Reviewed: April 11th, 2022 Released: April 9th, 2022 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Angel Princesses are not supposed to be forced into marriages with Devils.
Especially not the Crown Princess… to The Devil Himself.
When Angel Crown Princess Seracuse discovers her hand has been pledged to Lucef, the Devil himself, she falls from The Heavens to avoid a life at his mercy.
Abdicating the Angel throne is not an easy feat, though–not with the forces of both The Heavens and The Underworld on her trail.
Stumbling into The Human World, the wounded fallen Angel is rescued from Harpies by a charming, enigmatic Demon who takes her in and nurses her back to health.
The spark between them is undeniable, and the bond she finds herself forging with her rescuer is the strongest one she’s had with another person in centuries. But that bond brings out a darkness from deep within her–a darkness the future Queen of the Heavens cannot tolerate. If only the man fanning the flames in her heart wasn’t the Demon King, Draco.
Reviewed: April 10th, 2022 Released: March 31st, 2022 Genre: Urban Fantasy
Immortality sucks.
Just ask Imogen Gray – over two-hundred thousand years old and teetering on the edge of total insanity.
All throughout history, she’s been hunted by an ancient creature who finds her and rips her to pieces every time she dares to access her deepest powers. But Imogen always regenerates. Slowly. Painfully.
She’s on a mission to find answers. She’s almost found them.
Unfortunately for her, there’s a delinquent psychic kid, a dangerously hot Vampire King, and a power-crazed blood witch hell-bent on bringing about the apocalypse standing in her way. Read My thoughts…
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Last day is the Wildcard- so let’s see what the result of the prank was!! Ari is having so much fun!!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Seven
Time for the Arifels to joins in!! Make a prank call, or in this case, send an Arifel with a prank message!!
The Sentinal series
At dawn the next morning, Tagerill arrived at the Lady’s temple decked out in his dress uniform. Not quite what it should be, but he was sure Leyandrii wouldn’t mind the discrepancies on such short notice. He frowned as he waited outside the locked temple door as he wondered why Leyandrii was being so secretive.
His weapons gleamed; the leather straps were polished to a brilliant gleam and the lacy ruffles agitated his neck.
He huffed as he paced, feeling ridiculous in his fancy clothes. Why anyone wanted to wear ruffles was beyond him. Even the tailor had been insistent they were out fashion, but dress clothes demanded these silly frilly layers.
Maybe he would suggest to Leyandrii that she should update their wardrobe, after all they lived in a different time now. He suddenly wondered how she was even able to appear in Vespers. They hadn’t seen her once since they had awoken. He knew Birlerion would have told him if she had.
A low snicker behind him had him spinning, and he peered into the bushes. “Who’s there?” he demanded. The bushes rustled but no one appeared. He was distracted as the father walked up the path, eyed him in surprise and then unlocked the temple door.
Tagerill entered the temple behind the father and walked up to the altar. He hovered unsure what to do next. Running a finger around his collar he blew the ruffles away from his face. Where was Leyandrii?
Time passed and he knelt before the altar. “Leyandrii?” he whispered. There was no answer, and he was beginning to feel a bit foolish.
When Birlerion and Serillion entered the temple, broad grins on their faces, which morphed into peals of laughter, he flushed.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I’d ask the same question of you. Tage, by the lady, you’re wearing ruffles!” Birlerion said, a chuckle not far away.
When Ari landed on Birlerion’s shoulder and chittered, Tagerill’s eyes grew wide. “You didn’t,” he said.
Serillion folded over, unable to stay upright, he grabbed Birlerion’s arm as tears streamed down his face. “Y-your expression,” he stuttered.
“You sent the message? You made me wear this?”
“You look so pretty, Tage!” Birlerion choked.
“I’ll kill you.”
“Not in the Lady’s temple, Tage.” Birlerion wagged his finger.
“She won’t mind.”
“Of course she will.”
“And that fleabag is in on it?” Tagerill growled, glaring at the Arifel.
“Don’t offend him again,” Serillion said in a strangled voice. “He might do worse next time.”
Tagerill glared at them, until a sheepish expression stole over his face. “It wasn’t real? Leyandrii isn’t coming?”
“I wish she was, but even if she could, do you really think she would expect you to be in dress uniform?” Birlerion asked.
Tagerill exhaled, and then laughed as he looked down at himself. “I suppose not, though she did like the dress balls.” He ripped off the ruffles at his throat. “Thank goodness I can get out of this stupid outfit. But you just wait, I’ll get you back. Both of you.”
Serillion held up his hands. “Nothing to do with me, I found out accidentally. It was Birlerion and Ari.”
Ari flapped his wings, chittered at Tagerill and settled on Birlerion’s shoulder with a definite smirk on his face.
Tagerill glared at him.
“Be careful,” Birlerion warned with a grin. “You represent the pride of the Sentinals. Don’t let us down.”
“Pride, be damned. When I get my hands on you …”
Birlerion ran, his laugh echoed around the temple mixing with Ari’s chitters as he flew out behind him.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit kissing someone not your partner OR make a prank phone call
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Six
Time for the Arifels to joins in!! Make a prank call, or in this case, send an Arifel with a prank message!!
The Sentinal series
Birlerion peered around the door, and finding the room empty, he slipped inside and silently shut it behind him. Calling the little Arifel, he moved over to the window and stared out over the formal palace gardens.
They were nothing like Leyandrii’s. Her rose arbors had been beautiful; a riot of colour no matter the season.
He smiled as Ari, the little Arifel, arrived and perched on his open hand, wrapping his scaly tail around Birlerion’s wrist to balance.
“I need your help,” Birlerion murmured to the kitten like creature.
Ari cocked his head and cheeped. His green eyes grew larger as he stared at Birlerion.
“I know, but Tagerill has it coming after the scaring me like that. How he got the king to agree …” Birlerion closed his eyes. He had jabbed the king in the ribs. Lady kill him now! He stiffened. “It’s his turn to be on the receiving end.”
Ari sent a suggestion, and Birlerion chuckled as it materialised in his mind. An image of Tagerill working in the kitchens.
“No, he’d enjoy that too much! We need something that will make him uncomfortable, that he’ll take seriously.”
Ari sighed.
“I thought you could tell him Leyandrii will be arriving in Old Vespers at the temple, and she is expecting him to be her escort. He needs to be on duty at dawn, in full ceremonial uniform.” Birlerion swore that Ari smiled. He rose, flapping his wings and then settled again. “Yes, very formal. Leyandrii is expecting him, but it is very hush, hush. He’s not to tell anyone.” Birlerion grinned. None of them had worn full ceremonial uniform since they had awoken. He could just see Tagerill trying to polish and prepare everything without anyone seeing him. With a wicked grin he sent Ari on his errand.
***
Tagerill was surprised when Ari dropped onto the table in front of him. Surprised because he was seated in the dining hall, surrounded by off duty palace guards. The little Arifel bombarded him with images and he stiffened. “Leyandrii? When?” he gasped out loud and the guards eyed him a little suspiciously.
Ari scolded him and he clapped his hand over his mouth. The guards edged away from him and continued with their conversation.
“Why me?” he whispered. Ari chittered and Tagerill preened. He was one of her first Sentinals. Ari shared a few more images and Tagerill spluttered. “Full ceremonial dress?” He didn’t have a full ceremonial dress. He ignored the side glances he was receiving, another rumour about Sentinals talking to themselves no doubt beginning. From their reactions he had no doubt Ari was only visible to him.
Abandoning his lunch, he hurried out of the hall, racking his brain for where he would find a white shirt with ruffles, velvet jacket and pantaloons, and buckled shoes on such short notice.
***
At every opportunity Birlerion sent a Sentinal or a ranger, or a palace servant to interrupt Tagerill. They returned with wide grins and reports of Tagerill trying to conceal whatever he was working on and getting more and more frustrated by the interruptions. Ari reported Tagerill had a tailor hidden in his rooms, with pins and patterns and swathes of material and Birlerion couldn’t stop laughing. Tagerill hated all forms of dress clothes.
Serillion, discovering Birlerion in paroxysms of laughter, demanded to know what was going, and Birlerion gave up the attempt, leaving Ari to tell him.
“How did you get Ari agree?’ Serillion asked, his eyebrows nearly in his hairline. “I’ll never believe a word he says to me again.”
Birlerion choked down his laughter. “Tagerill had it coming. He called Ari a flaky, fluff ball. Ari took offence.”
Serillion grinned. “Do not offend the Arifels. Noted.” He stroked Ari’s white chest, and then scratched his ears as he nudged Serillion’s hand. “You really think Tagerill is going present himself at the temple at dawn?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?”
“Well, the fact that Leyandrii is unable to cross the Veil for one.”
“Tage won’t think of that,” Birlerion replied, unable to keep the smile off his face.
Serillion shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing. He is going to be so mad at you. And disappointed.”
Birlerion’s smile faded and then he shrugged. “Teach him to keep secrets from us, won’t it? If he’d told you, you would have set him straight.”
“Well, I would have tried to, but I can’t now, can I? You’ve made me an accomplice.”
To be continued…
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: April 7th, 2022 Released: March 29th, 2022 Genre: Contemporary MM Romance
Jesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché. He’s been in love with his best friend forever, but when he starts pulling away and goes radio silent on him for six months, Jesse begins to wonder if their friendship is finally over.
Deacon James lives his life at two speeds, a hundred miles an hour and stop. He’s spent the last decade travelling the world, winning races, partying with the most beautiful men and women, and living life on his terms, a life which was pretty close to perfect… with just one caveat… he’s never quite been able to get over the boy he left behind. His best friend Jesse has always made him yearn for something he’s too afraid to face and cutting him out of his life seemed like the only answer.
But things are never that simple. When Deacon wakes from an accident in Italy with Jesse asleep in the hospital chair beside him, he discovers Jesse’s been keeping secrets of his own. At a crossroads in their life, they’re faced with a choice, build something deeper and stronger from the ashes, or let words unsaid and secrets tear them apart forever. Read My thoughts…
Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Sky Sommers’ Cham and Mayhem
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
After a stint in the Magic Kingdom, Marina returns to her glitzy Moscow life as the new goddess of Fate, with an angel in tow.
Gabriel a former guardian is atoning for his decisions as Fate’s bodyguard. First order of business: Keep Marina’s jealous ex away from her. Second: restore magic on earth. As Marina tries to explain botox and face control to Gabriel, the olden Goddess of Fate has schemes of her own.
Will Gabriel be able to let go of the past? Can Marina navigate the mayhem of her new job with charm alone or will she remain a goddess without magic? And how exactly do you tell your FSB-anointed father you’re now immortal?
Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!
You can read my Book Review of Sky’s fairytale retelling: To Thaw a Heart which proivdes more background to Marina.
About the Author:
Sky was born to Estonian-Russian parents and for most of her life has lived and worked as a lawyer in Tallinn, Estonia, with brief escapes to Finland and the United Kingdom for work/study and to all but the top and bottom continents in search of her muse. Her debut e-book in 2012 was about ancient goddesses running amock, trying to get their wilted powers back.
She then proceeded to indie publishing her own ebooks and paperbacks and found her way from myths and legend via the Angelic Agency to fairytales retold for young adult and adult audiences. So far, Thumbelina has been updated for suspicious adults, a more sinister version of Cinderella was released on 21.12.20 and an adult Red Riding Hood retelling is about to be released on 21.03.21. A Wizard of Oz retelling and several short stories are in the works.
All her books are linked by some character or another and she loves making you choose at the end – by letting you pick an ending to read – one for the optimist and a slightly different one for pessimists (well, except in the Cinders-Embers-Ash trilogy because only Douglas Adams could pull off a trilogy in 5 parts). She lives in a house with a small garden with her husband and mostly one, but on occasion plus four kids. No dog.
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit quriky like/dislike OR Face greatest fear.
Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Swipe to read my truth or dare!!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Five
Context: Birlerion facing his biggest fear, that when he first awoke in Old Vespers he had failed Lady Leyandrii. This is an excerpt from Sentinals Discovery, a short story which is part of the Creatures of Magic and Myth Anthology which will release later in May.
Creatures of Magic and Myth Anthology
Birlerion held his head in his hands as he glared at Tagerill. “You swapped places with King Benedict for a day? Why didn’t you tell me?” He waved a hand in frustration. “I’m not even going to ask how!”
“I wouldn’t bother, ‘cos I can’t tell. I’ve never had so much fun, though Benedict did have a few words afterwards. I think I’ll keep out his way for a few days.”
“Years more like,” Birlerion said.
Tagerill chuckled. “He can be quite scary when he puts his mind to it.”
Birlerion nodded slowly. “As can Leyandrii.”
“I can’t believe you elbowed him in the side; the king! Do you fear nothing Birlerion?”
Twisting his lips, Birlerion’s gaze went distant as he remembered first awakening in Vespers all those months ago. Not recognising anything and the fear of failing Leyandrii overwhelming him.
***
The steel grey dawn was beginning to lighten the sky as Birlerion sat on the pebbly beach and stared out to sea. His stomach ached, his throat was raw, and a sharp pain beat behind his eyes. The whoosh of waves over pebbles and the soft clacking as they rolled under the water’s pull soothed him, calming jittery nerves that threatened to incapacitate him.
He had washed his face and hands in the sea, as well as his boots, glad that he had, at least, not vomited all over his clothes. Salt, sharp and tangy, filled his mouth and made him thirsty. His mind spun, images of the changed city on repeat. He didn’t know where to go or what to do.
A gentle tug of concern nudged his mind, and his heart leapt. Kaf’enir! But no, it wasn’t his Darian mare, it was the tree. Searching the vaults of his mind, his heart plummeted. Only the tree hummed there. Grief pummelled him, and Birlerion screamed at the sky. He couldn’t take much more.
He collapsed back onto the pebbles, chest heaving, tears streaming, but nothing had changed, except he was exhausted, lost, and hurting. Not only had Leyandrii forsaken him, Kaf’enir had abandoned him as well. Something he would never have believed possible. Darians bonded with their riders for life; only death separated them, and he wasn’t dead. A deep moan rumbled in his chest. Had she died? All alone without him? He would never have abandoned her.
Gradually, the cold lumpy stones began to bruise his skin, and he sat up. Shivering in the chill morning air, he rubbed his face and tasted salt on his lips, and after one last glance at the grey sea, he rose and stumbled back up the beach, his feet slipping on the loose pebbles. He ignored his body’s woes, the aches and pains; he deserved them.
He had failed those who meant most to him.
Not knowing where else to go, Birlerion returned to his tree in the temple gardens. As he touched the bark, it shimmered and he passed inside, where he was engulfed with love and concern and warmth. He stumbled to the cot and collapsed. His fingers and toes were as numb as his heart.
His sword belt and bow clattered to the floor as he curled in on himself as the tree fussed over him, infusing him with heat, wrapping him in its humming concern. Tears leaked down his cheeks as he dragged the blanket that appeared on top of him tighter around him, the weight a comfort as exhaustion dragged him down and he slept.
***
A gentle hand shaking his shoulder, made him start. “Birlerion?” Tagerill’s voice was soft. “Are you alright?”
Birlerion straightened. “Of course,” he replied. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: April 5th, 2022 Released: March 1st, 2022 Genre: Urban Fantasy
He will need courage, resilience, and a bit of magic… to survive fatherhood.
Artist Matthew Sugiyama finally has a location to start his search for his birth family, but no one prepared him for the turbulence of a scowling, unhappy child. Not only is the depot is far away, his fledgling parenting skills are not cutting it… and everyone has plenty of advice to offer on fatherhood.
But before Matthew can find his bearings, Akiko disappears. In a blink, Matthew’s priorities change. Time is running out and when old friends and enemies arrive in the depot, the situation leaves Matthew scrambling. He needs a plan—and he needs help—but who can he trust?
A profoundly moving father daughter story of the search for love and connection, Graphite and Turbulence celebrates the magic that transforms friendly strangers into family. Read My thoughts…
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit embarrasing crush OR Swap two characters roles.
I thought it might be time for King Benedict to get in on the act, though he may regret agreeing as he is swapping places with Tagerill! This may get a bit complicated, but Tagerill is the king and Benedict is Tagerill!!
Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Four
“Does his brain run this fast all the time?” Benedict muttered as he sat trying to read a book. He looked up as Birlerion peered around the door of the common room and then entered.
“Why are you trying to read, Tage? You know your brain is not made for reading.”
“Ah, that explains it,” Benedict replied tossing the book aside. He rubbed his temples, no wonder it was giving him a headache. “What is my brain made for?”
“Trouble usually, though the king asks that we rein it in a bit; he wants to keep us mysterious and intimidating.”
“How boring,” Benedict replied and then clapped his hand over his mouth. Tagerill truly did speak before thinking.
Birlerion sighed and stared across the room. “I know. I was hoping we could try and, you know, make a new home somewhere.”
Benedict’s gut lurched. He hadn’t thought of that. A rush of longing for Greens swirled through him. “Greens is home, we don’t need a new one,” he said.
Twisting his lips, Birlerion shook his head, “Not really, not anymore.”
Before Benedict could reply another Sentinal poked his head through the door. “Birlerion? Tagerill? You’ve been summoned by the king.”
Benedict staggered as he picked up Tagerill’s broadsword. Dear Lady, they were heavy! How did they even walk let alone fight with these things? He trailed Birlerion through the corridors until they arrived at the king’s study and drew to a halt in front of the desk.
The king slouched in his chair, his hands stuffed in his pockets. As he watched them enter, a wicked smile passed over his face. “I’ve decided to give the Sentinals a pay rise,” he said.
Birlerion choked. “Do we get paid? Your Majesty?”
“If you didn’t, you do now.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Birlerion, I am promoting you to Commander of the King’s Rangers. Serillion always said you were the best of us…er…best of them.”
Birlerion blanched. “What? I mean … um… Your Majesty, please reconsider. Commander Nikols is an exemplary leader; you have no need to replace him.”
The king waved his hand in the air. “It’s done. And you …” his eyes gleamed as he pointed at Benedict, “Tagerill, will do cartwheels through the market square.”
Tagerill grinned. “Of course, Your Majesty.” And then he spluttered as Benedict quailed at the thought.
“But, Your Majesty! Only yesterday, you asked us to be more restrained. This would not do our reputation much good,” Birlerion protested.
“I changed my mind! Kings do that, you know.” He frowned. “Where’s Serillion? I have plans for him too. He’s gonna love this!”
“Um, Your Majesty? Are you feeling quite well?” Birlerion asked with some hesitation.
Benedict tilted his head. Birlerion had guts that was sure. It hadn’t even passed through Tagerill’s mind to question the king’s sanity. Benedict thought he ought to say something, but he didn’t know what. His mind was full of images of him cartwheeling through the market, he shuddered as the suggestion of doing it naked passed through his brain. He clamped down on that thought, that was a hard no. He jerked as Birlerion elbowed him in the ribs. That hurt!
Benedict glanced up and found the king staring at him with a sympathetic yet gleeful smile. “This is fun, isn’t it?” the king asked.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: April 3rd, 2022 Released: October 26th, 2018 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
For an empath, “How do you feel?” is never just a question. Not when it can kill you.
These are the rules:
1. Rare and powerful empaths never escape the compound. (Bastian Lucas escaped a year ago, and just because he’s been dragged back doesn’t mean he won’t escape again.)
2. Compound officers don’t ask questions. (Captain Henry Mortimer has always followed orders, but Bastian’s arrival—and the disappearance of one of Henry’s team—have him wondering things he probably shouldn’t be wondering.)
When Major Valentine orders Bastian and Henry to investigate a series of murders committed by an asset with powers similar to Bastian’s, it brings to light more than just a cover up. Things like why an empath who shouldn’t exist is killing senators, what’s really behind the compound’s sinister asset program, and whether Bastian and Henry will live to see the end of this case.
Because they’re in danger of breaking rule number three as well:
Helen Garraway 