Tag: Paranormal Romance

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

Interview with an Author featuring Kelly Coulter

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kelly Coulter! Her book, Blood Witch (Blood Witch Chronicles Book 1) released on December 29th 2021.

What inspired you to start writing?

I have always been a big reader, but more importantly, I have always had a big imagination. I’ve only just found out that it’s got a name. Maladaptive Daydreaming. I can’t actually believe people DON’T imagine entire worlds and characters and that they have conversations in your head. *So strange* But anyway, I reached a stage where I needed to get these people out of my head and into their ‘real’ homes (the pages of a book) But turns out, they just get replaced with more people and ideas; so I guess that means I will have to keep writing to give these poor colourful characters a home.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

When I get an idea in my head, I will research everything I can about it. And then I end up thinking things like *I swear I read a book with this character called (insert name)* then I have to stop everything to google everything about this other character. Then I think *I swear there’s a character from (insert TV show here) that looks like him. It’s a fixation and I can’t get back to writing until I have satisfied this weird need to know everything in the back of my mind that randomly pops up at the most annoying times.

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

The emotions don’t hit me while I am writing it. I can completely detach myself from the story, my fingers just fly over the keyboard and the story comes out. It’s when I’m reading it all back over a few days later that I think *wow that’s sad, did I really write that?* then I give myself a pat on the back because I managed to upset myself which is no easy feat (I’m a horror fan, I totally expect character deaths)

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

I’ve learnt that I have an unwavering commitment to the author world. I had books I wanted to write but never realized that I would become so completely engrossed in ‘the life’ that it’s all I want to do. Unfortunately, I have a day job and small kids that takes up most of my time, so writing is (at the moment) a side job that I do when I have a tiny amount of free time, normally school holidays is when I get most of my writing done. It’s now a goal of mine to be able to write full time, it’s surprising that my entire career goals changed so easily.

Favorite book when you were a kid?

Watership Down. I’ve read it and watched the original film so many times.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

J.R Ward. Her world building and characters are amazing. The dynamic between the main characters has also been something I aspire to create. I tried to keep the relationship between the Brothers in mind when I was writing the sibling bond and sarcasm between them.

Do you have any new series planned?

OMG YES! I have a whole MC series planned which I need to do more research on. As a Brit, I don’t know much about the US but it’s going to be based in Ohio (there’s a great reason why it needs to be there specifically) So far, I have four books plotted out with the titles and character arcs done. I have also arranged for the Logo to be created for my MC and I’m super excited to share it with everyone! I’m hoping the first book will be out by the end of 2023/Jan 2024.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t allow yourself to be fit in a box. I’ve written PNR books, but I don’t want to be pigeon-holed into being *only* a PNR author, I have a whole host of ideas swimming around in my brain, fighting other stories to be released first, and none of them fit the genre that I originally started out in. So, if you want to, write every single genre, write whatever story you want to. I guarantee there will be people out there who will read whatever the hell you write just because it’s YOU.

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

I’m dedicated to the cause. I’m dedicated to getting original, amazing stories out to people. But, please be patient with me. In the past 2.5 years, I’ve been able to get out 3 books with the 4th one being written. But it’s a slow process and it’s hard. I don’t want to be forgotten, but I also cannot physically get any more books out than what I currently do. With family life, work and a deployed husband, life is stressful. But writing helps; when I’m at home, and the kids are asleep, and I’m by myself with my brain swirling and characters arguing, writing helps. So please bear with me, I’m always here, I’m just writing at the only pace I can manage.

Thank you Kelly Coulter for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Blood Witch today!

~Synopsis~

Weird. Unwanted. Orphan.

I’d been called all these things and more only to find out that I was also a blood witch – the last one.
Now everyone wanted a piece of me, and I not only had to figure out my place in this new world, but also
what I could do and who I could trust.

Bastard. Loner. Monster.

I was all these things and more. I had spent so long with my grief that it became my new normal.
The losses that I experienced created who I am now. Until her.
For her I want to be better, for her I will destroy everything and everyone in my path to keep her safe…
she’ll just have to get used to me.

Warning: This book contains scenes of abuse that some readers may find triggering. As well as sexual situations, violence, miscarriage, non-con, excessive swearing, British humour, and scenes that may offend you. Recommended for 18+

Born and raised in North London, Kelly found a love of reading at a young age, demolishing books at a rapid rate. She would often get in trouble at school for reading when she should be studying, hiding her romance novels within science texts to try and keep them hidden from teachers.

Her teachers would be shocked to know that at the ripe old age of 27, she went back to university to get her English degree, and subsequently did her teacher training. She now teaches Secondary English to fabulous students who will never read her books until they leave school and/or have reached the age of 18!

A lover of all things romance and horror, Kelly decided to combine aspects of the two to create her first book: Blood Witch. A story about a woman who finds out her secret heritage through a weird series of events – and the last of her kind. The main protagonist has to navigate a brand new reality full of back-stabbing witches and psycho Lycans out to hunt her for her power.

As someone from London, her PNR series is set around London and features a variety of slang terms that may confuse or annoy people who don’t understand the lingo, but for her first book, Kelly thought it would be a great idea to ‘write what she knows’. And so, the characters are a mix of snarky Londoners with foul language and sarcastic remarks. And despite being a lover of everything ‘Zombie’, there are unfortunately no walking dead within those pages – though there are definitely plans to write a Zom-Poc in the future!

Kelly currently resides in Oxfordshire with her awesome husband and crazy, beautiful sons who have told all of their teachers that their mum is an author…this does not bode well for those poor Primary school teachers who may ‘clutch their pearls’ in shock at some of the content. (Beware trigger warnings)

With three Paranormal Romance novels under her belt, Kelly has decided to branch out into a different genre. Her fourth novel is set in the Groveton College shared world and releases on the 6th November, featuring a range of taboo romance novels with a whole host of dark and taboo romance authors.

https://linktr.ee/kellycoulter

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Sylvia Black

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Sylvia Black! Her book, Master Descallia : Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 1) released on April 30th 2021.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

A large thank you for having me! I’m excited to get to spend time with all of you. My name is Sylvia Black. I am an International Best-selling author of paranormal romance. I currently have six of an anticipated twelve book series published. They are dark vampire romances, in a world of witches, rogue shifters and the syndicate.

What inspired you to start writing?

My family traveled extensively when I was growing up. We lived in England for years, and when traveling, I would always have my nose buried in a book or a pencil in my hand to write my own. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured the love for old-world history and folklore of Europe.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

 I don’t know if there’s a quirk that I can think of other than constantly trying to keep one of my golden cocker spaniel puppies from taking over the keyboard. He loves to type!!

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

Great question! Sometimes as an author the emotions of your characters turn you inside out emotionally. I think the process of helping them find their way to a happily ever after is what helps me reconcile the emotions.

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

 I didn’t realize that once I started writing, the stories would literally write themselves. I’ve heard authors say that before but didn’t really understand what they meant until I started to write myself and got a few books into the series. Sometimes it’s hard for me to keyboard fast enough to keep up to the stories spilling from the characters themselves.

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

The characters, probably because all of my stories tend to be in the same world. There is always another hot, possessive master vampire called upon to help the plight of the vampires, and a woman he doesn’t want to get to know at first but falls head over heels for.

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

That winding myths and lure into a plot would be so intriguing to me. Actually bringing pieces into the story at the right time is oddly challenging and fun!

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

I met a group of women at a writing conference years ago – before I had published my very first book. They have become my closest friends over the years, and they were instrumental.

Do you have any new series planned?

There are two spin-off series rattling around in my mind right now. If you are familiar with the Masters of the Consulate series, you probably already have a good idea of what comes next, but officially it’s being kept under wraps for the moment.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Just keep writing. Read in your genre, get to know your genre, and then just keep writing. A close friend offered me this advice years ago.

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

That the vampire masters are alpha, possessive, sinfully hot and end up falling hard for the women they come to love.

Thank you Sylvia Black for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Master Descallia today!

~Synopsis~

Salvatore Descallia, a purebred and Overlord to the Consulate of Masters, rules and fights with an iron fist. When he learns of the coup planned to blame his clan for disappearing women, he must move swiftly to deal with his enemies. He has every intention of killing everything in his way, until a new challenge presents itself, one with crystalline green eyes who is close to death.
To save her life, Salvatore gives her immortality in exchange for a life of servitude in the underworld.
Consumed by coursing desire, Lucianna Denaro is helpless against the dark-eyed dominant stranger who expects her to learn the dangers and rituals of his world. While the underworld is new and death lurks at every corner, it is his touch that threatens to scorch them to ashes with its heat.

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared and International Best-Selling paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively. 

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates. 

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes. 

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel. 

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media! 

For a very limited time, you can download a free copy here of The Beginning, which is the prequel to the much-loved vampire series, Masters of the Consulate. It is the old world back story and gives readers an understanding of how the group of hunky vampire leaders came to be in the modern-day world. Download now

You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tik Toks and Instagram. Connect with me and say hello while checking out all the interesting pictures, videos, and fun!

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Instagram
Facebook Readers Group
Facebook Authors Page
Amazon Authors Page
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Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Kenzie Graves

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Kenzie Graves! Her debut, She-Wolf and the Beast: A Rejected Mate Retelling (Love is Grimm Book 1) released on October 31st 2021.

What inspired you to start writing?

I always wanted to be a writer ever since I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when I was about 11. I tried many times to write a story, but never seemed to be able to complete it. Then when I was about 21, I had a dream that was extremely vivid and I sat on that idea for four years. I was in a group chat with two indie authors in 2019 and they encouraged me to get that idea on paper. So, I finally did after I had my son in October 2019, and published the story in June 2020!

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have been told that I tend to write the FMC’s best friend to always be extremely sassy. In every book that I have written, this has happened. That and every animal counterpart I write is very sassy and tends to want the FMC to do things to the MMC.

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

I actually tend to go through the emotions with my characters. If they are making a joke, I am laughing at it. If they are angry at another character, I am angry along with them. When their heart breaks or suffering from a loss, I am holding back tears as I type out the words. My characters are a part of me, so I experience everything that they go through as I type out the words.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written 11 books so far, and I would have to say Little Red Wolf has been my favorite. It was the first book that I wrote spicier scenes than normal, and it broke me out of my shell. The FMC and MMC were so fun to write. They truly loved each other from the moment I created them, and it was so easy to write their story because of it.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would have to say Patricia Briggs and P.C Cast. Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series was the first series that was Urban Fantasy and a little PNR that made me only enjoy stories that had some form of magic or paranormal creature inside of it. Both authors are incredible with their world building, character arcs, and amazing storytelling that I aspire to have in my own stories.

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

Every so often I get a reader who reaches out to me. Not too long ago I had a reader join my group and post in it that Little Red Wolf got her out of a reading slump and it made my life. It truly keeps me wanting to write when I hear from my readers. I love when they post in my group or PM me on messenger!

What book is currently on your bedside table?

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. I watched the show and I hear the books are monumentally better, as books usually are, and I want to read the details that the show missed.

Do you have any new series planned?

I do! After Love is Grimm, I have a whole new world planned of 5 different kingdoms and in each kingdom the FMC will go through their own journey of rejection and finding mates that truly love her and will support her. Some may have some enemies to lovers thrown in, too.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

My current series are standalones, so I’ll go with She-Wolf and the Beast. I’d say Bella Thorn for Isabelle, Dove Cameron for Abby, Dylan Sprouse for Colin, a young Johnny Depp for Garrett and Liam Hemsworth for Aiden.

What advice would you give to other authors?

I would have to say learn your genre, build your readership, and have an understanding of how to market within your genre before you even start writing. I didn’t, and it has been a struggle. I am learning as I go, which is the hard way, and it will make your life easier if you learn those things before you jump into publishing.

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

It is my passion to be an author. I’ve wanted to do this since I was eleven years old and becoming a bookworm. I’ve always been someone who loves to help others, and I see this as my way of helping others I don’t even know. If I can provide you an escape from reality when you need it most, then I did what I set out to do. I hope to make someone’s day by reading the worlds and characters I have created just like the authors I read growing up did for me.

Thank you Kenzie Graves for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out She-Wolf and the Beast today!

~Synopsis~

A rejection. A deal. A curse that needs to be broken.

After being rejected at her birthday party, Isabelle Crane banishes her Fated Mate from the pack. Garrett refuses to accept that fate.

Garrett attacks the pack, causing Isabelle’s father to seek help from the Alpha of the Sanction, Aiden Black. Only, The Beast keeps her father captive and Isabelle trades his life for hers. The Beast accepts in hopes that Isabelle is the key to breaking his curse.

As Isabelle adjusts to her life in a new pack, Garrett lurks around the territory. He wants to reclaim Isabelle and doesn’t care who he hurts to get her back.

If you like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Jaymin Eve’s Shadowbeast Shifters, you’ll devour She-Wolf and the Beast!

Find out how this fairytale retelling mixes with wolf shifter romances by reading it today!

This is a standalone within a series, 100k words full-length dark paranormal romance novel. Content is 18+ with sexual and adult content.

Kenzie Graves is a paranormal romance author within the dark, rejected mates, and why choose subgenres. She is a mother of two and two fur-babies. Her love of reading evolved into her love of creating her own worlds and characters for others to enjoy!

https://linktr.ee/kenziegraves

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Jenna Rivers

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Jenna Rivers! Her paranormal romance book, Spell Shocked (A Charmed Midlife Book 1) released on March 8th 2022.

How long have you been writing?

I used to write when I was younger, but I started writing longer fiction about a decade ago. I started off with contemporary romance, but I love all things paranormal too much not to include witches and vampires and fairies (oh my!) in all of my stories. 

Describe a typical writing day.

I just got a brand new “used” desk that I absolutely love. It’s become the grounding of my work, and now I love being in my office all day long. I get up in the morning, grab my breakfast and coffee, and sit down to do some writing sprints first thing. Usually, I have one of my cats sitting near me. When I get tired of sitting, I have a standing desk that I also use. I typically finish writing by lunchtime, and then in the afternoon, I either write more or plan what I’ll be writing the next day.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from the shows that I watch. I fell head-over-heels in love with Netflix’s Wednesday, and I also love the show A Discovery of Witches. A lot of times, I’ll even get inspiration for stories from non-paranormal shows when I imagine what they’d be like if you added supernatural elements to them. 

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

Unfortunately, I lost my father a couple of years ago. That really rocked my creative world and made it more difficult to find my footing in my writing again. The good news is that I feel like some of those skills are returning, and I’m so excited for the books I’m working on.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

Music is the key for my inspiration. Whether it’s listening to Lo-Fi music while writing or setting the mood, I constantly have my noise-cancelling headphones on so I’m immersed in the sound. I have my go-to playlists for different moods. For example, I listen to a band called Two Steps From Hell and their music when I want to write a fight scene because what they play is so cinematic.

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

Chatty, loyal, and determined.

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

Sometimes, if a book takes a toll on me, I’ll have to do some self-care days. That could mean no writing at all, allowing myself time to read instead of write, or getting out of the house completely to go out and get in some exercise outside. I also have some special places I like to write in that help me push through the tougher scenes to write because I find comfort being in them.

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

I am finishing up Bombspell, book 2 in my Charmed Midlife series. Fun story is that I had a clear outline and plan for my characters. And yet, they had other plans for themselves, so it’s taken extra time to adjust the story and give them what they want. It’s hard realizing that your characters sometimes know better than you.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Write your first book all the way through. Get some feedback on it, pick some top things to fix, but then get it out there. After that, write your second book. Writing is a skill that you have to practice, and the best way to get better at it is to write the next book and the next book. Also, perfection is overrated, and trying to make a book perfect means you’ll never share your story with anyone else but yourself.

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

I put a lot of myself and my life into my stories. While I might not always share the exact details, I hope the readers feel like they get to know me through my writing.

Thank you Jenna Rivers for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her paranormal romance, Spell Shocked today!

~Synopsis~

One feisty aunt with talking animals, a surprisingly supernatural lakeside town, and a boatload of magic are all it takes to shake up my midlife.

No one should live day to day just to exist. It only took an invite from a person I’ve never met to a place I didn’t know existed to tempt me to walk…no, run away from everything I knew. How sad is it when I’m the last one to see that my crappy life needs a do-over?

Starting over in my midlife wasn’t exactly the plan. But with the discovery that I actually have an aunt I never knew existed, magic is real, humans can turn into animals, and there might even be a real freaking dragon living in Guardian Lake—I can’t help but hope there has to be a better life waiting for me to choose it.

I’m going to make the rest of my forties fabulous by any means necessary. From here on out, I’m carving my own path in life, choosing my own adventures, and creating my own happy ending.

Once I get the hang of my Charmed Midlife, I intend to never look back!

Spell Shocked is a slow-burn romantic paranormal women’s fiction with a woman who’s rediscovering her sass and learning how to kick a little ass.

Jenna is a lover of all things paranormal! When she’s not dreaming of hot shifter men or deciding what magical power she’d like to possess, she’s busy writing Paranormal Romance and Paranormal Women’s Fiction. She suspects she’ll be inheriting her powers any day now that she’s officially middle-aged, although she thinks she’d use her magic to help her write more words faster. When not writing, she’s busy playing ukulele, hiking, or learning a new recipe to cook!

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jenna-Rivers/author/B09GH2H91P

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/659904638465163

Website: https://jennariversbooks.com/

Review

Wicked Match (The Wicked Book 2) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Wicked Match (The Wicked Book 2)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: November 8th 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

Can a good girl witch princess and a bad boy bodyguard fight their way from enemies to lovers and stop a killer?

Good girl Prys Bane is the ultimate witch princess—titled, rich, beautiful, and from the best royal bloodlines. But the STEM genius would rather hide with her statistics and crush on a forbidden bodyguard than marry a proper prince. Better to guarantee that no one discovers her true magic—powers more suited to a storybook villain than any princess.

Bad boy John Donovan has pretended to be a bodyguard while hiding his supernatural double agent status from everyone—even his own sisters who see him as the villain. Crushing on Prys seemed safe until he learns she’s not only the witch magistrate investigating a murder where his sister is the chief suspect, but Prys is also the matchmaker hired to force him into an arranged marriage.

When John and Prys are pulled into a deadly mystery that comes closer and closer to the couple by the hour, they must work together. When Prys discovers John’s kink, these enemies quickly become lovers whose passions ignite. Can this princess and her antihero find happily ever after or will the killer be a best friend whose betrayal neither can survive?

Who doesn’t love a good girl/bad boy story?

Especially one written by the fabulous Luna Joya. She brings all the steam and that slow burn will leave you wanting more. Long after you’ve finished. In Wicked Match, we learn more about John. Secrets will be revealed. Everything is not as it seems. I devoured this book! That twist! That ending! It had my heart racing and me shouting at my kindle. I’m not dramatic at all. 

This was another highly enjoyable read. It has action, suspense, steam, and a twist you didn’t see coming. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance with steam, this book is for you! Skip adding it to your TBR and just dive right in. I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

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.

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Ericka Shanniak

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Ericka Shanniak! Her book, Opening Danger: Dangerous Ties Book 1 – Paranormal Romance released on October 31st 2021.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a junior in high-school back in 2008, haha. After I had both my kiddos, I decided to take the leap of faith and write my first ever book Piercing Jordie (formerly Jordie In Charge) and sent it to a small press publisher. She accepted me, the book (it needed a lot of work) and invested in me. If it wasn’t for her, for Teresa, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I owe her everything. I’ve since paid her back for the series and got my publishing rights back. We stay in touch.

Describe a typical writing day.

Oh goodness, I write when I have a moment. I will write on the toilet taking a poop, feeding the chickens, out fishing, I will even wake from a dead sleep and write about a scene that came to me. But usually, since I work in 911 dispatch, I will write when things are uneventful and I can squeeze it in. Writing at home with kids is hard.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From everyday living like from an encounter with someone at the grocery store, messages or emails, or phone calls I take in dispatch. For example, back in June of this year, I got a call from a guy looking for his booty call who was a no show. I said sorry I’m not it, but please feel free to use protection and call back when you have an emergency since we’re here to assist. The guy called back 15 minutes later and asked if I wanted to be his booty call… I’m damn serious… So, things like that give me inspiration for characters then I just add in whatever like magic or sexy wolves and voila, I pulled a book outta my butt because I literally pants the entire thing.

What gave you that push to press the publish button?

My former small press publisher, Teresa, said I was a dang good writer and she believed in me. Her believing in me, gave me the confidence I never had. And it means everything to me. So, her taking me under her wing and guiding me gave me the courage to just go for it. Teresa is an amazing woman.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

Well… If it’s a sex scene, I go to my husband for a quickie just to make sure what I wanna do works bahaha! And if it’s something else, I just tap into that part of my memories I repressed as a kid (I had a hard childhood) and just go into what I felt during that moment and write it. It takes me a few days after writing a scene that’s so draining to get back into the groove and feel like myself again. My husband has to help me come down from those emotions because I will spiral like I did in Uplifting Irie. I went too far deep and he had to pull me out. I later deleted a lot of what I wrote because I went too dark. My husband is an amazing man.

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

Direct, humorous, and unapologetic.

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

First, I shake off the nerves. Then I take a shot and shake off the rest of the nerves. I pump myself up and tell myself that I got this and whatever I am writing is not real (if it deals with my trauma because I got to remind myself that I’m okay and safe). Then I just plunge right in, get it written then tell my editor Tiffany what page and what chapter might need some TLC if I go too far deep into that.

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

I just wrapped up my second book to my Alien RH series. It’s the 30th book I’ve written. I just sent it to my amazing editor Tiffany Purdon. Next I will be working on a contemporary mafia romance set in my small town of Coldwater Kansas. (I changed the name to Coldriver) but I kept the people and their jobs the same, just changed a few vowels of their names. And at the same time, I will be working on a new fantasy romance series. I have no idea where I’m going with that one yet. I am a pantser.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t read reviews. Just work on putting the next book out there and make it better than the last. Don’t get discouraged, easier said than done, I get it, but keep grinding. If you’re going to spend money on an edit, do developmental because with your friends and writing tools, you can do a pretty good line edit yourself but you’re too close to the story to figure out if there’s a plot hole. And get yourself a funny, honest, sarcastic friend to read your book, their advice is helpful whereas everyone else will just be like “it’s good.”

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

Golly… I want people to know that I try my best. I do my best to put out fun, entertaining and unique books with diverse characters. If you pick up one of my books and like it, badass, and if you read it and are like eww, then badass. But I want ya to know that I did my best and stayed true to myself. I have no reeegurtz lol.

 

Thank you Ericka Shanniak for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Opening Danger today!

~Synopsis~

I wanted the quiet life – coffee on the front porch reading a good book – kind of life. And when it came to danger, or any type of confrontation, whether from former boyfriends or nasty pink faeries, I tried to avoid it. This time though? I couldn’t escape it. I’m being dragged toward danger by a handsome, jerk of a werewolf who calls himself Evander.

It doesn’t matter what I say to Evander, what I have or haven’t done, it only matters what I have in my possession – a key. And because this stupid hunk of metal, my death awaits me.

In order to bring an end to this bullshit, I must convince Evander to help me. With his help, I can absolve my name. If not, then death for me is certain.

Opening Danger is an enemy to lovers slow burn paranormal romance where descsex is guaranteed in books 2 & 3.
*** WARNING – this book contains scenes and language that some readers may find disturbing and or triggering. ***

E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak is the author of several successful series – A Castre World Novel – Whitman Series Western Romance – Dangerous Ties Series. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Ariat boots, not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets to get all the snacks. When not in her fox den for a few hours (writing cave), Ericka loves to spend time with her family – outside having campfires, fishing, camping, or zooming in a car to another midwest adventure. Ericka loves all the animals her kids bring home including numerous barn cats and their newfound bantam chicken named Strip.

Ericka is an emergency 911 dispatcher (used to do medical billing) residing in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her supportive, wonderful husband, two amazingly loving kids, and whatever animals her kids bring home this week. So far, it has been her husband who decided she needed ducks. You’re welcome to follow her on her Kansas adventures with these social media platforms listed below.

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

INSTAGRAM

TIK-TOK

or at her Facebook group – Shanniak Shenanigans

Website: http://www.eashanniak.com/

email: erickashanniak@gmail.com

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Billie Jade Kermack

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Billie Jade Kermack! Her debut book, Awoken: A Paranormal Romance Murder Mystery Book One release on January 3rd 2016.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Some of my earliest memories are of reading, devouring anything and everything that I could get my hands on. I created poems and stories of my own over the years but it wasn’t until I was about 13 when I realised I could actually do what all the authors I loved had done. I had a fantastic teacher at school who encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

What about the genre you currently write in, interests you most?

So my first completed trilogy are paranormal romances with a murder mystery twist. I am a massive horror fan and have always been fascinated with the supernatural. It gave me the opportunity to explore a world that has far more questions than answers, it offered me a freedom of sorts to create a fictional world based on my ideas without too much intrusion from real life. My current book for release is friends-lovers romance with a non-traditional HEA, I’ve loved lending my own brand of humour to the story with this one, as it is intended for a more adult audience than my first series I have been able to play with the characters a little more freely.

Haunted house or corn maze?

Haunted house every day of the week.

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

When I say all the time it is an understatement. For me my imagination plans out an idea as though it is fluid. I have no idea where it is going until I get there, which is part of the fun. I do have an off switch, that little voice in my head that screams at me if I go too far down the wrong current with an idea that maybe isn’t right for my audience or maybe it’s a decision that doesn’t fit the characters personality. Life has a tendency to bleed into fiction so my writing can change with my mood.

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

My favourite character that I have created is the villain in my paranormal romance series. I am a sucker for true crime so putting pen to paper and creating Glen Havers; the serial killer spirit who haunts our protagonist was a dream. The intricacies of building a character I couldn’t possibly relate to on any level meant definitely kept the process interesting.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

I try to research as much as possible but usually it is for an existing idea. Thankfully I’m not yet short of ideas, some that will probably never see the light of day but are there if I ever want to change it up. The smallest of details can help to make the story more enjoyable for the reader, that really bring it to life and make it relatable.

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies?

I definitely think I insert a part of myself into everything I write. My paranormal romance series was a cathartic expression of loss that I feel like I needed to write in order to heal from a childhood experience that is at the core of the protagonists story, it allowed me to relate with my character and I think my writing benefited from that first hand experience. I always have a notebook and pen beside my bed, my dreams and nightmares are very vivid, sometimes too vivid, so I will always note it down when I wake up if I find it interesting enough. The male lead characters, as I predominantly write MF romances, has qualities I would like in a partner, I think that is relatively normal for an author though.

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

Fun Halloween stories, where to start. My birthday falls on the day before Halloween so every year we have a costume party, they are always fun experiences. Another one of my jobs is as a makeup and SFX artist so I get to play with all things bloody and gory all year round but especially closer to Halloween. It is for sure my favourite time of year.

What advice would you give to other authors?

What advice would I give to other authors? Firstly, there is comfort in numbers, I have some amazing author buddies and we share what we have learnt with each other and offer support to one another if it is needed. It can be lonely being an author so reach out and build your author circle with likeminded people. Secondly – Marketing is not easy, but it is necessary. There are so many great tools online to give you ideas on what, when and where to share your work. And lastly it doesn’t matter if you’ve written the next worldwide phenomenon, not everyone is going to like your book and that’s okay. Side note – Try to shake off the bad reviews because you will get them, your book is for the people that love it, just remember that.

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

One thing I would like people to know about my books is that I have loved creating worlds that people have fallen in love with and I adore getting to know my readers.

 

Thank you Billie Jade Kermack for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her paranormal romance murder mystery series today!

~Synopsis~

Awoken is book one in this paranormal romance, murder mystery series.It’s a modern-day love story that’s more Grimm than Disney; if singing mice and dancing crabs are what you were looking for, this is not the book for you. Seances, time travel, and torture, however – if that’s your thing, you just might fit right in.
Twilight vibes with a splash of horror and some ghost hunting. Perfect for your next young adult read.

Grace didn’t believe in ghosts or demons, she thought magic was something that only lived in the pages of fairy tales.

How very wrong she was.

Hidden away most of his life, Beau had successfully managed to mask his gift from the world. Having the ability to commune with the dead wasn’t exactly the best conversation starter, and that was okay, he didn’t much like people anyway, until he walked back into Gallows Wood and into Grace’s life.

Struggling with the incessant onslaught of nightmares about her father’s untimely death, Grace had accepted that maybe she just wasn’t destined for a happily ever after.

Fate however had a skewed sense of humor. The deeper Grace delves into Beau’s world, the further she wanders from the safety of her own. Plagued by the spirit of a sadistic serial killer long dead, Grace must harness what power she can to defeat him and stay alive. Awakening family secrets that Grace could never have imagined to be true begs the question: Had she been surrounded by magic longer than she had thought?

How far into a world plagued by evil would you go to save the soul of the one you love?

Billie Jade Kermack is an author who lives in London with her family and their crazy dog Gus. As well as being an author Billie Jade is a makeup & SFX artist for TV and film and runs her doll company SIDS DOLL EMPORIUM. She is currently working on a contemporary romance series & has a completed paranormal romance series already published.

https://linktr.ee/billiejadekermack