Category: Blog Series Page 13 of 223

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Dark Town by Palmer Pickering

On December 4, 2025

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Palmer Pickering’s Dark Town! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Dark Town by Palmer Pickering
Genre: Fantasy, LitRPG
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 410 Pages
Publication Date: April 29, 2024

About the Book:

Part cozy, part bloody, all fun.

Hidden underneath the small town of Haverly Arms lies an entrance to the Dragon’s Game, an extensive world where adventurers compete to collect power objects and progress to the next level.

Temerity’s father and brothers have been down in the game for years, leaving Temerity and her mother, plus their house goblin, Half-pint, to manage their tavern. Bored with small-town life, Temerity decides to enter the tunnel labyrinth, launching an adventure to survive Level One of the Dragon’s Game: Dark Town.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

When Palmer was a child, she built extensive fantasy worlds in her head, rendering them in great detail. Now she does the same thing with words, bringing her fantasy worlds to you.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

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WWW Wednesday—December 3, 2025

By HCNewton

On December 3, 2025

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

I’m not going to finish off all my reading challenges for the year, I know. But two of them will be complete when I read the books mentioned here. So that’s something.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:

What are you currently reading?


How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler	Changes by Jim Butcher, read by James Marsters

I’ve only heard good things about Wexler’s book. I’ve only dipped a toe in, but what I’ve read so far makes me want to go on.

Changes is just one of those books that blew me away when I read it the first time. And it’s gotten better in each subsequent read. This time (2nd time in audio, and maybe 6th time overall) is no different.

What did you recently finish reading?


The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis	What If…Kitty Pryde Stole the Phoenix Force?

I’ll gush about the Lewis book in a day or two. Like Changes, I got something new out of it this time, I can’t even guess how many times I’ve read this one.

This What If… book didn’t really click with me until the last 30% or so, but that last bit made up for the rest.

What do you think you’ll read next?


Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw	The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century by Joel F. Harrington, read by Jame Gillies

Strange Practice was added to my TBR because I walked into a bookstore with money to spend, and all the books I wanted weren’t in stock. So, the helpful bookseller put it in my hand. A year later, here I am, ready to open it.

I’ve had two friends raving over The Faithful Executioner lately (I posted a small bit of that raving a couple of weeks back). I assume I’ll be raving soon.

How’s December looking for you? Any last-minute things you just have to get read?

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Death and the Taxman by David Hankins

By HCNewton

On December 3, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for David Hankins’ Death and the Taxman! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Death and the Taxman by David Hankins
Genre: Fantasy, Humor
Age Category: Adult
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook
Length: 330 Pages
Publication Date: April 15, 2024

About the Book:

The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS Agent’s dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin.

Never trust a dying auditor.

Allies are few and hijinks are many in this hilarious race against time as the Grim Reaper himself tries to cheat death and avoid an audit by Hell’s Auditor and the Office of Micromanagement.

After sharing an ill-advised cup of tea with IRS auditor Frank Totmann, Grim finds himself trapped in Frank’s life amid a world of dangers: love, betrayal, reckless cabbies, implacable demon hunters, and the incessant needs that keep his body ticking . . . for now.

But what happens when Death isn’t shepherding souls to their final destinations? When bodies refuse to die in a world-wide epidemic of miraculous survivals? Grim has seen this once before. He knows what’s coming, and it’s not good . . .

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

David Hankins is the award-winning author of Death and the Taxman. He writes from the thriving cornfields of Iowa where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dragons disguised as cats. His short stories have graced the pages of Writers of the Future Volume 39, Amazing Stories, DreamForge Magazine, Escape Pod, Unidentified Funny Objects 9, and others. David devotes his time to his passions of writing, traveling, and finding new ways to pay his mortgage.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Enigma by Ryan Southwick

By HCNewton

On December 2, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Ryan Southwick’s Enigma! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Enigma by Ryan Southwick
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 561 Pages
Publication Date: June 12, 2024

About the Book:

Ambassador Britta Silverstar, heir to the illustrious Silverstar Corporation, becomes stranded on a world where her wealth, title, and family name mean nothing, and that turns the very technology keeping her healthy into a hangman’s noose. Her life becomes a race against death’s clock to warn the Lost Colonies Alliance of a threat that, after 10,000 years of prosperity, could erase everything humanity has accomplished. An epic science fantasy adventure!

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

Ryan Southwick currently lives in Humboldt County with his wife and three children. His technical skills as a software developer, healthcare experience, and lifelong fascination for science fiction became the ingredients for his first series, The Z‑Tech Chronicles, which combines these elements into a fantastic contemporary tale of super-science, fantasy, and adventure, based in his Bay Area stomping grounds. He has since published other science fiction works, including the Timeless Keeper Saga, Lost Colonies, and One Man’s Trash.

Website ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Even If We’re Broken by A.M. Weald

By HCNewton

On December 1, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for A.M. Weald’s Even If We’re Broken! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Even If We’re Broken by A.M. Weald
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 373 Pages
Publication Date: April 4, 2024

About the Book:

Love, like archaeology, is a lot of trowel and error.

Still reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend, bioarchaeologist Kate Roth agrees to join an estranged colleague to teach at his field school at a Viking-age archaeology site in the wilds of Newfoundland. While welcoming the escape from Colorado where she’s been medicating resurfaced anxieties with wine and angry rock music, she’s wary of three important facts: 1) she’s had a crush on Viking Cowboy Ben for half her life, 2) Ben is a family man who lives in Norway, and 3) all her romantic relationships, and most friendships, seem to have an expiration date.

For archaeologist Esben “Ben” Veholt, inviting the woman he’s been in love with since digging alongside her 23 years ago was, of course, the worst possible thing he could have done for himself. This summer was supposed to be his escape from reality: a love life in ruins, worsening body image issues, and a teenage daughter who suddenly wants nothing to do with him. When Kate accepts his offer, he intends to retain a professional relationship with her. A woman like Kate could never love him anyway—not with how much he’s changed inside and out.

All seems fine on the surface as Kate and Esben’s friendship rebuilds, but as they dig deeper, they realize just how broken they both are. To heal from their painful pasts and reclaim their crumbling presents, they each need a friend who accepts them, mess and all. But summer won’t last forever, and a third chance at romance threatens to drift across the ocean yet again.

“Even If We’re Broken” is an own-voice debut novel—an emotional, slow-burn friends-to-lovers open-door romance about self-acceptance, mental health, and the scars we carry.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

A.M. Weald writes emotional, character-driven fiction in a mix of genres from the romantic to the speculative. She is a freelance editor, a semi-retired archaeologist, and a neurodivergent xennial who thinks about cats way too often.

Website ~ Bluesky ~ Instagram ~ Threads

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Excavating the Buried Heart by Estelle Tudor

By HCNewton

On December 1, 2025

In Book Tour, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Estelle Tudor’s Excavating the Buried Heart! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Excavating the Buried Heart by Estelle Tudor
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Age Category: Adult
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook
Length: 365 Pages
Publication Date: June 26, 2024

About the Book:

It only takes a moment for life to change forever…

Archaeologist Mia Davenport could never have guessed her boyfriend was cheating on her. So, when she catches him in the act, the choice to cast off love is an easy one. As is moving to career-central New York.

But settling in to new life isn’t all she expected – especially once she meets the handsomely alluring Josh. Mia still can’t forget the hurt of her past, but when she starts to uncover the truth about him, she must hide behind her walls or excavate the ruins of her heart.

She buried her feelings once, but maybe it’s not too late …

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

Estelle Tudor is an award-winning, multi-genre author from the true land of myth and legend: Wales, where she lives with her husband, four children and doggy writing companion. When not writing or reading, she loves exploring castles and even worked in one for six years. There sparked a love of history and the grandeur of the past, which she now loves to weave into her own stories.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

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Saturday Miscellany—11/29/25

By HCNewton

On November 29, 2025

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet Napoleon’s Kindle: See the Miniaturized Traveling Library He Took on Military Campaigns—Ooooh! I want one! I want one! Sure my tablet is a technological marvel that I could’ve only dreamed about as a kid, but…come on. This is just cool. (yes, Samuel T. Cogley, is possibly my favorite ST:TOS character)
bullet The best mystery novels of 2025—I learned ages ago that when Oline Cogdill speaks, I should listen
bullet Does Rating a Lot of Books Low Mean You’re “Bad at Choosing Books?”—With all due respect to Pages Unbound, this is a stupid question. But if you’re going to answer one of those, this is a good way to approach it.
bullet Captivating Characters of November—I’m enjoying these posts…I just need to contribute 🙂
bullet It is that time of year:
bullet Manga Gift Suggestions—from the Firsty Duelist via Wity and Sarcastic Book Club
bullet 2025 Holiday Gift Giving Guide—from This Dad Reads (so you know it will be a little heavy on a particular fandom based in a galaxy far, far away)

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet Get It Write talks to Mike Chen about writing for existing IP.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
bullet Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple—note to self: read this again
bullet The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
bullet Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
bullet The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
bullet Hit by Delilah S. Dawson—I’m glad Dawson put this out a decade ago, it was harrowing then. Updating it to fit 2025 would be…well, I dunno, “worse” seems obvious and not stark enough.
bullet Indexing: Reflections, Episode Eight: Holly Tree by Seanan McGuire
bullet And I mentioned the releases of: Luke Skywalker Can’t Read by Ryan Britt; Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe; and Santa 365 by Spencer Quinn

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Robert B. Parker’s Showdown by Mike Lupica—”Spenser may have uncovered an explosive secret that threatens the career of a controversial figure” (which is mostly correct). I enjoyed it, and have a post drafted for Monday about it.
bullet Queen of the Dead by Sarah Broadway—”Speaking with the dead is nothing new for Lou. It’s a curse she’s learned to hide from everyone – sometimes even herself. After running away from a past that took advantage of those abilities, Lou finally carves out a normal life for herself. That is, until she receives a mysterious message from a ghost – the Veil is thinning – and a cult of necromancers infiltrates her small town.””

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Finally becoming Hers by Kathleen Löwin

By HCNewton

On November 29, 2025

In Book Tour, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Kathleen Löwin’s Finally becoming Hers! This book is NOT typical fare here–and that’s not changing. Still, it to the semi-finals, so there are those who appreciate it. If it’s up your alley, look into it–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Finally becoming Hers by Kathleen Löwin
Genre: Romance, Erotica
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 220 Pages
Publication Date: October 23, 2024

About the Book:

This book is book #1 in the series and is centered around how Bianca and her husband David are entering into a completely new and kinkier lifestyle.

David arrives home from work to a very different night than what he expected. That night ignites something in David and his wife Bianca, and they choose to embark on a journey together, both discovering what happens when she begins taking control and introducing new ideas, toys and challenges for him to endure.

The couple come across other people in town living the same lifestyle and they are all connected to a very special place in the more dodgy part of town.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

The Darkroom Book novel series is authored by Kathleen Löwin. She is a Danish author with a past in the BDSM community as a Domme and this series is her debut publication.

Website ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: From Ashes: Book One of the Illuminator Saga by Heather Wohl

By HCNewton

On November 28, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Heather Wohl’s From Ashes: Book One of the Illuminator Saga! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: From Ashes: Book One of the Illuminator Saga by Heather Wohl
Genre: Fantasy, Women’s Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 300 Pages
Publication Date: August 17, 2023

About the Book:

She’s broken. She’s dangerous. And she has nothing left to lose.

Blacksmith, Quistix, suffers a tragic loss the night a bandit invades her humble Bellaneau home in search of “The Illuminator.” After months of crushing loneliness, the disheveled half-elf is out for blood, seeking revenge on the man who shattered her idyllic life, seeking answers about why this elusive Illuminator is so highly sought-after. A wounded wyl, a brilliant esteg, and child-like dragonling soon join her on her odyssey.

But Destoria is a dangerous place. The isle is bursting with clever hybrid creatures, floating magical cities, treacherous backstabbers, drug-addled bandits, and the isle’s sadistic, dikeeka-peddling new queen: Exos Tempest.

The high fantasy Illuminator Saga is perfect for lovers of Lord of the Rings-style questing odysseys, dungeon crawlers, LIT RPG, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, and worlds with dragons, elves, and other mythical creatures.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Authors:

Award-winning author, Heather Wohl, co-owner of Rusty Ogre Publishing, also coordinates a laboratory based out of Wyoming. The author of The Illuminator Saga Series and Escape from Sugarland also has other pen names (Heather Wohl for Fantasy and Young Adult novels, Aurora Alba for romance, and H.M. Wohl for horror). An avid storyteller since childhood, Heather has always enjoyed spinning fantastical tales. She is a proud supporter of chronic illness support, mental health awareness, and pitbull advocacy, considering the latter her furry muses. Heart and soul are poured into every page of her work, and she looks forward to entertaining you.

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Heart of Dust by H. L. Moore

By HCNewton

On November 27, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for H. L. Moore’s Heart of Dust! This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

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Book Details:

Title: Heart of Dust by H. L. Moore
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 205 Pages
Publication Date: February 18, 2018

About the Book:

“Doran had a problem, and it wasn’t that he’d been stabbed.”

Iole City is in turmoil.

Doran Ó Seanáin, leader of the Black Lung Gang, is determined to challenge the Archon, Arajon’s tyrannical ruler, for his brutal treatment of the miners.

But Doran has more to deal with than getting stabbed and a city-wide lockdown that’s seeing his gang of ex-miners slowly starved out of their base. His daughter Grace has turned against him, and the death of his wife haunts them both.

Although he finds reprieve in Nathaniel Morgenstern, the apotheker with a mysterious past to whom he owes his life, the clock is ticking.

The fate of the mines hangs in the balance and the Archon is closing in.

Doran’s plan to break the cycle may very well be his last.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

H. L. Moore (she/they) is a writer of LGBT+ speculative fiction. Moore is the author of the Death’s Embrace queer fantasy romance series and the Tales from the Jovian Empire queer science fiction novellas.

Website ~ Linktree ~ Instagram

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge