Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

Of Thieves and Shadows (The Heart of Quinaria) by BSH Garcia-review & guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 1, 2023

Some secrets are best left to the shadows. But shadows have a mind of their own.

The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.

Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain’s only surviving heir, she’s thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve—and her suspicion that her parents’ murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.

With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.

Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world—if their conflicting ambitions don’t destroy them first.

•••••••

REVIEW:Elaysia is the Main Female Character(FMC) and I found her a joy to read. Her journey is a hazardous one, and at times she definitely has to step up and be the leader, through the book she grows up and I can’t wait to see her again in book two.

Secondary characters are interesting and they all get a say on this book, there is a little confusion as the characters multiply and split off into adventures of their own, but it soon settles back down.

The descriptions in this book captivate and transport to this new world with ease, you immerse yourself in the lives of the characters, you feel their pain, you hold your breath as each story unfolds.The smallest of detail wasn’t missed, gods had names, weather and villages were described, the journey to stop the chaos was tough going, you actually felt every step they took.

It is a little political and topical for what’s going on on the world at the moment, but it doesn’t detract from the story at all (I never got that the author was on a political podium).

The battle scenes are intense, the action doesn’t stop until the last page. If this were a rollercoaster, it would have left you breathless with the twists and turns…..

I’d call this a dystopian adventure with a murder/mystery vibe.
I throughly enjoyed this book, and although this author is a new one for me, I’m definitely going to be reading the next book.

It doesn’t leave a cliffhanger ending, the story is wrapped up pretty well. But it does leave a few questions that I’m hoping book two will clear up.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

The Role of Setting in Storytelling: Creating Vivid Worlds
Close your eyes. Imagine your favorite story, recall a cherished fable from childhood, or replay a scene from a top-five film in your mind.
Chances are high that the setting or world-building of that story was one of the first things to take shape in your memory, if not the very first thing. Not only does setting make up the building blocks of any great story or character, it is also what shapes them, sets the tone, and often what makes them unique. Imagine Star Wars without the desert waste of Tatooine, or Lord of the Rings without the enchanting paradise that is Rivendell. How could we properly appreciate the stakes in Dune or Game of Thrones without the historical implications driving the narrative?
The world-building of a story shapes its characters, the plot, and conveys the culture intertwined through it all. It’s as subtle as a meal, and as glaringly obvious as a mythological being spewing prophecies. A story without a clearly defined setting is like a crew without a ship. All the players are there (the crew) ready to sail the ocean (the plot), but without a vessel (the world-building), they are going to flounder, and many will drown. But if your ship is too big and flashy, if it dwarfs the ocean and swallows your characters, that’s not much of a story either. Like most things, crafting a solid setting and weaving the right amount of it into the story is a precarious process. But when done right, it yields excellent results.
Now, I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Tolkien or one of my modern-day favorites, N.K. Jemisin, but I spent a great deal of time crafting the land of Quinaria until I could taste the Beridian Moonlight and dip my toes in the Khitamic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Neharem. I then spent even more time dropping in bits of it here in there, allowing it to shape the narrative, the characters, all while avoiding info-dump mode (or so I hope). What follows is a brief overview of my process and how it shaped my narrative and characters.
The world-building comes first. Now, this is partially a lie because, ultimately, the story idea itself comes first, doesn’t it? That burning question, that spark of a conflict, that character that just won’t leave you alone. However, once I embraced my story idea and sat down to work through it, the first thing I tackled was the world. Without knowing the societal norms and expectations, I couldn’t assess my characters’ dreams and fears. Without understanding the world’s history, I couldn’t determine sources of conflict. Without mapping out the terrain, I couldn’t understand what people ate, how they dressed, how they acted.
I began my process with simple questionnaires I found online, cherry-picking my favorites and throwing them together in a giant Word Doc. Some were as simple as, “are all the inhabitants in your world human?”, while others delved into matters of religion and history. From there, I expanded my brief answers, turning them into essay-style responses that eventually grew into a document the size of a novella. I spent nearly two months world-building alone, and only once I felt comfortable with the world I created did I dare to delve into the story itself. Everyone uses their own approach, but for me, I would’ve never done my story justice without this step.
What I found fascinating, however, is how my world-building continues to grow and change throughout drafts. Even now, as I work on book two, I find myself learning even more about the world. It drives the narrative, and the narrative enriches the world-building. The setting helps me better understand my characters, and my characters teach me more about their world. In a way, world-building is fluid for me. While I must strive to ensure it never contradicts itself, everything within those boundaries is fair game. Every question from a beta reader, every interesting tidbit I read in a non-fiction book or catch in a documentary, adds more depth and more believability. It’s a never-ending process, at least until the series ends. And by doing it organically and allowing it to play off the other storytelling aspects, I believe it inserts itself organically. I didn’t need a prologue dedicated to the history or setting because the story itself is those things, woven into the tapestry of the tale.
But you be the judge. Take a stroll through Quinaria sometime and let me know if you find yourself lost in her. If, for even a moment, I can transport you to an alternative reality, then I’ve done my job. I’ve given you escape from this world so you can better process it through the lens of another.
Until then, farewell.

B. S. H. Garcia is the author of the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. A household manager by day, writer by night, she graduated with honors from The University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. To get into character for her stories, she trudges through the woods in cosplay with a mead-filled drinking horn and has traveled from Oregon to New Zealand seeking inspiration. Visit her online at www.bshgarcia.com. There, you can get your hands on a FREE copy of The Heart of Quinaria prequel novelette, From the Ashes. All she asks for in exchange is your soul.

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The Shadow of Theron by Kathryn Troy-Review & Guest Post

The Shadow of Theron (Age of Shadows 1) by Kathryn Troy-Review & Guest Post

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The powers of old are fading. A new Age is dawning.

Holy relics are all that remain of Theron’s sacred legend.

Now those relics, the enchanted weapons forged by the Three-Faced Goddess to help Theron defeat the wicked Sorcerer Argoss, are disappearing.

Lysandro knows the village magistrate Marek is responsible, and he searches for proof disguised as the masked protector the Shadow of Theron.

But when Marek wounds him with an accursed sword that shouldn’t exist, Lysandro must find a way to stop Marek from gaining any more artifacts created by the Goddess or her nemesis.

The arrival of the beautiful newcomer Seraphine, with secrets of her own, only escalates their rivalry.

As the feud between Lysandro and Marek throws Lighura into chaos, a pair of priestesses seeks to recover the relics and return them to safekeeping. But the stones warn that Argoss is returning, and they must race to retrieve Theron’s most powerful weapon.

While they risk their lives for a legend, only one thing is certain. The three temples to the Goddess have been keeping secrets: not just from the faithful, but from each other.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Another magical read for me. And I loved it. Although a little slow and confusing in the beginning, it’s worth continuing as it’s a really good read. Written really well, plenty of descriptions and feelings put into this book.

A little Zorro in places, he fights for justice wearing a mask, Lysandro wants answers and thinks Marek knows the answers to his questions.

Seraphine becomes entangled in the two’s world, she’s not a pushover by any means. She’s not impressed with Marek (who really is a nasty person) but with Lysandro that’s a whole different story, how she didn’t guess Lysandro wasn’t Theron I’ll never know (but look at the weak guise superman/Clark Kent used!) and her reaction when she finally knows the truth was a little overboard.

Both Lysandro and Marek make a play for Seraphine, but it’s Lysandro that wins her heart, but it’s not an easy task, it might be love at first sight for Lysandro, but it took a little time to convince her ?

There are triggers in this book, it’s a dark fantasy with a splash of romance. There is mentioning a of rape (not the MFC) there is a hanging scene, and scenes of torture! But the violence is kept to a minimum, and for those who don’t like bad language, that’s hardly used.

Can Lysandro find the missing relics that will help him overcome evil? Can he convince Sera to give them a chance, and if she does, then will they be able to stay together? Will he ever find the mystical items to help him beat the evil Sorcerer?

I really enjoyed the book. So I’d recommend this one to those who enjoy action and adventure with a little romance.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

Lysandro moved along the edges of the room, circumnavigating the central space occupied by countless dancing couples. Then he saw her. At the far end of the hall, the normal view out over the coast had been replaced by a painted backdrop of the Maghreve Desert, at the very farthest border of Mirêne. With her arms wrapped around herself, Seraphine looked out over the artificial horizon. She wore a sleek ivory dress covered in gold and copper crystals that left her shoulders daringly bare. That now familiar ache that hadn’t left him since this morning grew more pronounced.
As he observed the faraway, wistful look in her eyes, he realized he recognized it—homesickness. He took a deep breath and called on well-used skills to smooth his nerves and keep them tightly tucked away under a charming façade.
He inhaled the hypnotic scent of her hair again as he stood close to her, and almost lost his nerve. He agonized over what to say, knowing he might have only one shot to get her attention.
“Is the city of stars as beautiful as they say?”
She turned to face him, and he saw the truth in her eyes.

Guest Post: The Act of Creation by Kathryn Troy

So many writers are so often asked by avid readers and aspiring writers alike: “Where do you get your ideas?”

It’s a natural question to ask, but it can be just as hard for some authors to answer this as it is to come up with the “elevator speech.” Which got me to thinking what it is about this query that bothers everybody so much.

The simple, semi-redundant answer to “where I get my ideas” is: I get them from my head. Because I’m creative. It’s in my nature to be observant, thoughtful, and reflective. I also have a knack for stringing words together because I’ve been doing it so long and make it a regular habit. To read the question in an unkind way, asking someone where they get their ideas is another way of saying “I have no ideas of my own, and I don’t know why.” Some people are creative. Some people are not. It’s wiring in the brain that causes this, and it’s not a personal affront to people who can’t imagine or tell stories, the same way it’s not an affront to the large majority of people who can’t draw beyond a kindergartner’s level, or those who become nauseous at the sight of the formulae of an astrophysicist. It takes a certain kind of brain function, coupled with practice, instruction, and discipline.

The same is true of writing. There are multiple skill sets at work here: the ability to research (possibly), deep reading (to understand themes of other authors and engage with them in your own work), understanding narrative (plot, narrative tension, setting, character, etc. etc. etc.) the actual writing (technicalities like grammar and sentence construction, poetic ability, vocabulary, mood), an imagination, an understanding of tropes and how to bend them, just enough to be new but not totally out there…and the list goes on and on.

So again: Where do I get my ideas?

1. From what I read: I see divergent storylines, or ways to fulfill my anticipation if the actual writing did not. I also absorb character types, environmental description, the setting of mood, and dialogue patterns. In the case of my latest book, The Shadow of Theron, its influences were, for starters: Zorro, Wheel of Time, Pyrdain, Indiana Jones, The Legend of Zelda, Xena: Warrior Princess, regency romance, the Spanish Inquisition, Italian principalities, Chinese mystery novels, The Odyssey, Berserk…I could go on. And on.

2. From what I see and hear: my stories are shot in full trillion-dollar color in my head-then I find the words to describe what I see in my mind’s eye. A collection of movie aesthetics, sounds, actor mannerisms, lighting, framing, perspective. Inspiration has come from tense strains in music-like the theatrical accompaniment of a musical movement. It promotes mood production and emotion.

3. From what I’ve experienced: Places I’ve been have given me plenty of inspiration- places that speak of the past, or promise the future. Where I’ve traveled. The activities I participate in. Everyday circumstances and practicalities.

4. From daydreaming: experimenting with my characters, allowing them multiple possibilities to understand behavior, predictability, authenticity.

To summarize: if you’re looking for inspiration, some things you can do that might help you: Reading, Writing, Observing, Living, and Dreaming.
There. I’ve given you the keys to the universe. Use wisely.

I’m a history professor by day, a novelist by night. I like to write what I read – fantasy, romantic fantasy, gothic fiction, historical fiction,  paranormal, horror, and weird fiction. Horror cinema and horticulture are my other passions.

When I’m not reading or writing or teaching, I’m gaming, traveling, baking, or adding some new weird creepy cool thing to my art collection. I’m a Long Island native with one husband, two children, and three rats.

Blog/  Facebook/ Instagram/ Amazon Author Page/ Goodreads

 

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Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Hush, My Darling (Benoit and Dayne Mystery 2) by Winter Austin-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2022

Sometimes, the past starts to bleed into the future…

Dark memories haunt Eckardt County Deputy Lila Dayne. Two years ago, she survived a serial killer’s attempt to add her to his growing list of victims in Chicagoland, but the fight cost her more than just time lost to surgeries and rehab. Now she’s finally beginning to connect with the people in this small section of southeast Iowa, even if she can still sense him watching her.

Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit has her sights on bringing down Eckardt County’s corruption when two bodies surface, both bearing striking similarities to the serial killer victims discovered along I-80—and one delivers a personal message for her department. Lila spirals out of control under the pressure, pushing everyone out of her life.

As Elizabeth and her deputies try to bring Lila back into the fold, the killer closes in, marking his next victim. Lila must shake free of her fears and trust those who have supported her—or the killer will finish what he started.

•••••••

REVIEW:HUSH, MY DARLING is the second instalment in Winter Austin’s contemporary, adult BENOIT AND DAYNE murder, suspense thriller series focusing on small-town Sheriff Elizabeth “Ellie’ Benoit, and former Chicago police officer turned deputy Lila Dayne. HUSH, MY DARLING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person perspectives (Lila and Elizabeth) HUSH, MY DARLING follows in the wake of a possible serial killer in Eckardt County. Former Chicago police officer Lila Dayne is the newest recruit/hiree on the Eckardt County police force but Lila’s past is a mystery to Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, a mystery that is about to upend the town, sending Lila into a spiral from which she may never return. With half the town submerged under water in the wake of a seasonal storm, an unsolved serial case and a badly decomposed body has followed Lila Dayne to Eckardt County, and with it, a message that the killer has come to finish the job. As the only known surviving victim of the I-80 killer, Lila knew it was only a matter of time before her past comes full circle, and threatens the people with whom she works, loves and plays.

The large ensemble cast is spirited, dynamic and impassioned. Most of the previous story line characters return including Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit, Deputy Lila Dayne, Deputy Rafe Fontaine, Deputy Ben Fitzgerald, Deputy Brent Meyer, and Deputy Kyle Lundquist; ME Dr. Olivia Remington-Thorpe and her husband Dr. Dominic Thorpe, dispatcher Georgia Schmidt, and former Eckardt County Sheriff Kelley Sheehan. We are introduced to former CPD detective Cecil Waterford, and Agent Tate McCall with the Illinois State Police. The relationship between the Drs Thorpe is turning messy and concerning.

HUSH, MY DARLING is an intriguing, haunting and gritty story of power and vengeance, murder and mayhem, obsession and control.The premise is tragic and edgy; the characters are broken, intense and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE KILLER IN ME

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Danger in Rural Iowa

Did you know that in the state of Iowa, we have one of the most disturbing and long running cold case? The Villisca Ax Murders happened in June of 1912. An unknown assailant entered the home and using the owner’s ax, slaughtered the whole family and two others, then disappeared into the night. To this day it remains a mystery of who did it. As a little added fun, the house is apparently haunted. The current owner rents it out per night for those willing to deal with the paranormal.

That’s not to say, there aren’t more cold cases and murders in our Hawkeye state, we’re not immune to violence in all forms. Yes, Iowa’s bigger cities and towns typically carry the brunt of the statistics for violence one would associate with places with large populations, such as gang violence, homicides, riots, and assaults. But what some people don’t expect is that same kind of danger to occur in rural towns. Yet, it happens. Even in the far-flung corners of the state, and I live in one of those corners. When it involves humans, one can’t get far from the evil that lurks beneath.

Setting my latest series in a rural area, and then writing about the dangers that can come knocking has been fun, and an eye-opener for me. Why? Because I took that old adage “write what you know” to heart and did it. I know rural life and all its little nuances. I know of the dangers that lurk in the shadows and come to head when tragedy strikes. This is what gives my stories depth and layers. A real feast for the senses. And a reality check, because leaving your doors unlocked when you live in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by miles of crop fields isn’t always a good thing.

Programs like Murder in the Heartland on the ID network and other shows dealing with small town deaths are fairly popular with the true crime crowd—I being one of those crime junkies. Shows and podcasts such as those are good idea gleaners for me. Man, I cut my teeth on watching shows like Unsolved Mysteries and Murder, She Wrote, guess it was only a matter of time before I was pulled into writing in the mystery/crime fiction genre.

So, what’s the claim to fame murder/cold case from your state? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.

Winter Austin is graciously offering a paper copy  (USA only) of HUSH, MY DARLING or ebook copy (International) to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway open to USA only (paper) or international (ebook)

10. Giveaway runs from February 7-11, 2022)

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Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus by Kristen Brand-Review & Guest Post

Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus by Kristen Brand-a review & guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2021

Leigh Morgan has one mission: to stop the Fae who abducted her sister from ever kidnapping another human again.

Dredarion Rath wants one thing: to disgrace his older brother and prove himself the worthier heir to Otherworld’s throne.

When their paths cross, it changes everything, and neither Otherworld nor the human realm will ever be the same.

Three romantic urban fantasy novels; one darkly enchanting volume. The Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus includes:

•••••••

REVIEW:

Poison and Honey

She hunts the fae. The last man she should fall for is a cunning fae prince.Leigh won’t stop until her sister is home! That was the promise she made to herself. So freeing the humans from the Fae kingdom of Dwencanti is Leigh’s mission in life….

The only little issue I had, was the fact we jumped straight into palace life! I would have liked a little background and possibly a flashback to her sister’s kidnapping (but being a novella we need to keep it going)!

Prince Dredarion Rath has something to prove. And if using a human to achieve it, then so be it!! He doesn’t see anything but his mission to make his mother see that he should be the next ruler and not his brother!

So we have a complex storyline that will definitely take you on an adventure. Leigh is a great character, very strong and independent. And one might say a little cold, possibly heartless (she was going to use whoever and whatever she could to free the human slaves) but I suppose being in her position you can’t really blame her! Dredarion starts off as a cold figure, I wasn’t too keen on him at first.

But as they begin to work together (well more like Leigh is working for Dredarion whilst continuing her mission) it becomes a balancing act for Leigh, she needs to keep Dredarion sweet but, keeping her own secrets from him! You know it’s going to get messy!

Next book please…..

?

Sting of Thorns

She’s been cursed by the queen of Otherworld. Now the only one who can save her is the man she betrayed.

This one starts where the last one ends, so you definitely need to read Poison and Honey first, otherwise your going to be a little lost!! And so this review is going to be a little tricky as I don’t want to spoil anything…..

Leigh was cursed in the last book (oh didn’t I tell you that in my last review?) ? Dredarion and Leigh can’t stand to look at one another let alone help each other! Why? I hear you ask!! Well….. Nope can’t do it, you’ll need to read book one to find that out (but it’s a good one I promise you) And Leigh may or may not have started a rebellion/riot/escape.

And in doing so, she’s trapped herself in the otherworld! That’s where she needs help from Mr Dark and Dangerous! But Dredarion isn’t willing to help Leigh! So what’s a girl to do??

I loved this book, fast paced action that had me flicking the pages over until the end! We also get to take Dredarion to the human world (and there are some pretty funny moments) Can Leigh and Dredarion find their way back to each other? Or will the lies and feelings of betrayal kill their feelings for one another for good?

And there is a death sentence hanging over Leigh?!

Book three please …..

?

The Cruelest Curse

When dark forces threaten Otherworld, she’ll have to join forces with her enemies to save the kingdom… and the prince.The final book in this amazing trilogy had me wanting to inhale the book, but not wanting it to ever end!

As in the last book we start where book two (Sting of Thorns) ends. But without giving anything away, you are in for the ride. So buckle up, grab your sword and let’s go help Leigh and Dredarion win their fight against evil forces that want to take over the otherworld!!

I want to tell you about everything that goes on in this book, I want to share all the ups and downs, the scary moments, the sad moments, and the moments I just had my mouth open! But I won’t, instead I’ll tell you that the action doesn’t stop!

Friends from the human world help otherworlders that would have at one time enslaved them! Magic plays a role too. (Dredarion has magic literally up his sleeves) We also have a fight scene that will have you reading with one eye! (Or maybe that’s just me) ? So can Leigh save both Dredarion and the people she once swore to avenge? There are deals to be made, alliances to form, and lovers to reunite.

?

Boxset/Omnibus, whatever you want to call it, you just need to download and read it. The author (Kristen Brand) is totally new to me, and I’ve learned to jump in with both feet now (if I don’t like it, I won’t finish it!) But it won’t be the last of her books that’ll read. She brought the whole world to life with her descriptions.

And although short stories in themselves (could have happily read them as bigger books) it does cover a lot of ground. There is so much packed into this world. I’m hoping it’s not the last we see of Dwencanti and it’s inhabitants.

If you love paranormal romance with daggers and magic, then this one should definitely go on your TBR list.

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Why Enemies-to-Lovers is my Favorite Romance Trope

All stories need conflict, and romance novels are no exception.

Maybe the conflict is forbidden love. The protagonist is from the wrong side of the tracks, or the love interest is their best friend’s brother. Maybe the couple broke up years ago and must address their past hurts before getting a second chance. Or maybe the hero got kidnapped by an evil wizard and the heroine has to go on an epic quest to rescue him.

Conflict. It’s fun.

My least favorite conflict is the contrived misunderstanding where everything would be fine if the couple just talked to each other for five minutes instead of jumping to the wrong conclusion.

My favorite is enemies-to-lovers.

The couple are fighting for different kingdoms during a war. They’re both after the same promotion in the office. One’s a superhero, the other a supervillain. Whatever the circumstances, the couple has every reason to hate each other, and yet… They just can’t deny how amazing and attractive they find one another.

That’s the conflict in my paranormal romance series, Dark and Otherworldly. The twist is that only the heroine knows they’re enemies in the first book. She’s a spy in a fae palace, her undercover mission going smoothly until she accidentally attracts the attention of a prince. Then she finds herself juggling conspiracies and battling her own growing romantic feelings until everything finally explodes.

Both metaphorically and literally. I like writing explosions.

What’s great about enemies-to-lovers is that it gives you so much conflict to work with: characters torn between duty and love, feelings of betrayal and forgiveness, a couple from very different backgrounds finding ways to meet in the middle.

It gives the characters so many obstacles to overcomes. They have to battle their own feelings. Then they have to grapple with the feelings of their friends and family who usually aren’t thrilled about them sleeping with the enemy. And then, depending on the genre, they have to test their newfound relationship by fighting the villain and saving the day.

Enemies-to-lovers is no third act misunderstanding thrown in because things had been too easy. No, it forces the characters to earn their happily ever after.

So I’m an enemies-to-lovers fan all the way. What’s your favorite romance trope? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Kristen

If Kristen Brand could have any superpower, she’d want telekinesis so she wouldn’t have to move from her computer to pour a new cup of tea. She lives in Florida with her husband, and her hobbies include reading comic books and desperately trying to keep the plants in her garden alive. An author of fantasy and superhero fiction, she writes stories with fire-forged friends, explosive fight scenes, and kissing

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Chapter Thirteen by Maria A. Palace-Review & Guest Post

CHAPTER THIRTEEN by Maria A Palace-Review & Guest Post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2021

Chapter Thirteen is a paranormal suspense/thriller about an old woman who will do everything in her power to reclaim the life that was taken from her and the young journalist who holds the key to her success or failure.

On April 13, 1936, in Morganville, Pennsylvania, a fire occurs at the well-known Brewer mansion, resulting in a mysterious death. Fast-forward to August 28, 2005: After attending school in New York for six years, Katy Barton returns to her hometown of Morganville, when she lands a job as a reporter for the local news station. The antiquated mansion is scheduled to be demolished and Katy is assigned to get a story from the reclusive old woman who still lives there.

Katy is a “survivor” or so she’s been told, although years of therapy have not reconciled her with her own tragic past, to which she has long since been plagued by nightmares. Each time she goes out to the estate, her nightmares are amplified by unexplained visions. When she finally meets the eccentric recluse, Evelyn, she finds that her early portrait bears an uncanny resemblance to her own high school graduation picture–and the more she learns of Evelyn’s past, the more she finds that it is eerily similar to hers. As Katy is lured deeper and deeper into the old woman’s mysterious world, she begins to question her sanity, to the point where she seeks out a hypnotherapist.

In an odd twist of fate, a handsome firefighter comes to her emotional rescue, spiraling her into a whirlwind romance that appears too good to be true. Hoping to resolve her issues, both past and present, Katy reluctantly undergoes hypnosis, where she is confronted with the truth from her past and ultimately, what could be her future. But is the life she sees her own, or is it Evelyn’s?

•••••••

REVIEW: Possible spoilers…..

The story starts with a little snippet explaining about a fire…..

We then jump to the beginning of Katy’s story, after celebrating her 21st birthday with friends, she gets the devastating news that her mother passed away!!Then the unthinkable happens, she loses the love of her life in a car accident!

The story then begins five years later…..

Finally becoming a journalist, Katy is given an assignment, to interview a reclusive old lady that lives in a mansion that’s about to be demolished!

Wow! Just wow!

That really drew me and kept me reading till the early hours of the morning. Ever since the car accident that took her boyfriend, Katy has had terrible nightmares, she’s had therapeutic help and medication, but nothing works. So she’s hoping that moving back home to be near her dad will finally help her resolve some of her anxieties.

Deciding on a new course of therapy, she meets up with a hypnotherapist. They go through her traumatic account of the night Mark died. Visibly shaken she thinks it’s over, but that night her nightmares return!!

Meeting Evelyn opens up so many memories for Katy.

More meetings bring strange occurrences to the forefront. And poor Katy is left feeling a little lost and confused….Meeting an obnoxious firefighter brings about an array of forgotten feelings, but mainly annoyance at the start……But after a rocky start, the two soon fall into a pleasant routine. I think Katy needed someone like Mike, he seems like a pretty good guy.

A Paranormal story that had romance, mystery and a few goosebumps thrown in for good measure.

You do have a to feel sorry for both Katy and Evelyn, but mainly at how much loss that both Evelyn and Katy have had to endure. A few chuckle moments, but mainly a sad and enthralling read.

It’s a new author for me, and a new style of writing, which was rather refreshing. We don’t get all the details, some things are left to our imagination, do we really need to sit through dates and phone calls? Well we didn’t in this one.

The ending had me in tears. It’s beautifully written and very cleverly thought out.

I think this book will linger in my mind for a while.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

Making My Debut

by Maria A. Palace

 

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I was born in the tiny independent Republic of San Marino. At the age of five, I immigrated to the United States with my parents and my brother.

            After getting married and raising three children (all of whom were born and raised in the U.S.), by the time they reached high school age, I felt I needed to remind them of their heritage. I wanted to leave them a legacy, so I began writing my memoir.

            I derived so much satisfaction from the process of writing, that I started reading everything I could related to the craft. I attended writer’s conferences and joined a writing group. I thought it might be nice to get the memoir published, but after a few failed attempts, I decided to set it aside and focus on my newfound passion: the art of fiction writing.

            My mother was devoutly religious, yet extremely superstitious (as were many country folk from whence she came from). Naturally, as I was growing up, many of those old superstitions carried over to me. And that’s how Chapter Thirteen was born.

            In my research, I became enthralled with the many different religions and their beliefs, particularly Eastern religions. So much so, that I began asking myself, “what if?” That’s how Chapter Thirteen began to evolve. Then I visited The Winchester Mansion in San Jose, California. The purportedly haunted landmark, complete with séance room, instantly became the focal point in the back of my mind of what the Brewer mansion would look like.

            As far as the characters in Chapter Thirteen are concerned, Katy (my protagonist) is basically an extension of me in her thinking. She is skeptical and remains guarded in her beliefs. Evelyn (the antagonist), on the other hand, is clearly an amplification of my mother. She is devoutly religious and believes anything is possible.

            If I were to cast these characters in a movie, Blake Lively immediately comes to mind as Katy. She is tall, has/had long blond hair, and is the perfect personification of the “girl next door.” As for Evelyn, no one stands out like the great Helen Mirren. Coincidentally, she played the heiress, Sara Winchester, in the 2018 movie, Winchester.

            Having no platform to stand on, getting my book published was a feat in itself. After 30+ rejections, I entered my manuscript in a contest sponsored by my writing group. To my thrill, I won! This lent credence to my writing ability and was the first step toward building a platform, which ultimately led me to my first publishing deal.

            My advice to writers just starting out: If you are serious of becoming a published author  (1) Develop your craft. Read all you can and write all you can; (2) Attend writer’s conferences; (3) Enter writing contests; and (4) Most of all, don’t give up.

 

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Crucible of Fear by D. W. Whitlock-Review & Guest Post

Crucible of Fear by D. W.  Whitlock-Review & Guest Post

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 6, 2021

A man’s life in chaos. His young daughter at risk. What is a pound of flesh worth?

Dante Ellis is a successful advertising executive on the rise. His world is plunged into a harrowing nightmare after he’s targeted by ruthless hackers known only as Dark Messiah.

Dante soon discovers no part of his life too sacred to be used against him, no secret buried too deep. What began as a veiled threat soon descends into a desperate conflict against the will of an unseen enemy.

•••••••

REVIEW:CRUCIBLE OF FEAR by D. W. Whitlock is a near-future, sci-if, techno thriller focusing on thirty-something advertising executive Dante Ellis, and the carnage that is about to become his life.

Told from third person perspective following several intersecting paths CRUCIBLE OF FEAR focuses on artificial intelligence, and organized groups of cyber hackers out to prove they have the ability to control whatever and whomever they want. A futuristic world of camera drones that record and spy, using the recorded booty for blackmail and more, advertising executive Dante Ellis finds himself the ultimate target of betrayal and revenge, never knowing the who, what or why, until the very end. With not only his life, but the life of his daughter now the focus of a group or entity calling itself the Dark Messiah, Dante is on his own when he discovers that the people meant to help have been compromised by the very entity targeting our story line hero.

CRUCIBLE OF FEAR has many similarities to the television show Mr. Robot™. In Whitlock’s world the cyber hackers take aim at several people in an effort to produce enough fear to obey their commands but the ultimate target is Dante Ellis, a man whose past and present is about to implode.

D. W. Whitlock pulls the reader into a complex scenario of cyber crimes, hackers, AI, and computers; a world that resonates with what is, and what could be, but a world where our entire existence can be destroyed by the stroke of a key. A thrilling, suspenseful and intriguing story, CRUCIBLE OF FEAR begins with a bang, then builds slowly revealing the interconnected pathways and characters, ending with the possibility of so much more.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Idea

Some writers say it’s not what you write about, but how you write it. This approach tends to be more popular in literary fiction where the stories center around a character or characters reacting and dealing with a trauma. But for commercial fiction, writers such as Preston & Child, James Rollins and Michael Crichton have built their stories around a core idea that the believability of the entire story hinges on. Would Jurassic Park exist without its key conceit? I find the tried-and-true what if question is a good place to start for both analyzing existing stories, and the fun part, creating new ones.

What if…dinosaurs were alive today? Interesting question, but one that had already been asked and answered by Arthur Conan Doyle in his seminal work, The Lost World, all the way back in 1912! That story put dinosaurs on a raised plateau in South America, cut off from the rest of the world, safe from extinction. Plausible in 1912, a world still traveling by ship and rail on the cusp of flight, laughable in the technologically advanced and interconnected world of the 90s. Let’s start again with the what if, and expand upon it with the follow up, but how?

What if dinosaurs were alive today? What if we had access to their DNA? But how?

I remember reading Jurassic Park for the first time. That moment in the book when Crichton reveals how it was done was electric for me. As a life-long dinosaur nut and Crichton fan, I was already in. But how did this technological miracle happen? The planting of the ideas was there, the Chekov’s gun cleverly disguised as a series of questions: Why was Ingen, a genetic research corporation, stockpiling amber? Why were small dinosaurs, at first misidentified by experts as mere lizards, suddenly attacking children along coastal towns in Costa Rica? How had Ingen’s scientists achieved the impossible, the resurrection of extinct animals from Earth’s distant past?

DNA extracted from the blood of mosquitoes trapped in amber after feeding on dinosaurs over sixty-five million years ago.

It was an impossible, yet plausible idea, one that answered the what if in such a profound and clever way, that for this reader, the story shot home. At that point, I was bought in, disbelief suspended, prepared for the ride of my life.

I was not disappointed. Along with many, many other readers. From what I understand, the movie did pretty okay too.

So, what is the answer then? Is the idea itself important? According to John Truby, author of Anatomy of Story, he would say it’s at the very core of the process itself. He cautions writers to take their time with what they choose to write about, tap into their passions, aligned with what readers want to actually read. So, choose wisely. Take your time. Write something that will change the world, Truby says. Lofty ambitions, but why not shoot for the stars? The reality is, as an author, you’re going to spend years of your life with what you choose to write about. Planning, writing, editing, pitching, selling, interviews, sequels or series. Making sure your story is worthy of a commitment longer than most marriages is sound advice.

And what about me? What do I think? I believe that a story premise starts with the what if, and ends with the how. I believe the core idea of how something is, or has come to be, can be just as compelling and interesting as the what if itself.

It’s a personal decision, what to write about. For some, how you write it, the prose, the voice, is enough. But for me, the how can elevate the what if from the mere genesis of a story to an idea that can resonate across decades and thrill readers for years to come. And quite possibly, bring dinosaurs back into the world, if only in our collective imaginations.

D.W. Whitlock

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A Promise of Iron by Brandon McCoy-Review & Guest Post

A Promise of Iron (Echoes of Illyria 1) by Brandon McCoy-Review & Guest Post

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$2.99 or FREE in Kindle Unlimited

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 21, 2021

A Promise of Iron, book one in the Echoes of Illyria saga, tells the story of a young man born from hatred, eager to prove himself in a world tilted against him. In this world where iron is more precious than gold, three friends battle the evils of empire while unraveling the secrets of a forgotten past and a hidden foe.

The epic fantasy series features strong, complex characters with familiar motivations of greed, lust, and revenge, all delivered in a freshly crafted fantasy world. Themes of imperialism, racism, and sexism form the backdrop for a story as much about mystery and intrigue as it is of sword and sorcery. This blend of epic and dark fantasy should delight readers of multiple genres. If you liked The Name of the Wind and The Black Company, this one is for you.

••••••

REVIEW:This is something completely different to what I usually read. It starts with a woman in the future who has a journal of a life in the past…..

The year is 1272. The story focuses on a young man Faerin, his life is hard, he wants to become something better. But in a world that wants payment for everything, how will he ever rise to be something more?

Elizabeth makes an appearance several times in the book to remind us that we are being told a story.I like the fact you can have memories removed and stored (a little like Johnny Mneumonic) but there is something in the future that will have you wondering if it has some significance in the past!!

That was a really well thought out book, Elizabeth in the future, trying to read the journal that holds the story of Faerin and his past. Fight scenes? Yes there is, and they are pretty good. Romance? A little, but it’s not really that important here.

And in the future, Elizabeth is having her own issues. The book holds great interest to those who have been waiting to get their hands on it. So she has to discover the secrets before her biggest rival gets here. Because when he does she may lose the book!!

And when Faerin comes into a possession of an sword, he will do anything and everything in his power to retain and look after the sword. He has a couple of friends who he likes as brothers, but I wasn’t sure! If people will sell their souls for iron, then can he trust his friends? Iron we take it is a valuable commodity, people will kill to have it, in fact it’s more coveted than gold!! Why? There seems to be a story behind the reasons why iron is so wanted…..

Magic and mystery come together in a really great read. There is also a lot of going’s on in the background, there is double dealings, backstabbing and money that exchanges hands for information. Some parts get a little bogged down with too much detail, but there isn’t too much thank goodness. Politics and social views are a big thing as well.

The equality and sexism didn’t really worry me as such, if you put yourself in the time period, then women were a lower class, as were the common man. But I do love the class divides, it’s clear there is a hierarchy, it’s clear there are people who make money of the backs of the unfortunate, and they don’t hide that fact.

OH!!! It ends on a cliffhanger….. Do I want to know what happens next? I certainly do.
Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by Julie ?

Copy supplied for review

The first words of “A Promise of Iron” are not the words that made it to print. This journey began a long time ago. It was 2006, and for the sake of this story, one can assume I had just finished an all-weekend marathon of the Lord of the Rings. I may have even been playing World of Warcraft, Elderscrolls, or dabbling in any of a half a dozen D&D iterations of the time. When I look back, I can’t honestly remember the spark, that moment of inspiration that told me to open a word document and begin writing.

“A darkness looms,” it said, that first pass at that first paper. There was prophecy in those words. As it turned out that darkness was not some unseen enemy, no grand villain bent on the destruction of the world… it was the story… and it was utter crap.

Before I continue, I think you need to understand something about me first. I am not an author. Not classically trained at any rate. At best, I am a sci-fi & fantasy enthusiast with the temerity to offer something of my own to stoke the fire. I don’t really belong here, not amongst you who are well educated and well informed. Yet I feel as if I do, partly from the welcome and reception received by my betters and partly from the slowly increasing confidence in my own abilities.

I wrote a book that does not suck. No one is more surprised than me. If you were to ask my lovely wife, she would fawn and extol my impressive list of virtues while rolling her eyes in a casual attempt to check my ever-growing ego. In truth, I’m here because of her.

Back to the story…

By the time I cobbled together a few hundred pages of that dreadful first pass, I had come to a simple conclusion— what I had just wasn’t any good. Family and friends may have told me otherwise, but I saw the truth within their ingratiating eyes. So I quit. I stopped writing. I stopped writing for years. I stopped writing, and no one stopped me from stopping. There were casual mentions, reminders that there was a task unfinished, but no spark, no divine influence urging me to continue.

Years passed and I grew up. I had setbacks and new beginnings. I also met my wife. We fell in love, got married, and had a baby. I had known hard work before, but having a newborn was a new kind of work. Working for those you love carries differently. You can push harder, run faster and lift longer than you would when working only for yourself.

But I am rambling…

The spark was there now, fanned to flame by the hands of those who knew me for the true worth of my salt. “Write,” they said, “finish what you started.”

So I did…

I wish I could say the writing road ahead was shorter than the one behind, but when you have to double back because you forgot your map, it’s easier to just pick a new path.

So I threw it all out. I changed the tone, the perspective, the themes. I wrote that new first draft in a fraction of the time it took to torture through the last one. When I was finished, I presented it to her. I was eager for feedback, praise, or a sobering dose of reality. When she told me how she loved it— I saw no lie within her eyes.

Thanks for reading.

Salt & ruin,

-Brandon

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Mainely Fear ) by Matt Cost-Review & Guest Post

Mainely Fear (Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery 2) by Matt Cost-Review and Guest Post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date- December 4, 2020

“I want you to find out who is responsible for ruining his life and I want them to pay for it.”

This is the desire of Latricia Jones as she hires Goff Langdon to investigate her son’s arrest for burglary, vandalism, and possibly hate crimes.

Langdon is a laid back, slacker detective, happy with his work, friends, and way of life in the town of Brunswick, Maine. To complement his income in Brunswick’s scarce private detective market, Langdon also owns and operates a mystery bookstore named after his trusted companion, Coffee Dog.

He was on the fast track to success. And then something happened.

Jamal Jones is an eighteen-year-old rising star attending a post-grad prep school in central Maine to bring his grades up so he can play college basketball at the D1 level. Then he is arrested for crimes that his mother knows he committed, but not why. She’s sure someone has put him up to it, the behavior so unlike him as to be unthinkable, especially since Jamal was on the verge of beginning a better life. Latricia wants Langdon to track down those responsible for her son’s sudden turn from grace, and she wants them to pay.

••••••••

REVIEW:MAINELY FEAR is the second instalment in Matt Cost’s adult GOFF LANGDON MAINELY Mystery series focusing on thirty year old, part time private investigator and book store owner Goff Langdon. MAINELY FEAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. MAINELY FEAR advances the series approximately two years.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective MAINELY FEAR follows private investigator Goff Langdon when he is hired to look into the who, what and how a budding basketball star became involved in a series of violent home invasions following an ice storm that shut down the small town of Brunswick, Maine. Along with two other students connected to a prep-school for athletes struggling to get into a division one school, Jamal Jones finds himself facing imprisonment until his mother Latricia hires Goff Langdon to investigate but unbeknownst to Goff Langdon, he is about to step into a world of secrets and lies, discrimination, power and control. As Goff and his intrepid group of friends, amateur sleuths, and questionable members of law enforcement begin a investigation, someone takes aim at Goff Langdon, hitting way to close to home.

MAINELY FEAR is a powerful and gritty storyline with a cast of animated, quirky and spirited characters who place themselves in the direct line of fire for a friend whose investigative techniques are painfully amateur, helpless and misgiving. Not everyone will survive; lives are threatened, families are broken, and one vulnerable young man is pulled in too many directions, unprotected by the people in charge.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one MAINELY POWER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Germination of an IDEA

Where do plots come from? More specifically, where do mystery plots come from?

For me, the inspiration for a book comes from the everyday world around me. It could be a news story, a conversation, or an event, and is usually followed by a what if? My second Mainely Mystery novel, “Mainely Fear”, just released at the beginning of this month, was sparked by an ice storm.

In 1998, Maine was devastated by a brutal ice storm. It began quietly enough, an early January rainstorm, but quickly turned to ice and sleet for four days. It coated lines and branches in its icy grip, weighing them down until they snapped under the weight. It was estimated that more than 60% of the population of Maine lost power. And then the temperature dropped into the single digits. Generators sold out. People were freezing. In reality, the people of Maine, aided by the rest of the country, bonded together and got through this horrific event, even though most people didn’t get power back for weeks, some longer.

I took the germination of this idea and asked, ‘what if people took advantage of this situation instead of lent a helping hand’? What a perfect time for abuse. What a perfect time to rob houses. People without power, without alarm systems, went to hotels, friends, relatives, leaving their homes behind like unlocked treasure troves to be plucked for profit. Of course, that idea grows as any child does, stumbling along and changing directions, until it reaches adulthood and is presented to the world in the form of a book.

Many things shape a book as it matures, but none so important as emotion. Things such as power, fear, and money. Passion carries a novel forward, driven by sex. This is the underlying current that pulses within every story, galvanizing the action forward. Passion, emotion, and sex change the course of the story, and the end result, is rarely the same as the inspiration that germinated the original idea.

The first in the series, “Mainely Power”, was kindled by a story on a local nuclear power plant, leading to the question, ‘what if a nuclear power plant was sabotaged’? The third Mainely Mystery, “Mainely Money”, coming out in March was based upon the blackmailing of a U.S. senator.

In my upcoming Clay Wolfe mystery series, the ideas came from the news story of a woman rubbing heroin on her babies gums to keep the teething child from crying, the mind trap that cults set, and genetic engineering of humans.

I also write historical novels and claim that history is the greatest story ever told. Events of the past are filled with fantastic stories just waiting to be told in the right way. Ideas float around past us all the time, each and every day, and it is up to writers to recognize their promise, reel them in, and nurture them to life on the pages.

It is less what the story is, and more how you tell the story, that matters.

~~Matt Cost~~

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