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Never Hollowed By The Stare
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  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE TOUR: This Means War by Kai Phoenix (Excerpt)

    March 10, 2025 / No Comments
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    MUSIC MONDAY: Tickets to Funerals by Then Comes Silence

    December 12, 2022

    RELEASE BLITZ: Gamble On Me by Ann Lister (Excerpt)

    November 15, 2022

    BLOG TOUR: We Could Do This Tonight by Emerson Beckett (Giveaway)

    March 2, 2024
  • Uncategorized

    PROMO BLITZ: This Means War by Kai Phoenix

    February 27, 2025 / No Comments
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    RELEASE BLITZ: Zero by Mandy Muse

    October 3, 2024

    RELEASE BLITZ: Tricky Tracks by Lynn Michaels (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 3, 2021

    DREAMY COVERS BOOK TAG: Manga Edition (2022)

    January 18, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL: This Means War by Kai Phoenix

    February 17, 2025 / No Comments
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    FLICKer: Midnight Lovers

    September 7, 2023

    COVER REVEAL: Beautifully Fractured by Michele Lenard (Giveaway)

    April 12, 2024

    BLOG TOUR: Shot in the Dark by Riley Long (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 15, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    BOOK BLAST: The Perfume of War by Garrick Jones (Excerpt)

    January 26, 2025 / No Comments
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    BOOK TOUR: The Northern Witch by K.S. Marsden (Giveaway)

    December 5, 2024

    BLOG TOUR: Uniquely Average by Susan Hawke (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 22, 2022

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Magic & Home by Alexa Piper (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 10, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Toxic Devotion by Ana Nights (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 26, 2024 / No Comments
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    COVER REVEAL: The Pro vs The Fan by Nicole Dykes

    January 12, 2024

    COVER REVEAL: For The Boys by B.L. Mute

    September 21, 2022

    NEW RELEASE: Patience by Lark Taylor

    August 31, 2023
  • Uncategorized

    NEW RELEASE: Stronger Than Fate by Becca Seymour

    August 20, 2024 / No Comments
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    BLOG TOUR: Dire Warning by Mary Rundle (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 5, 2020

    BOOK BLAST: The Perfume of War by Garrick Jones (Excerpt)

    January 26, 2025

    BOOK BLITZ: The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold

    January 9, 2025
  • Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL: Stronger Than Fate by Becca Seymour

    July 30, 2024 / 2 Comments
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    RELEASE BLITZ: Wounded Air by Rick R. Reed (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    May 4, 2021

    BOOK BLAST: Clubbed: A Story Of Gay Love: Trials, Tribulations And Triumphs by Robert A. Karl (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 9, 2021

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Time Waits by C.B. Lewis (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 28, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Farewell, My Boy by Garrick Jones (Excerpt)

    March 3, 2023 / No Comments
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    RELEASE BLITZ: Deja Vu by Lawrence I. Hill (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    December 18, 2020

    Morgan Brice’s Halloween Tour (Giveaway + Guest Post)

    October 30, 2022

    CREATURES OF THE NIGHT BOOK TAG

    March 8, 2019
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Notorious by Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake

    January 27, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Shifter Scoundrels: Notorious – Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake

    New Paranormal Romance from Bestselling MM Authors Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake. Modern-day Bridgerton with shifter royalty, a snarky fox, and the tiger who refuses to fall for his charms.

    Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

    Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

    Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

    With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.


    I wouldn’t have associated Bridgerton with the paranormal but bless the talented author duo, Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake, for making this combination work. And to spectacular results at that!

    Notorious is Book 1 of Shifter Scoundrels, an alt-universe ruled by a dragon king who created their world based on his favorite human era. As a fan of Bridgerton, I reveled in all the ton intrigue, the ridiculously expensive finery, the amusing rules of etiquette, and of course, the endless balls.

    I initially expected the anachronisms to be cheesy or jarring, but the blending of modern-day Bridgerton and shifter lore was beautifully seamless. Even the fashion was a fabulous mix of historical and contemporary, something I would really love to see on screen. While they behave with Regency manners, they also possess cell phones, cars, and other technology.

    An interesting twist is the outdated ritual where eligible shifters are matched, and a hunt ensues. If they catch their match, the couple is together for the duration of the season. If not, the hunted has the right to turn down their pairing.

    The story opens with a murder, and the king tasked the crown prince’s best friend, Caspian Drake, Earl of Brus. to find the killer. Unknown to the Earl, the king also tasked his trusted friend and former Captain of the Guard, Baron Archer Saphir Vepkhia, to keep him safe.

    The rakish earl and the gruff baron want nothing to do with each other, but they are paired by the matchmakers. Cocky Cas boasts no one has caught him yet. To which Saphir smugly responds, we’ll see about that…

    The romance is enjoyable, but it’s just what could be expected of an enemies-to-lovers + fake relationship story. It’s the rest of the plot and the very entertaining supporting cast that had me hooked. The series is peopled with sharp-witted matrons with deadly tongues and even deadlier secret skills, as well as charming young lords and ladies, both naïve and worldly.

    The first chapter saddened me because the short time he appeared on page, I already liked the murder victim’s character. The first half slowly established the setting and plot. Then it picked up pace with the latter half sweeping me into a whirlwind of antagonistic shenanigans, espionage, murder mystery, action, and adventure. One complaint is how Cas and Saphir missed the very obviously villainous bad guy and instead latched on to the very obviously clueless side character.

    Three interesting characters I’m keeping my eye on are the scarred and mysterious Lord Everard, spacey scientific genius Lord Quentin, and purveyor of gossip and dandy extraordinaire Lord Beaumont. Lord Everard’s book is next. Now this man knows how to make an entrance!

    Notorious is my first Macy Blake, but I’ve read many Charlie Cochet books. One thing’s guaranteed, it’s always going to be fun! This series opener is no exception. It has a plot that takes you on a wild ride, characters you’ll fall for, and deftly executed writing that captures the best of both worlds! It’s definitely quite a catch!

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Catch You
    Artist: Dashboard Confessional
    Album: Crooked Shadows


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Notorious. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Notorious: US | UK

    If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

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    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Lose Me To Love You by Chloe B. Young (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    November 28, 2023

    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Tricks and Bids by Jacqueline Grey (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    February 17, 2020

    RELEASE TOUR: Proficiency Bonus by Charlie Novak (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    May 18, 2021
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Why the Devil Stalks Death by L.J. Hayward

    January 6, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Death and the Devil: Why the Devil Stalks Death – L.J. Hayward

    Jack Reardon uncovers secrets for a living, and the Meta-State spy is pretty good at it. Or rather he thought so until he met Ethan Blade—assassin, warrior, enigma. The unlikely pair have decided to give living together a shot, but Jack’s not entirely certain what he’s gotten himself into—or exactly who he’s in it with.

    Jack’s worries are compounded when he’s assigned to a police strike force hunting a serial killer. With each new puzzle piece, Jack considers the true nature of a serial killer—and how similar it is to an assassin. To one particular assassin who’s having trouble adjusting to retirement. Jack’s unsure how to help Ethan—or if he even can.

    When the killer strikes close to home, Jack must race against the clock to stop another murder, despite the price someone has put on his head. Could the matters be connected? Is a certain assassin at the centre of both? Surrounded by killers, the only one Jack wants near disappears, leaving Jack drowning in secrets. He’ll have to do what he does best—unravel the secrets, including Ethan’s—to stop the killer and save the life he and Ethan have only just begun to build.

    **Content Warning**
    Child abuse and child sexual abuse in a character’s history and not depicted directly on the page.


    Back in 2018, the Death and the Devil series exploded in the MM romance scene in the most epic way, bringing us one of the most beloved characters of the genre. The cinnamon roll assassin, Ethan Blade.

    I love his character so much. I vowed to name my firstborn after him. I even got goosebumps just anticipating the next installments’ releases. I also promised myself to patiently wait for the audiobooks no matter how long it took just for the sheer pleasure of hearing his character speak.

    And here we are, finally, with the complete audiobooks!!!

    With a magnificent opener in Where Death Meets the Devil, my expectations of Why the Devil Stalks Death were sky-high, so the last thing I expected was to be…bored. Because it pains me greatly to admit it wasn’t the riveting one-sitter I wanted it to be.

    This is because of how the story was written. In keeping with the 1st book’s style, the chapters alternated between past and present events, labeled “Before” and “After”. It made things pretty convoluted instead of suspenseful. The serial killer plot is better served by linear storytelling, which should trim down some of the more drawn-out drama.

    But our boys are still their gloriously flawed selves, navigating a fragile relationship built on a connection that managed to be both tenuous and deep. Jack, from whom most of the story is told so far, is human enough to be affected by an ex-hookup-turned-co-worker’s incessant flirting but remains staunchly loyal to a difficult and all-too-frequently absent boyfriend.

    Just like in the first book, Ethan comes and goes. His appearances are marked by mysterious bruises he refuses to tell Jack where he got them. The man has always been an enigma to all. Most of the things Jack, and us readers, know about the assassin are gathered from meager crumbs thrown our way. So I’m thrilled to see major reveals on his past here. I’m also sad, but not surprised, to learn it involved child abuse and bullying.

    Ethan’s character development comes from his involvement with Jack. While I speak of Jack being human as him being vulnerable and hurting (being an ass, really), cold and deadly Ethan being human is him being this completely endearing child-like creature who adores animals, reads action thrillers, wears socks to bed, names his cars after women and goes to zen mode when driving at ridiculously fast speeds. Ethan being human is a bomb detonating inside Jack’s chest. I was blown into smithereens right there with him!

    Why the Devil Stalks Death brought Jack and Ethan closer in more ways than one in a complicated web of secrets, sex, serial murders, espionage and siblings. The storytelling might be confusing but the book packed enough intrigue, sizzle, and danger to carry me over this hurdle into that spectacular third arc! It’s all bullets, knives, car stunts, edge-of-your seat assassin vs. assassin action in a fucked up family reunion of killers. I live for every death-defying moment of it!

    And our boys are at a happier place. For now. We’ll see what havoc the 3rd book brings. And I stand by this, Death and the Devil is the next mega-blockbuster action franchise, if only Hollywood has the balls to bring it to screen!

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Chaos
    Artist: Mutemath
    Album: Mutemath

    P.S.

    Death and the Devil should be read in order. Find out why I love Ethan Blade so much I’ll name my progeny after him in Book 1, Where Death Meets the Devil. Gushy review here.



    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Death and the Devil. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Death and the Devil: US | UK

    You can also use my Bookshop affiliate links to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

    WHERE DEATH MEETS THE DEVIL
    WHY THE DEVIL STALKS DEATH
    WHEN DEATH FREES THE DEVIL
    NOVELLAS

    If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

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    NEW RELEASE: Blade Broken by Niranjan (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    March 5, 2025

    RELEASE TOUR: Starts With A Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker (Excerpt)

    March 4, 2025

    COVER REVEAL: Got Me Hoping by Casey Cox (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 22, 2021
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If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links to get a copy of your favorite MM romance & yaoi manga. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

As a more ethical alternative, you can also use Bookshop.org to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

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DISCLAIMER

Book images and promotional materials are from Goodreads or media kits provided for blog tours, cover reveals and release blitzes. Manga covers and other images are sourced through Google image search. The two dorks in the header image is from a manga by TogaQ & Kikuchi Neko. The cat logo is my own design. Reviews and other writings found in the blog are mine unless otherwise stated. All Buy Links to Amazon and Bookshop in my posts contain affiliate links.

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🌈boy's love manga | MM romance | music | giveaways and more 🐾

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neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
14h

Rising From the Roots is a collection of poems that invites readers into a world of deep introspection and emotional exploration.

RELEASE BLITZ: Rising from the Roots by Jasmine Farrell

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neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
14h

When magic is forbidden, healing becomes rebellion.

When love is forbidden, the heart becomes a battlefield.

PROMO BLITZ: The King’s Man by Anyta Sunday (Completed Romantasy Series)



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/24/promo-blitz-the-kings-man-by-anyta-sunday-completed-romantasy-series/

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neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
14h

RELEASE BLITZ: Cold Revenge by D.G. Carothers



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/24/release-blitz-cold-revenge-by-d-g-carothers/

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neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
14h

Sometimes stars grant you wishes that come covered in blood.

AUDIO RELEASE: Noaz by Crea Reitan



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/06/24/audio-release-noaz-by-crea-reitan/

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