Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Review: Blue Dog (Cryptid Charisma #2) by Karen Hulene Bartell @HuleneKaren

5:00:00 AM Blue Dog, Cryptid Charisma, Indigo, Karen Hulene Bartell, Review, Romance, Romantic Suspense No comments

Blue Dog

Cryptid Charisma #2

Karen Hulene Bartell

Published: September 2, 2026

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romance

Blurb:

Finalizing her dissertation while emerging from a destructive relationship, Deirdre ‘Dare’ Doyle finds a lifeline in Clay Landry, a rugged park ranger who introduces her to the mythical--yet menacing--lore of Louisiana’s bayous. As their hormone-fueled relationship intensifies, so does the threat from her past.

Kirk, her toxic ex, sabotages her academic future, forcing a choice between her love and her dreams. But when Hurricane Kirk brings both a violent storm and a dangerous confrontation, an enigmatic creature intervenes, blurring the boundary between folklore and fact.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

My Review:

Deirdre ‘Dare’ Doyle is spending her summer with her aunt Kim, who needs assistance following shoulder surgery. While Deirdre is busy finalizing her dissertation, she is also trying to move on from a difficult breakup.

During her stay, Deirdre encounters Clay Landry, a rugged park ranger who aids her in selecting a topic for her academic research paper by introducing her to the intriguing—yet ominous—folklore of Louisiana’s bayous. An undeniable chemistry ignites between Clay and Deirdre, leading to a series of romantic adventures and a blossoming friendship that quickly deepens.

Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, Kirk, is creating disturbances in her academic life, persistently texting and calling her despite her efforts to ignore him. This situation escalates when Deirdre and Kim visit a restaurant and unexpectedly run into Kirk, forcing Deirdre to confront him.

Blue Dog unfolds its secrets slowly, keeping its mysteries tightly held for as long as possible. I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to turn the pages as quickly as I desired, eager to discover the true nature of the rougarou. Is it a real entity or merely a mythical being from the Louisiana bayou? My anticipation grew as I found myself racing to the conclusion, desperate for answers.

The more I delved into the story, the more I craved to keep reading. Each time reality pulled me away from Blue Dog’s captivating world, I was quickly drawn back in by unexpected twists. The suspense was truly exhilarating! I can hardly wait for the next installment in the Cryptid Charisma series, or at least I hope there will be another tale set in this exciting universe.

I wholeheartedly recommend Blue Dog to all fans of romantic suspense! Don’t miss out—grab your copy of Blue Dog today!

Check out all the books in the Cryptid Charisma Series I’ve read.

Indigo #1

Blue Dog #2

Connect with Karen Hulene Bartell

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ X ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn

Book Tour: The Edge of Motherland by Michael Leppert @RABTBookTours

4:30:00 AM Book Tour, Literary Fiction, Michael Leppert, Reading Addiction Book Tours, The Edge of Motherland No comments

Literary Fiction

Date Published: May 14, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

A moving literary novel about friendship, identity, belonging, and the search for home in a divided America.

In the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning of 2020, two unlikely friends are forced to confront what home really means.

A young Black man and a middle-aged White man meet through the Indianapolis tech company where they both work. Though separated by age, race, and life experience, they discover a powerful connection through music, poetry, and the emotional landscapes that have shaped them. What begins as an unusual friendship becomes something deeper as both men find themselves questioning the world around them—and their place within it.

Disillusioned by their state’s response to the pandemic and shaken by the racial strife unfolding across the country, the two men leave Indianapolis on a transformative journey. Against the eerie backdrop of a fractured America, they face isolation, grief, uncertainty, and the complicated truths that define love, loyalty, friendship, and identity.

As the road carries them away from everything familiar, they begin to reevaluate their beliefs, their histories, and the meaning of belonging. Through shared adversity, conversation, art, and memory, they forge a bond that challenges them to see themselves—and each other—with greater honesty and compassion.

The Edge of Motherland by Michael Leppert is a moving work of cultural heritage fiction for readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction, contemporary historical fiction, stories of unlikely friendship, and novels that explore race, resilience, connection, and hope during uncertain times.

“Motherland is a poignant story about love, friendship, identity—and the music, poetry, and places that shape us.”

—Lesley Weidenbener, Managing Editor, Indianapolis Business Journal

About the Author

Michael Leppert is an award-winning lecturer, columnist, essayist, and author based in Indianapolis, Indiana. A longtime communicator, public affairs professional, and educator, Leppert brings decades of experience in government, policy, business, and storytelling to his work.

He teaches speech and writing at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and serves as an adjunct professor at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He earned his B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University and his M.S. in Communication from Northwestern University, building a career rooted in the two fields that have shaped his life: government and communication.

Before entering academia and writing, Leppert spent thirteen years in public service for the State of Indiana. His career began at the Indiana Boys School, where he worked for five years and later served as program manager in the Intensive Treatment Unit. He then spent eight years at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the IURC. In that role, he became known for his ability to explain complex and often controversial issues with clarity, insight, and accessibility.

After leaving state government in 2002, Leppert spent two decades as a private-sector lobbyist, public affairs consultant, and communications advisor, working with corporations, nonprofits, government leaders, community organizations, and business executives to help advance strategic priorities. His experience with public policy, political systems, and institutional decision-making has deeply informed his fiction and nonfiction writing.

Leppert began writing a weekly column in 2014, with his work appearing in newspapers throughout Indiana. His first book, Contrary to Popular Belief: A Chronicle of a Progressive in Indiana, was published in 2016. His novel Flipping the Circle, published by Greenleaf Book Group in 2021, is a political thriller that draws from his deep knowledge of Indiana politics, lobbying, and government culture. His fiction explores power, corruption, identity, morality, and the complicated human stories behind public life.

At the heart of Leppert’s work is a passion for helping people understand complicated ideas through story. Whether in the classroom, in public commentary, or on the page, he is driven by the belief that storytelling can bring clarity, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connection.

Michael lives in a historic neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis with his wife, Amy Levander, and their rescue dog, Birdie. He has two adult children, Alex and Jack. He and Amy are competitive golfers, beach walkers, and enthusiastic lovers of live music, comedy, and theater.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

Book Tour: Summer of the Blue Jay by Mike Demaio @RABTBookTours

4:00:00 AM Book Tour, Literary Fiction Novella, Mike Demaio, Reading Addiction Book Tours, Summer of the Blue Jay No comments

Literary Fiction Novella

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

What would you do with the last 24 hours of your life?

For nineteen-year-old Tina, the answer is simple: live.

After receiving devastating news, Tina refuses to spend her final hours confined to a hospital bed. With time slipping away and an impossible dream still burning inside her, she convinces Jake, a fellow patient, to run. Together, they escape the hospital, steal a car, and set out for New York City—determined to squeeze an entire lifetime into one unforgettable day.

As their frantic parents race to find them, Tina and Jake chase freedom through the heart of the city. From the peaceful lawns of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, every stop becomes a stolen moment, every laugh an act of defiance, and every heartbeat a reminder that time is the one thing no one can bargain for.

But as the sun begins to set, their breathtaking adventure turns into a race toward one final, symbolic destination—one that will test their courage, their bond, and the meaning of a life fully lived.

Emotional, urgent, and deeply human, Summer of the Blue Jay is a poignant contemporary novella about friendship, love, resilience, and the power of choosing joy when the clock is running out.

Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age fiction, emotional literary stories, and thought-provoking books that ask life’s biggest questions, this unforgettable debut reminds us that tomorrow is never promised—and that one day can hold the meaning of a lifetime.

About the Author

Mike DeMaio is an author and seasoned technology professional whose career has spanned more than twenty-five years in corporate Information Technology, including leadership roles supporting global teams across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty food industries.

After decades of solving complex technical challenges, Mike turned to writing as a way to explore the human stories behind pressure, change, resilience, and time. What began as humorous reflections on life in IT soon evolved into a deeper creative calling, leading him from industry commentary and tech-focused articles into fiction.

His debut novella, Summer of the Blue Jay, asks one of life’s most powerful questions: what would you do if you only had twenty-four hours left? Inspired by Mike’s own reflections on career disruption, identity, and the urgency of living intentionally, the story blends emotional depth with a fast-paced journey about friendship, courage, and the priceless value of the present moment.

Mike continues to develop a diverse range of writing projects, including humorous technology-inspired work, fiction, and thriller concepts. Through his storytelling, he hopes to remind readers that time is never guaranteed—and that the moments we choose to truly live are the ones that matter most.

Contact Links

Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review: Dark Coalition (Phaethon Corp. #11) by Jaxon Reed @AuthorJaxonReed

3:30:00 AM Dark Coalition, Jaxon Reed, Phaethon Corp., Review, Science Fiction, Space Marine, Space Opera No comments

Dark Coalition

Phaethon Corp. #11

by Jaxon Reed

Published: August 27, 2026

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction, Space Marine

Blurb:

Phaethon Corp. sits on top of the heap at the frontier, with MicaBots exploring most known mining sites. Their AI has sensors and antennas on almost all of the ships used out here, too. The primary space station for incoming and outbound traffic is Aramis, and most of the mining companies use one or more services that Phaethon Corp. offers. Even pick-and-shovel selling Tinkers rent space from Phaethon to sell their goods. So it’s no surprise that Duck and the gang are target number one among malcontents. And the Unshaven are busy building up a coalition to take them on, once and for all . . .

Don’t miss the second-to-last book in this action-packed space opera! Featuring Space Marines, bar fights, bots, and much, much more on the fringes of the galaxy!

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

Dark Coalition is the exciting eleventh book in the Phaethon Corp. series by Jaxon Reed. Like all the books before it, this installment kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what lay ahead. If you have been following my reviews on this series, then you already know that the bots are my absolute favorite. I love seeing them in action, and the fighting scenes are always a highlight for me.

Dark Coalition starts off with a blast, throwing the bots and AI into battle right from the beginning. I was instantly hooked, unable to take my eyes off the pages, and I couldn't turn them fast enough.

In this book, the stakes are higher than ever as the galaxy turns against Phaethon Corp.'s massive expansion. A dangerous new alliance called "the Unshaven" is gathering a massive coalition to tear down everything the corporation has built, threatening their mining networks and control of Aramis Station.

Caught right in the crosshairs is Bo Duckworth and his elite security team. Bo’s strategic genius and tactical leadership are put to the ultimate test as he orchestrates the defense against asymmetric warfare and brutal fringe sabotage, proving once again why he is the backbone of the corporation's survival.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all the characters and enjoy seeing them in battle as well—especially Bo, Lisa, Elle, and Tom Savage, of course. The action is nonstop from beginning to end. I get so lost in the story that I feel like I am a part of their world, visualizing everything playing out in my head as if I am right there with them.

I can’t wait for the twelfth and final book in the series, Coreflex Ultimatum, to make its appearance. However, I am very sad to see the last of these characters and the bots.

I highly recommend Dark Coalition to anyone who loves fast-paced, action-packed space opera stories. Grab a copy of Dark Coalition today! Oh, and while you are at it, I would also recommend picking up every single book in the Phaethon Corp. series as well.

Check out all the books in the Phaethon Corp. series I’ve read.

Surplus Marines #1

Top Duck #2

Miner War #3

Phaethon Expansion #4

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Aramis Station #5

Tinkers Guild #6

Daughter Seven #7

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Coreflex Quadrant #8

Exit Survey #9

Dark Matter #10

Dark Coalition #11

Goodreads

Amazon

Connect with Jaxon Reed

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Book Tour: Thinking Critically in College by Louis Newman @RABTBookTours

5:00:00 AM Book Tour, College Guide, Louis Newman, Nonfiction, Reading Addiction Book Tours, Thinking Critically in College No comments

The Essential Handbook for Student Success

Nonfiction, College Guide

Date Published: April 1, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

The Definitive Guide for Success in College and Beyond

Finally, a book that actually prepares you for college! Nearly every first-year college student discovers that college courses are more academically challenging than high school. Professors expect you not just to absorb material but to analyze and synthesize it, to consider multiple perspectives, to evaluate conflicting evidence, and then to apply what you've learned in new contexts.

Drawing on a lifetime of experience teaching and advising students, former dean of Academic Advising and associate vice provost at Stanford University Louis E. Newman explains how to do all this, and more. Whatever your background or academic interest, this book will prepare you for college-level learning. Thinking Critically in College is the definitive guide, not only for those in college, but for everyone who needs a refresher on thinking clearly.

"Thinking Critically in College details and exemplifies the differences between high school and college. Students who read this book before coming to college will have an advantage over those who don't." -LEE CUBA, professor emeritus of sociology, Wellesley College, and author of Practice for Life: Making Decisions in College

"Even students who have taken college-prep and AP courses are unprepared for the type of learning that will take place in college. Thinking Critically in College is poised to help all students at all types of institutions develop the dispositions and skills necessary for success in college." -LYNN PASQUERELLA, president of Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

About the Author

Contact Links

Website

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Review: The Arcane Prophecy (Arcane Elemental Academy) by TC Marti

4:30:00 AM Arcane Elemental Academy, Elemental Magic, Fantasy, Review, TC Marti, The Arcane Prophecy, Young Adult No comments

The Arcane Prophecy

Arcane Elemental Academy

by TC Marti

Published: September 1, 2026

Publisher: Phoenix Rising

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Elemental Magic

Blurb:

Yote Diamondback spent years under her father’s relentless drills, learning magic until her hands ached — and living in her sister’s shadow.

When she’s offered the chance to attend a legendary elemental academy, Yote sees more than just a school. She sees freedom, challenge, and the chance to define herself on her own terms.

But freedom comes with a cost. Unsettling visions and buried family secrets push her toward a future someone else planned.

The truth she uncovers could shatter everything she’s ever believed. If she can’t master her power and face it head-on, she risks losing more than her newfound freedom.

The Arcane Prophecy isn’t another copy-and-paste YA tale about factions and brooding heroes. It’s a story about a girl fighting for her own future, no matter who tries to write it for her.

Payhip

My Review:

When Yote Diamondback gets the chance to go to a famous elemental academy, she eagerly takes it. At the academy, Yote feels completely at ease. I believe the main reason she enjoys the school so much is that it is far from her home and family. It’s far away in more ways than just the distance on the road.

The school represents a break from her parents and the pressure of living in her sister Jett's shadow. Yote feels she can now make her own choices and is free, both mentally and physically, to pursue what she wants and how she wants, without anyone telling her what to do, to become the person she aspires to be, twenty-four hours a day, so to speak.

At this new school, Yote meets new people and makes friends. She hopes to spend her high school years here, but her parents have different plans for her in the future.

I think I will enjoy this school almost as much as Yote does as she learns to harness her magic and discovers more about elemental magic and runes. All the while, she is figuring out who her true friends are and who might not be genuine. I can’t wait to dive into more books in this world of Arcane magic.

The Arcane Prophecy is a captivating story that will linger with me long after I finish the last page. The world-building is unmatched compared to anything I’ve read before. The Arcane Prophecy pulled me into its universe the moment I started reading. I enjoyed getting to know Yote and her sister Jett, and I appreciated their competitive nature.

I strongly recommend picking up a copy of The Arcane Prophecy today!

Connect with TC Marti

Website ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ BookBub

Review: Shattered Gravity (Poisoned Stars #1) by Jina S. Bazzar @Jina_Bazzar

5:00:00 AM Aliens, Fiction, Jina S. Bazzar, Poisoned Stars, Review, Science Fiction, Shattered Gravity, Space, Space Opera, Teen, Young Adult No comments

Shattered Gravity

Poisoned Stars #1

by Jina S. Bazzar

Published: August 30, 2026

Publisher: Jina S. Bazzar

Genre: Aliens, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space, Space Opera, Teen, Young Adult

Blurb:

A captain in the Vald Military Space Force, Dara has never disobeyed an order. Until now.

Convinced the peace talks are a trap disguised as diplomacy, she risks everything to expose the betrayal. But when her mission backfires, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with Tarin—a Dratos soldier she was raised to hate.

Now, Dara and Tarin are running out of time. Stranded on a hostile planet, they’re hunted by something far deadlier than anything in the war, and it belongs to neither side.

As enemy lines begin to blur, Dara must decide what matters more: loyalty to her people… or trusting the one man she was trained to destroy.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

My Review:

Shattered Gravity establishes a spectacular foundation for Jina S. Bazzar’s Poisoned Stars universe. The narrative is an incredibly engaging, action-packed thrill ride from start to finish

Dara, a captain in the Vald military space force known for her strict discipline, has devoted her life to following orders. However, everything shifts when she discovers evidence that challenges her beliefs, leading her to go rogue in pursuit of the truth.

With no other options, she reluctantly teams up with Tarin—a Dratos soldier she was raised to loathe—to fight against a lethal, mysterious force. Stranded on a harsh and unforgiving planet, Dara and Tarin must collaborate to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The entity is completely unconnected to the Vald military or the opposing Dratos forces. Its total detachment from the central galactic conflict highlights that the universe harbors far more perilous and ancient threats than mere human political disputes. It maneuvers through a planet that is already hostile, transforming their mission into a frantic race against time.

Shattered Gravity is an excellent choice for those who appreciate thrilling military sci-fi intertwined with deep character development and a strong survival horror aspect.

Readers will be captivated by the stark contrast between polished, bureaucratic military powers and the unpredictable cosmic frontier, laying an exciting groundwork for the sequel.

Ideal for fans of monumental space battles, rich world-building, and stories of adversaries turning into allies. If you enjoy character-focused tales set in vast, complex worlds where past foes unite to face daunting challenges, then Shattered Gravity is just right for you.

Connect with Jina S. Bazzar

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

Review: The Stone Sentinel (The Silent Sentinels #1) by Amanda Fasciano @Cymberleigh

5:00:00 AM Amanda Fasciano, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Review, Romantasy, The Silent Sentinels, The Stone Sentinel, Vampire No comments

The Stone Sentinel

The Silent Sentinels #1

by Amanda Fasciano

Published: August 28, 2026

Publisher: ‎4 Horsemen Publications

Genre: Romantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Vampire

Blurb:

The angels are guardians of paradise, the devils the guardians of the hells, and then there are the Sentinels.

The Sentinels are guardians of the realm of the living, seeking to keep mortals as free from supernatural influence as they can. They are immortal, moving through dimensions and time to keep the peace between the natural and supernatural worlds. They contend not only with demons and non-humans but also vampires, shifters, and even the gods themselves.

One of the best Sentinels, Roark Kearney, has earned himself the nickname “The Stone Sentinel.” Most who casually know him would think it's because he seems like such an immovable object. A Gaelic warrior who fought in the Battle of Tara, he is one of the oldest of the Sentinels. But Julian, his “brother,” knows the truth. Over the centuries, Roark has disconnected himself from his emotions over a failure that happened a millennium ago.

Now, Roark and Julian have been given a job. A young woman is in danger and needs protection. The problem is that they have no idea what is hunting her. To make matters worse, this woman seems to have a way of breaking down the walls that Roark has spent centuries building.

Can Roark do his job from a distance to minimize the impact she has on him? Or will their proximity, and her identity, be a fire that will consume them both?

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

The Stone Sentinel, the captivating debut installment of The Silent Sentinels series by Amanda Fasciano, introduces readers to a richly imagined urban fantasy world where immortal guardians walk among us. The story centers on Roark Kearney, an ancient Gaelic warrior and immortal Sentinel whose sacred duty is to defend the realm of the living and keep mortals completely free from malevolent supernatural influences. Roark carries a heavy, centuries-old burden of guilt; he is deeply haunted by his past failure to protect a woman named Brea, a tragedy for which he still entirely blames himself.

The status quo shatters when Roark’s brother, Julian, asks him to step in and watch over Andra Rose. Andra is an ordinary mortal working as an accountant at the very same company as Julian, and she has absolutely no idea that supernatural entities exist, let alone that the brothers are immortal warriors. To Roark's shock, Andra bears a striking resemblance to Brea, immediately forcing him to confront his oldest traumas. The stakes intensify on two fronts: while an unknown supernatural threat looms over Andra, she is also being relentlessly stalked by her toxic ex-boyfriend, Chad. Chad refuses to accept that their relationship is over, obsessively believing that Andra belongs to him and ignoring her demands to be left alone.

This novel kept me completely spellbound from the very first page as it masterfully and slowly peeled back the layers of its secrets. The complex character dynamics and internal struggles made every single player in this story incredibly fascinating, which naturally kept the pages turning at a breakneck pace. I found myself racing toward the final chapters, intensely rooting for the protagonists and desperately hoping they would achieve the peaceful outcome they so rightly deserved. Fasciano has built an enchanting, high-stakes world, and I cannot wait to see what thrilling dangers await us in the next book. If you are searching for an immersive, fresh fantasy escape, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today!

Connect with Amanda Fasciano

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Review: Out of the Shadows (The Witching Pen Series Prequel #6) by Dianna Hardy @TheWitchingPen

5:00:00 AM British & Irish Horror, Dark Fantasy, Dianna Hardy, Fiction, Great Britain Horror, Horror, Out of the Shadows, Review, The Witching Pen Series Prequel No comments

Out of the Shadows

The Witching Pen Series Prequel #6

by Dianna Hardy

Published: August 27, 2026

Publisher: Satin Smoke Press

Genre: British & Irish Horror, Dark Fantasy, Fiction, Great Britain Horror, Horror

Blurb:

It's 1985, and eighteen-year-old Katherine Green, twelfth-generation witch of her maternal family line, is a loose cannon. Grieving the death of her mother and estranged from her father – also leader of 'The Council' to which all witches are bound – she finds herself turning to a dangerous source for comfort: an incubus. Not just any incubus, but the king of the Shanka demon world, Darius.

Seductive and relentless, Darius feeds on Katherine's rebellion like a vampire feeds on blood, with predictable and devastating consequences.

The only person with any hope of reaching her is Gwain, a fallen angel appointed to guard her by her father. But even he is struggling to make her see sense ... until an unexpected healing ray of light appears, demanding her courage, and changing the course of Katherine's future forever.

This supernatural dark fiction / horror novel explores Katherine's relationship with her father, with Gwain, and with the darkness inside her, also adding new depth to the events leading up to Elena's birth. It contains themes of an adult nature, including sexual themes that may be triggering for some. It is probably best read after the four main books of The Witching Pen Series so the nuances of the relationships are understood better.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

My Review:

What an addictive read! Out of the Shadows is a fantastic new addition to The Witching Pen Series by Dianna Hardy. I was beyond ecstatic to get the pleasure of revisiting this magical world. I truly loved diving deeper into Elena’s universe and learning about her ancestors—this story proved to be just as bewitching as the rest of the series!

I have been hooked on The Witching Pen universe since the very first page of book one. Each book stands on its own in a completely spellbinding way. Dianna’s books are easily some of the absolute best paranormal novels I have ever read. In fact, I find myself comparing every urban fantasy book I pick up to her work, and honestly? Nothing else compares. I am always on the lookout for her next release, whether it features witches, werewolves, or shapeshifters.

This installment introduces us to Katherine. Operating as an unpredictable loose cannon, she is completely estranged from her father, the powerful leader of the witch-governing Council. In the ultimate act of rebellion against his strict laws and expectations, she summons Darius, the seductive king of the Shanka demon world. Darius relentlessly preys on her volatile state, feeding on her rebellion like a vampire feeds on blood. He offers a toxic sense of validation and dark comfort that fuels her self-destructive path.

I can’t wait to read whatever Dianna writes next. I highly recommend Out of the Shadows—and every single one of Dianna’s books—to all fans of witches, demons, angels, succubi, and werewolves. Why not grab a copy of each today?