we smashed the two together?  Keep an eye out for a dark and taboo western romance coming out from the two of us in late summer.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Stop futzing around and publish. It’ll never be perfect. You’ll learn more from discovering what your readers like and by diving into the next book than endless rounds of editing to get it just a little bit better.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I contain multitudes, and so do my books.  I write stories about women who not only discover their own power but learn to wield it.  But they’re also deliciously smutty stories about women being railed by multiple men.

If you’re interested in a free story to get a taste for my writing, you can get one here: https://BookHip.com/LWFZMTP.

Thank you Poppy Jacobson for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Lies like Rubies today!

~Synopsis~

The dangerous mafia world is no place to raise a child. Nobody knows that better than me.

When my abusive ex returns from exile to snatch our four-year-old daughter away from me, I’m on my own against him, until three men with their own agendas show up and consume my life.

Dante, a violent and unpredictable arms trafficker, promises protection for my daughter in exchange for my body and my tears.

Lorenzo, my brother’s best friend, my father’s enforcer, and my first heartbreak, comes barreling back into my life in the name of keeping me safe.

And Nick, my daughter’s persistent and sexy pediatrician, dives back to the violent life he left behind in order to save us from the dark current pulling us under.

In a world where a woman’s value is defined by her purity, I’m damaged goods, but these men don’t care that I’m a single mom. And I’m going to use every weapon in my arsenal, including these deadly men, to keep Lizzie safe.

Will it be enough?

Lies like Rubies, Part One, is a dark, why choose romance that ends in a cliffhanger. Lies like Rubies, Part Two, concludes Sofia’s story. For a full list of content notes, please see the author’s website. The Lies like Rubies Duetand Diamond in the Dark are interconnected, but may be read separately.

Poppy Jacobson writes dark and kinky contemporary romance where the consent is dubious, and no one ever has to choose between their love interests.  When she’s not peddling smut, she lives in Virginia with her husband and children, making soup and hiking on the weekends.

Author links: https://linktr.ee/poppyjacobson

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Leslie Crowne

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Leslie Crowne! Her debut, Ella’s Rise: A Fairy Tale Retelling (Fairy Tale Realm Series Book 1) released on May 2nd 2023.

How long have you been writing?

All my life, in one form or another! But I published my first novel in 2016.

Describe a typical writing day.

I work on Author business for the first few hours, and in the afternoon I write or edit, whichever is needed for the book I’m working on.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Usually from threads on social media. Readers talk about what they like or are looking for, and that sparks plot bunnies for me.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

This is the debut of my new pen name, Leslie Crowne, so I hope Ella’s Rise brings interest for the Fairy Tale Realm series.

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

The desire to connect with readers.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

A highly organized dreamer!

What was the highlight of writing this book?

The world building. It’s a retelling of Cinderella, so the bones of the story are there, but it’s set in my invented magical kingdom, and has some fun twists.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Book 2, a Beauty and the Beast retell, will be released soon. I am working on Book 3, untitled at present.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Never give up! This business is always changing so there are opportunities everywhere. Keep growing and trying different things until you find your niche.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

They’re romantic, fun, and twisty, with a good bit of spice.

Thank you Leslie Crowne for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Ella’s Rise today!

~Synopsis~

A forgotten princess, bent on vengeance. A reluctant prince, thrust into a role he never wanted. When fate brings them together, there is more at stake than either of them could imagine.

Ella’s Vow…

I was raised by a family of blacksmiths since my parents, the King and Queen of Sartoon, were killed in a coup. No one else in the kingdom knows my true identity. I may be the forgotten Princess, but once I get my revenge on the current royal family, everyone will know my name.

What I didn’t count on when I snuck into the palace was meeting Thal—he’s not what I imagined, or expected in a Prince. To avoid being arrested, I agree to his demands. But can I trust him, or is he like his despicable father, the King?
And why does my heart beat out of my chest when he’s near?

Thal’s Dilemma…

I wasn’t supposed to be the heir to the throne—I’m the second son. Now I’m being pressured to find a bride and secure the kingdom. When I catch Ella Briggs sneaking into the palace, we strike a bargain. She’ll be my decoy, so I can avoid having to dance with so many hopeful women at the upcoming ball.

But soon I’m embroiled in her plans, and falling for her. When she’s in my arms, nothing else matters. As we grow closer, the stakes get higher, for Ella has secrets that could ruin us both.

And she is not who she pretends to be.

Ella’s Rise is an Adult Fairy Tale Retelling of the timeless tale, Cinderella, with an unexpected twist.

When her mother told her to get her head out of the clouds, Leslie Crowne didn’t listen. Good thing, because her vivid imagination has allowed her to spin tales of enchanting worlds and epic love affairs. Going deep into each character’s heart and building worlds that enhance each story, Leslie delivers layered plots with satisfying twists.

In the real world, she lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, three cats, and a turtle named Myrtle who rules the house. She’s an avid reader and so grateful to live a life centered around books.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090284144642

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30394488.Leslie_Crowne

Instagram- @lesliecrowne

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/leslie-crowne

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

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring E.E. Hornburg

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The Literary Vixen presents…

E.E. Hornburg is back and celebrating her new release, The Forest’s Keeper (The Cursed Queens Book 3) which released on March 21st 2023!

Congrats on your newest release! How’s release week been for you?

Thank you so much! It’s been so much fun this week seeing people share the book and get excited for this series! It’s great to find people discovering the series for the first time, but I love seeing the reactions and excitement of people who’ve been long time readers. I had a fantastic group of readers who were excited to help out with the release, and they remind me why I do this! It’s been fun for all of us to share in the joy.

Is this series completed or do you have more books planned?

We have one more book planned! There’s no title yet, but we’re planning to have it come out in about a year. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and star Finley and Ai. They’re two characters I introduced in The Shadow’s Heir and readers have been asking if they’ll be in the series more. The answer is yes! After that, we don’t have anything official planned. But I have a couple of ideas of where else this world can go that I’m excited to chat about with my editor to see if we want to continue. Even if I don’t though, I have a lot more books and worlds to explore!

What was the inspiration for creating The Cursed Queen series?

I’ve loved fairy tales my whole life and grew up watching Disney movies and reading the original Grimm fairy tales. My favorite musical is Into the Woods which is a mash-up and retelling of a bunch of fairy tales, so it was natural that I wrote retellings myself! The original “spark” of inspiration for these books was wondering what it would be like if the character of Snow White in both Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Snow White & Rose Red, were the same person. That’s how I came up with Eira and Rose. But then, I fell in love with building this magical world. One of my favorite historical fantasy series is His Fair Assassin by Robin LaFevers, and in those books she explores how in the medieval times many people were “dedicated” to specific saints (who actually were pagan gods and goddesses) and I found it fascinating how that shaped each character. I wanted to dig into that even more but in a whole other fantasy world, and loved coming up with all of the deities and the ways if a character was dedicated to them how that would influence magic and culture.

A lot has happened since the last time we chatted, catch us up on all your latest book news.

I know! My first interview with you was back in 2020 when my debut novel and the first book in The Cursed Queens came out, The Night’s Chosen. Since then, I published the second book, The Shadow’s Heir, which is a retelling of Cinderella. I started a Kindle Vella story called Ebenezer and Marley which is a new adult contemporary fantasy about the children of Santa Claus and Krampus. It’s not completed, but it’s not forgotten! I have ideas for it in the back of my head for that one, so I’m hoping to get the completed too. Now we have the third book, The Forest’s Keeper, which is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!

What is your favorite Disney food or snack to get while visiting the magical kingdom?

Oooooohhhhhh that’s a good and tough question! Haha. Well, you can never go wrong with a classic Dole Whip or a bucket of popcorn! But on my last trip I did try the ice cream inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (very on brand, I know) over at Storybook Treats and loved the Bashful cone which was a chocolate and orange swirl!

Thank you E.E. Hornburg for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, The Forest’s Keeper today!

~Synopsis~

Rose never imagined sitting on a throne, but with her sister Eira still in the mountains warding off a curse, she’s stuck playing ruler.

All she wants is to track down the former queen Amelia and get Eira her crown back, so she can have a sword in hand again and explore the blossoming relationship with her best friend, Cal.

When a mysterious wolf shape-shifter tracks her down and reveals there’s trouble in the magical Eral Forest, Rose is confident the former queen Amelia is behind it. Armed with a set of ancient and enchanted weapons, she and Cal travel with him the wolf to seek out the sorceress and set things right.

But while on their quest, Rose and Cal are captured by a clan of ogres, determined to settle a years old grudge against Rose’s family. Discovering there’s more than sorceresses and ogres lurking in Eral who want revenge, their relationship is pushed to the limit.

The fate of Eral lies in Rose’s hands, will she be able to gain her freedom or forever be cursed by destiny?

Emily is an author of fantasy novels who has had a lifelong love affair with stories and the written word. She is the author of the fairy tale retellings series, The Cursed Queens, published with City Owl Press.

She’s a Chicago South-Sider, aunt to the best niece and nephew ever, expert at the fan-girl flail, a wheelchair “part-timer” with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Hufflepuff, coffee addict, and has a degree in youth and theatre ministry.

When not devouring or creating books, you can find Emily watching Gilmore Girls (for the 20th time), belting out showtunes, attending the latest con, brainstorming how she can go to Disney World (again), or figuring out how to make the perfect combination of chocolate and nachos.

Website: https://emilyhornburg.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/eehornburg/

Twitter: @eehornburg

Join my reader community for regular updates:  http://eepurl.com/drsUtX

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Nyx Halliwell

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Nyx Halliwell! Her latest release, Haunted Honeymoon, Confessions of a Closet Medium, Book 7: A Supernatural Southern Cozy Mystery about a Reluctant Ghost Whisperer released on February 14th 2023.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

It’s been a dream since childhood. I was an introverted, shy girl who loved to read and devoured books. My favorite place was our local library, and the only thing about school that excited me was the book fair!

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I see each scene before I write it, like a movie playing out in my head. Since I write series, I keep track of my characters and places in detail in a story bible to make sure I don’t forget important facts. I find that diving deep into the settings with my characters is helpful and fun. Like in my Confessions of a Closet Medium Series, I grew up in a small town and often base some of the characters and situations on things I remember about mine. Every time I start a new book in this series, it’s like going home.

What time of the day do you usually write?

After I’ve had coffee lol. Mostly before noon, but sometimes later. There are days (and nights) where a scene or character dialogue exchange pops into my head and I have to get it down so I don’t forget it. I have notepads everywhere for those moments.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I wanted to share my stories with others.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Tough question! I’ve enjoyed each and every one. The Confessions Series, about my reluctant ghost whisperer, is definitely a favorite. As soon as I finish one story, I can’t wait to start the next.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Readers love magic. I do, too, so I’m always thrilled to get messages and emails from those who discover my witches and psychic medium and can’t get enough of them!

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

Finding readers. It’s a tough market to be seen and heard in, and I want to grow my readership organically, not bribe people with tons of free giveaways or by buying reviews like some authors do. That totally goes against my policy. The readers who love my stories are like family, and you can’t put a price on that.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

My latest release is Haunted Honeymoon (A Supernatural Southern Cozy Mystery about a Reluctant Ghost Whisperer), Confessions of a Closet Medium, Book 7. My main character, Ava, and her husband plan on spending the weekend on a lovely tropical island for their honeymoon, only to discover a bunch of ghosts are stuck there and need Ava’s help.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Do what you love. Write what brings you joy. You’ll feel good about your books and your readers will enjoy them more than if you force yourself to write to market and there’s no joy in it. Joy in the writer; joy in the reader.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

They’re fun! There’s always a mystery, a touch of romance, and they always have talking pets.

Thank you Nyx Halliwell for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Haunted Honeymoon today!

~Synopsis~

A tropical island getaway seems like the perfect honeymoon setting for newlyweds Ava and Logan, but a haunted mansion, a strange disappearance, and a goat named Fred, make them wish they’d stayed in Thornhollow.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “From the moment I met Ava I just knew she was going to become one of my favorite heroines. “ ~ Reader review

Long walks on the beach, a couples massage, romantic dinners—it’s all I’ve been wishing for. A honeymoon gift from a friend sends us to an island retreat that promises the perfect weekend getaway for me and Logan.

Arriving at the secluded spot, however, we discover the staff are ‘missing’, and ghosts inhabit the dilapidated historic mansion that once belonged to the island’s owner. The only living person seems to be a mysterious woman who insists her goat, Fred, talks to her and predicts the future.

Fred claims an ancient curse is at work and a phantom killer who wants the island to himself stalks the land. If Logan and I don’t leave, we’re next on his list.

But we’re trapped—our only means of escape lying at the bottom of the sea. Can I use my ghost-whispering skills to help the earthbound spirits cross over, as well as track down this killer? Or will the ancient evil that haunts this place make my honeymoon one to die for?

Read Ava and Tabby’s next ghost adventure today!

USA TODAY bestselling author Nyx Halliwell loves writing magical stories as much as she loves baking and crafting. She believes cats really can talk, but don’t tell her three rescue puppies!
She enjoys binge-watching mystery shows with her hubby and reading all types of stories involving magic and animals.
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Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author · New Release

Interview with an Author featuring Misty Evans

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Misty Evans! Her latest release, Grave Girl, (A Slow-burn Vampire Romance), The Accidental Reaper Paranormal Urban Fantasy Series, Book 4 released on January 17th 2023.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Since I was in 4th grade! I placed in a contest with a true story about my dad (who was my hero) and it was printed in our local paper. I’ve always loved books and storytelling, and seeing my byline in the paper clinched it for me. It’s one of the reasons I also coach other writers through Writing Raven (https://writing-raven.com) my author solutions business for writers.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I’m a very visual person, so I see the story, characters, and locations in my mind before I start. The thing is, I have a poor memory, lol, so I make lots of notes and put them in a series bible. I interview characters and outline locations, including specific buildings, like houses, that will show up in every story. I always write series, so as I work on each new edition to the series, I add to that bible. Helps me keep everything straight.

What time of the day do you usually write?

First thing in the morning when my brain is fresh and I have fewer items on my to-do list. There are times, when I write in the afternoon or evening, and I can write just about anywhere, including when we’re traveling. I usually have my dogs in my lap, so I may write longhand in a notebook, but I’m always writing.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

My first books were released by a publisher, and it was a thrill, but I’m more geared toward indie publishing. I’m a very DIY person, and I like the control of it. When indie publishing came along, I was an early adapter and was delighted to press publish on my first indie book.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

All of them! I love writing, and all of my babies are special to me, no matter their genre or which pen name I am writing under. I do tend to really enjoy books with magic because of the limitless ways I can use it in my stories to make them entertaining.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I wrote my first book after 9/11, because I needed to feel some control over my world and I wanted the good guys to win. All of my books have an HEA, or a happy-for-now ending, because that’s what I like to read. I want characters to be happy at the end of the story, and the most surprising thing I’ve learned about creating books is how happy that process makes me. It relieves stress and helps me work through common, every day issues.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

The publishing world is always undergoing changes, and many of those are out of an author’s control. I’ve had two literary agents, four publishers, and run my own business. There are definitely challenges, but I have the best job in the world. What I do have control over is putting my hands on the keyboard and continuing to write stories my readers love. That makes everything else worth it!

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

My latest release is Grave Girl, The Accidental Reaper Paranormal Urban Fantasy Series, Book 4. This series started out as a “fun” story—one I didn’t realize I would even publish. I saw a premade cover and my imagination went wild, coming up with an entire story line around a college-age gal who accidentally kills a Grim Reaper and then has to step into his robes for the next 365 days. Her boss is Death, and she’s partnered with a master vampire to solve supernatural mysteries along with her reaping job. I absolutely love writing the series, and hope to publish many more books in it.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Storytelling is both art and science. You have to enjoy what you write, in order for your readers to enjoy it as well, and there are endless resources to help you get better with your storytelling, as well as the publishing and marketing sides of things. It’s a great time to be an author.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

My goal is to create stories that bring happiness and delight to all who read them.

Thank you Misty Evans for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Grave Girl today!

~Synopsis~

Rogue vampires steal Chloe’s scythe and Death demands she confront a ghost haunting SMG in this next installment of The Accidental Reaper Series.

★★★★★ “I absolutely love this series.” ~ Bookbub review

What’s a reaper without her scythe? An unrivaled gang of supervamps comes to town with a death-dealing agenda and steal my blade. My current investigation with Killion into the murders of three humans is put on hold until I can retrieve it.

The quest makes me a target, and Killion and I unravel a plot that involves an alliance between the Undead and the Fae. They don’t just want the scythe—but can they “collect” the one magical artifact they do want?

Meanwhile, Death insists I handle a vengeful ghost on a rampage in the hallowed halls of Soul Management Group. Unfortunately, this particular spirit will do everything he can to take out the reaper who caused his demise—me.

Ghosts and supernaturals aside, it’s Valentine’s Day. Kill me now. What do you get a master vampire who already has everything?

Read this humorous paranormal urban fantasy in the bestselling Accidental Reaper Series to find out how Chloe handles Death, the Undead, and her own inner demons!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Misty Evans has published over eighty novels and writes romantic suspense and urban fantasy. Under her pen name, Nyx Halliwell, she also writes paranormal cozy mysteries.
She loves music, movies, and hanging out with her husband, twin sons, and three spoiled puppies.

Don’t want to miss a single adventure? Visit www.mistyevansbooks.com to become a VIP and find out ALL the news!

New Release · Review

Whispers In The Woods by Ariel Dawn – My Review

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Title: Whispers In The Woods

Author: Ariel Dawn

Release Date: January 31st 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Why Choose

The darkness called, and she followed it like a moth to a flame…

In the wake of buying Ashwood Manor, Jenna Hellsing discovers that a grumbly gargoyle and a sexy shadow are not the only monsters haunting her. The terrifying beast in the woods is calling her home, and the truth begs to be set free…

As Jenna slips into old habits and her past collides with her present, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly game, one that is all too familiar.

Flint never thought he’d have a second chance. A chance to love again, a chance to re-write the past. Though it seems not even a Hide-Behind can outrun fate, and danger follows Jenna wherever she goes…

Will Flint, Degal, and Shadow refuse to let history repeat itself… even if it means they have to face their own nightmares and ghosts?

The highly anticipated follow up to Voices in the Dark, Whispers in the Woods is dark, steamy, and will get your pulse racing!

The characters need to face their past to move forward. We also meet Flint. Ah Flint. Love him! There’s a bit of suspense and those steamy scenes….*chef’s kiss* I’m a huge fan of dark reads and Miss Dawn did not disappoint.

This was everything and more! This was an engaging guilty pleasure read. I was not disappointed! I highly recommend this and the first book. I love the author’s storytelling style and I look forward to reading more from her. I give this 5 stars.