Jes Drew's Blog

 

Welcome back, agents. It's been a while since I posted, and I have had TWO releases from two different fantasy worlds.

The first release is from an alternate earth in a timeline where ancient Egypt, Greece, and Fae collide. It is the final installment of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor series which is now ready to be binge read.

Sometimes to ascend, you first have to descend . . . Orpheus & Eurydice meets Hades & Persephone in the final installment of this no-spice quartet.

Her husband will traverse the Underworld for her.
But can he rescue her from her fate—
Queen of the dead alongside a different bridegroom?

Salma knew that forbidden love had a price, and she determined that she would be the one to pay it. Now, she is a willing prisoner in the Underworld, held captive by the creature of shadows who has pursued her for so long— Hades himself. Every night, she plays a dangerous game of bargains, buying time until the man she left behind can find a way to rescue to her. But time is the one thing Hades does not have now that the Fates have marked him for death and his destiny hinges on winning Salma’s heart.

Adom paid a steep price to keep his beloved safe from her wicked bridegroom for so long. Then in one moment, he lost everything. Now, the only way to reclaim his wife is to walk through the Twelve Gates to the Underworld, a path that the living were never meant to undertake. Adom will make any sacrifice to reclaim Salma from Hades. But is rescue even an option any longer?

With a war between ancient powers lurking on the horizon, the Fates lie in wait to determine who will survive to the new age. In the midst of the birth and rebirth of gods, one must be sacrificed to Death. And a Queen of the Underworld must ascend in the midst of a Pandora Box, pomegranate seeds, and a promise not to look back. But sometimes to ascend, you first have to descend . . .

The finale of a haunting, slow-burn, fade-to-black fae romance with elements of Orpheus & Eurydice, Pandora's Box, and Egyptian mythology. Perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Greek retellings and Sylvia Mercedes's gothic romance.

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

My second book releases TODAY, actually. It is the second book in the Sunset at Dawn trilogy, which is set in the fictional empire of Constantinium in a world going through its Medieval period. 

Sparks fly as a female Robin Hood collides with a too-noble King Arthur in the second installment of this no-spice trilogy!

His throne was stolen from him.

The Bandit Queen will help reclaim it—

With the condition that he wed her.

Elspeth has performed her greatest heist yet: stealing the Sacred Prince from the capital just as a release of dark magic turned its citizens against him. That was the easy part. Now she has to safely deliver the reluctant refugee across the province to her camp where he believes the Bandit King will bargain with his army to help Otello reclaim his stolen throne. Except, she is the Bandit King, and that bargain is a marriage arrangement.

Otello's life was turned upside-down in a single moment. Now he's forced to ally himself with the woman who betrayed him with a kiss if he wants to survive, let alone have a chance at seizing back the seat of his empire from the necromancer who wants his blood. As does everything else, it seems, from vampires to gysts. All that is, except the one the magic in his veins has imprinted on, the right hand of the Bandit King who he knows better than to trust with anything, let alone his heart.

He is prophesied to save the Empire. She is destined to destroy him.

If you enjoy fated love, enemies to lovers, and antagonistic marriages of convenience, stay tuned for all three books in this epic, fade-to-black romantic fantasy with a touch of comedy. The fate of an empire will be shaped by two stubborn lovers. It's perfect for fans of Shari L. Tapscott, Alisha Klapheke, and Elise Kova.

Survive the Empire.
Save the Prince.
Steal the Throne.

Read now on Kindle Unlimited

So anyway, you have lots of reading ahead of you! Until next time . . .

 

Welcome back, agents. I have the final Howling Twenties cover redesigned with Senny's whimsical illustrations and GetCover's font. Brace yourself:

She is hunted by a werewolf.

He kills monsters.

And lycanthropy is contagious.

Struggling with her guilt over what she's done to the love of her life and battling the insanity that comes with her lycanthropy, Jane isn't sure she can survive long enough, traveling with the motley group of allied enemies, to make it to her mother and the cure they pray she can give them.

Then things get a whole lot more dangerous when Maple, a rouge faerie and perhaps the one person crazier than Jane herself, joins the group to both help and hinder at her whim. But even as artificial infatuations and overturned secrets strike the band, they learn what must be done to reach the aim they all strive for.

All except the wolf who still hunts Jane, confident she will be his yet even as the prophecy of Jane's second death comes ever closer to unfolding . . .

A complete clean paranormal romantic adventure perfect for fans of Shari L. Tapscott and Twilight.

Claim your copy 

 

Welcome back, agents. Next Saturday premiers the release of Desert of Death on Kindle Vella. Here is the cover and two gorgeous commissions I had made to celebrate!

 

She became a walking plague to save her people.Now she'll wed a foreign prince to secure her throne.Even if her heart belongs to another...
 Layla may be the most powerful woman in Egypt, but she has never been in control of her own life. Her father granted her both a throne and a monotheistic religion that could cost her everything to uphold. Her sister was stolen by the fae. And the only man she's ever wanted loved her twin first. And that was before she agreed to become an avatar to an ancient evil to spare her homeland.
As the captain of the guard, Karim swore an oath to protect the Pharaoh of Egypt. But that task has never been more difficult than it is now as unrest spreads like a disease among the people. But worse is the strange ailment plaguing Layla that she refuses to speak of.
Layla is determined to bear all things, including the Kiss of Death within her, for her people. But one thing she will not do is surrender her throne to her brother. She will do whatever it takes, including raiding her ancestor's tomb and betrothing himself to an enemy prince.
But some things are inevitable, like the end of a dynasty and the downfall of an empire...
 Here are Layla and Karim as portrayed by Maddy Moore. Don't they look so good together? Unfortunately, Egypt doesn't think so. Or, more importantly, Ay the Vizier doesn't agree . . .
The cover is by GetCovers. And the below artwork, which will eventually feature as the special edition cover for the hardback, is by Anastasia Subbotina.

Once again, we have Layla and Karim. And just to the right is Prince Zan, Layla's betrothed. Like her, he is based off an actual historical character. I can't wait to share their tale, based on real events, with you!

 Welcome back, agents. Two of my books are getting new illustrated looks!

1. Wolf Curse has been redone thanks to the talents of Senny and the font work of GetCovers:

She is hunted by a werewolf.
He kills monsters.
And lycanthropy is contagious.

Fleeing with her brother to Scotland, Jane Delane boards a luxury cruiser in search of their estranged mother. Life is hard enough between nursing her brother back to health and nursing her own broken heart over having to leave behind Amos Hood, werewolf hunter, for her brother's own good— but then it gets a whole lot more complicated when she learns that Amos has, in fact, boarded the ship in search of her.

As has the werewolf bent on making Jane like himself. Only his strategy is different this time- this time he intends to woo her in his human form. Surrounded by a passel of suitors and desperate to learn more about the shadowy world living just beneath the glamor of the twenties, Jane finds herself overwhelmed by new faces and old— new loves and old.

And through it all, the clock is ticking ever closer to the day the wolf vowed to turn her. But who can she trust to save her?

A clean paranormal romantic adventure perfect for fans of Francesca Riley and Michelle Madow.

New cover available for ebook AND paperback

 

2. The King of Unraveling ebook also has been updated thanks to the talents of Anastasia and font work of GetCovers.

 

Maybe it wasn't hate he felt toward her after all . . .

He wasn’t meant to be the groom.

She has always despised him.

A marriage alliance forged on a lie.

As the second son, Sef knows his place in the world is in his brother’s shadow, and his destiny is a betrothal to a woman marked for Death. Everything changes in a moment, though, when his twin’s wedding becomes his.

Lady Akila finds only one thing more distasteful than allying herself to the Court of Dusk: closing her eyes to the fact that the Night Court is making bargains with the Underworld. If she has to take a bridegroom from a lesser Court to secure her people’s safety, then so be it. At least she’ll be wedding the elder brother.

The fate of two Courts depends on Sef’s ability to deceive without the capability to lie. His own future, though, depends on his ability to woo without the courage to love. Otherwise, he will always be destined to be the lesser ruler, bound to a tragic marriage.

This fade-to-black arranged marriage fae romance can be read as a standalone with its own happily ever after. However, it can also be read as the prequel to the rest of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor saga which follows Adom and features Sef. It is a haunting, slow-burn, fade-to-black fae romance with elements of Beauty & the Beast, Hades & Persephone, and Egyptian mythology. Perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Greek retellings and Sylvia Mercedes's gothic romance.

New cover available for ebook ONLY  

 Welcome back, agents. I have a new book for you! My next companion novel to the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor that serves as both a prequel and a standalone in its own right, is here!

Maybe it wasn't hate he felt toward her after all . . .

He wasn’t meant to be the groom.

She has always despised him.

A marriage alliance forged on a lie.

As the second son, Sef knows his place in the world is in his brother’s shadow, and his destiny is a betrothal to a woman marked for Death. Everything changes in a moment, though, when his twin’s wedding becomes his.

Lady Akila finds only one thing more distasteful than allying herself to the Court of Dusk: closing her eyes to the fact that the Night Court is making bargains with the Underworld. If she has to take a bridegroom from a lesser Court to secure her people’s safety, then so be it. At least she’ll be wedding the elder brother.

The fate of two Courts depends on Sef’s ability to deceive without the capability to lie. His own future, though, depends on his ability to woo without the courage to love. Otherwise, he will always be destined to be the lesser ruler, bound to a tragic marriage.

This fade-to-black arranged marriage fae romance can be read as a standalone with its own happily ever after. However, it can also be read as the prequel to the rest of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor saga which follows Adom and features Sef. It is a haunting, slow-burn, fade-to-black fae romance with elements of Beauty & the Beast, Hades & Persephone, and Egyptian mythology. Perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Greek retellings and Sylvia Mercedes's gothic romance.

Read on Kindle Unlimited 

Speaking of Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor, King of Unraveling's fellow companion novel has a new look for the ebook thanks to the talents of Anastasia with font work from GetCovers.

 

Destiny demands a sacrifice . . .

She's more than just a scullery maid.

He's nothing but a steward.

Surely not enough to distract an ascending queen.

Zahra always knew what her destiny was, and even without the gift of sight, she knows the path she must tread to achieve it. What she didn't anticipate, though, was just how deeply she would feel the sacrifices she must make.

After all, a human sacrifice must be made if she is to take vengeance upon the current King of the Duat and ascend to the throne. And if that sacrifice is a trusting mortal maid named Salma, so be it.

Whatever the cost, Zahra will do what needs to be done. Carefully, though, to avoid the ever-watchful eye of the young steward who has foolishly become enamored of her and thinks he sees something that is not there; something that is lost forever. Zahra would know, because sometimes, she too can see. But only when the blood of another is on her tongue . . .

Blood of Destruction is an alternate POV in the haunting, slow-burn, no-spice fae romance series, Cursed Fae of the House of Orphydice. It lays the foundation for a gender-swapped Hades & Persephone that will be fulfilled in the longer series. It is perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Greek retellings and Sylvia Mercedes's gothic romance.

Read now on Kindle Unlimited  

 

 Before the men of myth and legend, there was Otrera, first Queen of the Amazons.

It wasn’t until the prince’s blood coated Otrera’s hands that she realized she’d sentenced herself to death. In her darkest hour, Artemis offers her a second chance at life and freedom. But in return the goddess commands unwavering loyalty and sends her on a formidable quest.

Joined by women who swiftly become sisters along the way, Otrera’s journey is tangled by prophecy and unexpected discoveries, and she is faced with a decision that will alter her life forever.

Fleeing from men and monsters alike, Otrera and her companions travel across Ancient Greece in search of what was promised. Each day she learns more about herself and the dangers of her world. Yet the closer she gets to fulfilling her quest, the further Otrera drifts from her pledge to Artemis.

Pursued by a vengeful king and his relentless champion, Otrera discovers how far she’ll go to keep her sisters safe. But nothing, not even a divine weapon, can protect her from the wrath of the gods.

So begins the story of the tribe feared by heroes and kings alike.

This adult historical fantasy series is intended for a mature audience due to trigger warnings for language, violence and death, and sexual situations.

Check it out on Goodreads

 

I saw this cover and knew I couldn't walk away. I'm obsessed with Greek myths, but the legend of the first queen of the Amazons is vaguer to me, and I had to read this version of it.This story is the tale of a mortal woman caught up in the whims of gods and men as she tries to find a way to survive. It is an adventure, with an ever growing cast of women as Otera tries to figure out her quest in an ancient Greek landscape. Well I would have enjoyed the story significantly more and been better immersed if it was closer to PG-13 than R, I did enjoy the exploration of women's roles in ancient society and Otera seeking a better life for herself and those who joined her journey. I also very much enjoyed the romance, which is slow burn and not resolved by the end of the book, but I am compelled to continue the series to see where that goes. I would recommend not brushing up on the myth until you're halfway through this book like I did so you can have a chance to guess who the love interest for Otera truly is.

Note to more sensitive readers: As mentioned in the blurb, there are several triggering things. There are several instances of strong language scattered throughout. There is violence and death shown on-screen and off, including the death of children.There is a SA attempt and the horror leading to it. There are women of a certain profession who are not shy about pursuing that profession and their relationships with each other graphically as well as explaining things to the heroine who is beginning to regret her vow to Artemis. There is one scene I had to skip completely when the heroine was alone. The ending is also especially emotional and I am still processing it.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

If you love Greek myths and legends of old, this book is for you.

 Check it out on Amazon

Theo may be a handsome hurricane, womanizing everyone in his path. That doesn’t mean Aria will get caught up in his storm.

I’ve had a secret obsession most of my life: I want to run our town’s huge Christmas festival. I must have a thing for power and those tacky Christmas blazers the committee members wear. This year, it's in trouble, and I'm called up to help save it. The only downside? Theo Carter is the other half of this co-hosting gig.

Theo is maddening—an eager, energetic puppy who doesn’t seem to care that I’m not interested or that I have a long-distance boyfriend. I don’t even know why he’s pursuing me since I maybe, sorta caused his public break up.

Whoops!

Now, not only am I around him for the festival, but he’s moved his law office right next to my apartment above the bakeshop. And we share a very thin wall. Just when I think he might be more than a playboy lawyer with the BMW to match, I panic.

Because if my family has taught me anything about love, it’s that it’s messy, loud, and painful, and I can’t have that. I need someone safe and predictable.

Theo is anything but safe and predictable.

And if I fall for him, I’ll be wrecked for good.

A Cheesecake Christmas is a small-town romcom with all of the swoon and none of the spice! It's a charming, enemies-to-lovers story about a Hallmark-like Christmas festival that needs saving.

Check it out on Goodreads

 

 I absolutely loved the chemistry between Theo and Aria. After a couple years of attraction on his part and antagonism on hers, they are finally forced together to save the Christmas festival for the town. I loved getting to read about them individually dealing with their family issues, job stresses, and dreams. But I enjoyed even more watching them discover what a great team they made. Also, their communicating through the shared wall was adorable.

Note to more sensitive readers: nothing notable.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

If you're looking for something a Christmas rom-com sweeter than cheesecake, this one is for you!

 Check it out on Amazon

Theo may be a handsome hurricane, womanizing everyone in his path. That doesn’t mean Aria will get caught up in his storm.

I’ve had a secret obsession most of my life: I want to run our town’s huge Christmas festival. I must have a thing for power and those tacky Christmas blazers the committee members wear. This year, it's in trouble, and I'm called up to help save it. The only downside? Theo Carter is the other half of this co-hosting gig.

Theo is maddening—an eager, energetic puppy who doesn’t seem to care that I’m not interested or that I have a long-distance boyfriend. I don’t even know why he’s pursuing me since I maybe, sorta caused his public break up.

Whoops!

Now, not only am I around him for the festival, but he’s moved his law office right next to my apartment above the bakeshop. And we share a very thin wall. Just when I think he might be more than a playboy lawyer with the BMW to match, I panic.

Because if my family has taught me anything about love, it’s that it’s messy, loud, and painful, and I can’t have that. I need someone safe and predictable.

Theo is anything but safe and predictable.

And if I fall for him, I’ll be wrecked for good.

A Cheesecake Christmas is a small-town romcom with all of the swoon and none of the spice! It's a charming, enemies-to-lovers story about a Hallmark-like Christmas festival that needs saving.

Check it out on Goodreads

 

 I absolutely loved the chemistry between Theo and Aria. After a couple years of attraction on his part and antagonism on hers, they are finally forced together to save the Christmas festival for the town. I loved getting to read about them individually dealing with their family issues, job stresses, and dreams. But I enjoyed even more watching them discover what a great team they made. Also, their communicating through the shared wall was adorable.

Note to more sensitive readers: nothing notable.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

If you're looking for something a Christmas rom-com sweeter than cheesecake, this one is for you!

 Check it out on Amazon

 

Welcome back, agents. As we get ready for a new year, I have new stock at The Signed Book Shop. The Howling Twenties is now available as a complete omnibus with all three books in the series, two bonus chapters you can't get anywhere else, the official bookmark, and a double-sided art print.

She is hunted by a werewolf. He kills monsters. And lycanthropy is contagious.

Jane Delane has always lived an unusual life, having survived a freak wolf accident and then growing up in the woods completely sequestered from 1920s society. But as her seventeenth birthday draws near, her life becomes even more unusual when her father falls ill and her brother goes missing.

When she decides to go searching for her absentee sibling, she joins leagues with a werewolf hunter named Amos Hood. Together they plunge into a world completely new to her— all the while she begins to learn of a darker one that has haunted her since childhood.

And as she continues her hunt for her brother, it soon becomes apparent that something is hunting her.

A complete clean paranormal romance series perfect for fans of Shari L. Tapscott and the Twilight Saga. Includes: Wolf Claw, Wolf Curse, Wolf Cure, and exclusive bonus chapters.

Snag your signed copy now!  

 

A BRIGHT NEW FUTURE LIES BEFORE HER . . . EVEN AS ECHOES OF THE PAST HAUNT HER DREAMS

Clara’s memories of the last few years are lost in a haze. The more she tries to remember, the harder it is. And perhaps that’s just as well. Perhaps it’s better for her to focus on the present . . . and the future: a beautiful future with Danny Gale as her husband and her place in good society restored, comfortable and content.

With her wedding less than twenty-four hours away, Clara seeks to reunite with her brother, eager to repair their relationship. But she finds Oscar in a manic state. He raves about other worlds, about magic and curses and people Clara knows nothing about. She fears he’s lost his mind entirely . . . but something he says sparks memory of a haunting voice which sends heat rippling through her veins and steals the breath from her lungs.

Determined to go through with the wedding, Clara dons her gown and arrives at the chapel, only for an unexpected guest to appear. Suddenly all Oscar’s lunatic claims become a terrifying reality. The realms of Eledria are not through with Clara Darlington just yet. She still has a part to play in the deadly schemes of kings and princes.

And doom is poised to fall on the City of Vespre.

The epic conclusion to this terrifying and romantic series. Clara confronts her demons once and for all . . . but will she be in time to save the Doomed City and everyone she loves?

Check it out on Goodreads

 

I have been a huge fan of this series (can't even tell you how many times I reread the first three books), and the bittersweet conclusion is here. Now, I'm obsessed with my beloved characters, the unique setting and magic system, and the way this series so deftly deals with generational trauma. But because of the more difficult issues, it can be hard at times. And this book is hardest of all.

This book is nonstop. Poor Clara never gets a chance to catch her breath, and neither did I. There is a lot to process as the stakes climb higher and the sacrifices to stave off the end of everything pile up. The epic-scale of everything cannot be undermined, but in order to help others, Clara first needs to learn how to defeat her own demons once and for all. 

The book was heartbreaking, and I will need a while to recover from all that has come to pass. But I absolutely loved not only the theme of how to face trauma in a healthy way, but also of motherhood itself. I love exploring the concept of motherhood in fantasy, and this book celebrates that so much. And, of course, this book features a certain Prince who is one of my favorite fantasy characters, so there's that too.

Note to more sensitive readers: There is one spice scene in the middle of the book that can be easily skipped. There are several instances of strong language scattered throughout. There is also horror elements and violence including a tragic number of character deaths, onscreen and off. Also, there are discussions of parental abuse and neglect, alcoholism, drug addiction and attempted infanticide. And a character is taken advantage of by another character who got him involved with drugs.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

If you love to read about tricky fae, not-your-average librarians, and learning to overcome your nightmares, this is the series for you!

 Check it out on Amazon