Dates: September 22, 2023 Author: JJade Church Genre: College Romance Representation: Gay characters TW: Alcohol use, minor drug use (party).
Blurb:
“We took this too far the moment I had to pretend you were mine.”
Who knew one little white lie could cause so much chaos?
Leo isn’t one for drama—let alone being the cause for it. So when his parents unexpectedly turn up in Sun City with his baby sister in tow, he’s unprepared for the trouble he’s accidentally unleashed on his own life.
There were three problems:
He might be in love with his best friend, Kit
His parents thought Kit was his boyfriend… probably because that was what he’d told them
Kit had no clue about either of these things
A kiss he can’t take back and a friendship at stake—Leo must make a decision: admit his lie and potentially let down those he loves, or strip bare and risk it all.
Strip Bare is the third book in an interconnected series of standalones. If you love fake dating, forced proximity, and steamy gay romance then The Sun City series is perfect for fans of The Deal and Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.
Putting Down Roots Dates: September 15, 2023 Author: Jem Wendel Genre: Adult, LGBT, Contemporary Romance Representation: Gay characters, Bi characters, Mental health – Anxiety and depression TW: Depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Homophobic slurs. Mention of – Historical violence, childhood sexual abuse and self-harm. Death and suicide of parents. Blurb: Jackson Jackson’s plan had been a simple one—fill the van with fuel and drive until it ran dry, then start his life all over again. He was running away—from his ex-wife, his ex-boss, his ex-life. He was excited for a fresh start opening a plant nursery with no one to bother him. But when his van breaks down, he is forced to stay in Larchdown and the longer he stays in the strange village, the more it gets under his skin. When he meets the beautiful but troubled new owner of Larchdown House, his life gets a lot more complicated. Luca Luca’s art career is on the rocks after a spiteful review from his art critic ex-lover. Amid the scandal, he can’t bring himself to leave his apartment or even think about picking up a paintbrush. Inheriting his great aunt’s home in the country gives him the chance to escape London and his dismal new life for a while. When he meets a gorgeous gardener on the property, he finds he has a reason to stay. Except the guy is straight . . . isn’t he?
Both men must confront their own demons if they want to find their way to each other and learn to trust again.
But no one can run from their past forever and when it finally pays a visit, have they done enough to conquer it?
My Review:
To Come
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Two Ballerinas dance on the pages of this charming story of ballet passion.
“Overflowing with enthusiasm for ballet, this book is a celebration of all those who live with dance in their souls. Effervescent images of both Danika and Ballerina Konora will inspire children to mirror their movements both while reading the story and after it ends”. (—Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer)
Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions and photos for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelope the cat, and their animal friends.
Part of the Dance-It-Out! collection of Creative Movement Stories. While each book is an independent story, Danika’s Dancing Day builds on concepts introduced in earlier stories, and it’s ideal for dance students or kids 5+. The series is a bit above typical language level as the stories are often enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher.
Movement, technique, and dance concepts in this story include: • First Position • First, Second, Fifth Position Arms • Skip (Sauté Passé) • Attitude • Plié • Tendu • Sur le Cou-de-pied • Arabesque • Penché • Chassé • Passé • Sauté • Pas de Chat • Port de bras • Grand Jeté • Waltz (1/2) • Twirl
Dance-It-Out! books work great for studio classes or camps. Danika’s Dancing Day would pair well with themes such as Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Imagination, Dancing, Ballet, and Pretend Play.
With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made, easy additions to curriculum and lesson planning. Children at home adore the stories that “young readers will return to again and again” (—Reedsy).
My Review:
To Come
About the authors
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories.
Their catalog of 25 interactive dance books highlights positive messages and role models throughout four main series: Dance-It-Out! stories combine whimsical tales with movement and subtle life lessons (spans ages 4-9) Dancing Shapes peeks at a professional ballerina’s journey, teaches ballet, and exploresdetail and form(spans ages 6-11) Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts deep dives into technique, tips, and insight for aspiring dancers (ages 8-12) Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun debuts in 2023 to encourage scarf and parachute play.
Genre: YA Fantasy (Villain Origin Story) Series: Fate of Eyrinthia (Prequel) Release Date: August 25, 2023
Blurb:
All she wanted . . .
Seventeen-year-old Iris Winn loves her quiet life with her father, studying the poisons that fascinate them both. But after his sudden death, Iris is now the ward of her estranged aunt and uncle. In order to claim her inheritance, she must live in the capital city of Lenzen for one year. While there, she must attend parties, balls, and participate in every other vapid thing the elite of Ryden value. Iris doesn’t care about learning their rules or joining their ranks–her only goal is to endure the next year. Then she meets Prince Henri Kaelin.
Everything they demanded . . .
Every young woman in Lenzen wants Henri–except for Iris. Unfortunately, the prince only has eyes for her. The king has decreed that Henri must choose a bride before his birthday, and Iris is determined it won’t be her. Dodging a prince’s focused attention while placating her relatives and the rest of Ryden’s high society is exhausting–and more dangerous than Iris could have ever imagined. She is about to learn that not all games are innocent, and some smiles are more lethal than poison. Luckily, Iris is a quick study, and this is a game she is determined to win.
She would take it all.
Crown & Serpent is a Fate of Eyrinthia prequel novella that’s actually the length of a novel. This villain origin story was released after Royal Rebel, but it can be read at any point in the series.
Excerpt from Crown & Serpent
The next evening, Iris stood in the entryway of the Winn home, waiting for her relatives to appear. She kept running a palm over her lilac skirt. The color was lighter than many of the gowns her aunt had ordered, which was why Iris had chosen it for tonight. The sleeves stretched to her wrists, where they belled out and covered most of her hands. Fates, why were her hands sweating? She didn’t want to be nervous. It was a ball, not an execution. Do this and you’ll get to return to Rew, she reminded herself firmly. All she needed to do was survive a year of this, and then no one would ever again command her. She’d already made it one month in Lenzen. Surely she could endure eleven more. “You look a little ill.” Iris looked to the top of the wide staircase, where Kell stood. He looked handsome, she supposed. He wore a blue jacket over a white shirt that was tucked into black breeches. His deep brown hair was neatly combed, but there was no hiding his broken arm, which was still in its sling. She lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t know much about balls, but I believe young men are supposed to deliver compliments to young ladies, not insults.” A smile played about Kell’s lips. “You’re right. Let me begin again, dear cousin—you look lovely.” Her own mouth twitched. She still didn’t know what to make of Kell, but at least he was more entertaining than Lillin. He started down the stairs, his footsteps as light as his tone. “I suppose while we’re exchanging etiquette lessons, I should let you know it’s customary for the men to await the ladies in the entry hall.” Her eyebrows pulled together. “Why?” “It allows you to have your grand entrance.” “But . . . why?” He shrugged. “It’s just the way of things. But you should never underestimate the power of a grand entrance.” “There was no point in remaining upstairs,” Iris said slowly, still struggling to understand. “I was ready.” Kell reached the bottom of the stairs, and in the lamp light she could see his eyes glitter. “Oh, you can be ready in your room, I think—just wait there until all the men are downstairs.” “You’re teasing me.” “Only a little. Usually, the ladies do come down last.” He grinned. “But your punctuality allowed me to enjoy my first grand entrance, so thank you.” Iris wasn’t sure how to respond, so she said nothing. Kell cocked his head as he studied her more closely. “I’ve never seen you wear your hair like that.” Iris resisted the urge to touch the pile of hair on her head. The bun was elaborate, with more pins than should ever be plunged into hair. Her scalp felt bruised, and her temples already ached. She missed the simplicity of her long braid. Kell must have read something in her expression, because his gaze softened. “You really do look beautiful. Try not to be nervous.” “I’m not nervous. It’s just a ball.” He smirked, though there was an edge to the gesture. “Oh, Iris—if you think it’s just a ball, then Lady Griffin didn’t do a very good job of preparing you.”
GIVEAWAY (US only): To celebrate Crown & Serpent coming out, Heather is giving away a signed paperback of Royal Decoy + collectible bookmarks and postcard!
About Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia book 1): New to Eyrinthia? You can start this bestselling YA fantasy romance series with Royal Decoy. Get it here: https://mybook.to/lvabZJ
Clare made a mistake when she saved the princess’s life . . .
In one horrible night, Clare is forced to give up her life as a kitchen maid to become the princess’s decoy. Thrust into a dangerous new world of royals and deadly politics, she must learn how to be the princess’s perfect double to ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince. Desperate to survive, Clare throws herself into self-defense training, taught by her distractingly attractive bodyguard, Bennick. The spark between them is undeniable, though a relationship is forbidden. When a ruthless assassin begins stalking her, it becomes frighteningly clear that some will stop at nothing to end the tenuous peace—and Clare’s life.
Across the northern mountains, Prince Grayson is his father’s ultimate weapon. His name inspires fear in all who hear it, but no one knows his heavily guarded secret. He carries out every brutal order only because his father holds power over the one person he cares about. Grayson’s silent obedience is tested, however, when his father reveals plans to exploit the marriage alliance between two of their greatest enemies. If Grayson submits, the blood of thousands will spill. If he resists, the girl who means everything to him will die.
The fate of Eyrinthia hangs in the balance. Some want peace. Some want war. All will be thrown into chaos.
Royal Decoy is book 1 in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series told from multiple POVs. If you like swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and non-stop action with epic twists, then you’ll love the captivating world of Eyrinthia.
Author Bio Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon bestselling author who writes magical stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy, the Fate of Eyrinthia series, and Esperance. Her books have been Whitney Award and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com.
Born to Run Dates: July 31 – Aug 4, 2023 Author: Ann Hunter Genre: MG/YA contemporary equestrian Representation: bi, girls in male-dominated sports, adoption, blended families, equestrians TW: 2 deaths in book one (no animals are harmed) Blurb: Alexandra Anderson is on the run from the law. When the thirteen-year-old orphan can run no further, she collapses at the gates of the prestigious racing and breeding farm, North Oak. Horse racing strikes a deep chord in her. She hears a higher calling in the jingle jangle of bit and stirrup and in the thunder of hooves on the turn for home. It tells her she has a place in the world. But when the racing headlines find her on the front of every sports page, she realizes North Oak is no longer a safe haven. Money can’t buy love, but it just might secure Alex’s future. Will anyone at North Oak still want to offer her a home when they learn of her unspeakable crime? On the heels of Joanna Campbell’s beloved Thoroughbred Series, and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion, comes a brand new young adult horse racing series that will sweep you away like a runaway Thoroughbred.
The Time Between Space is a dark comedy about love and loss, and how a childhood falsely remembered can years later distort what we feel about those closest to us.
The Space Between Time Publication Date: June 17, 2023 Genre: Lit Fiction/ Dark Humor
The Time Between Space is a dark comedy about love and loss, and how a childhood falsely remembered can years later distort what we feel about those closest to us. The story follows the protagonist, Emma, during her childhood and adult years in Edinburgh and East Lothian. Emma Maria Rossini should be the luckiest girl in the world, except that’s not how she sees it. She’s the daughter of a famous film actor and a loving mother, and a gilded life of privilege seems hers for the taking. She also happens to be the granddaughter of an eccentric Italian astrophysicist. But when tragedy strikes, and her world begins to fall apart, she reinvents childhood memories to find someone to blame. Her reaction to her mother’s death precipitates a suicide attempt and leads to her estrangement from her father. Emma stumbles through university and finds work as a journalist in Edinburgh, although she once more starts to become mentally unstable and, following the death of her father, she ends up attempting suicide again. It’s while she’s in hospital that her psychiatrist suggests she write a memoir of her life, to help her make sense of everything that’s happened to her. The Time Between Space is the story she writes. As she reflects on the complexities and interrelationships in her world, Emma finds solace in her grandfather’s theorem on the universe.
I was born in Paisley, central Scotland, which wasn’t my fault. That week, Eddie Calvert with Norrie Paramor and his Orchestra were Top of the Pops, with Oh, Mein Papa, as sung by a young German woman remembering her once-famous clown father. That gives a clue to my age, not my musical taste.
I was brought up in the west of Scotland and graduated from the University of Edinburgh. I still have the scroll, but it’s in Latin, so it could say anything.
I then worked briefly as a street actor, baby photographer, puppeteer and restaurant dogsbody before becoming a journalist. I started in Glasgow and ended up in London, covering news, features and politics. I interviewed motorbike ace Barry Sheene, Noel Edmonds threatened me with legal action and, because of a bureaucratic muddle, I was ordered out of Greece.
I then took a year to travel round the world, visiting 19 countries. Highlights included being threatened by a man with a gun in Dubai, being given an armed bodyguard by the PLO in Beirut (not the same person with a gun), and visiting Robert Louis Stevenson’s grave in Samoa. What I did for the rest of the year I can’t quite remember
Surprisingly, I was approached by a government agency to work in intelligence, which just shows how shoddy government recruitment was back then. However, it turned out to be very boring and I don’t like vodka martini.
Craving excitement and adventure, I ended up as a PR consultant, which is the fate of all journalists who haven’t won a Pulitzer Prize, and I’ve still to listen to Oh, Mein Papa.
I am married with two grown-up children and live in central Scotland. And that’s about it.
A blood debt owed. Two enemies love the same woman. One of them must die. At the summer solstice festival passion and destiny collide.
Runa, a solstice child, is denied the love and protection of her family, pushing her to desperate lengths to escape their cruelty. Guided by the goddess Freya, she decides to weave her own destiny. When two men enter her life, she must choose between them and risk everything for love.
Brand vowed to collect a blood debt from the Viking raiders who slew his family. His hunt has led him to a village harboring his enemy. Bound by the sacred peace of the solstice festival he must wait to take his revenge. He never anticipated the captivating allure of Runa who threatens to disrupt his path to vengeance.
Eiland, on the verge of death after being hunted for years, must pay for the crimes of his youth. Then he finds hope and a reason to fight back in the arms of a mysterious girl. As fate closes in on him, he is faced with a crucial decision: reclaim his hold on life or embrace the halls of Valhalla.
Passion, vengeance, and destiny intertwine as two bitter enemies contend for the love of one woman. Who will emerge triumphant in the battle between the two men Runa loves?
Solstice Child is a mesmerizing stand-alone adventure that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its intoxicating blend of sensual historical fantasy romance and elements of Norse mythology, this tale weaves a spellbinding tapestry of love, passion, and sacrifice. Brace yourself for a riveting love-triangle romance that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Wendy L. Anderson is a writer of passionately charged fantasy. Breaking the barriers of typical fantasy themes, she created the Kingdom of Jior epic fantasy series, a lusty and poetic five-book series that will have you wanting more in her Legends of Everclearing spinoff series. Inspired by authors such as Robert E. Howard and Morgan Llywelyn, Wendy went on to write three other stand-alone works; A Cut Twice as Deep, Ulrik, and Rapunzel’s Tower. These fantasy works break free from the usual boundaries of fantasy genres.
A Colorado native and mother of two; she has decided it is time to write down the fantasies from her mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.
Wendy L. Anderson’s fantasy has action, adventure, and suspense with just the right amount of romance!
Who loves a cozy mystery? Then check our Claire and the Missing Heir by Amanda Nelson!
Claire and the Missing Heir Publication Date: June 19, 2023 Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Romcom
When Mr. Johnson, the abrasive and crotchety bank manager who was almost universally disliked, is found dead in his house under suspicious circumstances. Best friends CC and Claire decide the new sheriff doesn’t know enough about small towns, and the people who live there, to solve the case. They begin asking questions, and generally annoying the sheriff, but one person points the finger at another until there are no answers, just more questions. With lots of reasons to want Mr. Johnson dead, what finally caused somebody to kill him? Could somebody they know really be a killer? Claire’s inability to keep her thoughts to herself cause hurt feelings, hilarity, and bodily harm wherever she goes, but that won’t stop CC and Claire from trying to find who might be a murderer. Nor do the sheriff’s hopefully idle threats, and pointed statements, to keep out of his investigation. As far as Claire is concerned, he doesn’t have much of an investigation. To make matters worse every time Claire and the sheriff are in the same area, he ends up injured. She didn’t mean to hit him with her car, or slap him, or hit him with a door, or feed him dog biscuits, or run over his foot, or … well you get the idea. A smart person would avoid the walking hazard that is Claire, but the sheriff keeps turning up wherever Claire goes. Is it a coincidence, or something more? The sparks and injuries fly as Claire and the new sheriff both try to solve the suspicious death of Mr. Johnson.
Writing has always been a hobby for Amanda Nelson. However, it was not always something she thought she could make a living with. After years of teaching elementary school, she finally sat down and wrote her first book. A cozy mystery about best friends solving a murder in their small town. Since turning her passion into a profession she is never happier than when she sits down at her desk and puts the opening words to a new book or story on paper. Amanda lives with her husband of over 20 years, her two grown children, and a lot of pets. When not writing she likes to spend time with family and friends, walk on the beach with her dogs, read, and take photographs. Follow Amanda on Amazon for notifications when new books release and connect with her directly at amandanelsonauthor.com.
A Draught of Ash & Wine (Midnight Guardians #2) Dates: July 24 – 28, 2023 Author: Kristin Jacques Genre: Adult, LGBTQ Paranormal Romance Representation: Gay, Bi, Gender Fluid TW: Violence & Gore, depictions of PTSD and emotional trauma Blurb: Johnathan Newman is a changed man, and he has the claws to prove it. Following their bloody confrontation in Cress Haven, Vic and Johnathan flee the town in search of answers. Johnathan’s human life has ended, but his journey has just begun. Grappling with violent instincts and a supernatural bond to the vampire he’s falling for is complicated enough, but a dangerous new enemy is hot on their heels. The machinations of the Society reach farther than either of them realized. Their foe’s dogged pursuit forces the pair to seek sanctuary. Vic brings Johnathan to the Estate, a haven for creatures nestled in the wilderness of upstate New York. Taken in by the Estate’s unusual proprietors, Johnathan soon learns not even sanctuary is safe for one of his ilk. This haven provides the pair an opportunity to explore their burgeoning relationship, and Johnathan a chance to learn control- A skill he is desperate to master, no matter the cost. Because time is not on their side. The Society’s Agents are catching up to them, armed with a weapon straight from the Heavens. With their enemy’s plans creeping toward fruition, humans won’t be the only ones they have to worry about. For fans of Gail Carriger’s Supernatural Society, The Charm of Magpies series by KJ Charles, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee.
We are thrilled to present The Bridge to Magic by Alex Thornbury. Read on for more details!
The Bridge to Magic (The Sundered Web #1)
Publication Date: February 21, 2023
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/ Dystopian Vibes
An award-winning debut for lovers of traditional fantasy and the readers who crave the dark, disturbing and original.
Men thought they had won the war against magic, when a demi-god had sundered their realm and banished magic and its keepers to the deadlands. But then another terror was born. Nothing can survive the approaching Blight. Terren, the last refuge of mankind, now stands alone in its path. Only the bridge across the great chasm offers any hope of escape… for some.
Elika has long feared the bridge to the Deadlands. It had taken her parents, and the lives of more poor fools than she could count. What’s there for them anyway on the other side but more suffering and death? Though the gods had abandoned them, the king and his priests will stop the Blight. They just need to destroy every echo of magic, the source of the Blight. Then she discovers that the biggest echo of magic is hiding inside her, and through her it seeks to enact the will of its own.
Accused of being a mage, she is hunted and hated. Many doubt her loyalties. Her gang turns against her. The one man she thought she could trust and love, abandons her. Everything she knew about her past shatters, as long-buried secrets about her true birth emerge. Worse still, she may not even be human. She must race to find a way to purge herself from magic’s hold. But as time runs out for the city and her magic only grows in power, can she sacrifice herself to save the last of humanity and all that she loves?
“A grim and despairing yet elegiac fantasy tale… Hard-bitten fantasists should approve.”—Kirkus Reviews
Alex Thornbury is an award-winning author. She grew up in Cheshire UK, and developed deep love of history and fantasy thanks to the many castles she visited as a child. Though she grew up to be an Alchemist by trade, she never stopped fantasising about other worlds, dragons and epic battles.
She has abandoned her Alchemy and potion making career, and is now a full time author of high fantasy. Three of her books are to be released in early 2023.
Dance-It-Out! stories combine whimsical tales with movement and subtle life lessons (spans ages 4-9)
Dancing Shapes peeks at a professional ballerina’s journey, teaches ballet, and explores detail and form (spans ages 6-11)
Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts deep dives into technique, tips, and insight for aspiring dancers (ages 8-12)
Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun debuts in 2023 to encourage scarf and parachute play.
Stars Books & Tea 