SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - DARK EPIC FANTASY - RED QUEE, YELLOW KING (Book of Alice, #1) by Jack Finn

Welcome back to Wonderland.

Nothing here survives unchanged.

Red Queen, Yellow King
The Book of Alice #1
by Jack Finn
Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy, Alice in Wonderland Retelling

This is book #1 of The Book of Alice duology.

Wonderland has fallen. And something older than kings has taken its place.

Alice returns to consciousness in a ruined palace, her body broken, her mind fractured, her sister enslaved by a queen who wears a crown of thorns and a smile of knives. The Looking Glass is shattered. The Hatter has turned. The White Queen is dead.

But beyond the bloody thrones and broken teacups lies something even stranger—an echo of a play that should never be performed, whispered by a masked god in yellow.

To save what little remains, Alice must navigate a sea of madness, hunt down a missing monarch, and confront the truth behind her own unraveling story.

Some fairy tales end in fire. Others in silence.

Amazon * Apple * Bookbub * Goodreads 

The Red Queen played the long game. She murdered the White Queen and spared Alice, Ava, Hatter, and Lady Cheshire the purge that followed; even Tinker was allowed to live just long enough to complete his devices for the journey. Holding Ava and the Cheshire girls hostage, even releasing the giants, was all part of a plan the Red Queen had mapped out in her mind well in advance. She wanted the Azure Queen dead and the Red King back. Now all her pieces were in play on the chessboard.

Like every game, chess had rules.

Alice never played by the rules.

She would make her own rules.

She would beat the Red Queen at her own game.

Alice doing Alice things.

Jack Finn is a horror author and active Horror Writers Association member living in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two fiendishly clever dogs. He is a lifelong believer that the Tooth Fairy proves you can trade body parts for cold, hard cash.

His books by the include, The Wolves of Kalinin werewolf duology: Prey Upon the Lambs (Anuci Press 2025) and The Desolation of Hunters (Anuci Press 2025); the horror collection They Come When You Sleep (Velox Books 2025), a re-envisioning of the Dracula mythos in the standalone novel The Seven Deaths of Prince Vlad (Anuci Press 2024), and the folk horror collection, Legend of the Deer Woman (Crow Street Press, 2023).

Website * Facebook * Facebook * X * X * Instagram * Instagram * Bluesky * Amazon

 

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter the Red Queen, Yellow King Giveaway Here

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/INTERVIEW - FANTASY - THE ROSES OF CARTERHAUGH by Melissa Widmaier

The Roses of Carterhaugh

by Melissa Widmaier

Date of Publication: March 1st 2026

Cover Artist: Lisa Errico, Little Forest Cat

Genre: Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

ISBN: 979-8-9877992-9-1

ASIN: B0G5SKM55R

Number of pages: 208

Word Count: 50K+

Tagline: A plucky 16th century Scottish lass saves a 14th century Scottish knight from a fairy kingdom of magical misfits.

BLURB

Love is immortal.

In a quiet souters village in Scotland, an earl’s rebellious daughter stirs up trouble with the fabled faeries known as the Daoine Sìth. Can she lift the veil on a darkened past and rescue her knight from the seelie queen’s clutches?

Based on a beloved Child Ballad, this fairytale retelling mixes magic with devotion, leading our heroine and her loved ones on an adventure worth recounting in an enchanted glade or a royal hall.

Books2Read    Amazon    BN

 

Excerpt
Heartsick, the Lord of the Unseelie slipped from Carterhaugh through the portal oak. He materialized into Elphyne, trembling. There was someone he missed as much as Tam missed his father, and, like Old Thomas, he was never returning—to this realm or the mortal one.
He ambled through the pristine meadows and grasslands of his grandmother’s seelie kingdom and slipped easily into the forest that bordered his own.
Much of the Sìth folk gave him the space his rank was due, especially the ones who had known and feared his grandfather, Finveara. But the unseelie creatures found Alfarinn exhausting. They made a point of glaring with beady eyes and sharp hisses whenever he passed by. He was no Finveara.
It wasn’t until he reached the marshes that Alfarinn noticed something was odd. He stopped abruptly and looked around, hoping the stillness in the damp air was only the result of his sister’s mysterious cats mid-stalk.
His grey Sìth eyes settled on a horse head bobbing in the muddy waters, with a passenger in the form of a slimy snail. This could only be one particular kelpie. The Lord of the Unseelie groaned and approached his nosy subject.
“Your grandfather would have thrown a fireball at me for spying,” Ceol teased.
The silver beast pulled himself up out of the water and shook from snout to tail. It was a miracle that his pet snail did not fly off.
Alfarinn whipped the water from his clothes with a wave of his hand. “You admit to spying?”
“Perhaps a little.”
Ceol’s horse face split into an eerie, sharp-toothed grin as his monstrous body metamorphosized into the figure of a man. The kelpie usually graced the courts in faerie form but there were times that he retreated to the cool marshes to transform into his true nature. It was a face he only showed his kin, his master, and his victims.
“I’m just curious, my lord. Why do you sulk about your holdings? Do you seek mischief? If so, I am eager to be of assistance.”
Alfarinn snickered as the smiling kelpie delicately hid his precious creature in his enchanted pocket. “Are you now? Actually, I could use a little help, Ceol.”
The kelpie pranced about, waving his arms wildly.
Alfarinn raised a hand in warning. “This will require more stealth than anything, Ceol. I will not have you mauling anyone for this task.”
The kelpie deflated and gave a resentful pout. “But I haven’t mauled anyone in ages!” he whined.
Alfarinn did his best to hide his shiver. Kelpies were forbidden from attacking other fae, but the souls of mortals were fair game. Tam fit into both categories, much to the kelpie population’s displeasure.
“What if I told you that this mischief would be wrought on a certain earthly knight? Would you be willing to play my game to be rid of him?”
The kelpie reverted back to his horse form and danced fluidly around his master. “Pretty Tam’s flesh is tantalizing, and his soul would be delicious. If you want to be rid of him, let me have him. I'll not tell a Sìth it was you.”
Alfarinn scowled, channeling his grandfather’s energy. The kelpie recoiled.
“No, Ceol. The queen would fly into a rage the likes of which we've never seen.”
The creature’s eye fixed on the Sìth lord, gleaming maliciously. “Are you afraid of her, Lord of the Unseelie?” It was a declaration more than a question, a search for weakness in the chain of command.
Alfarinn squinted and folded his arms over his chest, pulling himself up to full height. “Afraid! No. I am her grandson,” he reminded with a smug smile. “She loves kin above all else. You, on the other hand, council member or not, would do well to keep in her good graces.”
Ceol swallowed and quickly changed back into his less-intimidating configuration. “Noted.”
He looked about the marsh for a moment, perhaps weighing his choices, and fondled the poor snail in his pocket. After some moments avoiding his exasperated master, the kelpie turned and nodded his acceptance.

“So, what exactly must I do to annoy the tasty mortal boy?”

Author Info

Melissa is an award-winning author on the spectrum who likes to mix a little ink with her magic. Her books focus on the familial bond and exploring the natural world. When not manipulating words, she can be found camping with a camera in hand, getting lost among things green and growing. She lives in Arizona with her husband, three boys, a dapper old cat, and a rambunctious corgi.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Interview with . . . Melissa Widmaier . . . 

LIGHTNING ROUND

What genre do you read? 

Fantasy, historical fiction, and sci-fi

What genre do you write? 

Fantasy, historical fiction, and poetry

What was the first book you fell in love with? 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

What was a book you said you would never pick up again? 

Under a Velvet Cloak by Piers Anthony

Which fictional character do you love? 

Sophie Hatter in Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Which fictional character do you love to hate? 

Morei Geral from The Vorelian Saga series by C.D. McKenna

Which fictional character do you hate? 

Captain Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

What beverage do you drink while reading? 

Dr. Pepper Blackberry Zero or Chai

What do you snack on while reading? 

Cheese or Chocolate

Have you always enjoyed reading? 

Absolutely! My grandmother and mother instilled in me a deep love for stories.

Twitter/X: https://x.com/mawidmaier
Website: https://www.melissawidmaier.com
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwidmaier_author/
 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissawidmaier
 
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/melissawidmaier.bsky.social
 
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/melissawidmaier
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089244903698
 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30627127.Melissa_Widmaier  

Hosted by

Presented by

COVER REVEAL - PNR - MARKED BY THE ALPHA by Sheritta Bitikofer

Marked by the Alpha

by Sheritta Bitikofer

Publication date: June 11th 2026

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

BLURB

An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent woman rebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….

After her mother’s death, photographer Erica Barrett, buys a home she and her mother obsessed over during her childhood in the quaintly historical town of Tolstone. Her magnetic next door neighbor intrigues and disturbs her. The sensual pull feels otherworldly.

Wolf shifter Dominic Beaumont never wanted to be the prime alpha of the sanctuary city, Tolstone, but when his father dies, he’s forced to step up as pack leader and prime alpha over all the wolf packs sheltering in his town. Erica’s arrival is dangerous. The attraction is fierce and instant, but duty comes first.

When revelations about Erica’s past and parentage create chaos, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself, Dominic is her strength. But as tension builds in the pack, and his leadership is challenged, love becomes a risk that could cost him his authority, his people, and everything he’s sworn to protect.

Perfect for readers craving illicit wolf-shifter romance filled with fate, secrets, rebellion and an alpha willing to risk everything for love.

Add to Goodreads

Pre-order

 

Author Info

Sheritta Bitikofer writes paranormal romance with a particular fondness for wolf shifters and witches. Her stories are driven by one guiding belief: love inspires courage. Through fierce romances, unbreakable pack bonds, and the magic of covens and family, her characters fight for the lives—and loves—they deserve. Sheritta lives in northwest Florida, where she drinks far too much coffee and joyfully balances life as a wife and mother while crafting her next heartfelt paranormal love story.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - YA INSPRIATIONAL - LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE (A Divas That Care Collection, #3) by Candace Gish

It’s your time to shine! 

Light Up Your Life: A Girl-to-Girl Guide to Being a Changemaker
A Divas That Care Collection #3
by Candace Gish
Genre: Teen/YA Inspirational, Girl Power

 

Ready to find your inner spark? This book celebrates the spirit of teen girls who have faced challenges and turned them into opportunities to uplift others. Each story is a glimpse into the life of a girl who saw a need, found her voice, and took action to make a difference — whether through a small act of kindness or a bold initiative reaching thousands. Mixed in with the personal stories, you’ll find fun activities and prompts to help you discover your passion. Dive in, meet these incredible young women, and discover how you can be a changemaker, too!

Absolute Love Publishing

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookshop.org * Bookbub * Goodreads

My parents and my sister were preparing for a trip to Boston. My mother was to receive an award at an event. I was not to attend, so I was staying with my grandparents in Northern Michigan. On a hot and sticky Monday night, a tornado struck and severely damaged our home at 1:30 a.m.

My sister does not wear her hearing aids to bed which made her very difficult to awaken. Precious seconds were wasted and, as a result, my mother and sister barely avoided harm. They just made it to the basement stairway as the tornado struck. Where they had been standing literally one second prior was destroyed. One second could have meant the difference between life and death. One second. It was overwhelming for me. I felt helpless. My whole family could have been killed and I wasn’t there to help, and when I thought about it, I couldn’t have done anything anyway.

Candace Gish is a connector, mentor, and the visionary founder of the Divas That Care network and global podcast. Dedicated to helping women realize their full potential, Candace uses her platform to amplify inspiring stories and facilitate life-changing connections. She has expanded this impact through the Young Divas initiative, empowering the next generation of female leaders to lead with purpose and confidence.

A tireless advocate for collaborative mentorship, Candace believes that when women of all ages converge, they create an unstoppable ripple effect of change. Her mission is deeply personal, fueled by the daily inspiration of her husband and her four daughters.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Enter the Light Up Your Life Giveaway Here

Presented by

COVER REVEAL - CONTEMPORARY - NERDY GIRL NELL (Nerdy Girl, #2) by Lindsey Gray

Nerdy Girl Nell

Nerdy Girl Novels, #2

by Lindsey Gray

Publication date: March 17th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

BLURB

Nell De Lacy loves small things like leading library story time, a well-stocked bookshelf, and evenings with friends. Relearning how to date after grief was supposed to be the hardest thing.

Enter professional wrestler Chance Robicheaux. Towering, tender, and utterly relentless about keeping her safe. The two become friends first, spending nights learning each other’s quirks. Between hospital rooms and poker nights, the two find something electric and real.

Nell’s life suddenly fractures with a violent assault, a cache of stolen images, and a blackmailer who won’t be denied. As the threat tightens and the press draws near, Nell’s voice, literally and figuratively, fails her at the worst possible time.

With the De Lacy family company’s December board vote approaching, Nell faces a critical challenge that threatens to upend her life. The outcome of the vote carries the risk of awarding a coveted contract to the wrong people, forcing Nell to balance family loyalty, legal danger, and a secret that could change everything.

Nell and Chance’s is a story about rebuilding, of finding courage in therapy and friendship, and discovering there’s strength in asking for help. Nell’s fight becomes Chance’s fight, and soon they choose to fight evil together. Will justice arrive before the quiet she loves is gone forever?

Goodreads

StoryGraph / Fable / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon Can / Amazon Aus / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Smashwords / Vivlio / Everand / Bookshop.org

 

Author Info

Lindsey Gray is a writer, an over-thinker, and a chronic list-maker, but her passion for writing stories you'll love always tops the list. Her author journey began in 2010 with the publication of her first novel, and she has spent the last decade creating worlds for readers to play in. In addition to her own work, Gray utilizes her skills formatting novels for other authors and hosts the weekly show, Gray Matters, on TMV Cafe Internet Radio. She lives and writes fueled by iced tea, her handsome hubby, and the beautiful chaos of mothering her children.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / X / Threads / TikTok / Instagram / BlyeSky / StoryGraph

Presented by