Reviewed: May 11th, 2024 Released: October 14th, 2022 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Getting possessed by a demon wasn’t on my to-do list. I was just too busy for that sort of thing.
I had a fifty-hour work week, a hellraiser of a toddler, debilitating morning sickness and a husband who thought his only job was taking out the trash. I was at breaking point.
I don’t remember being possessed, or attacking Terry, or my local priest pulling the demon out of me and trapping her in a banana (with the help of a stranger, a badass girl who apparently wrangled supernatural creatures for a living.)
But the aftermath was wild. Terry promised he’d try harder, and give me more support.
He lied. And I broke.
So… I ate the banana. I absorbed the vengeance demon.
She’s a part of me now, sharing my body; we’re like two people in a car. Most of the time, I’m driving. Sometimes, I let her take the wheel. Read My Thoughts…
Reviewed: May 4th, 2024 Released: December 15th, 2014 Genre: Historical/Steampunk Fantasy
One spy. One dangerous book. One deadly mission. The first in a delightful fantasy mystery series, The Invisible Library is the astounding debut from Genevieve Cogman.
Irene must be at the top of her game or she’ll be off the case – permanently . . .
Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. Along with her new assistant Kai, she’s posted to an alternative London. Their mission – to retrieve a dangerous book. But lo and behold, when they arrive, it’s already been stolen. London’s underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book.
In this world teeming with supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic, Irene soon finds herself up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. And Kai is also hiding secrets of his own. Yet failure is not an option – the nature of reality itself is at stake. Read My Thoughts…
Today, I am thrilled to be spending time with paranormal fantasy author Sonja F. Blanco. She is joining me to talk to us about her latest book, the third in the Witch of Ware Woods series, Spells and Shadows, which released on the April 16th, 2024.
Helen: Welcome Sonja. Congratulations on the release of your latest book. Tell us all about Spells and Shadows.
Sonja: My latest book is Spells & Shadows, book 3 in the Witch of Ware Woods trilogy. It just released on April 16th, 2024, and I am SO excited for readers to fall in love with this final installment! It’s an action-packed, magical ride with huge revelations and all the feels.
To give context to this latest book and the trilogy as a whole, here’s a brief overview:
The WoWW trilogy is an upper YA, contemporary paranormal story with coming-of-age and hero’s journey elements. There is a B-story romance that is palpable, on page, and nongraphic.
The Main Character is Sara, and the narration is third person CLOSE, single POV.
Witch of Ware Woods (book 1) is about Sara finding herself and who she really is. It is about CHOICE.
Death & Dragons (book 2) is about Sara coming into her role. It is about TRUST in yourself and others.
Spells & Shadows (book 3) is about Sara embracing what she is capable of. It is about BELIEVING in yourself.
Ahhhh! Can you tell how excited I am?! Bwahaha!
Here’s the blurb for Spells & Shadows:
A forbidden spell. An evil forged by shadows. And a defiance that will bring the magical world to its knees.
Sara is reeling from a twisted betrayal and her unexpected part in increasing the Shadow Mother’s strength. Now she is forced to trust the secretive Global Council to vanquish the wicked entity. Except Sara isn’t one to place her fate in the hands of others.
When her intentions go horribly awry and dissent fractures the Global Council, Sara scrambles to convince the individual sacred sites of witches, shifters, and vampires to set aside centuries of deep-rooted distrust and join Ware Woods against the growing darkness. But not everyone believes in Sara.
Needing to stop the Shadow Mother before she claims Thomas, Sara risks everything on a bloody spell for knowledge—and discovers a fiery revelation.
As Ware Woods shatters around her and the safety of everyone she loves hangs in the balance, Sara must do the inconceivable. Become the sacrifice.
Helen: Ohhh, High stakes from the off! I can see why you are excited. What were your thoughts behind the cover?
Sonja: Each book in the Witch of Ware Woods trilogy features a different tree on its cover – a tree whose presence is woven into the story. For Spells & Shadows, it is the cherry tree. Like falling sand in an hourglass, the tumbling blossoms symbolize the running-out-of-time tension as Sara races to defeat the Shadow Mother and save Thomas (her bonded mate) and the magical world. No pressure! Although cherry blossoms are usually pink or white, I’m not a pinky kinda person and neither is Sara. Hence, the tree on Spells & Shadows is purple – a pinky compromise AND a symbol of nobility, power, peace, and magic. The wispy “shadows” in the background signify the villains and are the same blues as on the book 1 cover, signifying the story coming full circle. The white speckles, consistent on all the covers, are glimmerings of magic. On the paperback and hardcover versions, there is a “special” blue dragon. *non-spoilery, wink wink*
Helen: It is really interesting to find out about the details behind the cover design. I love the range of trees you’ve used and the reason behind them, and we’ll be looking out for that dragon! Who is your protagonist and why did you write them?
Sonja: The Witch of Ware Woods trilogy’s protagonist is Sara, an eighteen-year-old witch who is a hot mess of self-doubt, recklessness, kickassery, humor, and fierce independence. Her inner dialogue is relatable, and her growth is inspiring. She is a reflection of all of Ware Woods (and I do mean ALL) and her voice was the loudest in telling this story. It has always been Sara’s story to tell.
Helen: She sounds amazing. Which genre do you write in?
Sonja: I write fantasy because I love the wonder, the escape, the “what if” imagined worlds were real, and the freedom that comes with writing whatever fantastical story comes to my mind. And because I believe magic is real. It is hope, it is laughter, it is enjoying a delightful book, and so much more. I love being able to provide this escape to readers.
Helen: From what you’ve said, this Witch of Ware Woods is a trilogy, so if this series is complete, tell us about what are you working on next?
Sonja: Sure! My current WIP is a rivals-to-lovers story set in a multi-layered world with a rich mix of gritty and lush elements. Inspirations for this work include Dante’s Inferno, the Day of the Dead, and the Tree of Life.
Helen: That sounds a very interesting mixture. Can’t wait to see what you write! When writing do you listen to music? Create playlist for your books?
Sonja: Listening to music is a big part of my writing. I like to mentally write while taking long walks and listening to my playlist. This way, my monkey brain is occupied on not tripping while my creative brain takes the story in a number of directions before deciding on which is best for the story. My playlist is mostly a mix of rock, metal, and some alternative. For particular scenes or moods, I may listen to a specific song (usually on repeat) to immerse myself in the vibe.
Once I have a scene mentally written, I prefer to type it up in silence or with non-verbal white noise in the background. For the WoWW trilogy, I listened to a lot of ambient forest sounds.
Helen: I tend to write with clasisc music in the background, though sometimes silence works too. When you look back over your writing career, what is the best thing to happen you?
Sonja: The best thing that happened to me since I began writing was finding this incredible bookish community. Just – wow. I am truly grateful for all the amazing readers and writers I have connected with – online, in social media, and in real life. To gush over the same books and characters and scenes, to share recommendations and resources, and to genuinely connect through a love of story is priceless.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. It’s been lovely learning about your books. Was there anything else you’d like to share before we finish?
Sonja: While the WoWW trilogy is fantasy, there are many real-world influences on the story. For example, the setting of Ware, Massachusetts does exist. I spent a portion of my childhood traipsing the woods near this town. More on this and other real-life influences on the trilogy are addressed in an Author’s Note at the end of Spells & Shadows.
About the Author
Sonja F. Blanco
Sonja F. Blanco grew up in New England where she ran barefoot through the woods, chased lightning bugs, and tapped maple trees for syrup.
Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular.
At 5’2” she is often caught climbing tables, chairs, and small children to reach the upper shelves. She likes coffee and tea equally, both of which most certainly contributed to her diminutive stature.
Witty comics easily amuse her, as do heavily jowled Hell Hounds that talk in their sleep.
She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so.
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If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winningSentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fiction? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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Reviewed: April 14th, 2024 Released: February 7th 2020 Genre: PNR Fantasy
Riley thought he knew what to expect from college, but he never planned for angels, demons, or a team of attractive, overprotective Guardians.
When one fateful night opens his eyes to a world he never knew existed, Riley Shepard must navigate a host of supernatural dangers, all while struggling with new and confusing feelings for his guardian angels. With the promise of friends, family, and freedom finally within his grasp, he fears not only for his heart but for his life as well.
It’s Launch day! DragonBound is live! I am so excited to share the next installment, book two of the Fantasy Romance/PNR Romance SoulMist series.
DragonBound
DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
I hope you enjoy my latest book and once you’ve read DragonBound it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find DragonBound on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited. 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: March 7th, 2023 Released: July 26th, 2022 Genre: RH Paranormal Fantasy
I summon the lightning. I claim my power. The warlocks of Icarus Academy claim me.
I start my night as a cat burglar in Singapore and I end up queen of the witching world. Too bad this rags-to-riches fairytale’s a gig I never applied for and won’t accept. My witchcraft is wild and lethal, so I’ve renounced my power. I’m a fish out of water at Icarus Academy.
But these four sexy warlocks who rule the school just won’t take no for an answer.
They want me to claim my power. They want me to summon the lightning. And they want to claim me as their consort.
Because the witching world is dying, and I’m their last chance. But there’s a queen killer on the hunt. Unless I figure out how to claim my power before the killer claims my head, there’s a global extinction event looming.
With my name written all over it.
An intense dark witch academy why choose paranormal romance that delivers teacher-student forbidden love, steamy group interactions, possessive males, sexy shifters, first-time M/M, bi awakening, a lightning witch heroine who doesn’t have to choose, and enough heat to set your Academy uniform on fire. Read my thoughts…
Reviewed: February 28th, 2023 Released: December 25th, 2014 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Does a killer deserve redemption?
Michael Vincent believes he doesn’t. But can he ignore the discovery of his mate or the menace threatening his former pack as a chance for atonement.
Desperate to escape the memories of the horrific acts committed against his former pack, Michael Vincent has spent the last year running as a lone, tormented wolf. Fearful for his weakening humanity he returns to human form, but chooses to live in solitude, deep in the Rochfort Mountains. When he discovers his mate, a fragile hope slowly begins to ease the burden of the guilt he bears, but the evil that splintered his former life is casting its shadow anew forcing Michael to reunite with his pack mates as they brace to confront a terror thought long buried.
Realm of Darkness is now live!! and there are still more authors to spotlight.
I think we can squeeze one more in before the witching hour!! Check out Unblessed by Daphnee Moore and Marie LaRoche.
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
Have you ordered your copy yet for the insane special preorder price of 99c only available until end of Sunday 9th October, 2022? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See some of the covers revealed so far here.
Unblessed by Daphne Moore and Mari LaRoche
A life debt is nothing to be trifled with … even if it means spending the week with an irritating unicorn shifter with secrets to hide.
Nia is a rakshasa assassin, more than capable of protecting the tiny unicorn that a dying woman passes into her arms.
Xavier is not who he seems, but when homicidal trolls try to kill them all, can she work with the devil she knows to save their world from obliteration.
Order Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available to order now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c- but order now as price goes up on Monday, 10th October!
About the Author:
Daphne Moore, a USA Today bestselling author, has been a story teller from her preliterate days. She writes them down now for those out of earshot.
She lives in Ohio, in a small suburb, raising roses and children. She’s an aunt to a bunch of humans and two cute dogs.
She writes what she loves- speculative fiction in all forms, with a seasoning of romance.
For more information about Daphne Moore follow her on Facebook: @AuthorDaphneMoore
or Instagram: @daphnemooreauthor
Mari LaRoche is an emerging fantasy and paranormal author who has been making up stories since she could talk. Her stories: “Secrets and Gold” (Seven Deadly Sins: Avarice), “Witches and Kings” (Seven Deadly Sins: Lust), and “The Ghostly Loch” (Secrets In Our Cities) appeared first print under her former pen name, Mari L. Yates, with “Secrets” and “Witches” being republished in Taradiddles: An Anthology of Short Fiction, a textbook currently in use at a local community college. Her most recent story “Pigwitch Now” can be found in Beyond the Veil: An Anthology. She is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, presents workshops to local community college students on the challenges and rewards of creative writing, and is currently pursuing her BA in Creative Writing at SNHU. When not found with a book, camera, or laptop in her hands, she loves to cuddle with her three cats, travel through Canada, and collect feline and dragon tattoos.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love my new release SoulBreather, part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology, and my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. 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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Realm of Darkness is now live!! and there are still more authors to spotlight.
I thought it was about time I put the spotlight on my own book! SoulBreather.
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
Last chance. Have you ordered your copy yet for the insane special preorder price of 99c? Special price available until end of Sunday 9th October, 2022? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See some of the covers revealed so far here.
SoulBreather by Helen Garraway
If you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too?
A dying angel. A fractured realm. The SoulBreather who might be able to save them both.
Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.
Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?
SoulBreather is the first book in the paranormal romantic fantasy SoulMist series.
Order Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available to order now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c- but price goes up on Monday, 10th October!
About the Author:
Helen Garraway lives in the UK and has been writing about the world of Remargaren, a fantasy world of her creation since 2016.
Sentinals Awaken was Helen’s debut fantasy novel published in 2020. The series is now four books strong, with the fifth due in 2023. Her first Romantic Fantasy book, SoulBreather released as part fo thr Realm of Darkness boxset in Ocotber 2022.
An avid reader of many different fiction genres, a love she inherited from her mother, Helen writes fantasy novels and also enjoys paper crafting and scrapbooking as an escape from the pressure of working as a Product Manager.
Having graduated from the University of Southampton with a Degree in Politics and International Relations, she remains an active member of their alumni.
If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love my new release SoulBreather, part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology, and my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. 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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Realm of Darkness is now live!! and there are still more authors to spotlight.
Today, I am delighted to share Sky Callahan’s Inheritance
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
Have you ordered your copy yet for the insane special preorder price of 99c until end of Sunday 9th October, 2022? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See some of the covers revealed so far here.
Inheritance by Skye Callahan
I have spent most of my life in near isolation thanks to my father and his claim that I’d inherited a rare immune disorder. It was a lie, but I’m and learning the truth is far more disturbing and unbelievable.
I did inherit a rare trait that affects some mysterious component in my blood, but it’s nothing like what he told me. I’m walking vampire bait. Vampires are real. Not as rare as you might imagine. And not only do I smell like their favourite rare desert, they all covet the fabled strength hidden in my veins.
I’m left with two choices: Living out my life in complete isolation or relying on the strange vampire who saved me. But despite his deeply held ideals of honour, he’s still bound to his vampire nature, and a split second loss of control could make him my deadly enemy as well. All I know with certainty, is that I’m never going to know what normal feels like.
Order Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available to order now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c- but price goes up on Monday, 10th October!
About the Author:
“Skye’s writing takes darkness and gives it spice and romance.” ~ Pepper Winters, NYT Bestselling Author
A Top 25 Romantic Suspense Author on Amazon
Bestselling author on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble
Named a Rising Star in Romance by iBooks in 2015, bestselling author Skye Callahan uses fiction to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the resiliency needed to survive. Prior to pursuing writing full-time, Skye earned M.A. in History and participated in numerous local history projects including a full-length Civil War documentary for PBS. During grad school, a spark also rekindled her love of reading and writing fiction, and she’s been living in a daydream ever since.
Skye’s first romantic suspense Irrevocable was named a Top Read of 2014 by Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads, and continues to be a fan favorite.
If you want to know what Skye is working on next, head over to her website, where you can also pick up a free ebook just for signing up to her mailing list. You can also connect with Skye on Facebook /SkyeCallahan, Twitter /Skye_Callahan, or Instagram /authorskyecallahan.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love my new release SoulBreather, part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology, and my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. 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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Helen Garraway 