Fredrick spoke low as they walked, the same soothing tone he had used with the waterhorse. “My clan settled here long ago, but we soon found the caves reach far beyond Wenderdowne. Some dens we disturbed, then chose to keep watch and guard the realms above from the fell beasts that sleep below.” Jo cocked her head and teased, “Like a balrog?” “If by balrog you mean a creature of shadow and malice, then aye,” Fredrick replied, perfectly serious.
I learned that I am capable of so much more than I thought I was, and this has given me so much more freedom. Now I look forward to each day instead of dreading where I'm going next in my stories.
The ghostly servants of Bitterhelm, those thralls forced to linger even after their bodies withered away over the centuries, were pitifully few. Too many had faded from wisps into shadow, and their whispers haunted Vynasha’s waking steps. Even here, in the room of their sleeping prince. “Be strong of will…” The walls whispered voices were softer today, at least. But the voices sounded far too much like her faded friend for comfort. “Face your reflection… Claim the mirror you must before the end…” Digging her claws deeper into her palm, Vynasha reached into the threads that bound her to the castle and hissed, “Enough, Hvalla. I know what I have to do.”
Most of y'all already know I'm a cross-genre reader and author. I feel like each of them bring fresh ideas and perspectives, but I especially love when a story bends the rules a wee bit. In Kimberly Packard's latest novel, we begin with a fresh dose of 90s nostalgia before deep diving into the surreal and supernatural.
Return to Wylderland with Bound Beauty! A war is about to begin between the forgotten people of Wylderland and the cruel might of Bitterhelm. Beings of prophecy and legend unite in the epic third chapter of the Wylder Tales Series, a slowburn gothic re-telling of Beauty and the Beast.
“I thought perchance you would like to go for a walk today.” Vynasha held her breath. “This coming from the prince who wouldn’t let me walk across my room alone?” She followed the stitched pattern of silver leaves on her new dress and purposely brushed against his hand. He stilled beneath her touch, and his piercing stare heated with the echo of desire once again. “It has been three days.” She leaned into his touch and savored the rush of his power coursing through their bond. Not too much, just enough to feed her starving body of the magick it craved. “Meaning you believe I’m strong enough?” Grendel looked away and began to lay out the layers over her bed. “Meaning I will be here to catch you if you should fall.” Balos stiffened slightly at the sight, then relaxed when she placed a hand against his back. I’m with you, she silently vowed.
Every book I write is a labor of love. The hardest part for me has always been marketing. I have taken countless courses and workshops, read so many books, and listened to hours of podcasts. The pervading truth I've come to believe is success is different for everyone. Even #1 NYT Bestsellers can't always explain the alchemy that led to their success. I believe it's part luck, part insanely hard work and commitment, with a sprinkling of talent. Ironically enough, talent isn't always the deciding factor, but that's another story. As my friend Mel and I always say before a release: "Here we go again. Let's see if this one sticks!"
I adore character-driven stories, but it's far rarer to have the opportunity to read fiction so well researched with such an epic scope. You really could tell how much care and devotion Martin put into crafting The Queen Among Kings. If you're like me and adore all things A World of Ice and Fire, but also the history that inspired it, this may be the next read for you. Intrigued yet? Keep reading for my review!
I finally finished Bound Beauty! After a rigorous round of rewrites and edits, I'm excited to share the final result with y'all this coming month. We're actually a little over two weeks away, now. And because this is Book 3, and I really want to give it an extra fun send-off, I'm going all in for this release. Interested in helping out and helping me spread the word?
Don't miss this stellar series and eat up all your favorite tropes, including: ✨Feminine rage ✨Found family ✨Soulmates ✨Final book in the series ✨Steamy romance ✨Touch her and die ✨Touch HIM and die ✨ Happy reading, friends!
