FANTASY: Reign of Magic & Steel by Debra L Martin & David W Small

 

THERE'S ALWAYS BEEN TROUBLE BETWEEN MAGIC AND STEEL…

Corporal Dillon Gaire, an elite scout for the Riversteel Army, excelled at army life with one slight problem. He has magic, and magic is outlawed in the Southern Kingdom. It was an ongoing tightrope balancing his military duties while hiding his magical abilities. The irony is not lost on Dillion, as he had used his secret abilities to help him gain his position as Lead Scout.

When his company is dispatched to deal with raiders on the Kingdom’s northern border, Dillon uses his ability to sense movement in the ground to discover the thieves. A clever plan was developed to trap the marauders, but during an intense battle, a powerful Northern Mage leading the raiders captured the company’s commander and used him as a hostage to escape.

Now, Dillon must use all of his skills as a tracker and mage to run down the Northern Mage and rescue the commander. Between raging river rapids trying to drown him, to the painted savages trying to kill him, Dillon runs into every conceivable problem possible, but never wavers in his quest to rescue his captain.

But will his skills be enough?

For fans of epic fantasy and daring adventures, "Reign of Magic and Steel" is a thrilling tale of magic, loyalty, and sacrifice. If you enjoyed books by authors Scott Lynch and Brandon Sanderson, then you won't want to miss this action-packed read.

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Reign-Magic-Steel-Riversteel-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DKG77FGW

#New FANTASY Release: STONE'S CURSE by Debra L Martin and David W Small

 

Blurb:

The long-awaited final book in the Witch Stone Prophecy series!

Jeda DeLongo has a bad feeling as he watches his twin daughters Kala and Kara, the infamous children of prophecy, crowned as the Duchess and Countess of Berkshire. His sixth sense has never failed him in the past, and when the king is assassinated during the celebration, the dawning horror that the Kingdom of Tavia is under attack by desert warriors cannot be denied. The new king has declared war, and Jeda, Keisha, and Kara race to Eastford to rescue their gypsy family, but will they arrive in time, or has everyone already perished under the desert onslaught?

Arin, the self-proclaimed Prince of the Desert, has never forgiven the kingdom witch who murdered his father and sister and has vowed revenge. Now he’s done the impossible—united all the desert tribes under his banner. He launches his attack against Tavia with his secret weapon—a Black Coven witch who has learned how to harness the magic of the desert warriors. The only way to stop the witch is for Jeda, Kara, and Kala to unleash the power of the legendary Witch Stone, but will it be enough?

Amazon links:

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Stones-Curse-Witch-Stone-Prophecy-ebook/dp/B0BDG6WDSX

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJV41197

Excerpt:

Jeda grabbed his wife’s hand and led her through the rapidly diminishing crowds in the market's east end where the screams had come from.

“We’ll find her,” Jeda answered over his shoulder, “keep up.”

Jeda dodged a merchant and nearly collided with Franc, one of the other security escorts for today's outing. Franc's distraught face told Jeda everything he needed to know. The three young girls under his protection were not with him. Jeda figured the girls had given Franc the slip to find a little excitement and adventure in the exotic desert city. Unfortunately, it sounded like they found way more than they had bargained for. 

“I don’t know what happened—” Franc began.

“Not now,” Jeda called as he raced past. “The girls are in trouble, and we need to find them.” 

Jeda raced along and soon found himself at the east end of the marketplace. A narrow backstreet ran off to the side, and he heard sounds of scuffling and fighting. He rushed down the alleyway, motioning for Franc and Keisha to follow. The horrific scene they came upon stopped them short. 

One girl was lying against a wall with a blade sticking out of her stomach. Blood leaked through her fingers as she tried to hold the knife in place. She was pale, breathing heavily, and running out of time. Another girl had a nasty gash on her head and was held between two men while a third large guard was wiping blood from his face. The men all wore the uniform of the Palace Guard, and Jeda knew they were in a world of trouble. The gypsies traveling into the city had been warned repeatedly by Jeda and Franc not to trifle with those guards. 

“You’ll all die for this,” the bloody guard said.

Jeda recognized the brute as the same one from the gypsy camp the other night. He shook his head at the irony of the situation.

Of the guards in this city, why do I keep meeting this one?

“Amir,” Jeda called out. “Still trying to get your way with little girls? Can’t get a woman to look your way? Maybe you don’t have the right bigness to satisfy a grown woman.”

Amir whipped his head around at the insult. “You,” he replied, recognizing Jeda from the gypsy camp. He spat a wad of blood on the ground and snarled at Jeda. “You may have won our last meeting, but I was drunk and didn’t have my sword.”

Amir drew an enormous scimitar and began twirling the blade around like he knew how to use it. “This time, there will be a decidedly different outcome. Come little man, and let's see how you fare against an opponent who knows how to fight and kill.”  

 While Jeda taunted the giant, Keisha ran to the bleeding girl on the ground. She immediately drew the blade out and put her hands on the open wound, sending healing magic into the girl. The gushing blood soon became a trickle and then stopped altogether. The young girl moaned and leaned into Keisha's arms. She wasn't bleeding, but she was extremely pale from blood loss.

 The other two guards let go of the second girl and drew their swords. Franc drew his sword and met the two men head-on. The guards were well trained, but Franc was an expert swordsman, and the two men never had a chance. They were both dead in short order.

Jeda, on the other hand, stood his ground while Amir swung his sword around, trying to intimate him. Jeda smiled and shook his head.

“If that’s meant to scare me, then you’ve failed miserably,” Jeda said, staring at him with cold dead eyes. “Unfortunately for you, this will end very differently from the last time. You could still walk after our last meeting, but things will be quite different this time.”

To anyone that knew Jeda, the rage growing in his eyes would give them pause. He tried to keep his seething anger reined in, but when he saw what these men had done to these innocent girls that anger would not, could not be constrained. Jeda had been training for many long months with his sword, but that traditional training left him as his assassin persona surfaced. The transformation gave the giant a moment’s pause but did not stop him.

It should have.

"You're right about that," Amir bellowed, rushing forward with his blade held high. Then, with a speed that belayed that man's size, he swung down on Jeda, and it would have cut him right down his middle if it had connected.

It didn’t.

Much to the amazement of the big man, Jeda had easily sidestepped and waited patiently for the man to recover. Off to the side, Franc watched, wondering what Jeda was up to. He was prepared to assist but knew Jeda well enough to stay out of his way.

Amir swung around and guarded against the expected attack he thought sure would come. The big man smiled back at him when he saw Jeda standing, waiting, with no weapon in his hand.

“So you are like the jackrabbit then,” Amir mocked. “Jumping around until you can run away. Come now, let’s finish this farce. Die like a true man, not a coward.”

Jeda shook his head again and finally drew his knives, not his sword. That gave the big man pause as he wondered what the little man would do with his prick sticks.

“I was considering letting you live,” Jeda replied. "But I've known too many men like you. You'll return to your palace hole, nurse your wounds, and try something like this again. I can not let that happen."

Before Amir could reply, Jeda ran forward, dropped, and skidded on his knees, sliding through the giant's legs. As Amir looked down, shocked, he saw the twin cuts on the inside of the legs and his blood pumping out. With a roar, Amir turned and swung his sword down to where his opponent should be.

But he wasn’t. 

Jeda had slid well out of the way of Amir's blade and stood with his two bloodied blades, ready to face him again. Amir stumbled a step forward, and Jeda saw the moment the guard realized he might be in deep trouble. The guard was facing a cold-blooded killer with a crazed look in his eyes. Amir looked around for an escape. He spotted Keisha and raised his sword to launch it at her. Jeda saw everything in slow motion and immediately threw one of his knives. It penetrated the big man's eye to the hilt, killing him instantly. He dropped to the ground with a look of horror on his face.

“I told you this would end differently,” Jeda said, pulling his knife from the man’s eye and wiping the gore off on the dead man’s tunic.”

Jeda turned to see the shocked look on Franc’s face. No matter how well they knew each other, he had never shown that side to Franc before.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” Franc said, staring at the downed giant.

#NEW Romance Release: NO MORE SECRETS by Cate Bauman

NO MORE SECRETS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 3

 

RELEASE DATE:  June 22, 2021

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

 

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Aussie billionaire businessman and pilot Cade Paxton has struggled to put his life back together after suffering a tragic loss. With his purchase of Carter Island Air and recent move to the small Massachusetts island, he sees his chance for a fresh start. Cade’s sole focus is on growing his investment and avoiding romantic entanglements at all costs. But then he hires Rebecca Carter Interiors’ new assistant designer to help him update the aging airport. Cade quickly finds himself fascinated by the sassy beauty who often speaks her mind, talking to him in a way most people wouldn’t dare.

Single mother Gwenyth Carter has recently been through hell. She’s starting over after several months of nasty surprises. Newly divorced and nearly broke, she’s rebuilding her life one step at a time. Gwen’s certain she has everything she needs: her sweet baby girl, a supportive family, and her dream career. She’s endlessly grateful when the lucrative airport project falls into her lap. But Gwen soon realizes that her new job comes with unforeseen complications, mainly the amount of time she’s forced to spend with her gorgeous client and his sexy accent.

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, yet Gwen tries her best to keep a professional distance, even when she recognizes how wonderful Cade is with her daughter. But it isn’t long before Gwen is dealt another unexpected blow that she struggles to handle on her own. Gwen will have no choice but to turn to the one man she’s determined not to want or risk losing what she loves most.

 

BUY LINKS:

 

Amazon US:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_AmazonUS

Amazon UK:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_AmazonUK

Amazon AU:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_AmazonAU

Amazon CA:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_AmazonCA

Apple Books:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_iBooks

Kobo:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_Kobo

Nook:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_Nook

Google Play:  http://tiny.cc/NMS_GooglePlay

 

Excerpt:

 

Fresh starts and second chances…

It’s hard to believe that the Carter Island Trilogy is coming to an end with the addition of No More Secrets. Originally, I intended to write Secrets Hidden in the Glass, book one in the series, as a standalone title. Famous stained glass artist Callie Davis’ life is a mess as she heads to tiny Carter Island for a much-needed vacation. She soon meets gorgeous Sheriff Nathan Carter, and the sparks fly quickly thereafter. Despite her hot new romance, things go from bad to worse for poor Callie when her past comes back to haunt her.

As I told Nate and Callie’s story, I fell in love with Carter Island and the many secondary characters, particularly Nate’s sisters, Molly and Gwen. They’re so sassy and irresistible. I knew I had to tell their stories, too.

By trade, I’m a romantic-suspense author. There are definitely a few mystery/suspense elements in Secrets Hidden in the Glass, but Molly and Gwen’s stories take us into the contemporary romance genre. Nate and Callie’s adventure evolved into the Carter siblings’ journeys as they move through one year. From autumn to summer, so much changes for Nate, Molly, and Gwen, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

In Aftermath of Secrets, Molly fights her feelings for her long-time best friend Bradley Sanderson when a shocking scandal forces him to return to Carter Island.

In No More Secrets single mother Gwenyth Carter finds herself betrayed, divorced, and nearly broke. She’s determined to pick up the pieces of her life on her own, but sexy Aussie billionaire businessman Cade Paxton keeps getting in her way.

Gwen and Cade were so much fun to write. I hope you’ll enjoy their story.

 “The ultimate goal is expansion—expanding the airport in phases and contracting with a major airline to maximize the island’s summer reach. I’d like to bring in flights from D.C., Atlanta, and Miami.”

Gwen blinked her surprise. “Wow, I didn’t realize that was happening.”

He nodded again. “That’s the long-term plan. Infrastructure needs to catch up before we start bringing more people in for a visit, though. I’d say we’re three years away from the full implementation.”

“I see.” She made notes, not sure how much she liked the idea of Carter Island becoming a massive tourist attraction. They had numerous visitors every summer, but this seemed extreme.

“You don’t have much of a poker face, Gwen.”

Her gaze snapped to his. “I’m sorry?”

“You’re frowning.”

“Oh.” She immediately smoothed her features with a polite smile. “I apologize.”

“You’re not much on the idea, then?”

She shrugged. “We’re not looking to turn Carter Island into a summertime circus. It’s unfortunate if Buzz and the council have given you that impression.”

“There’s plenty of room for growth.”

“As a developer, I’m sure that’s your bottom line, but there’s also a need for conservation. I recognize that Thomas was too stuck in his ways when he was mayor. I also understand that Buzz is moving Sanderson in a new direction, but bigger isn’t always better.”

“I agree.”

She nodded decisively. “Good. Because both of the founding families are on board with careful, well-considered growth, but neither the Sandersons nor Carters will tolerate developing to capacity. As a Carter myself, I can assure you that won’t be happening.”

A grin split Cade’s face.

She felt her frown return. “Why are you smiling? What have I said that’s funny?”

“You’ve certainly told me.”

Her temper began heating. “This is my home—my daughter’s home. I have a duty to speak up and protect my birthright.” Never again would she be complacent when something didn’t sit right.

“It’s been quite some time since anyone’s put me in my place. Most people wouldn’t dare.”

She jerked her shoulders. “You don’t frighten me much.”

He roared out a laugh, his head tipping back with the deep sound. “Duly noted.”

 

  

ABOUT CATE BEAUMAN

 

Cate Beauman is the multi-award-winning, international bestselling author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series and the Carter Island Novels. She is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense and contemporary stories.

 

Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.

 

Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.

 

Website:  https://catebeauman.com/

Newsletter:  http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreebooks

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cate-beauman

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543858.Cate_Beauman

 

ALSO PART OF THE CARTER ISLAND TRILOGY

 

SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE GLASS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 1

 

Release Date:  October 8, 2017

 

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Stained glass artist Callie Davis is in desperate need of a vacation. Burnt out and on the edge of a nervous breakdown, she’s taking refuge on Massachusetts’ tiny Carter Island. Callie yearns for long, lazy days and pretty walks on the beach—blessed solitude and an escape from the pressures of her career and complications of her life. Then she bumps into gorgeous Nate Carter, and everything changes.

 

Sheriff Nathan Carter couldn’t be happier now that the height of the summer season has finally come and gone. After four endless months, tourists have packed their bags and headed for the mainland. The quiet days of autumn are about to befall the town—the way Nate and his fellow Sandersonians like it best.

 

But nothing ends up quite the way Nate expects when he meets the beautiful blond with the big blue eyes. Callie’s pretty smiles hide secrets—deep, dark mysteries that have the potential to rip apart their lives.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/SHIGKindle

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/SHIGiBooks

Kobo: http://bit.ly/SecretsInGlassKobo

Nook: https://bit.ly/SHIGNook

Google Play: https://bit.ly/SHIGGooglePlay

 

Reviews and Endorsements:
2018 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner

Readers’ Favorite Five Star Book Designation

 

“Great character’s, fantastic plot, it is a book to sink into. You feel the magic of the island…” Amazon Verified Review

 

“Even throughout the nail-biting scenes, and moments of terrible sadness, you feel the rise and love sneaking back into the picture.” Amazon Verified Review

 

Amazon Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5

 

AFTERMATH OF SECRETS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 2

 

RELEASE DATE:  June 4, 2020

 

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

 

Boston’s Most Eligible Bachelor has it all: good looks, a great career, and plenty of wealth and prestige. But Bradley Sanderson’s charmed life quickly falls apart when scandal rocks his famous family. Arrests have been made; the media circus has begun, and Brad has been tasked with the daunting chore of restoring the Sandersons’ good name. Moving back to Carter Island and picking up the pieces hasn’t been easy, especially when the one person he needs the most won’t give him the time of day.

 

Bakery owner and island resident Molly Carter is loyal to her core, but that doesn’t mean Brad’s homecoming hasn’t left her torn. Brad’s darkest days aren’t lost on Molly, but reaching out to her lifelong friend isn’t so simple when she’s forced to guard her heart. Everything changed when she woke up alone after their sexy summer night.

 

The complications keep coming when Brad’s long-lost brother shows up in town, bringing the remnants of his checkered past with him. Forgiveness and redemption are possible for all, until new secrets come to light that may have shocking consequences.

Buy Links

Amazon US:  http://tiny.cc/AOS_AmazonUS

Apple Books:  http://tiny.cc/AOS_AppleBooks

Kobo:  http://tiny.cc/AOS_Kobo

Nook:  http://tiny.cc/AOS_Nook

Google Play:  http://tiny.cc/AOS_GooglePlay

 

Reviews and Endorsements

Readers’ Favorite Five Star Book Designation

 

“I'm a big sucker for a good love story, especially one that has drama. Aftermath Of Secrets by Cate Beauman provided both in a beautiful way. I was swept in by the characters, their wants, and desires.”  -Shannon Winings, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

 

 “Molly gets her story and it is powerful! I love the Carter's and the Sanderson drama. I just wish the story had been longer.” Amazon Verified Review

 

Amazon Rating: 4.4/5

Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5

 

RELEASE CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#NEW Amish Romance Release: SHELTER IN THE STORM by Laurel Blount

 

In this moving Amish romance, two broken hearts find hope in each other after a terrible loss.

Unspeakable tragedy strikes the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill when an unstable Englischer opens fire in the Hochstedler General Store. In the aftermath, and under the media's spotlight, Joseph Hochstedler struggles to hold his shattered family together, drawing unexpected comfort from a faithful childhood friend.

Born with a serious heart defect, optimist Naomi Schrock has always longed to live a life of service. She rolls up her sleeves, determined to help Joseph cope with this terrible crisis. But dare she hope that his friendship will finally deepen into love?

As the media's obsession with the Hochstedler shooting escalates, Joseph and Naomi find themselves caught between tradition and compromise, between lingering sorrows and uncertain hopes. And in the end, two people who've already lost far too much must find the courage to trust their hearts one last time.

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Storm-Johns-Amish-Romance-ebook/dp/B08H17JZTS 

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace--with characters who'll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

 

 

#NEW Release: SIGN OF EVIL by NYT Best Selling author M.A. Comley

 

Blurb:

From NY Times bestselling author of the Justice series, M A Comley, who has sold over three million copies worldwide.

 

The love of money can be deadly...

 

And evil has an agenda.

 

DI Sara Ramsey is tasked with trying to solve yet another missing person case. This one is far more perplexing than any she’s dealt with before.

 

Amber Rowse was on a path of self-improvement which unfortunately led to her downfall. She's the first but it's not long before other girls end up on the missing list.

 

Can Sara and her intrepid team conquer the evil which confronts them, to save Amber and the other girls before their terrifying fate is revealed?

 

To celebrate I'm having a giveaway, all you have to do is share this post to enter. On offer this month are a beautiful sterling silver necklace, a lovely hand made book mark and three signed paperback copies of Sign Of Evil. 

 

Facebook giveaway link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2498593423507951/

 

Winners announced on Sunday. Good luck.

 

Amazon buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PL2PT2L

 

 

#NEW Release .99: A VISCOUNTS HEART FOR CHRISTMAS by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

An innocent young beauty, a seasoned spy and a mystery in the north that rages out of control sending their worlds on a collision course no one could foresee.

Charles Bainbridge, Viscount Edgerton, is the regional spymaster and has no time for a wife. His work for the Home Office is a top priority for him, that is, until he meets Lady Courtney Darkin, the sister of his best friend the Duke of Wetherby. The last time he saw her, she was running wild, her pigtails flying behind her at the duke's country estate. She wasn't a little girl anymore and Edgerton felt like a thunder bolt had struck him when he first laid eyes on her. But he wasn't the only one with an eye on the young beauty.

Lady Courtney Darkin is excited to come to London in preparation for her debut Season. There would be teas, musicals, dinners and balls--everything she's been dreaming about for years. The first time she meets Lord Edgerton, however, her knees go weak. She's smitten. No man had a right to be so beautiful--like a marble statue come to life. Can Courtney melt the tough exterior Lord Edgerton shows the world and open his heart to love?

New release price ONLY .99!

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LCP8XTH