Rare Vigilance by M.A. Grant

Rare Vigilance is book 1 in the Whitethorn Agency, a fast paced, m/m romance with vampires.

Rare Vigilance by MA GrantSynopsis – Former marine Atlas Kinkaid knows not to ask questions about the clients he protects at the behest of the elite Whitethorn security agency. Just like he doesn’t like anyone asking about his scars—scars left by a mysterious attack that haunts his every waking moment.
Consumed by the need to find out what happened to him, Atlas takes a job providing security to Cristian Slava, the indolent—and gorgeous—son of a notorious businessman. Cristian seems to be just another entitled client, but when nights at the club turn into secret meetings and people start going missing, Atlas realizes there’s more to Cristian—and to protecting him—than meets the eye. Continue reading “Rare Vigilance by M.A. Grant”

Did someone say Wyrd and Wonder?

It’s time for my favourite event of the year. WYRD AND WONDER!!!!! The entire month of May raving about all things fantasy. Every type of fantasy. High, low, epic, magical realism, grimdark, urban, paranormal… All of it.

I think the big challenge this year will actually be producing reviews for what I’ve read and what I will be reading. I just counted and I have 15 partially written reviews that I could finish and post during May. All wonderful books, but I haven’t written a review in over a month, so you can see why I would be concerned about my ability to get shit done. Continue reading “Did someone say Wyrd and Wonder?”

WWW Wednesday

Today I have a super simple post to let the world know what I’m reading. Hosted by Taking on a World of Words, you answer 3 questions and hey presto, you are all done.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading –

We Are Wolves: A Horror Anthology – Including authors like Gemma Amor, Jessica Guess, Sadie Hartmann and many more, this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s powerful, emotional, empowering and dark. Continue reading “WWW Wednesday”

WWW Wednesday

Today I have a super simple post to let the world know what I’m reading. Hosted by Taking on a World of Words, you answer 3 questions and hey presto, you are all done.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading –

Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope – I started this today and it is pretty fantastic so far, the world building is rich and vivid. I already adore the characters and it’s hard to put the book down. Yay for another potential middle grade win. Continue reading “WWW Wednesday”

Throwback Thursday

Every Thursday I’m going to focus on a book that I’ve read and enjoyed, but for whatever reason I haven’t written a review for it. I would say I only review a third or so of what I read, so I’m glad I’ve finally organised a place to rave about the books I missed and maybe twist someone’s arm into finding their next favourite book..

Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks

Black Witch Magic by Mila NicksSynopsis – Librarian by day, cursed witch by night:
Selene Blackstone spends her days camped out in library corners with her nose glued to books. In a town like Brimrock, where she’s an outcast, she prefers her book friends to her real-life enemies. They’re a lot less judgmental. The rest of town believes she descends from a family of witches—including her evil witch grandma, Luna. In this case, the truth is stranger than fiction. She is a witch, and she’s cursed for all of eternity. Good thing her to-be-read list is pretty long…
Prickly Paranormal Investigator Aiden O’Hare speaks two languages: sarcasm and more sarcasm. He travels the country—and sometimes even the world—investigating strange phenomena with his best friend, Eddie. Their investigations bring them to a cozy New England town called Brimrock, home to fabled evil witch Luna Blackstone. Armed with his dry wit, his bibliophilic love for books, and far too much free time, he’s determined to find out just what happened to Luna…
When Aiden meets Selene, he decides he must get to know her. When Selene learns Aiden is in town investigating her grandma, she knows she must stop him. He’s out to expose the truth. She’s out to keep it a secret. Neither expects to fall under each other’s spell, but sometimes love is supernatural.


Black Witch Magic is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m not even sure why I didn’t get a proper review for it out when I read it in October. It was the perfect Christmas read. The characters were adorable, the romance was sweet and fun. But it wasn’t light and fluffy, the mystery throughout kept me on my toes, it was really dark in places and the way Selene is treated by the community is downright horrible.

One of my favourite things about the book is that Selene and Aiden’s relationship is so awkward in places. Like the second hand embarrassment was huge in places. And they get past hard spots with conversation. That is refreshing, I hate when things could be fixed with a conversation but it never happens. It felt a lot more real than many insta love scenarios, even with all the magic thrown in.

Magic – Mystery – Romance – Libraries – Revenge


Book info and clicky bits

Author: Mila Nicks  /  Released: 30th October 2020

Goodreads  –  Amazon


About the authorMila Nicks is an emerging romance author on a mission to pen heartfelt love stories featuring women of color. From the time she was a small girl with crayons and an overactive imagination, she’s had a passion for storytelling. In addition to receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, she is presently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing. She has also served her country in the United States Air Force. When she isn’t penning diverse love stories, you can find this imaginative writer traveling across the globe, sampling new cuisines, or spending quality time with her spunky pet Chihuahua, Zayden.

WWW Wednesday

Today I have a super simple post to let the world know what I’m reading. Hosted by Taking on a World of Words, you answer 3 questions and hey presto, you are all done.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading –

Rae and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi. There is a lot to love about this one. Portal fantasy, middle grade, Indian mc, so much magic. 

Rea and the blood of the nectar by Payal Doshi

Recently Finished –

The Treason of Robyn Hood by D. Lieber. Dieselpunk, gender swapped fantasy. A very fast paced read with some sexy thrown in for fun.

The Treason Of Robyn Hood by D. Lieber

Next –

A Journey into Dreams by D.R. O’Shea. I read a chapter or two of this earlier in the month and the writing is wonderful, I’m looking forward to getting back to it. 

A Journey into Dreams by D.R. O'Shea

I’m giving myself extra pats on the back right now as they are all NetGalley books. Have you read any of these and what are you reading at the moment?

 

 

 

 

 

The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

The Brass Queen is a rollicking fun adventure with wonderful over the top, sassy characters. 

Steampunk  –  Historical Fantasy  –  Political Intrigue  –  Magic

Synopsis – In 1897, a fiery British aristocrat and an inept US spy search for a stolen invisibility serum that could spark a global war.
Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogue inventors. Selling exotic firearms under her alias, the ‘Brass Queen,’ has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy, Trusdale, saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world they know will literally disappear before their eyes.

Continue reading “The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth”

WWW Wednesday

Today I have a super simple post to let the world know what I’m reading. Hosted by Taking on a World of Words, you answer 3 questions and hey presto, you are all done.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading –

Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long is my main read at the moment. I’m not quite 50% of the way through this one, but I can confidently say I’m loving it so far. It’s due for release on the 19th, I hope to have it finished and reviewed by then, but life is bloody hectic at the moment. I think a lot of people are going to love it. Here is a snippet from the blurb that was pretty much the point I pounded the request button – Continue reading “WWW Wednesday”

WWW Wednesday

Today I have a super simple post to let the world know what I’m reading. Hosted by Taking on a World of Words, you answer 3 questions and hey presto, you are all done.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next? Continue reading “WWW Wednesday”

Stacking The Shelves

A weekly post where I can brag about my new books? Yes please. Granted I definitely won’t have something to post every week, I’ll just do it as required. I will be including everything from my purchases, to NetGalley, gifts and books from authors.

For more information head over to Tynga’s reviews

Stacking the shelves Picture - Saturday meme

This covers the last few books I picked up in 2020. I was in a pretty specific mood, plus I was lucky enough to be approached by an author which is always cool and 100% daunting. 

Ebooks:

  • Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost – After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
    He’s the Prince of Night…
    Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.
     

Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

  • Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost
  • Bound By Flames by Jeaniene Frost
  • Into The Fire by Jeaniene Frost

NetGalley:

The Moonsteel Crown by Stephen DeasThe Moonsteel Crown by Stephen Deas – The vast Empire of Aria is in crisis. The Emperor is dead, murdered. The heir is a nine-year-old boy whose older sister, a potent sorceress, is manoeuvring to act as regent. Factions are forming within the Imperial family, the Southern lords are edging towards open rebellion, and on the far-flung borders an ancient darkness stirs.
Myla, Fingers and Seth couldn’t care less. All members of Fat Al’s Teahouse gang, they’ve found themselves in somewhat of a pickle, caught at the scene of a crime stealing to order, what they only just now realise might well be linked to the Emperor’s untimely demise. Stuck in a city on lockdown they’re forced to lay low, but the wolves are circling, and rival gangs are smelling blood…


Publisher – Angry Robot   Due For release – 9th Feb 2021


Vasilisa by Julie MathisonVasilisa by Julie Mathison – Three witches, two children, one ogre — and nowhere to run.
It’s 1919, but in Edenfall, Pennsylvania, the Great War is not over — not for Vasilisa, at least. Papa is presumed dead on the fields of Flanders, Mama is being courted by an absolute ogre, and now Babka, her beloved grandma, has had a bad spell. Or has she fallen under one? Only the Old Tales, the Russian fables Vasilisa was raised on, offer any comfort or counsel.
But what if they are more than child’s tales?
Enter Ivan, who jumps a train for Edenfall at midnight and finds Vasilisa in a real fix. Old Rus is calling from across time and both worlds, and if they heed the call, they might both get what they want. It won’t be easy. Three witches, two children, one ogre – they’re outnumbered and outclassed. Baba Yaga and Old Koschei are after the same thing — and each other — and the children are caught in the crosshairs. Vasilisa has a secret weapon, in the humblest of guises, but will the meek truly inherit the earth? Or will the mighty prevail? One thing is certain: it’s a fairy tale of their own making, a tale whose happy ending is ever in doubt.


Publisher – Starr Creek Press   Due For Release – 23 February 2021


The Descent of the Drowned by Ana Lal DinThe Descent of the Drowned by Ana Lal Din – She is bound to serve. He is meant to kill. Survival is their prison. Choice is their weapon.
As the sacred slave of a goddess, Roma is of a lower caste that serves patrons to sustain the balance between gods and men. What she wants is her freedom, but deserters are hunted and hanged, and Roma only knows how to survive in her village where women are vessels without a voice. When her younger brother is condemned to the same wretched fate as hers, Roma must choose between silence and rebellion.
Leviathan is the bastard son of an immortal tyrant. Raised in a military city where everyone knows of his blood relation to the persecuted clans, Leviathan is considered casteless. Lowest of the low. Graduating as one of the deadliest soldiers, he executes in his father’s name, displaying his worth. When he faces judgement from his mother’s people—the clans—Leviathan must confront his demons and forge his own path, if he ever hopes to reclaim his soul.


Publisher – White Tigress Press   Due For Release – 15th March 2021


The Treason Of Robyn Hood by D. LieberThe Treason of Robyn Hood by D. Leiber – What is the price of justice?
As a ward of the Lacklands, Robyn Loxley has lived a privileged life. Even now, in 1942, when another war ravages the world and people on the home front must do without, her adopted family is not affected by the rations and shortages.
That’s not to say she hasn’t been affected by the war personally. As Robyn hits yet another roadblock in her quest to see her best friend Will, trapped in a Japanese-American concentration camp, she stumbles onto the people of Sherwood.
With dark truths revealed about the Lacklands and what really goes on in Midshire, Robyn must answer what justice means to her and what she’s willing to do to exact it.


Publisher – Ink & Magick   Due For Release – 9th March 2021


For Review:

The Lightning Knight by Sean P. ValienteThe Lightning Knight by Sean Valiente – Po Pondarion has always dreamed of becoming a true knight. What he doesn’t know is that he’s destined to save the world and reignite the spark of magic within it.
But this isn’t his story, it’s mine. See, I once thought magic was only the stuff of fairytales, and I was wrong. I’m doing my best to protect, train, and mentor Po as we search for the key to unlock magic before a dangerous secret group gets there first.
I mean, while that all seems a bit much to take on for a sixteen year-old, that’s because it is. Here I was just planning on courting the girl of my dreams, figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, and trying not to get into too much trouble. But things can never be that easy, can they? I guess if it were easy, it wouldn’t be me.
I am Oliver Quartermaine, and my life is about to get a lot more complicated.


Due For Release – 5th January 2021