COVER REVEAL: Disillusioned by Brianna Sugalski

 

Today, we are excited to share this Cover Reveal for Vampire Romance/ Dark Fantasy Author Brianna Sugalski's Disillusioned, the second book in the A Lay of Ruinous Reign trilogy. So... Be sure to check out that gorgeous cover and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads!

Genre:

New Adult/Adult

Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Series:

A Lay of Ruinous Reign, #2

Publish Date:

Summer 2025

Publisher:

Fenfoss Tavern Publishing LLC

Synopsis:

Settling into her throne and preparing for her coronation day proves no easy task, but Lilac Trécesson intends to uphold her end of Kestrel's bargain. When the faerie king is absent at her Accords meeting, a ghoulish visitor arrives in his stead, demanding they intercept an ancient traveling merchant and deliver Kestrel the arcane chest they carry.

Despite Adelaide's unexpected camaraderie and the all-powerful warlock at their side, the quest ends in tragedy. Garin finds himself torn between sanctity and sacrifice, forced to make an impossible choice. When Lilac makes it for him, they must navigate the Sanguine magic that tethers them as that France has encroached her eastern duchy spreads like wildfire.

Garin’s restraint is further tested when Lilac is propositioned by an emperor who offers not only the protection of his name, but to fortify her kingdom against France’s annexation. The threat of the queen’s overthrow infuriates him, yet nothing devastates Garin as much as the thought of losing Lilac to the emperor who would inevitably fall victim to his wrath if he dared lay a finger on her.

He can’t help himself. The queen made sure of it.

His beloved.

His Lilith.

His thrall.

~~~~~

A Lay in Ruinous Reign trilogy:

 

(covers link to Goodreads)

       

***FREE on Kindle Unlimited***

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**About the Author**

Brianna Sugalski is a Filipino American Romantic Dark Fantasy author with a soft spot for spite-driven, pastry-loving FMCs, regrettably obsessive and bloodthirsty love interests, and well-fought-for Happily Ever After Alls.

Brianna is also a developmental editor specializing in #OwnVoices Fiction and Sci-fi/ Fantasy, with a special interest in the Folkloric, Adventure, and Sword & Sorcery Fantasy sub genres (books closed until Jan 2026). In all facets of craft, she prefers exploring the ominous—disenchanting, if you will—undertones of history, romance, and the arcane.

Stay connected with Brianna Sugalski

     
   

Cover Reveal Organized by

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on How To Train Your Dragon 2025

Genre:

Family

Epic Action/Adventure

Fantasy/Drama/Comedy

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

June 13, 2025

Run Time:

2 hrs 5 min

Directed by:

Dean DeBlois

Written by:

Dean DeBlois, William Davies, Chris Sanders

Based on the book by:

Cressida Cowell

Production Co.:

Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Animation, Marc Platt Productions

Distribution Co.:

Universal Pictures

Social Media:

     

Cast:

Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

source

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Well, from all that was said about the making of this live-action adaptation, I was expecting much of the scenes from the animated film to come to life in this live action. Of course, I kept an open mind... with a side of high hopes. 😄

I would have to say that this live action adaptation definitely lived up to the hype. Luckily, the animated film showed on HBO the night before... haha! So... How To Train Your Dragon was definitely fresh in my mind. 😁 From beginning to end, this live action followed through. Of course, there were some changes and/or additions to the development of a few characters and scenes which worked with the cohesive and well-rounded story development and flow.

However, there is a particular scene that did not make it to this live action adaptation. Although the story flowed, this particular scene would connect another scene which would explain a particular action in another scene. 🤔🤔🤔 Now, if you watched it, and if you caught it, then you know what I mean. 🤣 I even liked that omitted scene in the animated film.

As for the CGI, I really liked how it worked. The dragons looked realistic. As for Toothless, they absolutely captured the realism in his animated facial expressions. The cinematography was breathtaking, especially during Toothless' flying scenes. It was beautiful. 😍

All in all, this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, was spot on when comparing it to the original animated film. We already know that no live-action film adaptation is ever going to be scene to scene exact. But, as long as the live-action film can capture that same feeling and stay true to the story, then I would say they did a good job. I would have to say that this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon was almost flawless, but I whole-heartedly enjoyed watching this. 😄

My rating:

BOOK BLITZ: The Lightslayer by Jack Townson

Today, we are thrilled to kick off this Book Blitz for International Bestselling Author Jack Townson's The Lightslayer, the first installment in the Everdusk series! To celebrate this new release, we have an exclusive excerpt and a blitz-wide giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check it out and grab your copy NOW!

Genre:

Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Series:

Everdusk, #1

Publish Date:

June 3, 2025

Publisher:

Across the Veil Books

Synopsis:

Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy epic that will consume your imagination.

Welcome to Draconia, a realm cloaked in shadows and intrigue, where ancient power struggles simmer beneath the surface. When the enigmatic Vampire Lord, Jack Townson, master of the Manor of Mystery, uncovers a sinister conspiracy threatening to ignite a supernatural war, he and his eclectic band of misfits-the Degenerates-must rise to the challenge. Together, they will navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous secrets, and a world filled with breathtaking magic and monsters.

Immerse yourself in a tale of supernatural action, dark romance, and fantasy adventure, where every page brims with danger, desire, and destiny. From spine-chilling battles to forbidden love, this novel takes you on a journey through a richly imagined universe where power comes at a price, and loyalty is tested at every turn.

Fans of spicy dark romance, vampire lore, and epic fantasy will be spellbound by Draconia’s intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, or Deborah Harkness, this is your next must-read.

Step into the shadows. Welcome to Draconia. Your adventure awaits. Mind your throat.

—

"A darkly Gothic romp through a dense and sinister world with the compelling and mysterious Jack Townson." — Laurell K. Hamilton, New York Times Bestselling Author of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

            

*Excerpt*

“They want a fight,” Townson growls, his voice steady but burning with conviction, “so we’ll give them one— but not

because we crave revenge!” His face contorts with emotion, locking eyes with his people. “Not because we thirst for blood!”

He raises a talon high into the air, his black claws curling into a fist with a loud, menacing crack. “But because we are family, and we stand together against any foe!”

Tears well in the eyes of many in the crowd, stirred by a fierce mix of fear and inspiration.

“BECAUSE WE ARE ALL DEGENERATES!” His voice erupts, a flash of fury in his eyes, as a supernatural wind howls from his aura. “WANTED BY NONE—” he roars, his words shaking the room, “AT HOME WITH EACH OTHER!”

Juliet’s grip on his arm tightens for a moment, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of the approaching Great Hall. “When we’re given very little diplomacy to work with, how are we expected to respond?” Her gaze sweeps over the monsters around them, each going about their daily lives. “I see it clearer now than I did before—you have a people to protect. It must be hard and terrifying when some phantom enemy hurts the ones you love, and you barely have a face to blame.”

“I can see you suffering,” a voice whispers in the darkness of the room. “I hate that you don’t let us in." 

Jack raises a thoughtful brow, his gleaming eyes piercing through the shadows. Before him, waves of violet magic flow across the sheets like mist, cascading over the bedframe and spilling to the floor. From the other end of the bed, she appears—the raven-haired sorceress—crawling towards him with a feline grace, her lavender gaze fixed on his. Her small hands pull at silken sheets, her narrow knees pressing into the mattress. 

“Would it be so bad if you just… let us care about you?”

“Amelia, hey, Amelia!” she shouts. “You mind explaining why you’ve got Tooth Fairies from Magick’s End on board your damn walking chicken?”

Amelia snores disjointedly, finally waking up, her hands gripping the wheel tightly as she startles Koreshi. The house stumbles, causing all of them to slide to the right. Verona falls into Jack, Jack barely avoids Vaidrin’s resting sword, Amelia almost tumbles out the door to the ground below, and Vaidrin slides to the side—bursting the door open. 

The frame swings wide as swarms of tiny white bodies scream in unison, “TEEF! TEEF! TEEF!”

~~~~~

**About the Author**

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.

Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one's humanity.

Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Stay connected with Jack Townson

     

  

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally

- ends June 12, 2025

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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Book Blitz Organized by