Savage City by L. Penelope - Book Blitz

Savage City
L. Penelope
(The Bliss Wars, #1)
Publication date: March 31st 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

For Talia, death is only the beginning of survival…

When a tragic accident cuts my lonely life short, instead of heaven or hell, I’m stolen away to a terrifying city of warring shifter clans—the Nimali and the Fai. The Nimali mistake me for their missing princess. Her father, the dragon king, is identical to my own. But in this world, he dotes on me with the love and affection I always craved. And in a land with no tolerance for outsiders, feigning amnesia and impersonating shifter royalty may be the only way to survive.

For Ryin, falling in love is the worst kind of betrayal…

As a Fai warrior in captivity, I’m forced to serve my enemy even as I plot their destruction. The lost princess returned much changed, now the heat between us crackles irresistibly. While helping her heal using my magical talents, I begin to question what I thought I knew about the Nimali. She remains as forbidden as ever, but she also might be the key to freedom for me and my people.

Caught between two enemy factions balancing on the knife-blade of annihilation, our lies are the only thing keeping us alive, but they just might be our undoing.

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EXCERPT:

On top of the wall, silence reigns as the soldiers wait for word. We all stare toward the ground, anticipation a dark cloud suspended over us as sharp eyes scan the gloom for either a member of the scouting team that went out an hour ago or a Revoker, red eyes flashing and fangs covered in gristle and blood.

The first person who runs into view is tall and familiar and very much Nimali. His armor is blood spattered, but he appears uninjured. Others sigh audibly in relief, but my jaw tightens. Prince Shad. I wouldn’t have minded if he’d been grievously injured. My daimon silently chastises me for the unkindness, but I can’t help it. There are only two Nimali men who could have killed Dove, and he’s one of them. Until I’m certain it wasn’t him, I have to act like it was.

A bear and a lion are close behind him—part of the prince’s honor guard. The bear’s gait is hampered by a pronounced limp, though she still eats up the ground with long strides. Then my focus returns to the prince. He’s carrying something—someone—over his shoulder like a sack of beans. His bounding steps cross the distance easily, and then he’s at the rope ladder a soldier threw down. He climbs it with one arm while holding what I can see now is an injured woman.

Blood pours down her back from gashes that I’m sure were made by a Revoker’s claws. Her clothing is odd. A short, loose dress, oddly patterned and flimsy—I’ve never seen anything like it before, not on a Nimali or a Fai. Why anyone would go into No Man’s Land without battle armor is a mystery, but the woman is also barefoot. Begrudging respect bubbles up from my chest for the way the prince is able to negotiate the climb with that much dead weight, carried awkwardly. He could have shifted into his other form and flown up, but his own claws might have further injured her. And he is definitely treating her like something special.

The reason becomes clear when he finally gets to the top and one of the soldiers reaches out to help him with his burden. Prince Shad shakes his head and gently lays the woman down on her side, revealing her face.

I’m too far away to see at first, but when the soldiers in front of me gasp and immediately kneel, I get a glimpse. Princess Celena lies there, bloodied and battered. Her rich, chestnut skin is ashen, taking on an almost gray pallor. I’m frozen in place for a moment viewing her small form, her strange, tattered clothing, the odd way she’s braided her hair.

Then I’m shoved hard from behind, stumbling forward through the kneeling men and women.

“Where is the healer?” Prince Shad roars, but I’m already there, crouching down beside the princess. My daimon joins me seconds later, eager to fill me with its essence and lend me its healing power.

Celena’s back is ravaged, the wounds already bubbling with the poison from the Revoker’s talons. They look fresh, so it’s not too late to heal them if I’m quick about it. I hold out my hands and close my eyes, letting my daimon fully take over. Its energy flows through me, using my physical body as a conduit for its power.

Through my daimon, I sense the damage, the torn flesh and the toxins that have already entered her bloodstream. The healing energy pulls the poison out, a sticky black substance that leaks onto the stone of the wall. The flesh, layers of muscle and skin, is knit back together until there isn’t so much as a scar left. I silently thank my daimon and it retreats. Then I open my eyes.

Prince Shad is staring down at his sister. When the blue light of my power retreats, his dark eyes flick up to mine.

“I removed the poison,” I tell him.

“All of it?” I nod. His lips flatten into a grim line. “We’re taking her back to the Citadel. Come with me; the king will want to be sure.”

Author Bio:

L. Penelope has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves getting lost in the worlds in her head. She is an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Equally left and right-brained, she studied filmmaking and computer science in college and sometimes dreams in HTML. After living on both coasts, she settled in Maryland with her husband and their furry dependents. Sign up for new release information and giveaways on her website: http://www.lpenelope.com.

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Under A Winter Sky - Release Day Alert

 

Under a Winter Sky

by Kelley Armstrong, Jeffe Kennedy, Melissa Marr, L. Penelope, and Grace Draven

Five powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.

Ballgowns & Butterflies (Thorne Manor #1.5) by Kelley Armstrong

The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?

The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy

Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it’s literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it’s a mossback castle which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.

Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the 25th year of High Queen Ursula’s reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, “everyone” includes the sons and daughters of her parents’ friends, and it also means that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.

But on this special anniversary year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.

Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr

Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner,  Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.

Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope

Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy.

and

A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven

Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.

Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.

Buy Links

On McPig's Wishlist - Under A Winter Sky

Under A Winter Sky

Anthology by Kelley Armstrong, Jeffe Kennedy, Melissa Marr, and L. Penelope

Four powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.

Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong

The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?

The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy

Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. First of all, it’s literally freezing there, an uncomfortable change from the tropical paradise of his home. Secondly, it’s a mossback castle which means thick walls and too many rules. Thirdly, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there. Not exactly a cause for celebration.

Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung with her parents, but her mother put her foot down declaring that, since everyone who ever mattered to her was going to be there to celebrate the 25th year of High Queen Ursula’s reign, Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Of course, “everyone” includes the sons and daughters of her parents’ friends, and it also means that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will attend.

But on this special anniversary year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.

Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr

Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner,  Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.

Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope

Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy

Expected publication: November 19th 2020

Buy Links

 

Hush of Storm & Sorrow - Book Review

 

Hush of Storm & Sorrow (Earthsinger Chronicles #2.5)

by L. Penelope

What is it about:

While battling a vicious winter storm, Roshon ol-Sarifor, along with his father and twin brother are kidnapped and thrust on a journey that takes them far from home—leaving his sister Jasminda believing them dead. Their captors claim that the Queen Who Sleeps is behind their abduction—She wants them to reclaim a magical object hidden in a deadly part of the ocean. But a violent encounter with a gang of pirates forces the ol-Sarifors to seek refuge on a smuggler's ship, where Roshon meets a girl unlike any he’s encountered before.

Ani Summerhawk never met a risk she didn’t take. But with a price on her head, she and her older brother need to make a quick getaway from a deal gone bad. Every ship in the sea is seeking the reward for returning her to a ruthless captain who believes she's his property. But when her brother agrees to transport three passengers to a dangerous destination, Ani’s heart is put on the line for the first time.

The two families battle a treacherous sea, greedy sailors, and a powerful mage as they struggle to retrieve and secure the ancient artifact. And the attraction between a high-spirited girl and a cautious boy comes to a head when they discover that their biggest fight just might be with each other.

Set two years before the events of Song of Blood & Stone, this action-packed novella answers the question of what happened to Jasminda’s family and sets the stage for the events in Cry of Metal & Bone (Earthsinger Chronicles, book 3). 

What did I think of it:

This novella is set before the start of book one and fills in some events that will be important for book three. So I of course had to read it before starting on book three.

This is a really cool novella. I liked Roshon: he's level headed, cautious, and brave. Ani is his complete opposite in a couple of things: she can be impulsive and carefree. Still I think they were a great match for each other.

I loved learning about Ani's homeland and its traditions. It added more depth to the already believable and intricate worldbuilding in this series.

The story was fun and exciting. As it sets the stage for the events in Cry of Metal & Bone it leaves a lot of things unresolved, so you bet I will pick up book three soon. 

Why should you read it:

It's a fun Fantasy read.

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Whispers of Shadow & Flame - Book Review

 

Whispers of Shadow & Flame (Earthsinger Chronicles #2)

by L. Penelope

What is it about:

The Mantle that separates the kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar is about to fall. And life will drastically change for both kingdoms.

Born with a deadly magic she cannot control, Kyara is forced to become an assassin. Known as the Poison Flame in the kingdom of Lagrimar, she is notorious and lethal, but secretly seeks freedom from both her untamed power and the blood spell that commands her. She is tasked with capturing the legendary rebel called the Shadowfox, but everything changes when she learns her target’s true identity.

Darvyn ol-Tahlyro may be the most powerful Earthsinger in generations, but guilt over those he couldn’t save tortures him daily. He isn’t sure he can trust the mysterious young woman who claims to need his help, but when he discovers Kyara can unlock the secrets of his past, he can’t stay away.

Kyara and Darvyn grapple with betrayal, old promises, and older prophecies—all while trying to stop a war. And when a new threat emerges, they must beat the odds to save both kingdoms.

What did I think of it:

I loved Song of Blood & Stone, so you bet I got my trotters on the second book in this series.

And this is yet another great read.

The events in this book happen during the same time period as Song of Blood & Stone.

Once again there are several viewpoint characters and storylines. Where in Song of Blood & Stone I invested in all of them equally, I will confess that in this book I was invested the most in Zeli's story. Zeli is a servant in a rich household, when she has to tag along with her mistress to a sermon she gets kidnapped by 'nabbers'. I was eager to find out what would happen to her.

The storyline about Darvyn and Kyara was cool as well, but I was less emotionally invested in them. Still I was engrossed in the story and had to keep reading to find out where everything would lead.

Differently than the first book, this book ends on a cliffhanger and a lot is still left wide open. Luckily I already preordered book three, because I need to know what happens next.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool Fantasy read.  

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The Cupid Fiasco - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Fiasco (The Cupid Guild #4)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
While trapped in a basement during an earthquake, sparks fly between co-workers Luce and Mat—too bad they’re sparks of rage.

So when Mat needs a fake girlfriend for a weekend engagement party in wine country, there’s no way Luce will say yes… is there?

It’s up to the Cupid Guild to show this salty pair how sweet it could be.

A sexy, standalone romance with a paranormal touch. This novella first appeared in Heart’s Kiss magazine, under the title “Before I Break.”

What did I think of it:
At a 100 pages this is the longest of the stories in this series, and sadly it is already the last. But this series goes out with a bang by using one of my favorite Contemporary Romance tropes: the fake relationship!

In this story Delilah from the Cupid Guild also has a more visible role than in the other stories. I liked seeing a bit more of her and of the couple from the previous book (Mat is the brother of the heroine from The Cupid Complication).

I loved the interactions between Mat and Luce, they're very different, but as they get to know each other they discover similarities, and they learn that there are things in their life that they need to let go of to grow.

All in all a great Romance to end this series with. I'll definitely reread these shorts, and Sullivan already ordered the second book in Penelope's Earthsinger Chronicles.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and very enjoyable Romance read


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The Cupid Complication - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Complication (The Cupid Guild #3)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
This just might be the worst day of my life.

I quit my job and walked out—without my purse, wallet, or keys. The good Samaritan who returns my stuff is none other than our friendly, neighborhood rock star. Did I say worst day? I meant best. But when this drummer’s dreams for the future are more than I can give, will that leave us playing out of tune?

Can the Cupid Guild bring this musician and his muse together in sweet harmony?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I'm having so much fun with this series. The stories might be short, but L. Penelope manages to put so much in them.

In this book Charlotte is set up with rock star Micah after she just quit her job. Both stand at the crossroads wondering where to go next for different reasons, but as they get to know each other it might turn out that they have a lot in common.

Once again it's up to the Cupid Guild to steer things right and set the stage for a Happily Ever After.

Delightful and sweet!

Why should you read it:
This is such an adorable and sweet read.


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The Cupid Getaway - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Getaway (The Cupid Guild #2)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
When curiosity leads Renee to duck under the caution tape marking off the top floor of a college house party, she’s not quite prepared to find Milo. The popular girl and the solitary boy couldn’t be more different, so why does he make her broken heart feel whole again?

One night changes everything, but in the morning, the gulf between their lives looks impossible to cross. Can the Cupid Guild magnetize these opposites before their chance at a happily ever after runs out?

A quick, sexy, standalone romance with a paranormal touch. The story first appeared in Heart’s Kiss magazine, under the title “Before I Fall.”

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This book is just 46 pages long, but it delivers a perfect story in that space.

Renee stumbles upon Milo with a little help from the Cupid Guild. And do these two sizzle together! I once again was totally hooked.

Once again there are complications the Cupid Guild didn't account for, and which they need to take care of to give Renee and Milo a HEA.

This series is so yummy and addictive. I immediately bought the last two books, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's a yummy Romantic short.


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The Cupid Mixup - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Cupid Mixup (The Cupid Guild #1)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
The Montagne hotel might as well have been a castle, and he might as well have been the prince.

I met him in the bar late one night and it was obvious he was too much for me — too handsome, too charming, too rich. And while I could pretend I was a princess for a night, at the stroke of midnight, I ran away without giving him my name.

I didn’t leave my shoe behind, but I might have just lost my heart.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Sullivan loved L. Penelope's Song of Blood & Stone and the novella from the same series, so when I saw that L. Penelope also wrote a series of romantic short stories I wanted to give those a try.

This first one is about 53 pages and is delicious!

The heroine is down on her luck, but small meddling by a member of the Cupid Guild lands her in a hotel where she meets a man with whom she clicks. I loved seeing these two lonely people connect and fall for each other. I was rooting for them to see past their differences and give in to their attraction.

The way to their HEA/HFN isn't a straight road though, because sometimes Cupid forgets how stubborn people can be.

All in all a wonderful short romantic read. I'm definitely going to read the other shorts in this series as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious and cute Romantic read.


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Breath of Dust & Dawn - Book Review

Breath of Dust & Dawn (Earthsinger Chronicles #1.5)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
This novella begins after the events of Song of Blood & Stone—it’s both an extended epilogue AND a prequel, so it’s advisable to read that novel first.

For Jasminda ul-Sarifor, the war may be over but her conflict is not. New, overwhelming duties leave her caught between two worlds but belonging to neither. She turns once more to Jack, hoping the bond that got them through the first battle is strong enough to weather a new storm.

For Jack, Jasminda’s struggles hit close to home. To help her find her way, he entrusts her with a tale from his past where, after another war, a young Jack Alliaseen must also adjust to new responsibilities. But his take a lethal turn when prisoners of war start showing up dead on his watch. With the aid of a mysterious young man destined to change his life forever, Jack must save the lives of those under his protection before it's too late.

As his story unfolds, will Jack’s memories help Jasminda conquer her present trials?

What did I think of it:
I loved Song of Blood & Stone, so I decided to pick up Breath of Dust & Dawn which is labeled as being set between Song of Blood & Stone and Whispers of Shadow & Flame.

And this novella does a great job of acting as a bridge between book 1 & 2 in this series while also being a very intriguing murder mystery.

It's set up as a story within a story. Jasminda is having a hard time being queen so Jack tells her a story to ease her worries. The story that Jack tells is a murder mystery as well as introducing the reader to the male lead character of the next book.

I loved returning to this world and very much enjoyed both the mystery and the glimpse into the life of Jasminda and Jack. I also liked getting a feel of Darvyn before I start on book two in this series.

All in all a very enjoyable novella. I will most definitely continue with this series.

Why should you read it:
This is a must read for everyone who enjoyed Song of Blood & Stone


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Song of Blood & Stone - Book Review

Song of Blood & Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1)
by L. Penelope

What is it about:
L. Penelope's Song of Blood & Stone is a treacherous, thrilling, epic fantasy about an outcast drawn into a war between two powerful rulers.

The kingdoms of Elsira and Lagrimar have been separated for centuries by the Mantle, a magical veil that has enforced a tremulous peace between the two lands. But now, the Mantle is cracking and the True Father, ruler of Lagrimar and the most powerful Earthsinger in the world, finally sees a way into Elsira to seize power.

All Jasminda ever wanted was to live quietly on her farm, away from the prying eyes of those in the nearby town. Branded an outcast by the color of her skin and her gift of Earthsong, she’s been shunned all her life and has learned to steer clear from the townsfolk…until a group of Lagrimari soldiers wander into her valley with an Elsiran spy, believing they are still in Lagrimar.

Through Jack, the spy, Jasminda learns that the Mantle is weakening, allowing people to slip through without notice. And even more troubling: Lagrimar is mobilizing, and if no one finds a way to restore the Mantle, it might be too late for Elsira. Their only hope lies in uncovering the secrets of the Queen Who Sleeps and Jasminda’s Earthsong is the key to unravel them.

Thrust into a hostile society and a world she doesn’t know, Jasminda and Jack race to unveil an ancient mystery that might offer salvation.

What did I think of it:
I've found a new author to watch!

When I discovered this book has several viewpoint characters and storylines, I was hesitant at first, but soon I was totally engrossed. What a wonderful read. I loved Jasminda: she is strong, independent, and caring. She gets caught up in danger and adventure by accident, but once involved she will go the distance and doesn't back down when things get though.

Jack is more difficult to love. He might be heroic and brave, but his bravery fails him when it comes to being honest towards the woman who saved his life. I'd wanted to see a bit more personal growth in Jack, but he did redeem himself enough in my eyes eventually.

Then there's Ella and her husband Ben. Ella gets a cry for help from her sister, who she hasn't seen in years. When she answers the call she gets drawn into a conspiracy. As she puts herself into danger, Ben will have to decide what's more important: his job or Ella.

These storylines didn't seem to have anything in common at first, but slowly they connect and the bigger picture becomes visible. Where I usually ith multiple storylines find myself bored with at least one, here I was invested in all of them, and I rooted for both Jasminda and Ella to get out on top of things.

All in all a really cool read set in a very intriguing world. You bet I'll get hold of the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a very cool Fantasy read.


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