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Liz Koetsier

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ink.lizard

*ON PARTIAL BREAK* Might be back in October???
✒ Christian Fantasy Writer
🔱 Brave daughter of The King
🐈 Cat mama #jemmananigans
👇FREE story 👇

Liz Koetsier
I am so honored to share with the cover for This L I am so honored to share with the cover for This Life of Mine by Victoria Lynn! (@victorialynnauthor) Isn't it lovely? TLoM is book 2 of The Chronicles of Elira, a non-magical fantasy series published by @theglorywriters. The release date is March 22, 2023. ⁠
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Personally, I am looking forward to hearing more of Marcus's story. He was my favorite character in book 1 and Victoria promises us he gets more attention this time around. ⁠
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The mountain king of Rusalka unleashes his anger on his people after the downfall of his treaty with the bordering country of Elira, and refugees are fighting for their life to escape his abuse. ⁠
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Marcus is compelled to join a convoy and lend his medical skills to those in need at the Eliran border, but fighting his own illness and doubt shakes his faith in new and trying ways. ⁠
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When a young woman with a painful past finds herself in his care, can he be the hands and feet of Christ to her? Or will her past claim her soul forever? With political tension, a battle in the making, his own chronic illness and needy refugees in abundance, Marcus finds himself fighting for his life… and the lives of others.⁠
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Pre-orders are available in Ebook, paperback, and special edition hardcover formats!⁠
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Also, the pre-order BOXES are brimming with goodies, but there are a limited number of boxes. Boxes include an illustrated hardcover edition with bonus scenes and an Eliran map, a custom Edenmade Co. candle inspired by the book, 2 custom stickers, 4 main character art cards, 4 landscape/ scene artwork cards, 5 servings of book-inspired specialty tea blend, an aesthetic bookmark with an inspirational quote. FREE US shipping! For the paperback, hardcover, book box & merch, visit: www.victorialynnblog.com/shop
Goodbye story of 2022, welcome story of 2023. What Goodbye story of 2022, welcome story of 2023. What stories will you create in 2023?
 
“Let us not grow weary of life.”

Twice this year I had the honor of beta reading for @mrs.carter_theauthor and this line from these novels has followed me across 2022, tracing my steps.

This beautiful story unravels the experience of loss, aching for joy, and finding it even amidst pain. Would any character’s victory matter without first experiencing a struggle? And the same is true for us.

So you made it to 2023. Every inch may have been fought for, and because of that, it means something precious to you. That’s wonderful. It means you have an opportunity to build upon this small spark a wild fire of new things, experiences, better habits, stronger relationships. It made you stronger, more courageous. 

In 2022, I left behind a good-but-a-little-bit-cramped life, and stepped into open space and new opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing what story God is unfolding in my story in 2023.

*Special thanks to Kaitlyn for her permission to post a quote from her book baby, soon to be in your hands.
I am SO excited to share this book cover with you! I am SO excited to share this book cover with you! I am stunned by this work of art by the incomparable Kirk DuPonce. 

I am a huge fan of these stories. They are beautifully written and have a heartfelt message if bravery and finding your voice, featuring the most adorable, witty dragons in existence. Highly recommend! Stormdance (book 2) releases on February 28, 2023. Pre-orders are open now (even for paperbacks!) And the first 50 to purchase and fill out the preorder form here are eligible for swag (physical prints of the cover art, a piece of character art with Alísa & Sesína, and a quote bookmark, plus a digital expanded teaser for the book): https://www.michellembruhn.com/buy-links 

Also, if you're interested in join the street team to help with the launch, visit @michellembruhn's account.

⚔️ The dragons have answered Alísa’s call. Now, in order to unite the races and end the war, she must find slayers willing to do the same. But humanity’s long-engrained fear and hatred of dragonkind are far louder than any argument she possesses, and when a rival dragon clan encroaches on Me’ran, it’s all she can do to keep the people from calling the largest slayer clan in the east to eradicate all draconic presence.
Leading dragons is one thing—leading humans is another. With the voices and fears of her past rising up against her, Alísa wonders how she ever thought she could be the one to unite the races. As storms within and without threaten to drown all she holds dear, Alísa must decide—run for cover to protect herself and her dragons, or stay in the only place she has a chance to bring peace. But how can she make peace between humans and dragons when she can’t even make peace with herself? ⚔️
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?🕯️ What is your favorite Christmas tradition?🕯️

My family has so many special, memorable traditions that we enjoy repeating, year after year. As my family expands and we grow older, some of these favorite things have changed. I will miss the day of cooking and preparation for our Christmas Eve dinner by candlelight. In recent years, this has looked a little different as we try to fit it around everyone’s comfort level, but I still think so affectionately on the past. When my siblings and I were young, my parents let us choose the menu- which was always tacos and sparkling grape juice (I don’t care what you say, my grown-up tastebuds still think it is way more delicious than any wine)- and afterwards we would attend a local nativity, invite my grandma over to open some stockings or gifts with us, and eat lots of cookies.

Now, dinner by candlelight has looked more like lunch with dimmed lights and drawn shades to “fake” the magical evening effect, and our adult palettes choose a variety of dishes instead of just tacos. The neighborhood children who put together the darling live nativity we used to attend have grown up and the event has dissolved. My grandma celebrates the Lord every day in Heaven.

But one special, favorite tradition has remained, and it’s sweet and good. Every year, a box is placed under the tree marked “From: Jesus” and we all act surprised about it. (The kids love the surprise, just as I did when I was young!) My dad opens it, and it contains letters and a Bible. Each letter is addressed to each child, and has a few iconic pictures of them and Psalm 139:14 inside letting them know they are a gift from above. Then, we open the Bible which is marked to Luke 2, and read the true Christmas account. God's marvelous gift to us. I love how simple, memorable, and impressionable this tradition is.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and peace,and may your hearts, not just your arms, be filled with blessings. 🎁
✨ What is your favorite part of the Christmas se ✨ What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? ✨

One year, I acquired several days of vacation which I had to use before the end of the year. To make the most of it, I scheduled them all the week between Christmas and New Year’s, thinking it would be so relaxing.

It was relaxing, but I also found myself wishing I had spent more time involved in the preparations for Christmas with friends and family instead of the quiet aftermath. 

I realized that what I love most about this season is the anticipation. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are wonderful, but there is something special about enjoying the preparation with loved ones. Cooking together, cleaning together, eating together, making messes together, planning to surprise one another. The moments these things actually happened was grand, but the anticipation leading up to it all was what made it grander. Memories made with time last the longest.

Much love, bravelings. Enjoy your Christmas time! If you did not get your link to my epic Christmas playlist DM me and we’ll figure it out together. :)
D a i c a n ' s H e i r, by Jaye L. Knight is fin D a i c a n ' s  H e i r, by Jaye L. Knight is finally here! ⁠
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We have patiently awaited this next installment in the Chronicles of Ilyon. I am now so thrilled to share with you the gorgeous cover, and announce that pre-orders are live! Congratulations, @jayelknight! The release date is sometime in early 2023.⁠
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⚔️ For three years, the Resistance has suffered under oppression—first from Emperor Daican and now from his daughter. In her quest for vengeance, Davira has ripped Arcacia apart, and more blood is spilled every day. Newly married, all Jace and Kyrin want is to be able to live their lives in peace. In order to do that, they must help restore the rightful heir to Arcacia’s throne.⁠
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 ⚔️ Carrying the weight of everyone’s hopes for the future, Daniel works every day to be the leader and king they have all fought so hard to see him become. With the Resistance and their allies from all across Ilyon united behind him, he prepares for a final confrontation with Davira. But to do so will require facing the full might of Arcacia’s military and Davira’s wrath.⁠
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 ⚔️ When Jace and Kyrin become the primary targets of her ravenous hatred, Daniel finds himself in a race against time to stop his sister and avoid the bloodbath she is determined to unleash. Can he find a way to protect his loved ones and bring peace to Ilyon or will Davira succeed in bringing them all to their knees and destroying everything they hold dear?⁠
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Preorder link: https://www.amazon.com/Daicans-Heir-Ilyon-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0BN26TZMJ/
✨ 3 things you might not know about snow ✨

❄️ Snow has a smell. I can’t describe it to you, and all the words I could use will sound cliche. It is sharp, but old and fresh at the same time. 

❄️ Snowy, winter nights are not as dark as you might think. The snow is so pure, it reflects light and you can see a long distance even in darkness. The sky becomes purple instead of pitch black like it does in summer. 

❄️ Snow has sound. The sound varies depending on the kind of snowflakes that fall, but the big, fluffy flakes (the prettiest ones) sound as soft as mouse foot-falls. A tiny “puff” as they touch ground. I have really sensitive ears, so maybe this helps, but the best way to hear it is to close your eyes so you’re not distracted by everything else.

✨ My December newsletter has been crafted and your Epic Christmas Playlist is ready to go! You should see it in your inbox next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or DM me.
Hey hey, it's Monday, and I need your help! Plus, Hey hey, it's Monday, and I need your help! Plus,  I have some updates/ housekeeping notes for ya.

I'm still figuring out how to manage #bookstagram and all the things since moving but Christmas is just around the corner! Last year my Epic Christmas Playlist was quite popular so I'm considering opening it up again. Is this something you all want again??

Drop a comment or emoji if so! 

If there is enough interest in opening access to the Epic Christmas Playlist (it's very epic) I will likely be sending out a newsletter to subscribers right after Thanksgiving so you'd have a whole month to listen. If you're not already subscribed, you may want to check that out soon!

Secondly, I can't believe how close we are to Thanksgiving now, it's been a lot of fun decorating new space and,if you've been keeping up with my stories, it's true, I'm writing again! I have no permanent deets to publicly share yet, the plot is feral (because I discovered I can arrange playlists in order of events in my head, but outlines are evil 🤷‍♀️). This is probably the weirdest way to plot a book ever but it's working. This bae is an Egyptian -inspired fantasy with a small and scrappy little ebony dragon and the MC is very insecure but fierce and I love her so much. There is also a love interest and a troublemaker. You're welcome. That is all I will say on this front.

Finally, I have yet to update the free story advertised on my landing page. Since Ember is currently shelved temporarily, and life changed so quickly, I haven't had time to decide how to update this, so the free Ember & Ice short story may possibly be removed in the future. I'd recommend grabbing it now if you want to read it.

All the sign-ups for these things are in the link in my bio!
"The folk of Faerie are not all kind...." ⁠ ⁠ "The folk of Faerie are not all kind...." ⁠
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✨ In the days of yore, it is said, Faerie-beasts walked in the world of men, waiting to carry away the innocent and unprotected. And no one is more innocent than Ella Whittington, sixteen years old and suddenly possessed of a dazzling fortune.⁠
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Ella's dizzying rise to fame is watched by the skeptical Miss Constance Hanover, who soon suspects that society's darling is in danger. What she doesn't suspect is that her efforts to uncover the truth will drag her into a world of spies, magicians, and secrets more astonishing than she ever dreamed possible. ✨⁠
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Happy cover reveal day, author Emily Hayse! I am so honored to share this breath-taking cover with the world. And, can I also add that this synopsis is stealing my heart already. I love fae stories, and how cool is a 1920’s fae stories with magicians and secrets? So much intrigue! Yours, Constance releases on December 27, 2022.⁠
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Emily is hosting a giveaway on her Instagram account, @songsofheroes. Pre-orders are also live, and links are available at her account as well.
🎇...Remember, remember the Fifth of November. 🎇...Remember, remember the Fifth of November.
At long last, I am settled enough to share with yo At long last, I am settled enough to share with you some pieces of my moving story. Once, when I was in a very low place and everything seemed to be going wrong, I asked God to show His glory through my life. After I got my home, I knew that it was important to share this story with you to see His grace, too. ⁠
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It wasn’t until August that stopped to breathe in the sunshine and air, when all the big things were moved in- me, Jemma, furniture, and roommate. When I was small, I spent all summer dreaming. I dreamt about “things that are, things that were, and some things that have not yet come to pass.” (A little Galadriel for you because mood.) But too many shattered hopes and broken paths have made it so much harder to dream as an adult. There is wonder in growing in wisdom, but an ache that comes with understanding things more deeply. I pray, I wait- that is all I ever seemed to do: wait.⁠
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🍃 If you would like to read the rest of this story, please visit my blog (link in bio) for the full version.⁠
I'll always come back to the home of my heart. #p I'll always come back to the home of my heart.

#puremichigan #water #lakemichigan #homeofmyheart #michigander #bestill
Thinking fondly of my favorite place up north. Soo Thinking fondly of my favorite place up north. Soon it will look like this.⁠
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I miss summer, but I adore the colors October paints.⁠
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The mango-flavored cat is resting in a rocking chair, and I am sitting among scattered papers and lists. What was the biggest accomplishment you made this summer? ⁠
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Mine was moving. Story soon!
i n t r o d u c i n g : 🍃 The Tales of Tarsur i n t r o d u c i n g : 🍃

The Tales of Tarsurella #4: The Revolution, by author Olivia Lynn Jarmusch! The Revolution is releasing on July 7, 2022. To celebrate, @livylynnglittergirl is hosting a giveaway (check out my stories for details!). She is also going live on Instagram tonight at 7:00 PM EST.

Is this not the prettiest cover you've seen this week? 

👑 Blurb 👑

Bridget Henderson is adjusting to life as a newlywed in Alaska. Far from the paparazzi of Tarsurella, she’s enjoying the change of pace. Missing her family, she invites her youngest siblings, Jillian, Millie and Willie, for a visit. A letter arrives in the mail, granting full permission to pursue her husband’s dream of opening their home for foster care. But is Bridget really cut out for dealing with such troublesome teens? Did they make a mistake? Is their family growing faster than she can keep up with?

Back in Tarsurella, Princess Chasity is preparing her prized stallion for the race of a lifetime. With no sign of Hanson Fletcher returning to her life anytime soon, Chasity does her best to focus her energy elsewhere. As James O Conner proves to be a faithful friend, she can’t help but wonder . . . is he trying to express more than just friendship?

Continued change is on the rise. The people of Tarsurella have spoken. King Addison is struggling to make sense of it all. Is their beloved nation on the brink of a revolution?
A forgotten princess A stolen crown One chance t A forgotten princess

A stolen crown

One chance to reclaim the kingdom...

🍃 Happy cover reveal day author Cheyenne Van Langevelde, @thedancingbardess Dìlseachd: A Stolen Crown releases on September 23, 2022. You can not pre-order this gorgeous tale (links in the comments!).

Do you love Celtic stories and Celtic mythology? Celtic tales were some of my favorites growing up, there is a wild kind of longing and beauty in these stories and the beautiful Scottish and Irish islands. 🍃

blurb ~

Six years since the Danes invaded Scotland, slaying her finest men. 

Five since the Highland King married one of the enemy, betraying his countrymen and losing the Lowlanders’ support. 

Three since the king died and the Danes imprisoned the remaining blood heir to the throne.

Her crown stolen, her country desolated, Fiona McCurragh now faces the looming threat of execution. 

The Lowlanders, weary of enemy rule, seek to free their stolen homeland. With the aid of a blind harper, they attempt to rescue their Highland princess when the Danes ride in on Lowlander territory, shattering the fragile peace. The Scots are left with no choice except to launch a war in the face of the coming winter. If they do not attack now, the Scots—and their princess—may not live to see the spring. 

In the face of despair, Fiona McCurragh finds courage in friendship with two chief’s sons. Yet conflict lies on more than one side, and for some of the Scots and their allies, loyalty no longer has any meaning.
We are moving!!! ⁠ ⁠ Ahhhh! God has been goo We are moving!!! ⁠ ⁠ 

Ahhhh! God has been good. 

At some point in the future you have to hear this full (amazing) story but in the interest of time, just believe me when I say that my God can do the impossible.⁠ ⁠ 

Jemma and I are moving to a new place very soon and I am sure it will take some time to adjust. Writing has been placed on hold, and social media will take a back seat for now. (I will still be here but scheduled posts will continue to be at a minimum.) I'd appreciate prayers in the acquiring of stuff process, cleaning, repairing, and refreshing the new residence, and adjusting to a whole new life.⁠ ⁠ 

Love to you all, bravelings!
🐺 With enemies at their door, two estranged bro 🐺 With enemies at their door, two estranged brothers must work together to protect their tribe. 🐺⁠
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I am so thrilled to share the cover for Greywolf's Heart by @cmbanschbach with you! I have eagerly been awaiting this book cover. By the looks of this synopsis, we are promised brotherly tension and cinnamon rolls, which I am totally here for. 😍 Raise your hand if you want it too! Greywolf's Heart releases on July 14, 2022. ⁠
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Use predictive text to finish this alternate tagline: Estranged brothers must overcome their differences to__.⁠

Mine: 
⁠Estranged brothers must overcome their differences to be able to get a new one. 

Not sure what we are getting a new one of? A new brother? 🤔 

~Synopsis~⁠
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🐺 A man born for war. A bastard raised in contempt. Only together can they defend their tribe from slaughter.⁠
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Fierce-hearted Comran is the chief’s son and the favored choice to be the next leader. Then his father chooses Comran’s half-brother Etran for the role, straining the loyalties of the tribe and reinforcing the distance between the two men. When Comran is offered the role of battlewolf, he is ready to do his duty—but expects no friendship in return.⁠
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Steady Etran has long been shunned as the chief’s bastard. Becoming the chief brings even more hostility, so he offers Comran the title of battlewolf to maintain tribal unity. But can he trust this reckless warrior as his general when Comran has never stood by his side?⁠
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As tensions mount within the tribe, a traitorous act leads to war. Comran and Etran must overcome their inner demons and fight for their brotherhood before the Greywolves fall to their worst enemies. 🐺
This photo captures spring a-sneaking. Yesterday This photo captures spring a-sneaking.

Yesterday was the first real, very warm day of spring for me in Michigan and it was glorious. I did all the things. Picnic dinner, weeding, a walk, and writing.

Does this post mean I am back on IG? Hm. Debatable. My semi-break from scheduled feed posts (aside from promos) was far from relaxing and did not serve me in the way I hoped. I find that the less pressure I put on myself to produce content on SM, the easier it is to write. Anyone else? I may just extend this semi-break or maybe just post less regularly, which the algorithm goblins will despise me for, but I trust that my tribe will remain while I eat up the precious few moments of inspiration. No news on the WIP front. It's still secret and safe.

How are you all? Drop an emoji that best describes you today if you don't feel like chatting. 💙
Hey hey, it's Revenge of the Fifth! I know, I did Hey hey, it's Revenge of the Fifth! I know, I did miss May the Fourth but in all truthfulness, I decided I didn't want it to overshadow the cover reveal I was scheduled for yesterday, and anyway, what better day is there to show off this beloved trilogy featuring one of the most brilliant villains to grace Star Wars. Thrawn.⁠
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This set of books is worn because they are loved.⁠
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But also, we shall not forget the legendary Mara Jade. It was Mara and Jaina who kept me sane in college before I discovered Hermione, Neville, and Luna.⁠
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I distinctly remember a morning when I completely lost track of time in the student lounge and realized I had very small minutes to make it back to class in time. I felt very remorseful and yet, did it stop me from sneaking in reading between studying? Nooooo.⁠
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What books or characters do you feel like you grew with?
💎 Release week tour and GIVEAWAY! 💎⁠ I am 💎 Release week tour and GIVEAWAY! 💎⁠
I am excited to share with you Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L Moody. I was so intrigued by the blurb for this YA Fantasy, releasing on May 10, 2022. This is book 1 of the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. Read the blurb below the giveaway details!⁠
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💎 She vowed she'd never return to Faerie...but vows were made to be broken. 💎⁠
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Grand Prize: a signed hardcover of Flame and Crystal Thorns⁠
💎 To Enter:⁠
*Follow me (@ink.lizard), @kaylmoody and @hiddenhollowbooktours⁠
*Like this post & comment which country you're in⁠
*Tag a bookstagram friend you think would enjoy this book⁠
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💎 Extra entry: ⁠
*Share in your stories for 24 hours, tagging @kaylmoody and @hiddenhollowbooktours⁠
*Find other tour hosts using #FlameAndCrystalThornsPreReleaseTour and enter on their posts, too.⁠
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💎 Rules: ⁠
*US & International⁠
*Ends at midnight EST on 5-10-22 (the book tour lasts from May 3- May 9, 2022)⁠
*Must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter⁠
*Must be willing to give your mailing address to HHBT⁠
*Do not follow to unfollow, you will be banned from all future HHBT tours⁠
*Must be a public IG account to verify entry⁠
*No giveaway accounts allowed⁠
*Giveaway not affiliated with IG⁠
*All prizes will be sent by the author, not HHBT⁠
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💎 As a human girl, Chloe is perfectly happy being back in the mortal realm where she belongs. She's even become the town apothecary. When a fae from her past shows up begging her to return to Faerie, she utterly refuses.⁠
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But then she finds out an angry group of mortals are using iron to hold an entire castle full of fae hostage. And of course, the hostages include Chloe's older sister and her sister's beloved.⁠
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Reluctantly, Chloe packs a bag for what is supposed to be a short trip to Faerie.⁠
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But the mortals are more powerful than she expected. To fuel them, they have weapons, flames, and revenge. They won't stop until they control every court in Faerie.⁠
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With the help of a new and mysterious magic and a devastatingly handsome fae companion, Chloe has to save Faerie before her sister and the other fae are killed. 💎⁠
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YA Fantasy / Steam Level 2 (romance but no sex)
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Elizabeth's bookshelf: currently-reading

Scarlet Moon
Scarlet Moon
by S.D. Grimm
tagged: currently-reading
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
it was amazing
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
by Mary Weber
tagged: currently-reading

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