Covered: Blood & Ivy

by R. Miranda

Rhiannon Ravenmore-Highbeard should be happy.

Being born into the enchanted world of Embergate, a world protected by men who risk their lives every night keeping a watchful eye over its boundaries, should have given her contentment. However, every step she takes over the magical ground she calls home only reminds her of everything she’s lost.

And her husband, Verick Highbeard, is a protector above all else. He made a vow to protect Rhiannon, and he would burn every world to the ground to ensure it. But that promise has built walls she is slowly disappearing behind. All he wants to do is keep danger from finding her. But sometimes, safety and love alone are not enough. Something holds him back every time he feels himself closing the gap to be who she needs.
She feels there is more out there. But her life is one she thought was already decided for her.
Until a stranger steps out of the shadows in the comfort of her clover field. A stranger that haunts her dreams and finally makes her feel alive.
So what happens when someone—or something, stirs all of her ghosts awake?
A love she never imagined. Worlds she could have only dreamed of. A choice between the life she’s always known… or surrendering to the pull of a stranger, even if she isn’t sure any of it is real.

All of the feelings she buried are rising to the surface. And it may just burn her entire life to the ground.

281 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

R. Miranda is a Wife, Mother and writer residing in North Carolina. Through her struggles with grief and loss, she's found solace in writing, which has allowed an emotional outlet to turn her experiences into work. Her debut romantasy novel, Covered, is available now.

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (when her teenager has time) and friends, obsessing about Halloween, collecting moon water and binge watching movies whilst snuggling with her dog.

She believes in the power of creativity and the healing power of turning your story into art.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a highly anticipated read for me. I was so lucky to have been able to catch a few glimpses before publication and I have to say the story as a whole blew me away! I felt all of Rhiannon’s feelings throughout the entire story. The heartbreak of loss and of self was so potent, but led to the most beautiful discovery and a metamorphosis of her whole life. To go from desperately wanting more to finding she held the key to her happiness the whole time was such a joy to read. Her journey to get there was hard fought which made the victory at the end that much sweeter. To find the life of love and adventure that she sought her whole life was so rewarding. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covered Blood & Ivy was so emotional and beautiful. I felt for Rhi so deeply, especially in her yearning for passion, connection, and the warmth she longed for, and how her writing became her escape. Miranda wrote such a powerful story of love, loss, and the ache of being unseen and then finally experiencing it. This book pulled me completely into the world of Embergate and beyond. It is the kind of story you can curl up with and lose yourself in for hours.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the enchanted world of Embergate, this story blends magic, love, and heartbreak. Rhiannon Highbeard’s safe but stifling life unravels when a mysterious stranger awakens long-buried desires. Beautifully written and emotionally charged, it’s a tale of longing, loss, and the dangerous pull between duty and desire.

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional rollercoaster this sent me on! I enjoyed the uniqueness to the plot and the fantasy! I felt that I was able to connect with each character based on the descriptiveness of everyone who was in Rhiannon's life. I also wasn't expecting that twist at the end! A great debut fantasy novel 👏🏻

[Angela Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel all the feelings! I cried so much during this book I was shocked. It’s about grief, longing, obligation secrets and love. It added the fantasy to real life feelings. Verick ❤️There is nothing better than a book that makes you think and feel

[Lori Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid 4.5

enjoyed the story. loved the ending.