Blog Archives
Wishes in a Bottle
Wishes in a Bottle, by Allie McCormack, is a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, eternal longing, and the power of selfless love. Julian DiConti, a mage from plague-ridden Italy, becomes bound to a mystical bottle after a spell goes wrong, cursed to grant wishes until three truly selfless ones are made. In modern-day New York, his fate collides with Alessandra Taylor, a hospice worker with a compassionate soul, offering him the first glimmer of hope he’s had in centuries. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of pain, healing, and a magical bond neither of them expected.
What struck me most about the book was how real Julian felt despite the genie-in-a-bottle premise. He’s six hundred years old, yes, but his pain is fresh, raw even. The opening scene, in which a selfish woman squanders her final wish on a necklace rather than saving a dying child, was deeply unsettling and emotionally jarring. You can feel Julian’s frustration. I loved that the author didn’t sugarcoat his weariness. He endured centuries of witnessing individuals squander extraordinary opportunities, all while being powerless to intervene. The emotional depth of that experience was profoundly affecting.
Then there’s Alessandra. I adored her. She’s fierce in a quiet, grounded way. Her love for her nephew Bobby and her simmering resentment toward her emotionally absent brother-in-law felt so authentic. There’s a scene where she storms into the hospital after hearing about Bobby’s worsening condition, angry, grieving, full of fire, and yet the moment she sees her sister, she softens immediately. That complexity made her so relatable. When Alessandra meets Julian, there is an immediate sense of connection, marked not only by chemistry but also by trust, skepticism, and genuine curiosity. Their relationship develops gradually, avoiding the trope of instant infatuation, which makes the unfolding of their bond all the more compelling and rewarding.
The magic system is subtle but beautifully handled. It’s not flashy spells and fight scenes, it is ancient rules, quiet consequences, and emotional toll. I especially liked how Julian is punished by pain for bending the rules, like when he visits Bobby without a wish being made. That added meaningful weight to the magical framework, grounding it in emotional consequence. While the middle section leans heavily on dialogue and introspection, it enriches the characters and their relationships. The warmth and underlying tension between them kept the narrative engaging and made it difficult to put down.
Allie McCormack’s Wishes in a Bottle surprised me. It’s not just a love story. It’s about redemption, choice, and the agony of wanting to do good when the world keeps getting in the way. I’d recommend it to fans of character-driven romance with a supernatural twist. If you liked The Time Traveler’s Wife or works by Nora Roberts with a magical edge, you will enjoy this unique romantic adventure.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B07KXYJM3Q
Life After a Zombie Apocalypse
Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead follows a teenage girl who awakens from a two-year blackout to find she has survived the apocalypse but is now one of the undead. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was talking to a friend about zombies and zombie apocalypses. She’s more of a horror writer and was working on a post-zombie apocalypse story about an ex-zombie who still had cravings for human flesh. But my thought was that if there were ex-zombies, those people were probably really traumatized—it’s where my mind naturally goes. And it was that thought that made me start to really wonder what life would be like for those left over from a zombie apocalypse, what sort of things they’d struggle with on a daily basis, and how they’d cope with everything they’d gone through and lost. I’ve always been passionate about psychology, so this became something of an interesting thought experiment.
What is it that draws you to the paranormal romance genre?
I like the freedom it offers. As I mentioned before, my main interest is in the psychological and I feel like a treasure trove can be explored in paranormal romance. There are the interpersonal and social issues between the main love interests stuck within the broader context of something extraordinary with its own psychological baggage. In CeCe and Derrick’s case, they had to bridge the gap of trust and forgiveness while navigating the trauma from being ex-zombies.
What was the inspiration for Cece’s traits and dialogue?
I love tennis, so I made her this phenomenal tennis player—the type of player I could only dream to be. Because CeCe is so dedicated to a sport and having this identity as an athlete from such an early age, it shaped everything about her and who she is. For her to lose that, it was like losing half of herself. She doesn’t know who she is anymore and has to get to know herself in a way she never has. It’s this feeling of being disconnected that dictates her traits and dialogue moving forward in the story.
Can readers look forward to a follow-up to this novel? What are you currently working on?
I did leave it open for a sequel, and I really love CeCe and Derrick so I’ve definitely been thinking of how the story would continue. Right now, though, I’m working on another paranormal romance that involves a serial killer, who is definitely not one of the main love interests.
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CeCe wakes to a reality she can’t fathom and realizes it’s probably not a good idea to fall for the guy who bit her and made her one of the undead.
But in this post-apocalyptic world, everything she’s known and understood has changed, including the path to love.
This is going to be your next favorite story, so hurry and buy it now!
Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead
At its core, Love & Other Cures for the Recently Undead is a gritty, emotional, and strangely tender post-apocalyptic coming-of-age tale. We follow CeCe, a teenage girl who wakes up from a two-year blackout only to discover she was among the Infected, essentially the undead, during the downfall of civilization. As she tries to rebuild a life in a world that has changed beyond recognition, she confronts loss, trauma, guilt, and, unexpectedly, the guy who bit her. It’s not just a zombie survival story, it’s about identity, healing, and navigating the ugly mess of grief and rebirth.
I wasn’t prepared for how raw this book would hit. The opening chapters aren’t action-packed in the usual undead thriller way, but they are claustrophobic and gut-wrenching. CeCe waking up in darkness, confused and crushed under bodies, is horrifying, not because of gore but because it’s so human and real. Ramsay doesn’t rush the emotional recovery, and I appreciated that. You really feel CeCe’s pain when she realizes her mother didn’t make it, that her best friend and boyfriend are missing, that she’s been gone for two years and everything she loved (tennis, high school, her future) is shattered. That kind of slow-burn horror hits harder than any jump scare.
The writing style is simple but effective. Ramsay keeps things clean and fast-moving, even when the plot slows down. There’s a lot of introspection, especially in scenes where CeCe returns to her old school as part of the Rehabilitation Program. Those moments of being surrounded by other damaged kids with missing limbs, haunted eyes, and weird silence hit me like a punch to the chest. And the subtle tension with Olivia, the hostile Survivor, is quietly terrifying. But where the book really surprised me was Derrick. The boy who infected CeCe? It turns out he’s been cured, too. And somehow, this book manages to make you feel something when they meet again. Confused anger. Loathing. Maybe even curiosity. I didn’t want to root for him, but I found myself leaning in.
What really stood out was the emotional weirdness of returning to something familiar that’s now unrecognizable. Ramsay captures that eerie feeling of trying to go back to normal when “normal” is gone forever. When CeCe walks through her school, sees her old tennis team photo, or opens her ex-boyfriend’s locker. Those moments are small, but they carry so much weight. And it’s honestly heartbreaking how she’s just expected to rejoin society, do her homework, eat her weird canned spaghetti, and pretend everything’s fine. It’s not. It never will be. And that tension between survival and actual living is what keeps the book from falling into cliché.
Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead is for anyone who’s ever felt like a stranger in their own life, or tried to rebuild something that doesn’t quite fit anymore. It’s not a light read, but it’s oddly hopeful in its own way. There’s still love. There’s still friendship. And there’s still that weird human ability to keep going, even when everything’s broken. I didn’t expect to care this much about a girl with a zombie bite. I’m glad I read it.
Pages: 270 | ISBN: 979-8-9870253-4-5
Stone of Doubt, Book 5 Stones of Iona Series
Stone of Doubt is a captivating blend of modern life, gothic aesthetics, and magical realism. The story follows Evie MacDougall, a goth-leaning recent graduate navigating her Fae heritage, familial expectations, and a tantalizing mix of romantic entanglements and supernatural mysteries. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Edinburgh and the mystical Fae realm, this novel is as much about self-discovery as it is about magical intrigue.
From the outset, Izard weaves an immersive narrative with a mix of relatable internal struggles and grand magical adventures. The opening chapter struck a chord with me—Evie’s self-doubt as she walks the graduation stage while scheming a mischievous magical prank with her twin brother, Ewan, is charming. The interplay between mundane moments, like navigating family relationships, and the extraordinary—the Fae powers that Evie and her family possess—kept me hooked. I appreciated how Izard seamlessly integrates these elements to set up a story that’s as much about Evie’s inner world as it is about the external stakes of magical stones and ancient rivalries.
The writing style is vibrant and layered with emotion. One standout scene for me was Evie’s encounter with the ghost child searching for her doll during the Vaults Vigils. The mix of melancholy and warmth in that moment was palpable, showing Evie’s gift for empathy despite her frustration at not being able to capture photographic proof of ghosts. On the flip side, the budding relationship between Evie and Manix felt a bit rushed to me. Manix’s mysterious allure is evident, but some of his dialogue and interactions came across as theatrical, making it harder for me to root for their connection compared to the nostalgic and bittersweet dynamic Evie shares with her Fae love, Aodhán.
What truly shines in Stone of Doubt is the exploration of familial bonds and the legacy of the MacDougall family’s Fae ties. The scenes where Evie and Ewan bicker, support each other, and share mind-speaking powers add a delightful touch of sibling camaraderie. Their playful dynamic contrasts beautifully with the heavier themes of duty and sacrifice. The lore surrounding the Stones of Iona is another highlight, though I wished for more detailed explanations in certain sections. For instance, the Stone of Doubt’s significance felt slightly underdeveloped compared to the emotional weight carried by the family’s previous quests.
By the end, I found myself fully invested in Evie’s journey. Izard crafts a satisfying conclusion that balances closure with the promise of future adventures. Stone of Doubt is an evocative and imaginative story that will appeal to fans of magical realism, Scottish folklore, and character-driven narratives. If you enjoy books that mix moody atmospheres with heartfelt explorations of identity, this one’s for you.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B0DSGBDMRL
Discovering Who We Truly Are
In Crystal Iris, an art history professor is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths and embarks on a journey of self-discovery after receiving a gift from her late mother on her thirtieth birthday. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I don’t remember the exact moment or how the idea first came to me, but I’ve been toying with it for nearly a decade. I wanted to write a book where magic isn’t something you’re born with, or only granted to the exceptionally gifted. Instead, it’s something anyone can acquire, as long as they find the right object.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
My favorite moment in the story is actually the ending—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the main character. Her decision at that point reveals so much about who she truly is.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
At its core, Crystal Iris is a story about self-love. It’s about discovering who we truly are when confronted with life’s challenges.
Is this the beginning of a series? What can readers look forward to reading from you next?
Yes, book 2 is coming soon!
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Professor Iris De Loughery’s life takes an unexpected turn on the night of her thirtieth birthday. A mysterious gift from her estranged father shatters her understanding of reality, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. As she grapples with her shifting relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s challenges intensify when she crosses paths with Hoyt, another prism possessor. Navigating her newfound feelings will be the least of her worries in this captivating series.
Crystal Iris
Blair M. Shadows’ Crystal Iris: Book One delivers a compelling romance woven with threads of mystery and magic, set against the contrasting backdrops of Boston and Montana. The narrative follows Iris De Loughery, an art history professor at Harvard, who finds herself at a crossroads in both her personal and emotional life. Recently engaged to her long-time partner, Aaron, Iris reluctantly moves in with him despite mounting issues in their relationship. Bound by years of history but burdened by stagnation, she struggles to confront the uncomfortable truths that have been lurking in the shadows of their partnership. On her thirtieth birthday, Iris receives an enigmatic necklace—a gift from her late mother, who passed away during Iris’s childhood. This unexpected artifact stirs something within her, awakening a sense that her life has yet to truly begin. Enter Hoyt Locklear, a charismatic stranger who prompts Iris to question the trajectory of her future, including her impending marriage. What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery, underscored by the mystery of the prisms—magical objects that Iris and Hoyt must decipher together.
One of the novel’s standout features is the gradual unveiling of the prisms’ magic. The author skillfully immerses the reader in the same sense of curiosity and experimentation experienced by the characters. As Iris and Hoyt work through the prisms’ capabilities via trial and error, the reader’s understanding evolves alongside theirs. This parallel discovery process deepens the connection to the narrative and adds an air of authenticity to the fantastical elements. Interestingly, the prisms manifest unique powers for each character, creating opportunities for collaboration and individual growth.
Another delightful aspect of the book lies in its thoughtful integration of art and academia. Each chapter opens with a quote about art, reflecting Iris’s profession and adding depth to her character. These thematic nods to her expertise create a nuanced interplay between her professional identity and personal transformation. The story’s conclusion leaves readers on edge with a tantalizing cliffhanger, compelling enough to spark anticipation for the sequel as Iris ventures into the unknown with Hoyt, leaving behind the confines of her past.
In the early chapters, I think some details could be expanded to help fully immerse the reader in the story. For instance, the nature of the characters’ relationships with Iris is introduced but could be clarified more immediately, and while her birthday is mentioned, her age is not specified. Additionally, some of Iris’s flashbacks, though offering insights into her past, might feel somewhat tangential, as their connection to the plot isn’t always clear. Around the midpoint of the book, the pacing slows slightly due to a lengthy series of text exchanges between Iris and Hoyt. I felt that these conversations could be streamlined to maintain the narrative’s momentum and keep readers engaged.
Crystal Iris: Book One is an intriguing blend of romance, mystery, and self-exploration. The story’s magic system, artistic motifs, and emotional depth make it a memorable read. Blair M. Shadows has crafted a world that invites readers to explore the delicate balance between duty and desire, comfort and adventure. With its cliffhanger ending, the book leaves just enough unresolved to make the second installment in the series a highly anticipated continuation.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0DML3H13M
Dawn (EverGreen Forever Book 1)
When Daisy Claire first kissed Silas, she felt as though she had been transported to a world where only their love existed. Time stood still. Reality faded away. Years later, Silas is gone, yet Daisy finds herself crossing paths with Athena—another woman drawn in by his irresistible charm. They forge a friendship. Shared scars and unspoken truths bind them. But secrets linger beneath the surface. Shadows from Daisy’s past rise, threatening to shatter her hopes for the future. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Will she find the strength she never imagined? This story of resilience and self-realization is certain to resonate with readers on a deep level.
Abby Farnsworth’s Dawn: EverGreen Forever captivates with its blend of emotional depth and fantastical elements. Daisy’s journey is the heart of the story. Her path intertwines personal healing with the exploration of a mystical faerie world. Readers experience both the rawness of human vulnerability and the wonder of magic. Farnsworth skillfully balances reality with otherworldly adventure. Themes of trauma, recovery, and self-empowerment are universal, making this narrative both relatable and enchanting.
Daisy isn’t your typical fantasy heroine. Trauma isn’t just a backdrop for her. It drives her choices and her interactions. Farnsworth weaves Daisy’s PTSD into the fabric of the plot. The emotional depth this brings feels authentic and deeply human. Readers can’t help but become invested in Daisy’s growth and transformation. Each chapter moves the story forward. Tension builds consistently, holding attention. Early conflicts—Daisy’s bond with Athena and unresolved threats—keep the narrative compelling.
Farnsworth’s integration of the faerie world adds intrigue. It enhances the story without overshadowing its core, human elements. The faerie realm is rich with its own rules and its own magic. It’s integral to the narrative. Farnsworth balances world-building with character development. The faerie world acts as both backdrop and catalyst for Daisy’s growth. Magical elements are woven in naturally. They amplify themes of transformation and empowerment. Readers are immersed in a world that feels both fantastical and grounded.
Dawn: EverGreen Forever excels in character development, plot structure, and world-building. A must-read for those who love fantasy intertwined with deep human experiences.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0CW1HLBJD
Real-Life, Superstition, & Myth
Finding Tiegan follows a widow on a journey of Self-Discovery who makes a trip to Portugal, where she meets a man with whom she feels an unexplainable connection. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled to the Algarve region in Portugal and stayed in the little town of Carvoeiro, the setting of Tiegan and Tómas’s tale. Before arriving in Portugal I extensively researched the area, and had already sourced out, via Airbnb, the apartment Tiegan would rent for her three month stay. I wanted something that captured the essence of the region, and the Moorish-style building overlooking the sea was perfect. The Algarve’s stunning coastline, the friendly people, and wonderful food is something to write about.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between Tiegan and Tomás. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it or was it organic?
Tiegan and Tomás’s relationship naturally evolved as the story unfolded. The places I visited became crucial settings and scenes, while the voices and experiences of the people I met along the way deeply influenced the development of both characters. This blend of real-life encounters with a strong dose of superstition and myth added depth to the narrative.
This story is more than just a fast-moving romance. You bring to light different topics in the story that enhance it. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I immersed myself in the mythology and folklore of Portugal, particularly the Roma people. My inspiration blossomed, inspired by their beliefs and superstition. Tomás’s character was crafted from those beliefs, and the story line evolved from there. Cape Breton, where Tiegan was from, boasts rich Celtic folklore, which ties in wonderfully with Tomás’s character.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently tidying up the final edits of my second novel and at present have not signed with a publisher.
“Beyond the Faerie Rath,” the first installment in a magical Ireland trilogy, uncovers the ancient world of the Tuatha Dé through the eyes of the O’Donnell clan, and the three main characters, Ríaghain, Nemain and Macha. The story follows Calla Sweet (Ríaghain) as she begins a new life in a distant land. Her gift of foreseeing death has impacted her life and inheriting a property far from her past offers a fresh start. Meeting Colm O’Donnell awakens both her desires and fears as her visions and encounters with the unseen lead her to question her sanity. Unbeknownst to her, her arrival was orchestrated by her biological father, Finvarra, the King of the Faeries. Colm, enchanted by Calla, finds himself drawn to her mysterious aura and becomes entangled in a web of magical intrigue and danger as he seeks to protect her from a relentless pursuer intent on proving the existence of immortals.
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