Home

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Read The Glass Girl by Kim Alexander #EpicFantasy #Romantasy #Adventure

  



The Glass Girl
(The Demon Door Book 3)


Synopsis
Love opens all doors…but betrayal locks them forever.


Newly blessed (or cursed) with wings and fire, Prince Rhuun of the demon realm of Eriis sees hope for his life on the human world of Mistra with his fierce human lover, Lelet va'Everley. She literally went to hell and back to save him, and she's not about to let anything—or anyone—ruin their perfect future.


All too soon, the claims of family, duty, and justice force Rhuun and Lelet to confront new griefs and old mistakes as they attempt to restore balance to the throne of Eriis. But, with every jealous rumor and each vengeful whisper, friends turn, family schemes, and forgotten enemies creep from the shadows.


Treachery in Eriis and betrayal in Mistra jeopardize what Rhuun and Lelet have fought so hard to build, threatening to tear apart the two lovers, their families, and even their worlds.




What are the other books in the series?

Two worlds. 

Bound by magic. 

Divided by a Door. 

On the barren, war-ravaged demon world of Eriis, the fierce queen Hellne fights to keep her people alive and her son Rhuun's heritage a secret. 


On the green and gentle human world of Mistra, demons have faded into myth. Only a handful of old men and fanatical children still guard The Door between the worlds. Different and shunned by his demon kin, Rhuun finds refuge in a book that tells of a human world of water and wonder. 


Forced by his mother's enemies to flee Eriis, he finds himself trapped on the other side of The Door in the very place he has read and dreamed about—Mistra. Chained to the deadly whims of a child who guards The Door, Rhuun must balance serving and surviving, even at the risk of exposing his true identity. 


Riskiest of all is his task of kidnapping an infuriating young woman who is about to find out that the demons of Eriis are much, much more than just an old bedtime story.


-----

The Heron Prince

The Demon Door can be opened...but the price is deadly.

Prince Rhuun has found acceptance among the humans on Mistra, something he could never have in the demon realm of Eriis, not even as heir to its throne. What's more, he has even found love with the prickly, passionate heiress, Lelet va'Everly.

The idyll can't last. The prince has enemies who are after more than his throne. They are out for his blood…which holds the key to unsealing The Door between the two worlds, and the demons want in. When Rhuun is lured into a trap on Eriis, Lelet has no choice but to turn to a motley group of exiles, children, and madmen to help save him.

Lelet soon discovers that, like all things, rescuing the prince comes with a price. The secrets in Rhuun's blood may be worth killing for, but are they worth dying for?


-----

The River King

SOMETIMES LOVE DOESN’T CHANGE THE WORLD. SOMETIMES IT CHANGES ALL OF THEM.

Rhuun, the half-human and wholly reluctant prince of the demons has finally reunited with his fiery Lelet. It’s too bad they must hide behind a facade of icy indifference to fool those who are determined to keep demons and humans apart...by any means necessary.

There is more at stake than bringing the miracle of rain back to Eriis. It's not just sand and lost royals poised to come through the newly-opened Door. Something ancient is hungry, and fat, complacent Mistra won't stand a chance. Even worse, whispers and shadows speak of blood magic that could destroy not just The Door, but all Doors—forever—barring the way home for lovers and enemies alike.

Will the love Rhuun and Lelet have moved worlds to share be the very thing they must sacrifice to save their worlds?


-----

Who am I?

Kim Alexander grew up in the wilds of Long Island, NY, and slowly drifted south until she reached Key West. After spending ten rum-soaked years as a DJ in the Keys, she moved to Washington DC, where she lives with two cats, an angry fish, and her extremely patient husband who tells her she needs to write at least ten more books if she intends to retire in Thailand, so thank you for your patronage. 



Stalk Me



Posted by at 1 comment:

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Humble Pie: A Slice of History (and Ego)

Has it been A Week? It certainly feels like it. Between secret files, public blunders, and the astonishing number of people incapable of simply saying, “Yes, that was my fault,” I thought we could all use a bite of something soothing. Behold: humble pie — the original dish of “Oops, my bad,” baked into a crust.

The Origins of Eating Crow’s More British Cousin

Back in the 1600s, when deer were plentiful and egos were just as fragile as today’s, servants often dined on “umbles”—a polite word for the heart, liver, and other bits their lords weren’t fighting over. Thus was born umble pie. Tasty enough, but also a reminder of one’s place at the table.

By the Regency period, the phrase had migrated from kitchens to conversation. By 1812, American newspapers were already using “humble pie” to mock Britain’s humiliations in war. Across the pond, London’s Morning Post in 1819 gleefully reported that politician Sir Francis Burdett had been forced to “eat humble pie and play second fiddle.” That’s Regency-speak for: “he really lost the argument, bless him.”

From Offal to Idiom (with Help from Dickens)

By the 19th century, “umble” slurred into “humble,” and the phrase became immortalized in both political mockery and literature. Dickens had his villain Uriah Heep call himself “umble” in David Copperfield (1849), proving that false modesty ages about as well as leftover pie.

A Recipe for Humility

Should you wish to literally consume your pride, here’s a modern adaptation of that once-humble dish:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef liver (or other offal, if you’re brave)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
  • 1 pie crust (ready-made, because even shame deserves convenience)

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Chop the liver into small pieces; sauté with butter, onion, and garlic.
  3. Add thyme, pepper, and salt. Stir like you’re covering your tracks.
  4. Pour in beef broth; simmer for 10 minutes. Sprinkle in flour to thicken.
  5. Pour filling into a crust, cover with a second, and bake 25–30 minutes.
  6. Serve warm—with a tall glass of “Yes, I was wrong.”

Why We Still Serve It

While we no longer force social inferiors to eat offal pies, the phrase remains with us. Everyone, sooner or later, must choke down their pride. At least now, we can season it properly and put it in a flaky crust.

So the next time you witness someone refusing to admit they’ve messed up, just smile knowingly and think: that’s going to be one hell of a pie when it finally bakes.


Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels:

Monday, August 25, 2025

Read Alpha Male Anthology #PNR #Romance #Anthology

  

Alpha Male (Anthology)

Sheridan Pack

Key Words: 

Shifter, PNR, Fantasy Romance Anthology, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Paranormal romance lovers will devour these thirteen novellas featuring alpha male shifters and the women they're determined to claim. Our handpicked stories are full of heat, passion, and romance to remember. Fourteen authors, including some of your favorite Evernight bestsellers, are proud to present Alpha Male.

COMPLETE LINEUP

Fray by Raven Hush

Unlikely Mates by Jade Marshall

Luna Hunted by Helen Walton

Dragons Don't Share by Lily Harlem

Return of the Alpha by Beth D. Carter

Claimed by the Alpha by Lila Fox

Love at First Scent by Sarah Marsh

His Curvy Mate by Sam Crescent & Stacey Espino

Forsaken Omega by Winter Sloane

Belonging by Rose Wulf

Wild Hearts by Faedra Rose

The Alpha's Private Dancer by Cooper McKenzie

Just His Luck by Kait Gamble

Get It Now:

-----

The Complete Series

  


-----



Who am I?

Beth D. Carter grew up in Missouri and began writing at a very young age after being influenced by her mother's very naughty romance novels.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I like writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, so my heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors, or corporate high rollers. I try to write characters who aren't cookie-cutter and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. Music inspires me and each story has its own signature song.

I am a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom which means I watch a lot of animated movies. Over and over again. I hate washing dishes but I love cooking. I hate washing clothes but I love wearing them. Writing my bio is difficult because I never know what to say so I hope you like this one. My favorite color is red but I look best in black (it's slimming). I hate people who don't pick up their dog's crap in public places, people who don't use turn signals, and I really hate people who are rude and condescending. I especially hate discrimination in all and every form. And although I love holding a book in my hand, I absolutely adore my e-reader, whom I've named Ruby. So many books at the touch of a button! I love to hear from readers so I've made it really easy to find me on Facebook or Twitter or email me at: beth@bethdcarter.com.

Stalk Me

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethdcarterauthor
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bethdcarter
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bethdcarter.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethdcarter/
Website: https://bethdcarter.webador.com/

Posted by at 1 comment:

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Read Crazy Little Fling by Isla Olsen #MMRomance #SecretFling #RomCom

  



Crazy Little Fling

Love & Luck Series Book 3

Key Words: 

MM Romance, Rom-Com, Dad's Best Friend, British Slang, Age Gap, HEA, One Night Stand, Commitmentphobes, Secret Fling

Synopsis:

Jamie
It’s not exactly what I’d call the ideal situation—being introduced to your bio-dad’s best mate only to realize he’s the sexy older guy you hooked up with a couple of weeks ago—but it’s also not the worst thing to ever happen in history. The way I see it, this is fate. The universe is throwing Shay Kelly in my path again because it knows how much I’ve been dying for another shag with him
I have four weeks before I need to go back to London, and I know exactly how I’d like to spend that time. And fortunately for me, Shay’s just as keen for a repeat or ten as I am.
All we need is a few ground rules to keep this little fling in check…

Rule One: It’s temporary
Makes sense—neither of us do the long-term bit. And it’s not like we can continue with this once I move back to London.

Rule Two: No dates, just sex
Easy peasy—sex is the best part of dating anyway.

Rule Three: We keep it between us
Perfect—sneaking around and concocting elaborate lies is a right turn on.

Rule Four: No falling in love
Love? Me? In four weeks? There’s a better chance of me inventing the solution to climate change.
-----
More in the Series



-----



Who am I?

Isla is a cocktail-loving, history-obsessed Aussie who writes low-angst, high-heat queer romantic comedy.

She is best known for the Love & Luck series and P.S. I Loathe You.

Some of Isla's favorite tropes include: Friends to lovers, queer-awakening, age gap, enemies to lovers, best friend's/sibling's ex, secret fling...and many more!

Fun Facts about Isla:
If she had a time machine she'd go to London on July 13, 1985, to see Live Aid.
She's travelled to 44 different countries 
If she could re-live any year of her life it would be 2000
Her all-time favourite books are Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters world
Her all-time favorite movie is Gladiator
Her all-time favorite TV show is Friends
Her all-time favorite song is "Live Forever" by Oasis, and she has the title tattooed on her forearm
The five people she'd invite to a dinner party are Neil Patrick Harris, JFK, Courtney Act, Miranda Hart, and Freddie Mercury

Stalk Me

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islaolsenromance
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2346067248994507/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islaolsenromance
Website: https://www.islaolsen.com/

Posted by at 1 comment:

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Summertime – More Reading Than Writing

 

 Dirty Work

The new book doesn't come together like a good plan by Hannibal Smith, but rather like the vague plans a trainee of the Colonel would make. The writing feels like I'm inventing the puzzle pieces as I go. Some fit and stay, while others are removed. The ones that fit help propel the storyline and create part of the picture. The serial killer, who had no qualms about killing her lovers before, finally meets a man she adores. She doesn't want to leave him, even though she might get caught if she stays. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Nicolas Hayes is in trouble because an old adversary is out to get him. While he’s busy trying to catch a killer and a slick opponent, his love life goes down the drain.

I try to piece together scenes that will help the heroes solve the crimes, but the warm weather keeps me from being at home. Summertime is usually meant for reading and less for writing. I love sitting in the sun with a good book and a cup of coffee. Sometimes, an unrelated story I read inspires another scene, so I keep a notebook and pen ready to write down any idea that comes to mind.

While I continue to work on the puzzle that is my work in progress, here’s an excerpt from my last published book, Dirty Work.

 

Just when you think you have found the perfect match, you may find yourself bursting into flames.

 
Excerpt

Nicolas left his hideout cautiously. There was no way of knowing how many burglars he was up against. The carpet under his bare feet was soft and warm, swallowing every sound. He had crossed the room when he became aware of a shadow at the next door, which led to the parlor, Mr. Hollander’s favorite abode. The aroma of expensive tobacco was in the air, mingling with that of leather and faintly of flowers. He noticed that there were sandy shoe traces from at least two persons on the otherwise spotless carpet. The moment he stepped beyond the threshold, a man attacked him from the right. Nicolas blocked the man’s arm, twisted it around and thrust the man face-first against the wall. The impact stunned him amid the screams of pain. He went down and lay unmoving. Nicolas let go of the man’s arm to face the second opponent, who aimed a pistol at him. Instinctively, Nicolas turned away, and the projectile passed him soundlessly. Before the shooter could pull the trigger again, Nicolas closed the gap, kicked the man in the shin, and twisted the gun out of his hand, turning his body into him. It had not yet reached the floor when the man boxed Nicolas in the kidney twice so forcefully it was both hurtful and stunning. Gasping for air, Nicolas rammed his elbow into the attacker’s midsection, gaining the advantage to turn and punch the man in the face, twice, three times, driving him backward. His side hurt, but for the moment he had his eyes on his opponent and ignored the pain. Nicolas kicked the man’s knee, triggering a groan, then kicked higher at the man’s chest. The opponent hit the wall behind him, and Nicolas was upon him, hitting him hard in the face once again. The man’s defense crumbled—he couldn’t keep up his fists. Nicolas heard a voice calling out in shock behind him. Quickly he swiveled the injured man around him so that he was a shield against yet another silent bullet. A third man had crossed the threshold into the parlor. Wide-eyed and obviously surprised by the situation, he turned tail and ran back through the living room toward the side entrance of the house.

“Fuck!” Nicolas dropped the now unconscious intruder and pursued the third gangster on bare feet. He heard glass shatter with a deafening noise, as if the living room’s mighty candelabra had hit the floor. It was the glass cabinet. The shards lay scattered across the floor, glistening in the afternoon sunlight, too broadly spread to jump over. Nicolas was lucky he came to a skittering halt before stepping into the glass. “I don’t believe this!” Nicolas put his hands on his hips, catching his breath. He heard the third man run down the hall and leave the building, shouting an order in a language Nicolas didn’t understand.

On the way back to the intruders, he tore off the power line of a floor lamp and used it to tie up the two men. Both were unresponsive, and he had his first good look at them. They were both of Asian origin, solidly built, with hair cut so short their scalps shone through, in their late twenties. The second man he had beaten had a shiny silver dart in his chest. Nicolas refrained from touching it. He searched their pockets but didn’t find a passport or a wallet. He also did not find backpacks or bags to transport stolen goods. “What were you guys up to?” he murmured as he left them behind to search the house. On the way, he grabbed a phone from the hook to call the police.

When he couldn’t find any other intruders, he fetched a pair of shoes from the bedroom, a few clothes for Jacklyn and himself, and went to open the closet. “Hey, lady, good to see you.”

Jacklyn embraced him, sighing with relief. She looked up to him with a frown. “You look… chipper.”

“What did you expect? Your badass FBI agent knows how to use his fists.”

***

For more visit my website: annraina.com

 

Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)