Read an excerpt from this inspirational romantic suspense... Snowstorm Sabotage by Kerry Johnson (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbook #romancebooks #inspirationalromance @justreadtours @loveinspiredbks

Thursday, September 30, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read an excerpt and enter the tour giveaway below...

Snowstorm Sabotage
By Kerry Johnson
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 175 Pages
September 28, 2021 by Love Inspired Suspense

Summary

Can she survive a blizzard…

and being framed?

Single mom Everly Raven didn't just discover the murder of her friend—she's being framed for it. Now she's on the run from hired killers at her family's ski resort, all while a deadly blizzard rages. Her only hope is her ex-husband, FBI agent Isaac Rhodes—the secret father of her child. But can they live long enough for him to meet their daughter—and clear Everly’s name?

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

Isaac drew in a gulp of wintry air to douse the fiery anger that lingered after hearing the perp’s threats against Everly. He’d call in the man’s location as soon as cell service picked up. It was imperative he keep a clear head for this case, but that was proving harder than expected because of whom he was protecting.

Everly.

How was she holding up in this? He glanced her way, dread a lump of coal in his throat. Her shoulders hunched, and her tucked chin quaked nonstop against her chest. They had to get out of this storm, and fast.

About the Author


Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW, she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her engineer husband, two teenaged sons, her nine-year-old niece, and way too many books. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and iced chai tea.


Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway


(1) winner will receive a pinecone necklace.
(1) winner will receive a $25 Starbucks gift card.
(10) winners will receive an individually wrapped snowflake soap.

Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight September 28, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 5, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you think of the excerpt? Do you read this line of books?

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Romance, suspense and the Saint Squad... Redemption by Traci Hunter Abramson (Review & #Giveaway) #romanticsuspense #suspensebooks #romancebooks #cleanromance @covenant_comm @traciabramson

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 - Leave a Comment

I enjoyed spending time with the Saint Squad as well as some new characters in this new release. Read my review and enter the tour giveaway sponsored by Covenant Communications below...

Redemption
(Saint Squad #11)
By Traci Hunter Abramson
Adult Romantic Suspense, Christian
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 314 Pages
September 20th 2021 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings.

At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with the very men who ended his own life of crime before it began—the Saint Squad.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

REDEMPTION is a story about a man who once held his high school classroom hostage looking for redemption and a woman who is the daughter of a wealthy hotel tycoon trying to find her own place. With an underlying political plot to assassinate a presidential candidate and this group of characters who fans of the series have come to love, it's an enjoyable read from start to finish.

I have enjoyed this series for years now, going on missions with the Saint Squad. This story involves the squad, so readers get to spend some time with them all, but the focus of the story was two new characters: Gage and Skylar. Skylar works at her father's hotel where a wife of one of the Saint Squad runs her company training police officers and others on how to react to mass shootings. The squad sometimes help with the scenarios as does Skylar. Gage is a new employee as he was once a teen who was the one with the gun but has completely changed his life around and is trying to use his experience to help others. Both Skylar and Gage are likable characters who start as acquaintances, move to friends and then can't help but want more. However, Gage's past, Skylar's family and a political plot all try to get in the way of any future for them.

I again enjoyed the Saint Squad's part of the story. They're a great group of characters. Plus, the author does really well in the play-by-play of an op with plenty of suspense. I also loved an additional non-official op later on in the story that just made me laugh. Literally. The storyline with Gage and Skylar was sweet and romantic. Sometimes it was a bit much for me, but I think most readers will enjoy it. There were some religious references, but not in a preachy way. More of that these characters are Christians so some of that comes across in aspects of their lives. There wasn't an overall religious moment or pointed message or anything so I'd categorize this as mainstream romantic suspense. Some of the drama was too over-the-top for me, but that's really my only major complaint.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was another entertaining story in this series with great characters and an engaging plot. Would recommend to romantic suspense fans as well as fans of the series.

Content: Some violence and possible triggers for some (mass shootings), but not overly descriptive. Would consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Originally from Arizona, TRACI HUNTER ABRAMSON spent much of her childhood exploring the little town of Pinewood. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written multiple novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad series. When she's not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. She also enjoys cooking, although she prefers an electric stove to the wood-burning variety.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a fan of this series or romantic military suspense?

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I Can't Wait for... Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #yalit #yabooks #yafantasy @WednesdayBooks

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Tag me on your CWW posts on Twitter (@wishfulendings) and I'll like and retweet!

I'm a huge Jane Eyre fan and this twist on the classic sounds quite intriguing. It's my pick this week...

Within These Wicked Walls
By Lauren Blackwood
YA Fantasy, Retelling
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
October 19, 2021 by Wednesday Books

Summary

"An intricate magic system, a grimly humorous Black heroine, AND a heart-thumping romance? This book leaves nothing wanting." - Jordan Ifueko, New York Times bestselling author of Raybearer

Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. She would be hired, that is, if her mentor hadn’t thrown her out before she could earn her license. Now her only hope of steady work is to find a Patron—a rich, well-connected individual who will vouch for her abilities.

When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rorschach reaches out to hire her, she takes the job without question. Never mind that he’s rude and demanding and eccentric, that the contract comes with a number of outlandish rules… and that almost a dozen debtera had quit before her. If Andromeda wants to earn a living, she has no choice.

But she quickly realizes this is a job like no other, with horrifying manifestations at every turn, and that Magnus is hiding far more than she has been trained for. Death is the most likely outcome if she stays, the reason every debtera before her quit. But leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option because—heaven help her—she’s fallen for him.

Stunningly romantic, Lauren Blackwood's heartstopping debut, Within These Wicked Walls, ushers in an exciting new fantasy voice.

"Fierce, eerie and heartfelt... a romantic and spine-chilling reimagining of a classic. I loved every creepy, swoon-worthy moment of it." - Laura E. Weymouth, author of The Light Between Worlds

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

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Read an excerpt from this new romantic suspense... Forged in Fire by Linda Warren (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #harlequinbooks #harlequinromance #romanticsuspense #romancebooks @prismbooktours @harlequinbooks

- Leave a Comment
On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Read an excerpt from this romantic suspense and enter the giveaway below...

Forged in Fire
(Colton 911 #9)
By Linda Warren
Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
September 28, 2021 by Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Summary

A simple assignment… turns into life and death...

Is Lila Colton a thief?

Insurance investigator Carter Finch vows to uncover the truth when he visits her gallery. But his temporary mission goes awry when Lila turns out to be incredibly beautiful… and just a bit lethal. A fire engulfs the building, which puts them both in harm’s way. Is Lila his ally or pushing him into a deadly trap?

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“We have to get out of here,” Carter shouted. “Where’s the exit?”

Lila pointed to the left. Smoke covered the back entrance and they couldn’t see. The fire alarm screeched in their ears. Carter grabbed her jacket and blouse and his jacket and then took her hand and ran into the hallway. “Maybe we can get out the front door.”

Flames clawed at the front entrance like an angry monster, roaring and destroying what it touched. Carter, still holding her hand, rushed into her office. He looked around. “No windows.”

There was one long window at the top but it wasn’t a potential exit. The gallery was fully secured. Without a key, there was no way to get in or out.

“Wrap the blouse around your face to protect it and put your jacket on to protect your skin,” Carter said as he wrapped his jacket around his head and covered his mouth. “Try not to breathe too much of the smoke. I called 911 so someone should be here quickly. Just stay calm.”

“Yeah, right.” Her hands shook and she tried to do as he’d asked, but that was impossible. The fire was all around them and no help was in sight.

Excerpted from Forged in Fire by Linda Warren, Copyright © 2021 by Linda Warren. Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense.


About the Author


Two time Rita® nominated author Linda Warren has written forty-five books for Harlequin. A native Texan, she’s a member of Romance Writers of America and the West Houston Chapter. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a ranch, she writes about some of her favorite things: Western-style romance, cowboys and country life. She married her high school sweetheart and they live on a lake in central Texas. He fishes and she writes. Works perfect. You can find out more about Linda at http://www.LindaWarren.net.


Blitz Giveaway


$20 Amazon gift card & ebook of Forged in Fire by Linda Warren (US only)

Ends October 2, 2021

What did you think of the excerpt?

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New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for September 20th - September 26th #freebook #booksale #booklinkup #booklinky

Saturday, September 25, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by
Sharon over at Beck Valley Books, for this week! Check it all out below...

Authors please feel free to add your own books.
Readers please free to add your own finds.
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!


By adding your link, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and transmitted to Inlinkz in accordance with their Privacy Policy.

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

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A fantasy land and a girl with a destiny she doesn't want... Heir of Elriyon by K. Michele Moseley (Review & #Giveaway) #yalit #yabooks #yafantasy #fantasybooks @prismbooktours

Thursday, September 23, 2021 - Leave a Comment
On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the tour giveaway below...

Heir of Elriyon
By K. Michele Moseley
Young Adult Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 301 Pages
August 20, 2021 by Uncommon Universes Press

Summary

Aenya's destiny could cost her freedom.

After years of compulsory training to become an elite warrior, sixteen-year-old Aenya plans to run away with her friend Lewin. However, her plans crumble when she is chosen to be Elriyon’s new figurehead and wife to the future ruler, Rieve.

But Aenya has a secret: she is a Darcara—one chosen by elusive dragon-like beings, the Dargun, to receive the wisdom that once governed her people.

When the current rulers decide to stop a growing rebellion by killing the remaining Dargun, Aenya flees to Elriyon’s mysterious interior. Still, the Dargun’s words burn into her mind. They have a new task for her: return to her people and speak the truth, no matter the cost.

With escape close at hand, Aenya must choose between a dangerous calling or finally being free.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

HEIR OF ELRIYON is a fantasy about a girl who has been trained to be a weapon and the secret she has been hiding since she was a child. It's about a corrupt world, war that sparks change, and the journey this girl and others embark on to bring peace. The world is multi-layered with various peoples that include humans, elves, dragons and others, and a world with different lands that reach beyond what takes place in this first book. Fantasy fans will find themselves easily pulled into this story.

This is a new-to-me author and publisher and you never quite know what to expect. I really loved the beginning of this book as it was easy to relate to the characters and the author did well in creating an emotional pull to the story. It helped that the main characters were all likable. Plus dragons. Just saying. It was an interesting world and the plot was intriguing. I did have some frustration along with Aenya in regards to her visions and the messages that were never completely clear, but that eventually gets worked out. I liked both Rieve and Lewin. The relationships felt genuine and I appreciated that there wasn't a love triangle. Rieve is actually quite a bit of fun and a good mix of a boy still trying to find his place and who he'll be while also filling his role as a future leader trained to be such.

Aenya goes on quite a journey in this story. She starts off very much a pawn in others' machinations. I did enjoy getting to know her and this world at the beginning of the story as well as seeing her relationship with Rieve grow. The rulers were a bit overly dramatic and naïve for their positions as well as one-dimensional, but otherwise played their roles well. When something happened and she had to make a decision she followed her training which kept her safe. She's very much opposed to risking everything to follow her visions. After a while she felt a bit petulant and childish, but I also understood why she resisted. I liked seeing different parts of this fantasy world and meeting some of the creatures during the second part of the story. The ending was a bit quick, with some resolution but also an opening to a second book.

I also had a few issues with the story. I pretty much loved the first half except for a few things, and didn't mind the middle when the characters were journeying. My biggest issue I think is that the message of the book felt a bit too pointed. As a reader, I like making my own judgements and not being told what to think and the author did this well in the first half, but then it switched so that Aenya was being told and thus the reader. I also wanted more world development as well as a bit more development in the plot and characters at certain points. There were a few things during the journey that didn't quite logically work for me and could have been worked out a bit more (such as characters almost dying from no food or water out in the desert, but somehow being fine the next day and travelling without packing sufficient food).

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall enjoyable story. Easy to read and flip pages, with likable characters and an engaging plot. Recommended for young adult and Christian fantasy fans.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Prism Book Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


K. Michele Moseley found her love for storytelling on a Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the third grade. Though she struggled with dyslexia, her passion for stories allowed her to overcome the challenges that came with telling them. While she writes in many genres, what she likes best is creating stories for young adults that place real-life obstacles into fantastic worlds. When not inventing new realms, she spends her time chasing after her two sons and playing "Netflix Roulette" with her husband.


Tour Schedule


Tour-Wide Giveaway


Paperback of Heir of Elriyon by K. Michele Moseley, a set of two loose-leaf teas, a set of character art, and a bookmark (US Only)

Ends September 29, 2021

ENTER HERE

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What do you think? Does this sound like your kind of story?

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Three romances that all get a little help from a kissing bough... Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker & Sarah L. McConkie (Review) #cleanromance #christmasromance #regencyromance #victorianromance #newbook #newbooks @covenant_comm

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - Leave a Comment

In case you're already in the mood for a bit of Christmas cheer, I'm sharing my review
of this new historical romance collection set during the most wonderful time of the year...

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
By Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker & Sarah L. McConkie
Adult Historical Romance, Inspirational, Christmas
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 268 Pages
September 20, 2021 by Covenant Communications

Summary

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, 'tis the season for love.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack

Deborah Winfrey hasn't had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband's death. But this Christmas, it's time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker

Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor̬ including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.

A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie

In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Carolyn Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

MEET ME UNDER THE KISSING BOUGH is a collection of three short romances (each around 100 pages long) all set at Christmas time with some involvement of a kissing bough. The characters are easy to like and relatable, the romances sweet with plenty of feels, and enough Christmas cheer to leave readers with a warm feeling of contentment and a smile at the end of each story. Definitely recommended for the holiday season or anytime you're looking for a bit of Christmas cheer and romance.

MEET ME UNDER THE KISSING BOUGH by Josi S. Kilpack was my favorite story from this collection. I loved the characters, the swoon-worthy moments, the heartbreaking ones that tugged on my heart, the festivities, and the family relationships in all their complexities. I especially loved these characters and the way they both have to be vulnerable and honest in order to find a second chance at happily-ever-after. Highly recommended!

HEALING HEARTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Anneka R. Walker is a story set in the same family as her Lord Blakley's Gift from a previous collection (A Hopeful Christmas), so the situation and some of the characters were familiar to me. It felt a bit like stepping back in with friends. Regardless if you've read the previous story or not, this one has delightful characters and a few twists that make for a very enjoyable story.

A CHRISTMAS CORRESPONDENCE by Sarah L. McConkie starts off with a shabby businessman carrying out a promise and a wealthy lady of society who has hardened her heart and turns her nose up at others. It took me a bit to get into this story as I didn't like the heroine for the first half and she was really dramatic. It just came off as overdone to me. However, by the end the story had pulled on my heart and won me over.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection. The characters were all relatable and well drawn, the plots had enough twists and surprises to keep things entertaining, and the romances were delightful. Definitely a collection to add to your holiday reading!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Authors


Through the course of her writing career, Josi has written in a variety of genres, won several awards, and been an active part of the writing community. Josi also loves to travel to beautiful places and cook delicious food. She is the mother of four adult children and lives in Northern Utah.



Anneka R. Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and history. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she's busy living her own together with her husband and adorable children.



Sarah L. McConkie started her writing career in the second grade with a thirteen-page magnum opus about dinosaurs. Although the plot line and penmanship lacked polish, Sarah learned she loved retiring to bed thinking of what to write the next day. On a good night, she still does the same thing. Sarah took up the pen several years later after tucking her own little dreamer into bed and now combines modern life experiences, a robust knowledge of Regency classics and a passion for all things old fashioned and proper to craft her historical romances. She costars with her own Mr. Right in the real-life romantic comedy she calls life as they raise their four darling children. Sarah believes creating thought-provoking and moral stories promotes literacy in a world that needs more readers.



Do you enjoy Christmas-themed romances? Will you be reading this collection?

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I Can't Wait for... The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #yalit #yabooks #yafantasy #fantasybooks @inkyardpress

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Tag me on your CWW posts on Twitter (@wishfulendings) and I'll like and retweet!

Honestly, I love books with strong heroines, particularly ones in fantasy who know how to hold their own. This book looks like it will fit that, and just sounds really good. It's my pick this week...

The Keeper of Night
(The Keeper of the Night #1)
By Kylie Lee Baker
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 400 Pages
October 12, 2021 by Inkyard Press

Summary

A girl of two worlds, accepted by none… A half Reaper, half Shinigami soul collector seeks her destiny in this haunting and compulsively readable dark fantasy duology set in 1890s Japan.

Death is her destiny.

Half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, Ren Scarborough has been collecting souls in the London streets for centuries. Expected to obey the harsh hierarchy of the Reapers who despise her, Ren conceals her emotions and avoids her tormentors as best she can.

When her failure to control her Shinigami abilities drives Ren out of London, she flees to Japan to seek the acceptance she’s never gotten from her fellow Reapers. Accompanied by her younger brother, the only being on earth to care for her, Ren enters the Japanese underworld to serve the Goddess of Death…only to learn that here, too, she must prove herself worthy. Determined to earn respect, Ren accepts an impossible task—find and eliminate three dangerous Yokai demons—and learns how far she’ll go to claim her place at Death’s side.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

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Read an excerpt... Shadows at Nightfall by Brett Armstrong

Monday, September 20, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours! Read
an excerpt from this new fantasy and enter the giveaway below...

Shadows at Nightfall
(Quest of Fire #3)
By Brett Armstrong
Christian Epic Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, ? Pages
September 14, 2021 by Scrivenings Press

Summary

The shadows of Jason’s past have caught him. Having stepped into the Quest of Fire, Jason is pursued by a league of assassins formed of pure darkness. To his horror he discovers these creatures also were contracted to eliminate Anargen and his friends as they sought to understand the Tower of Light’s oracle. To unravel the mystery of who wants him dead and how he fits into the ages old quest, Jason must travel the lengths of the Lowlands. In the Ziljafu deserts a secret awaits him that will shake him to his core. He’ll have to move fast and cling fiercely to hope, as Anargen’s story twists down a bleak path to almost certain failure.

The creatures of darkness in the Lowlands have long waited for men to spurn the High King’s laws. With few concerned for the light and everything falling apart around them, Jason and Anargen will face the shadows of night’s falling as their world hangs in the balance.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

(Anargen – Battle Scene)

It dropped into momentarily solid form and he swung his sword around, catching it across its exposed torso. As it collapsed, scorched and shuddering, Anargen just glimpsed the blow from an enormous war hammer as it swung full force at him. He caught it with his shield, but the impact knocked him backward off his feet.

Tumbling, Anargen scrambled to get back to his feet. A throwing knife landed inches from where he was a second earlier. The ground leading to the riverbank was littered with small stones and complicated getting his footing.

The war hammer wielder swirled, reformed behind Anargen, and swung for his back. It forced Anargen to drop, roll, and bring up only a hasty block against the next swing. Once more, the force of it drove him to the ground. He was pinned, and he couldn’t get up or roll out of the way with the creature hulking over him. Over and over, he threw up his shield to intercept the next blow. His arms ached and faltered under the strikes. Things were spiraling downward for him. If he didn’t take care to aim his shield rightly, he could end up breaking his arm. Not blocking would be death.

Shadows covered his head as another Sombra loomed over him. Its form materialized, and he could see it was the axe-wielder. He was looking down on Anargen, and though his lower face was obscured, Anargen could see the pleasure in the bunching of his cheeks around his eyes. The creature raised his axe to sever Anargen’s head.

Other Books in the Series

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.


Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway


(2) winners will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, print copy of Shadows at Nightfall, and Quest of Fire digital exclusives (map, theme music, and digital making of the direnoir poster)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 20, 2021 and last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you think of the excerpt? Does this sound like something you'd enjoy reading?

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New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for September 13th - September 19th #freebook #booksale #booklinkup #booklinky

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - Leave a Comment

Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by
Sharon over at Beck Valley Books, for this week! Check it all out below...

Authors please feel free to add your own books.
Readers please free to add your own finds.
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!


By adding your link, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and transmitted to Inlinkz in accordance with their Privacy Policy.

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

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Read an excerpt from Mountain of Flame by Diane E. Samson (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #yalit #yabooks #yafantasy #fantasybooks @prismbooktours @diane_samson

Friday, September 17, 2021 - Leave a Comment
On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Gems of Fire series, Mountain of Flame! Today, the author shares an excerpt from the third book Mountain of Flame. If you missed her character interview with Anna, you can read that HERE. She also shared an excerpt from the second book Valley of Bones HERE. Plus, there's a giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Gems of Fire
(Gems of Fire #1)
By Diane E. Samson
Young Adult Fantasy
Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 276 Pages
November 6, 2018 by Clean Reads

Summary

Palace of Sunderland. Paradise to the peasants. Prison to sixteen-year-old Anna, daughter of the king. She can never escape the castle’s cold walls and scorning disapproval of her father and his brute royal counsel, Seamus. She’ll always live in the shadow of her late mother, the queen. Will they ever see her for who she really is?

A riding accident lands Anna in the hands of traders who sell her as a slave in distant Kasdod to none other than her father’s enemy, Lord Anwar. After overhearing a dangerous plot to conquer Sunderland and kill the royal family, Anna must escape and warn her father, even if it means facing her greatest enemy.

With the doom looming over her, Anna is approached by a dangerous man in the dark. He claims to want to help her, but can she trust him with her secrets? The perils of the journey ahead will push Anna to the limit and answer the one question that has always plagued her...

Will she ever be enough?

Praise for the Book

“What an exciting book to read. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters were very well developed, and it made me cheer for them all the way through. The cover is very dramatic and fits very well with the story. Great read.” - Goodreads Reviewer

“One Tough Princess…A princess who despite great suffering never gives up. I really loved Anna’s determination and heart. You’ll find adventure, high stakes and romance in the midst of such horrible circumstances. A solid plot with a story that stayed with me.” - Amazon Reviewer

“A breathtaking journey into royal courts, slavery, escape, war, and love. This book has it all…” - Amazon Reviewer

(Affiliate links included.)

Valley of Bones
(Gems of Fire #2)
By Diane E. Samson
Young Adult Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 370 Pages
February 13, 2021 by Diane E. Samson

Summary

Princess Anna is left to rule Sunderland as regent when her father, brother and her presumed fiancé Jack ride to battle devouring creatures in Jack’s home kingdom of Oclen. She must establish herself as a strong leader with the Sunderland council and a neighboring king who brings along two handsome princes to negotiate an alliance.

Trouble erupts as outlining Sunderland villages are attacked by pillaging marauders and the council loses confidence in Anna’s leadership. As Anna waits in trepidation for word from her father’s army, all she hears is silence. Her scouts never return. When the reports of a coming horror reach Anna, she forges an unlikely alliance and forgoes her father’s long-standing policies against gems of power. She trains Sunderland’s remaining soldiers to fight with gems. She’ll lead them to battle to rescue her family and the one she loves.

But first she must survive the treachery brewing in her own court.

(Affiliate links included.)

Mountain of Flame
(Gems of Fire #3)
By Diane E. Samson
Young Adult Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 450 Pages
August 4, 2021 by Diane E. Samson

Summary

Reeling from Jack becoming king of Oclen, Princess Anna returns home as Sunderland’s Defender. Earning her title was a hard-fought honor, but Anna can’t escape the guilt of leaving Jack alone in that cursed, starving place.

When Jack comes to Sunderland seeking aid from Anna’s father, she must decide whether to return with him and help defeat the curse plaguing the cold northern land. If she remains Sunderland’s Defender, she knows her heart would never forgive her for abandoning Jack to rebuild a crushed kingdom.

Can Anna leave what she loves to become queen of a people suspicious of her and the gems? Joining Jack would mean battling an evil greater than anything she’s ever faced, for the curse’s roots grow deep. But if she doesn’t, Oclen will likely fall and Anna will lose Jack forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt from Mountain of Flame

A group of soldiers on the slope ahead halted their horses, their hands flying to their swords. Anna used her last ounce of strength to stop Farley before he ran right into them, the reins tearing through her water-softened hands. He half-reared and skidded to a stop, puffing and blowing. Anna patted his foam-flecked neck. Her arms and back trembled with exhaustion, and her side screamed in pain.

Zac launched over the hill behind her. “Anna!” He pulled up next to her. “Are you all right?”

She gave him an apologetic glance. Her breath hitched in her chest.

Twelve men in Oclen uniforms shifted their horses into a tight triangle formation. Two horses stood at the point and five horses down each side. Zac’s hand twitched to his sword as he moved his horse closer to Anna. She was faintly aware that Bart and Gavriella rode up behind them.

“Greetings,” Anna called, as she let the reins slide through her fingers. Farley strode forward a few steps before she halted him again, cringing at the pain in her hands. He chomped on the bit and tossed his head. She searched for Jack’s chestnut horse to no avail. “What news do you bring from Oclen? Is your king well?” Her heart hammered against her ribs. None of the men looked familiar.

“At ease,” the one voice Anna wanted to hear most spoke from the rear. The soldiers’ formation split as Jack’s chestnut horse, Avery, moved up the center of the triangle and halted in front of her. Farley nickered. Jack looked so different—thin with deep, purple circles under his eyes and pale, sunken cheeks. “The king is alive, at least.”

Excerpted from Mountain of Flame by Diane E. Samson, Copyright © 2021 by Diane E. Samson. Published by Diane E. Samson.

About the Author


Diane E. Samson grew up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. She later pursued her love of words and earned a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. After graduation she worked as a reporter, managing editor, freelance writer and in public relations. After moving around the country, she's recently returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and golden retriever.

She's written fiction off and on her whole life and is the author of the YA fantasy Gems of Fire series including Gems of Fire, Valley of Bones and Mountain of Flame. The series centers on a girl traveling a journey of self-discovery in a world of powerful gems, supernatural forces, epic battles and of course, handsome heroes.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


Print copies of Gems of Fire and Valley of Bones by Diane E. Samson, a $25 Amazon gift card, three gem necklaces, and bookmarks (US only)

Ends September 19, 2021

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