Book Blitz & Excerpt: The Sorceress Transcendent + Giveaway

The Sorceress Transcendent Blitz Banner

The Sorceress Transcendent
by Casey Blair
Publication date: June 6th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Once mortal enemies on the battlefield, what can they become supporting each other instead?
When Varius, the greatest general of the Aurelian Empire, is forced to flee his homeland, there’s only one person he can turn to.

A powerful sorceress and once his most deadly enemy, Theira is the only combatant who’s ever escaped the war between their peoples. But with the memories of how they kept each other going from opposite sides of a battlefield, when a bleeding Varius knocks on her door, she lets him in, even knowing what will follow.

Theira may have gotten away, but as long as the war goes on, she’ll never really be free. Now with both their peoples actively hunting them, the two most dangerous fighters in a never-ending war will have to join forces to do the impossible: end it once and for all, on their terms.

And if they can dare to dream boldly enough, maybe find happiness for themselves, too.

The Sorceress Transcendent is a stand-alone enemies-to-lovers epic fantasy romance novella about badasses who enjoy a cozy cup of tea after a long day wreaking epic destruction, because why choose? This story is for everyone who knows what’s coming when your former mortal enemy and best rival knocks on the door in the middle of the night and says, “I had nowhere else to go.”

Goodreads / Amazon


EXCERPT:

“I was beginning to wonder,” Theira said, cool amusement in her voice, “if you thought that this time for sure you would be able to simply stare me into submission.”

It was the sound of her voice after all this time more than even the vision of her alive and well and free and gorgeous that almost undid him. His knees tried to buckle, and Varius caught himself.

Theira tracked the movement, and the thorny vines withdrew abruptly. She never missed anything, even if she didn’t speak. How long had he stood at the door like a dumbass?

And now she also knew he was at her mercy, that he had no hidden strategy she needed to counter, that she could kill him at any time without worry. A first, for them. Varius might have been ashamed if he hadn’t suspected she was nonplussed.

He stared at this sorceress, his once-best enemy, who waited with endless patience for him to get to the godscursed point. He sucked in a breath to greet her politely and make his case, to explain and formally request her forbearance, but what made it out was:

“I had nowhere else to go.”

The words dropped into the night like a stone in a pool.

Theira’s deeply expressive eyes flickered, knowing.

Unimaginable, that his life had somehow come to this.

But the empire he had given his life and body and soul to had betrayed him—betrayed them all. No one there could protect him or anyone else any longer.

Varius had spent almost his whole life at war, and now it was only an enemy he could turn to.

Theira held his gaze for a long moment and then said, “You’d better come in.”


Author Bio:

Casey Blair writes adventurous fantasy novels for all ages, and her serial fantasy Tea Princess Chronicles is available online for free. After graduating from Vassar College, her own adventures have included teaching English in rural Japan, attending the Viable Paradise residential science fiction and fantasy writing workshop, and working as an indie bookseller. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest and can be found dancing spontaneously, exploring forests around the world, or trapped under a cat. For more information visit her website caseyblair.com or follow her on Twitter @CaseyLBlair.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Blitz & Excerpt: Dark Magic + Giveaway

DARK MAGIC banner

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the DARK MAGIC by Raluca Narita Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Title: DARK MAGIC
(The Chronicles of the Underworld Book 1)

Author: Raluca Narita

Pub. Date: June 27, 2023

Publisher: Underworld Publishing House LLC

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 402

Find it: Goodreads, books2read

 

The Goddess of Death, the Grimm Brothers, and the Devil collide in a thrilling new paranormal fantasy series. 

Primrose Titan is the Goddess of Death, an ancient deity who reaps the souls of the dead and rules the Underworld. All life ends with death, and in death, there is no happiness. Primrose knows this better than anyone, and her heavy responsibility has twisted her reality, purging her of all feelings for humans-or so she believes.

When the Demon King Lucifer escapes his prison in Hell and threatens chaos on the human world, Primrose must hunt him down. The High Court, a council of deities, is skeptical Primrose can handle Lucifer on her own and appoints the handsome yet icy Atlas Grimm, one of the fabled Grimm Brothers, to assist her. Strange, dark magic and supernatural creatures sent from the Devil himself stand in their way, along with political enemies acquired over the millennia.


Excerpt:

“The Demon King, Lucifer, has escaped from Hell.”

Gasps and surprised whispers echoed across the room. All emotion dropped from my face as it drained of color. My blood ran cold.

“So,” my brother said, scrutinizing my reaction, “you should really be asking my sister about the security of her prison system in Hell, considering she’s in charge of that particular subregion of the Underworld.”

The conference room burst into chaos. Deities sprung from their chairs and conversations escalated to loud screaming matches. Frozen, I tried to process Ben’s words. The Demon King escaped. My head was feverish yet light. Drops of sweat slid down my skin. Much time passed since I felt true fear. Lucifer’s name brought it back like a wave of deadly vengeance.

“Quiet,” Erin Grimm ordered. “Let’s not devolve into hysteria just yet.”

The room went silent, and the accusing gazes of the High Court pierced me like a hot poker. “As we know,” Erin continued, “the Devil is mad. He attempted to overthrow multiple deities and treasonously plotted against the High Court. We wouldn’t want such a thing to happen again, Lady Primrose. I’m sure you understand.”

The High Court awaited my reaction with poorly concealed anticipation. They wanted confirmation I hadn’t set Lucifer free. Though I wanted nothing more than to annoy the petty, insignificant lives of the deities seated in this scented, elegant room, freeing Lucifer was not an option. His escape harmed me more than anyone else.

Claustrophobia was theoretically impossible in a room the size of a hotel, yet I was suffocating under the pressure of hundreds of expectant eyes. Though the Court members wouldn’t remain patient much longer, I stole a moment to restore my composure, breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth. The beating of my heart slowed. My eyes glazed into boredom, and my heart distanced itself from every being in the room.

I chose my next words carefully. “Are you certain he has escaped?”

Ben’s forehead creased. “I have no reason to lie.”

“His prison is well guarded. I have every right to contest a claim so outlandish as this, especially in the High Court.”


 About Raluca Narita:

Raluca Narita was born in Romania and grew up in Southern California and West Texas. She currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and loves to travel in her free time. Raluca is the author of The Chronicles of the Underworld. For each book sold, 99 cents will be donated to the Win STEM Foundation to support women in STEM.

Subscribe to Raluca’s Newsletter! Scroll Down

Join Raluca’s Street team! All members receive a free package full of Dark Magic merch. Benefits of membership include sneak peaks at new books, exclusive discount codes, insider information and bonus scenes, and more! 

Website | Raluca Twitter | Dark Magic Twitter | Facebook Page | Raluca Instagram | Dark Magic Instagram | Raluca TikTok | Dark Magic TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours, International.

1 winner will receive an eBook of DARK MAGIC courtesy of Raluca, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ends June 20th, midnight EST.


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/5/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

6/5/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

6/6/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

6/6/2023

Sadie’s Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

6/7/2023

Two Chicks on Books

Guest Post/IG Post

6/7/2023

Cara North

Guest Post/IG Post

6/8/2023

YA Books Central

Interview/IG Post

6/8/2023

@jlreadstoperpetuity

IG Review

6/9/2023

100 Pages A Day

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

IG Review

Week Two:

6/12/2023

@froggyreadteach

Review/IG Post

6/12/2023

Jaime_of_gryffindor

IG Review

6/13/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/13/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/14/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

6/14/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

6/15/2023

The Momma Spot

Review

6/15/2023

the original B00K nerd

IG Review/FB Post

6/16/2023

Gothichaunting

IG Review

6/16/2023

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Review/IG Post

 

Spotlight & Excerpt: Chasing the Bride + Giveaway

CHASING THE BRIDE

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CHASING THE BRIDE by Erica Ridley Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Title: CHASING THE BRIDE
(Lords in Love #6)

Author: Erica Ridley

Pub. Date: June 9, 2023

Publisher: WebMotion

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 197

Find it: Goodreads, books2read 

 

In this fast, feel-good romp from a New York Times bestselling author, forbidden love blooms between a runaway bride and the man sent to find her…

Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. Their families had warred for generations, and this union will heal the longstanding rift. But Tabitha doesn’t want to be a pawn—or a consolation prize. She dreams of a love match, and failing that, at least one night of true love. Even if she has to run away to find it!

As Viscount Oldfield’s trusted man of business, Mr. Hudson Frampton is his lordship’s right-hand man, attack dog, and fixer. When a nervous bride jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is meant to find and return her to his employer posthaste. He is not supposed to fall in love. Or kiss his employer’s bride. Or say yes when Tabitha makes an indecent proposal that will ruin them both…

 

 


Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

London, 1818

Lady Tabitha Kerr stood just outside the door to her father’s sickroom, trying to catch her breath. Although he had never been particularly demonstrative, her father was a good man. She knew this. It was why she had spent a lifetime trying her hardest to please him. And yet what the marquess was forcing his only child to do would confine Tabitha to a life of misery.

She rolled back her shoulders. She could no longer postpone the inevitable. She was a lady now. It was time to act like one. Tabitha tapped her knuckles against the door. It opened instantly. Mr. Hudson Frampton had beaten all other servants to the soft knock. Or else he’d been standing within reach of the handle, which was unlikely. Her betrothed’s guard dog never left his employer’s side, except to follow a direct order. Mr. Frampton always seemed to be everywhere at once, and capable of absolutely anything.

At the moment, he was gazing at her gravely. His solemn expression did nothing to lessen his distracting handsomeness. He was no gentleman, and it showed. His brown hair was a little too long, his cravat creased carelessly, his strong jaw already shadowed with stubble at three o’clock in the

afternoon. The omnipresent air of danger emanated from his conspicuous muscles.

He looked like a highwayman, not a viscount’s man of business. Though perhaps the two roles were not so dissimilar. A highwayman robbed passing carriages. Lord Oldfield’s infamous man of business had his fingers in every investment opportunity in London, often reaping greater rewards for the viscount than enjoyed by the poor souls who owned or executed the various operations.

“He’s waiting for you,” Mr. Frampton said softly, his dark brown eyes unreadable.

“Don’t you mean they’re waiting for me?” Lady Tabitha murmured, her correction tinged with bitterness. Viscount Oldfield might be Mr. Frampton’s employer, but both men were in the sickroom of Tabitha’s father.

Mr. Frampton’s dark eyes glittered. “You are, of course, correct. My apologies.”

“It’s all right,” she mumbled under her breath.

It was not all right. Life as she knew it would soon be over. The father she adored, dead. And the sly viscount of equally advanced age standing at the marquess’s bedside… would soon own Tabitha outright, thanks to the legal glories of holy matrimony.

Mr. Frampton stepped aside to let her in.

Tabitha pasted on a smile and went straight to her father, passing both the odious Viscount Oldfield and the kindly physician Dr. Collins in her hurry to kiss her father’s pale forehead and assure herself he would not be leaving her this day, at least.

“Daughter,” the marquess rasped. “A welcome sight for sore eyes.” Her own eyes stung. That was one of the kindest things he had ever said to her. Perhaps confronting his mortality had likewise caused him to cherish the sole familial connection he had left.

“Always my pleasure, Father.” She lifted his frail hand in hers and sent a questioning look toward the physician.

“Stable,” Dr. Collins pronounced, loud enough for the marquess to hear. Then he dropped his white-whiskered mouth to Tabitha’s ear. “But not for long. A month or two, at best. And at worst…”

She pulled her ear away before she could hear the rest of the good doctor’s diagnosis. Tabitha patted her father’s hand instead. A wasting disease was one of the worst ways to die. It stretched on too long. Day after day of knowing death was coming, wiggling its hook in a little more with each passing breath.

It had been two months already. When her father was first diagnosed, they had thought the marquess might hold on for six more months, mayhap another year. But he grew weaker by the day and had been bed-bound for over a month, unable to rise without assistance. This past week, her father had ceased being able to feed himself. The effort of lifting a cup or a fork was too much. Every limb trembled, and every part of him ached.

Tabitha hated seeing him like this. He’d once been so vibrant. Afternoons spent fencing with his friends, or riding his favorite stallion in the park. As much as she appreciated having the opportunity to say goodbye, watching her father die a little more each day was torture.

For his sake, she wished a swift end to his suffering. But for her sake… Father’s inevitable demise was the worst thing that could happen. “You haven’t… greeted your… betrothed,” rasped the marquess. Tabitha gritted her teeth behind a brittle smile and turned the pleasantest face she could muster toward Viscount Oldfield—who, it must be noted, had not greeted her either.

According to legend, such lack of manners was one of the many reasons their families had warred for generations. Both sides believed the other beneath them. Neither side was willing to bend.

Until Father. Bless him and curse him.

Tabitha did not curtsey to her betrothed. “Lord Oldfield. Please forgive my tardiness in greeting you.”

The viscount ran his eyes over her as though he were imagining her naked. “Bah. I’ve no need for a wife who talks,” he murmured, too low for her father to overhear.

Yes. This man thirty-plus years her senior desired her for reasons unrelated to conversation.

Such was her impending marital bliss.

She turned and dropped to her knees beside her father’s sickbed. “Papa, surely you can see—”

“This union will heal a centuries-old rift,” he reminded her, sensing the direction of her plea and putting a stop to it before she could embarrass them both in front of the viscount. “You should be proud to be a vessel of peace.”

A vessel. That was exactly what she was going to be. A hard, empty vessel for Lord Oldfield to fill at his whim and to use as he saw fit. Such unceasing attentions might break her.

“He’s a lord,” the marquess said hoarsely. “You should be grateful I’ve given you to such a fine friend. You might recall that Oldfield saved my life. I can never fully repay him for that. From the moment he and I first guarded the trenches together—”

Another war story. Heaven save her, Lady Tabitha had heard them all, dozens or hundreds of times each.

Father and Viscount Oldfield had met as British soldiers stationed together in the French revolutionary war, in the early 1790s. They’d both been raised to despise the other’s family, but nonetheless had become unlikely friends, united against a common foe. And when it had mattered most, Oldfield had been there for the marquess.

“He’s like a brother to me,” Father continued.

Tabitha wanted to scream, You wouldn’t betroth your daughter to your brother, much less whilst still in the womb, but she held silent. It didn’t matter what she said. Father was the marquess, and his word was law.

“Besides,” her father said gently. “You’ve always hated to see people upset or at odds. Your marriage will wipe clean a century of bigotry and prejudice. You should be proud to play such an important role, daughter. You love to restore peace. And a titled match makes you the envy of your peers. You have better fortune than most.”

Yes, yes, all of that was true, but…

Still on her knees at her father’s side, Tabitha cast a despairing glance up at Viscount Oldfield. He leered at her, displaying the multicolored teeth jockeying in his mouth. He’d lost several in the war. All of which had been replaced by teeth scavenged from the French corpses littering the battlefield.

She would get to think of that every time the viscount kissed her. Tabitha shuddered. She couldn’t help it.

“It’s your turn to serve the greater good, daughter.” Father tilted his head toward the viscount. “Can you procure a special license?” “No!” Tabitha scrambled to her feet. “I cannot marry yet. I’m not ready. This is… It isn’t a good time. In fact, I won’t have a free moment for a fortnight. I’m…” What could she conceivably be doing that would be more important than marrying a viscount? “I-I’ve already promised to attend the May Day festival in Marrywell. It lasts a week, and I must leave by morning to arrive for the opening ceremony.”

Father held her gaze, then cast his exhausted eyes up toward Dr. Collins. “If we read the banns first, what are the chances I will live long enough to attend the wedding ceremony?”

Tabitha sagged with relief—and guilt. She did not wish to disappoint her father or to cause him pain. A good daughter knew her duty and

fulfilled it without question. Was she being selfish by not rushing into an unwanted marriage with a lecherous roué over twice her age? “Shall you last another three weeks, milord? I should think so,” said the physician. “You’re not quite at death’s door yet.”

“But I have arrived outside its residence,” the marquess said dryly, only to be wracked by a rattling cough.

Viscount Oldfield jerked his gaze toward his attack dog. “Hudson, see that the first banns are read tomorrow.”

Mr. Frampton nodded. “It will be done.”

Lady Tabitha let out her breath. The banns would be read three consecutive Sundays. Fifteen days total, from the first reading to the last. It was not much of a reprieve, but it was at least something.

“Oldfield,” rasped the marquess. “Procure a special license as well. If I should worsen faster than expected…”

Tabitha swallowed. Her final fortnight of freedom would be curtailed in a second if there was cause to believe her father unable to hold on for the full reading of the banns.

“Consider it done,” Mr. Frampton assured both men, without looking at Tabitha.

The marquess’s pale blue eyes found his daughter. “Daughter…” “I know, Father,” she murmured. “I promise to make you proud.” Even if it destroyed any hope of her own happiness.

Seeing his only child wed to his old comrade-in-arms was the marquess’s literal dying wish. The marriage would bring peace after generations of fighting. And the promise had already been made.

Only a monster would prioritize her own selfish preferences above the wishes of her dying father and the peace and happiness her sacrifice would bring future generations.

She sighed. A daughter’s duty was to her father. Any other, less privileged young lady wouldn’t even view this marriage as a sacrifice.

Viscount Oldfield was wealthy and titled. An unattainable dream, for most. A coup Tabitha had lucked into from birth, no effort required. She was fortunate. The envy of debutantes everywhere, who would take her place at the altar in a heartbeat.

Tabitha wished she could let them.

“As it happens,” said Viscount Oldfield, as he resumed his open leering, “I have plans to attend the May Day festival as well.”

Oh no.

The viscount dipped his eyes toward Tabitha’s bodice. “You can ride with me.”

An eight-hour drive trapped in a private carriage with him? Untenable. “Of course,” the viscount continued, “I cannot leave until Wednesday —”

Tabitha seized on the opening. “I cannot wait that long. I’ve several appointments to keep, and must be off at first light. I’m very sorry the timing doesn’t—”

Viscount Oldfield gestured at Mr. Frampton. “Go with her.” “What? There’s no need to send your—” Attack dog. “—man of business,” she protested. “Mr. Frampton belongs with you. Besides, I already have a maid. One who is well-versed in playing chaperone.” “Tabitha,” gasped the marquess. “Do as your future husband commands. You will soon vow to love and obey him. It wouldn’t hurt to start practicing that obedience now.”

She ground her teeth behind a tight smile. “Very well. I’ll take Mr. Frampton. We’ll meet you at the festival, Lord Oldfield.”

His eyes still hadn’t left her bodice. “See that you do.”

Tabitha nodded woodenly. Her fortnight of freedom had become anything but free. Instead, she was trapped.

Tomorrow’s long journey was the beginning of the end.


About Erica Ridley:

 

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of of witty, feel good historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Two other popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Sign up for Erica’s newsletter! Sign up today and get a FREE BOOK—plus giveaways, discounts, insider info, contests, sales, & more!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ends June 20th, midnight EST.


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/5/2023

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

6/5/2023

Cara North

Excerpt/IG Post

6/6/2023

Sadie’s Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

6/6/2023

Nerdophiles

Excerpt

6/7/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

6/7/2023

The Reading Life

Excerpt/IG Post

6/8/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

6/8/2023

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

6/9/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

6/9/2023

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/12/2023

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Review/IG Post

6/12/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review

6/13/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/13/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

6/14/2023

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post

6/14/2023

More Books Please blog

Review/IG Post

6/15/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Review/IG Post

6/15/2023

Romance_matcha_andpaperbacks

IG Review/TikTok Post

6/16/2023

Fire and Ice

Review/IG Post

6/16/2023

@dreaminginpages

IG Review

 

Scroll Up