Tag: Fantasy

Review

The Little Lies (The Great Hexpectations Series Book 1) by Marie F. Crow – My Review

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Title: The Little Lies (The Great Hexpectations Series Book 1)

Author: Marie F. Crow

Release Date: February 22nd 2021

Genre: Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal

Harper Buckland always knew she was different. The whole town has never let her forget it. What the town didn’t know, was one day they would come to her, in secret, to explore their deepest regrets.

Harper has made a living from being a witch. Using her powers over the dead, she brings those who need that one last farewell. Sometimes, though, the dead don’t want to say goodbye again, and sometimes, neither do the living.

When Harper discovers a little girl, Becky Torte, who refuses to stay deceased, she’s called in by the family to figure out why, but are they ready for the truth? Is Harper? Because what she will discover will change their lives forever.

Sometimes the littlest lies are the biggest weapons.

Can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the cover is? 

I love me a good witchy book and this hit the spot. Harper’s humor and wit is relatable which made her that more endearing to me. The story had good pacing and some really great characters. I was pulled into Harper’s world and quickly grew attached to her and others. If you’ve read any books by Miss Crow, you are setting yourself up for heartbreak by doing this. I did it anyway. The story has some twists and kept me on the edge of my seat. I truly had a book hangover after finishing this one. 

The book is very well written and I love the authors storytelling style. Her writing style makes the story and characters come alive and you feel a part of their world. 

If you enjoy witches, suspense, with a dark vibe, this book is for you. I truly enjoyed and highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars. 


Review

Voices In The Dark (Monsters of Ashwood Book 1) by Ariel Dawn – My Review

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Title: Voices In The Dark (Monsters of Ashwood Book 1)

Author: Ariel Dawn

Release Date: October 18th 2022

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy

The voices are calling…

Jenna Hellsing isn’t afraid of the dark…in fact, she’s drawn to it.

For the last several years Jenna has been trying to quiet her demons, and the sleepy little town of Ashwood, Oregon seems to be the perfect place to hide and start over….but the darkness isn’t ready to let Jenna go.

Degal’s heart is colder than stone. After all, he’s been separated from his mates for more than a century, with only one focus: To protect Ashwood Manor, his home. When a young, fearless woman buys the legendary manor, Degal feels an undeniable bond he can’t ignore.

As Jenna tries to navigate her new life, she finds that some voices are too hard to resist.
Especially the ones you hear in the dark.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the cover. Isn’t it just so pretty?

I did not expect to become so attached, even consumed with this world and story! This story came out of nowhere and stole my heart. Along with its characters. I was already here for the dark vibes. The steamy scenes are scorching and just *chefs kiss* The ending left me wanting more and I’m ecstatic that there is a second book!

If you enjoy monster romance, this book is for you! Just binge read the duology. You’re welcome. I give this 5 stars.

Review

Matched to the Minotaur (Matchmaker Monster Romance Book 1) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Matched to the Minotaur (Matchmaker Monster Romance Book 1)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: March 14th 2023

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy

A human, a minotaur, and the contract that binds them.

The Unsuspecting Woman

My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects.

Except magic is real.

So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.

Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.

The Minotaur King

My labyrinth is dying.

For my kingdom to survive, I must convince my fated mate to invoke the most ancient of magics—the carnal kind.

Too bad my mate’s a human who didn’t know monsters existed until she saw me.

Will their match lead to happily ever after? Or will this beauty reject her beast?

With cow shifters, a flying demon kitten, and a dicey love of tabletop games, Matched to the Minotaur is the steamy slow burn start to the Matchmaker Monster Romance series. The books promise a happily ever after for each of the four friends who walk into a haunted house, not knowing that monsters are real. Or that they’ve been matched to the monsters inside.

What do you do when one of your favorite authors writes a different kind of romance? Read and devour it of course!

From the amazing world building to the wonderful characters to the steamy scenes, this book was highly enjoyable and unputdownable. These characters quickly captured my heart and I wanted to climb inside the book and join their crusade. Or shenanigans. Both? Yes, both.

Luna Joya’s first dip into the monster romance pool is a huge success and already has me wanting more. If this is a genre you enjoy reading, don’t wait. Check it out today! I give this 5 stars.

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring C. Anne

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is C. Anne! Her book, A Home Called Haven Book 1: The Lower World released on December 1st 2022.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing pretty much my whole life. When I was nine years old I received a Brother Word Processor for my Birthday and would spend hours creating different worlds and characters. By middle school I had a notebook with me at all times and wrote poetry and song lyrics any free time I had. I’ve always had a fascination with words and have always loved reading as well. So it just came naturally to write and create my own stories.

Describe a typical writing day.

I homeschool my kids and have a mini zoo of pets so my time to write is pretty limited. Usually on week days I start writing after finishing morning lessons with my kids. I make a cup of coffee and write for about 90 minutes. Then after lunch and afternoon lessons I write some more. On the weekends when I am in the middle of writing a book I start first thing after breakfast and will write for 3-4 hours before taking a break. Once I get going on a book I have a pretty consistent routine of writing and usually finish the rough draft in about 2-3 weeks.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My main characters are inspired by my children, myself as a child, and the people who had a profound impact on me growing up. As for the story line, my middle grade series A Home Called Haven is inspired by the different worlds in Shamanism (lower, middle, upper.) Earth based beliefs and spirituality are a big inspiration for me as are mindfulness, taking care of the planet, healing journeys, and finding magic in everyday moments.

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

I hope children and young adults will find hope and a bigger world view of life in general. As a child I struggled to fit in and find acceptance from others. Books were my refuge. But I never found a book with a character like myself or with the kind of story line that I could really relate to. My editor made the comment that this book (the second in the series) would have helped her so much as a child and that if every child was taught what the book aims to teach our world would be a much different and better place. That explains perfectly what I hope readers will take away from A Home Called Haven series.

What is the significance of the title?

Book one, The Lower World, is about the Shamanic lower world. It’s the realm of ancestors, spirits, and the deepest aspects of our soul. When someone is being initiated into the practice it’s the first place they travel to and will spend a lot of time there healing traumas. The first book in the series is the initiation for Fox and Otter, the main characters, and their introduction to this fantastical world where they will heal any traumas that are preventing them from becoming their highest selves.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

The book features mythological beings from various cultures. The research was so interesting, and I learned about mythological beings I had never heard of before. It opened up a whole new world of writing possibilities for me.

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

Compassionate, imaginative, dreamer

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

The second book in A Home Called Haven series is currently being illustrated by the amazingly talented Alessandra Liane, and will be coming out this fall. Right now I am plotting the third book in the series and also have a new series I have been doing research on. Kind of going down a rabbit hole with that one but it’s been really fun.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Write what you feel passionate about. Be authentic and have your own voice and style. And never, ever give up on your dream.

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

I’ve always been a dreamer and want to save the world. My writing is my way of doing that in the best way I know how. I feel like if I can reach children and young adults through my books, help them to be open-minded, accepting of others, and learn to be patient and kind with themselves and others, I can impact the world in a big way. I want to help young people who are struggling, who feel like they don’t belong, and who are hurting to see that the world really can be an incredible, magical place. You just have to learn how to change the way you see things and the way you react. If I can change just one life for the better I will be happy. If I can change many lives I will be fulfilled.

Thank you C. Anne for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, A Home Called Haven today!

~Synopsis~

What happens when two misfit children are sent to live with a mischievous and mysterious woman in her magical cabin in the woods?

Fox and Otter have only just met when they are whisked away on an adventure of a lifetime in a mystical place called the Lower World. Together they must face their fears and overcome treacherous obstacles to find their way back to the cabin named Haven. On their transformative journey they meet magical creatures that help them to heal and grow. They learn to lean on each other, trust their instincts, and the true meaning of finding their way back home.

A magical fairy tale that fuses both fantasy and adventure into one book. Are you ready for a spellbinding journey? The first in A Home Called Haven series, this is an incredible adventure you don’t want to miss.

C. Anne lives in North Carolina with her partner, two boys, cats, dogs, chickens, and a leopard gecko. She loves animals, nature, and finding magic in everyday moments. She enjoys weaving fantasy, adventure, and elements of shamanism and love for the planet in her stories. She believes books have the power to change lives and all children deserve to see themselves represented in them in a positive way. When she isn’t writing she enjoys creating art, spending time with family, connecting with nature, biking, hiking, reading, and going on adventures.

Website: c-anne-everydaymagic.com

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring D.A. Kelly

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is D.A. Kelly! Author of the Arabella Black Paranormal Cozy Mysteries.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I can’t say I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I sort of drifted in and out of my author-aspirations. If a book fired up my imagination, I would start writing something similar in an effort to recreate the magic. Unfortunately, I never finished anything. I kept everything I wrote though, even if it was only a few words mashed together. 

When I was a child I would try to emulate Enid Blyton’s books like The Magic Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair. I even illustrated them. Cough, cough… they weren’t very good. 🙂

Once I had my first son I decided to really give this writing/author thing a go. It took me over 30 years to put a book out after that decision. Self-doubt is a killer of dreams.

What time of the day do you usually write?

My brain doesn’t fire up until after lunch, and then my words come in fits and starts. Imagine an old car trying to start with backfires, stalls and lots of cursing, and that’s how things go. I rarely get into ‘The Flow’ where words pour out like magic.

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

Not much. I make my stories up word by word, so I’m a Pantser by nature. If I try to pre-plot and pre-design my world I get stressed and write nothing at all.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

I loved writing Book 2 in the Arabella Black Magical Mysteries, Sequins of Events. The characters were so much fun. On the other hand, I had no clue where the story was going, or who committed the crime until I was almost at the end of the story. Believe me, I was super stressed by then thinking I had no clear ending. But everything came together. I really need to learn to trust my process.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

My preferred genre is fantasy. (My books, though termed cosy mysteries, are stuffed with magical moments, creatures and events.) 

It’s difficult to say which author I admire most because there are so many of them. I do admire J. K. Rowling because when she started writing she was doing it tough in her day-to-day life. Then, once she hit the big time, I admire her because she managed to get the last books out while under a huge amount of pressure. Can you imagine trying to be creative knowing the world was waiting, expecting magic on the page?

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I occasionally receive emails. Not as many as I’d like, but they do trickle in. Where I do interact with readers is on my Facebook Group. They are wonderful, and very supportive. The readers who love my writing tend to really love it. They love Grimsmead, the wacky characters, and the magical world building, saying my books are like no others they’ve read. I’ve asked them to help me to pigeonhole them, but the readers can’t give me a definitive answer. They say, ‘Your books are unique.’ A wonderful compliment, wouldn’t you say?

Favorite book when you were a kid.

Were the Enid Blyton books, The Magic Faraway Tree series, The Wishing Chair books, The Famous Five books, The (various colours) Story Books like The Blue Storybook. I loved the magic and escapism.

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

Imaginative. Creative. Loyal.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Every writer is different, so one piece of advice isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. We are all wired differently. We all had different backgrounds. We all have different stresses and pressures in our lives.

My best advice is to embrace the knowledge that you are you. You are unique. Only you can write the books that live inside you. Find your creative process and don’t get swept away by someone else’s writing process because they say they found the best way to get books written. They may have found what works for them, but that doesn’t mean it will work for you. It might totally derail you. I learned this the hard way, and it took me until I was in my mid-fifties to finally get a book out in the world. My 2nd best piece of advice is don’t be like me.

Try different writing processes if you are at the beginning of your writing career. See what works for you, then follow your instincts.

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

I am always creating something whether it be graphics, stories or stuff around my house. My mind tends to work sideways, then zigzags, then flies in circles. It’s what makes me me, and my books unique. Give me a try, you might enjoy playing with me for a spell.

As to my books, they are lighthearted, fun, humorous and quirky. (I do write dark fantasy also, and that’s when you meet my other side. I am a Gemini, after all.)

Thank you D.A. Kelly for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her series today!


~Synopsis~

A quirky, otherworldly mystery.

Fun, wacky with snort-chuckle moments, Brooms Away will have you up way past your bedtime.

An enchanted world. A missing sister. And suspects with dangerous supernatural abilities around every corner.

When Arabella Black is swept away to a fantastic and faraway land by her cat, who she thought was an everyday Maine coon, she discovers everything she knew about her life was a lie. The biggest lie of all: she’s not human. Not even close. And to top that off, her sister is missing, her family home is threatened and a mysterious shapeshifter is following her. So what’s a half-banshee, half-dryad to do, but get her sleuth on.

Can Arabella harness her new powers to unlock her family heritage, help her sister and save the family home in this place of secrets and sorcery?

If you like murder with a splash of magic, a dollop of wonder and a cast of quirky characters then you’ll love book one in D. A. Kelly’s new fantasy cozy mystery series.

Unlock the fun of Brooms Away today!

Check out the series here!

A. Kelly is a writer and delighter in all things magic.

Her stories are relentless, spellbinding mysteries stuffed full of quirky characters, wicked humour and magical murder. 

Sparkles are the best thing ever. If it’s shiny she stops everything to look at. Cake and chocolate turn her head. Mainly so she can get them in her mouth. She loves old keys, secret doors and hidden tunnels because they spark her imagination.

She lives in Queensland, Australia with her much-loved partner Darren and a hoard of boomerang kids. Seriously, she needs a revolving door built in her house.

She’d like nothing better than to have a cosy, witchy hovel built in her backyard to use as her office. Hint, hint, Darren.

dakellyauthor.com

books2read.com/Brooms-Away

books2read.com/SequinsofEvents

https://www.facebook.com/groups/arabellablackmysteries/

https://www.tiktok.com/@authordakelly

Review

Whom the Fury Rolls: a paranormal shifter romance (Syn City Shifters Book 2) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: For Whom the Fury Rolls: a paranormal shifter romance (Syn City Shifters Book 2)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: April 9th 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

We’re fated mates with a love so strong that I refuse to let death keep us apart.

When my mate Kiva died, I bargained away everything to a mysterious supernatural. She brought my mate back to life with a curse that would forbid her to remember me, to remember us. The spell can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Not the easiest task when it took me seven proposals to convince my fated mate to say yes the first time.

Two years later, I find her living as the mortal daughter of the mythological Furies. An amnesiac, Kiva doesn’t remember me, my bear shifter clan, or how she died, but I’m here to remind her no matter what it takes.

Except someone in Syn City is out to end her life permanently and steal her away from me forever. No way am I letting that happen.

A Steamy Second Chance Romance with a Murder Mystery, a Bear Shifter Determined to Win Back His Lost Love, a Warrior with Amnesia, and Roller Derby

There are two things that are certain will happen when reading a Luna Joya book. One, you’ll get an amazing story with an ending you won’t see coming. Two, her ability to make you ugly cry is top notch. Seriously. I already have tissues near me before I start any book of hers.

Ah Kiva and Stone. Their story touched my heart. Their story is paved with pain, regret, and ultimately revenge. Right from the start I was rooting for them. Their story got me right in my feels! The twists she threw in were awesome. I loved every minute I spent reading and crying.

If you haven’t checked out this or the first book in this series, what are you waiting for? Get them and binge read them today! You won’t be disappointed. I give this 5 stars!

Review

Wicked Grace (The Wicked Book 3) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Wicked Grace (The Wicked Book 3)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: February 14th 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

He’s a grumpy demon prince. She’s a sunshine magical orphan who’s his fated mate and forbidden. But can he survive rejecting her?

Demon prince Alexei is ruthless in business and deadly in battle. The mafia boss will do anything to protect his family, even consider an arranged marriage with a royal he doesn’t love.

There’s just one problem.

When the grumpy hero rescues a sunshine princess locked away in a tower, he knows she’s his fated mate. She also seems to be a freakin’ forbidden angel. Like the villain he is, Alexei rejects her without saying why.

Despite her tortuous childhood, Jolene is determined to find her real family and win her grumpy prince. Come on—the man has wings! But loving her antihero makes him a target of her human enemies who are out to destroy all supernaturals.

These two opposites attract in all the wicked ways. But when supernatural children in Alexei’s hometown start disappearing, the two must work together, and Jolene will have to reveal that her sunshine-and-sparkles magic isn’t what it seems. Can they find their happily ever after or will their differences and enemies destroy them both?

From the first time he was introduced, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about Alexei. Wicked Grace did not disappoint! There was much more to my demon prince.

The connection between Alexei and Joelle was magnetic. Their chemistry was fire. No matter what either did, they still came together. I could feel the struggle Alexei had. Within the story, there’s a lot of pain and healing with a huge side of vengeance. I was here for all of it. Did I cry? Yes. Did I cry a lot? Also yes.

The final book in The Wicked series was beyond awesome. Everything I wanted and more! I’m always amazed by Luna Joya’s writing. Her ability to take you from ugly crying to fanning yourself over those steamy scenes. It’s gift and she has it. I highly recommend this book and series. I give this 5 stars.

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/

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Book Tour

Locked Out of Heaven (Birth of the Fae Book 1) by Danielle M. Orsino – Book Tour

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Locked Out of Heaven (Birth of the Fae Book 1) by Danielle M. Orsino is now available!

~Synopsis~

Ride on the backs of fire-breathing dragons with the Dark Fae and watch the Light Fae play in the shadows of primitive humanity as they build their magical world.

Abandoned by their creator, two factions of powerful angels remain on earth after the Great War with Lucifer. They struggle to comprehend their Creator’s plan while their angel wings, a symbol of their angelic lineage, slowly and painfully decay. With no hope of returning to the Shining Kingdom, two groups of angels denounce their angelic lineage and develop into separate factions – the Court of Light, led by Queen Aurora, a former Virtue Angel, and the Court of Dark, ruled by King Jarvok, a former Power Brigade Angel. The two monarchs have opposing views on how to govern their kin, but the one belief they agree on is that human worship equals power.

Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven is an epic-fantasy adventure of heartbreak, rebirth, and hope that examines the bonds of family, friendship, and love. It is a fantastic tale of good versus evil in a beautiful world, where the Light Fae and their potent elemental magick are tested by the raw power of the dragon-riding Dark Fae warriors.

They are their own beings and masters of their own destiny. They are the Fae.

~

Quarterfinalist, ScreenCraft Animation Competition 2022
with BIRTH OF THE FAE: LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN (PILOT)
Locked Out of Heaven made September’s Screen Crafts Red List For Fantasy Projects
From the Ashes Distinguished Favorite in Fantasy  From NYC Big Book Award 2022

Danielle M. Orsino is a fantasy novelist whose lifelong vision to create whimsical realms that her readers can escape to. Her compelling word-weaving pays homage to a multitude of personal muses, from Chris Claremont and George Pérez (both famous comic book writers), to Anne Rice and Wonder Woman.

The creative spark of storytelling has been with Danielle ever since she was a child, but martial arts and her nursing career took center stage into adulthood. Then, on a day like any other, it was reignited during the most unexpected of moments: while treating one of her patients. Seeing that they longed for a distraction during their arduous treatments, the floodgates of inspiration soon burst forth. So, Danielle took it upon herself to tell them a story; a fantastical narrative that would leave the confines of that IV room’s walls and land upon a page. Before she knew it, what started as an imaginative tale to pass the time, turned into book, followed by an entire series: The Birth of Fae. This awe-inspiring series includes Locked out of Heaven (Book One), Thine Eyes of Mercy (Book Two), and From The Ashes (Book Three), all of which are published by 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc. And with an unwavering passion for cosplay and comics, it was a unanimous decision to place her on the cover of each book in all her Fae cosplay glory. The Birth of Fae also features Los, an affable chameleon dragon inspired by her fun-loving Yorkie named Carlos.

When writing wasn’t at the forefront of her mind, Danielle was a successful Martial Artist. Some of her achievements include “1999 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee”, “Female Martial Artist of the Year”, “WKA World Champion Silver Medalist 2008”, and numerous more. She has also garnered hundreds of martial art tournament wins, various other national and world titles, and features on big-name channels like TLC and CBS. She even had the rare opportunity to perform for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and collaborate alongside Vincent Lyn and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. From there, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and she is now a Licensed Practical Nurse who focuses on Lyme disease research.

This “New Queen of the Fae’s” unmatched world-building and masterful Fae-origin retellings have led to an ever-growing queendom of “Fae-natics”.

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

My books are just that- books, a form of escapism. I am honored every time someone reaches out and says they picked up my book. I think the art of storytelling is the oldest form of entertainment and I love that I get to be a part of that tradition. My books are high fantasy twisted with some dark humor, political intrigue and great fight scenes. They also aren’t long books. I did that on purpose, I don’t think reading should be chore. Sometime fantasy can be overwhelming with all the worldbuilding, magical systems and stuff, readers can run from it. Yes, there is worldbuilding, especially in book one but mine are not 400-page books they are gateway books into the fantasy genre if you haven’t read fantasy before. If you like it then you can read my books back-to-back for that binge feel. I also put two books out a year. So, no waiting years for my endings (George we are all looking at you… )

Book available in print, Kindle and Audiobook at bookshop.org, Target & Walmart.