Beautiful Darkness 2

 

 

Horror, various subgenres

Publication Date: October 30, 2024

Publisher: Dragon Soul Press

 

 

Ghosts, demons, and more monsters.

In a world where so many dark things go bump in the night, terror awaits around every corner as these authors take horror stories to the next level. Discover ghosts, demons, and your worst nightmares. Read at your own risk.

Featuring twenty-nine stories by Joshua Williams, Stephen A. Roddewig, Joseph Hirsch, Max Blood, Paul Lonardo, Matt Spencer, S.J. Walker, Kelly Barker, Gregory Scott Matics, Gaetan Battaglia, Fred Phillips, Cassandra Jones, Barend Nieuwstraten III, Sean E. Britten, Larry Hodges, Donalee Moulton, Arlo Z. Graves, C.L. Hart, Robb T. White, Kelly Piner, Benjamin Curt Unsworth, Trixie Nisbet, Jennifer Papillo, Justin Jones, Diana Parrilla, Jared Thomason, J.M. Bengtsson, Caleb James K., and J.E. Feldman.

 

Full Cold Moon

 

Story Genre: Shifters, werewolf

 

Wolf shifter Roza Van Rompaye awakens in a basement filled with Christmas decorations with a silver manacle around her ankle. Her captor spiked her drink with silver nitrate, and now he wants her to be his mate and to turn him. Roza isn’t about to do either. She warns her captor that he will die if she is still a prisoner when the full cold moon rises.

 

 

Excerpt

 

No matter how I struggled, I couldn’t get free of the chains I was bound in.

“You’d better hope they hold when the full moon comes out, you silly shit,” I snarled.

The cadaverous young man with the watery green eyes, blemished face, and greasy disconnected fuchsia pompadour presented me with a rectangular box wrapped in metallic celadon paper.

“I don't want presents from you,” I snapped, turning away. “If you think holding a woman captive on Christmas Eve is seduction, I guarantee you'll die a virgin. Gavril Kuroki, president of GrassHopper Green Construction and renowned seducer of both men and women, would be horrified to learn his son was holding his favorite architectural consultant prisoner in a dungeon that looks like Santa's elves got hammered and puked all over the walls while he tries to win her affections with cheesy lingerie. What the hell is wrong with you, Yair?”

“Roza, please, just look,” Yair insisted. He eagerly unwrapped the box, revealing a silky puce nightgown. “I’m not trying to turn you into a sexual object, and I’d never force myself on you. I know you’re not like those easy women who ride the cock carousel any chance they get. This negligee is elegant and ladylike, like you.”

“I’ll never be the fawning captive princess of your pathetic fantasies.”

“My love, it pains me to keep you prisoner, but until you accept me as your alpha, I must.”

“Being chained to a concrete wall in a windowless basement stuffed with Christmas decorations like a holiday goose full of apples and bread pains me. This plot to make me fall in love with you by forcing a full-blown English Christmas on me is insane. We’re in Cresval, South Dakota, for Krampus’ sake, not jolly old London town. I’m the thirty-five-year-old spawn of a Dutch-American agnostic farmer, not the demure daughter of flipping Bob Cratchit.”

About the Author

C. L. Hart is an editor who writes or a writer who edits. She primarily writes Lovecraftian fantasy and horror with the occasional sweet romance thrown in to upset the cosmic apple cart. This is her second year participating in the annual For the Love of Winter anthology from First Coast Romance Writers. She is a member of ACES Editing Society, The Denver Horror Collective, First Coast Romance Writers, The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society, Passionate Ink (writing as Lil DeVille), Regency Romance Writers, and Rocky Mountain Romance Writers.

 

Author Links

 

Purchase Today

Murder Under a Cold Moon A Mona Moon Mystery Book 13 By Abigail Keam Genre: 1930’s Historical Cozy Mystery

 

 

Mona Moon is the American Phryrne Fisher!

Murder Under a Cold Moon

A Mona Moon Mystery Book 13

By Abigail Keam

Genre: 1930’s Historical Cozy Mystery 

“The ending will shock you and leave you with valuable lessons about family, charity, greed, and the consequences of past mistakes. This is a great story and a must-have for all historical mystery fans.” –Readers’ Favorite

Mona Moon and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth are on their honeymoon at last. They are invited to a weekend party by an old friend of Robert’s family—Lady Eustacia. Mona and Robert arrive in a substantial downpour to find several other couples awaiting the appearance of their hostess. When Lady Eustacia fails to come downstairs, Mona and Robert search the manor house only to find the lady missing. It is then they discover the telephone wires have been cut and none of the cars are able to drive into town due to the storm. Mona and Robert believe the invitation was a ruse, but for what purpose? And how do they help Lady Eustacia?

 

What readers are saying about Murder Under a Cold Moon:

FIVE STARS! “Abigail Keam masterfully blends light-hearted humor, suspense, and historical charm. Her ability to balance action with cozy moments keeps the pacing just right, ensuring readers remain captivated from start to finish.” –Tambi Smith, Mystic Shadows Mystery Book Club.

 

FIVE STARS! “Using suspense and a never-ending array of twists, the author skillfully weaves character development with elements of mystery. When you think you have figured out who the real culprit is, Keam throws in another surprise that challenges your

assumptions, making the story thrilling to read.” –Readers’ Favorite

 

FIVE STARS! “I continue to revel in this cleverly contrived and engaging cozy series. I adore Mona Moon, a woman ahead of her time with movie star looks, boatloads of her own money, nerves of steel, and a nose for sleuthing.” -DJ Sakata, Books and Bindings Blog.

 

FIVE STARS! “The setting, theme and mystery were done really well. It almost felt like something from Holmes or Christie. It is a great read for the fall season.” - Susan Reads Cozies, Goodreads

 

FIVE STARS! “Those who enjoy reading crime fiction and detective stories should get their hands on this book!” –Readers’ Choice, Goodreads

 

FIVE STARS! “Carve out a few hours and have yourself a plate of biscuits and a pot of builders' tea to enjoy and savor this one. Because once you start, you won't want to put it down!” –Jesse Coffey, Goodreads

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

  

**Don’t miss the rest of the books in the series!**

Find them on Amazon!

 

Murder Under A Blue Moon – Only .99 cents!!
Murder Under A Blood Moon
Murder Under A Bad Moon
Murder Under A Silver Moon
Murder Under A Wolf Moon
Murder Under A Black Moon
Murder Under A Full Moon
Murder Under A New Moon
Murder Under A British Moon
Murder Under A Bridal Moon
Murder Under A Western Moon
Murder Under A Honey Moon - Only .99 cents!!
Murder Under A Cold Moon
Murder Under A Mystic Moon

 

Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which weaves real people and events into the story. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”

 Miss Abigail currently lives on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters.

 

AWARDS

2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers' Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Signed print copy of Murder Under A Cold Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

 – 2 winners, US only,

$10 Amazon giftcard 

– 1 winner, WW

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fortress

 

 

The Fortress, Book 1 

A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller

Date Published: August 29, 2023

 

 

We are the fortress, and the fortress is us.

 

Sim was a teacher in his old life. Now he's the savior of orphans.

He isn't their father. God knows he has already failed in that role. But he is their guide. And the kids? They are his penance. His redemption.

For three years Sim has prepared his orphans for the hard realities of life after the plague that wiped out most of the global population. Theirs is a life without laws or creature comforts. He has trained them to forage and grow their own food, to be vigilant, and to protect themselves and each other by any means necessary. In building a fortress of brick and mortar, they've become a fortress of flesh and blood.

These allegiances and ideals are put to the test when a man named Zagan, who believes himself to be on a mission for the devil to bring about the destruction of civilization's remains, gathers hundreds of marauders and confronts Sim and his orphans in a merciless siege.

Will the fortress hold... Or will it collapse under the pressure of evil?

About the Author

T.A. Styles earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and Mathematics and his M.S. in Developmental Reading. He taught in elementary and junior high schools for twelve years before launching his own childcare enterprise, TSL Kids Crew, which he has operated since 2009. He has had a passion for writing stories since he was a teenager, as it was a hobby and skill for which he realized at a young age he had a knack for and loved. He has two grown children and has traveled extensively including to Iceland, Australia, Greece, Italy, South America, and many other places nationally and internationally.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris Genre: Historical Fiction

 

The true story of a powerful Knight and a runaway Queen who unite to defy an empire.

 

The Girl of Many Crowns

by D.H. Morris

Genre: Historical Fiction

"The Girl of Many Crowns" is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father's command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.

Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith's brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles' family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.

  

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.

As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9 th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.

  

Website * Facebook * Instagram *  Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Ten-Year Overnight Success

 

 

 

The Inspiring Story of a Business You've Never Heard of

Business Memoir

Date Published: September 10, 2024

 

 

This is a story for the rest of us. Those who want to grow their companies but can't find relatable inspiration, or guidance, in current business literature. It's a story about a company that you've never heard of, but one that used computer algorithms to save the American taxpayer over $60 Billion in government pandemic relief fraud. And it's about an unlikely founder who takes the risks and inspires his team to go from an idea to a nine-figure exit in less than 9 years.

In A Ten-Year Overnight Success, Pondera Solutions founder, Jon Coss, takes you with him on his journey through what he describes as the four stages of a typical startup. You'll share his raw emotions through the "rise and fall of enthusiasm", his months of desperation in the "desert of despair", his tempered confidence through "wiggles of hope", and his immense relief and sense of accomplishment marching toward the "Promised Land".

Jon's story-telling narrative combines soul-searching truths with self-deprecating humor to provide you with an inside look at what it takes to achieve the success that less than 1% of businesses ever will. Along the way, he offers practical, nuanced lessons that you won't find in the typical business book. Lessons learned in the trenches. Lessons that may not make you the next Tesla but are sure to grow your business. Lessons that apply to the rest of us.

About the Author

Jon has provided strategic consulting to many of the world’s largest technology companies, a nationally recognized expert in government fraud, and an active mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs

 

Contact Links

Website

LinkedIn

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

B&N

Publisher

In Darkness by Russell Rothberg

 

 Horror

Date Published: September 16, 2024

 

Try not to wonder what secret darkness your neighbors or classmates hold in their hearts for you. 

It’s about the hidden dark thoughts that we all think daily; we’re not sociopaths, but what if there was a circumstance where,. Most of us would never act on them, we’re not sociopaths, but what if there was a circumstance where through supernatural intervention, you couldn’t help but act on those hidden desires? That’s what IN DARKNESS is about, the lethality in those hidden, benign shadows that some of our thoughts live inside.

Dark thoughts, like cream, will always rise to the top at the wrong moment.

About the Author

Russell Rothberg has worked in television as a writer and Executive Producer for the Peacock series, Long Bright River, based on the bestselling novel, as well as for the Paramount+ series The Offer.  Before returning to his roots as a writer, Russell was the Executive VP of Drama Development at Universal Television, where he developed series such as Bates Motel, Chicago Fire, Shades of Blue and Emerald City.  Russell started his career as an actor-writer-director with an original play, Life After Death, at the Intar Theatre in NYC. Born and raised in New York City, Russell currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Vera. In Darkness is his first novel.

 

Purchase Link

Amazon

To Find a Killer A Natural State Murder Mystery, Book 1 by Leah Brewer

 A Natural State Murder Mystery, Book 1

 Murder Mystery

Date to be Published: 10-04-2024

 

 

When Atlanta Detective, Tammy Sharp's past collides with her present, it's a wild ride of bullets, broken hearts, and chilling mysteries.

In her hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas, she faces not just her ex, Jace Eubanks, but also a dangerous killer on the prowl.

With murders old and new intertwining, Tammy faces a choice: team up with her ex or let justice slip away.

As the clock ticks down to a sinister ultimatum, will Tammy outsmart the sociopath or fall prey to a deadly game of cat and mouse?

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Leah Brewer writes all kinds of things.

Sometimes, she writes Christian Fiction (Seeds of Faith Series). Other times it’s Historical Fiction (Petunia 1949). Right now, it’s all about murder. The first novel in her Natural State Murder Mystery series, To Find a Killer, is set to release this October.

In 2019, after an Ovarian Cancer diagnosis, Leah decided to pursue her passion for writing. Being cancer-free, she now revels in her life as an author.

With an extensive 28-year career that encompasses diverse leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company, Leah brings an authentic perspective to her storytelling.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook: @writingleahbrewer

Twitter: @leahlbrewerr

Goodreads

Instagram: @writingleahbrewer

Purchase Today

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Half a Faerie Faeries of Door County Book 1 by Toni Cabell Genre: Clean Paranormal Romantic Comedy

 

When a hunky, human rock star stands up at his best friend’s wedding, 

he never expects to encounter vampires, werewolves, and the woman of his dreams. 

But she’s not what she seems… she’s half a faerie.

Half a Faerie

Faeries of Door County Book 1

by Toni Cabell

Genre: Clean Paranormal Romantic Comedy

When a hunky, human rock star stands up at his best friend’s wedding, he never expects to encounter vampires, werewolves, and the woman of his dreams. But she’s not what she seems… she’s half a faerie.

Will Rossi was the male half of the hottest singing-songwriting team in the country, until his ex-partner split up their act and left a trail of unflattering stories in her wake. With paparazzi hounding him and creditors harassing him, Will desperately needs a change of luck.

Traveling to the Midwest for his buddy’s wedding isn’t the lucky break Will had in mind—until he meets the wedding planner—and now he can’t stop thinking about Cassia Spellman. Whatever it takes, Will must see her again, but first he’s getting his eyes examined—because everyone in her quirky town appears to have fur, fangs, or wings.

Single mom Cassia has her hands full raising her faerie daughter and planning weddings for Door County’s supernatural population. The last thing she needs is Will Rossi in her life, with his velvety brown eyes and stubbled jawline.

Besides, she can’t fall for him anyway—he’s human, she’s half faerie—and the elder council would never approve. Since Cassia and Will could never be together, she’s determined to stop thinking about him.

Why can’t Rossi the Rocker just take a hint and go away?

If you’re looking for sweet, slow-burn romance with swoony kisses, second chances, and funny, heartwarming characters, don’t miss the Faeries of Door County, a clean paranormal romance series for fans of K. M. Shea and Dusty Rose. Set in the same interconnected world, each book is a happily-ever-after standalone story that can be read in any order.

Praise for Half a Faerie:

"The perfect blend of Hallmark Christmas movie with small town fantasy... If you enjoy supernatural characters, small town charm (think Gilmore Girls) and a romance as sweet as the first sip of hot chocolate on Christmas morning, then you need to treat yourself to this book!" (Cynthia, Goodreads Review)

“From the very first line, I wanted a plush blanket and some hot chocolate while I escaped into this world! The vibes are sweet and cozy and I absolutely adored it… Have snacks on hand when you read because the meals Toni described in this book had me drooling!” (Beth, Goodreads Review)

“This story was filled with swoony moments, holiday cheer, magical creatures, delicious food, and lots of happy weddings. The characters were so relatable and the added moments of humor was so much fun! I cannot wait to read book 2!” (Sarah, Amazon Review)

“A fun Christmas read with plenty of weddings, second chances, and a town full of supernatural creatures. It was sweet with just the right amount of angst and some interesting thoughts on how to move on from a relationship that feels like it stole everything from you.” (Abigail, Amazon Review)

   

Amazon * Audible* Bookbub * Goodreads

Toni is a closed door author. She writes clean fantasy and sweet paranormal romance stories featuring sassy women, swoony heroes, twisty plots, and happy endings.

Her novels have won multiple awards, including six B.R.A.G. Medallions, Silver & Bronze Medals in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and two Gold Medals in the Global Book Awards.

She makes her home in a small village along the shores of Lake Michigan with her handsome husband.

All Toni's books are appropriate for teens and adults.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Signed Paperback of Half a Faerie and swag,

Audiobook of Half a Faerie,

$10 Amazon giftcard

-1 winner each

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strike Three: You’re in Love by Anna Denisch Genre: LGBTQ Sports Romance

  

Why love the game when you can love the 'opposition' instead?

Strike Three: You’re in Love

by Anna Denisch

Genre: LGBTQ Sports Romance

Why love the game when you can love the 'opposition' instead?

 Cody never wanted to play Baseball in the first place, but when his coworker keeps pestering, he agrees to join his company's league team. El only started playing for his company's team to get ahead in his career, and now he's stuck still playing a few years later. When the two meet for the first time on the field, it's an instant connection. With a low-stakes league taken way to seriously by the rest of their teams, Cody and El must work to build a safe bubble for themselves both in the games and in their personal lives.

 Strike Three: You're in Love, is a cozy sports romance about two guys who don't like Baseball. This low-stakes book is all about romantic vibes, silly dates, steamy nights, and people getting way too invested in a game without any actual prize to win.

  

Pre-Order from Ko-fi and get character baseball cards!

  

Anna Denisch was born and raised just outside of Baltimore City, but she has never called it home. When not traveling around the world or daydreaming about dragons, she spends her time looking at books she wants to read without actually touching them. She received her M.F.A in Creative and Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University and considers daily if she is just insane enough to take her family’s sometime suggestion of getting a PhD.

  

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 $20 Amazon 

a Rafflecopter giveaway