🌺 Special Edition!
June 10th, 2025
Greetings, my lovelies!
First off – THANK YOU! The launch was more than I could have ever hoped for, and, as of the time of writing this, Crocodile Tears is number two in its category on Amazon.com, with 65% five-star reviews. This is incredible and completely unexpected. So, a huge thank you to my Walter’s World family for helping to make it happen ❤️.
Special Edition Goodies!
In this special edition newsletter, you’ll find:
- A little extra Somerset Scenes section that features me in a very special tee-shirt (ooh!).
- The cover reveal of Ghost Eye, Book Two in my Dark Water series, along with the full blurb.
- A Featured Author section showcasing Christie Gordon, who has a new MM hockey romance out next week.
🏞️ Somerset Scenes
I was so nervous on launch day, I mean, sick to my stomach with nerves, that we decided to head out to Forde Abbey again, as it’s near and the gardens are pretty. I must therefore upgrade my cafe rating from my previous newsletter to FIVE STARS because we had the most amazing egg sandwich there. It was so nice we went back again on Thursday to have another one. We also shared a really yummy flapjack and a carrot and apple cake.
I celebrated Launch Day by wearing my new Crocodile Tears swag. Piccies below! If you’re interested in any Xanthe-related merch, check out my Redbubble shop.
Luckily, Launch Day went off brilliantly, and the Launch Party in the evening was a hoot – thanks to everyone who joined us!
👻 Ghost Eye Cover Reveal 👁️
- The cover for Book Two is below – isn’t it gorgeous?
- Damonza Studio designed all the book covers in the series, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with them.
- What do you think of it? Hit the reply button to let me know!
- Ghost Eye – launches July 1st, 2025. Pre-order your copy now!
- Content Warning!!! Ghost Eye contains some dark scenes and themes, so be sure to check out the Content Advisory page if you have concerns.
Ghost Eye
He thought he knew everything about his husband’s murder. He was wrong.
Detective Josiah Raine witnessed his husband’s brutal murder seven years ago. He was there that blood-soaked night, and he knows what happened. The murderer is long-since dead. The case closed.
But now, Josiah is about to discover a devastating revelation that will drag him back into the darkness he’s fought so desperately to escape. Will it shatter his life or help him build a new one?
Tropes:
- Second Chance
- Forbidden Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Murder Mystery/Criminal Investigation
- Touch-Starved/Emotional Awakening
“I was totally drawn in from the beginning as Xanthe is the master of plots, mystery and intrigue, weaving and twisting and taking you in so deep that you just need more.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review of Book One.
Dark water. Deadly secrets. Dangerous love.
London, 2095. Sixty years after rising seas drowned the old world, a corrupt system of servitude keeps the new one afloat.
Alexander Lytton is now a pawn in his captor’s hands. Stripped of his freedom and forced into a life of prostitution in Ghost Eye City, he clings to the memory of who he once was.
Meanwhile, Josiah’s dogged pursuit of justice forces him to confront the truth about his husband’s murder – and his own buried grief. What he uncovers shatters everything he thought he knew.
In a searing climax, the consequences of two nights of violence, years ago, finally collide – and nothing will ever be the same again.
Dive into Ghost Eye, the exciting second novel in the gripping dystopian romantic suspense series Dark Water.
This book series explores difficult themes and contains intense content intended for mature readers. Please consult the content advisory page to make an informed reading decision.
The Dark Water series must be read in order, starting with Book One, Crocodile Tears. Each book continues the story directly and cannot be read independently.
Reader Reviews of Book One:
“My first read by Xanthe and it really did have that wow factor. Stunning and vividly described futuristic setting and atmosphere. I felt like I transported there myself.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This water-y, green, world submerged atmosphere gave me such a Ghibli vibe? I kept picturing those big areas of old cities under water, the sky reflecting in them. Loved it.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was totally drawn in from the beginning as Xanthe is the master of plots, mystery and intrigue, weaving and twisting and taking you in so deep that you just need more. Her characters of Josiah and Alex are so real, beautiful and achingly sad.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Xanthe Walter was a new author for me and I fell in love with her writing style. The dystopian world she created was dark and fascinating (and sadly also believable), but the real masterpieces of this book are the characters. They have so much depth and layers and I want to peel them all off and really understand what makes them tick. I don’t think I ever wished so hard for a happy ending for two main characters than I do for Alex and Josiah…” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The way past, present, mystery and romance were all seamlessly woven together was nothing short of spectacular.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Well written, with interweaving timelines that draw you in. It’s fast paced with lots of interesting peripheral characters and detail. Five stars for all of it. Brilliant.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“… a blend of drama, emotion, angst, heart, and action… smartly crafted and absolutely divine. You will be unable to put it down once you start reading.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Out July 1st!
Formats: Ebook | Paperback | Audiobook
Book Three – July 29th
Book Four – September 9th
🐈⬛ Gifts For Walter’s World
As a Walter’s World member, you’ll receive early or exclusive access to the following Dark Water bonus booty:
- Cover reveals
- Chapters One and Two before anyone else
- Character profiles
- World-building information
- Series extras: playlists, graphics, and much more
- Giveaways throughout the launch periods
The summer of Dark Water is here!
🧑🏻🤝🧑🏻 Featured Author
I decided to do a Featured Author slot in this Special Edition because this author has a new release out on June 17th that I want to showcase. Her name is Christie Gordon, and her book is a hockey romance. Go check it out!
Myles: Hockey is my dream—and my only shot at making my family proud. If I don’t go pro, I’ll be the failure, especially with my little brother hot on my heels. Then Cooper—my high school crush and the guy I’ve never been able to forget—walks back into my life. He’s NFL-bound and trying to set me up with his friend… but my heart still races only for him. When he needs a place to stay, how can I say no? Even if having him so close might ruin me.
Cooper: I came to Arizona for football, not for Myles Cummings. But the moment I see him again, I know the feelings I buried years ago never left. He doesn’t know I like guys, and my teammate has his eye on him. Moving in with Myles means hiding my truth—and ignoring the way I want him—more than ever.
🐱 Oh, Indy!
I leave you with a pic of Indy with his tongue out, sharpening his claws on my bed…
👥 Join Me On Social Media
You can find me on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, X, Bluesky, and Threads – and don’t forget to join my friendly Facebook group, Xanthology! All my links are on my Linktree.
👋 That’s All, Folks!
Until next time, my lovelies!
XOXO
Xanthe
PS Remember to download The Worlds of Xanthe Walter to read the first two chapters of Crocodile Tears!
