Paranormal Romance #Review ~ The Dragon Protector (Dragon's Birthright, Book 2) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain #PNR #DragonShifter #Dragon #Shifter #HPMallory

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BY5PTFHK

Publisher: ‎ Rain Press

Publication Date: ‎ March 10, 2023

Print Length: ‎ 205 pages

About the Book:

I’ve been kidnapped and sold by Devon more times than I can count.

But it doesn’t change the feelings I have for him, because each time he sold me to one sister and then the other, he did so for a reason that had everything to do with saving his kind.

Yes, his kind as in… dragon shifters.

And the dragon shifters are a dying species.

Now Devon has made his feelings clear for me and he’s taken me under his wing, so to speak.

Together, we face a problem—how to defend the dragons from the humans who want nothing more than to wipe them out.

The only problem? Well, there are a few:

The full-blooded dragons don’t want to fight, the shifter-dragons don’t want me involved in their business (namely because I’m human), and Devon still isn’t telling me everything.

It’s those secrets that make me begin to realize that maybe these blossoming feelings we obviously share should be nothing more than pleasant dreams that can never be…

My Review:

Selena’s captor is alluring and isn't all that he appears. There is a secret hiding within Devon. While Selena wants to believe he's a good person, she can't help but think about everything he's done in their short time together.

Book 1, The Good Daughter, ended with Selena being sold back to one of her sisters and tossed in a tower. Her savior came swooping in, all scales, talons, and wings. Just as she thought, Devon was hiding something back in book 1, but now he decides to reveal his secret…after he rescues her and flies her to safety.

Selena and Devon are on opposite sides of a very real problem. He’s a dragon shifter bent on making humans pay. She’s a human and, while she doesn’t condone the human violence against dragons, she also doesn’t agree with arbitrary destruction of humans. Unsure of where to go from there, Devon and Selena have some serious decisions to make. Their chemistry may not be enough to unite them.

Selena is a strong heroine and as much as I'd like to praise Devon as a great hero, he continues to do some pretty sketchy things in The Dragon Protector. He redeems himself at first but his and Selena’s views don’t align. The misalignment causes tension between the two of them, and between Selena and Devon’s clan.

I enjoyed every single thing about this story. The setting is simple yet perfect for the story being told. The characters are three-dimensional, interesting, and written well. I'm excited to see where these two extraordinary authors take us next.

I was provided this book to read.

My Rating:

 

Dance With the Dead (Gwen's Ghosts, Book 1) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain ~ A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novella #PWF #Paranormal

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BXBK6L5Z
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ March 1, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 156 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZVM2Sf

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123180573-dance-with-the-dead

About the Book:

From the time I was eight years old, I could see ghosts.

One ghost in particular occupied most of my attention: Petra Shearwater.

That was mostly because Petra decided to become my forever tagalong, traveling with me from the small, English country town of Morley-on-Avon, where she’d died, to the bustling cosmopolitan city of The Big Apple.

Now, thirty-four years later, as a mystery novelist just out of a lackluster fifteen-year relationship, I’m in need of a new start and some inspiration for a new book.

So, I find myself setting off for the one town that captured my interest all those years ago: Morley-on-Avon.

And, yes, Petra is along for the ride.

Now at the fresh age of forty-two, I’m looking for a new start, a new book, and even new love—something I’m hoping to find with the local blacksmith named Leo.

Leo seems to be all contradictions: hulking but shy, soft-spoken yet enormous, boyish yet in his mid-forties.

What I’m not planning on, however, is that the little cottage I’ve moved into, called Bluebells, is haunted!

And I’m fairly sure that the ghost haunting it, Victoria Willis, is trying to tell me something about her death… a death I’m not convinced was an accident, as all the Morley locals might like me to believe…

Please Note: This is a novella series, so each book is a faster read!

My Review:

Dance with the Dead is heartstopping and full of twists and turns. The mystery is unique and the authors are developing it well. I was engaged from the very beginning while learning about how Gwen met Petra, a small amount of New York backstory, and how they ended up back in England.

I enjoyed every single thing about this story. The setting is simple yet perfect for the story being told. The characters are three-dimensional, interesting, and written well. I'm excited to see where these extraordinary authors take us in book two.

This novella ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared.

I was provided copy of this novella.

My Rating:

#Review ~ The Man Behind the Makeup: The Professional Wrestling Life and Times Of Jeff Bearden (@jwbatlarge), Who Wrestled As Giant Warrior, Big Tiger Steele, Colossus the Gladiator, and Butch Masters #ProWrestling #GiantWarrior #JeffBearden #ButchMasters

 

Amazon Kindle:
ASIN: ‎ B0BHFCWCB8
Publication Date: ‎ October 25, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 143 pages

Paperback:
Publisher: ‎ Book Ripple (October 27, 2022)
Paperback: ‎ 135 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1951797876
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1951797874

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JfGoF5
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90589635-the-man-behind-the-makeup

About the Book:

International pro wrestling star Jeff Bearden has gone by many names: Butch Masters, Giant Warrior, Big Tiger Steele, and Colossus the Gladiator. Under these guises, he became part of wrestling history. Enter the wild, bloody life of pro wrestling during its Golden Age, from the viewpoint of one of its "biggest" stars. At seven feet tall, Jeff Bearden towered over his competition from the time he premiered in territory wrestling in 1987, through the crazed and dangerous wrestling scenes, infamy, and championships in Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Europe, Japan, India, and the Middle East. Bearden’s no-holds-barred career spanned 30 years and four continents.

Bearden takes readers through the shocking, the tragic, and the hilarious stories of his adventures. Trained by classic Texan wrestling stars Dory Funk Jr. and Dick Murdoch, Bearden went on to encounter legends of wrestling history: Bruiser Brody, the Von Erichs, André the Giant, Owen Hart, Abdullah the Butcher, and the Undertaker. He tells of his powerful friendship with WWE Hall-of-Famer Yokozuna. From the time he was a skinny pro basketball player, to his days as a green babyface, to his reign as a notorious, 375-pound heel, Bearden’s life is one astonishing story after another.

Bearden’s unusual career, and his freedom to choose venues anywhere and everywhere, provides unique insight into the wrestling world. He takes readers around the globe to learn the secrets and truths of a life spent joyfully whipping crowds into a frenzy from inside the ring, as well as his personal life outside. In wrestling and in life, you’re only as good as the guy you beat – even if that guy is yourself.

My Review:

I've been a fan of pro wresting since I was young, watching Hulk Hogan, Junkyard Dog, Macho Man Randy Savage, André the Giant, and others tumble across my television screen. I grew up just outside of Flint, MI and begged to attend wresting shows at the IMA Sports Arena (also known as Perani Arena, and now the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center). I never did get to see a live show there, and still haven't at any other venue.

When I was approached to review a copy of Jeff Bearden's book, I jumped at the chance. I'm so glad I took the time to read and appreciate Jeff's life story, the ins-and-outs of international wrestling, and his anecdotes. The behind-the-scenes commentary shows pro wrestling from the 80s and 90s in a whole new way. I've always known pro wrestling is "real" even when the haters like says it's "fake." It may all be choreographed but a lot is improv, the injuries can be and are real, and back in the day, very dangerous for an American in other countries. 

Jeff Bearden provides an open door look at pro wrestling from his point-of-view and it's not all wine and roses. I loved learning about his wrestling life, how he and others paved the way for wrestlers of today. I appreciated the openness, the honesty, the good and not so good, and descriptive context of the book. For anyone interesting in wrestling history, grab yourself a copy of The Man Behind the Makeup.

I was provided a paperback copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Blood Bond (Blood Rose Academy, #2) by J.R. Rain & H.P. Mallory #PWF #ParanormalWomensFiction #Paranormal #Witches #Vampires #Fae @HPMallory #HPMallory #JRRain

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BSTGMB3S
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ February 24, 2023
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YdYUli
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122763183-blood-bond-blood-rose-academy-2

About the Book:  

MAVERICK:

I might have been a crappy excuse for a big brother in the past, but now I’m making up for lost time…

And time isn’t the only thing that’s lost.

So is my sister, Astrid.

So, I do what any good brother would do—I go after her.

Concealing my true identity, I attend Blood Rose Academy as a professor of potions. And along for the ride is my new wife, Taliyah.

Not only am I hoping we can find Astrid, but I’m really hoping we find her alive.

ASTRID:

Even though I definitely have a thing for vampires, that doesn’t mean I wanted to become one…

And it definitely didn’t mean I wanted to be blooded by a vampire psychopath.

But here we are.

Well, here I am anyway—stuck inside the cellar of an old store on the outskirts of Blood Rose Academy and under the control of my new vampire sire, Valserak.

One thing he’s not betting on, though, is the fact that the fae can survive becoming the undead with their powers intact.

And guess what? I’m half fae.

So the first chance I get, I cut a portal to the Autumn Court in search of my father so I can recruit his help against Valserak and the other vampires who are gearing up for Blood War Three.

Little do I know who I’m about to run into…

My Review:

I was so excited to get my hands on Blood Bond, Book 2 in Astrid’s Haven Hollow spin-off. I was NOT disappointed. I devoured this book.

I have loved the Haven Hollow series since book one. Full of wonderful characters, excellent storylines, and a perfectly created setting, I immerse myself in each and every book. There are multiple spin-offs that focus on one of the main characters, and Blood Bond is told from Astrid and Maverick’s POV. Astrid was finally able to go to Blood Rose Academy and be properly trained in witch magic. Things in book 2 have just gotten worse for Astrid. Maverick and Taliyah find themselves concealing their identities and infiltrating Blood Rose Academy to find Astrid.

I love Astrid's character and love that she got her own spin-off. Astrid is a wonderfully written character. She's so likable and her attitude and personality are vastly different than everyone else’s at Blood Rose. I love the twists and turns the authors take the characters and readers through.

The series also just continues to get better and better with every story. Blood Bond is the second book in the Blood Rose Academy series (and book 27 in the Haven Hollow series) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

Cover Reveal ~ Crimson Winter: City of Ruby by Justine Alley Dowsett ~ #YA #SciFi #Fantasy #Adventure @MirrorWorldPub

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the cover reveal for 

Crimson Winter: City of Ruby 

by Justine Alley Dowsett.

Show what makes you weak, so they fear what makes you strong...

About Crimson Winter: City of Ruby:

Reeling after the fall of the Kingdom of Taiyou, Yukari Namikoya and her remaining allies find themselves reduced to scared refugees hidden far below the earth in the Temple of Machalite. The dreaded Lady Lilyth rules in Taiyou now and threatens to bring the whole world under her dominion one piece at a time.

And what the Lady Lilyth can't control, she plans to destroy.

In a desperate bid for the survival and freedom of the various races of Crimson Winter, Yukari must seek to uncover secrets the Vile Emperor has kept hidden for a millenia and in order to do this, she has to journey to the last place she'd ever thought she'd go - the Ruby City.

Genres: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Adventure

Release Date: April 17, 2023

Meet the Author:

Justine Alley Dowsett is the author of over ten novels, and one of the founders of Mirror World Publishing. Her books, which she often co-writes with her sister, Murandy Damodred, range from young adult science fiction to dark fantasy/romance. She earned a BA in Drama from the University of Windsor, honed her skills as an entrepreneur by tackling video game production, and now she dedicates her time to writing, publishing, and role-playing with her friends.

Social Media Links:

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/mirrorworldpublishing

Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/mirrorworldpub

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2obPWUL

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28439132-mirror-world

Blog:
http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.wordpress.com/

Publisher Website:
http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-d6tf8fpn4_mjraKjM-hUQ

Paranormal Romance #Review ~ The Good Daughter (Dragon's Birthright, Book 1) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain #PNR #DragonShifter #Dragon #Shifter

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BV19R3B4
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press (February 5, 2023)
Publication Date: ‎ February 5, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 211 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z2mCCw
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/106395725-the-good-daughter

About the Book:

Five years ago, I was banished from my father’s kingdom even though I was his favorite of his three daughters once upon a time.

Then my father lost his mind, and with no one else willing to take care of him, I took the responsibility upon myself.

We’ve been running ever since.

My two sisters, each queen of their own bordering territories, want ownership of my father’s lands, and they’ll stop at nothing to assume that ownership.

Even if it means killing my father and me.

Which is why we’ve been kidnapped by mercenaries.

But one man among the group of lewd mercenaries stands out…

Devon is withdrawn, quiet, and easily the leader of the pack, though no one seems to know him well.

When I’m entrusted into his care, I find myself fighting the natural attraction I feel towards him, fighting the stupid desire to paint him as anything other than a man being paid to deliver me to my death.

And yet, there’s something unearthly about Devon—something about how he appears to have super-human strength and speed, something about the detailed stories he tells around the campfire, vividly bringing to light the history of the noblest of creatures: the dragon.

Something that tells me maybe this man isn’t all he appears to be…

My Review:

Selena was banished five years prior for refusing to marry her father's choice for her when the time came. Now, Selena is on the run with her father, who's cognitive condition is in a constant state of declination. The Good Daughter begins with an emotional and heart-wrenching scene. The state of Uther hit me hard and drew on my own experiences caring for a loved one in his condition. My heart broke for Selena. 

Through their travels, Selena and Uther have managed to evade capture until they stop in one small village for rest and a meal. A band of mercenaries track and kidnap them, having been hired by one of Selena's sisters. What follows is a tale of deception and double-cross that has Selena twisted up in knots.

Her captor is alluring and isn't all that he appears. There is a secret hiding within Devon. While Selena wants to believe he's a good person, she can't help but think about everything he's done in their short time together. 

Selena is a strong heroine and as much as I'd like to praise Devon has a great hero, he does some pretty sketchy things in The Good Daughter. I really hope he redeems himself, and in a spectacular fashion. I enjoyed every single thing about this story. The setting is simple yet perfect for the story being told. The characters are three-dimensional, interesting, and written well. I'm excited to see where these two extraordinary authors take us in book two.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Cover Reveal Sign Up Invitation - Crimson Winter: City of Ruby by Justine Alley Dowsett - Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Adventure #YA #SciFi #Fantasy (March 1, 2023) @MirrorWorldPub

 

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the cover reveal for Crimson Winter: City of Ruby by Justine Alley Dowsett.

About Crimson Winter: City of Ruby:

Reeling after the fall of the Kingdom of Taiyou, Yukari Namikoya and her remaining allies find themselves reduced to scared refugees hidden far below the earth in the Temple of Machalite. The dreaded Lady Lilyth rules in Taiyou now and threatens to bring the whole world under her dominion one piece at a time.

And what the Lady Lilyth can't control, she plans to destroy.

In a desperate bid for the survival and freedom of the various races of Crimson Winter, Yukari must seek to uncover secrets the Vile Emperor has kept hidden for a millenia and in order to do this, she has to journey to the last place she'd ever thought she'd go - the Ruby City.

Genres: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Adventure

****This cover is suitable for all blogs/websites/social media accounts.

This cover reveal event is for March 1, 2023. I don't require top or only post of the day for any of my tours. Materials will include a standard post and an HTML.

Launch Date is scheduled for April 17 and there will be a one-week tour announcement following the cover reveal.


Sign up at this link https://forms.gle/nfUENgSKjp8qu6Xi7 or use the form below:

Saph's Cozy Corner is hosting a #Bookmark #G1veaway

 It's bookmark giveaway time!

(Photo is an example. Bookmark prize~variety of bookmarks and quantities~may be different than shown.)

(Photo is an example. Bookmark prize~variety of bookmarks and quantities~may be different than shown.)

Head over to Saph's Cozy Corner for details and the Rafflecopter entry form!

https://saphscozycorner.blogspot.com/2023/01/cozymystery-bookmark-g1veaway-love.html

#Review ~ Bite of the Gargoyle: A Standalone Fantasy Romance Novel by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain ~ #FantasyRomance #Fantasy #Romance #HPMallory #JRRain #Gargoyle

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BSKQ8M6W

Publisher: ‎ Rain Press (January 16, 2023)
Publication Date: ‎ January 16, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 231 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RDwak8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82354410-bite-of-the-gargoyle

About the Book:

I’m a hunter.

But I don’t hunt the usual game you might find in forests—I hunt monsters.

For most of my adult life, I’ve imagined the moment I finally come across a certain vampire—the one who took my family from me and left me with a scar on my wrist in the shape of a bite.

All my kills are leading up to this one moment—the moment I end the bastard for good.

So when I find myself face to face with what I think is a vampire in the woods—one with the same eyes, the same long, black hair, and the same snarling fangs as the one all those years ago, I make my move.

But this monster won’t be taken down so easily.

It’s not long before I find myself in over my head because this is no ordinary vampire—this one can take the shape of mist just as quickly as he can shift into the form of a gargoyle.

Outmaneuvered and overpowered, I soon find myself in a position I swore I never would—as a prisoner.

And when the bloodsucking gargoyle offers me a compromise I can’t refuse?

Regardless, I pledge to myself that vengeance will still be mine...

My Review:

Bite of the Gargoyle is a romantic adventure story that begins on the premise of revenge. I love the storyline, the characters, and the setting. Gargoyle shifters are one of my favorite paranormal creatures and this book was right on target. There are twists and turns, misunderstandings, and action. 

H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain are master storytellers that hook readers and keep them engaged, no matter what the genre, time period, or location. This writing duo creates interesting stories, intriguing and complex characters, and rich world-building. I love watching their characters grow, whether they write a series or a standalone. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Blood Rose: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel: (Blood Rose Academy) (Haven Hollow Book 26) by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory #JRRain #HPMallory #PWF #ParanormalWomensFiction

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BRLCY2DS
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication Date: ‎ January 27, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 205 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XmMkQx
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/87569314-blood-rose

About the Book:

I’m finally going to Blood Rose Academy, where I’ll be trained in witch magic, and I can’t wait…

Except Blood Rose Academy isn’t exactly how I hoped it would be.

First off, the witches are all catty and hex-happy, and I’ve been targeted as their newest victim.

And if that weren’t bad enough, there’s a longstanding feud between the witches and the vampires, which means all vampires hate the witches and vice-versa.

Maybe that wouldn’t suck so hard (no pun intended) if I didn’t sorta, kinda have a crush on one of the vamps—a loner named Rook, who happens to be the headmaster’s son.

But Rook doesn’t even know I exist. Well… it’s actually worse: he does know I exist, but he’s made it pretty clear he can’t stand me.

Fun times!

The ‘fun’ only increases when I learn that a handful of Fae students have gone missing and my only friend, a faerie named Oleander, insists there’s foul play.

Suddenly recruited into a club of rebels, I find myself helping them to solve the mystery of the missing students.

And guess who happens to be in this club?

Right—Rook.

To say he’s unhappy to see me is an understatement. Now, if I could just train my wayward heart to get over him… things might start looking up.

Between battling my own kind, trying to keep from getting drained by the vamps, searching for the missing students, and uncovering my own shocking truths, I’m wondering if I should have just stayed home.

My Review:

I have loved the Haven Hollow series since book one. Full of wonderful characters, excellent storylines, and a perfectly created setting, I immerse myself in each and every book. There are multiple spin-offs that focus on one of the main characters, and Blood Rose is told from Astrid's POV. She finally gets to go to Blood Rose Academy to be properly trained in witch magic. Astrid's world comes crashing down when she realizes the Academy isn't at all what she had hope it would be. She is on the end of a lot of hazing, and right in the middle of a feud between the witches and the vampires. Learning about missing Fae just adds to her misery. 

Astrid's book is by far one of my absolute favorites in the series. I love them all but Blood Rose was
exceptional. I love Astrid's character and love that she got her own spin-off. Astrid is a wonderfully written character. She's so likable and her attitude and personality is so different than the witches at Blood Rose. I'm excited to see how everything goes in the next book. Blood Rose left a lot of things hanging.

The series also just continues to get better and better with every story. Blood Rose is the first book in the Blood Rose Academy series (and book 26 in the Haven Hollow series) by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Saph's Cozy Corner is hosting a #Bookmark #G1veaway

 It's bookmark giveaway time!

I haven't done a bookmark giveaway in quite awhile, and I don't believe I've ever done one on Saph's Cozy Corner. 

(Photo is an example. Bookmark prize~variety of bookmarks and quantities~may be different than shown.)

(Photo is an example. Bookmark prize~variety of bookmarks and quantities~may be different than shown.)

Head over to Saph's Cozy Corner for details and the Rafflecopter entry form!

https://saphscozycorner.blogspot.com/2023/01/cozymystery-bookmark-g1veaway-love.html

#Review ~ Wolves of Asgard (Wolves of Valhalla Trilogy, Book 3) by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory @HPMallory #PNR #Paranormal #Fantasy #NorseMythology

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BH4WJ1HC
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication date: ‎ January 13, 2023
Print length: ‎ 228 pages
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wLF0Tj
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63065682-wolves-of-asgard

About the Book:

Now we are all pawns in a war against the gods…

The four of us (Skarde, Fyrcat, Torsten, and I) all have one common goal: to find the goddess Freya and convince her to join us against Odin to end the forever Winter that’s overcome the earth.

But along the way, we encounter more and more hostile enemies—the forces of Odin sent to deter us on our mission.

Not only that, but we’re also suffering internal battles as we all struggle to understand whom we can trust and whom we can’t.

Will the ice of the forever Winter eventually overtake us, or will we be successful in our mission against the gods of Valhalla?

My Review:

Wolves of Asgard picks up right where Wolves of Winter, book 2, ended. Jovi, Torsten, Skarde, and Fyrcat are on a mission to locate Freya. The goddess is instrumental in going against Odin to save Freya's descendants. As they traverse the lands, Odin's armies come out of the woodwork to impede their plans. There is a lot of internal battles as each character tries to figure out their place, who they are, and whether their travel companions are trustworthy. 

The authors created a wonder world and exceptional characters. The characters were complex and their history rich with Norse mythology. This complexity, the way their destinies were intertwined, and the masterful plot kept me engaged in Wolves of Asgard - the whole series, actually. The final book in the trilogy is full of twists, turns, and gasp-out-loud events. I really enjoyed the Wolves of Valhalla series, the characters, their enemies, and their ultimate showdown. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating: