Frost and Flame

He’s handsome and broody—the kind of quiet that makes you wonder what’s going on under the surface.

I’m the new rookie at the station—and the only woman firefighter in the history of Waterford Fire. Translation: every move I make is being measured, and quietly evaluated. No pressure. Not to mention the pranks these guys pull.

The only thing on my mind besides proving myself at work is a daughter who thinks baseball is a personality trait. Oh! And, my mom just decided she’s moving in with us.

Romance is not on the schedule. Neither are complications.

Am I distracted by Greyson’s quiet competence or the way he shows up when it matters? Nope.

I’m definitely not intrigued by the hints of softness beneath that military-grade self-control. And I am absolutely not interested in a man who keeps his past locked up tighter than a firehouse locker.

I have enough mysteries in my life. I don’t need one with broad shoulders, a turnout coat, and perceptive eyes that seem to look straight into my soul.

We both have baggage. Mine comes with a lunchbox and a bedtime routine.

But I’ve got a plan: keep my head down, do my job, protect my heart.

Check, check and … well, two out of three’s not bad.

Review:

I have been waiting for Greyson’s story to be told. Is it because he is somber, says little, and there is a bit of a mystery to him? That would be a resounding yes, so it was great to see him get his HEA. The way that Hallie is part of his life was quite a surprise and was a great twist to their story.

Things to love: grumpy /sunshine workplace romance Germany hot cocoa small town secret identity extended families baseball mom/coach knock knock jokes stale vs. fresh bread bit by bit Waterford residents I love that Greyson is a loving, caring, and humble man who is there for those he cares about. This is one story that you can really get behind the characters and root for them. I love the people that are a part of Waterford, TN. and this band of firefighters who are there for one another as they serve their community. “Love is risk.” I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Cerulean Rose

 

About the Book

Book: Cerulean Rose

Author: Demi Griffin

Genre: Romantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Release Date: January 20, 2026

Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary.

In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey.

An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish.

A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: 

Aural has lived the majority of her life with her father in a secluded woods. When circumstances cause her to leave their cottage, things are set into motion that will change the course of history. Prince Langlee “Lee” wants to be a different kind of ruler than his father. He wants to find his true love and rule for the good of his kingdom. Together, Aural and Lee have the potential of forging a relationship that legends have foretold. 

I enjoyed the different aspects of well known fairy tales that are incorporated into the story. There are villains, secrets, and, of course,  true love. Aural became a selfless and courageous young woman who can see well beyond herself and is willing to make sacrifices for Lee and his kingdom. I liked Lee’s faithful friend and companion, Enris. He is just the kind of man that Lee needed in his life.

The first book in The Fates Trilogy. I am certain that the other two books will be interesting! If you are a fan of clean romantasy, fairy tales, or folklore, look into adding this to your TBR. 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

About the Author

Demi (also D.M. Griffin) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction.

She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

 

More from D.M.

The inspiration behind The Fates Trilogy came after I spent a few years crafting an epic fantasy series called The Illumination Chronicles. I wanted to write something light-hearted and less involved. What began as a simple idea for a single story quickly escalated into a trilogy—all because of the final scene in the first book. Though it isn’t a cliffhanger, my author’s mind grabbed onto the possibilities, and the second book invaded my dreams at night. Then the third. The combination of romance and fantasy was too much fun to stop at writing one book.

The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.

The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.

However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.

While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 11

Lily’s Corner, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 16

Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Demi is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/s3FDM/cerulean-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Claire Holloway is Winging It

Romance takes to the skies, but will turbulence make it tumble?

When Claire Holloway's dream of becoming a ballerina plummets into the realm of unachievable, she's left with her boyfriend as her only support . . . until she decides to become a flight attendant for the free travel. She moves of state and into a crash pad with a gaggle of other flight attendants, and her fear of losing Wyatt skyrockets.

First Officer Nathan Stuart has been a bit cynical since he and his fiancée broke up, but when he meets a somewhat frazzled Claire on her first day in the Seattle airport, they quickly hit it off. When they end up on the same crew, he takes Claire under his wing and they form a friendly bond.

Wyatt's once-supportive attitude sours into resentment and makes Claire wonder if her newfound joy is the right flight plan. Pulled between two men and balancing her new career, she must learn to listen for God's direction and follow it closelymdashjust like her crew obeys air traffic control. 

Review:

4.5 What did you want to be when you grew up? Being flight attendant was one of my top five choices. So, it was fun to join Claire as a new crew member of the airline industry and experience some of the passengers, drink cart mishaps, and the different personalities of her housemates at her base in Seattle. 

This story had so much more to it than just romance and comedy. There is a message that you are enough; you do not need another person to make you happy, and love is seeking the best for the other person. I loved the faith thread throughout and also Claire’s heart for the less fortunate. 

I recommend this friends to more story with its rich characters and the transformation that takes place in both Claire’s and Nathan’s lives. The behind the scenes of a flight attendant’s life was interesting and I am glad Ms. Strong shared it with us, after all, she has first-hand experience. 

I received a gifted copy of the book from Kregel and JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not obligated to write a positive review. 

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

In 1910, Minnie Tipton finds herself beset by the onslaught of superstitions that envelope the Pennsylvania mansion her father bought. Convinced the house is haunted by the vengeful spirit of a Civil War captain, and worried by her father's rapidly worsening illness, Minnie delves into the home's dark past in an effort to help bring him peace. Yet the lingering impact of the war and the gruesome tale of murder she uncovers only foster more fear and threaten to unravel Minnie's own sanity.

In the present day, Triss Bellamy eagerly steps into the role of bookshop manager in the mansion-turned-museum boasting ninety-nine doors. But Triss's dream job turns into a nightmare when havoc breaks loose with the arrival of her brother's team of self-proclaimed paranormal investigators. Their determination to find a rumored one-hundredth door--a dangerous portal to the madness long said to plague the mansion--results in calamity, leaving Triss no choice but to unravel the truth or watch her brother slip forever beyond her reach.

 Review: 

No one can really compare to Jaime Jo Wright when it comes to Gothic dual time novels. Once again she has created two stories that intertwine and leave me wondering, “How does she do it?”. I enjoyed the mystery and was quite pleased with myself in determining who the villains were in each story. There is a faith thread in which the characters must determine where God is in their story, which I thought was very good.

addictions, infidelity

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a gifted copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

A Bridesmaid’s Guide to Murder

She’s paid to be your best friend on your big day... but she never expected murder to be part of the deal.

Emelia Walsh has one of the most unusual jobs on the planet—she’s a Professional Bridesmaid. Armed with an emergency kit that would impress MacGyver, Emmy steps into strangers’ weddings and becomes whatever the bride needs: a confidante, an emotional buffer, or a human fire extinguisher.

When Emmy arrives at the picturesque Evergreen Summit Resort for Monica Turner’s winter wedding weekend, she’s prepared for the usual challenges: wardrobe malfunctions, family tensions, and maintaining her cover as the bride’s “old college friend.” What she’s not prepared for is the web of secrets, rivalries, and suspicious circumstances swirling beneath the perfect snow-globe setting.

When a shocking murder disrupts the wedding plans, Emmy’s role shifts from emotional buffer to amateur sleuth—all while dodging questions from handsome but infuriating Detective John Sutton, who seems both suspicious of her—and strangely interested.
In this charming first installment of the Bridesmaid’s Guide to Murder series, Emmy discovers that when you make a career out of stepping into other people’s stories, sometimes those stories include murder.

Review: 

Whoever heard of hiring a bridesmaid for your wedding? That is exactly what Emelia Walsh is, and she is very good at it too. She’s like a wedding planner and member of the wedding party all at the same time without any of the drama. But, a murder occurs and high stress is part of the venue when the groom becomes the person of interest. It’s up to Emmy to help solve the murder and give the couple their HEA. I loved this cozy mystery! Not only did it have a list of suspects that possibly could have been the killer, but there is also the beginning of a romance between Emmy and Detective John Sutton. While she can be quite persistent in investigating without always having police permission, she also becomes a pivotal part of solving the case. We also learn the reason why Emmy chose to become a professional bridesmaid, which John helps her let go of some of the past. This is the first book in the Emelia Walsh Cozy Mysteries Series and I can’t wait to read more! The murderer was a little difficult to determine, which keeps you turning the pages until the very end. The author was so thoughtful and has included a link to Cozy Mystery Bingo cards that looks like a lot of fun. I received a complimentary copy of the book through Booked With the Emilys. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Staged Evidence

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.

Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.

If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim.

Review:

Tessa Seidel finds herself unwittingly entangled in a murder and doing everything she can to have the people she trusts clear her of any suspicions and being charged. I love how there are so many people willing to investigate and find the murderer when Tessa can’t do anything herself. It was pure genius how Parker uses his play writing skills to communicate with his uncle and Tessa’s sister while they are in seclusion. The attraction and developing romance between Parker and Tessa helped move the story along and provided a dynamic to the case. 

If you enjoy romantic suspense and figuring out mysteries, this is a book for you. 

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher though NetGalley. A positive review was not required. 

A Song Without Words

In Bath, appearances are everything and nothing is as it seems.

Bath, 1889

When a daring burglary strikes the Sherard residence in Bath, Byron Constantine returns under the name his family knows—Ambrose Sherard. Mira Blayse travels at his side, their partnership deeper than ever and a future together finally within reach. But stepping into the Sherards’ social sphere means facing expectations sharper than any blade. Winning over Byron’s judgemental sister and formidable mother may be more difficult than solving the crime itself.

Even when the thefts turn deadly.

A man’s fatal fall after a snowstorm hints at something far more sinister, and Mira soon realizes that Bath is a city built on secrets. In glittering ballrooms and musical recitals the warmest smiles might just belong to someone playing a part.

Drawn into shadowed streets and clandestine meetings beneath the ancient Roman Baths, Mira and Byron uncover a mystery rooted deeper than the Sherard break-in—one tied to hidden loyalties, rising ambitions, and the looming threat of war in Europe. Worst of all, there are signs that Circe’s reach is far from broken.

As danger mounts and political tensions rise, Mira and Byron must learn which voices to trust—because in Bath, even the sweetest music can carry a deadly refrain.

Review:

There are a string of burglaries that have Mira and Byron on the case, and this time, this one is personal. Byron’s family has had family jewels stolen, and the evidence points to an insider, but who would that be? I loved the mystery, danger, and the clues that keep you engaged until the final page.

Mira Blayse is like no other lady since she is independent, analytical, and makes a great partner for Ambrose Sherard aka the detective, Byron Constantine. There were some tense moments and even confrontations with certain members of Byron’s family, but I loved how things weren’t all they seemed to be and Mrs. Sherard is now one of my new favorites in the series. The villains are still making plans and Circe is continuing to go forward with their acts of chaos, but Byron and Mira, along with the help of others will ever be striving to bring them down. I hope there will be another book in the Constantine Capers series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you like political intrigue, mysteries, and a bit of romance, I highly recommend reading this book and all of the others. In order to understand all of the details of relationships and things that are mentioned from past books, it would be beneficial for you to begin with the first book and read in order. I received a gifted copy from the author through Book Sirens. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.