A Cover Reveal for You to Enjoy!

Hello friends! I have some pretty exciting news! This past week, Katie Jenkins-Merical through Storyteller Publisher 22, LLC, released the n...

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

"Upheaval," by: A.E. Faulkner —Book Tour & Giveaway!

 Hi everyone. Today I am featuring a book tour around the book, "Upheaval," by: A.E. Faulkner. She has provided a sneak peek for you all to enjoy and fun details about the book. Check everything out and make sure to purchase a copy of her book today to start the series while book 2 is just around the corner. Happy reading everyone :).

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Some secrets were never meant to be uncovered


Upheaval
The Divided States Series Book 1
by: A.E. Faulkner
Genre: YA Dystopian Fantasy

BLURB:

The Divided States of America, 2121

A hundred years after the Great Infection Spread swept across countries and continents, barriers rose and borders closed. Nations isolated themselves in protective siloes as survivors faced starvation, disease and the daunting task of rebuilding. The United States was carved into three Territories, each ruled independently.

Today, the three Societal Order leaders ration everything – clothing, food, energy – because demand drowns supply. To conserve resources, citizens are declared either day dwellers or night dwellers, essentially limiting their existence to 12 hours each day.

Where you’re born is where you stay. Until now.

Everly Scott is preparing to graduate from her final year of schooling when she’s chosen to serve on an inter-Territory delegation. As one of twelve delegates, she will help assess and recommend updates to the Alliance Agreement, which outlines trade and peace relations between the Territories.

Everly embarks on the journey of a lifetime – crossing the Xone walls to learn about people and places that have always been well out of reach. It’s the greatest opportunity she’s ever had. And also the most dangerous one.

Secrets lurk within each Territory and Everly’s about to find out what happens to those who uncover them.

Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out Reviews and Recommendations!



I scan the clusters of swarming bodies in search of Josli. Rising on my tiptoes, I spot her at our usual table, tucked in the far back corner of the room. Catching my eye, she drops her bag and sweeps through the crowd to meet me. We seamlessly slip into the flowing line and wait our turn to collect lunch rations. As mundane as the routine is, it's comforting. Will I eat in a cafeteria like this in Centrestates?

"Soooooooooooo . . . how're you doing?" Josli nudges my shoulder as we scan the limited options. 

"All right," I admit. She sneaks a side-eye glance my way as I reach for a shallow bowl of noodles in a gloppy white sauce. "I just have no idea what to expect. And I hate that."   

"It's like an adventure." Wrinkling her nose, she slides a plate of slightly burnt fish sticks onto her tray. "And you won't be completely alone. Hayes isn't exactly Mr. Excitement, but at least you'll have someone with you. And he won't know anyone either." 

"Yeah." I shrug and force a weak smile. She's just trying to make me feel better. How am I going to do this without her?

We shuffle through the chute of remaining food options, selecting a few of the less nefarious-looking concoctions. We drop into our seats as if this is any other day, but the feel is all wrong. I pick at my lunch while Josli chatters about how fast my time in Centrestates will go and how I'll probably like it way better than Eastates. I nod and shrug, playing along with her impossible prediction. Mid-bite, her eyes fly open wide and she slams a palm down on the table.   

“Ev, I just realized. You’re going to meet nocts! Real night dwellers!” I cringe at her use of the slang term for night, or nocturnal, dwellers. She knows we're not supposed to call them "nocts," but it flows from her freely as excitement overtakes my best friend. I wonder if she'd be offended if someone called us "dayds" instead of day dwellers.

She presses her palms together, resting her elbows on the table. It's a useless effort to restrain her mounting anticipation. "Promise me you'll memorize every detail about them! I need to know what they eat, how they dress, what they look like . . ."

That's typical for Josli – craving every drop of gossip I can squeeze out of this trip. Still, my heartbeat surges as her words sink in. I have a feeling I'll find out the answers to all her questions and more. 

She pauses momentarily to stab a dry hunk of fish stick and nibble on it. I welcome the break in questioning. But as soon as she chews and swallows, she restarts where she left off.

"Everly, you must be wondering too! Maybe all the nocts are tall, dark and scary!" She twirls an auburn lock of hair around her finger, staring at me expectantly but I shoot her a wary expression. 

My eyes dart from side to side, assessing if anyone around us is listening. Luckily they're all caught up in their own conversations, oblivious to our words. They hover over their plates and bowls, pushing food around as they share laughter and gossip. Any buzz over the big announcement is already fizzling, replaced with the latest rumors about who's got a crush on who. Still, paranoia pushes me to exert caution.

"Josli! I don't think we should be talking about all of this." It's not like our conversations are monitored, but this delegation is something directly from the Societal Order leaders. She doesn't even flinch at my warning, but if one of the educators heard us talking like this, they might believe we were making light of it. The least that would happen is we'd be reprimanded for speaking disrespectfully of the Divided States leaders and citizens.

"Oh no one cares! But they will care when you get back! And I'm going to be the first to know every detail about everything you see and do there!" Just as quickly she shifts back to speculating about the night dwellers. "So, what do you think they're like?" Her eyes flash with a curiosity that borders on being prohibited. Sighing inwardly, I resign myself to the topic. She's not going to let it go.

I slump in my seat, eager to end the conversation. Maybe class would be a good distraction right about now. “Night dwellers are probably exactly like us. Who knows if I’ll even be able to tell the difference between them and the other day dwellers. Besides, we’ll probably just be sitting in classrooms together. We may not even have a chance to talk about anything interesting.” My indifference only fuels her curiosity.  

“If it's a delegation, you'll have meetings, where you all sit around and talk. And I bet they'll take you to the capitol. At the very least you should get a tour, but maybe you'll even have your meetings there. And . . . since that's in the upper division, you'll function like day dwellers." She folds her arms and leans back in the chair, obviously pleased with the information she's deduced. Never mind that she could be completely wrong. When I respond with a noncommittal smirk, she continues. As she leans forward in her chair, a smile bursts across her cheeks.

"Do you think the nocts will be dozing off?” She yawns and flutters her eyes as if she can't keep them open. "You'll all be in the middle of an intense discussion and one of them will start snoring!" She's enjoying this way too much.  

“Just because they’re used to being inside during the day doesn’t mean they sleep every hour that the sun is up. They’re not vampires!” 

"Well, just in case, keep your neck covered!" she warns, wrapping her palms around her neck protectively in feigned worry. 


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**Don’t miss Book 2 - Uprisingl!**

Find it on Amazon

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A.E. Faulkner


A. E. Faulkner was born and raised in Pennsylvania. When she’s not lost in a book, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially while hiking, biking, or exploring nature. She loves almost everything about nature—ticks excluded, and one of her biggest fears is the repercussions we will face when nature can no longer tolerate human destruction. As such, she never tires of reading dystopian-themed tales. Stories about the end of the world absolutely fascinate her.

Follow A.E. Faulkner at the Following Links:

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Enter to Win:

$10 Amazon Gift Card — 1 Winner,

Ebook of Book #2 — Uprising — 3 Winners!

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Monday, July 28, 2025

Author Spotlight with Evie Able!

 Hi everyone. Today I am featuring an author spotlight around Evie Able and her multicultural children's fantasy books. Check them out below and purchase your favorites for you little ones. Happy reading everyone. 

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Have fun adventures with Evie Able’s multicultural children’s fantasy books! 

The Bad Little Fairy
by: Evie Able
Genre: Multicultural Children's Fantasy

BLURB:

Jenny is a bad little fairy. She knows how to play and have fun. She's far too busy to learn the joy of being considerate. Thankfully, curiosity is the fairy of invention. With numerous full page color illustrations and rhyming text, The Bad Little Fairy will engage pre-readers of all cultures to imagine the magic of kindness.

Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

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The Bad Fairy Baker
by: Evie Able
Genre: Multicultural Children's Fantasy

BLURB:

Jenny wants to bake muffins. Baking isn’t easy, but patience wins the day. Take a kitchen journey with the bad little fairy and bake grain-free muffins with your kids with the recipe at the back!

Purchase your Copy Today!


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Hiding Dragons
by: Evie Able
Genre: Multicultural Children's Fantasy

BLURB:

There is a boy, a curious boy, who just moved to the hood. If you watch close, and books aren't near, he will be misunderstood.

Some friendships begin with discovering hidden treasures. Learn the magic of making new friends in Hiding Dragons.

Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out the Book Trailer:


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A Story
by: Evie Able
Genre: Multicultural Children's Fantasy

BLURB:

**Winner of the 2025 Golden Wizard Book Prize Award!**

Stories are for everyone. Follow this story through the African rain forest and out to the Sahara as animals of all kinds discover the power one story has. For 6 months and older.

Purhcase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out the Book Trailer:


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Evie Able


Evie Able is the author of the Bad Little Fairy, Hiding Dragons and Phoenix Ashe books series and winner of the Kroger Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. Able Focuses on interweaving paranormal elements into multicultural children’s and young adult stories, creating unique worlds which re-conceptualize how we learn to be good people. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Authors Guild. 

Follow Evie at the Following Links:

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$30 Amazon Gift Card

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Friday, July 25, 2025

"Tempus," by: Janet Morris — Book Tour & Giveaway!

 Hi everyone. Today I am featuring Janet Morris' book "Tempus." Dive into this Epic Fantasy Adventure today and experience a sneak peek, book details, and a giveaway. Happy reading :).

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The Sacred Band of Stepsons begins here. 


Tempus
with his Right Side Campanion Niko
Sacred Band Series Book 1
by: Janet Morris
Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure

BLURB:

The iconic adventures of Tempus, the Riddler, and his Sacred Band. Relive the earliest adventures of the Sacred Band through the eyes of Nikodemos, his right-side companion, as Niko seeks his spirit's balance on Bandara's misty isles. 

Five iconic Sacred Band stories from a world of thieves, plus tales available nowhere else, make up this volume. Join the Stepsons from their earliest days. 

Publisher's note: Parts of this work have been published in similar form in several volumes of the million-selling Thieves World® series and in the Sacred Band novel, Beyond Sanctuary.

Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out Reviews and Recommendations!

Check out the Book Trailer:



To banish her leggy nakedness from the surface of her wine, she said, straight out: “You know the other bar owners. The Alekeep’s proprietor has a girl about to graduate from school. Arrange to host her party; let it be known that you will sell those children krrf – Tamzen is the child I mean. Then have your flunky lead her down to Shambles Cross. Leave them there – up to half a dozen youngsters, it may be – lost in the drug and the slum.”

“That will tame two vicious Stepsons? You do know the men I mean? Janni? And Stealth? They bugger each other, Stepsons. Girls are beside the point. That Stealth – he’s a fuzzbuster. Surely–”

“Surely,” she cut in smoothly, “you don’t want to know more than that – in case it goes awry. Protection in these matters lies in ignorance.” She would not tell him more. Not that Stealth, called Nikodemos, had come out of Azehur (where he’d earned his war name) and worked his way toward Syr via Mygdonia in search of a Trôs horse, hiring on as a caravan guard and general roustabout. Or that a dispute over a consignment lost to mountain bandits had made him bondservant for a year to a Nisibisi mage – her lover-lord.

There was a string on Nikodemos, ready to be pulled.


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Janet Morris



Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. She contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, in which she created the Sacred Band of Stepsons, a mythical unit of ancient fighters modeled on the Sacred Band of Thebes. She created, orchestrated, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell, writing stories for the series as well as co-writing the related novel, The Little Helliad, with Chris Morris. She wrote the bestselling Silistra Quartet in the 1970s, including High Couch of Silistra, The Golden Sword, Wind from the Abyss, and The Carnelian Throne. This quartet had more than four million copies in Bantam print alone, and was translated into German, French, Italian, Russian and other languages. In the 1980s, Baen Books released a second edition of this landmark series. The third edition is the Author's Cut edition, newly revised by the author for Perseid Press. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.

Janet said: 'People often ask what book to read first. I recommend "I, the Sun" if you like ancient history; "The Sacred Band," a novel, if you like heroic fantasy; "Lawyers in Hell" if you like historical fantasy set in hell; "Outpassage" if you like hard science fiction; "High Couch of Silistra" if you like far-future dystopian or philosophical novels. I am most enthusiastic about the definitive Perseid Press Author's Cut editions, which I revised and expanded.'

Follow Janet at the Following Links:

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Enter to Win:

Choice of print or ebook copy of "Tempus,"

$10 Amazon Gift Card

— 1 Winner Each!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

"The Regression Strain," by: Kevin Hwang — Book Tour & Giveaway!

 Hi everyone. Today I am featuring Kevin Hwang's book "The Regression Strain." Check out the sneak peek, book details, and giveaway throughout this post. Dive into this apocalyptic thriller today and purchase your copy today. Happy reading :).

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On a cruise ship stricken by the regression strain, primal urges are impossible to resist and the line between civilization and chaos has never been more fragile



The Regression Strain
by: Kevin Hwang
Genre: Thriller

BLURB:

Nobody’s safe when the inner beast awakens...

Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.

Peter and his staff face a vile affliction that pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society.

With the ship hurtling towards an unprepared New York, only Peter can neutralize the threat, but he’s hallucinating and delirious.

And sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.

The Regression Strain is a fast-paced, cerebral medical thriller that'll grab you from the first to the last page.

Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out Reviews and Recommendations!



As the cab rounded the corner behind the service buildings, the full bulk of the ship rose into view, a floating city gleaming white and blue against the gray Baltic sky. The Paradise would be Peter’s home and workplace for the next month.His shoulders tightened. Had he forgotten to pack anything? It was too late now.

The taxi ejected him into the cool summer of Copenhagen—heaven compared to the stifling heat of Texas. He checked in at the terminal counter, cleared security, and joined the stream of chattering passengers traversing the covered gangway to board the vessel. Most of them spoke in English and a few in Spanish. Others conversed in German, French, or Scandinavian tongues. They seemed affluent and confident, not at all like his impoverished patients in Houston’s Fifth Ward. That guy in front—his Rolex probably cost more than Peter’s Outback.

Peter wheeled his suitcase through a colonnade of clapping crew members and across the threshold of the grand atrium. Its rich wood paneling and glittering chandeliers were as opulent as the brochures promised. He fused with the crush of passengers piling up in front of the diagrams posted near the elevators. Living quarters for the medical crew were on the lowest deck, conveniently adjacent to the clinic.

Amid the throng, a woman was fussing over a teenage boy in a wheelchair. She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, then tousled his thick mop of brown hair. With one hand cranked tight against his chest, he lolled his head back and rewarded her with a crooked smile. Her haggard face lit up. Now that was one tired mama.

“I like his shirt.” Peter pointed to the graphic of Thor wielding his massive hammer.

“You hear that, Calvin? He likes it.”

Calvin’s nose crinkled above the sparse stubble dotting his chin. She retrieved a ChapStick from her floral fanny pack and slathered Calvin’s lips first, then her own.

She offered the tube to Peter with a glistening smile. “Want some?”

He cringed. That was weird. “Uh, no thanks.”

“Want him?”

Peter’s eyes snapped up to hers. “Excuse me?”

“You can take him for a while.” She smiled and tipped her head. “He doesn’t eat much.”

“Ah…”

“Ha ha, it’s a joke.” She licked her moistened lips. “I’ve been on this boat too long. Cabin fever.” She gave him a little nod and wheeled the kid into the elevator.

The adjacent elevator dinged open, revealing a family that looked right at home, mom admiring the decor, two school kids horsing around. Sipping coffee in his striped polo, dad looked a bit like Peter’s microbiology professor—placid and plump.

Peter pulled his suitcase to the side with a smile. It was nice to see people relaxed and carefree. And if they needed medical attention—well, he could offer it. It would be a relief to simply treat patients. No rationing medications against their rent. No fighting through nettles of bureaucracy just to get a CT scan. He wasn’t built for that fight, and the last few rounds had left him bruised.

The younger child in the elevator darted out. Mom lunged and grabbed his collar, jostling dad into Peter. Coffee sloshed out of the man’s cup and down his jeans.

An animal snarl flashed over the man’s pale, doughy face. “Watch it, prick.”

“Sorry, I didn’t expect…”

The man leaned in, eyes glowing hot behind round bifocals.

Peter jerked back. “Whoa, are you okay?”

As the man cocked his fist back, Peter watched the sleeve of his polo shirt ride up his bicep, almost in slow motion. Peter quickly raised his open palms.

“Honey,” mom hissed. She tugged her little one back, and he huddled under her frail wings.

The man lowered his fist, the stench of coffee hot on his breath.

Peter nodded. “It was an accident. I’ll buy you another coffee. Or jeans.”

The heat in the man’s eyes dissipated and he blinked a few times, looking at Peter’s face yet his attention was directed elsewhere. “Ah, shoot.”

Sorry, mom mouthed and hustled the whole family away.

Peter stepped into the elevator among passengers who seemed oblivious to the encounter. His heart hammered in his chest, and his mouth soured with adrenaline. Microbiology professor? Scratch that—this guy was more like that assistant principal caught in a minivan with the high school girl. And here he’d nearly gotten into a fistfight on his first day.

But hey, he’d defused the situation. He was still supposed to be here. This was going to work out. He closed his eyes as the last passengers got off and the elevator continued to the bottom level.


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Kevin Hwang


Kevin O. Hwang, MD, is a professor of internal medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston where he sees patients and teaches residents. His academic work has appeared in leading medical journals. Nothing excites him more than chicken enchiladas, index cards, and appropriately sized packaging.

Follow Kevin at the Following Links:

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Enter to Win:

$10 Amazon Gift Card

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

A Sneak Peek to Remember!

Hello friends!

Today I've decided to share a scene from Chapter Seven of the Fae Chronicles; Battle for the Underworld, which can be found in the Beyond the Realms anthology, which is only available for a limited time. (So you should pick up your copy soon! Hint Hint!”

To set this up, Cian has been captured by the Death Fae, who want to offer him a place of importance on their side of the war. While Fae cannot lie, the Death Fae like to dance around the truth, so that they aren't technically lying, and then deliver their version of the truth in a way that manipulates the receiver.

Enjoy!

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“Long ago, way before you were born. All the realms were finally at peace after hundreds of years of violence and distruction amongst us. King Niall had arranged mutually beneficial trade routes across every border, and hand chosen the Lords and Ladies of every realm based on the leadership they each showed in battle as they protected their people. As those Lords and Ladies grew too old, or perhaps even died, their children took over as their successors. The new generations had other ideas, while perhaps noble, were ill-advised. They wanted to open the realms to the humans. And as you have seen with your own eyes, humans are the most destructive creatures. Most are cruel and unkind, they litter their world with trash and violence, but some chose to interact with them. At first, it was fine. But we could see the writing on the wall. Soon, as rumors of the Underworld spread among them, they came looking for us. This led to the deaths and capture of many fae. We helped seek to free the captured fae who had been kept chained up and locked away by the humans, then we avenged them.”, Almu paused, and Cian caught a glimpse of pain across her face, helping him understand her point of view much better than before.

“What happened? Why did the kingdom’s stop working together?”, he asked, wanting to know more.

“Lets just say, the King did not approve of our methods.”, she said with a chuckle

“Your methods? What does that mean?”, he asked

“Why, surely you’ve heard? You seemed so scared when you and your friends crossed our path before, I would have assumed that you knew of our specialty?”, the old woman grinned wickedly through her razor sharp teeth.

This unnerved Cian greatly, and he felt the sudden urge to run, but his entire body felt like lead, forcing him to remain in place.

“Don’t bother trying to move, yet, dear. The affects will wear off soon enough. You have nothing to fear from me. It’s never been my intention to harm you. Lord Kai would have my guts for garters if I did!”

“He would?”, Cian sat confused, “Why?”

“Cian, you’re going to be a very important cog in our machine. You are going to help us restore order to our world.”, Almu studied his confused face, before deciding to move forward, “Cian, you will be the Lord Kai’s right hand, and you will be greatly rewarded. He wants you to help him rule the realms.”

“I have no interest in ruling, Almu.”, Cian answered, “And I still don’t understand what role I would have in all of this. There is nothing you can give me, the only thing I want is to be with my family, but they aren’t here anymore.”

“Oh, but I can give you that. That specialty you asked about? That is it. I can bring them back.”, she smiled. “Cian, I’m a necromancer. That is why King Niall disaproved of our methods. Death Fae can bring back the dead. During the war, we took the strongest fighters and most brilliant minds from the wars, fae creatures and human, alike, and turned them into something greater. This is how the Death Fae came to be. This is how we raised armies to fight for the king, this is how we helped him win, and when the war was over, the King had no more use for us, he banned us to the cold regions, ended our trade agreements and forced a wedge between Lord Kai and his true love, by implementing draconic laws against him, against us. All for the sake of protecting humans. The very same humans that sent your parents to an early grave, sent by the very same kingdom that refused to protect and save them. We could have saved them, they would have died, but we could have brought them back. Your father has been gone too long, bringing him back now, he’d be a mindless drone and not worth more than cannon fodder for the upcoming battle, but your mother? We can still save her. We can bring her back to you, Cian.”

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If you enjoyed this passage, you can preorder your copy of the ”Beyond the Realms” Anthology HERE. 5 authors come together to offer you this box set for 99 cents if you're buying the digital copy, but if you're like me and love the smell that comes with turning the pages, well you can also get in paperback! https://books2read.com/u/4XkyqN

ALSO, available for preorder, another anthology that I'm excited to be a part of, AND only costs 99 cents for your E-Book, you can get your copy of ”Ties of Friendship” as well! Again, 5 authors, 5 unique stories. <3 https://books2read.com/tiesoffriendship


Monday, July 21, 2025

New Release: "Some Call Me Eve," by: T. Pike

 Hi everyone. Today I am featuring T. Pike's New Release "Some Call Me Eve." Check out the sneak peek, book details, and giveaway below. Make sure to pick up your copy today to help support this wonderful author. Happy reading everyone :).

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Enemies bound by desire. Allies torn by fate.

Some Call Me Eve
by: T. Pike
Genre: Historical Romance

BLURB:

Princess Evangeline has an insatiate lust for power. As her kingdom’s most feared warrior and heiress to the throne, she plans to one day rule in her father’s place, just as she rules over countless men during secret nights of sin.

But when the castle falls to a new enemy, Evangeline becomes a slave in her own kingdom, forced to obey the heartless queen’s commands to honor her father’s dying wish: to protect her people.

The princess craves vengeance, but can she resist the carnal magnetism between her and Prince Rune, the queen’s son and royal pawn? And as rebellion brews, can she trust Rune, the man with the power to quench her torrid flames, to be her greatest ally?

**Releasing TODAY!!**
Purchase your Copy Today!

Add to your TBR List!

Check out Reviews and Recommendations!


As if summoned from the depths of the earth, my final challenger stepped forward. He
towered over me like the great castle walls, his shadow engulfing me in darkness. I watched his
sword intently as it swayed like a feather between his fingers.

He struck without warning. I was sent stumbling backward after a weak parry,
underestimating the power of his swing. But speed was my greatest strength, and I recovered my
balance almost instantly. The sheer force of his assaults far overpowered my own, restricting me
to the defensive. Each slash of his blade flew by my head at frightful speeds, backed by a
guttural grunt. I inched my way backward as each slice brought him a step closer. Without
hesitation, my instincts took over, leading me into my signature move.

Gradually lowering myself to the ground, I bent into a squatted shuffle. My competitor’s
attacks persisted, unrelenting. He leaned downward to better reach my chest. At just the right
moment, when he carried his weight on the ends of his toes, I leapt over his low arcing swing,
twisted through the air over his outstretched arm, and landed smoothly behind his hunched
frame. Before he could regain his stance and turn to face me once more, I delivered a lethal blow
to the back of his knees.

My rival released a monstrous howl as he fell forward, dropping into a kneel. The heavy
pound of his knees shook the ground, a quake that silenced the entire training field. All watched
in awe as their star fighter lay helpless by my feet.

I looked expectantly at my commander, my racing heart beating in my ears. It was clear by his
crossed arms and knitted brow that he was disappointed in his disgraceful brigade, but from the
slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, I knew he was pleased with my performance. “Finish the
job,” he said in a low voice.

I turned back to face my statuesque adversary. No longer was he the invincible beast he
was just minutes before. Down on his knees, he became a shell of his former self, humbled and
abashed by defeat. Through his face guard, I could just make out his pleading eyes, ashamed
before his peers, begging me for mercy.

With that look, a flood of heat filled my core. A yearning. A hunger. A lustful rage.

I chuckled coldly. How pathetic.

With a skillful twist of my blade, I struck the base of his neck with the flat of my sword,
simulating a dramatic beheading and sending his helmet soaring through the air. It bounced
through the dirt theatrically, spinning on its edge with a clatter before finding its final place of
rest before the feet of the crowd, its hollo interior facing the huddle of defeated men.
A slow clap broke through the deafening silence, echoing across the training field. I lifted
my gaze to see none other than King Ricard, ruler of Vitalia. He was adorned in a violet tunic
lined with golden thread, a puffed silver surcoat that augmented his considerable physique, and a
long, draping cloak exhibiting an intricate design of the royal crest. His threatening stature was
only deepened by his austere visage—a thick nose framing a set of demanding brown eyes; a
bushy, graying beard matching the shade of his thick, protruding brows; and his lips, normally
forming a thin, sober line, now curved in a sly side smile.

The cluster of knights immediately fell to their knees, dropping their heads in a respectful
bow. Even the commander knelt upon the dusty ground before his crowned ruler.

But I did not kneel. Instead, I stood boldly, facing my king with my head held high. The monarch
stilled his hands. All waited expectantly for him to break the silence once more, this time with
his booming voice.

“Well done, Princess Evangeline.”

At his declaration, I sheathed my sword and doffed my helmet to reveal my face. I
released the pin from my hair and let it flow down my back in long copper waves, shining like
the silver armor it lay upon. My crimson lips wore their own smug grin, perfectly matching that
of the king.

“Thank you, Father.”


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T. Pike


T. Pike grew up in Northwest Arkansas where she swam competitively for more than 17 years. After graduating from Texas A&M University with an English degree and All-American honors, she returned home to pursue her master's in English and write her debut novel: Some Call Me Eve. Now a law student, she enjoys running and hiking with her dogs and exploring the mountains with her partner.

Follow T. Pike at the Following Links:

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