Wednesday, April 2, 2025

(Teaser) Warrior Queen by Mikala Ash



LGBTQ+ Steampunk Romance

Date Published: April 4, 2025


 

A volatile cauldron of magic, love, and the empire may be on the edge of a precipice, but witches, humans, and automatons indulge in pleasures of the flesh.

 

Victoria has been dubbed by her adoring public as their Warrior Queen. Destroying her Continental enemies is nothing to the challenge she faces now. For years, the Lunarians, goblins from the moon, led by the powerful witch Mon Ilson, have been murdering humans and stealing the bodies for his followers to “adopt.”

Beautiful witch Selena Whiteheart, Mon Ilson’s human agent on Earth, is closely watched by Home Office Agent Harry Kincaid, whose loyalty to the Queen suppresses his ability to show Selena his true feelings. Spiritualist Miss Cordelia Warrington has been exploring the carnal attributes and mechanical stamina of Adam, her automaton butler. Now Selena needs Cordelia’s help, and allows herself to be entertained by the amorous pair in a steamy ménage à trois.

Meanwhile, Agent of the Queen Rachel Clayton is instantly attracted to the hauntingly handsome Major Guy Tremayne, hero of the Coronation Island disaster. Can he be trusted? She throws all caution to the wind to find out. At a crucial moment the Queen is cruelly betrayed and threatened with assassination. Selena, Rachel, and Victoria all face difficult choices as love and lust compete with their duty to the Empire.

 

Author’s Note: Enjoy Warrior Queen as a standalone tale or as part of a continuing narrative.

 

 

EXCERPT

 

Thwack!

Thwack!

The sound of two cane sticks striking each other reminded me of how a scant two hours ago the Home Secretary had slapped my posterior as he ravaged me. Pressed for time he’d unceremoniously bent me over his Whitehall desk, pulled down my culottes and drawers, grabbed my shoulders for leverage, and drove his prodigious erection into me with frightful force. A few minutes later he flooded my quivering cunt with his lava hot seed. It had been a perfunctory fuck, short and sharp, and my climax perversely satisfying.

My cunny still retained a fair quantity of his ejaculation, and I shifted in my seat contriving to put pressure on my fleshy nether lips to keep it from escaping. My apparently not-so-subtle contortions did not escape the notice of the fine-looking man sitting opposite me. I’d quite forgotten about him as I relived the morning’s carnal adventure. He cleared his throat which brought me back to the here and now.

I was sitting in a Buckingham Palace anteroom, and I felt my cheeks warm under the scrutiny of this ruggedly handsome and smartly uniformed officer. When I’d first arrived, he’d introduced himself as Guy Tremayne. He was in fact the famous Major of the Southern Royal Air Corps who’d distinguished himself by leading the survivors of an airship crash on Coronation Island, a frozen rock midway between Tierra Del Fuego and Antarctica. Their inspirational struggle for survival on the barren island was a true Boys Own Adventure. I’d read his file during my recent convalescence and believed Major Tremayne to be a brave and resourceful officer, respected by his men and superiors alike.

He had given me an elegant bow, took my proffered hand, and lightly brushed his lips against my knuckles. To say I was instantly attracted would be an understatement. He was the epitome of masculinity: well over six feet tall, slim, and long legged. His hips were narrow, his chest deep, and his shoulders broad. His sharply chiselled face was suntanned, and above a thin black moustache his nose was pleasantly symmetrical. The palest of blue eyes gave his countenance a strikingly mysterious and yet desirable aspect.

My cunny throbbed.

He was sitting as if he was on parade with his back straight as a board. He’d started his career in the cavalry, and I couldn’t help but imagine him in the saddle riding into battle, his sabre held high, its razor edge glinting in the sun. He’d actually seen combat, and his curly hair disguised the missing left ear, lost during a bloody skirmish in the Punjab.

Thwack! Thwack!

“Do you singlestick?” I asked him, my mouth dry, and my voice husky.

Thwack! Thwack!

The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “Indeed, I do. The sabre is my weapon of choice.”

Singlestick fighting had been a feature of English martial life for centuries and cavalry men used it for practicing sabre strokes from horseback. Though the sport had become highly regimented, it required fast reflexes and strict discipline. I found it useful for developing forearm and wrist strength.

Thwack! Thwack!

“Perhaps we should have a bout?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Thwack! Thwack!

My cunt throbbed lustily, and inside my blouse, my nipples ached. I licked my bottom lip, slowly. “Are you residing in London?”

He threw up his hands. “Alas. I exist at the whim of the War Department.”

Thwack! Thwack!

“Then we should arrange a time soon.”

“I believe I am free tomorrow evening.”

“As it happens, so am I.”

Thwack! Thwack!

We’d just concluded arrangements to meet at a restaurant in Chelsea when the door to the anteroom opened, and a footman showed in a slim, elegantly dressed woman. She was about forty years of age, with an attractive oval face and perfect complexion accentuated by challenging hazel eyes and provocatively painted red lips. Her luxurious auburn hair was coiled expertly around her head in such a way that suggested considerable length. The bulk was held in place with gem-tipped pins which glinted in the harsh electric light. I imagined her standing naked, her hair cascading over her ample breasts, reaching and discreetly hiding her mound of Venus. I recognised her as the wife of a member of the House of Lords, and this sensual impression I’d constructed was at odds with her reputation. She was known as a straitlaced prude, active in charitable institutions and a fierce and passionate advocate for women’s suffrage. On one occasion she’d been seen at a rally striking a constable with a placard after she accused him of taking undisclosed liberties.

I curtsied. “Lady Fogerty, I’m Rachel Clayton.”

 

About the Author

Aussie Mikala Ash used to be a mild-mannered training & development consultant by day, and a wild sci-fi and paranormal adventure writer by night. Now she is a brazen full-time writer and nature photographer who is concentrating on having among other things, “… bags, and bags of fun!” Mikala can be found on Facebook and on Twitter.

 

Author on Facebook

Author on Twitter

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

Pre-Order Today



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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Spring Into Horror Event Has Begun!

 


I've joined this month long event and I am delighted! So what goodies am I aiming to get read during this event? 



These two are my top choices but I might toss in a few more. I've always wanted to read Rebecca and I have this lovely ARC of I Am Made Of Death..I figured they fit into the theme of the event. 

Click the event banner to join in with us! 


Monday, March 31, 2025

I'm Doing a 24 hour Readathon!

 

I have found myself somehow off two days in a row this week! I am very excited about this development and what does one do with a couple of days off? A readathon! I am planning on reading a total of 24 hours spread between Thursday the 3rd and Saturday the 5th! I go into work at 6pm on Saturday. So starting at 9am on Thursday until 9am on Saturday morning, I will keep a running timer and aim for 24 hours total reading. 



I might pull an all nighter or I might live in the really real world and sleep some. However, I am very excited about this! 

My possible reading selections:

  • Finish up: Sunrise on the Reaping
  • Finish up: The Shadow of the Gods
  • The Lost Queen
  • Quicksilver
  • The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes
  • Jade City
I might do updates of 4-5 hour blocks but I don't know yet. I think this style of readathon will be great for me, I can take breaks, naps, work out and study a bit in between reading bursts just as long as I hit the 24 hour mark. 


I have caffeine, a few snackos and a strong urge to spend the day reading up a storm! 



Reading Plans This Week


 Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears (or eyes) for just a moment! I am thoroughly enjoying a couple of books at the present and plan on hopefully finishing both this week! 

What are these lovely bookies?




Both of the above have been started on. So they should be finished this week. 

So tell me what it is that you are enjoying this week? I love seeing what other people are reading! 

Friday, March 28, 2025

Girl In The Creek Wendy N. Wagner (Review)


 Blurb:

The Clackamas National Forest has always been a sanctuary for evil—human and alien. The shadows of looming trees and long-abandoned mines shelter poachers and serial killers alike. Then there’s the ruined hotel on the outskirts of picturesque small town Faraday, Oregon, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Hood. The one drowning in mushrooms and fungus not even the local expert can identify. Not to mention the stacks of missing persons cases. Freelance writer Erin Harper arrives in Faraday to find out what happened to her brother, whose disappearance in the forest has haunted her for years. But someone else has gone missing. And when Erin finds her in the creek, the girl vanishes again — this time from the morgue, and days later her fingerprints show up at a murder scene. Maybe it’s a serial killer, or maybe it’s the spores infecting the forest and those lost inside. Erin must find answers quickly, before anyone else goes missing. But she might be next…


My Thoughts:

The blurb got me very interested in this book. The cover snatched me right in. I mean look at it! It's creepy and pretty all at once. Isn't it? 

The mix of eco-horror, crime (ish) backstory..there could be so much good stuff in this book, but alas..I thought it was a bit boring. There was so much potential and I really wanted this to hit but it missed (at least for me.) 

It had me in the first few chapters, I had no idea what was going on but it was interesting. The first chapter laid the foundation and it seemed very sturdy but then the characters came in on the scene and they were just..there. I got about 160 or so pages in and just didn't care about any of the characters. The main character Erin, had a backstory that should have had me locked in but it didn't. The rest of the supporting characters were just side pieces that didn't really matter. 

So the last act of the book really tried hard to pull it all together and there were moments of fun, but the ending was supposed to be an AH HA moment, but it just came across as "yeah that's what I expected." 

So in the end, I was disappointed by this one. I really wanted to like it and while it wasn't complete trash it didn't do it for me. Maybe you'll like it? 

If you've read this one, let me know what you think. I'm curious if my take was off in lala land. 

*This was sent to me as an ARC*


Thursday, March 27, 2025

Innatraea by E.R.Zaugg (Book Promo)


 

Small Footsteps


Fantasy

Date Published: January 16, 2025

 

 

Magic is in her blood...

The destiny of Innatraea is in her hands…

 

Can she rise to power, or will the forces against her prevail?

 

"Every legend begins with the small footsteps of ordinary Innatraeans." -Tavid the Traveler

 

Rosalie Sharone, one of the strongest magic wielders ever born, has been waiting and training for this moment all her life. Orphaned as a baby, the child prodigy was raised in the small farm town of Aliselle Falls, away from suspecting eyes. Now she is a young woman ready to fulfill her destiny by traveling across Innatraea to become an initiate of The Weavers, an ancient and powerful order on the island kingdom of Sceotan. In doing so, she must leave her adoptive mother, her first love, and her friends behind. Yet emotional trials are not the only challenge awaiting Rosalie and those closest to her. Weavers especially attract danger, and Rosalie will face her share as she makes her way to her destiny. This is only the beginning of her story however. Once on Sceotan, her magic and intellect along with The Weavers’ influence across all of Innatraea will either make her the most powerful woman in history or completely destroy her.

 

Power, sacrifice, and destiny collide—get your copy today and dare to walk the path with Rosalie as she begins the journey to her ultimate fate.


__________________



Innatraea Novella Two: Am'ayim

Coming July 26, 2025


"Ele o aiga uma e toto. O nisi e fananau mai i Di Asin.

Not all families a blood. Som a dem born inna Di Saalt.

 

Not all families are blood. Some of them are born in the Salt."

-Am'ayim Saying


Rosalie has finally left the dangers of Aedonia behind in her quest to reach Sceotan and the Weavers. She now embarks upon another leg of that long journey aboard an Am'ayim vessel known as Di Ariela. Here, she will meet new friends amongst the ship's crew and face new threats and challenges, all while still grappling with the loss of her mother and parting ways with her childhood friends. Rosalie must now find the strength to go on alone and become the woman she's meant to be. But the twisting tides of destiny and fate are tricky and may yet claim them all or unite them as her journey across Innatraea continues. Destiny is no easy thing, though; fate may have more in store for her than she ever imagined.


Amazon


About the Author

E.R. Zaugg has published several articles on being the parent of a vulnerable child, won poetry contests, and been an avid reader and world traveler for decades. His work is inspired by seeing the world and encountering different religions, spiritual beliefs, and cultures in both literature and actual journeys. These experiences have led to a body of deeply poetic work that explores what it means to be human. The Innatraea novella series highlights the value of vulnerable cultures, children, and strong women, with the goal of imparting to its readers a greater understanding and love of humanity.

 

Contact Links

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Purchase Link

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Monday, March 24, 2025

Weekly TBR Plans


 Okay so I have had a pit in my reading heart where the Empyrean Series once was, I finished all three books and have had such a book hangover! 


HOWEVER...after sulking for about a day and enjoying many many posts on Reddit about the books, and tons of silly memes..I feel better. I've started on a new book and while there are no dragons to be found...it's still been a fun one. 

Also my work schedule this week is pretty light so plenty of spare time to read! I have a "my eyes are bigger than my stomach" kind of reading week planned for me. Let me show you what I mean!

Behold! My TBR for this week:






SEE! I have already made it halfway through Girl In The Creek, it's been a strange (but attention grabbing) ride so far. Murderland and The Lost Queen are both ARC's and the rest are all kindle books. 

Let's see how I do! 


What are you reading? 



Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Spring Into Horror Readathon-I'm In!

 



So I'm going to be joining in on this event, as it's a month-long event and I think I can properly participate. I'm also really needing to play catch up on my reading goals! So yay! 


The one main "rule" of Spring into Horror is that you must read at least ONE scary book (which can be a thriller, mystery, Gothic novel, or similar for those who are faint of heart). I hope you will indulge the scary beyond the one book, but that is entirely up to you. It is all about the reading after all.


I will try to figure out a good #TBR for this, but I have some time to think thunk upon it. 


If you want to join in just click that pretty banner thingy and go sign up! 

Monday, March 3, 2025

Weekly Reading Goals


 I'm going to make a plan for my reading goals this week. I really want to get back on track and put a lot of reading "work" into my week. So here goes my goals:

Now I doubt I'll finish all of these in one week but I will be pleased if I can make head way in at least a couple of them. 

So what are you reading this week? What's your TBR looking like? 

Let me know! 

Thursday, February 27, 2025

I'm Sick, Let's Readathon!

 

Lookit my sweet banner making skills! 

So my weekend plans have been derailed by the ick. I'm feeling like absolute shite so I am taking the weekend off and spending it as a loaf on my sofa/bed. I'm rather bummed as this means that my son won't be visiting (don't want to infect him), so I've decided to make the best of it and do a lil readathon thing. 

I'm starting on Friday morning, probably around 8am CST and ending on Saturday night (probably around midnightish). I don't have work until later on Sunday so I might carry over but I'm going to run a timer and try hard to reach 24 total hours of reading. 

I have a stack for my TBR:

  • Finish up Iron Flame
  • Start Onyx Storm
  • I Am Made of Death
  • Murderland
I have plenty of snacks as I was planning on having the kiddo over, so I will be comfort eating as I read. 

You can join me if you want! 

1st Update:
I'm still reading Iron Flame. Today has been rough. I woke up feeling worse than ever so I've just been ugh...I took a long nap mid-day and have basically been a slug otherwise. 
If this isn't enough proof of how it's going I started today at 25% in the book and as of now I'm only at 35% as of 3pm. I'm still going though. 

UPDATE
I have been reading more today but I am still sick (duh) so I'm extending this readathon until tomorrow afternoon :)


Monday, February 3, 2025

Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica (review)

 

Blurb:

Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans--though no one calls them that anymore.

His wife has left him, his father is sinking into dementia, and Marcos tries not to think too hard about how he makes a living. After all, it happened so quickly. First, it was reported that an infectious virus has made all animal meat poisonous to humans. Then governments initiated the "Transition." Now, eating human meat--"special meat"--is legal. Marcos tries to stick to numbers, consignments, processing.

Then one day he's given a gift: a live specimen of the finest quality. Though he's aware that any form of personal contact is forbidden on pain of death, little by little he starts to treat her like a human being. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lost--and what might still be saved.


My Thoughts:

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I felt really unsettled whilst reading it. It's not a happy book. There's not really any warm and fuzzies going on here. The world kind of sucks. The characters are all kind of sucky and the thought of eating human flesh just makes me nauseous...and I get it. That's the whole point. I think the author was trying to highlight how complacent humans can be when the majority chooses to do something, the few will go along with it. 

I couldn't help but hope that the main character would break free, do the right thing and live with the consequences of his actions but alas...it didn't work that way. (I'm trying to be as spoiler free as possible here). My main thought through this whole story was HAS NO ONE HEARD OF VEGETARIANISM OR VEGANISM? There are so many meat substitutes why go to that extreme? That was the part that lost me and kept me from slipping into this world completely. 

Honestly, it's a decently written book. There was sufficient world building that I could picture this society pretty well. A few little points kept it from being REAL REAL and the main character was just pretty boring. There were several gory scenes in the book that made me squeamish. Several non-gory scenes that made me squirm in an unpleasant way and then the ending made me grrrrr. 

I didn't exactly hate it, but I didn't exactly love it. It was a quick read however, so there's that. 


What did you think of this book?  

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Winter's Respite Readathon

 


Well I am going to be working my way through my TBR this month! I have a nice stack going and I am still on track to hit my goals!

I'm currently reading Fourth Wing, and hope to be finished by tomorrow (Sunday 2nd) and easing my way into Iron Flame, and then into Onyx Storm. So those are the first 3 books on my TBR. 

Here's the rest of the books on my to read list:

  • The Borgias by Michael Mallet
  • Murderland by Caroline Fraser
  • The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
  • The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
So that's 7 books by the end of February. I don't know if I can do that but it's what I'm aiming for. I don't think I'll be able to participate in the readathon on the 22nd, as I will have a work shift at night but I might could participate halfway and extend it into Sunday? I don't know yet. 

Other things I'm focusing on this month is the 75 Soft Challenge, it's a fitness thing that I'm starting Sunday 2nd. 

I'm debating on posting my progress for that here on my blog, even though I know it's not a fitness/health blog. It is part of my life and my goals for the year too. 

So let's get reading ya'll! 



Monday, January 13, 2025

The Three-Body Problem and The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu (Double Quick Reviews)

 

The quick and dirty:
This is sci-fi at it's best! I am almost done with the last book in the trilogy and I am loving it! These books are absolutely must reads if you are into this genre! I got interested in it by the Netflix series (of course!) but the books blow the show out of the water! 


The Review: 
So the basic premise, and it is dumbed down because the science-y stuff is super dense (don't let that scare you please!). The Earth learns that in 4 centuries (or so) an alien species is going to "visit" Earth. Are they evil or are they going to be friendly? That's the question that really drives the first book through. We sent a signal into space to see if anyone answers, and they do. We aren't sure who they are or what they want, so different factions start to form. Those that welcome the new visitors and those that see them as a threat. Can you guess which group the government falls into? 

There's much more to the story, but that's basically the gist of it. Humanity is no longer alone. The first book, though very science heavy is showing how the human characters are all struggling with so many of the  "human" experiences that would be involved around this new knowledge. It's (in my opinion) both science driven and character driven. 

You learn about the aliens, you learn about why they are in space and responding to our signal. You learn about the people that interact with them and you get a good look at how people would react to such knowledge. It's both interesting and horrifying. 

The Three-Body Problem is an excellent read and a great start to a series. 

Then we get into The Dark Forest, the 2nd book in the series. 

This was a bit more dense with the science and a bit more of a slow read. We find out that the aliens have decided that we aren't worth it, so they plan on taking us out. The chaos that ensues from this is wild! The government tries to prepare and plan their counter-attack. Scientists try to ramp up the development of Earth's technologies. The general public tries to cope with the knowledge that there's a ticking time bomb headed straight for them. It's madness, and it's also pretty compelling. 

The Dark Forest is more about the aliens. You get more knowledge about them, their planet and their plans. It's not revealed completely, but you start to understand just a bit more. This book has almost completely new characters from the first, but they too are also well written and interesting to meet. 

I did find that the middle section (the more science-y heavy ones) did drag just a bit, it was tough getting through but once you made it the last 200 or so pages are explosive! So it is definitely worth it to push through. 

I am loving the 3rd book in the series so look out for my review coming soon. 

So for the first two books, I can say that they are very solid sci-fi reads. They are translated and sometimes I felt like the meaning was lost in the translation, but mostly it was easy to follow the plot (though as I've said a few times already the science-y bits can be a bit heavy) the world building and characters are all well developed and interesting. 

I'm not going to do star reviews, but I will say that is sci-fi is your jam and you haven't already read this series I would say go for it!  

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Readathon Updates With Snow Pictures! FINISHED

 



Welp, I woke up later than I wanted to so I didn't get started at 7am BUT I am sitting here ready to start at 8am. I had my alarm set for 6:30 am so I could get up and get my morning stuff done before I started, but I might have hit snooze whilst still asleep or something. (I worked last night until Midnight then had to do a few things before I could go to bed) I don't know. But I am awake, coffee made, book chosen and heating blankie initiated. 

Oh and this is what the outside looks like today:



Which is the reason for the heating blankie. Anyways, I will update this is chunks, perhaps every 4 hours or so? We shall see. 

1st Book

First Block 
Starting Page: 45
Ending Page: 120 pages 
Snack/Beverage: Coffee and water. Oatmeal and toast. 
Time Started: 8am CST
Time Ended: 12pm CST 

Second Block

Starting Page: 165
Ending Page: 209
Snack/Beverage: Grilled cheese sandwich and noodles. 
Time started: 12:30pm
Time Ended: 3:30pm
NOTE: I ended up taking a little nap in the middle of this block. 

Third Block-Still Reading Death's End

Starting Page: 209
Ending Page: 319
Snack/Beverage: Water, burger
Time started: 4:00pm
Time Ended: 8:00pm
Note: I am really enjoying this book. I'm still reading Death's End. 

Fourth Block

Starting Page: 319
Ending Page: 387
Snack/Beverage: Chips 
Time started: 8:30pm
Time Ended: ??
Note: Okay, so I flubbed this one super hard. I had such good intentions. I laid back and had my heating blanket on, my doggo gave me some snuggles and all was right in the world. Then I closed my eyes and..well that was that! 


I am going to continue reading until I have to get up and do things this afternoon. 

So all in all, I read about 342 pages. I didn't finish my book, but I am pleased. I think next read-a-thon I might focus on shorter books because while I am thoroughly enjoying Death's End, it's a chonker. 

Here's a cute pic to end this post



Thursday, January 9, 2025

Weekend Readathon

 


I have this Saturday off and no plans thanks to Mother Nature and the ice/snow that she's supposed to dump on us. So as long as we aren't frozen solid and the power stays on, I'm going to use this off day wisely! 

I'm going to spend all of the day (minus a few mini-breaks) reading! I plan on getting up at 7am and reading until 7am Sunday. I do have to work later in the day, otherwise I would say it would be longer...I will have to nap sometime in there but otherwise it's a book day! 

I hopefully will be able to get some snacks and foods delivered Friday, but we will see. This is going to be fun! 

Watch for updates and such, I will probably do them in chunks instead of hourly, but I will be posting my progress and TBR stack tomorrow. 

You can join me if you want! 

**Update: It snowed quite nicely and as such, people freaked. There were no delivery slots available for grocery orders until Monday so I will not have readathon snackos but I am still going to do my thing! 

Monday, January 6, 2025

Books I'm Reading Now

 

I'm going with a different approach with how I discuss my TBR stack this year. I won't be doing my normal Monday post, but occasional lil updates on what I have going on. 

Right now I've got my attention on 3 books, and are currently reading 2 out of the 3. These books are going to be my first reads of the year. 




The only one of the 3 that I haven't started yet is Extasia, but I do want to get into that one soon! 

I've been plowing through the Three-Body Problem, and am very much into the third and last book in the series, Death's End. 

I'm about 100 something pages into To Ride Hell's Chasm, and it's not pulling me in as much as I had hoped. I won't DNF it yet, but it's shaping up to be my first of the year unfortunately. 


What are you reading?