Book Review Alert: Marked By Magic by Lindsay Buroker

Reviewed: December 15th, 2023
Released: November 9th, 2023
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Arwen Forester may be a socially awkward introvert, but she’s an expert tracker, archer, and forager who has a pickling recipe for every vegetable in the garden. Unfortunately, none of these skills earn her a lot of money. And when the taxes go up on her father’s farm, she’s not sure how to help him keep the property.

Then someone offers her a lucrative new gig:

Hunt down a haughty half-dragon criminal with the power to incinerate those who irritate him.

Normally, Arwen would reject such a suicidal mission, but with the farm at stake, she’s desperate. Besides, all she has to do is tag the half-dragon with a tracking device. How hard could it be? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Twisted Pretty Things by Ariana Nash

Reviewed: December 13th, 2023
Released: August 5th, 2021
Genre: MM Urban Fantasy

Something wicked is moving in the shadows of London…

In the underground world of glitzy illegal auctions, fast cars, and stolen magical artifacts, John “Dom” Domenici knows he’s out of his depth. But he needs the job at Kempthorne & Co like he needs to breathe. The alternative—going back to the organized crime gangs of London’s East End—is unthinkable.

So when Alexander Kempthorne, boss of Kempthorne & Co Artifact Retrieval Agency, wants him on a special case to track down an illegal artifact dealer, Dom can’t say no.

It shouldn’t matter that Kempthorne’s world is full of deadly secrets. It shouldn’t matter that the billionaire is sexy as sin, and it really shouldn’t matter how there’s an American agent stalking Dom, an American who knows more than he should about Dom’s case, including the real reason Alexander Kempthorne hired Dom. Read My Thoughts …

Book Review Alert: Saving Rafe by Jocelynn Drake

Reviewed: November 29th, 2023
Released: March 6th, 2020
Genre: MM Paranormal Fantasy

Rafe Varik: The troublemaker. The risk taker. The sexy club owner full of wicked promises.

Rafe has devoted his immortal existence to pleasure and causing mischief.

The only ones who can depend on him are his brothers. Of course, that’s very much a Varik thing.

But when the leader of the Arsenault clan specifically requests Rafe’s help in tracking down a killer, he can’t say no.

Sure, Rafe claims he’s doing it for his family. They’ve attracted too many enemies and could use a few allies.

That’s not the whole truth, though.

There’s something about Philippe Arsenault that draws Rafe in. He wants more of Philippe. The vampire leaves him longing for another second in his presence, another taste of his lips, another caress of those perfect fingers.

Yet when it’s all over, what will become of Philippe and Rafe? Because Philippe will always be an Arsenault, and Rafe will always be a Varik. Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Legends & Latte by Travis Baldree

Reviewed: November 24th, 2023
Released: June 16th, 2022
Genre: Cozy Fantasy

High fantasy, low stakes – with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined . . .Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Moonstone and Mugwort and by Julie Embleton

Reviewed: November 21st, 2023
Released: October 31st, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance

When the past sabotages your present, is it ever possible to salvage your future?

A cursed heirloom, a looming eclipse, and a gifted witch.

Manacled by her family’s curse, Ava O’Keefe is no stranger to contending with paranormal beings, craving the power she protects. But when an enigmatic vampire draws her into his business, the grave consequences should she fail to harness her magick for his demands, promise devastating supernatural chaos.

Moonstone & Mugwort launches the compelling dark fantasy Oath & Legacy series, simmering with supernatural characters challenged by duty and shaped by heritage. As the past sabotages the present, what will become of the future? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Shriker by D K Girl

Reviewed: November 12th, 2023
Released: October 20th, 2021
Genre: MM Historical Fantasy
Format: ebook (KU)

Silas Mercer has faced wily boggarts, mad faerie queens and enraged forest spirits.
But can he withstand a daemon who is losing his mind?

Pitch and Sickle are left bruised, battered and reeling after their confrontation with the Verderer.
They have learned a startling truth behind the arrowhead that wounded Silas, a truth that must be taken to the Lady Satine and the Order without delay.
But his encounters in the Forest of Dean have effected Pitch in alarming ways. The daemon’s body may have healed but his erratic behaviour and wildly unpredictable temper grow ever more concerning.
Silas owes his life to Pitch. Their experience in the forest has brought them a closeness he could not have imagined possible.

But what can he do for a daemon who is losing his way?

And how long will Silas survive, if he must ride alone? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Whispers of a WorldBreaker by Corey Ratliff

Reviewed: November 8th, 2023
Released: June 12th, 2022
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Format: ebook (KU)

Aric’s job is simple; assist the elves as they moved dragon eggs across the kingdom.

When an orc raid leaves a dragon in peril and her egg vulnerable, the responsibility falls into Aric’s hands to complete the mission. But when the dragon hatches, Aric’s life is thrown into disarray.

Accused of being the world breaker of an old prophecy by the elves, sought after by the ever-growing orc clans as vengeance against the elves, and desired by the human kings and queens for power, Aric will stop at nothing to protect his new dragon. It may be the only thing that can turn the tides of the war.

Can Aric fight fate and save the world, or is he destined by the whispers of a world breaker? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: A Breaking of Realms by Jasmine Young

Reviewed: November 5th, 2023
Released: October 2nd, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The Realm-Building Enterprise is open to all. On the continent of Elondria, anyone may become the next legendary dragon rider by building the greatest towns, cities, and even kingdoms.

Skálda Branwright dreams of leaving the Longcold and becoming the first Dragonlord to build an official realm. Only no dragon egg has ever hatched for her.

But when a wild hatchling falls to her from the skies, begging for rescue, she must decide whether to relinquish her dreams and become the worst criminal of all – a rogue rider. One with the potential to restore mankind’s sovereignty from the brutal dominion of elves.

The Realm-Building Enterprise was meant to unite all races, until it became a means for elves to control the continent.

But this is no ordinary dragon. By the time Skálda realizes what she holds in her hands, it is much too late.

She never meant to steal a hatchling. She always meant to build a realm. She never wanted to break the continent.

A Realm-Breaker is coming. Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Trodaiche, My Fighter by Lousie Murchie

Reviewed: November 3rd, 2023
Released: March 28th, 2022
Genre: Spicy Scottish Romance
Format: ebook (KU)

My past was soul-destroying.

Annie Holmes: I’ve spent the last eight years in survival mode, living on a vow I made to myself: Never allow those with money to make me powerless ever again.

I’m a warrior.

I don’t need an unsupportive, uncaring, low-life in my world. I’m better than that. I tackle every challenge thrown at me head-on. My daughter and I are doing just fine, thank you very much.

I’m a Trodaiche; a fighter. I protect those who can’t defend themselves and bring corrupt politicians, sex traffickers, and criminals to justice. They fall to their knees at my feet and tremble at my power.

Called to rescue a runaway becomes far from business as usual: I encounter him.

Will Tony be my salvation, or will he leave us both in ruins? Read My Thoughts…

Podcast Alert: Words & Pictures Podcast featuring Helen Garraway

When: October 30th, 2023
Where: Words & Picture Podcast
Episode 66

Join me as I chat with DJ Bowman-Smith on her podcast, Words & Pictures.

We talk all things books and writing, from world building to romance to helping and supporting other authors.

Listen to the podcast here:

or hop on over to the Words & Pictures Podcast on Podbean, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

This is a podcast for all writers and artists who are involved in the book business. Each week, author and artist DJ Bowman-Smith will have a brief chat about her own working week and then introduce a guest to talk about writing and the art authors use to promote their words. It’s about inspiration and business. Aesthetics and exploring the creative mind.

Find Helen Garraway here: Helen Garraway – USA Today Bestselling Fantasy author

Her Amazon page: Amazon.co.uk: Helen Garraway: Books, Biography, Blogs, Audiobooks, Kindle

Her linktree: https://Linktr.ee/HelenGarraway

And find her in person signing books at Norden Farm Christmas Festval in Maidenhead on December 2nd, 2023.

Find DJ: www.djbowmansmith.com

Also mentioned: Book Dragon: https://the-bookdragon.com

Alliance of independent authors: www.allianceindependentauthors.org