Thursday, October 10, 2024

Spooky October Reads

Posted by: Nicole Luiken

 I don't read much horror so this list is going to lean more towards ghosts and witches. Witches count, right?


1/ Hell of a Witch by Rachel Aaron

This is book two in the Tear Down Heaven series that started with Hell for Hire. The  two main characters are demon queen Bex, who is fighting to save her people from enslavement by Gilgamesh and his sorcerers and Adrian, a male witch with a magical forest. Every bit as much fun as the author's Heartstriker series and with a very nice romantic subplot.

 

 

 

2/ Demons of Good and Evil by Kim Harrison


This is the latest-in-paperback Hollows book with witch Rachel Morgan in trouble again. The high-magic high-action series dates back to the urban fantasy heyday, but you may not be aware that it has restarted after supposedly "ending" with Witch with No Name. I'm halfway through reading this one.

Now on to the books I'm planning to read:

3/ Bag of Bones by Stephen King

King can be a little hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed Fairytale and have been meaning to try this ghost story for a while.


4/ Cunning Revenants by B.D. Wilson

This is third in a series of novellas (starting with Phantom Echoes) about a blind man with a talent for psychometry who gets roped into helping with his friend's ghost podcast. I think this one will delve deeper into Holden's backstory and I'm looking forward to it.

 

 

 

5/ Blood Ties by Skyla Dawn Cameron


I love this author's Livi Talbot series and have been meaning to try this one with a witch main character. 

And that's all my planned spooky reading! Please share your reading list or recommendations in the comments.

Monday, October 7, 2024

HERE BE NEWS for Monday October 7, 2024

Posted by: PG Forte

 

 




 Monday October 7, 2024 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:








Visions Before Midnight
Oberon Book 7.0

Chay Johnson is a traditional man; and the educator, flute maker, apprentice shaman has a lot of traditions to uphold, especially when it comes to choosing a life mate.

 Erin Allridge is a modern woman, with modern ideas about relationships and a painful personal history she has no intention of repeating.

 

 When terror and tragedy strike the small town of Oberon, the pair are forced to re-think their visions for the future.

 

 In this world of form and spirit it can be hard to find balance and harmony, but  sometimes, particularly when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, love can find a way to bridge the gap.


https://books2read.com/VisionMidnight

Hungry Heart

An Oberon Halloween Story  

Cara Matthews is trouble—with a capital T. That's one thing that pretty much everyone in Oberon can agree on—parents, teachers, other students, her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Seth Cavanaugh. 

Well, if you give a dog a bad name they'll probably live up to it, right?

This Halloween, after one insult too many, Cara's hellbent on wreaking revenge—no matter who gets hurt in the process.

 

***Please note: This is a companion book to Visions Before Midnight. While it can stand on its own (and does contain scenes and material that does not appear in Visions) this is essentially Cara's version of events, which may or may not be accurate. Do you trust her?***


https://books2read.com/HungryHeartOberon









This Halloween-themed event will run throughout October with posts going up 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Included are short stories, flash fiction, poetry and even sample chapters. 

 

The theme of the event is Simply Spooky. So, think ghosts, demons, serial killers, horror, dark fantasy, etc. 

 

Alongside this event, Samantha Gregory will also be doing her own personal challenge of writing 8 short horror stories on the run up to Halloween. She plans on releasing these as a collection during Halloween week.


www.skgauthorservices.com/blog





Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Two New Releases From PG Forte

Posted by: PG Forte



Visions Before Midnight

Oberon Book 7.0

Chay Johnson is a traditional man; and the educator, flute maker, apprentice shaman has a lot of traditions to uphold, especially when it comes to choosing a life mate.

 Erin Allridge is a modern woman, with modern ideas about relationships and a painful personal history she has no intention of repeating.

 

 When terror and tragedy strike the small town of Oberon, the pair are forced to re-think their visions for the future.

 

 In this world of form and spirit it can be hard to find balance and harmony, but  sometimes, particularly when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, love can find a way to bridge the gap.


https://books2read.com/VisionMidnight

Hungry Heart

An Oberon Halloween Story  

Cara Matthews is trouble—with a capital T. That's one thing that pretty much everyone in Oberon can agree on—parents, teachers, other students, her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Seth Cavanaugh. 

Well, if you give a dog a bad name they'll probably live up to it, right?

This Halloween, after one insult too many, Cara's hellbent on wreaking revenge—no matter who gets hurt in the process.

 

***Please note: This is a companion book to Visions Before Midnight. While it can stand on its own (and does contain scenes and material that does not appear in Visions) this is essentially Cara's version of events, which may or may not be accurate. Do you trust her?***


https://books2read.com/HungryHeartOberon


Monday, September 30, 2024

HERE BE NEWS for Monday September 30, 2024

Posted by: PG Forte

 

 




 Monday September 30, 2024 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:



Tuesday September 24, 2024: Linda Mooney treats us to another chapter of her new fantasy romance, Dark Hours.



New!



Another Battle Lord’s Fury

Book 11 of The Battle Lord Saga
Sci-Fi/Futuristic/Post-Apocalyptic Romance
by Linda Mooney


Word Count: 78.6K
$4.99 e / $16.99 p


A life for a life. When one is gone, another is promised to take its place.


Unexpected visitors with an invitation to a horse sale and auction from an unknown battle lord piques Yulen D’Jacques’ interest. The opportunity to renew their horses’ bloodlines is too good to pass up, although he knows the trek will be long and dangerous.

 

Yulen worries Atty isn’t yet up to the trip, but she refuses to let him go without her, even if that means leaving the children behind. The decision is a hard one, but they won’t risk Mattox and Mistelle’s lives along with their own. Although Bloods are still a threat, along with any number of other creatures, they plan to make a few stops and hopefully pick up some allies along the way, both Mutah and Normal.

 

The scenes they stumble upon along the way are vicious. Entire settlements have been slaughtered, soldiers mutilated. And just when the group think they’ve made it to the safety of the compound for the sale, they learn that Normals can be more brutal than Bloods. The new battle lord is anti-Mutah, and when his plot to take advantage of his visitors comes to light, Yulen won’t stand for it.

 

Ghosts from Yulen’s past also resurface, bringing a secret to light. Can Yulen and Atty work through it? Will he be able to step up and do what’s right? Of course he will. It’s what a good battle lord would do. And it’s time to teach everyone else that lesson.

 

Warning! Contains lessons in swordplay, a bet, deliciously prepared lizard, blame, rigged games, lessons in cookie dunking, blood and Bloods, and a love sorely tried that grows and becomes stronger.

 

Excerpt and Buy Links: https://lindamooney.com/BattleLord.htm









This Halloween-themed event will run throughout October with posts going up 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Included are short stories, flash fiction, poetry and even sample chapters. 

 

The theme of the event is Simply Spooky. So, think ghosts, demons, serial killers, horror, dark fantasy, etc. 

 

Alongside this event, Samantha Gregory will also be doing her own personal challenge of writing 8 short horror stories on the run up to Halloween. She plans on releasing these as a collection during Halloween week.


www.skgauthorservices.com/blog




Tuesday, September 24, 2024

DARK HOURS, a Fantasy Romance by Linda Mooney - Chapter 9

Posted by: Linda Mooney

DARK HOURS

Chapter 9

            Matthias had lost track of the days and nights long ago. Since he was moved to a small cell that had no window, there was no way to tell the passage of time. Without any candles or other source of light, he remained in the hellish depths of darkness full time.

He tried to guess by the meals he was served, but he quickly discovered those were haphazard at best. There were hours when he’d be so weak with hunger that he was barely aware when the bowl of gruel was placed through the small door at the bottom of his cell door until he smelled it. Then it would seem he’d barely finished eating when another bowl was brought to him. Whether he was hungry or not, he made himself eat the horrid concoction, for once glad he couldn’t see what he was eating.

He prayed almost constantly and slept the rest of the time. Initially, he’d attempted to have some kind of exercise regime to keep his muscles from wasting away. After a while, he gave up trying. He no longer had the energy.

He knew he would eventually die in this place. The solitude he could handle. The cold he could not. With the winter months due to arrive, he could only hope he’d freeze to death in his sleep—peaceful and alone.

He never expected to hear the jingling of keys at the lock, or for the sound of the heavy door being pulled open. A lantern was shoved through the opening, blinding him. Matthias threw an arm up to shield his eyes when a gruff voice declared, “Yes. That is he. Get him.”

He was grabbed under both arms and half-dragged, half-carried out of his cell. The guards continued to haul him over the rough rock floor where his feet were battered with cuts and bruises. By the time they arrived in the rear halls of the castle, every step he took left a bloody imprint.

“Here ye go,” one guard remarked, throwing him onto the floor. “Good luck with getting the stench off of him.” The other guard chuckled as they both exited the place.

Matthias looked up in the graying light to find several servant women gathering around him. They with their white aprons and foul expressions. More hands reached for him, tearing the remains of his robe from his thin body. Fully naked, he was shoved into a nearby steaming laundry tub of almost scalding water.

He called out from the pain as they began to soap and scrub him with horsehair brushes. Their ministrations weren’t gentle. His hair was almost yanked from his head and face as they tried to remove the lice and other insects that nested in the tangled mess. Icy cold water was thrown on him to rinse him off, nearly throwing his body into shock, when someone declared they’d done all they could. Led from the tub, he was given a worn but clean shift to cover his nakedness. Nearby, another guard waited to place shackles on his wrists.

“Come with me, and do not try to escape, or else I will run you through.”

The tempting thought of a quick death by the man’s blade briefly entered his mind. But curiosity regarding why he’d been released from his prison prevented him from attempting to see if the man would be true to his word.

At least this guard was more generous in dealing with the priest’s shaky gait. Several times Matthias was forced to stop and wheeze for breath, unused to the activity. Once they were away from the laundry and the areas where most of the servants worked, they entered the castle proper. He was led down long corridors lined with rich tapestries and past rooms where he was able to glimpse luxuries within that he could never imagine.

He was on the verge of total collapse when they entered the throne room. Matthias was not surprised to see Gola sitting on the elaborately carved and gilded seat atop the stone dais. Although he’d come to believe she was the person responsible for him being momentarily released from his hellhole, he was more anxious to know why she’d summoned him. Or worse, if she was going to send him back to the dungeon once this meeting was over.

“Good day, Father,” the witch greeted him as he fell to his knees before her. He winced in pain as the stone cut into his flesh, gritting his teeth as he tried not to make a sound. The woman loved to inflict misery on others, and hearing it almost made her euphoric. Instead, he managed to nod, letting her know he’d heard her, as he kept his head bowed.

“You must be wondering why I brought you here.”

He didn’t dare look up at her until she allowed him to. The fact that she was deliberately baiting him left him more confused than angry at her treatment of him. What he wasn’t expecting was for her to rise from the throne and slowly descend the steps to his level.

“The answer is simple. I need you to deliver a message for me.”

The toes of her gilt slippers appeared in his range of vision. One foot rose and kicked his shoulder with enough force to knock him backwards. Matthias found himself staring up at her, but the witch didn’t seem to object to his scrutiny.

“Are you now without the ability to speak, Priest? Do you still have your tongue in your head? Or have you gone mad during your incarceration?”

“I c-can speak,” he answered, his voice gravelly and dry.

“Your Greatness,” Gola prodded darkly, her brows knitting. “You will refer to me as Your Greatness.”

“I can speak, Your Greatness.”

A self-serving smile carved into her thin lips. “That is better. Now here is your mission. You will leave this place and go in search of the Centurion Kayge d’Bayar. When you find him, you must give him this message. Are you listening carefully, Priest?” Her eyes narrowed at him.

“I am listening, Your Greatness.”

“Good. Tell him the only way he can get his beloved Emers Ammin of Deccatar back is by killing the heart of the dragon. Do you have that?”

“Y-yes, Your Greatness.”

“Then repeat it back to me. Word for word.”

Matthias squeezed his eyes shut and prayed he could. “The only way Centurion Kayge d’Bayar can get back his beloved Emers Ammin of Deccatar is by killing the heart of the dragon.”

Gola cackled. “Your memory is not yet as ragged as your body. Very good, Priest.”

“Your Greatness?”

She paused as she was about to ascend the steps back to her chair. “What?”

“Why must I deliver your message? Surely you have other men at your disposal who are more capable than me.”

“The centurion will not allow any of my men to approach him, and you well know that. But he will allow you to get close to him so that you can deliver my message. He trusts you, although he may be suspicious as to why you sought him out.”

Matthias couldn’t fault the witch for that wisdom. “And after I deliver your message…”

“Yes?”

“What is your will with me?”

Gola let out another one of her high-pitched screeches of delight. “I am finished with you, you worthless piece of dung! Do what you will on your own! But know this and know it well. If you leave here and do not give the centurion my message, I will know. And if you think your past incarceration in my dungeon was hellish, you will not withstand the punishment you will be dealt for your disobedience. Are we clear, Priest?”

He bowed his head to show his obeisance. “Very clear, Your Greatness.”

He was aware of her making some gesture and she returned to her throne. Presently, another guard appeared by his side.

“Take him. See that he is fed and provided with a horse and provisions before he is sent from here.”

A hand grabbed him under one arm to haul him to his feet. At the last second, Matthias addressed the witch for what he prayed would be the last time.

“Your Greatness, where will I find Kayge d’Bayar? In which direction shall I go?”

Gola sneered. “You know where to go. But if you get lost…just follow the dragon.” She turned to speak to a man standing beside the throne, a gesture which told Matthias that he’d been dismissed.

He was subsequently led to the kitchen where he was fed not a bowl of gruel but a slab of fowl, along with a sizeable chunk of freshly baked bread. Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish it all and expected the rest to be tossed to the dogs. He was amazed when the remains were wrapped in a cloth and added to a bag that was already bulging. As a servant woman shoved the bag in his hands, she leaned over and softly whispered, “God speed.” He quickly made the sign of the cross on her forehead to thank her for her prayer.

From there he was taken to the stables where a horse was saddled and waiting. A pair of trousers was draped over the saddle. A pair of boots sat on the ground. Matthias quickly pulled on the pants and footwear before his guard helped him onto the horse. Unlike the woman, the man said nothing as he grabbed the reins and led both beast and priest out into the main courtyard where the drawbridge was already lowered.

Handing the reins to Matthias, the man stood back. Matthias noticed how many pairs of eyes were watching him depart, making him wonder if they all were under Gola’s spell. If they all were waiting to see what he’d do next like one giant eye.

He urged the horse out of the courtyard and over the drawbridge before stopping on the road. Ahead lay open land and forest. And freedom.

But first I must find Kayge and give him the message. Tell him that the only way he can get his beloved Emers back is by killing the heart of the dragon.

The dragon.

What dragon?

He glanced up into the clear, cloudless sky. Somewhere out there was a dragon. It was imperative he find Kayge as soon as possible for both their sakes, and for Emers’ sake. There were too many questions he needed to ask, too many answers he needed to make his mission make sense.

“Thank you, oh Lord, for Your mercy and kindness. I will not fail You. If it be thy will, please guide me to where I may find Kayge d’Bayar. I fully trust in You to help me.”

Dropping his gaze back to the road ahead, he dug his heels into the horse’s sides and set off down the road toward what he hoped would be their salvation.

TO BE CONTINUED


Linda's Website
 

Monday, September 23, 2024

HERE BE NEWS for Monday September 23, 2024

Posted by: PG Forte

 

 




 Monday September 23, 2024 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:


Return to Oberon

Omnibus Two: Books 4 - 6


 https://books2read.com/Return-to-Oberon

 

Contains three full-length novels

 

A Taste of Honey

Touch of a Vanished Hand

The Spirit of the Place 

 

Tropes: Second Chances, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, First Love, Holiday Magic, Suspense, Angels.

 






Now Available as an Audiobook!

 DERELICT
Sci-Fi Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 67K
$3.99 e / $10.99 p / $19.95 a

 Narrated by Gillian Wiggin
Length: 8 hrs, 13 min
Hear a Sample: https://amzn.to/3YNt3f6
 

Running from an attack by the Alliance and looking for cover, a derelict ship unexpectedly comes into view. JeVit of the Pure takes the opportunity to hide behind it, not expecting to find an open bay door inviting them in. Too late she realizes she should have rejected that invitation.

Centurion Zeke Rossi and his team are in pursuit of an enemy ship when it just…disappears. Spotting an alien vessel they don’t recognize, the Terrans temporarily give up the chase to investigate, and Zeke is tapped to board the ship first to look around. Immediately, his gut tells him something is wrong. It’s not until he enters the spacecraft that his feeling is validated, but he has no idea the worst is yet to come. 

The ship seems to be truly deserted, but the two couldn’t be more wrong. When their paths cross, JeVit realizes that although Zeke is injured, their best chance of surviving is to call a truce and join forces. However, trust between enemies proves difficult.

When escape becomes possible, JeVit chooses the path most likely to save Zeke’s life, and hopefully not end hers on sight. But when Zeke awakens, his memories are nothing but flashes, other than the gray-eyed, blue-headed beauty he keeps envisioning. What happened to him? What happened to her? And how does she fit into the puzzle of his piecemeal memory?

Raised to be sworn enemies, the two can’t resist the pull to be together, despite what it means for their future. They’re willing to risk it all, but can they convince the Terrans and the Hafu to unite against a common enemy?

Warning! Contains beef jerky, trust issues, lessons in swearing, Vah plus six, absolute darkness, and one man making the ultimate sacrifice to return to the woman he's come to love when he knows he has nothing left to lose.

Excerpt and Buy Links: https://lindamooney.com/Derelict.htm

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New Release from PG Forte: Return to Oberon

Posted by: PG Forte


Return to Oberon

Omnibus Two: Books 4 - 6


 https://books2read.com/Return-to-Oberon

 

Contains three full-length novels

 

A Taste of Honey

Touch of a Vanished Hand

The Spirit of the Place 

 

Second Chances, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, First Love, Holiday Magic, Suspense, Angels.

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