*Cover Reveal & Giveaway* Burnout

 

She thought chemistry only existed on the page, then he set her world on fire.

Burnout

Love Burns Series Book 7

by Isobel Reed

Genre: Small-Town Romance, Romantic Comedy

She thought chemistry only existed on the page, then he set her world on fire.

The only men in Lucy’s life are fictional. Which is fine. So fine. At thirty, she is happy with her life. She has a ride or die best friend. A cute little ginger cat to snuggle with. And an apartment full of books. What more could she possibly want? Well, before Jack Jones swaggered into town, with his designer suits and British accent, the answer was nothing. But now, here he is, showing up where she works, calling her beautiful and making her question everything.

Jack Jones had it all. High-powered job in the city. Fancy apartment. Women offering to warm his bed every night. Then he blew up his life. Now, he’s in small town Wyoming, doing damage control while babysitting his sister’s kids. There is one silver lining though… Lucy Mills. He felt a spark during his first visit to Woodvalley Pines, when he’d shamelessly flirted with her at the diner where she worked. Three years on, she’s somehow even harder to ignore. She’s everything he’s been searching for. If only she’d just let him in.

Return to Woodvalley Pines one last time with this swoon-worthy opposites attract romance packed full of chemistry, charm and Isobel Reed’s signature witty banter. Burnout is perfect for fans of Book Lovers by Emily Henry and The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. Whether you’ve already devoured the other books in the Love Burn Series or are enjoying it as a standalone, you won’t want to miss this final book.

 

**Releases Sep 8 – PreOrder Now!**

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

“Um … do you know what you’d like to drink?” Lucy’s head was down, her focus entirely on the pen and paper she was clinging on to for dear life. Her golden hair fell loose around her shoulders while a thick braid swept along her hairline like a crown. Even in simple jeans and a black shirt, she looked like a goddess.

“Can I get a root beer, Luce?”

“Sure can, Dyl.” She peeked up just enough to give the kid a kind smile.

Like the greedy motherfucker Jack was, he wanted some of that smile, too. “What do you recommend?” He kept his gaze on her, leaning back in his seat and draping an arm across the back of the booth.

“To drink?” Finally, she peered up at him.

“Yes, beautiful. To drink. What do you like …? What’s your favorite?” Ignoring Dylan’s snort, Jack’s eyes went to her pretty pink cheeks.

Lucy’s brow furrowed at the question. “Uh. Um. The iced tea, I guess.”

“Then that’s what I’ll have.” He shot her his most panty-melting smile, delighting as her cheeks darkened.

The fact that she got so flustered around him should be enough of a warning to leave her alone. But he couldn’t. Wouldn’t.

“You’re into Lucy?” Dylan asked as Jack unashamedly watched her walk away.

When he finally glanced back at his nephew, he saw a familiar wide grin stretching across the kid’s face.

Just like Cody.

Dropping his elbows onto the steel tabletop, he leaned in close. Dylan did the same. “Why? Do you think she’s into me?”

Not only did Dylan answer no far too quickly, but the kid also went on to laugh his arse off. Right in Jack’s face. And he didn’t stop. He even tipped his head back and laughed harder and louder until Jack was sure he saw tears in the boy’s eyes.

Jesus. Kids are fucking cruel.

Once Cat and Cody’s devil child had finished, Jack did not hide his frown. Or was it a scowl?

“Why the hell not?”

Dylan’s caramel-colored gaze went from Jack to Lucy, and back to him. “You’re old.”

“Am not,” Jack protested, with all the maturity of the preteen sitting across from him.

“Yeah. You are.”

“How old exactly do you think I am?” he asked incredulously. Thirty-seven was not old.

Dylan shrugged, the movement causing some of his messy brown hair to flop onto his forehead. “Forty-five.”

Jack’s mouth dropped open. The bloody cheek. Before he had a chance to correct his nephew, though, Lucy was back and placing their drinks in front of them before pulling out her notepad again.

“How old do you think Uncle Jack is, Luce?”

Are you freaking kidding me?

No dessert for Dylan.

Don’t miss the rest of the Love Burns series!

Find them on Amazon

Isobel was born and raised in London. While she’s a city girl at heart, she loves daydreaming about running away to a charming small town—though she’s not entirely sure her husband and son would share her enthusiasm for the move. When she’s not writing small-town romantic comedies or growing unhealthily attached to the characters in her books, you can find her reading, chasing after her very active toddler, or attempting to channel her inner domestic goddess in the kitchen (with varying degrees of success).

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter the Burnout Cover Reveal Giveaway Here

*Book Tour & Giveaway* The Belgravia Phantom

 

Victorian mystery fiction as you’ve never read it before 

– from well below stairs.

The Belgravia Phantom

The Quill & Page Victorian Mysteries Book 1

by Ellis Blackwood

Genre: Historical Victorian Mystery

How do you prove you didn’t scare Lady Pemberton to death with a phantom?

Such is Kate Quill’s quandary. The faked séance went horribly wrong, and now Inspector Hartwell of Scotland Yard has her in his sights.

Kate’s poor. Seamstress poor. But what she lacks in the pocket, she makes up for in allies.
There are her siblings. Daisy, the actress. Ned and Vi… There’s no way around this – they’re petty thieves.

There’s Mrs McGinty, their formidable Irish landlady. There are Vi’s Whitechapel Worthies, Little Till (adorable) and the Twins (quite odd).

And there is Frederick Page, former gentleman’s gentleman, chess aficionado, lover of puzzles, and now reluctant partner in an unlikely Victorian detective duo. Please, do not refer to him as Freddie, or he’ll be grasping for the smelling salts.

Can this glorious rabble somehow band together to investigate all those lofty lords and ladies who attended the séance?

And discover who really murdered Lady Dorothea Pemberton?

The Belgravia Phantom is the first in a series of irresistible Victorian murder mysteries from the acclaimed author of the Samuel Pepys Mysteries. Expect fiendish whodunits, singular characters and vivid history. Step into London’s gaslit and swirling pea-soupers, and hear those click-clack footsteps approach...

 

**New Release on July 31!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Ned and Vi belong to the evening, when the naphtha lamps of the costermongers’ stalls hiss and flare, and all between is subsumed in shadow. When the streets still throng with shoppers, and the trams and cabs and omnibuses are lit by oil - white light, oncoming; red light, receding - and Whitechapel Road feels interesting to know. When the cries of the chestnut roasters, the fried-fish sellers and the pie-men create a cacophony of distraction. 

This is when they thrive.

They have their stomachs set on the hawker of baked potatoes, with his lovingly polished can on four legs, its brass plaque proclaiming: “Old Original Baked Potatoes”. The old man who ran the stand for many a year lately died; his errant son has the business now, and shows rather less aptitude for vigilance.

While Ned lurks in the background, Vi sidles up. Her head tilts this way and that, apparently undecided. She plays with an unseen coin in her hand. The bait.

Glowing charcoal lights the lad’s face orange. He narrows eyes at her. Steam rises from his burner, and the earthy aroma of the treasure within.

“What can I have for a ha’penny?” she asks. It is all she could spare, but it should suffice if she plays it right.

He snorts. “On your way, missy. My prices start at a penny and no less.”

She glances up and down the road, where the sellers either side, of ham sandwiches, hot green peas and eels, have patrons queueing.

He kicks a heel. It has not been easy, taking over his father’s trade. The baker who roasts his hundredweights recently upped his fee, and the locals whose custom the old man relied upon have found new flavours elsewhere. Many deserted him for that other potato hawker in Spitalfields.

As his gaze follows Vi’s, he licks his lips. “S’pose I might be able to find a small one.”

He opens the wide half-lid, peers inside debating, and picks out the smallest spud he can find.

“Butter and salt?” she asks innocently.

“For a ha’penny? Don’t push yer luck.”

As he hands over the plain fare, she fumbles the coin. The tiniest flick of her thumb sends it skittering into a gutter, his attention trapped on its progress. By the time he has retrieved it, mumbling sourly, Ned has pounced and vanished, melting into the crowd. He moves slickly for a big lad, even one cradling stolen potatoes in an untucked shirt.

“Sorry. Butterfingers.” Vi smiles, savouring the spud’s warmth as she heads home.

Ellis Blackwood writes very British historical mysteries: fiendish whodunits packed with singular characters, vivid period detail and plenty of wit. His completed nine-book Samuel Pepys Mysteries series is set in 17th century London. He is currently working on the Quill & Page Victorian Mysteries, featuring a found family of East End misfits investigating the crimes of the upper classes who cast them out.

A former journalist, Ellis wrote features for the UK's most popular national newspapers and magazines before escaping to Cornwall with his wife, two daughters and Spike the dog. He holds an MA in Comedy Writing, which explains a lot.

He grew up on The Hardy Boys and Three Investigators, graduated to Sherlock Holmes, and has never quite recovered from Columbo. He prefers writing female sleuths, with the odd chap thrown in, and is firmly convinced that historical settings are simply more fascinating.

"Absolutely fabulous, reek of authenticity, full of intrigue and fun" – Amazon review of the Samuel Pepys Mysteries

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter The Belgravia Phantom Giveaway Here

*Release Blitz* Nymphs Newsreels

Title: Nymphs & Newsreels (A Ravens’ Hollow, Book 5)

Author: Ella Stone

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cover Designer: Covers by Christian

Publication Date: July 31st, 2026

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

The truth was never lost. It was hidden.

I'm Elodie Evergreen, and I have questions that need answering. When my sunlight wards begin to fail, I’m forced to return to England and confront the truth I’ve spent years avoiding. With Chief Inspector Whip and my loyal dog, Pongo, at my side, I’m determined to uncover what was hidden from me.

But the search quickly turns dangerous.

Someone wants me dead. My family refuse to come to my aid. And the more time I spend with Whip, the more I realise just how far he’s willing to go to get the answers he wants—even if it means crossing lines I can’t.

I should feel safe. I’m surrounded by allies. Instead, the closer I get to the truth, the more everything begins to unravel.

And this time, it’s not just my past at risk.

It’s my future.

A gripping paranormal mystery packed with hidden identities, dangerous secrets, found family, and slow-burning romance.

NOW LIVE & AVAILABLE ON KU! 

A long time writer and dedicated reader of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Finally bringing these two passions together in an epic saga years in the making.

Author Links: 

Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok

BookBub | Goodreads | Website

NOW LIVE & AVAILABLE ON KU! 

*Book Tour & Giveaway* Sacred Salvation-GUEST POST

 

Father Sebastian has found a home in St. Augusta College.

But when that home is threatened by a student, questions arise in his own beliefs.

Sacred Salvation

Part of Sins of the Sacred

by Casia Pickering

Genre: Dark Priest Romance

St. Augusta College is known for weaving the Arts with Theology. Within its iron gates lies a prestigious education that can drive a person mad.

Father Sebastian Hardwicke is new to the position. Not once has his religious fervor been tested until he is sent to the cathedral on St. Augusta's campus. The school is not what he expected. Hymns and prayers echo within the cathedral, and the faculty are pious and helpful. Even the students held a reverence he had only experienced in seminary. On the outside, it is perfect.

But a mask is still a mask, no matter how enticing.

Emilia Trent has two goals in life: to convey true emotion into her art and to quiet the voices. But the voices have gotten louder, screaming and demanding that she keep painting. There is no freedom in her expression. With the new priest coming to campus, her urges grow to a point where she no longer knows who she is. There is an almost paranormal force growing inside her.

There is only one person capable of holding the demon at bay- Father Sebastian Hardwicke. But will he choose to face the evil head-on or fall into the deep embrace of temptation?

Part of Sins of the Sacred, a dark priest romance shared world series featuring eleven amazing authors.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

“I don't think there is a demon inside you,” Sebastian sighed, “that wasn't my intention-”

 

“My father died when I was starting high school,” Emilia said. "He used to drive freight trucks at night. During one night, a nasty storm happened, and, well, it crashed. He was in the hospital for weeks until we couldn't keep him on life support.”

 

“I'm so sorry,” Sebastian said. He looked off into the distance, as if heweres lost in his own thoughts.

 

Emilia shrugged. “I've had depression ever since. My painting helps with it and so did a therapist when I had one, but it isn't because of my depression that I struggle.”

 

“What is?” Sebastian asked.

 

Emilia thought quietly. She glanced at Sebastian. Without the white collar pinned into his polo shirt, he'd look like any other well-dressed man. It was that and the type of shirt that seemed out of place with his jeans and glasses that he was constantly pushing back up the bridge of his nose. She wondered what made him choose the life he chose.

 

Was he a believer, or was it pushed onto him by people around him? She remembered an argument she had with her mother about maybe joining the military to help pay for college. That was before the art contest and scholarship that got her into St. Augusta. As much as she stressed about being at the school, she wouldn't change her choices if she had the chance. But her knowledge about Father Arthur, Sister Rebecca, and Miranda would be for Sebastian. It may not be her responsibility, but it was something Emilia didn't want on her conscience.

 

“I'd rather not talk about it,” she finally decided, shaking her head, “no offense, but I doubt you'd take my life experiences into consideration if I told you.”

 

“What do you mean?” Sebastian's eyes furrowed in confusion.

 

“Imagine being abused or having a bad relationship with a friend or something,” Emilia said, “can you do that?”

 

Sebastian’s expression went still. It was as if he were seeing something from his past. A pang of guilt hit Emilia’s chest. If she had known he might’ve experienced something like what she was suggesting, she might not have said that.

 

“Okay,” Sebastian whispered, “go on.”

 

Emilia nodded. “Let’s say you told someone about that experience, but that person you told didn’t believe you because the person who abused you or the friend who was awful hasn’t shown that side of themselves to that person. Can you imagine how that feels?”

 

“I can.” Sebastian’s voice was raspy and hard. He worked his jaw and rolled his head from side to side.

 

A squirrel jumped from headstone to headstone as birds twittered. His cheeks were bulging from the collection of nuts. The leaves rustled as another autumn breeze brushed past. Emilia looked around at the quiet beauty of it all.

 

Even the voices weren’t around. Emilia looked around, this time paying attention to every small detail. There was no fog or shadows. The only brightness that held her attention, aside from the slowly dying sun, was Sebastian. It was as if the cemetery was an oasis away from whatever plagued the campus. 

 

“That’s why I’m not ready to say anything,” Emilia said. "I don’t know if you’d believe me or not, but it’s not worth saying if we end up arguing.”

 

About the Sins of the Sacred series

The Sins of the Sacred dark romance shared world series brings together standalone stories by multiple authors, each exploring the collision of faith and forbidden desire within religious settings. From medieval abbeys and dissolution-era monasteries to modern churches and theological colleges, priests, nuns, exorcists, and other religious figures face temptations that challenge their sacred vows. The series spans various time periods, incorporating paranormal elements including demon possession, angelic intervention, and exorcism that intensify conflicts between duty and desire.

With diverse pairings including M/F, MM, F/F/F, and MFM configurations, each book delivers explicit romantic content while exploring themes of religious trauma, repression, and the struggle between devotion and forbidden longing. The series features omegaverse dynamics, second chance romance, and enemies-to-lovers tropes alongside darker explorations of possession, crisis of faith, and the psychological impact of religious structures. Designed for readers seeking taboo romance that examines the tension between sacred vows and human desire in emotionally complex narratives.

 

Find them on Amazon!

Even though she claims she can write anything, the biography remains to be Casia’s arch-nemesis. Despite this, Casia has used her Writing degree to craft stories in over ten anthologies, maintained a book blog for more than a decade, and has begun to write novels. A multi-genre author, Casia Pickering, is incapable of keeping to one thing. Every story has a piece of her personality that she treasures and shares with her readers. She currently lives in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia with her biggest supporter and helper, her son, affectionately known as Bug. Previous works are under the name, Casia Courtier.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

GUEST POST

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

So, I actually could spend a day with either Emilia or Sebastian. Emilia would be a fun time. She is smart, sassy, and artistic. It would be easy to enjoy a day with her talking about deep topics over coffee and painting. I would want to know what she sees around me and what she thinks I could fix or expand.

Sebastian is a cinnamon roll who needs therapy badly. I'd want to take him to therapy, have a spa day, and then go to an expo on religious art or religious studies. He loves learning new things and I think it'd be fun to expand his belief system and learn something new with him.

It's actually interesting to see how much the two of them are similar but very different. 

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

I was originally going to go BIG. Like, drugs and demonic possession. But, my characters had other plans. I knew I wanted a priest who was devoted to his position and faith and I knew the love interest would be a tortured artist of sorts. But, Emilia had other plans. She didn't like losing her autonomy to addiction and possession. She wanted her voice to be loud and clear. 

Once I changed Emilia, everything settled to what Sacred Salvation is today. Sebastian became a sweet guy with a lot of emotional and physical baggage twisted into religious abuse. Emilia had her own emotional and mental baggage, but kept pushing back against the abuse she was experiencing in St. Augusta. 

Honestly, it felt as if they made who they were more than me.

What inspired you to write this book?

Honestly, it was the influx of Christian Nationalists and the spiritual abuse that comes with it. It was a hefty subject and I have no doubt I only briefly touched that, but my main story was inspired by that. I would like to one day do more on that subject but I love Sacred Salvation for what it is and wouldn't change it.

What can we expect from you in the future? 

There are a lot of projects I want to get done in the future. I want to bridge out into horror and add more dark romance under my belt. I also want to do some urban fantasy, but I actually have a few things coming out this year too. 

In October, I'm working alongside other authors for a series of monster erotica novellas. I have two coming out that month and both will be set in the same dystopian world where the climate has changed so much that the old gods have returned to reclaim Earth, and with it, take human lovers. My first novella is The Kraken's Consort where a woman is chosen as a sacrificial bride to a Kraken. If you know the Eros and Psyche mythos, think of a dystopian retelling of that only with spice, tentacles, and an Eldritch sea god.

The second novella is titled The Serpent's Blessing where a person is chosen by a Naga to join its ranks. I'm still working on that novella, so I don't have specifics narrowed out, but it will be spicy as well. The novellas are part of a series called Kinktober Reloaded where there is a new novella released every day in October. The novellas are not in the same world as the other, just my two are connected. 

I am also working on a cozy mystery titled Death at Gracie Manor. It is about Katrina Webster who has renovated a Queen Anne Victorian manor into an inn. Days before the opening, her only employee (and friend) is found dead. The town is gossiping saying the ghost of Gracie Manor has taken another victim, but Katrina knows there's something more going on. After all, the lavender she smells doesn't seem like it's from an evil ghost. 

There is also a charity anthology I'm part of in December for LGBTQ+. It is a Christmas romance anthology. But, aside from all that, everything else is in the air. I'm still debating on what I'm going to do next.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter the Sacred Salvation Giveaway Here

*Book Tour & Giveaway* The Lesitha Veil Tales-GUEST POST

 

Every choice echoes across worlds.

Freedom or Chaos; Stability or Control?

The Edge of Oblivion

The Lesitha Veil Tales Book 1

by CM Dawson

Genre: Epic SciFi Fantasy Adventure

"We were younger than we realised and equally naïve."

Dive into The Edge of Oblivion — a coming‑of‑age fantasy of secret map‑books, a dying storyteller’s last wish, and a crystal key that reveals tears in reality. Discover a richly imagined world, fast‑paced adventure, and a hero who must choose between duty and destiny — buy now and step over the Veil.

The veil is weakening and shreds between the worlds are becoming more frequent. Darkness is spreading. A new Rysyn is sought to replace the Torsoma before it’s too late and the veil fails, releasing chaos across the facet worlds.

Bex Gartan has no desire to follow her father into the Grinders Guild – or die of stone lung like he did. A rebellious 17-year-old, just weeks before her Liberation Day, a brutal encounter shatters her world. In a shadowy alley, she faces a tragedy and finds her destiny.

Bex's determination to find the truth pulls her into a conflict that spans multiple worlds. She becomes the target of assassins, the pawn of questionable advisors, and now the unlikely successor to the leader of the Facet worlds. Bex must learn to temper her impulsive nature and trust her instincts if she’s to save her friends, and the Facet worlds.

Will she be the saviour they seek or the herald of chaos?

 

Amazon * Direct from Author * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Chapter 16 Excerpt:

Then there was the Great Xan Janal, who claimed to have gone over the Edge and slayed a mighty beast to save a village. He boasted that there were many worlds, all separated by the Veil. There were people of different races who spoke weird languages. Some were tall and fair with long, flowing, silver hair. Others were short, squat, covered in fur and grunted a lot. Those stories always made me laugh. My eyes blurred as tears welled up, thinking of him. Whether they were real or figments of his imagination, Xan had given his life to sharing his stories of adventure. And I wasn’t about to let him down.

As I crawled on, I wondered which world I would find on the other side of the Veil. Would it be a world of thick jungles, filled with loud, screaming creatures jumping from one towering tree to the next? Or would it be a crystalline world overflowing with unimaginable colours? I was hoping for the water world, for Muut’s sake, except for the whole swimming thing. That scared me.

I looked back again and then beyond Muut. I scanned the horizon and watched as the heat rippled off the scorched ground. The only things that stood as high as a man here were the boulders that dotted the landscape. There was no lush green foliage, and the rivers were more often dry more than filled with water. I dreamed of seeing the leaves of a plant that was as big as me. I fantasised about dipping my fingers into a cool running stream and carrying the refreshing water to my lips; skipping stones across its surface and seeing splashes instead of puffs of dust.

I didn’t know if Xan’s stories were real or made-up fantasies to impress the ladies. But what I knew was that I didn’t want to die without at least attempting to find out. I owed him that much. So I turned back and faced the Edge. I checked the straps that held my knives tucked against my wrists. I placed my right hand out in front of me and then my right knee, then my left hand, left knee. I slowly crawled to the Edge.

The fingers on my left hand reached it first. I stopped and looked at my hand. The tips of my fingers curved over an edge. My breath caught in my throat. I moved my right hand up to match my left and swallowed deeply as the tips of both hands were now bent joyously over the Edge of our world. I slowly lowered myself down to the rough ground and felt the sharp rocks poking me in my chest and belly.

Carefully, I pulled my body up to the Edge and peered over. The air coalesced into a swirling mist of obscurity, roiling and bulging, causing my vision to slide and refocus as I tried to peer through it.

I pulled myself up to the Edge, raising onto my elbows and stretching my neck as far as I could. The grey mist swirled around my head forming dewdrops on my cheeks. I blew into it, watching as it whirled madly away from me, quickly folding back in on itself. I extended my arm and felt a cool dampness cover me like a second skin. The further I extended it, the less I could see of it.

I pulled myself up and swivelled around to sit on the Edge with my legs now dangling freely. My feet disappeared into the swirling mist that roiled below me. Then I leaned out as far as I could and swished my arms back and forth, trying to clear a view through the grey wall.

I either leaned too far or whipped my arms too wildly, because I tumbled off the ledge into the mist. My heart leapt as I felt myself sliding down the edge of the world. Suddenly, I jerked to a stop when the rope tied to my ankle caught me tight. My breath gushed from my lungs and my heart pounded my ribs.

I heard Muut calling to me, his cries distant, muffled.

I hung for a moment, dangling upside down against the edge of the world. I released my fear as I pushed myself up away from the rough rock face. Curling my knees beneath me, I crouched for a moment, waiting to see if I would fall. Nothing happened. The cool mist swirled around me; my head swooned with the mesmerising movement. 

I filled my lungs with the moist air and stood. Fully expecting to topple over, I stretched my arms wide to catch myself when I did. I stood there as rigid as a boulder with my arms spread, knees locked, breath held, eyes tightly closed.

Nothing.

I slowly opened my left eye, peeking, face scrunched tight, awaiting the imagined impact. Both eyes sprang open, and the air exploded out of my lungs. A breathtaking view assaulted my eyes.

Dark Side of the Veil

The Lesitha Veil Tales Book 2

When Bexlin Gartan is kidnapped into a world of metal and gears, the impulsive daughter of a storyteller must reclaim a stolen Lesitha Crystal and learn why her blood marks her as the next Rysyn—before a tyrant uses her power to shred the Veil and destroy everything.

Bex crossed the veil for adventure - now she may never return home, may never see her ma again or laugh with her friends. Stranded in a dark Facet, ruled by a tyrant set on seeking revenge and using her to fulfil his vengeance, she must decide whether she will become his pawn or fight to save all she loves.

Separated from her friends, she convinces the strange mechanically augmented half-lifes to help her find them and to return home, but not before she tries to stop the demented ruler, Urbo'Krk. Uncertain who to trust or what the rising energy building within her means, she must learn to control her impetuous ways and calm her mind. Only then can she face the truth of her destiny - saviour or destroyer.

Will she bring stability or usher in chaos?

 

**On Sale for Only .99cents on Amazon & Kobo!**

Amazon * Direct From Author * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Chapter 13 Excerpt:

“Come,” the ‘naut commanded.

I turned my attention back to the wall where a trickle of moisture ran down a groove, around a rivet, and disappeared behind the bench.

The white-hot tearing of my scalp ripped a scream from my chest as the ‘naut yanked me to my feet by my braid. He held me, dangling in the air for a moment before releasing me. My hands went to my head and returned covered in blood.

“Come or be dragged.”

The warmth of the blood running down my back held me for a moment. Then Tar was at my side, gripping my elbow to guide me.

“Walk,” he commanded.

My legs felt like they were full of sand, but I made them move as he guided me out of the cell and we followed the ‘naut through the maze of passages. “Where are you taking me now?” I whispered.

Tar ignored my question, but I felt a tightening on my elbow.

“Why are you helping someone like him?”

Again, no response, but this time there was a tug on my elbow. “Okay, at least tell me where you’re taking me?”

The massive head of the ‘naut glanced back at us. “No speak. Walk.”

We rode up out of the cells in an open lift. The fresh air felt good against my sweaty face. I studied the bleak world of Vrellum as we rose and wondered if my friends were somewhere lost in the labyrinthine maze of metal gantries and yellow haze.

The platform stopped and the ‘naut led us out into brighter, well-lit passages. We were back in the fortress of Urbo’Krk. We weren’t led to the main assembly chamber. This time the ‘naut led me past the big wooden doors with the familiar motifs etched on them. Instead, I was taken to a smaller chamber. As we entered, a light came on above a large metal chair that sat in the centre of the room. There were straps on the arms and the footrest. I stopped short, making Tar bump into me.

The ‘naut pointed. “Sit.”

I threw my head back, catching Tar off guard and smashing his face, just missing his already flattened nose. My elbow connected with his ribs, and I heard a satisfying grunt. Turning to run, I wasn’t quick enough. The one-eyed Omaj blocked my exit, and the ‘naut grabbed my shoulder, pinching me, and I screamed at the crushing of my bones. He threw me into the chair, slamming my head against the upper backrest. I left a bloody imprint from his earlier threat of dragging me. I tried to get up but felt pressure on my chest. It forced me back into the chair.

“Enough.” Urbo’Krk stepped out of the shadows with Cog at his side. He’d removed his cape and the silver breastplate. He now wore a black vest that allowed him to display his mechanical arms. Beneath the close-fitting fabric, I could see that his neck and chest were flesh. There was a seam where the augmented arms attached to his shoulders. The join was smooth and had a natural appearance as if the black mesh were just another type of skin.

He leaned over me. His presence felt heavy. The pressure built on my chest, and I tried to take a deeper breath, but could only sip the air. I turned away and refused to acknowledge him.

“Ah yes, you feel my strength.” He stood and pointed at Tar. His energy pushed against me, pressing me into the metal seat. Tar remained standing against the wall and motioned for Omaj to strap my wrists and ankles to the chair.

“I wish to examine you.” He spoke calmly as he turned and walked to a table that ran the length of one wall. “It isn’t every day a Rysyn passes through my world.”

My teeth felt like they might pop out as I spoke through my clenched jaw. “I’ve never heard of a Rysyn and don’t know why you think I’m one. I was only looking for the truth.”

I glared at Tar as I spoke my defiant words. His stoic face drew tight as he stared at me and shook his head. Cog had stepped further into the room and now sat at my side. His quizzically tilted head indicating his attention.

Urbo’Krk’s broad back hunched over the table now straightened as he slowly turned back to look at me. “I will learn what makes you a Rysyn,” his eyes flicked to Cog, “or I’ll make the cog suffer for your defiance.”

Cog tilted his head as he gazed from me to his master. I couldn’t be certain if he understood the threat that Urbo’Krk had made, but I also wouldn’t be the reason that he suffered any further abuse under this monster.

My jaw remained clenched as I slumped defeated into the chair. Tears welled in my eyes as Urbo’Krk came toward me carrying a mesh of wires.

“That’s better. Now sit still; this will hardly hurt.”

CM Dawson is an indie fantasy author and the founder of Crystal Path Publishing, writing multi-world adventure fiction from the rolling green hills of Wiltshire, England. Her debut series, The Lesitha Tales, follows Bex Gartan — a headstrong, impulsive 17-year-old who finds herself thrust into a power struggle that spans multiple worlds. Compared to Samantha Shannon, Brandon Sanderson, and Suzanne Collins, the series blends fast-paced action, vivid world-building, and a fierce coming-of-age heart. She crafts immersive multiverse fantasy filled with emotional stakes, dark magic, and lore rich worldbuilding. The first two books — The Edge of Oblivion and Dark Side of the Veil — are available now. A space opera trilogy, a short story collection, and a dystopian novel are all in development. When she is not writing, she can be found gardening, editing the local parish magazine, playing skittles, or being bossed around by her two English Bulldogs, Sage and Bubba.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

GUEST POST

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author? 

My first book, a space opera, came to me on the third day of a silent meditation retreat. I woke up and had this very insistent character tapping on my skull. I ried to meditate him away, but he was relentless and so I started listening to him as he told me his story. I was travelling a lot so I committed to writing every time I sat on a plane. Thousands of miles and 110,000 words later, I had the first rough draft of book 1 of The Eververse Chronicles. I also wrote book 2 and outlined book 3, but they are all still in draft because Bex stepped in and pushed Penon aside. So now, I need to finish Bex’s story so I can get back to Penon’s. 

What is something unique/quirky about you? 

I taught myself to be ambidextrous. Mostly out of necessity after I shattered my left shoulder tripping over one of our bulldogs, but also because I like to challenge myself. I’m currently working on throwing a skittles ball with my left hand in the hopes it will improve my game.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you! 

Nearly 30 years ago, I was kidnapped in Spain by a band of strolling musicians. They escorted me and a friend to a little, white-washed casa down an alley. Between my broken Spanglish and their thick Basque accent, there wasn’t much opportunity to decline their insistent invitation. Ducking through the door into the dusky room, the hard-packed dirt floor and the toothless nanna bent over a big pot on a fire made me wonder if we’d slipped into a Grimm’s fairy tale. Fortunately, they fed us, entertained us, we danced and drank moonshine, and we had a truly magical time.

Where were you born/grew up at? 

I was born on the foggy Northwest coast and grew up in the Midwest running amongst cornfields and catching crawdads in the streams. I then moved to the East coast before skipping across the pond to England. 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter The Lesitha Veil Tales Giveaway Here